How-To Geek - Windows 11

How to Set Your Default Microphone and Camera on Windows 11

Shan Abdul — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:00:03 GMT

If you have multiple microphones or webcams connected to your Windows 11 computer and want to use a particular device automatically, without having to mess around in the settings each time, you have to set your preferred device as default. We'll show you how to do just that.

How to Undo (and Redo) on a Windows PC

Benj Edwards — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:30:19 GMT

If you've made a mistake on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC and would like to go back a step, it's easy to use the built-in "Undo" command. Similarly, you can sometimes also perform a "Redo" action to restore what you just undid. Here's how to perform both actions.

I Finally Started Using Desktop Widgets (and You Should Too)

Sydney Butler — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:00:19 GMT

Widgets on a desktop computer have always seemed like more of a nuisance than a helpful feature to me, but over the years widgets have become both more useful and more usable—which is why I'm finally buying in to them.

Outlook Not Opening on Your Windows PC? 6 Ways to Fix It

Mahesh Makvana — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:00:20 GMT

Having trouble launching Outlook on your PC? It's not uncommon, and you can easily make Microsoft's email and calendar app open with a few simple fixes. We’ll show you what to do on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

The Photos App in Windows 11 Is Getting Better

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:55:09 GMT

The Photos app isn't new to Windows 11, but Microsoft has been overhauling it with new features, view modes, and editing options over the past two years. Four more changes are now being tested, including AI-powered background removal and new viewing options.

How to Update Audio Drivers on Windows

Mahesh Makvana — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:30:21 GMT

You can fix your various sound issues and possibly get general audio enhancements by updating your audio drivers. You can do this using Device Manager, Windows Update, and your audio card maker's website. We'll show you how to do this on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

How to Change the Taskbar Color in Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 14:30:22 GMT

Windows 11 already sports a stylish design, but adding some personality to your PC might make you feel more at home. Luckily, it's easy to personalize Windows 11 by adding color to the taskbar. Here's how to do it.

The Best Key Mapping Software for Windows

Shan Abdul — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 13:00:22 GMT

Do you want to customize a commonly used shortcut combo or configure a key to type a different character than the one printed on it? If so, key mapping software can help you do that. Here are the best key mapping applications you can use to remap individual keys, shortcuts, and even mouse buttons.

Windows 11 Will Fix an Annoying Problem With Wi-Fi

Cory Gunther — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:25:11 GMT

One of the more annoying aspects of Windows 11 is looking for a Wi-Fi network and then fiddling with the operating system to show you a complete list of options. Thankfully, a future update will finally add a Wi-Fi refresh button to Windows 11.

How to Get the Weather on Your Windows 11 Taskbar

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:00:23 GMT

Did you know Windows 11 has a Windows 10-style weather widget for its taskbar? If you've been using Windows 11 since its release, you might be surprised about that! Here's how to see the weather on your taskbar.

Function Keys Not Working in Windows 11? Here's How to Fix Them

Shan Abdul — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:00:23 GMT

From mistakenly turning on the function lock to stopping an essential service, numerous factors can adversely affect the operation of function keys. Don't worry if some or all of your function keys have stopped working. Here are the fixes that can help you get them operational again.

Windows 11 Is Removing Another System App

Arol Wright — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 22:02:36 GMT

Microsoft has been doing some deep cleaning in Windows over the past few months. The company has deprecated or removed several applications that came with Windows 11, because they're not used by most people or they're being replaced for something else. Two notable casualties include WordPad and the Tips app, and now the company is deprecating yet another Windows 11 app.

How to Hide the Taskbar on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:31:20 GMT

In Windows 11, the taskbar takes up a small portion of the screen. Luckily, it's easy to reclaim that space by configuring the taskbar to hide itself automatically. Here's how.

How to Show Hidden Files on Windows 11

Lowell Heddings — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:31:23 GMT

Windows 11 handles hidden files and folders almost identically to versions of Windows that came before it: with special file flags. Showing these hidden files in File Explorer is easy. Here's how.

How to Install Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:00:22 GMT

Windows 11 has strict system requirements, but there are ways around them. For example, it requires at least an 8th-generation Intel, AMD Zen 2, or Qualcomm 7 or 8 Series CPU — but you can install Windows 11 on PCs with older CPUs.

