How-To Geek - Windows

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.

What Is UEFI, and How Is It Different from BIOS?

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:30:20 GMT

Way back in 2017, Intel announced plans to completely replace BIOS with UEFI on all their chipsets, and the industry quickly followed suit. The classic BIOS is now firmly a relic of the past. But what is UEFI, and how is it different from the BIOS we're all familiar with?

How to Burn a CD or DVD on Windows 10

Benj Edwards — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:30:19 GMT

Sometimes you need to burn a CD, DVD, or BD to share files with others, make backups, or transfer information between machines. Although we now prefer to use USB thumb drives and network transfers for these purposes, Windows 10 still makes it easy to write ("burn") a CD-R, DVD-R, BD-R disc. Here's how to do it.

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.

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 Get Bing's Daily Photos as Your Wallpaper on Windows 10

Chris Hoffman — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 16:00:22 GMT

Microsoft offers an official way to set Bing's beautiful homepage photos as your desktop background. Every single day, the tool will automatically grab a new high-resolution image from Bing and set it as your desktop wallpaper.

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.

How Do I Open a Port on Windows Firewall?

Brady Gavin — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:30:23 GMT

Firewalls are there to protect you from threats on the internet (both traffic from the internet and from local applications trying to gain access when they shouldn't). Sometimes, though, you'll want to allow otherwise restricted traffic through your firewall. To do so, you'll have to open a port.

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.

Microsoft Copilot Might Be Windows 10’s Final New Feature

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 20:18:56 GMT

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which will leave millions of PCs vulnerable to security exploits, because many of them can't officially update to Windows 11. Microsoft isn't changing that, but it will add its Copilot AI to Windows 10 PCs as a final farewell.

How to Customize the Taskbar in Windows 10

Walter Glenn — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:31:24 GMT

The Windows 10 taskbar works much like previous Windows versions, offering shortcuts and icons for every running app. Windows 10 offers all kinds of ways to customize the taskbar to your liking, and we're here to guide you through what you can do.

How to Exit Safe Mode on Windows 10

Marshall Gunnell — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:31:22 GMT

Booting Windows 10 in safe mode is a good idea if you can't start Windows 10 normally, and you need to do some troubleshooting. Here's how to get out of safe mode when you're finished and want to use your PC normally.

Read This Before You Buy the Cheapest Laptop

Tim Brookes — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:00:21 GMT

Are you looking for a cheap laptop? Make sure your pursuit of a deal doesn’t end up costing you more than you bargained for. Here are some drawbacks you may encounter when you opt for the cheapest of the cheap.

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 Copy Files to a USB Flash Drive on Windows 10

Benj Edwards — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 16:30:37 GMT

If you'd like to copy files to a USB flash drive on Windows 10 — perhaps to back them up or transfer them to another computer — it's easy to do using File Explorer. Here's how.

How to Flush DNS on Windows 10

Nick Lewis — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 15:30:25 GMT

A problem with your PC's DNS cache can result in trouble connecting to the internet. If you've tried the usual tricks like clearing your browser cache and cookies, flushing Windows 10's DNS may fix your problem.

How to Download a Windows 10 ISO Without the Media Creation Tool

Brady Gavin — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:30:24 GMT

Microsoft makes Windows 10 ISO images available to everyone through its download website, but if you're already using a Windows machine, it forces you to download the Media Creation Tool first. Here's how to download Windows ISOs without the creation tool.

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 Open the Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows 10

Walter Glenn — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 16:31:23 GMT

Much of the time, opening the Command Prompt as a regular user is all you need. Sometimes, though, you'll need to open the Command Prompt as an administrator so that you can run commands that require administrative privileges. Here are three quick ways you can open the Command Prompt with admin privileges on Windows 10.

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 Access the Windows 10 Startup Folder

Joe Fedewa — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 16:30:23 GMT

Windows 10 moved the "Startup" folder out of the spotlight, but it can still be found if you know where to look. It contains apps that run when you sign in to your computer.

Windows 10 Home vs. Pro: What's the Difference?

