Latest Windows How-To Stories
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How-To
How to install Windows apps on an SD card or USB drive
Windows 8 won't let you install the apps found in the Windows Store to external storage–but you can force the matter.Answer Line
When the time comes, you’ll be able to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7
Based on the previews of Windows 10 so far, the OS will have some Windows 7-like capabilities. Third-party utilities could help, too.Hassle-Free PC
3 surprisingly easy PC repairs you should do yourself
You could pay someone to take care of these repairs for you, but you'd be surprised how easy they are with a little patience.Answer Line
Why your PC has two Program Files folders, and why one of them is (x86)
Windows installs each program into one of two folders. Here's why they don't all go to the same place, and what the number 86 has to do with it.Hassle-Free PC
How to personalize your PC’s power settings for every situation
Need to make sure your PC never turns off, or you want the most extreme power savings possible? Here's how you can set up your own power plan.Answer Line
The art of Windows file search
Arnoldas Zdanevicius needed help finding a file. Windows' built-in search tool can be a powerful ally–if you know its tricks.Answer Line
How to bypass Windows AutoPlay when you plug in an external drive, and go straight to Explorer
The AutoPlay menu gives you lots of options, but if you always want just one, you can customize it.Answer Line
How to install two or more operating systems on one PC
Sure, you can run Windows and Linux, or two versions of Windows, all on the same PC. Just follow these steps to do it right.
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Streamline keyboard shortcuts even more with Sticky Keys
Tired of constantly hitting that Windows key when you want to take multiple screenshots? Try using Sticky Keys instead.
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This trick can quickly fix many mysterious hardware failures
You can't do much if your hardware is truly broken, but often PC component issues come down to a software problem you can fix in a few clicks.Answer Line
Windows System Restore: You can adjust this utility to save your PC image more often
When Windows gets messed up, System Restore allows you to go back to a better time…but only if it's been creating system points regularly.Hassle-Free PC
3 tools for finding and eradicating duplicate files on your hard drive
Do you have more files than space on your PC? These three tools can help you eke out a little more free space by getting rid of duplicate files and folders on your hard drive.Hassle-Free PC
How to run Windows programs in a browser tab for free
Need to make a quick photo edit in Irfanview or zip some files? Cameyo can help you get that done.
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Restore a Windows 8 or Windows 7 image backup to an unbootable PC
An image backup can restore a hopelessly messed up Windows installation. But how do you restore a backup when you can't boot Windows?Hassle-Free PC
Stop your flash drive from yelling about fake problems every time you plug it in
Do you get an annoying warning every time you plug your thumb drive into a PC? Here's how to fix that.How-To
Unlock Windows 10’s hidden, powerful GodMode tool
The legendary GodMode tweak returns in Windows 10. Here's how to activate it.
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How to remove encryption from a PDF file
Sometimes a PDF needs encryption. Sometimes it doesn't. Here's how and when you can remove unneeded encryption.Hassle-Free PC
Three distraction-free tools that force you to focus on your tasks
Need your PC to give you a little "encouragement" to write your next TPS report? Check out these apps.Answer Line
Enter Windows 8 Safe Mode when you can’t boot Windows 8
You can't directly boot into Windows 8's Safe Mode; you can only reboot into it. Here's how to get around that using a key drive.Answer Line
How to set Windows desktop items as public or private
You can see all of the shortcuts and files on your desktop. Other people can see some of them. Here's how to control who sees what.Hassle-Free PC
The hidden power of Windows Jump Lists
Many apps hide a treasure trove of efficiency under a right-click on the taskbar, Jump Lists.Answer Line
Windows 8 and Windows 7 Safe Modes: How to enter and when to use them
The old F8 trick no longer works with all PCs. Here are some alternate ways to enter Windows's clean, diagnostic Safe ModeAnswer Line
Personalize the Windows Explorer Navigation Bar
Want to find a favorite folder quickly? Here's how to configure your favorites and libraries in Windows 7 and 8's file managers.
