Articles tagged: Windows 11

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.

Turn Off Fast Startup in Windows

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.

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.

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.

How to Back Up Windows 10 (& 11)

How to back up Windows using its own built-in tools in eight easy steps. Four bonus steps handle Microsoft’s plans to retire one of those tools.

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.

Windows 11 First Impressions

I installed Windows 11, and share some of my impressions.

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 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.

Where Can I Download Windows 11? Or 10? Or 8?

You can download Windows versions 8.1, 10, and 11 from legitimate sources. If you have a legal retail product key, this could be your replacement media.