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# Help Desk Geek

Tech Tips from Trusted Tech Experts

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://helpdeskgeek.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [How to Access and Change Your WiFi Router Settings (2025 Edition)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-access-and-change-your-wifi-router-settings/) - Updated 2025 guide: Log in to your Netgear, Asus, TP-Link, or Linksys router. Change WiFi name, passwords & channels. Secure & optimize your network!
- [The Ultimate Guide to Backing Up and Restoring the Windows Registry](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-backing-up-and-restoring-the-windows-registry/) - Back up and restore the Windows Registry with this ultimate guide to safeguard your system settings and configurations.
- [The Ultimate Guide to Essential Windows Skills](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-essential-windows-skills/) - Recently upgraded to Windows 10? Or still using the all-time favorite Windows 7 on your PC? Whichever version of Windows you are using, there are certain tasks every Windows user should know how to do. The tasks range from knowing how to restart your computer in safe mode to being able to change the name
- [The Ultimate Guide to Securing Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-securing-windows-10/) - If you've recently bought a Windows 10 machine or upgraded your PC to Windows 10, you might be wondering how secure the operating system is. Luckily, by default, Windows 10 is more secure than Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. It has a lot of new security features that help block viruses and malware infections. This is
- [How to Troubleshoot Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 11 and 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/blue-screen-of-death-troubleshooting-guide-for-windows-10/) - BSODs are nothing to panic about, at least in most cases. You just need to analyze the content of the BSOD error and troubleshoot potential solutions.
- [How to Fix DISM Error 87 on Windows 10 and Windows 11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-dism-error-87-on-windows-10-and-windows-11/) - DISM Error 87 is a fairly common problem on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It usually happens after running the /restorehealth command. Luckily, you can resolve it in just a few steps. Read on as we explain why this issue occurs and show you how to fix it with ease. What Is DISM Error 87?
- [How to Recover Lost Chrome Tabs After a Crash](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-recover-lost-chrome-tabs-after-a-crash/) - Want to know how to recover lost Chrome tabs after a crash? If you’re one of those people who are addicted to keeping a lot of tabs open, you know how frustrating this can be. Unexpected shutdowns, restarts, and crashes can seriously disrupt your browsing session. This guide covers all you need to know in
- [How to Set Up ChatGPT Atlas on macOS](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-chatgpt-atlas-on-macos/) - OpenAI has just launched ChatGPT Atlas, a new AI browser with built-in ChatGPT. You can get this browser on your Mac and use the chatbot directly on any page. Below, we'll cover how to set up ChatGPT Atlas on macOS in just a few simple steps. We'll also explain what makes this browser so unique.
- [Windows Updates Removing Legacy Drivers & Hardware Breakage](https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-updates-removing-legacy-drivers-hardware-breakage/) - Microsoft announced in June that Legacy drivers will no longer be included in Windows Updates. Primarily, this cleanup will target outdated drivers for older hardware. Read on to find out what this means for you and your devices. Below, we'll also explain why this change is happening and what you can do to prevent hardware
- [7 Common Problems Reported After the October Windows Updates](https://helpdeskgeek.com/7-common-problems-reported-after-the-october-windows-updates/) - The new Windows 11 version 25H2 update has introduced a batch of features, mostly focused on security. However, it also caused many issues, ranging from mildly annoying to serious ones. We’ll cover the most common problems reported after the October Windows updates. In most cases, you can simply revert them or install the latest patch
- [13 New Features in Windows 11 October 2025 Update—Which Ones Matter Most?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/13-new-features-in-windows-11-october-2025-update/) - Microsoft's most recent efforts are focused on Copilot and integrating AI into the everyday user experience. The new features in the Windows 11 October 2025 update follow this trend. AI actions, Gaming Copilot, and specific enhancements for Copilot+ PCs are proof enough. Still, the update also introduced numerous other accessibility and general ease-of-use improvements. Let's
- [Microsoft’s New AI Features in Windows 11: Copilot, Voice Commands, and More](https://helpdeskgeek.com/microsofts-new-ai-features-in-windows-11/) - Last week, Microsoft announced a new batch of updates with the goal of “making every Windows 11 PC an AI PC.” This includes a renewed focus on Copilot, along with several unique assistant tools. Let’s take a closer look at Microsoft’s new AI features in Windows 11 together. Interestingly enough, these changes will include voice
- [How to Enable and Use Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-and-use-microsoft-copilot-in-windows-11/)
- [Why Your GPU Fans Aren't Spinning and 10 Ways to Fix](https://helpdeskgeek.com/why-your-gpu-fans-arent-spinning-and-how-to-fix/) - Troubleshoot why your GPU Fans Aren't Spinning with these practical steps. Understand GPU fan mechanics and potential issues.
- [Top AI Tools to Unleash Your Creativity in 2025](https://helpdeskgeek.com/top-ai-tools-to-unleash-your-creativity/) - If you're not on the AI train yet, now's a good time to hop on! This isn't some passing tech trend. AI is becoming a permanent part of daily life, and it will only grow from here. The people who understand how to use AI tools will be the ones who stay ahead and remain
- [How To Use a Video As Your Wallpaper On Windows 11 or 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-a-video-as-your-wallpaper-on-windows-10/) - If you're sick of a basic blue background or that same old picture wallpaper on your Windows PC, why not try a video wallpaper? You'll need a third-party app to do it, but here are our favorites- free and paid. You might not have realized the depth of personalization available in Windows. One of the
- [How to Set Different Background Wallpapers for Each Virtual Desktop in Windows 11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-different-background-wallpapers-for-each-virtual-desktop-in-windows/) - Virtual desktops in Windows 11 let you create separate workspaces, each with different customizations and running apps. Setting a different background image for each desktop gives you a quick visual reminder of which one you're using. Change a Virtual Desktop Wallpaper in Task View (Windows + Tab) Changing the desktop background for a virtual desktop
- [How to Repair a Corrupted User Profile in Windows 11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-repair-a-corrupted-user-profile-in-windows-11/) - Imagine trying to log into your Windows 11 PC only to find your desktop is gone, your files are missing, or you’re stuck with an error like The User Profile Service failed the sign-in. A corrupted user profile can ruin your entire day, but don’t panic cause we can help! This guide offers step-by-step solutions
- [How to Hide or Remove Copilot from Windows 11 Taskbar](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-hide-or-remove-copilot-from-windows-11-taskbar/) - Want to hide or remove the Copilot icon from your Windows 11 taskbar? Follow this quick guide to declutter your workspace in just a few steps.
- [How to Enable Closed Captioning and Live Transcription in Zoom](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-closed-captioning-and-live-transcription-in-zoom/) - Accessibility has been an important and ongoing discussion as users advocate for more options to help them understand each other in online environments. Zoom, a leading video conferencing app, took a significant step by adding closed captioning and live transcription to its service. These features drastically improve accessibility for deaf, blind, or hard-of-hearing participants and
- [The Best Windows Command Line Network Commands](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-best-windows-command-line-network-commands/) - Windows comes packed with several useful network utilities. These programs can get you critical information about your network connection and help diagnose problems. There are four TCP/IP network utilities that every Windows user should know about: NetstatTracertIPconfigNSlookup Let’s see what these utilities do and how they’re commonly used. A Refresher on TCP/IP All four utilities
- [How to Set Up Master Pages in Adobe InDesign CC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-master-pages-in-adobe-indesign-cc/) - Set up master pages in Adobe InDesign CC and streamline your document layouts. Ideal for books, magazines, and templates.
- [How to Estimate Bandwidth Requirements for a Business Site or Network](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-estimate-bandwidth-requirements-for-a-business-site-or-network/) - Estimate bandwidth needs for your business site or network with this step-by-step planning and calculation guide.
- [How to Fix “Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension Install Error” in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-realtek-semiconductor-corp-extension-install-error-in-windows/) - Fix the Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension install error in Windows with this simple troubleshooting guide.
- [How to Fix TiWorker.exe High CPU Usage in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-tiworker-exe-high-cpu-usage-in-windows/) - Fix TiWorker.exe high CPU usage issues in Windows with these practical solutions to improve system performance.
- [FIXED: Google Play Services Battery Drain on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/fixed-google-play-services-battery-drain-on-android/) - Google Play Services is vital to the operations of Google apps and services on Android devices. It keeps applications updated, provides location services, fosters the synchronization of data to Google, and generally enhances app performances. Despite the multi-faceted responsibilities of Google Play Services, it doesn’t drain your device’s battery faster than usual. However, there are
- [How to Configure Your Router to Use WPA2](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-configure-your-router-to-use-wpa2/) - Configure your router for WPA2 encryption with this step-by-step guide. Enhance your home Wi-Fi network’s security.
- [What Is Windows Smartscreen and Is It Safe?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-is-windows-smartscreen-and-is-it-safe/) - Learn what Windows SmartScreen is, how it works, and whether it’s safe to disable. Protect your PC from untrusted apps.
- [How to Fix “VT-X Is Not Available (verr_vmx-No-Vmx)” Error in VirtualBox](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-vt-x-is-not-available-verr_vmx-no-vmx-error-in-virtualbox/) - Fix “VT-x is not available” (VERR_VMX_NO_VMX) errors in VirtualBox. Use these methods to enable virtualization and run your VMs.
- [How to Securely Password Protect an Excel File](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-securely-password-protect-an-excel-file/) - Secure your Excel files with a password in just a few steps. Protect sensitive spreadsheets from unauthorized access.
- [How to Enable and Disable Your Chromebook’s Touchscreen](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-and-disable-your-chromebooks-touchscreen/) - Enable or disable your Chromebook's touchscreen in just a few clicks. Useful for troubleshooting or battery saving.
- [Fix Background Intelligent Transfer Service Will Not Start Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/background-intelligent-transfer-service-will-not-start/) - The Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is an essential component that helps programs download data and files from the internet. Nowadays, programs need the latest updates, new content, or configurations, and BITS intelligently handles network interruptions even after a reboot by pausing and resuming transfers. The ‘intelligent’ in BITS also increases or decreases the
- [How to Update Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-update-your-chromebook/) - Updating your Chromebook’s operating system can resolve performance issues and system failures. Google also rolls out new features for Chromebooks through ChromeOS updates. This article will help you understand how Chromebook handles software updates. You’ll also learn how to install the latest version of ChromeOS on your personal, school, or work Chromebook. Chromebook Downloads Updates
- [Chromebook Won't Connect to Wi-Fi? 8 Fixes to Try](https://helpdeskgeek.com/chromebook-wont-connect-to-wi-fi-8-fixes-to-try/) - Installing Chrome OS updates, for instance, requires an internet connection. So does downloading apps from the Play Store or via the Linux Development Environment. Also, certain applications (video-conferencing apps, for example) won’t work without an internet connection. Although Chromebooks support ethernet connectivity, Wi-Fi is a lot more popular and convenient. It also comes with more
- [PS5 Wireless Controller Keeps Disconnecting? 8 Fixes to Try](https://helpdeskgeek.com/ps5-wireless-controller-keeps-disconnecting-8-fixes-to-try/) - Fix PS5 wireless controller disconnection issues with these 8 easy steps. Get back to seamless gameplay quickly.
- [Chromebook Keyboard Not Working? 10 Fixes to Try](https://helpdeskgeek.com/chromebook-keyboard-not-working-10-fixes-to-try/) - Your Chromebook’s keyboard may fail to register keyboard input if it’s dirty or water-damaged. Problems with your Chromebook’s operating system can also cause occasional keyboard failures. This article covers different fixes that may help get your Chromebook keyboard working correctly again. Some troubleshooting solutions in this tutorial require an external keyboard. So, connect an external
- [How to Install and Use VirtualBox on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-and-use-virtualbox-on-your-chromebook/) - VirtualBox lets you run multiple operating systems on your computer in virtual machines. The virtualization software supports Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris, and FreeBSD devices. Although VirtualBox doesn’t support ChromeOS, you can run the virtualization software on Chromebooks through the Linux environment. VirtualBox is open-source, free, and easy to install. We’ll show you how to install
- [How To Track Windows Computer and User Activity](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-track-windows-computer-and-user-activity/) - There are many reasons to track Windows user activity, including monitoring your children’s activity across the internet, protection against unauthorized access, improving security issues, and mitigating insider threats. Here will discuss tracking options for a variety of Windows environments, including your home PC, server network user tracking, and workgroups. Check Your Web History If you
- [Edge Computing Vs. Cloud Computing and Why It Matters](https://helpdeskgeek.com/edge-computing-vs-cloud-computing-and-why-it-matters/) - Understand the difference between edge computing and cloud computing, and learn why the distinction matters for future tech.
- [CMR vs. SMR Hard Drives: What’s Different and Which Is Better?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/cmr-vs-smr-hard-drives-whats-different-and-which-is-better/) - The fundamentals of mechanical drive technology haven’t changed much since the first hard drive was delivered via forklift. Today, the refinement and innovation in modern hard drives are light years ahead of those early systems, especially regarding miniaturization. CMR (conventional magnetic recording) and SMR drives (shingled magnetic recording) represent two different ways of packing those
- [How to Fix “Cannot Play Media” Error in PowerPoint](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-cannot-play-media-error-in-powerpoint/) - Presentations have become a vital tool for communication and sharing information in schools and offices worldwide. Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to create visually appealing presentations that include various multimedia elements, such as video and audio. However, you might encounter "cannot play media" errors in PowerPoint, causing video playback issues and preventing the smooth delivery of
- [6 Ways to Fix VirtualBox Result Code: E_FAIL (0x80004005) Error in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/6-ways-to-fix-virtualbox-result-code-e_fail-0x80004005-error-in-windows/) - VirtualBox displays the “E_FAIL (0x80004005)” error code when it can’t open a virtual machine session. The error could be due to problems with the VirtualBox app, configuration files, or hardware-related issues. This tutorial highlights probable causes and troubleshooting solutions for the E_FAIL (0x80004005) VirtualBox error on Windows devices. 1. Update VirtualBox Some Windows users resolved
- [How to Set Up and Manage Google Reminders](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-and-manage-google-reminders/) - Set up and manage Google Reminders effectively on Android and desktop. Organize tasks, events, and reminders easily.
- [How to Completely Uninstall and Remove McAfee From Windows 11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-completely-uninstall-and-remove-mcafee-from-windows-11/) - Fully uninstall and remove McAfee from Windows 11 using these step-by-step instructions. Clean your system of leftover files and processes.
- [8 Best Standing Desks of 2023](https://helpdeskgeek.com/8-best-standing-desks-of-2023/) - Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular, especially with people who work long hours. They effectively counter the poor ergonomics of typical workstations and promote good posture. Standing position brings more health benefits, especially while working an office job. It’s good for blood circulation, and when paired with ergonomic accessories like office chairs, and under-desk treadmills,
- [How to Record a PowerPoint Presentation with Narration](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-record-a-powerpoint-presentation-with-narration/) - Record your PowerPoint presentation with narration and timings using this simple guide. Ideal for online teaching and business meetings.
- [What Is mpcmdrun.exe and How To Use It](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-is-mpcmdrun-exe-and-how-to-use-it/) - Learn what MpCmdRun.exe is, its role in Windows Defender, and how to safely use it for scanning and security tasks.