How to Check Your CPU Temperature on Windows 11

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:30:22 GMT

Think your PC's CPU gets too hot, but not sure exactly what temperature it reaches? Using a built-in method and a few free third-party apps, you can quickly and easily find out the processor temp of your Windows 11 PC. Here's how.

How to Disable Background Apps in Windows 11

Shubham Kumar — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:00:22 GMT

There are a few things you can do to improve your computer's overall performance. One of these is to disable unnecessary applications running in the background. That way, important apps have all the CPU resources they need. Here are five ways to disable background apps on Windows.

How to Restart a Windows 11 PC

Benj Edwards — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:31:22 GMT

At some point, you'll need to restart your Windows 11 PC to troubleshoot an issue, install an update, complete an installation, or otherwise. While you'll often see a "restart" option when updating, here are several other ways to restart your PC manually.

How to Copy, Cut, and Paste on Windows 10 and 11

Benj Edwards — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:30:21 GMT

Copy, cut, and paste are three basic operations that every Windows 10 and 11 user should know by heart. The concepts behind them apply to nearly every application you'll ever use. Here's how they work.

How to Enable & Use Windows Copilot, Microsoft's AI Companion

Nalin Rawat — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:01:22 GMT

Microsoft is bringing a new AI assistant (like Clippy) called Copilot that is designed to help you make the Windows PC easier to use. The AI assistant is supposed to work just like Bing Chat, but it is still a new feature that needs a lot of work and integration with other apps. However, if you still want to try out Windows Copilot, here's how you can get started.

Windows Will Force You to Complete a Survey Before Closing OneDrive

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 19:29:46 GMT

Microsoft's clingy behavior continues to annoy Windows users. Last month, the company introduced an optional pop-up survey that's triggered when installing Chrome from Edge. Now, Windows users are being hit with a mandatory survey when they try to close OneDrive.

How to Keep Your Laptop On With the Lid Closed on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:31:22 GMT

If you'd like to use your Windows 11 laptop with an external monitor, mouse, and keyboard, it's often nice to keep the lid closed. Here's how to close the lid without putting your PC to sleep.

Windows 11 is Getting Rid of the Tips App

Arol Wright — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 20:37:31 GMT

Windows 11 currently includes a Tips app, which can walk you through changes from previous Windows releases or show other helpful information. However, that app is now joining Mail, Cortana, WordPad, and others in the graveyard of Windows system applications.

4 Ways to Change the Administrator Name in Windows 11

Aman Kumar — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 17:01:24 GMT

Didn't choose a unique administrator name when you set up your computer, but now you want to add a personal touch? Windows makes it easy to change the administrator name. Here are four quick ways to change the administrator name on Windows 11.

How to Monitor Your Computer's GPU Temperature

Nick Lewis — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:30:23 GMT

High temperatures reduce the performance of your GPU and may even cause your system to shut down. There are numerous ways to monitor your GPU's temperature — find out more about some different options here.

How to Change Your User Name on Windows 10 or 11

Nick Lewis — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:31:23 GMT

If you want to change the user name associated with your Windows user account, you can — but there are different ways to change it depending on what kind of account you have. Here's how you do it.

How to Back Up Local Group Policy Editor Settings on Windows (and Why You Should)

Aman Kumar — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:00:23 GMT

Do you enjoy trying out experimental app features or Windows beta releases to stay ahead of the curve? If so, you must back up your Local Group Policy Editor settings, since this gives you the ability to hit rewind if your tinkering messes them up. Here are the different ways to do it.

How to Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling in Windows 10 and 11

Mahesh Makvana — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:31:23 GMT

Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with an advanced setting, called Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling, which can boost gaming and video performance using your PC's GPU. We'll show you how to enable the feature and thereby potentially get a performance increase.

How to Send a PowerShell Command's Output to a File

Mahesh Makvana — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:01:24 GMT

Do you want to save your PowerShell command’s result in a TXT (text) or CSV (comma-separated values) file on your computer? If so, it's easy to do, and we'll show you how on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

Microsoft Will Update Surface PCs for Even Longer

Arol Wright — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 21:53:55 GMT

It's important to know how long a device will last before you buy it, and even though many laptops can use the latest operating systems and software for years, firm promises were hard to come by. Google recently started guaranteeing 10 years of support for new Chromebooks, and now Microsoft has responded with a pledge for its own Surface PCs.

