How-To Geek - Windows 11

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.

How to Clear Your Cache on Windows 11

Mahesh Makvana — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:30:33 GMT

To improve your PC's performance and to keep it decluttered, you should regularly clear various caches on your PC. We'll show you how to do that in Windows 11.

How to Get a "My Computer" Icon on the Desktop in Windows 10

Lowell Heddings — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:30:33 GMT

The My Computer icon was a fixture on Windows desktops for decades, but it was removed and renamed with the introduction of Windows 10. Now properly called "This PC," the icon must be added back manually. Here's how to get the This PC icon on your desktop.

How to Split Screen in Windows 10 and 11

Mahesh Makvana — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:30:31 GMT

Using Windows 10 and Windows 11's split screen feature, you can use multiple apps at once on your screen. You can pin apps to the sides as well as corners of your screen. We'll show you how to use this productive Windows feature.

New Outlook for Windows Will Get Offline Support, ICS Imports, and More

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:33:35 GMT

Following over a year of public testing, Microsoft released the new Outlook for Windows last week as a replacement for the Windows 10-era Mail and Calendar apps. It's supposed to eventually replace the regular Outlook client (from Microsoft Office/365), but there are a lot of features still missing before that can happen. Microsoft has now provided information on the features coming to the new Outlook over the next few months.

How to Update PowerShell on Windows 11

Nick Lewis — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:31:32 GMT

If you check your PowerShell version and find it is out of date — or PowerShell has been helpfully reminding you that there is a new version available — you have a few options. Here is the best way to update PowerShell on Windows 11.

Where Are My Downloads on Windows?

Benj Edwards — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:31:29 GMT

If you've downloaded a file using Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on Windows 10 or 11, You can usually find it in a special folder called "Downloads." Even if you saved the file somewhere else, we'll give you some tips on where to look.

Critical Process Died Error on Windows 11: How to Fix It

Mahesh Makvana — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:01:30 GMT

If you’ve run into a “Critical Process Died” BSOD error on your Windows 11 PC, and it just won't turn on, some frustration is understandable. There are many reasons this error occurs, and in most cases, it’s easy to fix the issue and get your PC to turn on normally.

How to Change the Date and Time on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 15:30:30 GMT

By default, Windows 11 keeps track of your date and time automatically thanks to an internet-based time server. If you need to manually adjust the date and time, re-enable automatic timekeeping, or force a time synchronization, you can do it all in Settings. Here's how.

How to Open JAR Files on Windows 10 and 11

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 15:31:29 GMT

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, JAR files don't open by default as there are no built-in apps to handle this file format. But, you can install the free Java utility and access this file format on your PC. We'll show you the process to do that.

How to Move a Lost, Off-Screen Window Back to Your Desktop

Lowell Heddings — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 13:00:30 GMT

If you've ever had a window somehow get moved off your screen, you know it can be frustrating not being able to drag it back. We've got a couple of ways you can move these rogue windows back to your desktop, though.

How to Use Apple Maps on Windows and Android Devices

Tim Brookes — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:31:28 GMT

Apple Maps is only officially available on Apple devices like iPhones and Macs. But, thanks to DuckDuckGo, you can browse or get directions in Apple Maps from any platform with a browser, including Windows and Android.

How to Open Control Panel on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:30:29 GMT

When you want to change settings in Windows 11, you usually reach for the Settings app. But the trusty Control Panel still plays an important role during many configuration tasks. Here are several different ways to open it.

Windows 11 Update Adds Copilot AI, New Outlook, and More

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:54:22 GMT

Even though some Windows 11 features are arriving throughout the year, Microsoft is still sticking to a once-a-year schedule for significant Windows updates. Windows 11 22H2 rolled out last year with a new Task Manager, drag-and-drop in the taskbar, tabs in the File Explorer, and other improvements. The next big update, which is bizarrely not called Windows 11 23H2 (just "new Windows 11 update"), will start rolling out this month with many of the features that have been in public testing for months.

