How-To
SEE LATEST HOW-TO STORIES BY CATEGORY
How-To
LocalSend: A free, super fast way to transfer files over Wi-Fi
LocalSend: Fast local file transfers over Wi-Fi with a free, open-source app
Tip
Google's dark web monitoring is actually pretty helpful
I didn’t know the depth of this feature until my family got an early alert about the recent AT&T data leak.
Tip
Should I disconnect my PC from the internet when I have a virus?
It is often recommended to disconnect the internet connection in the event of a virus attack. But is it really sensible or even necessary to disconnect the computer from the internet?
Tip
Oculink: The blazing-fast new tech enabling better external GPUs
Oculink is entering the interface market as a potential game changer. The technology promises to be a cost-effective and fast alternative to Thunderbolt.
How-To
The fastest way to install your apps on a new PC
Winget, the built-in Windows tool, will install all of your favorite applications in a snap.
How-To
How to connect your iPhone or iPad to your big-screen TV
Try these options when you want to mirror iPhone or iPad content on a bigger screen.
How-To
The right amount of thermal paste for your CPU
Applying heat-conducting paste optimally is not a complex matter, but simple, quick and effective — if you know how.
Tip
Windows 11 power tip: How to use the old task manager
You're using the new Windows 11 Task Manager, but you like the old Task Manager better? No problem: With this trick, you can start the old task manager immediately.
Tip
When should you upgrade your PC’s motherboard?
Choosing a new motherboard is a far-reaching decision when building a PC. It influences both the present and the future of system performance.
How-To
How to turn your laptop into a desktop workstation
If you're not going anywhere for a while with your laptop, why not kick back and get the full desktop experience? Here's how.
Tip
How to fight the new Windows Outlook app and keep Mail…for now
Microsoft is trying to kidnap Mail users and put them into the new Outlook app! Here's how to fight back and resist.
How-To
How to build a killer 1080p gaming PC for just $700
Looking to build your own 1080p gaming PC? Well, you can do it for just $712–here's how.
How-To
Why I won’t spend a fortune on a gaming microphone
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need an expensive USB gaming microphone. But the truth is you can make even a cheap mic sound like a pro-grade device with a few smart settings tweaks. Here's how…
How-To
This hidden trick reveals your Wi-Fi password in Windows
You don't need a special program to view your saved Wi-Fi passwords in Windows 11 anymore. Yay!
How-To
6 basic mistakes to avoid when installing a motherboard
This guidance will ensure your motherboard installation goes smoothly and your system functions optimally afterwards.
How-To
Why are your Windows Defender antivirus scans slow? Here's how to find out
If the scan of your hard drive with Microsoft Defender seems to take forever, it's worth finding out why.
How-To
Caution: These PC noises are warning signals
If your PC makes noises that are more reminiscent of an avant-garde orchestra than a quiet working environment, it's high time to listen more closely.
How-To
How to create custom Windows icons from your own images
Here's how to change the look of the icons — to any image.
How-To
Streaming Major League Baseball games: A how-to guide
Watching Major League Baseball without a cable subscription can be as difficult as hitting a hard slider. Our cord-cutting guide will help you find the sweet spot.
How-To
Windows Hello can protect your Chrome passwords. Here's how
This quick change to your settings blocks unauthorized use of passwords saved to your Google account.
Tip
This free Windows app makes me actually use my standing desk
A surprising find in the Windows Store is helping my back and restoring my faith in indie app developers.
How-To
How to use a laptop with multiple monitors: The ultimate guide
If you work exclusively with your laptop, and enjoy media or play games, a second or third screen is a must. You can find suitable solutions here.
Tip
Windows: How to only allow software from the Microsoft Store
Programs from the Internet aren't centrally controlled and may contain malicious code. It can be safer to only allow apps from the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC.
Tip
How to roll back a problematic Windows update
Windows updates are supposed to solve existing bugs, but they can also cause new problems. For this reason, Microsoft introduced the Known Issue Rollback (KIR) three years ago.
How-To
Beyond Chrome: Switch to these 6 obscure browsers for better security
Users demand that their browsers protect them from tracking and other attempts to spy on them on the internet. A new generation of programs now specialize in protecting privacy.
