Latest Windows How-To Stories
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How-To
How to defer future updates in the Windows 10 Creators Update
The Creators Update makes it much easier to delay feature and security updates than previous versions of Windows 10.How-To
How to enable Windows Sonic virtual surround sound in the Windows 10 Creators Update
The Creators Update's built-in Windows Sonic spatial sound feature is supposed to improve your headphone audio experience
Hassle-Free PC
How to use Night Light in the Windows 10 Creators Update
The Creators Update brings a built-in way to adjust your screen's color temperature and make it easier to sleep after a late-night computer session.
How-To
How to use Start menu folders in the Creators Update
Start menu folders have arrived on Windows 10 to pack more apps into a smaller space.
How-To
How to free up storage space automatically with Storage Sense in the Creators Update
The Storage Sense feature in the Creators Update automatically dumps the contents of your Recycle bin and temporary folders.
Hassle-Free PC
How to prevent installation of apps from outside the Windows Store
A new feature in the Windows 10 Creators Update helps you keep third-party apps off a PC.
Answer Line
How to reclaim file permissions and ownership in Windows
Malware or network issues can sometimes change file permissions or disown you. If you're getting a "you don't have permissions" error, here's how to fix it.Hassle-Free PC
How to remove or change the signature in Windows 10 Mail
WIndows 10's Mail app includes a "sent from Windows 10 Mail" signature by default. Here's how to change that or remove it.
How-To
Switching from Mac to PC, Part 4: How to keep your iPad and iPhone in the mix
Incorporating your iPhone and iPad into your new life with Windows is easy.
Answer Line
How to have Windows re-open active windows and programs on reboot
Jackie P. wanted to be able to reboot her PC and have it automatically open whatever was open when she closed it. Though the solution isn't perfect, it's close!Answer Line
How to re-enable delete confirmation for Sticky Notes
In Sticky Notes once you click "don't ask me again" it won't, so here's how to fix it.
Updated
Windows 10’s native Mixer support makes PC game streaming dead simple
The Windows 10 Creators update offers native support for PC game broadcasting, using Microsoft's Mixer service. What it lacks in users and features, it makes up for in sheer ease of use.
How-To
How to install Windows on an external drive
If you install Windows to an external drive, USB 3.1 can make it almost as fast as an internal drive.
Tip
How Delivery Optimization in Windows 10 Creators Update helps avoid data overage fees
Part of the Windows 10 Creators Update includes a feature called Delivery Optimization, which will help you avoid re-downloading the same patches and app updates over and over across the multiple PCs in your home.How-To
How to use Process Explorer, Microsoft’s free, supercharged Task Manager alternative
Microsoft's Process Explorer is a powerful utility that makes the built-in Windows Task Manager obsolete. Here's how to use it.
Max Productivity
4 of the best Windows 10 app launchers for increasing your productivity
Add one of these to your desktop to more quickly open programs, find important files, search the web, and more.Answer Line
How Babelsoft Media Preview reveals less-common file types in Explorer
Babelsoft Media Preview is the answer for revealing less-common multimedia files that Windows Explorer's own Preview tool doesn't support.Hassle-Free PC
How to use Mentions in Windows 10’s Mail app
Microsoft recently rolled out its Mentions feature to the Windows 10 Mail app. Here's how it works.Hassle-Free PC
How to force Cortana to use your default browser
A little program called EdgeDeflector lets you pair Cortana with the browser and search engine of your choosing.Hassle-Free PC
Three ways to restrict OneDrive uploads in Windows 10
Sometimes you need a break from the cloud when your internet connection isn't the greatest.Hassle-Free PC
How to show the taskbar on only one display in Windows 10
Taskbars across all displays are great, but if you want to keep things simple, try putting the taskbar on only one monitor.Answer Line
How Windows Explorer can help you find duplicate files
Sure, you could buy a utility to ease the task of finding duplicate files or organizing your multimedia, but Windows Explorer is quite good at it in its own right.
Answer Line
How to stop Windows 10 from rebooting after updates
One of the most annoying "features" of Windows 10 is how it no longer gives you the option to postpone a reboot after certain updates. Here's how to fix that once and for all.Hassle-Free PC
How to increase your right-click options with Right Click Tweaker
Personalize the right-click context menu in Windows by adding functions you use most.Updated
How to change Windows 10’s default web browser to Chrome, Firefox, or Opera
Windows 10 pulls a nasty trick when you upgrade: It sets your default web browser to Edge, even if you opted for Chrome or Firefox in Windows 7 or 8. Here's how to change it back.