How to Take Ownership of Files and Folders in Windows

Walter Glenn — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:30:32 GMT

Ever come across a file or folder that won't let you do anything with it? Taking ownership can solve that problem.

How to Run Windows on Your Mac for Free with UTM

Tim Brookes — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:00:38 GMT

It’s now easier than ever to run Windows on a modern Mac and get great performance without spending a penny. This is the first place you should start when you’re looking to run Windows on a modern Apple Silicon Mac.

Paint in Windows 11 Is Adding Layers and Transparency

Arol Wright — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:23:33 GMT

Microsoft Paint has shipped with Windows for decades, but for a good chunk of that time, it was just a basic image processing app. You could apply some brushes on top of an image, add text, some shapes, and that's pretty much it. For any heavier editing, you needed to download Photoshop, GIMP, or any other application. It looks like Paint wants to shake off that reputation, though, as evidenced by the inclusion of layers and transparency support

Should You Use Cloud Download or Local Reinstall on Windows?

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:30:28 GMT

When resetting your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, you'll be asked whether you want to do a "Cloud Download" or "Local Reinstall." These options work a little differently, and each has its upsides and downsides. Here's the difference between the two.

How to Change Your Screen Brightness on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:31:28 GMT

If you own a Windows 11 laptop, tablet, or all-in-one PC, it's easy to change your built-in screen's brightness with a couple clicks (or taps) thanks to the Quick Settings menu or the Settings app. Here's how.

Drag and Drop Not Working on Window 11? Try These 7 Fixes

Aman Kumar — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:01:26 GMT

There are many ways to move a file on Windows, but one of the most common is by dragging and dropping it. However, a temporary glitch or corrupt mouse driver can sometimes prevent the drag and drop feature from working properly. There are a few quick fixes that you can try to troubleshoot this issue.

How to Force Delete a Folder on Windows 10 and 11

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 15:30:28 GMT

Are you having trouble deleting a folder from your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC? If so, that may be a system folder or a folder being used by other apps. We'll show you how to successfully delete "undeletable" folders on your computer.

How to Change Font Size on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 13:30:26 GMT

If you'd like to make your system fonts larger on Windows 11 so they're easier to read, it's easy to increase the base Windows 11 text size that will apply system-wide using Settings. Here's how.

Windows 11 Photos App Is Adding More Image Effects

Arol Wright — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:35:31 GMT

Microsoft finally gave Paint a much-needed makeover with the initial release of Windows 11, sporting a new modern interface and a few minor feature additions. The company has continued working on Paint since then, such as dark mode, as well as improvements to the other app for editing and viewing photos, simply called "Photos." Now another feature is on the way: background blur.

How to Check Your Computer's Specifications

Mahesh Makvana — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:30:30 GMT

Using just the built-in tools on Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can check your PC's specs, like the processor type, RAM, graphics card model, storage type (SSD or HDD), network adapter model, and more. We'll show you two quick ways to find that information on your machine.

How to Customize Your Icons in Windows 11

Nick Lewis — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:00:31 GMT

One of the best things about Windows is the freedom it gives you to customize your user experience. There are dozens of programs available to change the user interface. Here are some ways to customize your icons with the default options in Windows, and some third-party tools.

Dark Mode in Windows 11 Is Getting a Much-Needed Improvement

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:06:17 GMT

Since the introduction of dark mode to File Explorer, Windows users have encountered a "white flash" when opening or maximizing a File Explorer window. This bug is over five years old and remains a major annoyance. But Microsoft is finally doing something about it. The latest Windows 11 Insider build (22621.2338, or 22631.2338 for Beta Channel testers) introduces several bug fixes and improvements, including a fix for the "white flash" issue.

How to See What CPU Is In Your PC (and How Fast It Is)

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:30:28 GMT

Every computer contains at least one processor, also known as a CPU or central processing unit. Your computer's CPU is probably made by Intel or AMD. Here's how to see what CPU you have and how fast it is.