How to Log In as Administrator on Windows 10 or 11

Nick Lewis — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:30:13 GMT

It is sometimes useful to run programs as administrator — but what if you want to run everything as administrator? Windows 10 and Windows 11 include an administrator account, but it is disabled by default — for good reasons. Here's how to activate it.

Do Downloads Continue When Windows Is in Sleep Mode?

Mahesh Makvana — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:00:18 GMT

Does Windows 11 or Windows 10 continue your file downloads when your PC enters sleep mode? Do you want to download a file but are worried sleep mode will interrupt that download? We’ll answer those questions as well as give you some relevant tips here in this guide. Let’s dive in.

How to Disable the Touchpad on Windows 11

Aman Kumar — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:00:12 GMT

Do you sometimes find your laptop touchpad to be a nuisance? Perhaps you're using an external mouse or simply don't want the cursor to fly across the screen due to an accidental touch. Whatever the reason, there are a few different ways to disable the touchpad on a Windows 11 laptop.

Taskbar Icons Not Showing on Windows 11? Try These 6 Fixes

Aman Kumar — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:00:23 GMT

The Windows 11 taskbar is a speedy gateway to accessing your active and favorite applications. But what if the icons on the taskbar disappear suddenly?

How to Fix the "Network Discovery Is Turned Off" Error on Windows

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 13:30:21 GMT

Do you get a "Network discovery is turned off" error when trying to browse your network on your Windows PC? If so, you'll need to start Network Discovery's dependency services, allow the feature into your firewall, and enable it. We'll walk you through the process below.

How to Change the Desktop Background on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:30:21 GMT

If you'd like to change your desktop wallpaper in Windows 11 to a different built-in background image, a solid color, or a custom picture, it's easy to do in Windows Settings. Here's how.

Windows 11 Won’t Install These Two Apps Anymore

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:00:47 GMT

Much of Microsoft's work on Windows 11 has been cleaning up the mess of overlapping apps found on Windows 10. Some apps and features have been overhauled, while others have been removed entirely. Now, two more apps are being cut from new Windows 11 installations.

Upgrade Your Computer to Windows 11 Pro for 87% Off

Meghan Herlihy — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:30:21 GMT

If your PC uses Windows as its operating system but you haven't yet had the opportunity to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Professional, don't miss out on this opportunity to do so at will likely be its lowest price of the year.

OneNote on Windows Gets Improved Pen and Ink Gestures

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:38:31 GMT

Handwriting and stylus functionality just got a huge boost in the latest OneNote on Windows update. A new collection of gestures allows you to quickly navigate, annotate, and edit OneNote documents with a stylus, while handwriting can now be converted into text. This update also includes a Vertical Tabs layout option and text prediction.

How to Scan for Hardware Changes on Windows 11

Aman Kumar — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:00:21 GMT

Has a hardware device like a webcam stopped working after you updated its driver? Or is Windows not recognizing a new device? In either case, you should scan for hardware changes on your computer. This will help Windows properly recognize the new driver or device and configure it.

How to Ungroup Taskbar Icons on Windows 11

Mahesh Makvana — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:01:23 GMT

Do you want to prevent Windows 11 from grouping the same app’s windows under one entity on your taskbar? If so, all you have to do is tweak an option in your PC’s Settings app. We’ll show you how to do that, as well as how to get Windows to group your taskbar icons again if you change your mind.

How to Run an Executable (EXE) File Using Windows PowerShell

Mahesh Makvana — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 12:00:21 GMT

Windows’ PowerShell utility isn’t just for advanced tasks; you can use this tool to launch your executable (EXE) files as well. This means you can open your favorite apps right from a PowerShell window on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC. We’ll show you how to do that with or without admin rights.

How to Log In Automatically to Windows 11

Nick Lewis — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:00:38 GMT

If your PC never leaves your home and you don't really need a password, automatically logging in will save you the trouble of typing in your password every single time you turn on or restart your PC. Here's everything you need to know to enable auto login.

How to Change Your Sound Volume on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:30:27 GMT

Is the sound coming from your Windows 11 PC's speakers or headphones too loud or too quiet? It's easy to adjust your volume output easily using several different techniques. Here's how.