- [How to Enable and Use Auto-Clicker on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-and-use-auto-clicker-on-your-chromebook/) - The built-in ChromeOS auto-clicker automatically performs specific actions when your cursor stops. The tool allows you to left/right click, double-click, and select text without pressing your Chromebook’s touchpad or clicking mouse buttons. It’s an accessibility-focused feature designed to help Chromebook users with motor impairments. This tutorial covers everything about enabling, using, and customizing the built-in
- [9 Ways to Fix OneDrive ”Upload Blocked” Errors in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/9-ways-to-fix-onedrive-upload-blocked-errors-in-windows/) - Fix OneDrive upload blocked errors in Windows with these 9 proven solutions. Regain syncing control and avoid common upload issues on your PC.
- [How Big Is Windows 10 and Can It Be Reduced?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-big-is-windows-10-and-can-it-be-reduced/) - How big is Windows 10? The size varies based on the exact version of Windows 10 you have installed. It also depends on whether you upgraded from an older version of Windows or have made a fresh install. Microsoft’s official minimum requirements for Windows 10 specifies 20GB of free space for the 64-bit version of
- [How to Tell If Your Computer is Being Monitored](https://helpdeskgeek.com/5-ways-to-make-sure-no-one-is-monitoring-your-computer/) - Knowing that someone is monitoring your computer is pretty scary, but it’s perhaps even scarier not knowing how to tell if it’s even happening. But it does happen, and could very well happen to you too if you’re not actively blocking it. If someone is monitoring your computer, they might have been doing so for
- [How to Fix HP "Printer Status Unknown” Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-hp-printer-status-unknown-error/) - When HP Smart displays the “Printer status unknown” error, the app can’t communicate with your printer. Issues with your printer connection, firmware, or driver are often responsible for this error message. However, several other factors could also trigger it. This tutorial covers seven ways to fix the “Printer status unknown” error in the HP Smart
- [How To Burn a DVD Disc With Subtitles](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-burn-a-dvd-disc-with-subtitles/) - In the era of cloud and portable USB flash storage, storing videos on DVDs can seem a little out of date. But you might be looking at it from a wrong angle. DVDs still offer a good way to store content you rarely use for the long term. Unlike flash storage, there’s a much lower
- [5 Best Tablets For Reading Digital Books](https://helpdeskgeek.com/5-best-tablets-for-reading-digital-books/) - Tablets are yet to be as essential as smartphones and laptops, but they’re still nice to have around. If you love reading, a tablet will change the way you read digital books and listen to audiobooks. Whether you’re looking for a no-frills budget tablet or a high-end tablet with all the bells and whistles, here’s
- [Ryzen 3900X vs Intel i9-9900K - Which CPU Is Truly Better?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/ryzen-3900x-vs-intel-i9-9900k-which-cpu-is-truly-better/) - The ultimate CPU battle - the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X vs the Intel Core i9-9900K. Both are the best offering from each side of the CPU war, but which one comes out on top? I will dive deep and find out which CPU is truly better. For a long time the i9-9900K was considered the
- [How to Improve Windows 10 Display Quality](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-improve-windows-10-display-quality/) - Whether you edit graphics, play video games, or watch movies on your Windows 10 PC, spending time to improve your display quality can go a long way to improving your overall experience. In this article, we want to explain to you how you can improve your color accuracy, brightness and contrast straight from within Windows
- [How to Limit Battery Charge to a Certain Percentage in Windows 11/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-limit-battery-charge-to-a-certain-percentage-in-windows-11-10/) - The latest Apple macOS versions detect whether you’re using the laptop on AC power for extended amounts of time. It automatically limits the maximum battery level to 80% to extend your battery life. Neither Windows 10 nor 11 have this feature at the time of writing, but if you want a similar option to make
- [How To Remove Viruses Before Your Operating System Starts](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-remove-viruses-before-your-operating-system-starts/) - Most viruses are fairly easy to get rid of. Just open an antivirus scanner, wait for it to gather results, and then delete whatever it finds. Sometimes though, the virus just won’t go away and no regular antivirus solution seems to help. So, what are you to do with pesky, hard-to-delete viruses? Within the scope
- [Fix "You need permission to perform this action" Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/you-need-permission-to-perform-this-action/) - Microsoft offers several ways of preventing your files or data from being deleted, renamed or modified in Windows to ensure that your information doesn’t get into the wrong hands. However, some of these protections can get out of hand, leading to errors such as “You need permission to perform this action”. This can occur when
- [What's the Difference Between Consumer and Professional Workstation Graphics Cards?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/whats-the-difference-between-consumer-and-professional-workstation-graphics-cards/) - The GPU or Graphical Processing Unit is one of the most important components in any computer. It’s the hardware component dedicated to processing the visuals produced by your computer. When you watch a video, play a game or edit photos, your GPU plays a major role in how pretty the graphics are, or how smoothly
- [4 Best Port Forwarding Software Apps and How to Use Them](https://helpdeskgeek.com/4-best-port-forwarding-software-apps-and-how-to-use-them/) - Port forwarding redirects external connection attempts to your local network to a specific device on that network. Most people do not need port forwarding, so ports on a home network should generally be kept closed. But, there are plenty of reasons you might want to set up port forwarding, too. If you need to set
- [7 Best Plex Plugins You Should Install Now](https://helpdeskgeek.com/7-best-plex-plugins-you-should-install-now/) - As Plex continues to expand and streamline its functionality, many of its traditional features fall by the wayside. Plugins are one of these. In late 2018, Plex eliminated support for many Plex plugins. However, you can still download plugins that work from the web and third-party providers. Plex plugins add additional functionality that Plex doesn’t
- [How To Update Windows Without Windows Update](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-update-windows-without-windows-update/) - Windows updates should be installed directly from the Windows Update utility built into the operating system. But what if it doesn’t work? If Windows won’t update or you can’t see some Windows updates that you know should be there, there are some alternative ways to install them. The first method to update Windows that we’ll
- [How to Troubleshoot Your Nest Thermostat](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-troubleshoot-your-nest-thermostat/) - A Google Nest thermostat is a great smart thermostat and can help you cut energy costs when it’s working correctly. But it can be frustrating when something goes wrong, and the Nest thermostat stops working. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot your Nest thermostat immediately following an installation attempt or
- [20 of The Best TV Streaming Devices](https://helpdeskgeek.com/20-of-the-best-tv-streaming-devices/) - While smart Internet enabled TVs are becoming more popular, there are still a lot of homes that don’t have them. However, with technology advancing so rapidly, the demand for smart TV functionality will continue to increase. Right now, there are more options and devices than ever to stream Netflix, Hulu, games, apps and more to
- [What are the Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2020?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-are-the-best-programming-languages-to-learn-in-2020/) - If you’ve ever found yourself sitting, staring at your monitor wondering “what programming language should I learn today?”, we might just have an answer for you. With so many different programming languages to choose from it can be a bit of a chore trying to figure out which ones are worth investing your time in.
- [Preparing for Windows 10 End of Support: Upgrading to Windows 11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/preparing-for-windows-10-end-of-support-upgrading-to-windows-11/) - Windows 10 support ends Oct 14, 2025 - learn how to upgrade to Windows 11, check eligibility, and stay secure with this step-by-step guide.
- [Should You Defrag an SSD?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/should-you-defrag-an-ssd/) - Find out if you should defrag an SSD and learn best practices for maintaining solid-state drive performance.
- [What Is Microsoft Teams & How Does It Work?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-is-microsoft-teams-how-does-it-work/) - Understand what Microsoft Teams is and how it works to enhance collaboration and communication in your organization.
- [How To Change Your IP Address On Windows 10 (& Why You'd Want To)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-your-ip-address-on-windows-10-why-youd-want-to/) - Change your IP address on Windows 10 and learn why you might want to do so for privacy or troubleshooting purposes.
- [7 Ways to Create More Disk Space in Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/7-ways-to-create-more-disk-space-in-windows-10/) - Create more disk space in Windows 10 with these 7 methods to free up storage and improve system performance.
- [Guide to Network and Sharing Center in Windows 7, 8, 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/guide-to-network-and-sharing-center-in-windows-7-8-10/) - Guide to Network and Sharing Center in Windows 7, 8, and 10 to manage your network connections and settings effectively.
- [Evernote Desktop App: All the Features for Convenient Note Taking](https://helpdeskgeek.com/evernote-desktop-app-all-the-features-for-convenient-note-taking/) - Explore the Evernote Desktop App features for convenient note-taking and organization across your devices.
- [Windows 11 Vs Windows 10: What You Get When You Upgrade](https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-11-vs-windows-10-what-you-get-when-you-upgrade/) - Compare Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 to understand the differences and decide whether to upgrade your operating system.
- [FIX: "Your Device Isn't Compatible with This Version" on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/fix-your-device-isnt-compatible-with-this-version-on-android/) - Fix "Your device isn't compatible with this version" on Android with these steps to install apps successfully.
- [Fix: Nvidia Control Panel Not Opening in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/fix-nvidia-control-panel-not-opening-in-windows/) - Fix NVIDIA Control Panel not opening in Windows with these solutions to access graphics settings and optimize performance.
- [How to Update Your Browser [All Web Browsers]](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-update-your-browser-all-web-browsers/) - Update your browser across all web browsers with this comprehensive guide to ensure security and access to the latest features.
- [How to Enable and Use System Restore in Windows 11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-and-use-system-restore-in-windows-11/) - Enable and use System Restore in Windows 11 to revert your system to a previous state and fix issues effectively.
- [How To Connect a Computer To a Mobile Hotspot](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-a-computer-to-a-mobile-hotspot/) - Connect your computer to a mobile hotspot with this guide to stay online using your smartphone's internet connection.
- [How to Create Shortcuts for Email and Tasks in Outlook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-create-shortcuts-for-email-and-tasks-in-outlook/) - Create shortcuts for email and tasks in Outlook to streamline your workflow and access essential functions quickly.
- [Why You Shouldn't Download CCleaner for Windows Anymore](https://helpdeskgeek.com/why-you-shouldnt-download-ccleaner-for-windows-anymore/) - Discover why you shouldn't download CCleaner for Windows anymore and explore safer alternatives for system optimization.
- [What Is a CPU & What Does It Do?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-is-a-cpu-what-does-it-do/) - Learn what a CPU is and its role in your computer to better understand how your system processes information and performs tasks.
- [How to Perform an Offline Virus Scan to Fix an Infected PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-perform-an-offline-virus-scan-to-fix-an-infected-pc/) - Perform an offline virus scan to fix an infected PC and remove malware effectively without relying on an internet connection.
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- [How to Make a Post Shareable on Facebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-make-a-post-shareable-on-facebook/) - The point of social media platforms like Facebook is to share content with your friends. On Facebook, some content is shareable, and some aren’t — it all depends on the privacy settings of whoever posted the content in the first place. In this article, we’ll explain how to make a post shareable on Facebook. What
- [How to Change Your Name or Username on Facebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-your-name-or-username-on-facebook/) - When you create a Facebook account, your profile or page is automatically assigned a username, which is basically your name and a bunch of numbers. It’s relatively hidden: It only appears in the URL of your Facebook profile that you can send to people so they can find you on Facebook. However, your Facebook username
- [How to Bulk Delete All Your Facebook Posts](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-bulk-delete-all-your-facebook-posts/) - If you’ve had Facebook for a while, then you’ve probably built up a large archive of posts. What was considered “cool” to post in the past may now seem inappropriate. It isn’t just our friends and family that may look through these older posts. Employers actively look at social media profiles before they hire. While
- [How to Turn Off Comments on a Facebook Post](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-off-comments-on-a-facebook-post/) - Social media provides a way for people to stay connected, but it often brings out the worst in people’s behavior. There are times when you want to post something, but without the option for people to make comments. While you can’t do this on your personal page, you can turn off commenting on Facebook group
- [How to Leave a Facebook Group](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-leave-a-facebook-group/) - Facebook groups are a great way to share posts, images, and videos with other like-minded individuals. Groups based around locations, occupations, interests, and more are all available for Facebook users to join. If you can’t find a group that matches your interests, you can create a new group and invite others to join instead. However,
- [How to Turn Off Active Status on Facebook to Appear Offline](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-off-active-status-on-facebook-to-appear-offline/) - Most messaging apps like Skype and WhatsApp allow you to switch between active and invisible status quickly. However, that isn't the case with Facebook, as you will need to complete a set of actions before you can turn off your active status. Having the ability to be invisible to some or most of your contacts
- [How to Save Your Live Stream on Twitch, Instagram and Facebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-save-your-live-stream-on-twitch-instagram-and-facebook/) - It’s now possible to save your live streams easily on most platforms, which is great if you want to upload them to another platform or archive them for safe storage. Twitch, Instagram, and Facebook have included this feature. In this guide, we’ll show you how you can save your live stream on Twitch, Instagram, and
- [How to Make Photos Private on Facebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-make-photos-private-on-facebook/) - Facebook privacy is something that many Facebook users fail to consider. However, knowing how to make photos private on your Facebook account is important to keep pictures of your children, home, and other sensitive personal images out of the prying eyes of the general public. There are scammers regularly searching every social media platform for
- [How To Unblock Someone on Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-unblock-someone-on-facebook-messenger-instagram-and-whatsapp/) - Each one of us has been there -- you’ve blocked several people, from prying teachers to the overly political relative on social media. However, if you want to see their posts in your news feed again, you’ll need to unblock them. Unblocking blocked users doesn’t trigger notifications for the users you unblock on any platform.
- [How To Create a Chatbot For a Website Or Facebook Page](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-create-a-chatbot-for-a-website-or-facebook-page/) - If you’ve tried ordering a pizza for delivery or contacted tech support about an issue with an app, you’ve probably encountered a chatbot. They may take your order or answer your question, sometimes even give you suggestions based on what you’re asking, and more. By adopting bots, small and large enterprises reduce costs by handling
- [How to See/Find All Your Likes on Facebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-seefind-all-your-likes-on-facebook/) - If you’re an avid Facebook user, you probably like dozens of posts each day from your profile on the site. By liking a post, you’re actually telling the author of that post that you acknowledge their work. In the background, you’re also actually creating a list of curated items that you like on Facebook. What
- [Move Photos to a Different Album in Facebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/move-photos-to-a-different-album-of-facebook/) - Did you know that Facebook gets 4,000 photo uploads every second? The social media platform has more than a billion users worldwide, and that number is expected to go up by 690 million in 2020. That’s an overwhelming number of photos being uploaded every day. If you have a collection of photos uploaded over the
- [How to Recover a Facebook Account When You Can't Log In](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-recover-a-facebook-account-when-you-cant-log-in/) - Are you having problems logging into Facebook? Whether you forgot your login details, or your Facebook account was hacked, there’s no reason to panic. There are a few different ways to recover a Facebook account when you can't log in. If you believe your account has been hacked, you should probably go over the main
- [How To Deactivate Facebook Messenger](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-deactivate-facebook-messenger/) - More and more people are turning away from social media, or at least Facebook. Whether you want to distance yourself from the “keeping up with the Jones” nature of social media or you are concerned about data privacy, sometimes it is good to step away and log out. If you have already deactivated your Facebook
- [How to Check if Someone Blocked You on Instagram & Facebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-check-if-someone-blocked-you-on-instagram-facebook/) - When you stop seeing posts from your friend on social media, it can mean one of two things: they're busy and simply don't have time to post anything, or they've blocked you for some reason. Neither Instagram nor Facebook will let you know when someone blocks you. There are third-party apps that will promise to
- [Disable Adobe Flash On Your PC & Why You Would Want To](https://helpdeskgeek.com/disable-adobe-flash-on-your-pc-why-you-would-want-to/) - If you haven’t done it already, you should be disabling Flash on your computer. Although it is run by the trusted Adobe, it is nevertheless an outdated and unsafe piece of software. Adobe Flash is something which used to be absolutely essential for things like watching online videos (such as YouTube) and playing online games.
