Latest Windows How-To Stories
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How-To
Smart free software lets you search Windows faster
Windows' own search function is okay, but there are alternatives.
How-To
Use virtual desktops in Windows 10 and 11 to help you stay more organized
Learn how to utilize virtual desktops in Windows 10 and 11 to save precious desktop space and organize your workplaces more efficiently.
How-To
How to save a website as an app
Saving a website as an application makes it faster to open and easier to use. We show you how to do it.
Tip
How to switch off Windows' search history
If you open the Windows 11 search in the taskbar, you'll be bombarded by illustrated advertisements and search suggestions. They are automatically set to default, but you can easily turn them off.
How-To
Windows 11: How to change the size of the taskbar
If you want a narrower or wider taskbar, you'll need to dive into Windows 11's registry.
How-To
Make a detailed list of your installed programs with this free PC tool
Uninstall View's saved program lists make it easy to repopulate your PC after reinstalling Windows.
Tip
Microsoft Windows has a secret emergency restart button
Did you know Microsoft hid an emergency restart option in Windows 10 and Windows 11? Here's where to find it.
How-To
Make Windows easier to use: 5 helpful tips and tricks
We've got the best tips, tricks, and hidden functions to make your everyday life on a Windows PC easier.
How-To
How to find power-hogging software with Windows Task Manager
If you're trying to salvage every last bit of battery life on your laptop, the Windows Task Manager can help you find the programs consuming the most power.
How-To
7 Microsoft Outlook tips everyone should know
Want to become an Outlook power user? Here's how to organize emails perfectly, find information faster, optimize settings, and more.
How-To
The best virtual machine tools for Windows: Run a PC inside your PC
These are the very best VM tools you can use to set up a virtual PC in Windows 10 or 11.
How-To
How to upgrade to Windows 11: Every option explained
We'll show you how to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using several easy methods, from downloading an ISO to using Windows 10's Windows Update tool.
Feature
Setting up a local account in Windows 11 is tricky. Here's how to do it
Turns out Microsoft didn’t truly kill off local accounts in Windows 11—and thank goodness, because you’d otherwise be out of luck if you have no internet.
How-To
How to tune Windows 10 for laser-focused productivity
Windows 10 is chock full of tools that can eliminate distractions, optimize your workflow, and make you all-around more productive—but they aren't always obvious.
Updated
How to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10
Windows 11 gives Microsoft's operating system a bold new look, but you can still make it feel (mostly) familiar. Here's how.
Tip
Take full control over your keyboard with this handy Windows tool
Hate parts of your keyboard layout? Override those annoyances with Microsoft PowerToys’ Keyboard Manager.
How-To
How to add other users to Windows 11 on PC
Need to add another person to your home computer? Not a problem. We'll guide you every step of the way.
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