Google Chrome Will Finally Match Your Windows Accent Color

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:05:02 GMT

We all want Microsoft to bring some consistency to Windows theming and design language. But we're not gonna get it from Microsoft—instead, it's coming from Google. The latest Chrome Canary build allows you to match your browser theme to your Windows accent color. All you need to do is flip the new "follow device colors" toggle in the Customize Chrome panel. Presumably, this feature will trickle down to mainline Chrome builds within the next few months.

How to Repair Corrupted Windows System Files with the SFC and DISM Commands

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:30:25 GMT

The System File Checker tool built into Windows can scan your Windows system files for corruption or any other changes. If a file has been modified, it will automatically replace that file with the correct version. Here's how to use it.

How to Change Mouse Sensitivity on Windows 10 or 11

Nick Lewis — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:31:30 GMT

Bad sensitivity settings can be frustrating — you'll feel like you're constantly fighting your computer. Luckily, here are a few quick ways to change your mouse settings on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 to get it just right.

How to Edit Your Hosts File on Windows, Mac, or Linux

Nick Lewis — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:00:29 GMT

Occasionally you may need to edit the hosts file on your machine. Your host file might have been edited maliciously in an attack, or as a prank. Alternatively, you may just want to control access to certain websites or control network traffic.

How to Get Live Wallpapers on Windows 11

Marshall Gunnell — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 15:30:29 GMT

Tired of your still desktop background? You can liven things up by setting a live wallpaper or animated desktop background. Unfortunately, there's no native way to do this in Windows 11, but there's a handy third-party app you can use.

Where Are Screenshots Saved on Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Benj Edwards — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 13:31:28 GMT

Where do screenshots go on Windows 10 and Windows 11? Unfortunately, that depends on how you capture the screenshot — there is no central location where they're all stored. However, there are a few common places you can check.

Microsoft Paint Is Adding Automatic Background Removal

Arol Wright — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:22:20 GMT

Microsoft Paint is perhaps one of the most legendary apps that are bundled with Windows. Paint has been a part of Windows since 1985, when Windows 1.0 was released, and has since remained a core part of every single Windows version that has come out. Microsoft once attempted to kill it off in 2017 (and was ultimately unsuccessful), but since then, the company has redesigned the app to match Windows 11's UI. Now, it's getting a cool new feature: background removal.

10 Useful Windows Commands You Should Know

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:31:28 GMT

Command-line tools might seem like an archaic relic from the days of CRT screens and computers with no graphical user interfaces (GUIs), but there are plenty of times when they're still useful. Here are some that are worth learning to use.

Save Hundreds on the Microsoft Office Pro and Windows 11 Pro Bundle

Meghan Herlihy — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 18:00:26 GMT

If you own a Windows PC at home or use one for work, today is your lucky day. For a limited time, you can upgrade your operating system to Windows 11 Professional and gain lifetime access to Microsoft Office Professional for Windows. This is thanks to the Office Pro/Windows 11 Pro bundle that's currently available at a substantial discount.

Windows Wants to Phase Out Third-Party Printer Drivers

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:53:41 GMT

Over the next four years, Microsoft will slowly wean Windows off of third-party printer drivers. Manufacturers will lose the ability to publish printer drivers in Windows updates, and the Windows operating system will mainly rely on Microsoft's IPP Class Driver, which offers native support for Mopria-compliant printer devices. The transition may not be smooth for everyone, but it should streamline printer usage and development, as manufacturers won't need to tailor drivers to each Windows release.

What Is the WMI Provider Host (WmiPrvSE.exe), and Why Is It Using So Much CPU?

Chris Hoffman — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 15:30:28 GMT

The WMI Provider Host process is an important part of Windows, and often runs in the background. It allows other applications on your computer to request information about your system. This process shouldn't normally use many system resources, but it may use a lot of CPU if another process on your system is behaving badly.

