• News
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Best Picks
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Reviews
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • How-To
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Deals
  • Laptops
  • Windows
  • Security
  • TechHive
    • Smart Home Security
    • Streaming
    • Cord-Cutter Confidential
  • More
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
  • Newsletters
  • Digital Magazine – Subscribe
  • Digital Magazine – Info
  • Smart Answers
Skip to content
  • Menu
  • News
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Best Picks
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Reviews
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • How-To
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Laptops
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Security
    • Smart Home Security
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Streaming
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
    • Windows
  • Deals
  • Laptops
  • Windows
  • Security
  • TechHive
    • Smart Home Security
    • Streaming
    • Cord-Cutter Confidential
  • More
    • Accessories
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Mobile
    • PCs & Components
    • Software
    • Storage
    • Wi-Fi & Networks
  • Newsletters
  • Digital Magazine – Subscribe
  • Digital Magazine – Info
  • Smart Answers
  • Hot Topics
  • Future Tech
  • PCWorld Awards
  • Best laptops
  • Best VPN
  • Best antivirus
  • Best SSDs
  • Best monitors
  • Laptop deals
  • Desktop PC deals
  • Newsletters

Latest Laptop How-To Stories

SEE LAPTOPS STORIES BY CATEGORY

  • Laptops
  • Laptop News
  • Laptop Best Picks
  • Laptop Reviews
  • Laptop How-To
More
    5 free tools for editing images on a Chromebook
    World Beyond Windows

    5 free tools for editing images on a Chromebook

    The native image editor built into Chromebooks is hidden and weak, but Chrome OS doesn't support the powerful desktop image editing software available for Windows. Don't fear! These free tools can help you tweak your pictures.
    By Chris Hoffman 10 years ago
    How to connect your laptop to your HDTV without HDMI
    Answer Line

    How to connect your laptop to your HDTV without HDMI

    It's easy to connect a laptop to an HDTV–unless your laptop doesn't have the right port.
    By Lincoln Spector 10 years ago
    How-To

    How to automatically unlock your Chromebook when your Android phone’s nearby

    If you have an Android 5.0 Lollipop phone, Smart Lock eliminates the need to re-type your password every time you want to fire up your Chromebook.
    By Derek Walter 10 years ago
    How-To

    The 15 best Chromebook keyboard shortcuts for faster productivity

    Chrome has a few of Windows's old reliable tricks, and then it has even more. Learn its tricks and fly through your apps and browser tabs like a pro.
    By Derek Walter 10 years ago
    Smart Mobile Tricks

    How to teach contact names and relationships to Siri and Google Now

    Help Google Now and Siri sift through your contacts faster by by assigning special names and relationships to your most important or frequent contacts
    By Ben Patterson 10 years ago
    Smart Mobile Tricks

    Shhh! 3 ways to keep your pre-Lollipop Android phone quiet

    There's no official silent mode for KitKat and earlier phones, but there are some workarounds and apps you can try.
    By Ben Patterson 10 years ago
    Answer Line

    How to extend the life of your laptop battery

    The battery in your brand-new laptop may get you through a day's work on the road. But in two years, probably not. Here's how to keep that battery healthy over the long haul.
    By Lincoln Spector 10 years ago
    How-To

    How to install the Windows 10 Technical Preview on a Mac

    Get Microsoft's beta operating system on a virtual drive or right on your hard drive.
    By Derek Walter 10 years ago
    World Beyond Windows

    Run any Android app on your Chromebook with this hack

    Google's letting you run four official Android apps on your Chromebook. This hack lets you run ANY Android app on your Chromebook.
    By Chris Hoffman 10 years ago
    Answer Line

    Have a company laptop? Here’s how to keep your browsing private

    Your employer may let you take a company laptop home, but that doesn't mean they're not looking over your shoulder.
    By Lincoln Spector 10 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    Not sure you want to buy a Chromebook this fall? Try out Chrome OS in Windows first

    Chromebooks are still a drop in the bucket of PC sales overall, but there's no denying they are growing in popularity. If you're not sure you want to buy in just yet, Google offers a way to test drive Chrome OS in Windows 8.1.
    By Ian Paul 10 years ago
    Answer Line

    Computer shutting down on its own? Maybe it’s time to play it cool.

