How-To Geek - Windows

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.

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.

Windows Task Manager: The Complete Guide

Chris Hoffman — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 15:01:35 GMT

The Windows Task Manager is a powerful tool packed with useful information, from your system's overall resource usage to detailed statistics about each process. This guide explains every feature and technical term in the Task Manager.

Tor Browser 13.0 Finally Adds a Landscape Aspect Ratio

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:13:46 GMT

The Tor Browser 13.0 update introduces several long-awaited improvements, including a landscape aspect ratio, a fix for the "red screen of death," and several enhancements from Mozilla's Firefox ESR 115. Updated app icons and GUI elements are also part of the mix, though Tor Browser retains its basic look and feel.

Where to Download Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 ISOs Legally

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:01:34 GMT

You can reinstall Windows from scratch using the product key that came with your PC, but you'll have to find installation media yourself. Microsoft offers free ISO files for downloading; you just have to know where to look.

How to Remap Any Key or Shortcut on Windows 10

Lowell Heddings — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:31:53 GMT

Would you like to use a different keyboard key to perform a certain task in Windows 10? Thanks to PowerToys, it's easy to remap any key to another key or even a shortcut combination on your keyboard. Here's how to set it up.

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 Make a Bootable Windows 10 USB Drive

Nick Lewis — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:30:35 GMT

Installing Windows 10 from a USB drive beats installing it with a DVD any day of the week. Here's what you need to make your own bootable Windows 10 installer — and how to do it.

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.

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.

The Best Free 3D Modeling Software

Tim Brookes — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:00:32 GMT

Are you looking to learn 3D modeling or sharpen your existing skills? Good news! There's lots of free 3D modeling software available on which you can practice, hone your skills, and even produce some seriously polished projects.

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.

How to Install .Appx or .AppxBundle Software on Windows 10

Chris Hoffman — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:00:34 GMT

Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform applications used the .Appx or .AppxBundle file format in older versions of Windows 10. They're were normally installed from the Windows Store, but Windows 10 allows you to sideload Appx packages from anywhere.

How to Disable Fast Startup on Windows 10

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 13:31:31 GMT

Windows 10's Fast Startup feature helps turn on your computer faster, but there are times when you may want to disable Fast Startup. We'll show you what those occasions are and how to turn the feature off.

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 Quickly Switch Between Virtual Desktops on Windows 10

Benj Edwards — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 13:31:34 GMT

Virtual desktops are a handy way to juggle multiple workspaces in Windows 10. There are several ways to quickly switch between virtual desktops, including several lesser-known keyboard shortcuts — we'll cover them all below.

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.

6 Ways to Rename Files and Folders in Windows 10

Brady Gavin — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:00:33 GMT

You can rename files on Windows 10 in many ways. If you're still right-clicking and selecting "Rename" every time you want to change a file's name, we've got some tips to make it faster.

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 Sound Problems in Windows 10

Kevin Parrish — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:30:34 GMT

You launch a PC game or stream a movie, but you don't hear any sound. On the surface, there's no apparent reason for the lack of audio. Unfortunately, sound issues can be tricky. Here are some things you can try to fix your issue.

How to Check the PowerShell Version in Windows 10

Mahesh Makvana — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:30:33 GMT

Finding your PowerShell version helps you know what PowerShell features you have access to. A PowerShell command lets you reveal the version number, and we'll show you how to do this.

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).

Microsoft Lists Task Manager Is Now Available for Everyone

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:37:33 GMT

After a long wait, Microsoft Lists is now available for free. Microsoft Lists is a flexible task management tool that allows you to track household or professional work, create itineraries, save recipes, and more. It's an interesting option for individuals and families, though it offers advanced collaborative and calendar features for businesses, clubs, and other groups. Previously, Microsoft Lists was exclusive to business and enterprise users, though Microsoft opened a limited preview for 200,000 people last year.

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.

Microsoft Ends Free Windows 10 & 11 Upgrades for Windows 7 & 8

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:06:19 GMT

Microsoft just closed its free upgrade path for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. This may seem like an insignificant change, but it will affect two very large groups of people. Enthusiasts can no longer use their old Windows 7 and 8 product keys to activate Windows 10 or 11 on a new PC or in a virtual machine. And stubborn gamers who refused to install Windows 10 will soon be forced to make an upgrade, as Steam will stop working on Windows 7 and 8 in 2024. If you need to make the Windows 10 upgrade, do it fast, as the upgrade path appears to still be open for some users.

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.

How to Play Minesweeper

Tim Brookes — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:01:34 GMT

Minesweeper is a game of deduction that dates back to at least 1990, though the concept originated even before that. Here’s a refresher on the rules, plus a list of the best modern Minesweeper iterations.