How to Search for Files from a Certain Date Range in Windows 8 and 10

Walter Glenn — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:30:27 GMT

Say you're searching for a file, and you know it was last modified during a certain period of time. You can limit your searches to date ranges in Windows, but it's not immediately obvious how to do it in Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Windows 11 Might Break Some Old Apps, in the Name of Security

Arol Wright — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 20:34:16 GMT

Internet security is more important than ever these days, and in order to keep yourself secure online, using the latest protocols is a must. You'd be surprised by the amount of software that uses older TLS protocols, but Microsoft is looking to cut down on that, as the company would like to remind you that old TLS specifications are about to be deprecated — and some of your older software might break as a result.

Say Goodbye to Intel NUC as ASUS Takes Over the Mini PC Brand

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:02:06 GMT

Earlier this year, Intel announced that it would no longer manufacture NUC mini PCs. But ASUS quickly swooped in to save the day—it secured a non-exclusive license to continue supporting and creating NUC PCs, effectively marking itself as the new operator of the NUC brand. Now, ASUS has listed a pared-down selection of 13th Gen Intel NUC PCs and kits on its website, and it plans to release new ASUS NUC systems in the near future.

Microsoft Is Taking WordPad Out of Windows

Arol Wright — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:22:15 GMT

Microsoft WordPad is the basic word processor that ships with every version of Windows, intended for editing that text documents with formatting that Notepad can't handle. However, after years of neglect — even as Notepad has received update after update — Microsoft is officially done working on WordPad and will remove it in a future Windows update.

How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine's Disk in VirtualBox or VMware

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:01:29 GMT

When you create a virtual hard disk in VirtualBox or VMware, you specify a maximum disk size. If you want more space on your virtual machine's hard disk later, you'll have to enlarge the virtual hard disk and partition.

What Is Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) and Why Is It Running?

Walter Glenn — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:31:28 GMT

You opened the Task Manager and found something called "Desktop Window Manager." Is it malware? Is it supposed to be there? If it is supposed to be there, what exactly does it do? Here's everything you need to know.

How to Disable Secure Boot on Your Computer

Goran Damnjanovic — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 16:00:28 GMT

Secure Boot is a security feature supported on Windows and some Linux distros. Below you can learn how to disable Secure Boot from the UEFI setup menu, how to locate the Secure Boot toggle, and what Secure Boot is and why it’s important.

What is the System32 Directory? (and Why You Shouldn't Delete It)

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 15:30:27 GMT

The C:\Windows\System32 directory is a critical part of the Windows operating system where important system files are stored. Some pranksters online may tell you to delete it, but you shouldn't — and we'll show exactly what happens if you try.

How to Change a User Account to Administrator on Windows 10 and 11

Samir Makwana — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 14:30:28 GMT

On Windows, every new account you create is a user account by default. As a result, it gets limited privileges and is restrictive. But, you can grant full access by turning the user account into an administrator. Here's how.

Windows Notepad Is Adding Automatic File Saving

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:20:24 GMT

Throughout the entire 40-year history of Notepad, you've always had to save your text file before closing, otherwise you'd lose all changes made since the last save. That's not how Google Docs, Microsoft Loop, and many other modern writing applications work, though, which makes Notepad a bit more frustrating to use for some people. Microsoft is fixing that with a new automatic saving feature, coming to Notepad in Windows 11.

How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows

Lori Kaufman — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:00:33 GMT

The more software you install on your computer, the longer it may seem to take to start up Windows. Many programs add themselves to the list of programs started when you boot your computer, and that list can get long. Here's how you can disable startup programs in Windows.

How to Fix a DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 10

Mako Young — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:30:27 GMT

Dealing with blue screen errors is never fun, but it's worse when you have no idea what's caused it in the first place. One particular head-scratcher is the DPC Watchdog Violation, which can be caused for a number of reasons.

