Latest Windows How-To Stories
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How-To
How to use Microsoft Lists
Whether you need to track recipes or employee onboarding. Microsoft Lists will help you stay better organized and ahead of the game.
How-To
How to set up Windows 11's family safety feature
If you need to restrict your kid's online access, don't sweat it. We'll show you how to set up Windows 11's useful family safety feature.
How-To
Supercharge Windows with Microsoft's free PowerToys
Microsoft's PowerToys are a set of free Windows tools that accomplish common, useful tasks quickly. Here's how they help me, and how they can help you as well.
How-To
How to change time zones automatically in Windows 11
If you're a frequent traveler, you'll want to make sure your laptop reflects the time zone you're currently in. Here's how to do it.
Tip
This Microsoft Edge feature drives me insane. Luckily there's a fix
Microsoft Edge's tie-in with Windows multitasking settings probably helps other people's efficiency, but it slows me down. Fortunately, you can change how Alt + Tab behaves.
How-To
How to check for Windows 11 updates
Updating Windows 11 is a surefire way to keep your computer running optimally.
How-To
How to block blue light on Windows 11
Do you suffer from eye strain? If so, Windows 11 has a built-in feature that blocks blue light. Here's how to enable it.
How-To
Speed up your Windows PC with this 60-second tune-up tip
It's a dead-simple trick, but so few PC users do it. Here's how to improve PC performance by disabling Windows startup apps
How-To
How to connect your email address to the Windows 11 Mail app
Need to connect your email address to the Windows 11 Mail app? Here's how to do it.
How-To
How to use personal photos for your Windows 11 background
A step-by-step guide on how to add personalized photos to your computer space.
How-To
Got an iPhone? Here's how to get Apple iMessages on Windows 11
With Intel's Unison app and Windows 11, you can read and respond to iMessages straight from your PC.
Tip
This fun Windows mouse trick instantly hides all inactive windows
Once known as Aero Shake, this long-standing feature will immediately clear your screen of unwanted clutter—until you use it again to restore them again.
Tip
Clueless about how to write Excel formulas? Use AI
Writing Excel formulas isn't easy if you don't speak the language. Fortunately, at least two sites will translate your request, in English, into Excel code.
Tip
File Explorer tabs are finally in Windows! Here's how to use them to simplify your life
Windows 11 has quietly added a new feature in the last couple of months: a tabbed File Explorer interface. It makes moving and copying files so much simpler.
How-To
10 Windows 11 tips and tricks we use to customize our PCs
Whether you've bought a new PC or just want to become more productive, these Windows 11 tips are ones you should try.
Tip
Happy Festivus! Air your Windows grievances via the Feedback Hub
The Windows 10 and Windows 11 Feedback Hub is the place to put your complaints, praise, and suggestions about Windows.
Updated
How to add check boxes to Microsoft Word documents
Adding check boxes to a list on Microsoft Word is surprisingly straightforward. Here's how to do it.
How-To
Can't find that file? These advanced Windows Search tips can help
Windows Search doesn't look particularly effective. But with a little knowledge and tweaking, you can find almost anything you're looking for.
How-To
How to use the Windows HDR Calibration app to make your monitor shine
Windows 11 has a new free Windows HDR Calibration app that will quickly allow you to tweak your HDR display to make it look its best. Here's how to use it.
How-To
Clean crapware off your PC in minutes with this free app
Need to remove software from your PC in a hurry? Bulk Crap Uninstaller is much more efficient than the default Windows uninstaller.
How-To
How to sideload unsupported Android apps in Windows 11
Windows 11 can run Android apps, but only a limited number from Amazon's Appstore. Here's how to sideload unsupported Android apps you want to use.
How-To
How to use Samsung's Galaxy Tab as a second display for your PC
If you own a Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet, you already have a terrific second display for both work or business travel. Here's how to use it.
How-To
3 ways to quickly connect Bluetooth devices in Windows 11
Microsoft nerfed a useful keyboard shortcut for Bluetooth devices in Windows 11, but you can work around it.
Updated
Is your Windows product key reusable? Here’s how to find out
Want to reuse your existing Windows license key with a new PC? We explain how to determine if that’s possible.
How-To
How to find the recovery key for your encrypted Windows 11 PC
Chances are that Microsoft automatically encrypted your PC during setup. But don’t worry—that key should be safely stored. Here’s where to find it.
