Articles in Category: Windows
Why Can’t I Delete This File?
Sometimes a file cannot be deleted because it has invalid characters in its filename. Here’s what to try.
What Are All These Programs Running After I Boot Windows?
When you start Windows, many programs start automatically as well. Some of them don’t need to.
What Do I Do About Windows File Explorer Crashing?
Windows Explorer is the workhorse behind the Windows user interface. I’ll cover what to look for when it crashes.
How to Locate a File on Your Computer in Seconds
It’s easy to search for files on your machine. Learn about the settings that dictate which parts of your machine get searched.
How Can I Make My Computer Faster?
The most effective way to speed up a system is to clean it up, have it run fewer programs, and give it more resources.
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.
Windows Explorer is Missing. What Do I Do?
Is it really gone, or just hidden? Either way, we’ll work through the solution to get Windows Explorer back.
How Do I Disable OneDrive in Office 365?
OneDrive can be useful, and it can be annoying. It’s on by default, but it’s not terribly difficult to decouple or turn off.
Monitoring Your System with Resource Monitor
Here’s a helpful system resource tool that doesn’t get nearly the press it deserves.
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.
How Do I Delete a Folder I Can’t Delete
Files and folders can be undeletable for a variety of reasons. I’ll review several techniques to try when faced with the issue.
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.
Installing Software Safely and with Minimal Impact
Installing software is something we do often. I’ll review some recommendations to minimize both impact and danger.
How Can I Make the Text on My Screen Larger?
There are several ways to adjust the size of text and items on your screen.
Why Does My Windows Program Slow Down and Eventually Stop Working?
If your machine is slowing to a crawl and the disk light is constantly lit, there are a few things you’ll want to check.
Windows File Explorer Settings: the Setting You Should Change Right Now
Windows File Explorer tries to help by hiding some information. Unfortunately, that opens a hole hackers can use to fool you.
The #1 Reason Your Computer is Slow
There is one common reason computers slow down over time. The good news is, it’s often within your control.
What’s a Batch File?
Batch files are often used to group commands or make shortcuts to more complex commands. Let’s look at the basics.
Are Automatic Updates a Good Thing?
Unless you’re willing to pay a lot of attention on a very regular basis, automatic updates are an important part of keeping your machine safe.
What’s a Screenshot, and How Do I Take One?
A screenshot — an image of your computer screen saved as a picture — can eliminate a lot of frustration when trying to describe what you’re seeing on your computer to someone .
Get a Windows System Report with MSINFO32
Msinfo32 is a tool to display and save an extensive report of your computer’s configuration and state. It can be very helpful for others helping you diagnose issues.
Six Ways to Speed Up Windows Boot Time
Booting Windows is complex, but there are several possible opportunities for improvement.
What Exactly Is a Rescue/Recovery/Repair/Emergency Disc?
Rescue, recovery, repair, and emergency discs can all mean different things.
Why Does My Machine Take Forever to Shut Down?
Booting your machine can take time, but so can shutting it down. Various issues contribute to a slow shutdown.
Why Am I Being Asked for an Administrator Password When I Run a Program?
User Account Control is an important security feature. Here’s what to do if you run into it.
I Can’t See the Top of a Window, so I Can’t Minimize, Maximize, or Close. What Can I Do?
Sometimes windows can get positioned offscreen where your mouse can’t reach. The keyboard interface, on the other hand, can.
What Program Is this Window From?
Use Process Explorer to identify windows or message boxes that appear without any obvious indicator of what program they’re from.
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.
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 Do I Fix a Blue Screen Error?
Blue screen errors are less common than they used to be, but they can still happen for a variety of reasons. I’ll review what to do and when.
How Should I Configure Virtual Memory Settings?
The default settings for virtual memory are good enough for most. Tweaking virtual memory settings depends on your computer and what you do with it.
The Software I Use
I get lots of questions about what the best software for various situations may be. I can’t answer them all, particularly as it often depends on your own situation, but I can tell you what I’m using.
How Do I Force the Latest Windows Feature Update?
Windows feature updates are supposed to be delivered in a somewhat timely fashion. If not, or if you’re just impatient, you can force the issue.
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 to “Reset this PC” to Reinstall Windows
It’s relatively easy to reinstall Windows and keep most of your data while doing so, though it can be a bit time consuming.
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.
Are Windows Limited User Accounts Effective?
Limited User Accounts restrict the ability of malware to cause problems on your system. Unfortunately, it may also restrict your ability to use the computer.
Why Do an Image Backup If I Can Factory Reset?
Factory reset is a great option to have, but it doesn’t cover all the scenarios a full image backup does.
Installing the Windows Open SSH Server
SSH is a popular tool to access command prompts and shells remotely. Windows makes an OpenSSH server is available for install.
How Do I Create a Local Account in Windows 10?
The ability to create a local user account on Windows hasn’t been removed; it’s just not obvious where to find it.
How Do I Open Windows File Explorer to a Specific Folder?
You can create a shortcut to open Windows File Explorer on the directory of your choice.
Is it Safe to Use Hibernate All the Time?
Hibernating is a convenient way to turn off a machine without shutting down all applications for a quicker restart later.
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.
Why Your Computer Might Be Slow
A friend’s slow computer provided me an opportunity to review the four primary characteristics of computer slowdowns to help you diagnose issues in the future.
The Event Viewer, Explained
Many Windows components log messages and use Event Viewer to display them. Sadly, the messages are often cryptic and inconsistent, and the result is a mess.
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.