How to Fix the 0xc000007b Error on Windows

Mahesh Makvana — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 12:30:26 GMT

It can be very frustrating to try to launch an app or game and get a message like "The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b). Click OK to close the application." Fortunately, it's not impossible to fix a 0xc000007b error code. Here's how.

Microsoft Already Ruined Windows 11 Widgets

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:01:27 GMT

Microsoft brought widgets back with the release of Windows 11 in 2021, and the company has continued to change their behavior and options since then. There are now more widgets available (including some ones not made by Microsoft), and the widget board is larger, which should make them just as useful as widgets on iPhone or Android. Instead, Microsoft has turned widgets into yet another avenue for promoted content that no one wants, pushing useful features to the side.

Microsoft Just Updated Paint: Here's What's New

Joe Charpentier — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 12:00:26 GMT

Ready to rediscover a beloved fan-favorite image editing app? A summer 2023 update to Windows 11 introduces a revitalized version of Microsoft Paint, offering brand-new features, enhanced tools, and a revamped interface.

How to Connect to FTP Servers in Windows (Without Extra Software)

Lowell Heddings — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:28:33 GMT

If you need to access an FTP server, you can install dedicated FTP clients with lots of features — but you don't necessarily have to. Windows itself offers several ways for connecting to an FTP server, allowing you to download and upload files in a pinch.

How to Edit Environment Variables on Windows 10 or 11

Nick Lewis — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 16:01:28 GMT

Editing your PC's environment variables can save you time in Command Prompt and make your scripts more concise. It also lets you customize where Windows stores certain files. Find out how to edit them here.

How to Generate SSH Keys in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Ian Paul — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:00:28 GMT

If part of your life includes logging in to a remote server be it for a self-hosted blog, a Nextcloud installation, or sending your latest changes to GitHub, you need SSH keys. In Windows 10 and 11 we are spoiled for choice when it comes to generating new keys.

What's the Difference Between GPT and MBR When Partitioning a Drive?

Chris Hoffman — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 13:30:27 GMT

Set up a new disk on Windows 10 or Windows 11, and you'll be asked whether you want to use MBR (Master Boot Record) or GPT (GUID Partition Table). Today we're explaining the difference between GPT and MBR and helping you choose the right one for your PC or Mac.

How to Enter the BIOS on Your Windows 11 PC

Mahesh Makvana — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:00:27 GMT

Accessing the BIOS on your Windows 11 PC can help you solve a variety of problems or allow you to adjust low-level settings. There are multiple ways you can enter BIOS, and we'll show you how to use all of them.

How to Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:30:28 GMT

If you've upgraded your PC to Windows 11 and want to go back to Windows 10, there are several ways to do it. Here's what you need to know about switching from Windows 11 to stable old Windows 10.

Windows 11 Is Getting a New ”Backup” App

Arol Wright — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 21:00:13 GMT

Backing up your Windows computer isn't the most straightforward process, but Microsoft has been looking to change that. Notable improvements have been made in the backup and restoring department over the last few months, and the company is not even done with them just yet. Now, Microsoft has announced a more centralized experience for backing up your data, in the form of a new app simply called Backup.

FAT32 vs. exFAT vs. NTFS: What's the Difference?

Chris Hoffman — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:30:26 GMT

Whether you're formatting an internal drive, external drive, USB flash drive, or SD card, Windows gives you the choice of using three different file systems: NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. The Format dialog in Windows doesn't explain the difference, so we will.

How to Fix Your USB Drive Not Showing Up on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:00:27 GMT

USB drives should automatically appear in File Explorer when you connect them to your computer. Follow these troubleshooting steps if your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC doesn't show a connected drive.

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11

Benj Edwards — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:31:27 GMT

If you need to capture the contents of your Windows 11 PC's screen (or a portion of it) for later reference, then it's time to take a screenshot. You can use built-in screenshot features or third-party tools. Here are several different ways to do it.