Articles tagged: Windows 10
What Does Signing in to My Microsoft Account Really Mean in Windows?
Let’s sort out some of the differences between logging in using your Microsoft account and logging in using a local account.
How Long Will Windows 10 Be Supported?
Estimates for how long Windows 10 will be supported have changed. The original expectations were unrealistic at best.
10 Ways to Make Windows 10 and 11 Faster
Computers slow down for many reasons. I’ll review some of the steps you can take to speed yours up again.
How to Back Up Windows
Using free and included tools, here’s how to back up Windows and all your data in eight easy steps.
Should I Update to Windows 11?
Windows 11 is out to much fanfare, hype, and confusion. Unless you have specific reasons, you don’t need to upgrade yet, but there’s also no reason to avoid it.
Why Do You Prefer Macrium Reflect Over Windows’s Own Image Backup Program?
Macrium Reflect is clearer and more fully featured than Windows’ built-in backup. It’s easier to understand and ultimately, I trust it more.
Requires Elevation — What Does That Mean and What Do I Do?
Windows may tell you that a program requires elevation in order to run. We’ll look at what that means and the steps you can take in response.
How Do I Boot From a USB Thumb Drive?
UEFI has made booting from something other than the hard drive more complex. I’ll review why, and what steps to take.
How Do I Adjust Virtual Memory Settings?
Available virtual memory is controlled by a setting you can adjust. If you’re constantly running low, you should look at what you’re running.
Should I Turn Windows Fast Startup On or Off?
Fast Startup optimizes boot-time speed, but is an occasional suspect in boot-time problems. Turn Fast Startup off to get clues.
Where Do I Find CHKDSK Results After a Reboot?
CHKDSK must sometimes be run at boot time. I’ll show you where to find those CHKDSK results.
Controlling Windows Visual Effects
Windows has long had settings to control certain aspects of the user interface. I’ll guide you to a couple of them and explain what the most common settings do.
Coping with Gray Text
Gray text is a problem for many people. Unfortunately, there’s no simple solution, though there are some (very) ugly ones.
How to Recover a Wi-Fi Password in Windows 10 and 11
If you forget your Wi-Fi password Windows may be able to remind you what it is.
What Happens at Windows 10 End of Support?
The end of support for Windows 10 means Microsoft will no longer issue security updates. Here’s how to continue using it safely.
Why Does My Laptop Keep Connecting to the Wrong Wi-Fi Network?
Windows tries to be helpful by remembering the Wi-Fi networks you’ve connected to in the past. Sometimes, though, you want it to forget.
What’s the Difference Between Windows Home and Pro Editions?
I prefer Windows Professional editions. Here’s what I consider the important differences between Windows Home and Pro.
How to Reassign Drive Letters in Windows
Drive letters like C:, D: and so on are assigned by Windows to reference your hard disks. They are not all cast in stone; most drive letters can be changed.
How Do I Get Rid of a Screensaver Password?
On returning from a screensaver, Windows can ask for a password. That’s a security measure that can be turned off… but be sure you should first.
How Do I Downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Give Windows 11 a shot, but know that you can go back to Windows 10 if you need to.
How Do I Run a Full Scan Using Windows Defender?
A full scan scans things a more common “quick scan” bypasses. Here’s how to run one using Windows Security.
What Windows Startup Programs Do I Need?
Windows startup is a complex process further complicated by the number of programs that add themselves to the list. Paring it down takes work.
Windows 11 is Not Supported on My Newer PC — What Can I Do?
If Windows 11 is not supported on your computer, there are several options. The best option is to wait.
Installing SysInternals Tools
Microsoft has made these free tools easier to get and keep automatically updated.
SFC: the System File Checker – How to Run It and Why
The System File Checker is a little-known, simple-to-run command-line program. It validates that Window’s operating files are undamaged.
Did Microsoft Lie?
The release of Windows 11 proved the statement that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows to be wrong. But was it a lie?
How I Fixed a Failed Windows 10 Update
Windows Update generally works. Here’s the successful approach I took when it didn’t.
How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Media
The best way to prepare for needing an installation disc is to create one before you need it. I’ll review some approaches.
Setting up Windows 10 for Privacy
Windows 10 privacy seems to be somewhat of an oxymoron, at least based on reputation. I’ll review the choices you can make at setup to retain some control.
The Start Button Is Missing and There’s No Taskbar. What Do I Do?
Taskbar and Start button disappeared? We’ll look at solutions for several reasons why this might happen.
How to Get File Explorer to Display Details by Default
Windows File Explorer defaults to a simple view of files on your machine that isn’t secure. Changes these settings as soon as you can.
Why You’re Being Warned About Windows 10 End of Service and What to Do About It
Windows 10 warns when it’s coming to “end of service”, but what does that mean if Windows 10 is always being updated?
