Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. Microsoft Windows
  4. Windows Guides

Windows Guides

windows 10 april 2019 update white theme cropped

Windows 10 May 2019 Update: Everything you need to know

While still under a beta testing period with Windows Insiders, the next version of Windows 10 -- confirmed as the May 2019 update -- is getting closer to release. Though not a massive overhaul, there are a few changes that tweak the nearly four-year-old operating system to make it fresher.
Windows 10 Notifications

How to turn off notifications in Windows 10

The Windows Action Center has a lot of useful functions, including notifications. But not everyone likes them. Here's how to customize them to your preferences.
Windows Timeline

What is Windows Polaris? Microsoft’s defunct UI explained

What is Windows Polaris? It was a component of Microsoft's supposed Windows Core OS project. Here's how it fit in the overall modular Windows picture.
How to zip a file in Windows 10

How to zip a file in Windows 10

File compression using the ZIP format is built into Windows 10. In this guide, we show how to zip a file in Windows 10 in three ways and how to unzip a file.

How to enable dark mode in Windows 11 (and 10)

Dark mode provides a dark theme to change lighter colors in Windows and File Explorer to a black background. Here's how to enable dark mode in Windows 10.
Man wearing headphones and looking at monitor.

How to fix sound problems in Windows 10

Audio problems are a common complaint for Windows 10 users, but how do you fix them? Here are some of the most common issues and how to solve them.
how to set default programs and file types in windows 10 browsers

How to set default programs and file types in Windows 10

Windows 10 comes with some great built-in apps, but that doesn't mean that better alternatives aren't out there. Here's how to set default apps and files.
Windows 10 Surface Pro 4 stock photo

Windows Update not working for your latest upgrade? Here’s how to fix it

Is Windows 10 refusing to update correctly? This problem can crop up during some updates. Here's what to know and how to get your PC updating properly again.

How to master the start menu in Windows 10

The Windows 10 Start Menu is a functional mix of old and new. Here's how to use and customize the Start Menu to make your Windows 10 PC feel more personal.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex Pro 2-in-1 Laptop

How to use Cortana

This is how to set up and use Cortana on Microsoft's latest operating system, including some helpful tips and tricks to help you use Cortana more efficiently.
how to use task view and aero snap in windows 10

Get to the task with Windows 10’s Task View and Aero Snap

Task View and the old Aero Snap are important parts of the user interface in Windows 10. Here's a quick guide on how to get the best out of these features.
Windows 10

How to join the Windows 10 Insider fast ring (and why you want to)

Not all versions of the Windows 10 preview are created equal. Here's how to enable the Fast Ring, the latest public version available.
Playstation 3 Controller

How to connect a PS3 controller to a PC

Want to connect a PS3 controller to your PC so you can jump into console-style action in your favorite games? Our guide lays out the basics for doing just that.
Windows 11 Woman on Laptop Lifestyle

How to take a screenshot on Windows 11

You can take a screenshot in Windows 11 in a few different ways. Some of them will be familiar to anyone who's taken a screenshot on Windows before.
Two hands using a HP Chromebook 14 at a table.

How to split screen on a Chromebook

Ready for a multitasking session on your Chromebook? Here's how to use split screen on your Chromebook so you can view two sites or apps at the same time.
Person sitting and using an HP computer with Windows 11.

How to use Live Captions in Windows 11: add subtitles to any audio automatically

Live Captions are a great way to better understand audio, whether it's a film, a new song, or a conversation with a friend. Here's how to enable Live Captions.
how to reinstall windows 10 cloud hands on v2

How to run Android apps in Windows

Some apps are only available on Android, which is a shame if you want to use them on a full Windows screen. Here's how to run Android apps in Windows.
Windows 11 device sitting on a stool.

The Windows 11 2022 Update has officially launched — here’s how to install it

Here's how to know if your device is eligible for the Windows 11 version 22H2 update and how to install the software for your Windows 11 or Windows 10 devices.
A Dell laptop with Windows 10 sitting on a desk.

