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Windows Guides

An Alienware + Windows 11 PC gaming setup.

How to optimize Windows 11 and Windows 10 for gaming

Windows is the place to be for PC gamers, but it's not perfect for gaming out of the box. Here's how to optimize your Windows 11 laptop or desktop for gaming.
A man sits, using a laptop running the Windows 11 operating system.

Here’s how much RAM Windows 11 actually uses

Windows 11 may use more RAM than Windows 10, but how much is it exactly? We'll tell you everything you need to know about Windows 11 RAM usage.
Windows 11 logo on a laptop.

There are two versions of Windows 11. Here’s how to decide between them

Wondering which version of Windows 11 you need? We’ll walk you through a comparison of Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home so that you can decide.
The HP 15 laptop on a table.

How to factory reset an HP laptop to start fresh or for resale

Does your HP laptop require a dreaded factory reset? Fortunately, this isn’t too complicated of a process, and our guide should be a big help!
The Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse on a desk next to a MacBook.

How to connect a wireless mouse to a laptop

You can connect a wireless mouse to your laptop with its bespoke USB receiver or by using Bluetooth -- or both! Here's how to do it.
Screenshot showing battery life in Windows.

How to check your laptop battery health

You can generate a Windows battery report to see how healthy your laptop battery is.
A laptop running Windows 11.

Windows 11 24H2: Here’s the big update that’s coming soon

There might not be a Windows 12 release this year, but its features might come to Windows 11. Here's what we know so far.
AMD showing Curve Shaper in the BIOS.

What is the BIOS and how to use it

The BIOS or UEFI is an interface you can use to examine core settings on your PC and make important boot changes. Here's how to access it and what you can do.
A pair of G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5 RAM modules.

How to test RAM: troubleshooting to find bad RAM

RAM is one of the key components of any computer. If you're diagnosing a problem with your PC, it's a good idea to check your RAM.
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

How to show hidden files in Windows

If you've hidden certain files away, they aren't lost. Here's how to show hidden files so you can more easily interact with them again.
Windows 11 logo on a laptop.

Which operating system is safest to use?

Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux -- which is the safest to use? Each have their strengths and weaknesses. Here's what we think is the most secure.
A Dell laptop with Windows 10 sitting on a desk.

Windows 10 end-of-life: Here’s when you’ll be forced to upgrade and what to do

Windows 10 is officially reaching its end of life in 2025. If you haven't upgraded to Windows 11 yet, here's what you need to do to be ready.
A person using a laptop that displays various Microsoft Office apps.

How to get Microsoft Office for free

Microsoft Office can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Here's how to get Microsoft Office for free, using trials and student discounts.
A photo of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro and Recuva Professional side-by-sdie on a PC monitor.

I tested two of the best data recovery services. Here’s which to use

This hands-on comparison of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro and Recuva Professional reveals which is the best file restoration app for you.
Android App running on a Windows 11 PC

How to install Android apps on Windows 11

Windows 11 supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, but getting everything set up is tricky. Here's how to install Android apps on Windows 11.
A close-up of the gold MacBook Air M1's keyboard.

Can you use Control-Alt-Delete on a Mac? Here’s the answer

Wondering if there’s a Control-Alt-Delete shortcut in macOS? Our guide has the answer, with everything you need to know about using this shortcut on your Mac.

How to hide the taskbar in Windows

If you need to learn how to hide the taskbar in Windows, it's easier than you might think. In just a few clicks, you can make it vanish. Here's how to do it.
Installing RAM in a desktop PC.

How to build a PC from scratch: A beginner’s guide

Building a computer might seem intimidating, but DIY PC building can be a lot of fun. And with a little help, anyone can do it. Here's how.
Dell XPS Desktop 8960 with the side panel removed.

How to check what motherboard you have in two easy steps

Checking your motherboard model isn't hard to do, but it's not as intuitive as other components. Here's how to find out.
The keyboard and trackpad of the MacBook Pro.

How to choose between a MacBook and a Windows laptop

The MacBooks versus Windows laptops debate has been raging for decades, but never has it been this intense or important.

How to block a website

Need to learn how to block a particular website from your kids? Here are multiple ways to do so, using both first- and third-party software on Windows and Macs.
A ship sailing peacefully in Sea of Thieves.

How to sail solo in Sea of Thieves

Looking to sail the ocean blue in Sea of Thieves, but don't want to assemble a ramshackle crew of scoundrels? These tips will help you best other crews alone.
A person using a Linux laptop.

How to dual boot Linux and Windows

Dual booting Linux and Windows is simple, and in this guide, we'll walk you through how to do it on your PC step-by-step.
A person listening to music on headphones.

How to convert FLAC to MP3 on Mac, Windows, and web

Converting FLAC to MP3 is pretty straightforward, but doing so is going to affect the quality of the latter. Here’s a guide on how to go from A to B.
Google Chrome with pinned tabs on a MacBook on a table.

How to delete Google Chrome on Windows and Mac

Sick of using Google Chrome as your default web browser? Here’s how to delete it from Windows 11, Windows 10, and macOS.
Windows 11's Phone Link on a Dell XPS Laptop.

How to change your IP address on Mac and Windows

Changing your computer’s IP address isn’t complicated, but it involves more than a single step. Here’s how to do change your address in both Windows and MacOS.

How to use iMessage on Windows

Apple's iMessage chat app might be an Apple exclusive, but that doesn't mean you can't use it on Windows. Here's how to do it.
A person typing on a MacBook keyboard.

Here’s how to unlock a keyboard that’s locked

A locked keyboard can be a major inconvenience as we rely on keyboards to operate our PCs and laptops. Here's a guide to how to unlock a keyboard that's locked.
Windows 11 set up on a computer.

How to resize an image on Mac, Windows, and a Chromebook

Whether you need to scale an image up or down, or change the aspect ratio, our guide covers how to resize images for Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS.
Microsoft OneDrive files can sync between a PC and a phone

How to sync files and folders to OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is an excellent cloud storage platform with numerous Windows and Microsoft 365 integrations. Here’s how to sync your files and folders.
A 2017 Microsoft Surface Pro on a table.

How to take a screenshot using a Microsoft Surface

Our comprehensive guide will help you take screenshots on your Microsoft Surface device in no time, whether you have a new model or something older.
MacOS Record Screen.

How to record your screen on Mac, Windows, and Chromebook

Need to record your computer screen for a project or to share gaming fun with friends? Here's how to do it on different platforms via various apps and tools.
A USB-C hub hanging out of the Steam Deck.

How to install Windows on a Steam Deck

You can run Windows on a Steam Deck, but the process is a little involved. Here's how to install Windows 11 or 10 on your Steam Deck and fix common erros.
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

Here’s how to combine PDF files the easy way

No matter your operating system, knowing how to combine PDF files is a good skill. We'll teach you the best ways to do so for Windows, macOS, or via the web.