How-To
How to install or move your Xbox PC games to any folder
Microsoft finally gives users some control over their Xbox game files.
Updated
3 easy steps anyone can take now to back up a PC
It really doesn't take much to set up a solid backup protocol for your PC. Here are the basics, with pointers to more details.
How-To
How to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10
Don’t like Windows 11? You can go back to Windows 10. Here’s how.
Tip
Finally upgrading an older PC to Windows 10 or 11? Don't skip this time-saving step
A little preparation can nip activation problems in the bud when upgrading from Windows 7 or 8.1 to a newer version.
How-To
Windows 11 quietly adds subscription info to Settings
All Windows 11 users, and not just those who subscribe to Microsoft's beta programs, should see this new account subscriptions feature within the Windows 11 Settings menu. Here's how to use it and what to expect.
How-To
How to install Windows 11's new Android apps on your PC
Microsoft is expected to allow all Windows 11 PCs to install Android apps from the Amazon Appstore later this month. Here's how to do it.
How-To
How to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11
Need to troubleshoot your Windows 11 PC? Safe Mode to the rescue! Here's how to get into it
How-To
How to tell which version of Windows you have
Knowing your version and edition of Windows is useful, especially if you’re about to upgrade. Here are several fast ways to get the info.
How-To
How to stop Microsoft Teams from automatically loading on your PC
If you're tired of Microsoft Teams automatically launching when you boot or restart your PC, there's an easy way to fix the problem without uninstalling the app. The Teams-based Chat app can be disabled, too.
How-To
How to uninstall programs in Windows 11
Need to clear out some cruft? Here's how to uninstall programs in Windows 11.
How-To
How to find your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11
Don't get locked out of your wireless network. Here's how to find your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11
How-To
How to encrypt files in Windows
Whether you use Windows Pro's built-in Bitlocker or the free Veracrypt utility, encrypting a file, folder, or drive is an easy way to keep your sensitive documents secure.
How-To
How to turn on (and use) Bluetooth in Windows 10
Bluetooth makes connecting wireless devices easy. Here's how to activate it in Windows 10, and to make the operating system see your Bluetooth devices
How-To
How to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Pro using an OEM code
Windows 10 Pro includes extra security features compared to Windows 10 Home, and you’ll need it installed before you upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
How-To
Windows 10 Display Settings superguide: How to adjust every feature
Find those Windows Display settings a bit confusing? This tutorial explains every single adjustment, drop-down, and toggle in the Display control panel.
How-To
Clippy is back to troll your friends in Microsoft Teams
If you want to make your coworkers' lives miserable, use a Clippy sticker on Microsoft Teams. Here's how to do it.
How-To
How to charge your Surface laptop to 100%: Solving the smart charging mystery
Microsoft's latest Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio include smart charging, a feature that protects the battery by keeping it from being fully charged. Here's how to turn that off so you can fully charge your laptop.
How-To
How to switch out of Windows 11 S Mode
Windows 11 Home in S Mode may ship by default on PCs like the Surface Go 3, preventing you from installing "unverified" apps that aren't in the Windows Store. Here's how to upgrade from Windows 11 S to Windows 11 Home.
How-To
How to turn on Auto HDR in Windows 11
Windows 11's Auto HDR tech lets you experience eye-popping visuals even in games that don't natively support HDR. Here's how to turn it on.
How-To
How to remove the Widgets button from Windows 11
With just a few clicks, you can get rid of the Widgets button (or Search, or the Task View virtual desktops) from Windows 11.
Updated
How to speed up your laptop with Windows 11’s power mode
Windows has an easy way to increase your PC's performance. In Windows 11, it's called the Power Mode. We'll show you how to find Power Mode in Windows 11.
How-To
How to move Windows 11’s Start menu to the left corner
If you don't like the new, centered look of Windows 11's Start menu and Taskbar icons, here's how to move them back to their familiar left-hand corner.
How-To
How to protect yourself from the new Microsoft Office hack
A step-by-step guide to make sure Office's Protected View is keeping you safe from the latest attack.
How-To
11 ways to open Command Prompt in Windows
If you want to execute a task from the command line in Windows, you first have to open Command Prompt. Here are 11 ways to do that.
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