Russ Ware — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 14:30:22 GMT

If you plan to install Windows 10 on your PC, you might be wondering what the difference is between Home and Pro. Exactly what makes it Pro? And are there any extra features you can't live without?

How to Fix the "Your Device Is Missing Important Security and Quality Fixes" Windows Update Error

Mahesh Makvana — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 13:01:22 GMT

If you’ve encountered a “Your device is missing important security and quality fixes” error on your Windows 10 computer's Windows Update screen (like I did), worry not, as you can use Windows Update Assistant to fix your problem. There are other ways to resolve this issue, and we’ll show you how to apply them.

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.

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.

Here’s What’s Coming to Outlook for Windows

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 18:56:07 GMT

Microsoft started rolling out the new Outlook for Windows in September, after over a year of testing. It's still not a full replacement for the classic Outlook app, or the Windows 10 Mail and Calendar apps it's directly replacing, but Microsoft has now shared which features are in development.

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.

GIMP Adds New Gradient Options as It Prepares for 3.0 Release

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:06:30 GMT

The latest GIMP release (version 2.10.36) introduces a fun new gradient tool and support for additional palette formats. More notably, this might be "the next to last release in the 2.10 branch," meaning that the delayed GIMP 3.0 launch should occur relatively soon. Even if you're uninterested in today's update, the GIMP Team suggests installing it for security fixes.

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 Open Windows PowerShell as an Admin in Windows 10

Marshall Gunnell — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:31:23 GMT

Almost everything you need to do in Windows PowerShell you can do in a normal window. However, you'll occasionally have to open PowerShell as an admin to run certain commands that require you to have elevated privileges. Here's how.

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.

ExpressVPN Now Includes a Password Manager

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:39:54 GMT

Your ExpressVPN subscription now includes a password manager at no extra charge. You don't even need to download anything—ExpressVPN Keys is built into the standard ExpressVPN app on desktop, iOS, and Android. That said, a separate ExpressVPN Keys "primary password" is required for password management functionality.

How to Find and Open Files Using Command Prompt

Marshall Gunnell — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:30:12 GMT

Once you’ve learned how to navigate directories on Windows 10, the next step is learning how to find and open files using the Command Prompt. It’s just as easy as navigating through and opening a file in File Explorer. Here’s how it’s done.

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.

How to Rotate Your PC's Screen (or Fix a Sideways Screen)

Chris Hoffman — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 16:30:11 GMT

Windows can rotate your screen without any extra software. This is especially useful if you have a desktop monitor that rotates. Many PCs have hotkeys that can rotate your screen, too, and these are easy to press accidentally.

How to Mount an ISO image in Windows 7, 8, and 10

Lowell Heddings — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 15:11:11 GMT

Windows finally offers a built-in way to mount ISO disc image files on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows 8. If you're using Windows 7, you'll need a third-party tool.

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.

How to Uninstall Windows 10's Built-in Apps (and How to Reinstall Them)

Lowell Heddings — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:30:21 GMT

Windows 10 includes a variety of universal apps, and there's no easy way to hide them from the "All Apps" view in the new Start menu. You can uninstall them, but Microsoft doesn't allow you to easily uninstall them in the usual way.

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 Disable Bing in the Windows 10 Start Menu

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:01:23 GMT

Windows 10, by default, sends everything you search for in the Start Menu to their servers to give you results from Bing search --- so you better make sure that you don't type anything private into your own PC's Start Menu. Or, you could just disable the Bing integration in the Start Menu.

How to Access Your Linux (WSL) Files in Windows 10

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:30:22 GMT

Windows 10's May 2019 Update introduced an easy, safe, and officially supported way to access and work with your Linux files from within File Explorer and other applications. Here's how to get at your Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) files.

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.

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 Open File Explorer Using Command Prompt on Windows 10

Marshall Gunnell — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 15:00:26 GMT

While there are quicker ways to open File Explorer, such as using a keyboard shortcut, you can use Command Prompt to open the file manager in the current directory (or any other directory) in Windows 10. Here's how.

