How to back up your Windows 11 PC
Want to keep a full copy of your PC in case something goes wrong? Or just back up your files? It's made easy with Windows 11's system tools.
The more you use your Windows 11 PC, the more important files and memories you gather. Whether you have photos, documents, videos, or even favorite apps, it's natural to want to back things up in the event something goes wrong with your PC. Thankfully, Windows 11 offers three different ways to back up your system. You can back up individual files with File History, copy folders to the cloud with OneDrive PC folder backup, or create a system image of your PC. We have a look at all three for you right here.
How to create a guest account on Windows 11
If you need to share a Windows 11 PC with someone, you can add a guest account under their name through the Windows 11 settings app
There might come a time when you have to share your laptop, or your Windows 11 PC with someone. In the old days of Windows, there was a dedicated guest mode for these situations, but Windows 11 and Windows 10 have since removed this. It doesn't mean you can't manually add a guest account, though.
How to customize notification settings on Windows 11
Notifications can be useful, but also overwhelming at times. Here's how you can customize notification settings in Windows 11 to your liking.
Notifications can be a hugely important feature on our laptops, just like they are on our smartphones. They let us know when something needs our attention, or remind us if we need to get something done. However, as we install more and more apps, things get a bit noisy, and you may want to turn some notifications off. If you want to regain some peace, here's how to customize notification settings in Windows 11.
How to customize your Windows 11 PC
Windows 11 is a great operating system, but not everyone has to like how it looks out of the box. Here's how you can change
Windows 11 is a great iteration of Microsoft's operating system, with many streamlined design elements and new features that make it a big upgrade. As much as we like the fresh, default look of Windows 11, though, it may not be to everyone's tastes. Thankfully, Windows has always been easy to customize, and Windows 11 is no different. It keeps many of the same personalization options from Windows 10, with some new ones, too. In this article, we'll show you how to customize Windows 11 to your liking to make your great Windows laptop or Windows desktop more distinct, both by using the built-in settings and third-party apps.
How to prevent pop-ups in Chrome, Edge, and other desktop browsers
Pop-ups can get in the way, but modern web browsers have controls that help make it easy to avoid them
The more you browse the web on any of the best web browsers (regardless of operating system or device), the more you might come across the occasional pop-up. These can get in the way of whatever website you were originally on, and we understand how frustrating that can be.
How to use and manage multiple monitors on Windows 11
Using multiple monitors on Windows 11 is an easy task and can boost productivity. Here's how you can do it in a few simple steps.
Having a second monitor on your desk setup can be great for work or for photo or video editing. When set up properly, using multiple monitors can help boost your productivity since you'll have more room to spread out. Did you just buy a new monitor and are wondering how to plug it in and use it in Windows 11? It's actually a very easy process!
How to activate Windows
If you made a change to your PC or find that Windows isn't properly activated, all it takes is a few click to properly activate your OS
Windows activations are frequently tied to a digital license that's then linked to your Microsoft account. That way, you just need to sign into your desktop PC or laptop to reactivate your license when you switch devices. But if you end up making changes to a PC, like swapping hardware, or if you're building your own desktop from scratch, you might have to reactivate or activate Windows the old-fashioned way.
Here's how to use ViveTool to force-enable new features in Windows 11
The bleeding edge features are just a few commands away.
You probably already know that Microsoft has the Windows Insider Program, so you can beta-test early versions of Windows 11 on a great laptop or a great Windows desktop, or even in a virtual machine. Each of the channels of the program gets you access to the various versions of Windows. Unfortunately, though, Microsoft often likes to A/B test Windows features in the Windows Insider program.
How to scan documents on Windows 11 using your webcam
If you don't have a scanner, you can use your webcam and an app on Windows 11 to capture documents and email or send them out
There comes a time when you might need to scan a document on Windows 11. It could be an important document you signed that you need to email or just something you might want to digitize for later. Well, if you're using a great Windows tablet or an external webcam, you can scan documents pretty easily. The Windows 11 camera app offers the option to scan a document, and then save it as a photo on your device. You also can use a third-party app like HP Scan and Capture to turn your photos into scans. And though it takes a little extra work, you also can use an OCR tool to capture text from images, helping avoid the need to scan.
PC upgrade guide: How to choose the right parts for your machine
Upgrading your PC is not a question of if, but when. With countless options available, this guide decodes how to prioritize your PC upgrades wisely.
The urge to upgrade your PC can often turn into a rabbit hole of never-ending research, unnecessary anxiety, and, ultimately, bad purchases. The allure of getting your hands on a shiny new graphics card or the latest CPU is tempting, but if your upgrade decisions are not guided by a focus on your specific use case, you can end up with decisions that are hard to take back.