- [How To Add Keyframes In Adobe Premiere Pro](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-keyframes-in-adobe-premiere-pro/) - When video editing, you might find it relatively simple to stick certain effects and edits onto your video clips. Yet in doing this, you might find you don’t have a lot of precision in how exactly the effect gets applied. Adobe Premiere, however, has a wide range of features available to edit your video just
- [How to Create and Combine Sequences in Adobe Premiere](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-create-and-combine-sequences-in-adobe-premiere/) - The length of a video you may have for your editing project might feel overwhelming at times if you have a lot of media to put into your timeline at once. One way to organize your clips can be to use what are called sequences. In Adobe Premiere Pro, sequences are smaller video projects within
- [How to Link Text Boxes in Adobe InDesign](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-link-text-boxes-in-adobe-indesign/) - In the desktop publishing application Adobe InDesign, if you’re working with a long or complex document—or even a single-page document with multiple design elements—chances are you’ll want to link your text boxes. Since the length of the text in any document could be liable to change, it’s important to allow for those changes so you
- [How to Create Title Graphics in Adobe Premiere Pro](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-create-title-graphics-in-adobe-premiere-pro/) - Titles are an important aspect of any video whether they are needed for the introduction, credits, or other information. In Adobe Premiere Pro, you have many ways to add titles to any video, animate them, and make them look the way you want. At first, the process of creating title graphics in Adobe Premiere may
- [How to Fix a Blank “Save As” Screen in Adobe Acrobat Reader](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-a-blank-save-as-screen-in-adobe-acrobat-reader/) - Do you see a blank "Save As" screen in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or Pro DC? We'll explain why that happens and how you can fix the problem on both the PC and Mac. A blank "Save As" screen in Adobe Acrobat Reader shows up when the application has trouble connecting to Adobe's cloud storage
- [How To Install and Use Adobe Photoshop on Linux](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-and-use-adobe-photoshop-on-linux/) - Linux is an excellent alternative to running Windows—it’s free, quick, and offers plenty of alternatives to major Windows apps. If you’re a Linux beginner, you might be curious to know if you can install and use Adobe Photoshop on your Linux PC. Photoshop isn’t technically supported on Linux, but there are some workarounds you can
- [Turn Off Clicking Sound on Type Cover for Microsoft Surface Tablet](https://helpdeskgeek.com/turn-off-clicking-sound-on-touch-and-type-cover-for-microsoft-surface/) - Got yourself a new Microsoft Surface in the last couple of days? The Surface is definitely an interesting new tablet, especially when you pair it with the new Touch Cover and Type Cover that you can use with it. The touch cover is especially cool since it doesn't even really have buttons like a normal
- [How to Connect AirPods to Your Microsoft Surface](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-airpods-to-your-microsoft-surface/) - AirPods work on Apple and non-Apple devices. You can connect and use AirPods on Windows devices just like regular Bluetooth headphones. This tutorial shows you how to connect AirPods to your Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface laptop. Connect AirPods to Your Microsoft Surface Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings app. Select Bluetooth
- [How to Refresh or Factory Reset Your Microsoft Surface](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-refresh-or-factory-reset-your-microsoft-surface/) - If your Microsoft Surface laptop has begun to slow down or is freezing a lot, it might be time to perform a factory reset. Resetting your surface can get rid of many residual issues and make your laptop as good as new. Below, we’ll explain how to reset your Microsoft Surface for both the Windows
- [How to Adjust the Keyboard Backlight on Surface Laptops](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-adjust-the-keyboard-backlight-on-surface-laptops/) - Cranking up your Surface keyboard backlight at night or in dark rooms enhances key visibility when typing. Conversely, decreasing or turning off your keyboard backlight (in a lit room or outdoors) can reduce battery drainage. Adjusting keyboard brightness on Surface devices is straightforward, but the steps vary depending on your Surface model or keyboard configuration.
- [How to Factory Reset Amazon Echo Devices](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-factory-reset-amazon-echo-devices/) - Smart assistants like the Amazon Echo are incredibly useful devices, but they are also potential privacy concerns. When you give away or sell your smart assistant, you can’t just reset it on your phone. You need to perform a hard reset that will completely erase your data, not only to protect your personal information, but
- [How To Delete An Amazon Account](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-delete-an-amazon-account/) - It’s been over two decades and counting since Jeff Bezos launched Amazon out of his garage. Thanks to the buyers and sellers with active accounts on Amazon, the once online bookstore is now one of the largest online retailers, enjoying an indisputable popularity. Chances are you’ve purchased something through Amazon in the past, but maybe
- [How To Set Up Amazon Alexa](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-amazon-alexa/) - Amazon Alexa gives your voice a few superpowers. It was the first digital assistant in the market until the battle of the smart assistants started with the arrival of Google Home. Now it can be found in hundreds of small devices from tiny speakers that play music to automated smart homes. Let’s learn how to
- [How to Cancel Amazon Music](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-cancel-amazon-music/) - If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you get Amazon Music Prime for free. But, you won’t get as many features compared to the Amazon Music HD or Amazon Music Unlimited plans. While Amazon Music offers millions of songs and podcasts, many other music streaming services offer more features and options. If you’ve tried Amazon
- [How to Set Up an Amazon Echo Dot](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-an-amazon-echo-dot/) - Amazon’s Echo series of smart speakers are some of the most popular options on the market, standing toe-to-toe with the Nest lineup of speakers. (Sorry, HomePod. You don’t count.) The Echo Dot is the most affordable entry-level option at just . These devices are easy to set up and user-friendly to operate. You can do
- [How to Create a YouTube Timestamp Link](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-create-a-youtube-timestamp-link/) - If you’re sharing a YouTube video with friends, but you’re looking to pinpoint a particular section of the video, you’ll need to use the video’s timestamp. You could share the timestamp directly by telling the viewer to move the playback slider to another starting point themselves, but this creates unnecessary work for the viewer. An
- [How to Fix "An Error Occurred Please Try Again Later" on YouTube](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-an-error-occurred-please-try-again-later-on-youtube/) - YouTube is immensely popular, with many of us watching a video at least once a day, so we’re bound to encounter some type of error eventually. The most common one is the “an error occurred, please try again later” error message. Videos don’t play when this error pops up, but there are several ways to
- [How to Customize YouTube's Recommended Videos Feed](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-customize-youtubes-recommended-videos-feed/) - When you visit YouTube, you see video recommendations. While you may enjoy some of these suggestions, you might also see many that don’t interest you. YouTube provides recommendations based on several factors. Let’s look at what those things are, and you can customize the YouTube recommended videos you see. What Influences YouTube Recommendations Your activity
- [How to Fix YouTube “You’re Offline” Error on Your PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-youtube-youre-offline-error-on-your-pc/) - YouTube is the most popular platform for watching and uploading videos, but it’s not entirely free of glitches and bugs. Did you ever log in to your YouTube account to watch your funny cat videos or a vlog, just to receive a “You’re Offline. Check Your Connection” error? This error can affect the web browser
- [Live Stream Games to Twitch, YouTube, and Other Popular Platforms](https://helpdeskgeek.com/live-stream-games-to-twitch-youtube-and-other-popular-platforms/) - Ever wanted to know how to stream to Twitch, YouTube, or other popular streaming platforms? Well, in this guide, we’ll be explaining exactly how to do it. We’ll take you through each step so that you know exactly what needs to be done. By the end of the guide, you’ll be set up and ready
- [How to Protect Your Copyrighted Content on YouTube and Other Social Media](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-protect-your-copyrighted-content-on-youtube-and-other-social-media/) - Copyright can seem like it’s meaningless in a world where sharing is so easy, but it does matter, and you do own the full rights to your created work. Whilst fair use can protect users from showing and commenting on your work, it’s a breach of copyright for somebody to re-upload your work in full
- [How to Turn On YouTube Dark Mode On Web & Mobile](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-on-youtube-dark-mode-on-web-mobile/) - Dark mode is a popular feature on most major apps like YouTube, Facebook and more, which temporarily switches the light elements on your device’s screen or interface from light to dark ones. Such elements include the menus, app backgrounds, and rudimentary parts of the device’s operating system, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet or computer. The
- [How To Delete A YouTube Account](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-delete-a-youtube-account/) - YouTube is one of the most popular platforms with billions of videos ranging from funny cat videos to vlogs, movie trailers and music videos uploaded and shared by its users since its inception. If you’ve amassed lots of videos in your watch history and just want to clear out all your activity and comments that
- [How to Cite a YouTube Video in MLA and APA](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-cite-a-youtube-video-in-mla-and-apa/) - The first rule of fight club academic writing is to cite your sources. (Honestly, we wish it were more common in other kinds of writing, too.) Two common styles for academic writing are the MLA and APA. Both offer guidance on how to clearly document and format references to other works like books, articles, and
- [How to Fix a YouTube Black Screen Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-a-youtube-black-screen-error/) - If you’re a regular YouTube user, you may already be familiar with some of the common tricks to try when YouTube stops working. Unfortunately, one difficult-to-fix issue for some users is a YouTube black screen error that prevents you from watching your favorite videos. This issue is just one of many that can stop you
- [How to Message Someone on YouTube](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-message-someone-on-youtube/) - YouTube is a great platform for video creators and streamers to build an audience around their interests. To protect those creators, YouTube has limited the features that allow direct contact between creators and followers. YouTube’s own direct messaging system, for instance, was removed to help prevent this kind of abuse. If you want to learn
- [How to Transfer Your YouTube Account to Another Person or Business](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-transfer-your-youtube-account-to-another-person-or-business/) - Transferring your YouTube account to another person or business isn't something you think about when creating a YouTube channel. However, it can happen that one day you'll decide to change the owner of your YouTube channel. While this seems like a very easy task, in reality, the process of transferring your account to another user
- [How to Add and Use a Roku Web Browser](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-and-use-a-roku-web-browser/) - Imagine if you could access the internet on your TV. It makes reading text easier, and there are some streaming websites (perhaps not completely legal) you might want to add, but you don’t want to go through the trouble of installing an HDMI cable. The good news is that you can add a web browser
- [How to Watch Twitch on Roku](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-watch-twitch-on-roku/) - Are you a Twitch fan and want to cast your favorite Twitch streams to your Roku device? You’re in luck. There are multiple ways to watch Twitch on Roku, including using your mobile devices to cast your streams. Twitch currently doesn’t have an official channel available for Roku, but some workarounds enable you to access
- [How to Get Kodi on Roku](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-get-kodi-on-roku/) - Although there is no officially supported Roku channel for Kodi, there are multiple ways users can gain access to the platform. As Kodi is open-source, it works on platforms from Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. If you want to stream your media from Kodi to Roku, there are several easy ways to do so. Remember
- [How to Connect Apple AirPods to Roku](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-apple-airpods-to-roku/) - Apple AirPods are a great way to enjoy a high-quality audio experience on your various devices. A good thing about these earbuds is that you can use these with many of your devices, including Roku. If you use Roku for streaming, you can connect your AirPods to your Roku device. Then, Roku will route the
- [How to Fix It When Roku Has No Sound](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-it-when-roku-has-no-sound/) - Roku is an excellent streaming device, and you’ll usually have a great time using it. However, the device has its fair share of issues. One common issue is when your Roku has no sound. Sometimes, you might find that your Roku has no sound when you’re watching a video or trying to play an audio
- [How to Turn Off Google Assistant on Various Platforms](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-off-google-assistant-on-various-platforms/) - Google Assistant is helpful, but if you're uncomfortable with an always-listening AI, you can turn it off on all your devices. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to disable the voice assistant on all Google Assistant devices. How To Turn Off Google Assistant on Any Device The instructions for disabling Google Assistant on each
- [How to Restore WhatsApp Backup from Google Drive](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-restore-whatsapp-backup-from-google-drive/) - Want to back up your Android's WhatsApp chat history or transfer WhatsApp messages and media to a new device? Google Drive makes it easy. If you use WhatsApp on Android, you can seamlessly back up your chat history to Google Drive. You can then restore everything quickly if you reset the system software or make
- [How to Fix Speech Services by Google Waiting for Network Connection Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-speech-services-by-google-waiting-for-network-connection-error/) - Find out how to update Speech Services by Google, clear cache, reinstall updates, and reset network settings to fix the "Waiting for network connection" error.
- [20 Cool Google Tricks to Search More Effectively](https://helpdeskgeek.com/20-cool-google-tricks-to-search-more-effectively/) - Google is straightforward to use. You can type just about anything into the search bar and expect useful results. However, you can take control of how Google conducts its searches to increase the chances that you’ll find what you’re looking for in fewer steps and with better accuracy. Master these Google search tricks, and you’ll
- [How To Add Animation to Google Slides](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-animation-to-google-slides/) - If you’ve embraced the Google universe of apps, you’re probably using Google Slides to create presentations. Slides is Google’s answer to Microsoft PowerPoint, and unless you’re a PowerPoint power user, Google Slides can likely meet your needs.We’ll show you how to add animation to Google Slides to bring some life to your presentation and increase
- [How to Delete Your Google Search History - A Modern Guide](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-delete-your-google-search-history-a-modern-guide/) - Google can find almost any information available online. In the process, it retains your search history for all apps owned by Google. Whenever you perform a search query on Google or YouTube (or any other Google-owned service), the query is saved not only in your browsing history but also in Google’s search history. While you
- [How to Use the Google Jamboard App](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-the-google-jamboard-app/) - Google Jamboard refers to a piece of hardware and a software tool. Google Jamboard— the physical object—is a whiteboard on steroids. It costs nearly $5,000 (and that’s not even including the $1349 for a rolling stand). So far, it’s most often used in the workplace and in distance learning settings like Google Classroom. However, you
- [How to Write a Review on Google](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-write-a-review-on-google/) - Leaving a restaurant or local business after having experienced exceptionally good or bad service may inspire you to write a review of your experience. Doing so helps other potential patrons know what to expect from that establishment. A popular place to leave reviews, due to its visibility, is Google. When you look for a business
- [How to Activate and Use Google Lens](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-activate-and-use-google-lens/) - Even if you use the Google app daily, you might be missing one of its most brilliant features. Google Assistant and Google Lens are good examples of how Google combines AI with deep machine learning. Google Lens allows you to use your phone's camera or your saved photos to access all of the information found
- [How to Use Latitude and Longitude in Google Maps](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-latitude-and-longitude-in-google-maps/) - Most people don’t bother with latitude and longitude to identify a location. However, it’s still a sure-fire way to note a location’s exact position when precision is important. Google Maps lets you find a location and then show its latitude and longitude. You can also enter coordinates directly to find a place. Whether you use
- [How to Factory Reset Google Home and Home Mini](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-factory-reset-google-home-and-home-mini/) - The Google Home and Google Home Mini are two of the most popular smart home devices families are using in their homes today. This is because Google Home and the Mini integrate with so many other smart home devices and online services. However, if you use these devices long enough, things can start to go
- [How to Use the Google Home App on Mac and PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-the-google-home-app-on-mac-and-pc/) - If you just bought a Google-compatible smart device like the Google Home Mini or you have a Google Chromecast device, you’ll need to use the Google Home app to set it up. The Google Home app is a handy way to view and control your gadgets. The app is designed to work with iOS and
- [How to Fix Google Drive "Download quota is exceeded" Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-google-drive-download-quota-is-exceeded-error/) - One of the great things about Google Drive is that you can download, share, and collaborate on files with many people. However, once those teams get large or you’re trying to upload big files, you can run into usage limits. Those usage limits can lead to the error that your “Download quota is exceeded”. There
- [How to Automatically Backup Files to Google Drive or OneDrive to Prevent Data Loss](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-automatically-backup-files-to-google-drive-or-onedrive-to-prevent-data-loss/) - When you use a PC, you must make it a point to create extra copies of your documents and photos somewhere outside your computer’s internal storage. That insulates you from potential data losses caused by sudden hardware failures, system crashes, and malware attacks. But local backups aside, it's also best to upload your files online.