How-To
Fooocus is the easiest way to create AI art on your PC
The simplest and best way to generate AI art on your PC is Fooocus, a free Windows app that uses your laptop's GPU to generate sophisticated art creations. And it's a snap to set up.
How-To
How to save papers, photos, and analog music digitally
If you still have analog media such as records, music cassettes, or paper prints of photos and other valuable documents at home, you can digitize them without much effort and expense. We show you how it's done.
How-To
How to prevent (or survive) a ransomware attack
Whether you're looking to stop a ransomware attack before it happens, or have already been victimized by this particularly nasty malware, we have tips to both thrive and survive.
How-To
Raspberry Pi 5: The 6 best tips, tricks & applications for the single-board PC
What is the best way to optimize the Raspberry Pi 5? We have summarized the best tips and tricks for you.
How-To
Gmail: How to schedule emails to send at specific times
How to send reminders to yourself at the desired times.
How-To
Change these 5 Windows settings to improve your data privacy
Would you like to improve data protection in Windows without much effort? Then simply flip five switches in the Windows 10 or 11 settings.
How-To
How to test your VPN speed
Many VPNs claim to have the fastest connection speeds. Here's how to check if your VPN's speeds are truly as fast as claimed.
How-To
Meet Only Office: This free Microsoft Office rival is delightfully robust
Only Office is not only free, the competitor to Microsoft, Libre, and Open Office also works extremely quickly. Versions for all platforms enable teamwork and are easy to use.
How-To
How do I remove malware from my PC?
Removing malware from your PC could be simple – or not. Here's everything you need to know.
How-To
14 Windows tools and tricks that save you serious time
From time to time Windows needs some extra attention. These tools help to minimize the effort so you can concentrate on the really important things.
How-To
Sick of Outlook? It's the perfect time to try Thunderbird again
Are you looking for a modern and powerful email client? We recommend you take a look at the new Thunderbird with Supernova interface. You will benefit from a refreshed look and a high level of suitability for everyday use.
Tip
Unsure if a link is safe? Use these anti-phishing tools to check
Free services from security software vendors can provide a second opinion on web addresses you’re not sure about. Here's how to use these anti-phishing services.
How-To
How to protect your digital accounts from hackers
Most people today have several user accounts on different websites. Here's how to keep them safe.
How-To
Securing the home network – smart tricks and settings
Keep the hackers away and protect your other gadgets if any device suffers a breach or malware.
How-To
Painting on the PC: The right accessories and best software
Many people paint to relax. But who has the space for dozens of coloring pads, chalks, and pens, let alone easels and canvases? We show you what you need for digital painting and drawing.
Updated
How to get antivirus software for cheap
Upgrading from Windows Defender doesn’t have to cost a lot. Here’s how you can save serious cash on third-party antivirus apps.
Updated
How to use Microsoft's free PC Manager for a digital spring cleaning
Microsoft PC Manager emerged last year, but it's now a full-featured utility app available for download from the Microsoft Store. It promises to clean and boost your PC. Is it useful? Yes!
How-To
How to digitize and declutter your CDs and DVDs
A guide to converting CDs and DVDs to digital formats while selling the discs you no longer need.
How-To
Hardware acceleration: A turbo button for PC software
In order to benefit from faster loading times, you often come across the term "hardware acceleration." What exactly is this?
How-To
How to get started with Windows’ free ‘new Outlook’ app
The new Outlook is available for Windows and macOS and allows you to manage your emails, contacts, and appointments in a single app in Windows and macOS. The free Outlook is definitely worth a look.
How-To
How to pick the best microSD card for your security camera
Cameras with a microSD card slot offer enhanced privacy and freedom from paying for cloud storage subscriptions. We'll show you how to find the best one.
Tip
You should always memorize these two passwords
If you use a password manager, you might believe you need to remember just one password only. But you really should keep at least two in your head.
How-To
Protect and secure your Windows computer: A practical guide
Keep your computers safe with the right settings — and the right attitude.
How-To
The easiest way to run a private AI chatbot on your PC
Here's how to run a local LLM (or AI chatbot) on your PC: try GPT4All, a local LLM that quickly downloads and can run right on your PC's CPU.
How-To