How to use animated wallpapers on Windows 11
Windows 11 may not support animated wallpapers out of the box, but you can liven up your desktop thanks to a third-party app.
Windows 11 gives you plenty of customization options to make the operating system, and thus your laptop, feel more like your own. But sometimes those options aren't enough. For example, Windows 11 doesn't natively support animated wallpapers, only static images (though you can cycle through different images if you want to). But that doesn't mean you can't use animated wallpapers. You just have to use a third-party app.
How do I use Windows 11? A guide to the OS
Is the transition to Microsoft's new operating system a little too jarring? Read our guide to learn how to use Windows 11.
Windows 11 was launched officially on October 5th, 2021, bringing a big visual overhaul compared to Windows 10. We're coming up on the two-year anniversary of Windows 11, but for many of us, it's still new. After all, it's not a mandatory upgrade, and many PCs aren't supported, so if you haven't bought a new laptop in the past couple of years, you might not know much about it.
How to improve audio on your PC
From Windows 11's built-in audio enhancements to dedicated equalizers, there are plenty of ways to boost your PC's sound
Graphics aren’t everything when it comes to your PC. Even if you invest thousands of dollars into the best gaming PC, you won’t be able to fully enjoy the experience unless you have top-notch sound effects that complement high-end graphics. While most audiophiles will agree that the fastest way to improve sound quality is to get some high-end headphones, changing a couple of settings on your system goes a long way in getting a better sound experience. We've compiled some tips to help you boost your PC's audio without spending a penny on new hardware.
How to run Windows 11 on an iPad
It's not possible to run Windows 11 natively on an iPad, but there is a workaround
These days, the gap between a great iPad like the iPad Pro and the best Windows tablets, such as the Surface Pro 9, is smaller than ever. Apple has slowly made tweaks to iPadOS by introducing features like Stage Manager that make it more of a laptop replacement. However, it's still not quite there, especially because it doesn't have a desktop environment like Windows 11 tablets do.
Windows 11: Release date, price, and everything that's new
Windows 11 is official, and here's what we know about the release date, new features on the way, and everything else about it.
Windows 11 is the latest and greatest operating system coming from Microsoft, and it was long overdue. After six years of Windows 10, which was supposed to be the last version of Windows, Microsoft announced Windows 11 in the summer of 2021, bringing many changes to the OS's design and functionality.
How to enable clipboard syncing in Windows 11
Clipboard syncing in Windows lets you easily move images and text across your Windows and Android devices. Here's how to enable it.
If you’ve ever felt the need to move text and images between your Windows 11 devices, Microsoft has a handy trick for you. With clipboard syncing, you can instantly move your most used images, links, and text between your Windows PC, laptop, and even Android phone. All you need is the same Microsoft account across each device and some changes to your device settings. Let’s unpack the various ways you can enable clipboard syncing in Windows 11 and have your favorite items available whenever you need them.
Windows 11 deep dive: Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Windows 11 comes with a handful of new productivity features that multitasking easier, and Snap Layouts and Groups are two great additions.
Windows 11 introduced many new features for Windows users, along with plenty of design changes that make the experience a bit more pleasant overall. One of the highlights of Windows 11 is the addition of Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, a feature that allows you to more easily manage your open windows and place them in any position you want.
How to make Windows 11 more accessible
Microsoft has made Windows 11 easy to use for those with a variety of needs with features like live captions and voice access
Windows 11 is an operating system that's intended to be use friendly for most users. So if you have limited hearing, vision, mobility, or other disabilities, Microsoft has added plenty of features to help make your PC easier to use. There are features like Live Captions, Voice Access, and Narrator. We have a look at all these features for you right here and how to use them for your needs.
How to view your Wi-Fi password on Windows 11
It's easy to forget your Wi-Fi passwords. Don't worry, you can still view the security keys of your saved Wi-Fi networks on Windows 11.
Securing your Wi-Fi connection with a password can help maintain your privacy by preventing unauthorized access to your network. However, doing so comes with its own downsides as it becomes quite difficult to remember the passkeys of all your networks.
What's the difference between Windows 11 and Windows 365?
Microsoft recently announced both Windows 11 and Windows 365. They're radically different products, though, and meant for different people.
The PC landscape is always evolving and changing, and Microsoft consistently launches new products, which can sometimes get confusing. One example has to do with Windows 11 and Windows 365, both of which were announced and launched in 2021. It may not be immediately obvious what's different, but in fact, these are radically different concepts.