- [How to Set Your Home Address in Google Maps](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-your-home-address-in-google-maps/) - Google Maps is one of the most popular mapping apps that makes it easy for you to navigate different locations. With a single click or tap, you can quickly find your home address instead of having to set up the route each time you want to travel. If you have your account set up with
- [How to Use If and Nested If in Google Sheets](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-if-and-nested-if-in-google-sheets/) - One of the most commonly used statements in nearly every programming language is the IF statement. So it should come as no surprise that using IF and nested IF statements in Google Sheets is very popular and very useful. The IF statement in Google Sheets lets you insert different functions into a cell-based on conditions
- [How to Move Google Authenticator to a New Phone Without Losing Access](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-move-google-authenticator-to-a-new-phone-without-losing-access/) - When you get a new phone, one of the important things to migrate from your old phone to your new phone is your account authentication codes. If you use Google Authenticator, Google makes it easy to transfer your account codes from one device to another. To move Google Authenticator from an old phone to a
- [How to Point Your Domain to Google Sites](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-point-your-domain-to-google-sites/) - If you’re a user of Google Sites, then you know that Google Sites is one of the fastest and easiest ways to create a free website. However, since it’s free, your site will be hosted on the Google Sites website which starts with “https://sites.google.com”. But if you want people to easily remember how to get
- [How to Find Duplicates In Rows And Cells In Google Sheets](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-find-duplicates-in-rows-and-cells-in-google-sheets/) - Google Sheets is one of Google’s most powerful products and one of the go-to solutions for spreadsheet and data management on the web. However, out of the box, it has its weak points—one that we’ll discuss in this article. Luckily, Sheets supports custom functions and formulas that help make up for some of these shortcomings.
- [How To Use Google Backup And Sync To Backup Your Hard Drive](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-google-backup-and-sync-to-backup-your-hard-drive/) - The cardinal rule of backups is that you should have them in at least two different places, which are unlikely to be destroyed at the same time. At least, this has been the conventional wisdom for years, but cloud storage services have changed the equation. Now you can put your data in the trusted hands
- [5 Ways to Get Google Calendar on Your Desktop](https://helpdeskgeek.com/5-ways-to-get-google-calendar-on-your-desktop/) - These days it can be tough to keep up with all that you have to do. So, having an easily accessible calendar is key. And if your choice is Google Calendar, then you’re using one of the most popular digital calendars out there. You probably have the Google Calendar app on your mobile device, but
- [How To Restore WhatsApp From Google Drive](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-restore-whatsapp-from-google-drive/) - Moving to a new Android smartphone? You’ll want to carry all your WhatsApp messages and group chats with you. If you’re keeping the same number, it’s easy to back up and restore WhatsApp messages using Google Drive. And you won’t need to use a third-party utility to do this. All you need to do is
- [How to Scan to Google Drive with Your Phone](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-scan-to-google-drive-with-your-phone/) - Flatbed scanners have been the mainstay of image digitization for decades now. The problem is that you probably don’t have one and you almost certainly don’t have one on you all the time. Smartphone cameras today are so good that you can not only take a highly-detailed picture of a document, but probably zoom right
- [How to Add Google Analytics to Wix](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-google-analytics-to-wix/) - Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy, once said, “Measure everything of significance. I swear this is true. Anything that is measured and watched improves.” He understood the importance of the collection and analysis of data in any area of business, but especially data about website usage. Collecting data about the characteristics and behavior of your website
- [How to Add Google Analytics to Squarespace](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-google-analytics-to-squarespace/) - If you’re serious about creating an engaging website with compelling content, you’ll need answers to questions like: What content attracts the most visitors?Where is your website traffic coming from (ads, social media sites, links from other websites)?Are your visitors mostly on desktop or mobile?How long does a typical visitor stay on your site? When you
- [How to Set Up Response Validation in Google Forms](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-response-validation-in-google-forms/) - Whenever you create a form using Google Forms, you can collect answers from anyone on the internet who has a link to your form or who you’ve shared it with. While it’s useful to have a way to get so much input from so many people over the internet, it can also introduce problems. People
- [How To Add GPX Files To Google Maps](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-gpx-files-to-google-maps/) - Google Maps’ map data format of choice is KML, but they do support many other formats including GPX. GPX, also commonly referred to as GPS eXchange format, is an open standard XML type that contains Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates on top of additional map data. The format has seen increased growth and is used
- [How To Set Up Your Website On Google Analytics](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-your-website-on-google-analytics/) - Google Analytics has always been one of the most popular tools website owners have used to monitor their web traffic. Setting up a new website in Google Analytics isn’t quite as straightforward as it should be. However, following the steps below, you should be able to have your website enabled with Google Analytics tracking in
- [How To Import Data Into Google Sheets From Another Sheet](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-import-data-into-google-sheets-from-another-sheet/) - Of all of the G Suite web applications, Google Sheets may be the most impressive. Released in 2006, it quickly became a fierce competitor to stand up against Microsoft Excel as an up-and-coming spreadsheet editor. Today, Google Sheets includes a wealth of editing and collaboration features that millions of students, workers, and hobbyists use on
- [The 10 Best Google Forms Templates](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-10-best-google-forms-templates/) - Companies and brands use Google Forms templates to collect data for a multitude of reasons such as customer feedback, surveys, job applications, track expenses, event registration, party invitations, and evaluation forms. Using form templates saves time by not having to start from scratch. Google Forms templates enable users to add or delete sections and make
- [How To Add Music To Google Slides](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-music-to-google-slides/) - Adding music to a Google Slide Presentation can spice it up and keep your audience engaged. However, unlike PowerPoint, Google Slides doesn’t directly support audio and music files. This article will show you several workarounds to effectively add background music to your Google Slide presentations. Add a Link To An Online Streaming Service Search for
- [How To Embed Video In Google Slides](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-embed-video-in-google-slides/) - Everyone knows that videos can add some extra spark on a web page. Did you also know that they can spice up your Google Slide presentation with video? No matter how well-designed and informative your presentation is, it is challenging to hold the viewers’ attention. Adding attention-grabbing elements, such as embedding a video in Google
- [How to Print a Google Doc With Comments](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-print-a-google-doc-with-comments/) - One of the most valuable features in Google Docs is the ability to have an entire threaded conversation in the comments section of the document. Many people want to be able to print these comment threads along with the document itself. This could be to archive the revision process of documents, for example. But the
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- [Make Quick Digital Photocopies With Google Drive and Your Phone](https://helpdeskgeek.com/make-quick-digital-photocopies-with-google-drive-and-your-phone/) - We’ve been promised a paperless future for decades now and yet, despite smartphones being everywhere, there’s still a ton of paper around. To make things worse, at some point you are going to want digital copies of paper documents. Usually this means trying to find someplace with a scanner, which is becoming a harder thing
- [Delete Personal Activity Information Collected By Google](https://helpdeskgeek.com/delete-personal-activity-information-collected-by-google/) - Google as a company has a hand in pretty much every corner of the Internet. While their search engine is what they are best known for, they also have services like YouTube, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Assistant, and Google Plus. Google provides a valuable service, but the primary way that they monetize is through advertising
- [Set an Expiration Date on Shared Google Drive Files](https://helpdeskgeek.com/set-an-expiration-date-on-shared-google-drive-files/) - Google Drive has emerged as one of the best and most popular ways of sharing files between clients, coworkers, and friends without requiring them to make a direct download. A decade ago, you’d be sending these files as an email attachment or link from a site like Megaupload or MediaFire. Let’s all rejoice that those
- [How to Download Your Personal Data From Google](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-download-your-personal-data-from-google/) - Google takeout is a feature of your Google account that lets you download your data. You can export your photos, emails, calendar data, contacts, files, and lots of other data. Another way to save your information from Google is to selectively open the service that you want to download data from, such as Gmail or
- [How to Stop Personalized Ads and Search Results in Google and Facebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-stop-personalized-ads-and-search-results-in-google-and-facebook/) - We live in a world where our data and personal interests are the most valuable thing. Whilst it can be hard to completely eradicate websites and services from tracking your history and building an advertising profile for you, there are still methods to stop or minimize personalized ads and search results. In this guide, we’ll
- [How To Use Powerful Photo Search Tools Available on Google Photos](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-powerful-photo-search-tools-available-on-google-photos/) - With Google behind their very own Google Photos app, you have access to a number of powerful photo search tools that many people aren’t aware of. Let’s take a look at what tools are available. From searching text in photos to searching by face and location, Google Photos does an excellent job at gathering information
- [How To Activate Google Inactive Account Manager](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-activate-google-inactive-account-manager/) - As the cheerful old saying goes, there are only two things certain in life - death and taxes. And it pays to be extremely prepared for both, especially if you are very active online. After all, if the Grim Reaper touched you on the shoulder tomorrow, think about all your accounts sitting there online still
- [How to Create a Hanging Indent in Google Docs](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-create-a-hanging-indent-in-google-docs/) - A hanging indent is when the first line of a paragraph is set at one ruler location (usually the page’s left margin), and the remaining lines are indented. Creating hanging indents in Google Docs is super easy. Hanging indents are most commonly used for citations, references, and bibliographies. You can also use a hanging indent
- [How to Check for Plagiarism in Google Docs](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-check-for-plagiarism-in-google-docs/) - Plagiarism is taking someone else’s content and passing it off as your own. It doesn’t matter if you do it intentionally or not. Writers, college students, and researchers all need to be very careful to avoid plagiarism. You can prevent plagiarism issues by learning how to check for plagiarism in Google Docs. Educators use various
- [How To Change Margins & Double Space In Google Docs](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-margins-double-space-in-google-docs/) - Google Docs is a full-featured word processor. Unlike simple text editors like Notepad, you can use various formatting functions to make your document look exactly the way you want it to look. There are two ways you can better format any document. The first is changing the margins on the sides, top, and bottom of
- [How a Google Docs Table Of Contents Works](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-a-google-docs-table-of-contents-works/) - Whether you’re writing your first novel, or an essay paper for college, a Google Docs table of contents will help you keep things organized. When you insert a table of contents in Google Docs, it updates automatically depending on how you format and structure your document. As you change the document, the table of contents
- [How to Make a Fillable Google Docs Form With Tables](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-make-a-fillable-google-docs-form-with-tables/) - One of the more common uses of Google Docs is to make a Google Docs form. Unfortunately, the most common method of creating a form using an underline for form fields doesn’t work very well because filling out the form moves the line and looks strange. Thankfully, there are some tricks you can do with
- [How To Use Google Docs: A Beginner's Guide](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-google-docs-a-beginners-guide/) - If you’ve never used Google Docs before, you’re missing out on one of the most feature-filled, convenient cloud-based word processors you could ever want. Google Docs lets you edit documents just as you would in Microsoft Word, using your browser while online or offline, as well as on your mobile devices using the Google Docs
- [How to Change Margins in Google Docs](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-margins-in-google-docs/) - If you’re using Google Docs to type up a letter or an article, you’ll start with a representation of a blank piece of paper on your screen. The size of the virtual paper matches the usual page layout and size you’d see if you printed your document on a typical piece of document paper using
- [How to Add a Gantt Chart in Google Docs](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-a-gantt-chart-in-google-docs/) - Creating a Google Docs Gantt chart can be a useful project management tool. Gantt charts can help you establish visual context for your project’s timeline and progress. You can use other programs for creating Gantt charts as well, but they can be complex, especially for something like a client review. You can also create a
- [How to Change Background Color on Google Docs](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-background-color-on-google-docs/) - Google Docs provides several options for background customization. You can spice up the background by charging its color or inserting a text watermark & background image. By default, texts sit on a white background in Google Docs. However, you can customize the color if you have access to edit the document. In this tutorial, you’ll
- [How to Start Your Android Phone in Safe Mode](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-start-your-android-phone-in-safe-mode/) - Safe mode has been a staple for troubleshooting system problems in computing devices for decades. Unsurprisingly, it comes in handy when your Android device is acting up as well. Booting your Android phone in safe mode disables third-party apps from running. Safe Mode helps you diagnose any issues with your Android operating system, helping you
- [How to Organize Apps on Android So You're More Productive](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-organize-apps-on-android-so-youre-more-productive/) - Owning an Android phone is a lot of fun. There are apps to help you with everything in your daily life, from handling finances, improving your productivity, and even controlling your smart home. Unfortunately, with all of those features come a whole lot of apps, and the many icons you use to launch them. If
- [How to Restore Contacts on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-restore-contacts-on-android/) - If you’ve factory reset your phone or accidentally deleted your important contacts and need them back, you may be in luck. Most newer Android models automatically feature one or two backup services that will allow you to retrieve your contacts with little fuss. Here’s how you can restore contacts on an Android device and how
- [How to Transfer Files From PC to Android Phone Without USB](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-transfer-files-from-pc-to-android-phone-without-usb/) - Before Bluetooth and other wireless solutions were so widely available, most people transferred files back and forth between their Windows PC and Android phone using a USB cable. There are so many convenient ways to wirelessly transfer photos or files these days that using a USB cable doesn’t make sense anymore. In this article, you’ll
- [What Is an XAPK File in Android (and How Do I Open One)?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-is-an-xapk-file-in-android-and-how-do-i-open-one/) - APK files are files that are used to package apps. Now we have a new file format known as the XAPK format. You can download XAPK files the same way you’d download an APK file, but if you try to install one, you’ll run into errors. We’ll explain what XAPK files are, how they differ
- [How to Turn Off Autocorrect on iPhone and Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-off-autocorrect-on-iphone-and-android/) - Most people have a love-hate relationship with the autocorrect feature on their smartphones. If you’re a sloppy typist, autocorrect can be incredibly useful at correcting typos. However, the feature could try to autocorrect words not found in the built-in dictionary. We’ll show you how to disable autocorrect on your iPhone and Android device to make
- [How To Turn Off Automatic Updates on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-off-automatic-updates-on-android/) - While it's important to keep your Android phone updated, you might want to turn off automatic updates on your Android and take full control over your smartphone. This is especially true if you have an older phone model and are not sure if it can handle the latest version of its operating system without lagging.