6 Ways to Fix "An unexpected error occurred and Roblox needs to quit" on Windows

Mahesh Makvana — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:00:26 GMT

Have you encountered an alert saying "An unexpected error occurred and Roblox needs to quit" on your Windows PC? The app may have a minor glitch or a file on your system may be causing it. You just need to tweak some settings to fix the issue. We'll show you how to do just that.

Start11 V2 Brings More Start Menu Designs to Windows 11 & 10

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:43:59 GMT

Stardock released the Start11 utility back in 2021, bringing a customizable and powerful Start Menu to both Windows 10 and 11. There have been a few updates since then, and now Start11 v2 is available with new Start Menu design options and taskbar features.

CCleaner Got Hacked, Exposing Emails, Addresses, and More

Cory Gunther — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:30:02 GMT

The incredibly popular maintenance and optimization tool for Windows, CCleaner, recently confirmed a data breach that exposed loads of user data on its paid customers. The breach was reportedly caused by the MOVEit hack back in May.

How to Make Your Windows 11 PC Never Go To Sleep

Benj Edwards — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:01:29 GMT

By default, most Windows 11 PCs will go into sleep mode after a certain period of time to conserve power. If you'd like to always keep your Windows 11 PC awake, you can make changes in Settings or try one of Microsoft's PowerToys. Here's how.

How to Find Your MAC Address on Windows 10 or 11

Benj Edwards — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 13:30:26 GMT

Sometimes you need to know the physical hardware address, or MAC address (short for "Media Access Control"), of your network adapter on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. Here are several ways to find it.

How to Temporarily Disable Your Keyboard With a Keyboard Shortcut in Windows

Walter Glenn — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 13:30:26 GMT

If you've got a pet or small child, you know that an unguarded keyboard can spell disaster — or more likely, spell "dhjkhskauhkwuahjsdkja,mnsd". We've got a tool for locking and unlocking your keyboard with a quick keyboard shortcut.

8 Ways to Repurpose Your Old PC That Can't Run Windows 11

Sydney Butler — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 12:00:26 GMT

From October 2025, regular editions of Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, but you might not be able to upgrade your computer to Windows 11 due to its strict hardware requirements. That doesn't mean you should throw that PC out yet! There are plenty of great ways you can repurpose your computer.

How to Install Git on Windows

Nick Lewis — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 13:30:25 GMT

Git is an essential tool if you're going to be coding. It lets you conveniently manage different versions of code within a repository (repo). Git is also the most common way to access GitHub, one of the largest code repositories in the world. Here are a few ways to install Git on Windows.

Windows Ink Update Makes It Easier to Write Than Type

Cory Gunther — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:39:15 GMT

If you have a Microsoft Surface or Windows 11 tablet, you'll love the latest update to Windows Ink. Microsoft has toyed with its handwriting-to-text feature for several months, and now you'll be able to write on any input field, similar to how it works on the iPad.

How to Encrypt Your Windows System Drive With VeraCrypt

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:31:26 GMT

Some Windows 10 devices ship with "Device Encryption", but other PCs require you to pay another $99 to get BitLocker on Windows Pro for full-disk encryption. If you'd rather not, you can use the free and open-source VeraCrypt software to get full-disk encryption on any version of Windows.

How to Copy Uncopyable Texts on Windows

Mustafa Ashour — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 16:00:25 GMT

Have you ever encountered a piece of text you can't copy on Windows, like an error message or descriptions in the Settings app? Simply clicking and highlighting won't work, but you can copy "uncopyable" text on Windows using one of these methods.

Does Your Computer Have a Virus? Here's How to Check

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:00:27 GMT

Windows computers sometimes do get viruses and other malware, but not every slow or misbehaving PC is infected by malware. Here's how to check if you actually have a virus — and whether that suspicious process is dangerous or not.

What's the Best Antivirus for Windows 10 and 11? (Is Microsoft Defender Good Enough?)

Lowell Heddings — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:30:26 GMT

Windows 10 and Windows 11 won't hassle you to install an antivirus like Windows 7 did. Windows now includes a built-in free antivirus called Microsoft Defender. But is it really the best for protecting your PC — or even just good enough?