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.

How to Check Your Printed Document History in Windows 10

Ben Stockton — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:30:29 GMT

Checking the history of a printer to see what was printed can be somewhat difficult to monitor. As your toner level doesn't convey how much the accessory has been used, you'll need to enable logging within Windows 10. Here's how.

Update LibreOffice Now to Fix a Security Flaw

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 19:52:52 GMT

Earlier this month, a security vulnerability in the popular libwebp software library was discovered, affecting everything from web browsers to email clients. The Document Foundation, the developers behind the free and open-source LibreOffice suite, has now released an emergency update for LibreOffice that includes the fix. You should update as soon as possible if you have LibreOffice installed.

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.

How to Delete Temporary Files on Windows 10

Marshall Gunnell — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 13:30:31 GMT

Windows temp files, as the name implies, are temporary files created by certain programs when in use on your Windows 10 device. These files can quickly add up and consume valuable storage space, so you may want to delete them.

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.

What's the Discord File Size Limit, and How Do I Get Around It?

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:00:30 GMT

Want to send a file to someone on Discord, but the app just won’t allow you to do it? Not sure what Discord’s file upload restrictions are? No problem. We’ll tell you what file sizes Discord accepts in its various membership types and how you can get around the limit to send larger files. Let’s find out.

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 Enable and Use Clipboard History on Windows 10

Benj Edwards — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:30:29 GMT

Windows 10 takes copy and paste to another level with a feature called Clipboard history, which lets you see a list of items you have copied to the clipboard recently. Here's how to turn it on and view your clipboard history.

How to Shut Down Your Windows 10 PC Using Command Prompt

Marshall Gunnell — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:30:28 GMT

Using the Command Prompt to turn off your Windows 10 PC provides more options and flexibility than merely using the shutdown option from the Start menu or pressing the power button on your PC. Here's how it's done.

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.

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.

How to Escape Spaces in File Paths on the Windows Command Line

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:30:28 GMT

Command-line environments like the Windows Command Prompt and PowerShell use spaces to separate commands and arguments — but file and folder names can also contain spaces. To specify a file path with a space inside it, you'll need to "escape" it.

How to Remove Write Protection on Windows 10

Mako Young — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:30:27 GMT

Did you get a "disk is write protected" error when trying to copy files or format your drive? This can be a troublesome issue. So what's causing it, and how do you remove this error? Today we'll find out.

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 Copy Text From a PDF

Mahesh Makvana — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:30:26 GMT

Copying text from a PDF file is as easy as opening your PDF in a compatible reader, selecting the text, and choosing the copy option. We'll show you how to do that in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.

How to Defragment Your Hard Drive on Windows 10

Benj Edwards — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:30:26 GMT

Over time, a hard drive can begin to operate with less efficiency due to fragmentation in the file system. To speed up your drive, you can defragment and optimize it in Windows 10 using a built-in tool. Here's how.

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.

Windows 11's Snipping Tool is Getting Even Better

Arol Wright — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 20:21:29 GMT

One of the biggest improvements on Windows 11 is its new, revamped Snipping Tool. It became the primary screenshot feature for Windows 11, being within reach by just clicking the Print Screen button on your keyboard, and it works better than ever. Now, the Snipping Tool is getting a few useful additions.

How to Use Microsoft's "Windows File Recovery" on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Chris Hoffman — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 13:30:29 GMT

Ever accidentally deleted a file and then realized you needed it? Or had a drive experience some kind of corruption? Microsoft's Windows File Recovery tool may be able to bring back your lost files — here's how to use it.

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.

The Best Apps to Extend Desktop Wirelessly on Windows

Bemfica de Oliva — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 16:01:29 GMT

If managed effectively, a multi screen setup does wonders for productivity. If no cable is available, you'll need to go wireless, which can pose some challenges. These tools will make it easier.

5 Ways to Open Device Manager on Windows 10

Benj Edwards — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:30:32 GMT

In Windows 10, Device Manager is an essential utility that helps you configure or troubleshoot hardware on your PC. Here are five ways to open Device Manager when you need it. These aren't the only ways to do it, but one of these methods is likely to come in handy.

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 Copy the Full Path of a File on Windows 10

Benj Edwards — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:31:30 GMT

Sometimes, it's handy to copy the full path of a file or folder in Windows 10 to the clipboard. That way, you can paste the path into an open or upload dialog quickly without having to browse for it the file. Luckily, there's an easy way to do it. Here's how.

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.

How to Turn Off Sticky Keys on Windows 10

Marshall Gunnell — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 14:30:29 GMT

Ever press the Shift key too many times in a row? What is that popup, and how can you make it go away? Here are a few ways to disable Sticky Keys.