- [How to Send a Fax from an iPhone or Android Smartphone](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-send-a-fax-from-an-iphone-or-android-smartphone/) - Not all communications can happen via email or text message. Many businesses need you to fax them physical documents that contain signatures or personal information. Unfortunately, it’s rare these days for the average person to have a fax machine hooked up in their home. Luckily, you can use a simple app to send a fax
- [How to Backup Your WhatsApp Data on iPhone and Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-backup-your-whatsapp-data-on-iphone-and-android/) - The importance of backing up your WhatsApp conversations cannot be overstated. Luckily, WhatsApp provides several backup options for different devices. You can either backup WhatsApp data locally in your device’s storage or host the app’s backup files on third-party cloud-storage platforms. This tutorial will walk you through different ways to backup your WhatsApp chat history
- [How to Fix Google Discover Not Working on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-google-discover-not-working-on-android/) - Google’s Discover feed brings you the latest news on your mobile device. If this feed stops working, you can’t get your daily dose of news. There are various reasons Google Discover may not work on your Android phone. It may be a minor glitch on your phone that causes Discover not to function. Or, there
- [How to Get Facetime for Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-get-facetime-for-android/) - Although FaceTime debuted way back in 2010, it's still available only for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. So don't expect to find Apple's popular video chat app listed anywhere on the Play Store for Android. However, with the release of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS 12 Monterey, Apple surprisingly relaxed its grip on FaceTime
- [How to Fix the "Google Play Authentication Is Required" Error on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-the-google-play-authentication-is-required-error-on-android/) - Play Store’s “Authentication is required” error sometimes appears out of nowhere and prevents you from getting your favorite apps or games from the Store. If you’re experiencing this issue, you’ll have to find the underlying problem and fix that to download content from the Store. Luckily, getting around this issue is easy. You have several
- [How to Transfer WhatsApp Data From Android to iPhone](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-transfer-whatsapp-data-from-android-to-iphone/) - In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to transfer WhatsApp data from Android to iPhone using AnyTrans and iCareFone. We should mention upfront that these tools aren’t free, but they both get the job done. To migrate your data, you’ll need either of these apps, a computer (PC or Mac), USB cables, and a Wi-Fi
- [How to Turn Off Microsoft Launcher on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-off-microsoft-launcher-on-android/) - So you installed the Microsoft Launcher on your Android device and don’t care for it. It can’t just be uninstalled like other Android apps. Turn off The Microsoft Launcher first, then you can uninstall it. Turning it off isn’t as intuitive as it could be, but it is simple. What’s Microsoft Launcher? Maybe you came
- [How to Install Fonts on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-fonts-on-android/) - Have you ever paid attention to how many different fonts you look at throughout your day? Fonts are all over the internet, in documents you read, in every app you use, and of course - on your smartphone. Sometimes a certain font can even be a determining factor in whether you choose to read the
- [How to Play Android Games on PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-play-android-games-on-pc/) - Have you ever wished you could use a mouse and keyboard to play Android games? Or perhaps you just want to play Android games on a bigger screen while you’re on your PC. These are just a couple of reasons you might want to figure out how to run Android games on your PC. In
- [How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone and Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-scan-a-qr-code-on-iphone-and-android/) - Quick Response (QR) codes are modern barcodes that look like maze squares, which store small amounts of data like URLs, text or images. You can scan the QR Code and access this information or share contact information, WiFi passwords, or a link to open a website or designated app. Besides being used for business purposes,
- [How to Find MAC Address on iPhone (iOS) and Android Devices](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-find-mac-address-on-iphone-ios-and-android-devices/) - Knowing the MAC addresses of devices connected to your network can help you manage the network, improve its connection speed, and prevent unauthorized access. If the term “MAC address” sounds strange or new to you, go through this detailed guide explaining what a MAC address is, its significance, how it differs from other network identifiers,
- [How to Change Your Voice in Real-Time on iPhone, Android and PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-your-voice-in-real-time-on-iphone-android-and-pc/) - Need an app that lets you get creative with your voice on VOIP apps like Zoom, Discord, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and more? We highlight some tools that let you change your voice in real-time on mobile devices and computers. By altering your voice, these apps allow you to play pranks on your friends or colleagues
- [How to Use Your Phone as a Wireless Webcam (iPhone & Android)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-your-phone-as-a-wireless-webcam-iphone-android/) - You’re about to start a meeting and you need a webcam only to find that you do not have one handy. As it turns out, the camera on your Android or iPhone device can work as a wireless webcam; all you need is the right software and perhaps a few accessories. Quick Tip Your smartphone
- [How to Share Your Location on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-share-your-location-on-android/) - Revealing your location online to somebody else sounds like an invasion of your privacy. However, it can be useful in a number of situations. Maybe you're meeting a friend and are struggling to describe your exact location in words. Sending them a pin with your location can save you both time and effort finding each
- [How Do I Activate Voice to Text on Android?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-do-i-activate-voice-to-text-on-android/) - Modern smartphones can tap into the computing power of giant data centers. Which is why voice recognition and transcription on modern smartphones is accurate, easy to use and often the fastest way to bang out a text, email or instant message. If you haven’t been using Android voice to text input, you really should give
- [Android Screen Time: How It Works and Setting It Up](https://helpdeskgeek.com/android-screen-time-how-it-works-and-setting-it-up/) - Android Screen Time is part of Google’s Family Link service, which helps you limit the amount of time kids spend on their gadgets. Plus, it also helps you keep track of what your kids are doing, to ensure that they only access appropriate content and use child-friendly apps. The feature is fairly basic, but once
- [How To Tell If Your Android Phone Is Hacked](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-tell-if-your-android-phone-is-hacked/) - Our smartphones are incredibly personal devices. With access to just about all the information anyone of a criminal bent could want. This is why getting your phone stolen is a huge privacy issue. However, you don’t need to physically lose your phone for nefarious types to steal all your juicy data. Hackers have various ways
- [How to Transfer Files from iPhone or Android to PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-transfer-files-from-iphone-or-android-to-pc/) - A few years back, transferring files from a mobile device to a PC was a real pain. There were no built-in tools to ease the transferring of files, but that’s no longer the case today. There are many ways to transfer high resolution photos, lengthy videos, audio files, or large documents from your mobile device
- [How to Transfer Text Messages from iPhone to Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-transfer-text-messages-from-iphone-to-android/) - If you’re planning to move data from an old phone to a new one, there are several ways to do that, especially for your contacts, media files, and apps. However, for important data like text messages, your options are limited. In addition, each of the transfer options available for moving text messages from iPhone to
- [How to Move Apps to SD Card on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-move-apps-to-sd-card-on-android/) - Fortunately, newer phones have more storage than ever. Unfortunately, the Android OS and apps also take up more storage than ever. If you’re lucky enough to have an Android phone that can use a microSD card to expand storage, consider moving some apps to the SD card. If not, learn how to delete temporary files
- [How to Use Android Trusted Devices](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-android-trusted-devices/) - One of the most useful new features added to the Android operating system is the ability to unlock the mobile device just by having a trusted device nearby. What is a “trusted device”? This can be anything that connects to the Android device via Bluetooth. This includes smart watches, earbuds, other computers, or even smart
- [How To Split The Screen On Android With Free Apps](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-split-the-screen-on-android-with-free-apps/) - Most people don’t know how to split the screen on Android but it’s a quietly updated feature that has become very powerful in recent years. On most Android phones, it’s very easy to not only split your screen between two apps, but open as many apps as you want at the same time. This feature
- [How To Turn OK Google On and Off on Your Android Device](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-ok-google-on-and-off-on-your-android-device/) - Google Assistant is always there for you, and always listening. Even when you don’t want it to. It can be very convenient to say “OK Google” and have a digital assistant answer you right away. But what if you want to turn that assistant off? Whether it’s due to privacy concerns or any other reason,
- [How to Connect a PS4 Controller to Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-a-ps4-controller-to-android/) - Mobile gaming has come a long way. There are plenty of console-quality video games available on mobile devices and now remote game streaming through services like PS Now, Stadia and Xcloud are set to become commonplace services on mobile devices. While you can certainly use touch controls with these games and apps, nothing beats a
- [How to Print Text Messages From Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-print-text-messages-from-android/) - You would think something as simple as printing text messages from your Android would be easy. Unfortunately, it’s not a simple matter. There’s no print function built into the default Android messaging app or other standard messaging apps out there, but there are a few workarounds. These include using a quick screenshot of the conversation
- [How to Hide Apps on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-hide-apps-on-android/) - Many people think they have nothing to hide. While that might be true for a person who doesn't use any digital devices, if you own a smartphone you definitely have a thing or two that you'd rather keep private. For anyone who uses their phone daily, hiding files and apps might be a real issue
- [How to Use Discord Via the Web Browser](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-discord-via-the-web-browser/) - Discord is one of the most popular communication platforms on the internet. Not surprisingly, there are multiple versions of Discord, including the Discord app, and several good Discord alternatives. Then, there is the option to use Discord on a web browser from any device. It only takes a few steps to access Discord via the
- [How to Update Discord on Any Device or Platform](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-update-discord-on-any-device-or-platform/) - Discord is perhaps the most popular messaging app for gamers. Every Discord update brings with it new features, security patches, and performance improvements. To make the most of all of this, you should always update the Discord app to its latest version. We're going to show you how to update Discord on Windows, macOS, Linux,
- [How to Stream Disney Plus on Discord](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-stream-disney-plus-on-discord/) - Discord now provides users with the ability to host streaming parties using popular streaming services including Netflix and Disney Plus. Using Discord, you can easily share your screen with your friends and family and watch Disney Plus together. In this article, we’ll explain how to stream Disney Plus on Discord. What You Need to Stream
- [How to Fix Yellow Border When Screen Sharing in Discord](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-yellow-border-when-screen-sharing-in-discord/) - Do you see a yellow border around your screen when you share your screen with Discord? A third-party app may be interfering with Discord, or an option on your PC may be causing the border to appear. We’ll show you how to fix these as well as other items to resolve your problem. A few
- [How to Enable and Use Developer Mode on Discord](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-and-use-developer-mode-on-discord/) - Discord offers several features to try out for both regular users and developers. If you belong to the latter user group, you might want to create a Discord bot. For developers, the app offers a mode called developer mode. If you’re looking to create a Discord bot, this developer mode will provide you with the
- [How to Change Your Nickname on Discord](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-your-nickname-on-discord/) - On Discord, you can be a part of many different servers that might not have a lot in common. In fact, some of them might not even be gaming-related. More and more people are using Discord as a video conferencing app, to host meetings and discussions on a variety of topics, from lifestyle to political
- [How to Fix Lag Issues in Discord](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-lag-issues-in-discord/) - The Discord app for Windows is well-optimized and tends to run superbly, even when you invoke it during a resource-intensive video game. However, various reasons—such as network-related issues, an obsolete app cache, and conflicting settings—can cause it to lag. If you keep experiencing severe lag issues within Discord's text, voice, or video chats or while
- [How to Find and Use Emojis on Discord](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-find-and-use-emojis-on-discord/) - Discord is a free app that was made for online gamers. The app combines voice and text messaging to ease communication between guilds, gaming clans, and other groups. Like TeamSpeak, Skype, and other communication platforms, Discord also comes with emojis, a fun way to add emotions to your messages. If you manage your own Discord,
- [Can't Uninstall Discord? How to Uninstall it Properly](https://helpdeskgeek.com/cant-uninstall-discord-how-to-uninstall-it-properly/) - Discord is a great VoIP app to have, particularly for gamers. But like any other app, Discord often runs into problems. For example, it sometimes gets stuck on the connecting screen or refuses to launch altogether. Since some great Discord alternatives are available, you may want to uninstall Discord in favor of these apps. If
- [Need to Ban or Unban a User on Discord? Here's How to Do It](https://helpdeskgeek.com/need-to-ban-or-unban-a-user-on-discord-heres-how-to-do-it/) - If you're an owner of a Discord server, you know how hard it is to manage a Discord community. You're lucky if you have a small group of users that are easy to handle. However, if it's a bigger server with many users that you have to manage, sooner or later you'll have to start
- [How to Send Videos on Discord (iPhone, Android, PC, Mac)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-send-videos-on-discord-iphone-android-pc-mac/) - Discord is the online place to be for every gamer. With Discord, you can chat with your friends, converse with them in real-time, and even send videos of gameplay highlights. After all, who doesn't want to brag about a Penta-kill or a team wipe now and then? Uploading videos on Discord isn't very complicated. You
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- [How To Use Netflix's Hidden Genre Codes](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-netflixs-hidden-genre-codes/) - We all know the struggle of finding something to watch on Netflix. It can be tough if you have in your head exactly what type of show or movie you want to see, but nothing you find seems to fit the specifications. Then, of course, there are the genre categories you can look through on
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- [How to Fix an "Application load error 5:0000065434" in Steam](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-an-application-load-error-50000065434-in-steam/) - Are you getting an “Application load error 5:0000065434” message while trying to launch a game in Steam? Your app may be unable to locate your game, or your game may have issues finding your Steam installation. We’ll show you how to fix these and other items so Steam launches your games successfully. Some other reasons
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- [How to Change Screenshot Button in Steam or Steam Deck](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-screenshot-button-in-steam-or-steam-deck/) - If you’re the type of person who games regularly on Steam or on your Steam Deck, whether you’re playing the best free horror games on Steam or the best free RPGS, chances are you’ve needed to take a screenshot at some point. But what happens when you don’t want to use the default screenshot key?
- [How to Play Steam Games on Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-play-steam-games-on-android/) - Steam is the largest PC gaming storefront in the world. It’s such a market leader that many people think of it as the PC gaming platform. However, gaming is moving beyond the PC or even consoles. Many gamers don’t want to be tied to a chair in front of a computer or television. Which is
- [How to Display Steam's Built-In FPS Counter](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-display-steams-built-in-fps-counter/) - If there’s one thing PC gamers all seem to agree on, it’s that knowing your FPS (frames per second) matters. It’s how enthusiasts measure the performance of their hardware and optimization, and it can actually give you a leg up on the competition in competitive shooters. There are a lot of options for displaying frames
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- [How To Fix a Steam Service Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-a-steam-service-error/) - Steam's Windows 10 client application relies on a background service called the Steam Client Service to run effectively. It handles critical tasks ranging from installing video games, updating downloaded content, to activating anti-cheat detection capabilities in supported titles. However, suppose you keep coming across a "Steam Service Error" as you attempt to open Steam. In
- [How to Stop Steam From Opening on Startup](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-stop-steam-from-opening-on-startup/) - The Steam gaming client is a great way to purchase, download, and play your favorite PC games, whether they’re AAA blockbusters or indie classics. If you’re a Steam beginner, however, you might find yourself annoyed with some of the quirks behind the platform, including Steam opening up by itself when you boot your PC. Thankfully,
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- [How to Fix Steam's "Missing File Privileges" Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-steams-missing-file-privileges-error/) - Steam’s "Missing File Privileges" error appears when you try to launch a game in your Steam client. While the most common reason you see this error is that Intel’s built-in graphics module is interfering with the client, there are other reasons. We’ll show you how to fix this problem on your computer. Other reasons you
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- [How to Recover Your Forgotten TikTok Password](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-recover-your-forgotten-tiktok-password/) - Forgot your TikTok password? Don't worry — it happens to all of us. There are several steps you can take to recover your forgotten password. If you still have the phone number or email address that you provided with your account, you can easily reset the TikTok password using those details. *featured image* However, it
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- [Create Index Cards in MS Word](https://helpdeskgeek.com/create-index-cards-in-ms-word/) - Index cards are useful for many things, from making flashcards to study for tests to printing recipes to keep in a nice, neat recipe box. You can print index cards from MS Word easier than you think. All you need is a stack of blank index cards and a printer that will print on them
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- [How to Convert an ODT File to Word the Easy Way](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-convert-an-odt-file-to-word-the-easy-way/) - OpenOffice is a free open-source software suite that includes Writer, an alternative to Microsoft Word. While Writer works incredibly well, it saves files in OpenDocument Text (.ODT) format. It shouldn’t be a problem except when you need to open files in Microsoft Word. If you have Word 2010 or newer, an .ODT file will open
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- [How To View A Password Behind The Asterisks In a Browser](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-view-a-password-behind-the-asterisks-in-a-browser/) - When you’re on a website whose login details are saved in your browser, the browser automatically fills-in both the username and password fields for you. You may have noticed this behavior while visiting a website where you hold an account. While the username is clearly visible, the password is hidden behind asterisks. It’s common for
- [How to Delete a Roblox Account](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-delete-a-roblox-account/) - Roblox is a popular online gaming platform. Users are able to create games or play those created by community members. If you play Roblox but you need a break, or you’re a parent looking to limit your children’s exposure to online platforms, we’ve got the solution for you. Deleting a Roblox account isn’t as simple
- [How to Fix a Roblox Error Code 277](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-a-roblox-error-code-277/) - Do you keep running into an error 277 while using the Roblox app on your Microsoft Windows PC? Chances are your internet connection is faulty, or Roblox’s servers have gone down. These are the main causes of the issue, but there are other reasons you can’t use this game launcher. We’ll show you a few
- [How to Create, Assign, and Delete Macros in Razer Synapse](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-create-assign-and-delete-macros-in-razer-synapse/) - Razer Synapse is a cloud-based manager for your Razer peripherals. It comes with tons of neat features, among them the configurator that lets you customize all your Razer hardware. To increase the functionality of your Razer ecosystem, you can program each keyboard or mouse button with macro commands. You can also create custom and complex
- [How to Update Razer Synapse on Your Computer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-update-razer-synapse-on-your-computer/) - Razer Synapse software updates are like a tune-up for your Razer gear. They bring new features, increase performance, and patch software and firmware-related hiccups. Keeping Razer devices in peak form hinges on these updates. By default, Razer Synapse keeps itself up-to-date automatically. But what if auto-updates are disabled, or you want to be sure you're
- [How to Uninstall Razer Synapse on Your PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-uninstall-razer-synapse-on-your-pc/) - Razer Synapse is the control center for all your Razer gadgets, helping you tweak and tailor them to work the way you want. However, keeping Synapse hanging around is pointless if you're done with your Razer gear—it hogs space, uses system resources, and causes conflicts. Uninstalling the application keeps your PC lean and clutter-free. But
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- [How to Fix "err_address_unreachable" in Google Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-err_address_unreachable-in-google-chrome/) - An "err_address_unreachable" error in Google Chrome indicates that you can’t reach the site you want to visit. This error usually appears when you try to visit a non-existent site. But sometimes, you may see the error even when attempting to load a valid website. In that case, your browser may be experiencing an issue where
- [How to Fix the "err_connection_timed_out" Chrome Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-the-err_connection_timed_out-chrome-error/) - Learn how to fix the "err_connection_timed_out" error in Google Chrome with these troubleshooting steps.
