Articles tagged: Windows 11
Should I Update to Windows 11? (May 2025 update)
The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is getting closer. Do you need to upgrade to Windows 11?
Open-Shell: Regain Your Start Menu
The single biggest complaint about Windows 11 is the Start menu. Don’t like it? There’s an app for that.
If You Don’t Have a TPM, You Might Still Have a TPM
Many machines reported as not having a TPM have one that’s simply not enabled.
No, No One Is Forcing You to Buy a New Machine
The most common complaint about Windows 11 is based on a fallacy.
Restore the Right-Click Menu in Windows 11
The change to the Windows 11 right-click menu is annoying to many people. We can fix that (for now).
Microsoft Killed WordPad. Here’s How to Revive It.
WordPad is being removed from Windows 11. We can get it back.
Where Can I Download Windows?
You can download some versions of Windows from legitimate sources. If you have a legal retail product key, this can be your replacement media.
What’s the Difference Between Windows 10 and Windows 11?
As we approach the end of Windows 10 support, it’s worth asking the question: what’s the difference, anyway?
How Do I Switch to a Local Account Sign-in for Windows?
Windows 10 and 11 setup want you to log in with a Microsoft account. I’ll show you how to restore a local account sign-in.
How to Block the Windows 11 Upgrade and Stay on Windows 10
If you want to stick with Windows 10, here’s a way to block any automated upgrades.
Yet Another Way to Install Windows 11 Without a TPM
Windows 11 requires a TPM and a CPU with particular specifications. This approach should let you install Windows 11 on a machine not meeting those requirements.
What Are Windows “Libraries” and How Do They Work?
Windows Libraries allow multiple folders to be viewed as if they are one. They can be confusing unless you understand how they work.
How to Back Up Before a Windows Update
Always back up before a Windows upgrade, update, or reinstall. Create a full system image backup of up your entire computer.
The World Won’t End!
I reflect on the realization that Windows XP’s end-of-support date came and went and nothing happened, and the implications of that for Windows 10’s end of support.
Using Startup Repair in Windows 10 and 11
Startup repair is a useful tool built into Windows setup media and recovery disks. I’ll walk through how to use it and what to do if it fails.
Can I Make C: Bigger by Taking Space From D:?
Changing the layout of the hard disk make the C: partition bigger requires a few steps and occasionally special tools.
How Do I Turn Off UAC (User Account Control) in Windows?
User Access Control, or UAC, prompts you each time an application requires administrative access. Annoyance or feature?
How Do I Go Back to Windows 10 From Windows 11?
Yes, you can still go back to Windows 10 from Windows 11. It just may not be easy.
Set Up Windows Again With the Windows Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
Use the Windows 10 and 11 Out-of-Box Experience to reset a variety of items associated with initial computer setup.
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.
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.
Enable File History in Windows 11
File History can be a useful component of a larger backup strategy. I’ll show you how to set it up.
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.
Install Windows 11 Without a TPM 2.0 or on Older CPUs
Blocked from upgrading to Windows 11 by the TPM 2 or CPU requirements? There may be a way.
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.
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.
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.
What Is a TPM? And Why Do I Need One?
Windows 11 hardware requirements brought the TPM, or Trusted Platform Module, into the spotlight. I’ll touch on what it is, why your machine might not appear to have one, and what to do if it doesn’t.
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?