    If your computer has acquired the habit of shutting down when you didn't ask it to, there's a good chance that it's overheated. Here's how to cool it down.
    By Lincoln Spector 10 years ago
    How-To

    How to troubleshoot your Chromebook’s internet connection

    Chromebooks are designed to be online all the time, so it's no fun when you lose your connection.
    By Anthony Domanico 11 years ago
    How-To

    How Steam in-home streaming can turn your old laptop or Windows tablet into a PC gaming force

    If your gaming rig and home network are up to snuff, you can stream Steam games to another PC (including Macs and Linux machines) or Windows tablet and play in other parts of your abode. Here's how to set it up.
    By Brad Chacos 11 years ago
    How-To

    How to change the voice on your Android phone

    The option is in the phone's accessibility menu
    By Nick Barber 11 years ago
    How-To

    Laptop makeover: 5 ways to extend its useful life

    You can rebuild it. You have the technology. And if it's acting tired, you have little to lose.
    By Marco Chiappetta 11 years ago
    How-To

    Essential tools for building, repairing, and upgrading PCs (and other electronic devices)

    Using the right tools can mean the difference between a satisfyingly successful project and a regrettable disaster.
    By Marco Chiappetta 11 years ago
    How-To

    How to reset the Wi-Fi password at your parents’ house on your holiday travels

    Nothing spoils holiday travel quite like getting locked out of the house Wi-Fi. Here's how to help your folks set their networks aright.
    By Rick Broida 11 years ago
    How-To

    Windows 8 buying guide: How to buy the best laptop, desktop, tablet, or hybrid

    Windows 8 works on them all. Here's how to buy the best one for you.
    By Brad Chacos 11 years ago
    How-To

    Ultrabook Buying Guide 2013: How to find the right Ultrabook

    Don't know what specs a laptop has to sport to bear Intel's Ultrabook seal of approval? Don't worry: We'll tell you everything you need to know about this ultra-portable line of laptops.
    By Yardena Arar 11 years ago
    How-To

    How to live large on every battery charge

    These handy tips will help you wring every watt-minute out of your laptop and other mobile devices.
    By Jon L. Jacobi 11 years ago
    How-To

    Keep your laptop safe and secure while you travel

    PCs make great travel companions, but you need to treat them right.
    By Alex Cocilova 11 years ago
    How-To

    Laptop buying guide 2013: How to find the right notebook for you

    It’s been a good year for laptops. We can help you find the best one for your needs.
    By Yardena Arar 11 years ago
    How-To

    Security to go: Three tips to keep your mobile data safe

    It’s not easy keeping your devices secure, and mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and, of course, laptops are no exception. But you can do a few things to improve your mobile security. Here’s a look at three of them.
    By Ian Paul 11 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    How to add a third monitor to your laptop

    What's better than a two-screen setup? A three-screener, of course. Here's how to work around the video-output limitation.
    By Rick Broida 11 years ago
    Answer Line

    Why you may want a desktop instead of a laptop

    Patrick Moore asked the Laptops forum about the advantages of going with a desktop computer
    By Lincoln Spector 11 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    My laptop just hit the floor. You won’t believe what happened

    Laptop + gravity = disaster, right? Not necessarily. Here's how I learned an important lesson.
    By Rick Broida 11 years ago
    How-To

    Unlock your Surface RT tablet’s hidden superpowers

    The Surface RT might seem limited, but smart use of its connectivity and apps can make it an able sidekick for your computing needs.
    By Marco Chiappetta 11 years ago
    How-To

    How to buy a laptop for college

    Light. Fast. Not too expensive. Study up on the most important specs for long days at class and long nights at the library.
    By Alex Cocilova 11 years ago
    Answer Line

    In Android, move a photo to another folder

    Once he's snapped a photo with his Android phone, Bob wants to move it to another folder
    By Lincoln Spector 11 years ago
    How-To

    Weekend Project! Install the Windows 8.1 preview

    If the Fourth of July's heat is too much, why not sit inside and install Windows 8.1 while you kick back with a refreshing beverage?
    By Mark Hachman 12 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    Tips for hassle-free computing at 33,000 feet

    Before you board your next flight, learn how to make the friendly skies at little friendlier to your tech.
    By Rick Broida 12 years ago
    How-To