- [How to View Your Google Chrome Saved Passwords](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-view-your-google-chrome-saved-passwords/) - If you don’t use a separate password manager, you can use your web browser’s password management tool. This lets you save passwords as you create accounts or sign in to existing ones on websites you visit. If you use the Chrome browser and sync with your Google account, you can easily see passwords you’ve saved
- [How to Use the Share Button in Google Chrome for Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-the-share-button-in-google-chrome-for-android/) - The share button in Google Chrome for Android helps you share website links with other people in a surprising number of ways. With just a few taps, you can share a website URL with your friends and contacts or other apps you regularly use. The Chrome browser on Android devices has a share button that
- [How to Fix Chrome "Downloading Proxy Script" Message](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-chrome-downloading-proxy-script-message/) - Google Chrome can slow down your web browsing by attempting to fetch proxy scripts even when it doesn't have to. We will show you how to fix Chrome's "Downloading Proxy Script" issue on Windows and Mac. Do you see the message "Downloading Proxy Script" on the Google Chrome status bar whenever you visit specific sites
- [How to Downgrade Google Chrome to an Older Version](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-downgrade-google-chrome-to-an-older-version/) - Do you want to use an earlier version of the Google Chrome browser? We'll show you how to downgrade Chrome on your desktop or mobile. Google Chrome works best when it's up-to-date. New features aside, that's when it's the most stable, with fewer bugs, glitches, and performance issues hampering performance. You also have fewer security
- [How to Fix "Virus scan failed" in Google Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-virus-scan-failed-in-google-chrome/) - When Google Chrome’s "Virus scan failed" error occurs, you’ll find that you can’t continue to download your particular file. This happens for various reasons, including security-related ones. There are ways to get around this problem, though. A common reason you can’t download your files is that Chrome has experienced a minor glitch. Other causes include
- [How to Reset Chrome Sync to Fix Problems](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-reset-chrome-sync-to-fix-problems/) - Google Chrome is excellent at syncing browser data between desktop and mobile devices. The integrated Chrome sync functionality, which helps make that happen, works efficiently behind the scenesn. Over time, though, you may run into issues where Chrome fails to make your browsing data available across devices. In such instances, resetting Chrome sync is a
- [How to Reset a Chromecast](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-reset-a-chromecast/) - When you want to stream your favorite movie, TV show, music, or any other content, you could connect your device to your TV via USB cable or just use a Google Chromecast. There are so many things you can do with your Chromecast, but sometimes even the best device can hit an irreparable snag. You
- [How to Use a Chromecast Without WiFi](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-a-chromecast-without-wifi/) - If you don’t have a smart TV, Google Chromecast offers an alternative way for you to access online content on a TV. The handy little device hooks up to your TV via HDMI and uses WiFi to cast content from your phone to a TV or monitor. But that’s not all, there are many other
- [How to Fix "DNS_probe_finished_bad_config" in Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-dns_probe_finished_bad_config-in-chrome/) - There are any number of issues that could prevent you from loading webpages in Google Chrome, from a broken internet connection to a domain name server (DNS) outage. It can also be caused by a form submission (err_cache_miss) error or, if the problem isn’t on your end, a slow or broken web server that stops
- [How to Fix a Chromecast "Source Not Supported" Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-a-chromecast-source-not-supported-error/) - If you want to convert an ordinary TV into a smart TV, Google Chromecast offers a quick and easy way to stream media to your TV wirelessly. You can cast content over Wi-Fi to your TV from your phone or your laptop. There are many other cool things you can do with Chromecast. Still, you
- [How to Save, Edit, and Remove Passwords in Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-save-edit-and-remove-passwords-in-chrome/) - When you use Google Chrome, you gain access to an integrated password manager that makes saving and auto-filling passwords convenient. It may not have the advanced features of dedicated utilities such as Lastpass or 1Password. But Chrome's built-in offering still packs a punch for something so basic. Suppose you're relatively new to Chrome (or just
- [How to Delete Bookmarks in Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-delete-bookmarks-in-chrome/) - The best way to keep track of your favorite websites in Chrome is to save them as bookmarks. Bookmarks give you one-click easy access to sites you visit regularly, and they’re also a good way to keep track of new pages you’ll visit later. If you’ve saved too many bookmarks, however, it might be time
- [What is Secure DNS and How to Enable it in Google Chrome?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-is-secure-dns-and-how-to-enable-it-in-google-chrome/) - With spyware and cybercrime on the rise, it has become more important than ever to safeguard your privacy. An important step for doing that is to enable Secure DNS on Google Chrome. Secure DNS, or DNS over HTTPS as it is technically known, is a feature for ensuring the privacy and security of your web
- [How to Stop Autofill Passwords From Showing in Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-stop-autofill-passwords-from-showing-in-chrome/) - In this guide, we will be taking a look at how you can stop your autofill passwords from showing in Chrome. We will offer tips on how to remove passwords completely, or just get rid of them from one computer, whilst still having them available across other devices when using your Google account. Hopefully, the
- [How to Block Websites on Google Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-block-websites-on-google-chrome/) - Living in an age with high-speed internet is incredible. With all the information that can be easily yours, you can learn how to do almost anything. And with all the possibilities it can bring, it seems like the world is your oyster! But as awesome as it is, having internet can hold you back. Visiting
- [How To Capture Full Page Screenshots In Chrome & Firefox](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-capture-full-page-screenshots-in-chrome-firefox/) - Thanks to the built-in screen capture utilities, you can take screenshots on both Windows and Mac machines without the need to install a third-party app. These built-in utilities also offer custom options so you can capture your screenshots the way you want. There are a few areas though where these utilities fall short. One of
- [How To Make a Simple Chrome Extension](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-make-a-simple-chrome-extension/) - Making a Chrome extension is a fairly straightforward process. When you're done, you'll be able to use it on your computer to enhance how the browser works. There are some basic components that the browser requires before the extension can be fully operational. We’ll go over all of this below, including how to get your
- [How to Mute a Browser Tab in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and More](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-mute-a-browser-tab-in-chrome-safari-firefox-and-more/) - There are many reasons for wanting to mute a tab in your favorite browser. Perhaps you’re opening up multiple tabs and one of them auto-plays an ad? It’s so loud it startles you and quite possibly the neighbors, so you frantically try to locate which tab it’s playing in. You get so frustrated that you
- [How To Use Chromecast To Cast Your Entire Desktop To TV](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-chromecast-to-cast-your-entire-desktop-to-tv/) - Casting is a method of projecting or sending content wirelessly to a different screen such as your television or second monitor. Once you set up your Google Chromecast device, you can play any content from your mobile device or desktop on your TV or remote monitor, with the device becoming a remote control. It saves
- [How To Stop Chrome Notifications & Other Chrome Annoyances](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-stop-chrome-notifications-other-chrome-annoyances/) - Are you tired of getting annoying notifications, pop-ups, and ads such as interstitials and overlays while browsing the web on your Chrome browser? You are not alone. With a few tweaks, you can tell Chrome to stop pestering you and invading your space. Learn how to stop Chrome notifications using the right settings and extensions
- [How To Save Tabs In The Chrome Browser](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-save-tabs-in-the-chrome-browser/) - If you're someone who always has a few dozen tabs open in Chrome, you know too well about your browser becoming a memory hog. You may even be already suffering from the consequences, like Chrome freezing on you or even crashing. While there are different ways to speed up your browser, there's a simple solution
- [How to Download Google Chrome Offline (Standalone) Installer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/google-chrome-offline-installer/) - By default, the Google Chrome browser can currently only be downloaded and installed while connected to the Internet. The small file you download will start the installer, which will then go to the Internet to download the rest of the Google Chrome files. However, for IT administrators who want to install Chrome on computers not
- [Add Bookmarks Toolbar Button to Google Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/add-bookmarks-toolbar-button-to-google-chrome/) - By default, the only bookmarks button on the Google Chrome toolbar is a small star at the end of address bar, which allows you to add a new bookmark or favorite. There are two methods for viewing and managing your existing bookmarks. Each method only takes a few seconds to set up and is perfect
- [Change Downloads Folder Location in Google Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/change-where-chrome-downloads-files-to/) - Here's a quick post for those looking to change the location of the downloads folder in Google Chrome. You may want to do this for many different reasons, but for most people, it's probably because you are running out of space on your local hard drive. I moved my downloads folder to my NAS (Network
- [How to Install and Uninstall Chrome Extensions](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-and-uninstall-chrome-extensions/) - Google Chrome extensions can be super helpful and entertaining; just take a look at these awesome Chrome extensions for a few examples. But how do you get them, and maybe more importantly, how do you uninstall extensions you don’t want or need? Below is a full tutorial on how to install Chrome extensions. There are
- [How to Use VLC With Chromecast](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-vlc-with-chromecast/) - VLC is a media player you can use on your computer, but it’s also a handy way to send videos and music to your Chromecast. Using VLC with Chromecast lets you share nearly any media file with your TV in seconds. Maybe you want to play iTunes on your TV, send some home videos to
- [How to Make Chrome Use Less RAM and CPU](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-make-chrome-less-resource-intensive/) - There’s no denying that Chrome can be a bit of a resource hog at times, so we’ve created this guide to help you make Chrome less resource intensive. These tips will help you to reduce the strain Chrome takes on your CPU and minimize the memory (RAM) the browser uses. Hopefully following these tips will
- [Stop a Website from Sending Notifications in Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/stop-a-website-from-sending-notifications-in-chrome/) - Google Chrome has practically been universally accepted as the best browser for desktop and laptop users. If you were around 10 years ago, shortly after Chrome’s release, that was still Firefox’s throne. If we go back 10 more years, Internet Explorer was beating out Netscape. How quickly things change, right? Turning the clock back, browsers
- [How to Open an HTML File in Google Chrome](https://helpdeskgeek.com/open-an-html-file-in-google-chrome/) - Understanding HTML code and how to work with it can go a long way. You can use it in your everyday work, like creating HTML signatures to make your email communication more professional. Another unusual but handy way to use HTML is for saving web pages to Word documents. However, it can all be a
- [How To Sync Google Calendar With Outlook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-sync-google-calendar-with-outlook/) - Since Google Calendar is such a popular online calendar, you might think that Microsoft Outlook for Windows would make syncing easy. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward way to sync Google Calendar with Outlook. There are, however, some workarounds and third-party solutions. Subscribe To a Google Calendar In Outlook This method provides a read-only version of
- [How To Set Up Gmail IMAP Settings In Outlook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-gmail-imap-settings-in-outlook/) - Arguably the two most successful and popular e-mail programs Gmail and Outlook are often treated as completely separate. Gmail started as serving mostly personal e-mail while Outlook served mostly businesses. But Gmail and Outlook can come together. Let’s look at how to do that by setting up Gmail IMAP settings in Outlook. Why Use IMAP
- [How to Schedule a Teams Meeting in Microsoft Outlook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-schedule-a-teams-meeting-in-microsoft-outlook/) - With an Office 365 account, you can create or schedule Teams meetings from Outlook. It’s a straightforward process, but the functionality is limited to users with a Microsoft Office 365 school or work account. If you have a personal account, you will need to schedule meetings through the Teams app for mobile, PC, or web.
- [How to Split the Screen on a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-split-the-screen-on-a-chromebook/) - Learn how to use the Split Screen feature on Chromebooks in four different ways. Boost your productivity by multitasking with ease!
- [How to Take a Photo or Video on a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-take-a-photo-or-video-on-a-chromebook/) - Learn how to take stunning photos and videos on your Chromebook with these simple steps and expert tips.
- [How to Screen Record on a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-screen-record-on-a-chromebook/) - Google integrated a screen recording tool into Chrome OS 89 primarily to foster virtual learning. If you take a lot of online classes on your Chromebook, or you teach students online, the tool lets you record lessons, reports, and presentations for reference purposes. However, screen recording isn’t limited to academics only; there are other interesting
- [How to Turn Caps Lock On or Off on Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-caps-lock-on-or-off-on-chromebook/) - Learn how to turn on or off Caps Lock on Chromebooks using simple keyboard shortcuts and key remapping techniques.
- [The 21 Best Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts](https://helpdeskgeek.com/best-chromebook-keyboard-shortcuts/) - Discover the best Chromebook keyboard shortcuts for faster text editing, taking screenshots, managing tasks, and more.
- [How to Connect a Phone to Chromebook Using Phone Hub](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-a-phone-to-chromebook-using-phone-hub/) - Learn how to set up and use Phone Hub on your Chromebook for easy access and control of your Android phone.
- [How to Use Google Cursive on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-google-cursive-on-your-chromebook/) - Learn how to set up and use Google Cursive, the handwritten note-taking app exclusive to Chromebook models.
- [How to Add a Printer to Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-a-printer-to-your-chromebook/) - Learn how to easily add a Wi-Fi printer to your Chromebook and start printing wirelessly from any app with just a few simple steps.
- [How to Lock a Chromebook Screen](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-lock-a-chromebook-screen/) - Learn how to Lock a Chromebook Screen in multiple ways, from using the power button to closing the lid. Keep your Chromebook secure at all times.
- [Top 4 Ways to Fix Chromebook White Screen Issues](https://helpdeskgeek.com/top-ways-to-fix-chromebook-white-screen-issues/) - Fix Chromebook White Screen issues with these troubleshooting tips. Learn how to reset hardware, perform system recovery, and more.