How-To
How to create Live Tiles for your Steam games in Windows
It's not easy to turn your Steam games into Live Tiles, but this Windows Store app can help.
How-To
How to create and restore an image backup in Windows 10
Windows 10's image backup can protect your Windows configuration. Learn how to make one of your entire drive. And, should disaster strike, learn how to restore Windows from that backup.
Max Productivity
4 simple note-taking apps for Windows 10
When you want to quickly capture simple information, Evernote and OneNote can be overkill. Reach for one of these no-frills note takers instead.Hassle-Free PC
How to change the ‘Hey, Cortana’ wake word in Windows 10
Microsoft doesn't let you personalize Cortana's wake word, but this third-party program does.Hassle-Free PC
How to turn on the Ink Workspace in Windows 10
Even if you don't have a digital pen, you can still activate the Windows Ink Workspace to see what it's all about.Hassle-Free PC
4 reasons to kick off the New Year with an Office 365 Subscription
Office 365 is a great way to stay productive. Here are the main reasons you should give Office 365 a try.
Hassle-Free PC
How to incorporate keyboard shortcuts into your workflow
Keyboard shortcuts should be on every computer user's short list of skills to acquire. Here's a look at how you can use them on an average day.Hassle-Free PC
How to customize your Windows PC with Winaero Tweaker
Winaero Tweaker lets you do deep system customizations that require meddling in the registry, without directly meddling in the registry.Answer Line
Windows recovery disk tip: When and if it needs updating
Once you make your Windows recovery disk, do you ever need to update it? We asked Microsoft, and this is what we learned.Hassle-Free PC
How to sideload extensions in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge lets you install browser extensions from unofficial sources. Here's how to do it.Answer Line
4 Windows Command Prompt tricks everyone should know
For all of Windows 10's icons and tiles, sometimes, only the Command Prompt will do what you need to do. Learn these four special tricks to work smarter with your PC.Hassle-Free PC
Three tips for dealing with an unruly desktop
A cluttered Windows desktop hampers productivity. Here's how to whip your desktop into shape.Tip
How to fix a limited connectivity problem on a Windows 7 PC
Does your Windows laptop work fine at home but show a ‘limited connectivity error’ at work? A few simple changes can resolve this problem.
Answer Line
How to reinstall Windows 10 without any bloatware
Windows 10 actually has the ability to install just the OS without any additional software, which is great news for those with prebuilt systems laden with unwanted software.Tip
How to restore missing desktop icons in Windows
You’ve lost your Windows desktop icons and you want them back. Here’s how to do it.How-To
How to defer Windows 10 updates
Windows 10 forces updates on home users, but Windows 10 Pro users can slow down feature upgrades if they want.Hassle-Free PC
How to download Windows Store apps with a local account
Microsoft didn't want you to use the Windows Store without signing in with a Microsoft Account. That no longer appears to be the case.
Tip
How to stop Outlook from automatically marking emails as read
Just skimming your email? Here are some steps you can take to keep your messages marked as unread.
Tip
How to find saved Wi-Fi passwords on your Windows 10 PC
There is a simple way to show a Wi-Fi password in Windows 10—just head over to Wireless Properties.Answer Line
When your Windows 10 login password fails, you need a recovery drive
Your Windows 10 PC could lose track of your password due to an upgrade gone awry, or some other unexpected hiccup. We have a few workarounds.How-To
How to make Chrome warn you before closing
Chrome on Windows doesn't have a built-in warning dialog box before closing the browser. This workaround can help.
Max Productivity
4 ways to get things done faster with Cortana
You can have Cortana compose and send emails, capture your notes, and more with these tips.
Answer Line
How to add a Hibernate option to the Windows 10 Start menu
Windows 10 doesn't include Hibernate in the shut-down options by default, but it's easy enough to add it.Max Productivity
4 Windows 10 tools that will kickstart your productivity
Maximize screen real estate, segregate tasks, set reminders, and more with these tips.Hassle-Free PC