    Five surefire ways to maximize your laptop’s battery life

    Laptops are awesome—until your battery gives up the ghost, instantly killing your productivity. Follow these tips to avoid the problem.
    By Paul Mah 12 years ago
    Answer Line

    Cool down an overheated laptop

    Gamersim17's laptop was "getting intensely hot." He turned to the Laptops forum for advice
    By Lincoln Spector 12 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    Even new PCs can have problems

    Don't expect a totally hassle-free experience with that new laptop or desktop. Do be prepared for issues to crop up.
    By Rick Broida 12 years ago
    How-To

    My car, my office: Essential gadgets for the road warrior

    Discover how to stay productive when you spend more time behind a steering wheel than behind a desk.
    By Christopher Null 12 years ago
    Answer Line

    Keep your laptop battery healthy: Use it sparingly

    Sibi Marcos asked about removing a laptop's battery to increase it's life.
    By Lincoln Spector 12 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    How to uninstall apps in Windows 8

    Once again, Microsoft has managed to add a level of frustration to what should be a simple task.
    By Rick Broida 12 years ago
    How-To

    12 easy PC tasks you should be doing (but aren’t)

    The excuses end here! Get your PC into tip-top shape by performing these 12 simple tweaks.
    By Alex Castle 12 years ago
    How-To

    Make your business shine online: 8 steps to boost visibility

    Getting seen on the Web can feel next to impossible. Here's how your small business can overcome the odds and stand out from the crowd.
    By Christopher Null 12 years ago
    Replace your laptop screen without spending a fortune
    Answer Line

    Replace your laptop screen without spending a fortune

    When Carlene Primus' laptop fell and cracked its screen, someone wanted to charge her $1,200 for the repair. She asked about cheaper alternatives.
    By Lincoln Spector 12 years ago
    How-To

    Faster, better, stronger: Get your PC in tip-top shape

    Is your PC bogging down? It's time to purge the junk, protect your precious files, and ultimately improve performance!
    By Marco Chiappetta 12 years ago
    How-To

    How to clean up your business’s online reputation

    The health of your small business is only as good as the way people perceive it. If someone is badmouthing you on the Web, here's how to clean things up.
    By Christopher Null 12 years ago
    How-To

    A road warrior’s guide to locking down your laptop

    Have notebook, will travel? Here's how to protect your valuable notebook against prying eyes, snatching hands, and malicious Wi-Fi connections.
    By Alex Castle 12 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    How to make your Surface RT touchscreen respond faster

    Bet you didn't know you could tweak a Surface's Registry. You can, and this hack helps reduce touchscreen lag time.
    By Rick Broida 12 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    How to make your own wrist-rest

    You can use a variety of household objects to keep your mouse hand warm and comfy and your wrist supported.
    By Rick Broida 12 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    The one thing you should never do while traveling

    Taking a trip? Bringing a laptop? Save yourself a lot of grief by avoiding this common mistake.
    By Rick Broida 12 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    Three New Year’s resolutions for PC users

    Want to keep your computer running smoothly in 2013? Make these tasks part of your regular routine.
    By Rick Broida 12 years ago
    Hassle-Free PC

    How to clean your laptop’s cooling fans

    If you don't do this once in a while, your laptop can get clogged with dust, overheat, and die prematurely.
    By Rick Broida 12 years ago
    How-To

    How to buy the best laptop in the age of Windows 8

    Laptops have changed dramatically in the past few months, making buying choices more difficult. We help you navigate the mobile PC maze.
    By Loyd Case 12 years ago
    Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next
    PCWorld helps you navigate the PC ecosystem to find the products you want and the advice you need to get the job done.
    • Policies
      • Privacy Policy
      • Cookie Policy
      • Copyright Notice
      • European Privacy Settings
      • Member Preferences
      • Editorial independence
      • Licensing & Eprints
      • California: Do not Sell my Personal Info
    • About
      • About Us
      • Advertise
      • Ad Choice
      • Contact Us
      • Foundry Careers
      • GamePro
      • Smart Answers
    • PCWorld Categories
      • Business

        Laptop

        Mobile

        PC Hardware

        Storage

        Deals

        TechHive

    • Subscribe
      • Recent cover images of Macworld Digital Magazine
      • Digital Magazine - Subscribe

        Digital Magazine - Info

        Gift Subscription

        Newsletters

    Copyright © 2025 IDG Communications, Inc.
    Top Of Page