- [How to Find Saved Wi-Fi Passwords on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-find-saved-wi-fi-passwords-on-your-chromebook/) - Can’t remember the password of the Wi-Fi network your Chromebook is connected to? You can easily find Chromebook Wi-Fi passwords through the Google Chrome web browser. Google Chrome encrypts and saves the details (name and password) of all Wi-Fi networks your Chromebook joins. This tutorial will show you how to find Wi-Fi passwords on your
- [How to Update Zoom on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-update-zoom-on-your-chromebook/) - Is Zoom malfunctioning on your Chromebook? Does Zoom freeze/crash at random intervals? Are you unable to join meetings, or do some features (screen sharing, virtual background, etc.) fail to work? Updating Zoom to the latest version might resolve these issues. Zoom updates sometimes ship with new functionalities and fixes for bugs and other performance malfunctions.
- [How to Find a Lost or Stolen Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-find-a-lost-or-stolen-chromebook/) - One of the best things about Chromebooks is their portability. Unfortunately, if you’re always on the go with your Chromebook, whether in your home town or abroad, there’s an increased risk of it being lost or stolen. If the worst happens and you’ve left your Chromebook somewhere but can’t remember where — or if somebody
- [How to Remove Linux from Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-remove-linux-from-your-chromebook/) - Is Linux crashing your low-end or budget Chromebook? Does running Linux apps slow your Chromebook’s performance or cause other glitches? Removing Linux from your Chromebook might resolve the issue. You might also want to remove Linux from your Chromebook if you’re giving it away or trying to free up storage space. This tutorial covers steps
- [How to Get Minecraft on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-get-minecraft-on-your-chromebook/) - Minecraft supports many devices ranging from mobile phones to tablets, gaming consoles, and handheld consoles. You can also play Minecraft on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS computers. If you use a Chromebook, we’ll show you how to install and run different Minecraft editions on your device. This tutorial covers device requirements, installation instructions, and troubleshooting
- [How to Go Incognito on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-go-incognito-on-your-chromebook/) - Sometimes you want to keep your browsing history private — for example, if you’re shopping for a surprise gift for a loved one or if you’re signing in to multiple email accounts. You might also want to go incognito if you’re using a shared or public Chromebook. Browsing in incognito mode means your browser won’t
- [How to Play Videos on Chromebooks (And the Best Video Players to Use)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-play-videos-on-chromebooks-and-the-best-video-players-to-use/) - You can play videos on Chromebooks using the built-in file manager, gallery app, or third-party multimedia software. The built-in media players are often barebones with minimal features and controls, while third-party alternatives are feature-packed and support more video formats and codecs. This tutorial will show you how to play videos on Chromebook using the built-in
- [How to Enable and Disable the Touchpad on Chromebooks](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-and-disable-the-touchpad-on-chromebooks/) - Is dirt or gunk stuck on your Chromebook’s touchpad? Disabling the touchpad before giving it a quick wipe-down is a good idea. You might also want to disable your touchpad if it’s malfunctioning or you use an external (USB or Bluetooth) mouse. This tutorial covers different ways to disable and enable the touchpad on a
- [How to Connect Your Chromebook to an External Monitor](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-your-chromebook-to-an-external-monitor/) - If you own a Chromebook, you know how convenient it can be. No need to install software or worry about updating your operating system. So long as you have an internet connection and a Google account, Chromebooks let you do anything most users need to do with a computer. A Chromebook has some limitations, such
- [Top 6 Ways to Restart a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/top-6-ways-to-restart-a-chromebook/) - Rebooting your Chromebook can fix temporary system glitches and speed up its performance. Unlike Windows and Mac, Chromebooks don’t have a “Restart” or “Reboot” option in the power menu. To restart your Chromebook, you must shut it down and turn it back on using the power button. This tutorial covers several methods to shut down
- [How to Change Your Chromebook’s Wallpaper (And Where to Find Fun Wallpapers)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-your-chromebooks-wallpaper-and-where-to-find-fun-wallpapers/) - Do you dislike your Chromebook’s default wallpaper? We’ll show you several ways to customize your wallpaper and set your Chromebook to display screensavers when idle. Note: You might be unable to change wallpaper settings or use custom wallpapers on a work or school Chromebook. Contact your work or school administrator if you can’t change your
- [How to Connect a Wireless Mouse to a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-a-wireless-mouse-to-a-chromebook/) - Switching to a wireless mouse will improve your productivity if your Chromebook has a terrible or sluggish trackpad. Plus, external mice are also more ergonomic and comfortable. This tutorial highlights ways to connect a wireless mouse to your Chromebook. We also included troubleshooting fixes for issues you might encounter when connecting a wireless mouse to
- [How to Use the Chromebook Recovery Utility to Create Recovery Media](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-the-chromebook-recovery-utility-to-create-recovery-media/) - The Chromebook Recovery Utility is a browser extension for creating recovery media for Chromebook devices. A recovery media can fix Chrome operating system (ChromeOS) issues by removing and reinstalling the OS. This tutorial will show you how to use the Chromebook Recovery Utility to create recovery media for your Chromebook. You’ll also learn how to
- [How to Enable the Recycle Bin on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-the-recycle-bin-on-your-chromebook/) - Unlike Windows and macOS, the Chrome operating system’s recycle bin or trash can is hidden by default. Files deleted before enabling the recycle bin are permanently deleted and not recoverable. If you have a new Chromebook, you should unhide its recycle bin. This tutorial will show you how to add a trash folder to your
- [How to Install and Use Slack on Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-and-use-slack-on-chromebook/) - Slack is only available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices. There’s no official app or support for ChromeOS yet. If you have a Chromebook, use Slack through Google Chrome or any web browser. Alternatively, you can install Slack for Linux since ChromeOS supports Linux applications. This tutorial covers steps for installing and running
- [How to Right-Click on a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-right-click-on-a-chromebook/) - Chromebooks typically have a touchpad or trackpad with no (left and right) buttons. A soft tap, touch, or press of the trackpad is equivalent to a left click. If it’s your first time using a buttonless trackpad, right-clicking on your Chromebook can be confusing. This tutorial will show you how to right-click on your Chromebook
- [How to Access Your Chromebook’s Task Manager](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-access-your-chromebooks-task-manager/) - ChromeOS has a built-in task manager similar to the Windows Task Manager and Mac Activity Monitor. The ChromeOS Task Manager provides an overview of apps and background processes consuming your Chromebook’s resources—CPU, GPU memory, etc. You can also end tasks or force quit applications through the Chromebook Task Manager. Unlike Windows and macOS, ChromeOS doesn’t
- [Chromebook Touchpad or Mouse Not Working? 13 Fixes to Try](https://helpdeskgeek.com/chromebook-touchpad-or-mouse-not-working-13-fixes-to-try/) - This tutorial covers troubleshooting fixes for touchpad and mouse problems on Chromebooks. Use your touchscreen or external mouse to try these fixes if your Chromebook’s trackpad or touchpad isn’t working. 1. Clean Your Touchpad Your Chromebook’s cursor may freeze or flicker if there’s dirt, dust, or liquid on the touchpad. Wiping your touchpad with a
- [10 Cool Things to Do With a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/10-cool-things-to-do-with-a-chromebook/) - Although the hardware on Chromebooks isn’t as powerful as Windows and macOS computers, ChromeOS is a feature-rich operating system. Here are some hidden, fun, and exciting features available in ChromeOS. 1. Use Your Chromebook as a Second Monitor Apps like Duet Display can convert your Chromebook to a makeshift external monitor for Windows and Mac
- [How to Use Your Chromebook as a Second Monitor](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-your-chromebook-as-a-second-monitor/) - Do you have a spare Chromebook lying around the house or your workspace? You can put it to good use as a makeshift secondary monitor for your PC. Standalone monitors are becoming crazy expensive, so if you cannot afford one just yet, read this guide to learn how to use your Chromebook as a second
- [How to Delete Apps on Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-delete-apps-on-chromebook/) - There are many reasons why you’d want to remove applications from your Chromebook. It could be to free up storage space, declutter the device, or to simply get rid of apps you no longer use. Just as there are several ways to install apps on Chromebooks, there are many methods to delete them. In this
- [How to Save Battery on Chromebook: Top 7 Tips](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-save-battery-on-chromebook-top-7-tips/) - Although Chromebooks have incredible battery life, the Chrome operating system lacks built-in mechanisms (e.g. battery saver, low power mode, etc.) that help to prolong battery life. Nonetheless, there are ways to tweak your Chromebook features and settings to minimize battery usage. In this article we’ll cover 7 ways to save battery on your Chromebook. You’ll
- [7 Ways to Speed up Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/7-ways-to-speed-up-your-chromebook/) - Chromebooks aren’t as fast as laptops. But, they boot up quickly, offer better battery life, and perform tasks efficiently. Nonetheless, there’s a tendency for your Chromebook performance to deteriorate after prolonged use. This usually happens when you overburden your Chromebook beyond its hardware capabilities. In this article, we’ll walk you through 7 ways to speed
- [How to Open the Linux Terminal on Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-open-the-linux-terminal-on-chromebook/) - The Terminal app is a productivity-focused tool built into the Chrome operating system. It’s the access point into the Linux development environment on Chrome OS devices. If you intend to develop apps on your Chromebook, install Linux apps and other development tools, you’ll need to get acquainted with the Terminal app. This tutorial will highlight
- [How to Use Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-microsoft-teams-on-a-chromebook/) - Microsoft Teams has dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. You can use the Linux or Android version of Microsoft Teams if you have a Chromebook. Alternatively, you could also create a shortcut for the web version of Teams. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to install and use the Linux and
- [How to Zip and Unzip Files on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-zip-and-unzip-files-on-your-chromebook/) - Compressing files can save storage space on your Chromebook. Zipping files also offers a quick way to share a group of files without data loss. Like Windows, macOS, and Linux, the Chrome operating system (Chrome OS) can zip and unzip files. This tutorial shows you how to bundle files and folders into ZIP files on
- [How to Download and Install iTunes on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-download-and-install-itunes-on-your-chromebook/) - iTunes is available for Windows and macOS computers only. There’s no official iTunes app for Chromebooks. However, there’s a way to install and run iTunes (for Windows) in the Chrome operating system. This tutorial covers everything you need to know about sideloading iTunes on Chromebooks. All you need is your Chromebook and an internet connection.
- [How To Powerwash (Factory Reset) a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-powerwash-factory-reset-a-chromebook/) - Chromebooks are cheap, convenient, and free from the trappings of many other laptops. Chrome OS is loved by writers and developers alike for their long battery lives and compatibility with Android and Linux apps. Unlike most other laptops, you don't need to completely reinstall the operating system to perform a factory reset (sometimes known as
- [How To Turn An Old Laptop Into a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-turn-an-old-laptop-into-a-chromebook/) - New PCs and laptops are released regularly, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to rush out to upgrade to the latest model. Older computers still have the power needed to perform most of the typical, day-to-day office tasks that most users will be looking for, even if they aren't suitable for the latest PC
- [How to Use Zoom on Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-zoom-on-chromebook/) - One of the major changes the coronavirus pandemic brought with it is moving from traditional ways of working, learning, and doing business to digital methods. Many meetings and interactions with teammates have shifted to video, and Zoom is right at the center of this new global order. With this shift came a huge demand for
- [How to Connect AirPods to a Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-airpods-to-a-chromebook/) - Apple AirPods are high quality, wireless Bluetooth earbuds designed for use with other Apple products like your iPhone or Mac. However, they’re not iOS-exclusive devices, meaning you can pair and use AirPods with your Android phone, Windows PC or Chromebook among other non-Apple devices. The pairing process may not be as intuitive at first as
- [How to Use Skype on Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-skype-on-chromebook/) - Skype remains one of the best platforms for instant messaging, voice calls, and video conferencing. You can use Skype on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, smart speaker, console, etc. Skype also works perfectly on Chromebooks. If you bought a new Chromebook, converted your old laptop into a Chromebook, or you’re still getting familiar with Chrome OS,
- [How to Install Firefox for Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-firefox-for-chromebook/) - Although Chrome is the principal browser on Chromebooks, there are valid reasons to install Firefox. You could love Chrome OS but not the Chrome web browser. Using Firefox or any third-party browser allows you to catch a break from the Google ecosystem, enjoy better privacy, and use some unique feature. Firefox offers better tracking prevention
- [How to Switch Between Virtual Desktops (Desks) on Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-switch-between-virtual-desktops-desks-on-chromebook/) - Chrome OS ships with several features that help Chromebook users multitask more productively. The Split Screen functionality, for example, lets you work with two apps simultaneously in a side-by-side setup. Then there’s Virtual Desktops (also known as Desks), a feature that allows you to create multiple Chromebooks within your Chromebook. Virtual Desktops help to minimize
- [How to Free Up Space on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-free-up-space-on-your-chromebook/) - Despite being worthy laptop alternatives, there’s an aspect where many Chromebooks fall short: storage space. Although there are a few high-end Chromebooks with 128GB to 256GB of disk space, a large majority of budget Chromebooks don’t have beyond 64GB of storage. Sure, you can expand your Chromebook’s storage using compatible USB storage devices like thumb
- [How to Disable Efficiency Mode for Google Chrome in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-disable-efficiency-mode-for-google-chrome-in-windows/) - If you’ve used the Google Chrome browser before, then you’ve probably already encountered one of its biggest problems—memory usage. Chrome has always been a browser that consumes a lot of active RAM. While Google has improved Chrome’s memory usage over the years, the problem has never fully gone away. Thankfully, Windows is one step ahead
- [How to Fix "We Couldn't Find a Camera Compatible with Windows Hello Face" Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-we-couldnt-find-a-camera-compatible-with-windows-hello-face-error/) - You want to set up face recognition unlock on your PC, but Windows says, “We couldn’t find a camera compatible with Windows Hello Face.” What exactly does this error message mean, and how do you fix the problem? This tutorial explains it all. Why Does Your Webcam Not Work With Windows Hello? Several factors could
- [How to Customize Default Folder Views in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-customize-default-folder-views-in-windows/) - Your Windows operating system understands that not every file type is the same. For instance, how you want to view your audio files differs from how you might want to view a list of your text files. There are different types of folder views that you’ll be able to see in File Manager using five
- [How to Change Folder Icons in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-folder-icons-in-windows/) - Are you tired of seeing the same old folder and shortcut icons on your Windows 11 or 10 PC? You can change them. This gives your folder icons a cosmetic update and makes specific folders easy to identify. Windows provides several icons for you to choose from. You can even download or make a custom
- [How to Type the Tilde Symbol on Chromebooks and Windows PCs](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-type-the-tilde-symbol-on-chromebooks-and-windows-pcs/) - The tilde symbol (~) might not be the most frequently used character on a keyboard, but it has some important uses. The tilde is often used in mathematics and with foreign languages, but it has several other potential uses (such as when working in a terminal). If you’re using a Windows PC or a Chromebook,
- [How to Fix Zoom Error Code 10002 in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-zoom-error-code-10002-in-windows/) - Zoom is a popular video conferencing app that many companies use to host meetings, webinars, conferences, and more. However, some Zoom users report an error that prevents the Zoom application from updating to the latest version, meaning they can’t use the app at all. In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll explain what causes the Zoom update
- [How to Fix Spotify “Error Code: Auth 74” in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-spotify-error-code-auth-74-in-windows/) - Having trouble signing into Spotify on Windows due to 'Error code: auth:74'? Here are some quick fixes to help you resolve the issue.