Google Play Games on PC Now Supports Controllers and 4k

Arol Wright — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 14:52:44 GMT

One of the biggest improvements on Windows 11 was its ability to run Android apps. While it didn't run the Google Play Store, Google did release a solution for playing Android games — Google Play Games on PC. Since then, Google has polished the app to make it not only easier to use, but to also make it feel more native to Windows. Now, Google Play Games on PC is adding some new features to improve gameplay and performance on your desktop or laptop.

qBittorrent 4.6 Drops Old Windows Versions, Adds New Features

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:50:32 GMT

qBittorrent is a popular cross-platform BitTorrent client, available for Windows, Linux, and Mac. The developers just released Bittorrent 4.6, which has a few helpful improvements and drops support for older versions of Windows.

How to Wipe a Drive on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:30:25 GMT

Windows has built-in tools that will let you write zeros to a drive, securely erasing its contents. This ensures deleted files on the drive can't be recovered. Whether you want to wipe an internal drive or an external USB drive, here's how to do it.

Is the Wi-Fi Option Missing on Your Windows PC? Try These 7 Fixes

Aman Kumar — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 16:00:24 GMT

Few computer issues are as frustrating as sitting down to use your computer, and you can't get online. If the source of your trouble is a missing or malfunctioning Windows Wi-Fi interface, we're here to help.

How to Test Your Webcam on Windows 10 or 11

Nick Lewis — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 16:01:23 GMT

You should always check and make sure that your webcam works before an important video meeting. Here's how to do it in Windows 10 and 11 — and in some popular video-chatting apps, including Zoom, Google Meet, and Discord.

How to Transfer Photos From an iPhone to a PC

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:00:25 GMT

You don't need any special software to transfer photos and videos from an iPhone to a Windows PC. You don't even need iTunes. All you need is the Lightning-to-USB cable you use for charging.

How to Turn Off a Windows 11 PC

Benj Edwards — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:30:24 GMT

Want to shut down your Windows 11 PC? There are several ways to do it. All of them work equally well, so pick the one that suits you the best.

How to Fix the "Cannot Find Gpedit.msc” Error on Windows 11

Shubham Kumar — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:00:25 GMT

It could be frustrating when you try opening the Group Policy Editor and the "Cannot Find Gpedit.msc” message keeps popping up. The Group Policy Editor is a Microsoft Management Console that performs advanced system configurations without messing with the Registries. Read along to learn how to fix it.

How to Disable Tips and Suggestions Notifications on Windows 11

Shubham Kumar — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:01:36 GMT

Tips and Suggestions notifications offer suggestions and guidance to improve your overall experience on a Windows 11 PC. However, if they keep popping constantly, it may interrupt your workflow. Here's how you can turn off Tips and Suggestions notifications.

How to Connect to an SSH Server from Windows, macOS, or Linux

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:00:34 GMT

An SSH client allows you to connect to a remote computer running an SSH server. The Secure Shell (SSH) protocol is often used for remote terminal connections, allowing you to access a text-mode terminal on a remote computer as if you were sitting of it. It can also be used for SSH tunneling, SCP file transfers, and other things.

How to Update DirectX on Windows 11

Mahesh Makvana — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:30:33 GMT

Updating to the latest DirectX version ensures you can run the latest and the greatest games on your PC. It also enhances the multimedia-watching experience on your computer. We'll show you how you can update DirectX on your Windows 11 machine.

How to Boot Into Safe Mode on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:30:33 GMT

If you're having trouble starting your Windows 11 PC, it might help to reboot into safe mode, which temporarily disables drivers and features to make your PC more stable. Here's how to do it.

How to See Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows 11

Mahesh Makvana — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:30:34 GMT

If you have ever connected to a Wi-Fi network from your Windows 11 PC, your PC has saved that network's password. You can view these saved Wi-Fi passwords using multiple ways, and we'll show you how.

How to Edit the hosts File on Windows 10 or 11

Nick Lewis — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 15:30:33 GMT

The hosts file is the first place Windows checks when connecting to a website. You can edit it manually to block access to specific websites. Find out what and where it is, and how to edit it.

What Is the Snipping Tool’s Text Actions Feature? (And How to Use It)

Aman Kumar — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:01:35 GMT

Gone are the days when you needed to install a third-party tool to extract text from images on your Windows PC. Now, you can use the Snipping Tool's Text Action feature to do this. But what exactly is this feature, and how do you use it? Here's everything you need to know.