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If Windows virtual memory is too low, you can increase it, but there are trade-offs
Virtual memory can expand your PC's capabilities, but it will also slow it down. Understanding the swap file will help you make the right decision.Answer Line
Here’s what to do when your touchscreen won’t work
Your Windows 8 laptop has a touchscreen, but touching it doesn't have the desired effect. Here's what to do about it.Answer Line
The Windows 10 Technical Preview, keylogging, and you
The Windows 10 Technical Preview can track your keystrokes and listen to your speech. It's for research rather than spying, but still something to keep it in mind if you're going to use it.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.Answer Line
Why you can’t use all of your RAM
Your PC has 4GB of RAM, or maybe even 8GB. But Windows doesn't even use 4GB. Here's what's going on.Hassle-Free PC
Three free tools that reveal your PC’s deepest details (including product keys)
Finding a complete list of your specs is easy enough in Windows, but these apps go deeper than the Control Panel ever could.Updated
How to get Windows 10’s best new features today
A Start Menu, the ability to run Metro apps in desktop windows, and more are coming to Windows 10, but you can get the best features today thanks to some helpful software.Hassle-Free PC
Need help? Microsoft Stores offer free tech support, PC tune-ups, malware removal
If you've got a problem with your PC. The Microsoft Store may be able to fix it for you for free.Answer Line
How to remove the Windows shortcut arrow from desktop icons
You don't need a little arrow in the corner to tell you that icon is a shortcut. Here's how to remove it.Hassle-Free PC
Will that game play on your PC? Can You Run It tells you
Can You Run It scans your PC and compares it against a game's hardware requirements.Answer Line
How to stop autoloading programs in Windows 7 and Windows 8
Every time you boot Windows, a whole lot of programs load automatically. Some of them you need, while some of them are pointless. Here's how to trim the fat.Hassle-Free PC
How to get (mostly) stock Android on your phone easily with CyanogenMod
CyanogenMod has an almost one-click installer to install the community-driving ROM onto your Android device.Answer Line
How to clean your Windows Temp folder
Windows temporary files can stack up and waste storage space. Here's how to check for clutter and clean it out.Answer Line
What to do when your USB device doesn’t work
You plug a USB device into your PC's USB port…and nothing happens. Now what?Answer Line
Personalize the Windows 7 Start menu
You can easily configure the Windows 7 Start menu, changing the look and putting your favorite programs front and center.Hassle-Free PC
Automate your morning programs with Windows Task Scheduler
Windows' Task Scheduler makes it easy to have your PC do some of your work for you while you get your morning coffee.Hassle-Free PC
How to clear absolutely everything off your desktop in Windows 8.1
Want to have a spartan desktop with not so much as a Recycle Bin visible? Here's how to do just that.Answer Line
What happens when Microsoft ends Windows 7 mainstream support next year
Next January, Microsoft will end mainstream support for Windows 7. But relax. That won't be end of the popular operating system.Answer Line
One of the best password managers for your PC, devices, and the cloud
You need a password manager; it's as important as antivirus. KeePass can do the job on all of your devices.Hassle-Free PC
Three easy ways to separate work and play on the same PC
If you've got strict divisions between your work and play identities online, what's the easiest way to keep the two worlds from colliding? Here are three suggestions.How-To
Virtual hard drives: The IT pro trick that lets you back up your data for free
IT professionals have used virtual hard drives for years in servers and virtual machines, but you can also use VHDs to back up your data. we'll show you how and when to do this.How-To
Dress up your Word document with page numbers, a table of contents and more
Word's tools and wizards make it easy to show off your work with professional-looking formats.Hassle-Free PC
How to securely overwrite deleted files with a built-in Windows tool
When you delete a file in Windows, you're just removing the pointer. The data is still there. Here's how to make sure that data is gone, baby, gone.Answer Line
How to kill unwanted processes and applications that slow down Windows
Windows PCs run a whole lot of code in the background, much of which slows you down and provides little or no benefit. Here's how to stop them.How-To
How to use Chocolatey: A delicious Windows package manager
Get a taste of automated app installation with this sweet command-line tool.
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How to move Outlook Data to a new PC
Bringing your documents and spreadsheets to a new PC is easy. But if you use Outlook, moving your email, contacts, and appointments may be a bit tricky.Hassle-Free PC