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 Find Your Printer's IP Address on Windows 10

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 15:00:26 GMT

If you have a network printer connected to your Windows 10 PC and you'd like to configure or troubleshoot it, you will have to find your printer's IP address. Here are several ways to do it.

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.

The Best Free Pomodoro Timers and Apps to Boost Productivity

Tim Brookes — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 13:00:25 GMT

The Pomodoro Technique can be used to cut down on procrastination by scheduling work and break periods throughout the day. While any old timer will do, dedicated timer apps make it easier to get started and stick with it.

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.

Vivaldi 6.4 Takes Video Playback and Calendar to the Next Level

Cory Gunther — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:56:46 GMT

The Vivaldi web browser is already popular and feature-packed. While it has received several updates recently, the latest Vivaldi v6.4 release makes watching and controlling videos easier than ever on desktop (particularly in "pop-up" mode). It also delivers a better calendar experience, among other improvements.

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?

How to Block App Installation on Windows PCs

Mustafa Ashour — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:00:27 GMT

Do you want to stop people from installing new apps on your Windows PC? You're not alone. Luckily, there are several ways you can do this on Windows 11, Windows 10, or older versions. Let's see how.

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.

Why You Shouldn't Disable User Account Control (UAC) in Windows

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:30:27 GMT

User Account Control (UAC) is an important security feature in the latest versions of Windows. You may be tempted to disable it, but you shouldn't — here's why.

Firefox Translate Is Coming to Thunderbird Mail

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:13:45 GMT

The recent Firefox 118 release introduced us to Fullpage Translation, a tool that automatically translates webpages to your native language without the use of external servers. This privacy-focused solution to web translation is now a "development priority" for Thunderbird, Mozilla's email software. Firefox translations in Thunderbird should arrive in Q1 2024.

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.

It’s Time to Stop Avoiding Updates

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:00:25 GMT

Software updates can be a mixed bag. They add new features and fix issues, but they can bring new bugs as well. People put off updates to avoid these headaches, which wasn't a bad idea in the earlier days of computing. However, with security vulnerabilities becoming more common, it's time to stop.

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 Move a Window to Another Monitor on Windows 10

Benj Edwards — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 13:01:24 GMT

If you run a multiple-monitor setup on your Windows 10 PC, it's essential to know how to move windows between displays. With a few drags of the mouse or a simple keyboard shortcut, it's easy to manage windows like a ninja. Here's how.

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.

What Is the Service Host Process (svchost.exe) and Why Are So Many Running?

Walter Glenn — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:30:34 GMT

If you've ever browsed through Task Manager, you may have wondered why there are so many Service Host processes running. You can't kill them, and you sure didn't start them. So, what are they?

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.

Logitech's New Audio Mixer Software Enters Open Beta

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:17:53 GMT

Available today in open beta, Logitech's new MIXLINE software allows you to control multiple audio sources for livestreaming and monitoring. It utilizes a simple diagram-style interface, which some users may prefer over the traditional "mixing board" layout of other mixers or DAWs. Join the open beta to install MIXLINE for free on Windows.

How to Change the Size of Text in Windows 10

Brady Gavin — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:31:37 GMT

Sometimes the size of the font on your computer can be too small or hard to see due to display scaling issues on higher-resolution screens. Luckily, Windows 10 lets you resize text to your liking. Here's how.

How to Format USB Drives Larger Than 32GB With FAT32 on Windows

Walter Glenn — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:30:34 GMT

For whatever reason, the option to format USB drives larger than 32GB with the FAT32 file system isn't present in the regular Windows format tool. Here's how to get around that.

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.

Alienware's Aurora R16 Has 14th Gen Intel And RTX 4090 GPUs

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:45:30 GMT

It's been just two months since the launch of Alienware's compact Aurora R16 gaming desktop. Still, Alienware sees the need for a refresh. Upgraded configurations of the Aurora R16 go on sale October 17th and include the latest 14th Gen Intel CPUs, plus NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4090 GPU.