How to Record the Sound Coming From Your PC (Even Without Stereo Mix)

Chris Hoffman — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:00:38 GMT

You can record the sound coming from your PC in numerous ways, and we're going to show you some of the best we've found. The first three options use only software, and the third relies on an old trick that connects your computer's audio output to its audio input with an audio cable.

How to Turn On a Microphone on Windows 10 and 11

Mahesh Makvana — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:31:39 GMT

To record audio or talk to people on the internet, you'll have to turn on your Windows 10 or 11 PC's built-in microphone (if it has one). You can activate it for all your apps or specific ones using Settings. We'll show you how to do that.

What Is the AVIF Image Format?

Tim Brookes — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:00:24 GMT

Move over JPEG, there's a new image file format in town that wants to be king. Powered by the latest media compression techniques, AVIF is finding its way into browsers, software, and operating systems. So what is it, and do you need to do anything?

What Is a "Portable" App, and Why Does It Matter?

Walter Glenn — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:30:33 GMT

Portable applications offer some definite advantages over their traditional counterparts. They're lightweight, and they allow you to move between computers while taking your apps and settings with you. Here's why they're different and why they're sometimes — but not always — a good choice.

How to Uninstall an Application on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:00:35 GMT

If you don't need an app anymore on Windows 11, it might be time to uninstall the program to save disk space (or de-clutter your Start menu). There are several ways to remove apps on Windows 11---we'll show you the three easiest ways to do it.

How to Copy Music to Your Android Phone

Ben Stockton — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:31:31 GMT

You don't need to abandon your music collection while on the go. Streaming services like Spotify are great, but you shouldn't have to pay for your own music. If you want to transfer music to your Android device, here's how.

Open the Windows Snipping Tool With a Keyboard Shortcut

Mahesh Makvana — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:00:35 GMT

Need to quickly take a screenshot on your PC? If so, Windows' built-in Snipping Tool is just a keyboard shortcut away. This tool lets you capture screenshots in various shapes and also allows you to edit them. We'll show you how to launch it.

How to Remove Your Windows 11 Password

Nick Lewis — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:30:33 GMT

Removing your password probably isn't the best idea, but if you find entering it regularly irksome, it is possible to remove it entirely. Here's how you can do it on a Windows 11 PC.

How to Turn Your Windows PC Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Chris Hoffman — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 16:00:34 GMT

Windows 10 and Windows 11 both have built-in features that can turn your laptop (or desktop) into a wireless hotspot, allowing other devices to connect to it and share your internet connection. Here's how the whole thing works.

How to Make Windows Show File Extensions

Chris Hoffman — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:30:33 GMT

Windows doesn't show file extensions by default, but you can change a single setting and make Windows always show you each file's full file extension. This works in File Explorer on Windows 10 and Windows 11 as well as Windows Explorer on Windows 7 and Windows 8.

How to Add a Program to Startup in Windows 10 or 11

Lowell Heddings — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:30:32 GMT

Some Windows apps configure themselves to automatically start whenever Windows boots. But you can make any app, file, or folder start with Windows by adding it to the Windows "Startup" folder.

The Microsoft Store Has a New Website, and It Looks Great

Arol Wright — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:38:04 GMT

Installing apps and programs on Windows a few years ago, pretty much, just involved downloading the apps from third-party websites and running the installers on your PC. While that method is still very much used today, Microsoft made things a bit more smartphone-like starting in 2012 with the launch of the Microsoft Store, which lets you download apps and games through a centralized app store. The Microsoft Store also happens to have a web version, and now it's getting a much-needed update.

How to Disable Your Integrated Graphics on Windows 11

Aman Kumar — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:16:33 GMT

Do graphics-intensive applications on your computer keep crashing? This usually happens when the app uses the integrated graphics card instead of the dedicated one. To prevent this from happening, you need to disable your integrated graphics card. Read along to learn how to do it.

How to Disable Windows Copilot

Aman Kumar — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 13:00:34 GMT

Windows Copilot is a generative AI that you can use to perform various tasks. However, if you don't like Microsoft's approach to adding AI to your computer or prefer a simpler and more user-friendly interface, you can quickly disable Windows Copilot using the following methods.