How to create a system restore point in Windows 10

Creating system restore points in Windows 10 is a utility that can prove to be extremely useful if you're experiencing technical issues. Here's how to use it.
windows 10 october update

How to tag files in Windows 10

One of the most effective ways to optimize your Windows 10 experience is to take advantage of the tag system, helping you identify your files. We show you how.
Xbox Game Pass games on Windows 11.

Which games support Windows 11 auto HDR?

We've dug through a mountain of gaming titles to find out which games support Windows 11 auto HDR so you don't have to.
Office computer with login asking for password and username.

How to change your PC name

The name assigned to a system when buying a PC is usually a generic one reminiscent of a device ID. We take a look at how to change your PC name.

How to boot Windows from a USB drive

Did you know that you can run Windows directly off a USB drive? Here is a simple guide on how to download, create, and run Windows 11 or 10 from a USB flash drive.
The back lid of the ARM-powered ThinkPad.

Lenovo ThinkPad X13s vs. MacBook Air M1: An ARM wrestle showdown

In this guide, we compare the MacBook Air M1 and the ThinkPad X13s. Does Lenovo have what it takes to take down the laptop king of ARM chips?
A close-up of the Western Digital SN850 SSD.

What is Microsoft DirectStorage? Next-gen game loading, explained

DirectStorage is making its way to PC so that game devs can take advantage of fast NVME SSDs. But what exactly does it do, and should you care?
Two windows laptops sit on a wooden table.

How to download Windows 11 22H2 early, and a comprehensive look at everything that’s new

The first featured update to Windows 11 is coming, so here's how you can download Windows 11 Version 22H2, and everything that's new.
how to install windows 10 fonts

How to move Windows 10 to an SSD

Migrating a Windows installation can be tricky. Thankfully, our guide will show you how to move Windows 10 to an SSD from your dusty old hard drive in no time.
Google Chrome opened on a laptop.

6 Google Chrome keyboard shortcuts in Windows you need to try

If you want to stay productive in Google Chrome and save some time, this list of the best Chrome keyboard shortcuts can make all the difference.

How to split your screen in Windows 10

To fully take advantage of Windows 10, you need to learn how to split your screen. Follow these instructions, and you'll be splitting your screen in no time.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4's keyboard.

Keyboard layout identification guide

If you're not sure what kind of keyboard layout you're using, then we're here to help. Here's a look at the most common keyboard layouts.
Windows 10 vs Windows 8 Header

What’s the difference between Windows 8 and 10?

If you're still on Windows 8, you should give Windows 10 a look and compare their core differences. Don't wait too long -- support for Windows 8 ends in 2023.
A laptop running Microsoft Edge.

How to uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 10

Microsoft Edge comes pre-installed with every Windows 10 device, but it doesn't suit everyone. Fortunately, uninstalling Edge is easy -- here is how to do it.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 windows 10

Quick fixes for Surface Pro 7 common problems

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 arrived in 2019, but if you're facing issues with any Surface device or Windows 10 PC, here are quick fixes for many common problems.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus Link to Windows Screen

How to use Link to Windows to connect your Samsung or Surface Duo phone to a PC

Did you know you can connect your Android smartphone and your Windows 10 PC so you can access your phone through your PC? Here's how to use Link to Windows.
minecraft

How to install Minecraft Forge

Minecraft Forge lets you quickly install mods to a specific Minecraft profile without having to be a tech-savvy wizard. Here's how the modding software works.
The back lid of the MacBook Pro.

How to run Windows 11 on a Mac

It's really easy to run Windows 11 on a Mac via virtualization through Parallels. Here's how to do it.
gif tenor bad 2017 ads

The best GIF-maker apps and websites for 2020

Ever wanted to make a GIF using your favorite video, or better yet, be the star of a GIF? Lucky for you, creating GIFs is a lot easier than you might think.
Installing windows.

How to find your Windows 10 product key

Your Windows 10 product key may be necessary to unlock all features -- but it's not easy to find. Here's where to look for the product key (even if it's lost).