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.
How to install Hyper-V on Windows 11 Home
Want to try a different OS? Here's how to install Microsoft's Hyper-V on Windows 11 Home to create and manage virtual machines.
Every major release of Windows comes in a few editions, or SKUs, which have different features. Windows 11 is no different, with multiple SKUs like Windows 11 Home, Pro, Enterprise, and so on. Many of these editions have certain exclusive features that aren't available on the lower-tier editions, and one big example is Hyper-V. However, it's actually possible to install Hyper-V on Windows 11 Home, and we're here to show you how.
How to record your screen in Windows 11
Windows 11 still doesn't offer a proper screen recorder, but there are ways you can record your display. Here's how to do it.
Being able to record your screen is a feature that's become more and more prominent in recent years. While it used to require special software or apps, platforms like Android, iOS, and even Windows have begun to adopt it as a system-wide feature. It's incredibly useful — it makes it easy to show off a specific problem you're having, or a potential solution to a problem someone else has. And of course, for gamers, it can also be useful to record your play sessions, especially if you want to share them online.
The minimum FPS that you're willing to game at varies wildly from one gamer to another. For many, a game is unplayable if it dips below the 60FPS mark, while others would happily sacrifice their frame rates in exchange for breathtaking visuals.
How to take a screenshot on the Asus ROG Ally
Want to take a screenshot of something on your desktop? Or in-game action? The Asus ROG Ally is powered by Windows 11, so you can do that easily.
The Asus ROG Ally is one of the newest Steam Deck alternatives. Unlike the Steam Deck, however, this handheld gaming console runs Windows 11 natively. That means you have more than one way to take a screenshot in a game or on the desktop.
How to change your webcam settings in Windows 11
If you want to adjust certain controls for your webcam, the easiest place to do so is through the Windows 11 settings app.
Many people do video conferencing on their Windows 11 PCs these days, and the webcam is the heart of that experience. So, if you're hoping to take control of your webcam and tweak basic settings, like the image brightness, sharpness, and contrast, the Windows 11 settings app will be where you have to go. If you're on a device with an Arm-based SoC under the hood, like the Surface Pro 9, you also can tweak integrated webcam settings with Windows Studio Effects. We have a look at all two methods for you right here.
How to edit images in Microsoft Edge
You don't need to use Photoshop to tweak an image. You can use the Edge web browser for basic image editing.
When you come across an image on the web that needs some editing in Windows 11, macOS, and Linux, you don't need to download it or use a program like Adobe Photoshop for simple tweaks. If you use the Microsoft Edge browser, you can edit the image with just a simple right-click, and then save your edits for sharing. It's a pretty nifty feature that makes Edge more than just a regular web browser, just like how you can use Bing chat in Microsoft Edge. Here's how to use it.