Windows 11 Setup Now Includes a Fun Surfing Game

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:55:10 GMT

Microsoft's frustratingly slow Windows 11 setup process now includes a fun distraction: the "Let's Surf" game. Modeled after 1991's "SkiFree," "Let's Surf" is a fast-paced obstacle avoidance game where you navigate an endless course and endure attacks from a kraken. Windows 11 will ask if you want to play "Let's Surf" while setting up a new PC, though you can play it at any time by entering edge://surf in the Microsoft Edge address bar.

How to Fix a Kmode Exception Not Handled Error in Windows

Russ Ware — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:30:33 GMT

Seeing a BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death) when starting or using Windows is never fun. Fortunately, not all BSODs are a disaster. Many, including the Kmode Exception Not Handled error, are easy to fix.

Windows Defender Accidentally Flags Tor Browser as a Trojan

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 20:46:47 GMT

On September 30th, Microsoft Defender began deleting instances of Tor Browser from users' PCs. The antivirus tool falsely identified Tor Browser as a “Win32/Malgent!MTB” trojan. Microsoft confirms that this was a false-positive and has removed Tor Browser from the latest Defender signature database (version 1.397.1910.0). You may now update Microsoft Defender and reinstall Tor Browser (or restore it from quarantine).

How to Find Your Lost Windows or Office Product Keys

Lowell Heddings — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:30:33 GMT

If you're planning on doing a reinstall of Windows but can't find your product key, you're in luck because it's stored in the Windows Registry. It's just not easy to find, and it's impossible to read without some help. Luckily, we're here to help.

How to Check Your Computer Uptime on Windows 11 and 10

Mahesh Makvana — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:00:34 GMT

Your computer’s uptime tells you how long it has been since you turned on your computer. If you need this information for troubleshooting or something else, it’s easy to find your uptime on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating systems. We’ll show you both graphical and command-line methods to do that. Let’s get started.

How to Restart Windows' Explorer.exe (Along With the Taskbar and Start Menu)

Walter Glenn — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 14:30:33 GMT

If your taskbar, system tray, or Start menu acts up, you might be tempted to restart your PC. Instead, you can usually just restart Windows Explorer. Windows makes it pretty easy whether you're using Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7.

How to Update Drivers on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 13:30:32 GMT

If the hardware devices in your Windows 11 PC — such as USB controllers, video cards, printers, or other peripherals — need new or updated drivers, it's usually easy to install them. We'll show you how.

How to Force the Windows 11 Update and Upgrade Immediately

Chris Hoffman — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:30:34 GMT

Microsoft is has been offering Windows 11 to users for a while now. Here are a few ways to get the upgrade going immediately.

How to Fix Error Code 0x80004005 on Windows 10 and 11

Nick Lewis — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 14:30:33 GMT

Windows loves to throw cryptic error codes with a million possible causes, and at least as many solutions. Error Code 0x80004005 is no exception, though it does have a few common causes. Here are some things you can try to fix it on either Windows 10 or Windows 11.

How to Set Up Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

Tim Brookes — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 13:30:34 GMT

Windows 11 normally requires a Microsoft account when you set it up, but you can bypass Microsoft account creation and use a local account instead. Here's how to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account or convert an existing Microsoft account to a local account.

How to Convert an Image to JPG Format

Brady Gavin — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:31:49 GMT

Many websites have strict rules that limit the size and type of image format you're allowed to upload. With JPG being the go-to file format of the internet, we're going to take a look at how you can convert your images into JPG format.

5 Ways to Open Disk Management on Windows 10 or 11

Nick Lewis — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:31:36 GMT

Disk Management is a utility found in Windows 10 and 11. It is used to initialize hard drives, create, resize, or delete partitions, change drive letters, and more. Find out five ways to open it here.

Windows Paint Is Adding AI Image Generation From Dall-E

Arol Wright — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 20:47:05 GMT

One of the biggest surprises reserved for upcoming versions of Windows is the fact that Paint is trying to be more Photoshop-like than ever. After decades being a bog-standard basic image editor, it's now surprising people with new features such as layers, transparency, and a neat option to automatically remove the background of pictures. Now, being a Microsoft product, it can't ship without some AI features, and for Paint, it won't be any different.

How to Show All Icons in System Tray on Windows 11

Mahesh Makvana — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:00:34 GMT

Do you find it inconvenient having to click an up-arrow icon to see all your system tray icons? Do you want your Windows 11 system tray to always display all the available icons? If so, you have two easy ways to achieve that, and we’ll show you what those ways are.