Articles in Category: Windows 10

The End is Near!

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.

Windows 10

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.

Wheel of Misfortune (Segment proportions do not match reality.)

Coping with Windows

Windows Update seems less than reliable and out of our control. How can you prepare for what may or may not happen without tearing your hair out?

Windows 10 RIP

Is Windows 10 Going Away?

Windows 10 is and is not going away. It depends on your perspective.

Windows 10 RIP

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.

Windows Pro or Windows Home?

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.

Beginner

What’s the Best Place to Learn About Windows 10?

There are as many sources of beginner’s information as there are beginners, it seems. The best approach is to try a few and see which works best for you.

Privacy in Windows 10?

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.

It. Doesn't. Work!!!

How Do I Report a Bug in Windows?

It’s easy to report a bug in Windows 10. The question is, is it worth your time?

Windows 10 is Up To Date!

How To Get the Latest Windows 10 Update

There are a several approaches to getting the latest Windows 10 update. I’ll describe them and show you what I recommend, what I use, and what those who simply can’t wait should do.

PIN sign in

How Can a PIN Be as Secure as a Password?

On the surface, signing into Windows using a PIN feels less secure than a traditional password. It’s possible it’s more secure.

Default Apps Settings Page

How Windows 10 Changed Setting Default Programs

Windows 10 changed how to modify default programs, forcing you to make the choice explicitly.

Download Windows 10 page

Is Windows 10 Still Free in 2022? Where to Get It and How To Install It

Officially Windows 10 is no longer free, but there remains at least one unofficial scenario that may allow you to upgrade for free.

We All Get Bigger Over Time

Why is Windows 10 Using More and More RAM?

Software programs, like people, tend to get larger over time. I’ll look at how that happens and a few things you can do to compensate.

Recovery Console

How to Repair a Computer that Only Blue Screens

Blue screens on startup can be difficult to diagnose and recover from. If your machine only blue screens on start up, there are a number of things to try.

Do I Need OneDrive?

Do I Need OneDrive?

Using OneDrive is up to you — but here’s why I absolutely recommend it.

Should I Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Instead of Windows 10?

Should I Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Instead of Windows 10?

As Windows 8.1 is “between” Windows 7 and Windows 10, it’s tempting to think it’s a less jarring change. It’s not.

How Do I Reset Windows 10?

How Do I Reset Windows 10?

“Reset your PC” is an option within Windows to return Windows itself to its initial state. I’ll walk through the steps.

Why Haven't I Received the Latest Windows 10 Update?

Why Haven’t I Received the Latest Windows 10 Update?

The latest major update to Windows 10 has an issue that’s preventing wider rollout. I’ll review what it is, and what to do.

Choosing a new default web browser in Windows 10

How Do I Change My Default Web Browser in Windows 10?

Changing the default browser used to be simple — and then along came malware. It’s still easy to change the default browser; it’s just different.

October 2018 Windows 10 Update

Critical: Back Up Before the 1809 Windows 10 Update!

The October 2018 Windows 10 Update is apparently deleting some people’s files. Here’s how to prepare and protect yourself.

Windows 10

Why is Windows 10 Telling Me “There Is a Problem with Your Microsoft Account”?

So-called “problems” with your Microsoft account may refer to Windows, or to other applications on your system.

Ready to Reset

The First Dozen Changes to My Newly Reinstalled Windows 10

A peek into my priorities as I install apps and make changes after a Windows 10 reset.

People Icon

What’s This New “People” Icon in My Taskbar?

A new icon has appeared on the Windows 10 taskbar. I’ll review what it is and how to make it go away.

The Feedback Hub

Where Do I Report Windows 10 Issues?

There are a couple of ways to report Windows 10 issues. One involves searching for an answer, and the other is a tool built into Windows 10 itself.

Store App in Windows 10

What’s the Difference Between an App and Application?

“App” and “application” are two terms that in years past have been used interchangeably to refer to computer programs. In Windows 10, the difference between them has become significant.

Windows 10 in a Container

Saving Your Free Windows 10 Upgrade For Later

While the Windows 10 free upgrade offer expires July 29, it turns out there are a couple of approaches that, while they are a little bit of work, can save the free upgrade so you can use it after the deadline has passed. There are the normal number of caveats and possible issues, but if … Read more

Windows 10 Desktop

Should I Upgrade to Windows 10?

The most common question related to Windows 10 seems to be “Should I upgrade?” I’ll cover my recommendations.

GWX Control Panel

Block Windows 10 With GWX Control Panel

It may be possible to block Windows 10 – both the unwanted download of the operating system and the annoying reminders – with this handy utility.

View installed updates link

Why Is Windows 10 Being Downloaded to My Machine? And How Do I Stop it?

It appears Microsoft may be pushing Windows 10 to machines even when it hasn’t been requested. That’s just wrong, and I’ll show you how to stop it.

Windows 10 Change Privacy Options

Adjusting Windows 10 Privacy Settings

We’ll look at how to review and adjust privacy settings in several areas of Win10.

netplwiz User Accounts

How Do I Sign In to Windows 10 Automatically?

After updating to Windows 10, many users find that they must sign in to Windows using a password, even if they previously did not. I’ll show you how to sign in to Windows 10 automatically.

Is “Windows 10 Privacy” an Oxymoron?

Windows 10 has been criticised for encroaching on users privacy. Is it an issue? Is Microsoft being evil? Or is it something else?

Windows 10 Update delivery options

Turn Off Windows 10 Peer-to-Peer Delivery Optimization

Windows 10 peer-to-peer sharing (or “delivery optimization”) is a technology used to make updates quicker and more reliable. Unfortunately, it does come with some risk.

Windows 10

Will Windows 10 Be Free?

Windows 10 will be free for one year after it’s release. But what does that really mean? I’ll look at what we do and don’t know for sure.

Showing Hidden Icons

How Do I Make the Windows 10 Offer Icon Go Away?

Two techniques to remove the Windows 10 offer icon, including a more generally useful approach to notification icons.

Windows 10 Reserved

How Do I Cancel My Windows 10 Update?

Many people are having second thoughts about accepting the offer to reserve their Windows 10 update. I’ll show you how to cancel the reservation.

Windows 10

Let’s Talk About Windows 10

Windows 10 is coming. I talk about it a little, and make recommendations about what you should do.

Windows 10 Upgrade Offer

Is this “Get Windows 10” Icon Legitimate?

A suspicious-looking icon that invites you to Get Windows 10 – is it legit, and should you?