- [How to Download the Realtek Audio Console on Your Windows PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-download-the-realtek-audio-console-on-your-windows-pc/) - Are you having issues with your Realtek audio drivers or the Realtek HD Audio Manager? Reinstalling the Realtek Audio Console might fix your issues and get your audio drivers functioning again. In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll explain the Realtek Audio Console and how to download and install it on the Windows operating system. What Is
- [How to Install HEVC Video Extensions/Codecs in Windows 11 (Free & Paid)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-hevc-video-extensions-codecs-in-windows-11-free-paid/) - If you tried opening a video file encoded with HEVC codec on your Windows 11 system, you may have noticed a pop-up window that informs you about the missing HEVC codec. These are typically videos recorded with iPhone, DJI, or GoPro devices. You’ll receive the missing codec message if you try using one of the
- [How to Fix Reversed Caps Lock Issue in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-reversed-caps-lock-issue-in-windows/) - The Caps Lock key is one of the few “toggle” keys in Windows, and can often get stuck in a reverse configuration, making it tricky to recognize its actual state. Let’s look at how to fix this issue. This is a distinct problem from the stuck Caps Lock issue, where the Caps Lock button remains
- [How to Install and Run Windows Apps on Your Chromebook](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-and-run-windows-apps-on-your-chromebook/) - Do you need to use an application only available for Windows on your Chromebook? We’ll show you how to use “emulators” or “compatibility layer apps” to install Windows-based applications on your Chromebook. Enable the Linux Development Environment Programs that allow Chromebooks to run Windows applications are Linux-based. Hence, you must enable your Chromebook’s Linux development
- [How to Fix a Windows Update Error 0x800f0922](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-a-windows-update-error-0x800f0922/) - Microsoft Windows displays an error 0x800f0922 when a system update fails to install. If you haven’t been able to resolve this issue by retrying the update, you’ll want to follow other fixes to resolve the problem. Here are a few ways to get around the issue and install your update successfully. If you’re curious why
- [How to Make the Windows Taskbar Transparent](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-make-the-windows-taskbar-transparent/) - Microsoft’s Windows 11 and Windows 10 allow you to create a unique environment by customizing the looks of the operating system. You can personalize the OS, whether you use your PC for entertainment or work. One such customization is the transparent taskbar. In fact, you can choose between solid, translucent, or completely transparent. The choice
- [How to Enable and Use Windows “Ultimate Performance" Power Plan](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-and-use-windows-ultimate-performance-power-plan/) - Are you a power user looking for ways to boost the performance of your PC? If so, you might want to consider enabling Ultimate Performance in Windows. It's a power plan that eliminates energy management-related delays and ensures the CPU and other hardware components always work at their maximum. Enabling Ultimate Performance requires manual effort,
- [How to Reduce the “Microsoft Windows Search Indexer” High CPU Usage](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-reduce-the-microsoft-windows-search-indexer-high-cpu-usage/) - Microsoft Windows Search Indexer, or searchindexer.exe, is a crucial process that powers Windows Search. It indexes the files and folders on your computer and, given its nature, consumes lots of CPU at sporadic intervals. However, if CPU usage remains high for prolonged periods, it may indicate an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. In
- [How to Connect Samsung Galaxy Buds to Your Windows or Mac Computer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-samsung-galaxy-buds-to-your-windows-or-mac-computer/) - Samsung Galaxy Buds can connect to a variety of gadgets, from iOS and Android devices to Bluetooth-enabled TVs, PCs, and laptops. If you’re having trouble connecting your Samsung Bluetooth headphones to your laptop, look no further. In this tutorial, we’ll explain how to connect Galaxy Buds to your laptop, Windows PC, or Apple Mac. This
- [How to Fix the “Error - Printing” Status Error in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-the-error-printing-status-error-in-windows/) - As a Windows user, a non-working printer could be a simple fix or a time-consuming disaster. If you see the "Error - Printing" status error on Windows, you won’t have much to go on to try and troubleshoot the problem, which can be frustrating and inconvenient to resolve. Several factors might cause the “Error -
- [How to Fix When No Wi-Fi Networks Found on Windows 11 and 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-when-no-wi-fi-networks-found-on-windows-11-and-10/) - Does your Microsoft Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC fail to find nearby Wi-Fi networks? Various items can cause this problem, with a faulty network adapter being the most serious. You can try to resolve the issue by tweaking a few options here and there on your computer. We’ll show you how to do that.
- [How to Type the Copyright Symbol (Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-type-the-copyright-symbol-windows-mac-android-and-iphone/) - The copyright symbol (©) serves as a hallmark of ownership and a shield for intellectual property. As a content creator, writer, or business professional, there's a good chance you’ll need to type this symbol at some point. But let's face it—it's not exactly waving at you from the keyboard. Whether you're rocking a Windows PC,
- [How to Enable Dark Mode on Instagram in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-dark-mode-on-instagram-in-windows/) - While Instagram offers a dark mode in the Android app, those who use the web version of Instagram don’t currently have this option. We’ll show you how to enable dark mode in Instagram on Windows to help ease eye strain. Enter a Custom Instagram URL The simplest way to enjoy Instagram on the web in
- [How to Fix Time Synchronization Failed in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-time-synchronization-failed-in-windows/) - Learn how to fix the "Time synchronization failed" error in Windows 11 or 10 with these troubleshooting tips and tricks.
- [How to Find the IP Address on Your Windows PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-find-the-ip-address-on-your-windows-pc/) - An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a series of numbers that acts as an identification for your computer network as well as the device you are using. This IP address allows you to receive information via the internet. Your IP address also can reveal your physical location or may be connected to your
- [How to Fix Spotify's Local Files Not Showing on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-spotifys-local-files-not-showing-on-windows/) - Can’t see the local music files you’ve added to Spotify on your Windows PC? If so, chances are good that the option that displays these files is disabled. We’ll show you how to enable that option as well as other ways to fix the problem. Other reasons your local files don’t show up in Spotify
- [[How to Install or Add More RAM to Your Windows PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-or-add-more-ram-to-your-windows-pc/) - Upgrading the amount of RAM in your PC is one of the easiest ways to give it a speed boost. Modern Windows PCs are infamous for using more RAM than ever before — especially with task-heavy apps like Google Chrome — and a memory upgrade can help your PC handle the demand. This tutorial will
- [How to Rename Bluetooth Devices in Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-rename-bluetooth-devices-in-windows-android-ios-and-mac/) - Bluetooth is a convenient way to connect wireless gadgets to your desktop computer or mobile phone. However, it can be confusing when multiple devices show up with similar default names like "Earbuds," "Headset," or "Speaker." This tutorial will guide you through the steps to rename Bluetooth devices on different platforms like Windows, Android, iOS, and
- [How to Update iTunes on Your Windows PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-update-itunes-on-your-windows-pc/) - Keeping iTunes up-to-date on your Windows PC is the best way to have a seamless experience while backing up or syncing data with your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Newer versions of the software also translate to a superior Apple Music, Podcasts, and TV experience. We will show you how to update iTunes in Windows
- [How to Fix “TPM Device Is Not Detected Error” in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-tpm-device-is-not-detected-error-in-windows/) - These days, a working TPM device is essential for various functions on your Microsoft Windows computer, and it’s a hard requirement for Windows 11. Most modern computers have TPMs, and sometimes they can go wrong. If you’re getting an error message that your “TPM Device Is Not Detected error,” either at bootup or within Windows,
- [How to Check AirPods Battery in Android and Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-check-airpods-battery-in-android-and-windows/) - You can monitor AirPods' battery life on an iPhone or iPad using the iOS battery widget. You’ll find your AirPods battery percentage in the macOS Control Center or menu bar if you have a Mac. On non-Apple devices, you need third-party apps to check your AirPods battery. This tutorial highlights applications that let you check
- [6 Ways to Enable Google Chrome’s Dark Mode in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/6-ways-to-enable-google-chromes-dark-mode-in-windows/) - Google Chrome for Windows comes with native Dark Mode support. However, it’s not straightforward to activate, and you may also have trouble figuring out how it works. This tutorial will show you how to enable and use Google Chrome's Dark Mode on the PC. Late-night internet browsing with Google Chrome is bound to give you
- [How to Capture a Scrolling Screenshot in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-capture-a-scrolling-screenshot-in-windows/) - It’s easy to take a screenshot, but what about web pages that extend beyond your screen? Or PDF files with vertical pages? Let’s look at some ways to take a scrolling screenshot in Windows 10 and 11. Depending on the application, you can use browser extensions, developer tools, or even third-party apps to do the
- [How to Restart the Windows File Explorer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-restart-the-windows-file-explorer/) - If the Windows Start menu or taskbar starts acting up or you have trouble using File Explorer or Windows Search, you don't have to perform a complete system reboot to resolve the issue. Instead, restart the Windows Explorer process, and the problem will likely disappear. Troubleshooting aside, that's also a quick way to apply changes
- [How to Add Google Drive to File Explorer on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-add-google-drive-to-file-explorer-on-windows/) - Cloud-based storage is becoming a necessity in today’s digital world. And while Microsoft added a built-in option to access OneDrive in Windows 10, you need to take a few more steps to add Google Drive to File Explorer. This tutorial will explain what the Google Drive for Desktop app does and how you can install
- [How to Fix "Unable to Update the Minecraft Native Launcher" in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-unable-to-update-the-minecraft-native-launcher-in-windows/) - The “Unable to update the Minecraft native launcher” error message appears when trying to install the latest Minecraft updates. After receiving the message, the update will attempt to restart or simply get stuck. So what can you do to get the update working again? In this article, we’ll explain what causes the error message and
- [How to Set Custom Shortcuts for Xbox Game Bar in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-custom-shortcuts-for-xbox-game-bar-in-windows/) - The Xbox Game Bar is a great screenshot and clip-recording utility for gamers, but its default keyboard shortcuts are awkward. Fortunately, it’s easy to modify these shortcuts to your liking. The game bar shortcuts can trigger all tool functions, from firing up the Xbox game bar to recording gameplay clips. And once you set them
- [How to Check the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Version in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-check-the-windows-subsystem-for-linux-wsl-version-in-windows/) - You’ve got the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) running on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 for trying some bash commands, and maybe running some of the best Linux apps. It’s much easier than using a dual boot to have both operating systems. Some things only work in certain versions of WSL though, and you’re
- [How to Use Autoruns to Disable Startup Programs on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-autoruns-to-disable-startup-programs-on-windows/) - There are many reasons why your PC might not be running as smoothly as it used to. The hard drive might be deteriorating, the RAM could be developing problems, or perhaps the Windows operating system itself has issues. But more often, a slow computer is caused by bloatware. This means many unnecessary applications start up
- [How to Fix “There Is a System Repair Pending” Error in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-there-is-a-system-repair-pending-error-in-windows/) - If you’ve encountered the “There is a system repair pending which requires reboot to complete” error, you’re probably trying to run the System File Checker (SFC). The reason for this error is that a previous repair is still incomplete. Until you complete the pending system repair, you won’t be able to run the SFC utility
- [How to Fix the "Side-by-side configuration is incorrect" Error on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-the-side-by-side-configuration-is-incorrect-error-on-windows/) - Windows displays a "Side-by-side configuration is incorrect" error when you attempt to launch an app on your PC. This error prevents you from accessing your app. Luckily, there are a few ways to get around this issue on your computer. The most common reason you get the error is that your Visual C++ package installation
- [How to Get Help in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-get-help-in-windows/) - If you ever have a problem with your Windows computer you can’t resolve with a restart, ask for help. But perhaps you don’t know who to ask or where to search. So in this article, you will learn how to get help in Windows. Since Windows 3, Microsoft offered a downloadable program called WinHlp32.exe. But
- [How to Pause or Stop Windows Updates and Upgrades](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-pause-or-stop-windows-updates-and-upgrades/) - Do you want to stop Windows updates and upgrades on your PC? This tutorial will show you how to stay on Windows 10 without upgrading to Windows 11 and pause Windows Updates if you've already made the upgrade. Although Windows updates and upgrades come with new features, improved performance, and better security, they can also
- [How to Fix “The Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)” Error in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-the-application-was-unable-to-start-correctly-0xc0000142-error-in-windows/) - Do you get a “The Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)” error while trying to launch an app on your Windows PC? If so, you can update outdated tools, fix corrupt files, and apply a few other ways to resolve the error. We’ll show you how. Often, it’s your PC’s various software components that
- [4 Ways to Trim Video in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/4-ways-to-trim-video-in-windows/) - You don’t need to master video editing to trim videos on your Windows PC. From the built-in Photos app to the newly integrated Clipchamp, there are multiple methods for trimming videos on a Windows computer. And all of these methods work more smoothly than any Android or iOS app video-trimming app, thanks to the more
- [How to Sideload Android Apps in Windows 11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-sideload-android-apps-in-windows-11/) - Third-party emulators used to be the only way to run Android applications on Windows computers. The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in Windows 11 now lets you install Android apps through the Amazon Appstore. Unlike the Google Playstore, Amazon Appstore has a limited number of Android applications. You also need a U.S-based Amazon account to
- [What Version of Windows Do I Have?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-version-of-windows-do-i-have/) - Microsoft makes it super easy to check which version of Windows your PC is running. You can check your PC’s main version (like Windows 10 or 11), minor version, build number, and edition. Some ways to find your Windows version include using Run, Settings, System Information, and a command from Command Prompt. Regardless of the
- [How to Erase and Format a Drive in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-erase-and-format-a-drive-in-windows/) - Did you get a new external drive? Or are you looking to troubleshoot or sell an older drive? Then, it's a good idea to erase and format it. Read on to learn how to do that in Microsoft Windows 10 and 11. When you buy an external hard drive, SSD (solid-state drive), or flash stick,
- [How to Fix “Unable to Reset Your PC. A Required Drive Partition Is Missing” in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-unable-to-reset-your-pc-a-required-drive-partition-is-missing-in-windows/) - Your PC will display the “Unable to reset your PC. A required drive partition is missing.” error if crucial system files are corrupted or missing. Incorrect partition configuration or lost partitions on your PC’s hard drive can also trigger this error message. This issue has simple and complex solutions—depending on the factors causing the error.
- [How to Unlock a Locked Keyboard in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-unlock-a-locked-keyboard-in-windows/) - There is perhaps no glitch more frustrating than a locked-up keyboard. It’s one thing to have the whole PC freeze up, and quite another to just have your keyboard become unresponsive. It’s even worse on a laptop since the keyboard isn’t just a cheap wired peripheral you can replace easily. Still, there is no need
- [How to Change the Date and Time Format on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-the-date-and-time-format-on-windows/) - By default, Microsoft Windows 10 and 11 use dd/mm/yyyy for dates and a 12-hour format for time. This is fine for most people, but you can change the format. This article will show you how to change the time and date format in Windows 10 and 11 and what each setting does. How to Change
- [How to Connect AirPods to a Windows 11 Computer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-airpods-to-a-windows-11-computer/) - Apple AirPods work on non-Apple devices as long as they’re Bluetooth-enabled. Connecting AirPods to Windows 11 computers is as easy as pairing the headphones to Android devices, iPhones, and iPads. We’ll show you how to connect AirPods to Windows 11 devices. Before you proceed, it's worth noting that low battery power can interrupt the connection
- [How to Use Steps Recorder When Troubleshooting Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-steps-recorder-when-troubleshooting-windows/) - Do you find it difficult to explain computer issues to support technicians over the phone or via text? The Steps Recorder app can help you describe the issue. It uses screenshots and text descriptions to document steps that led to the issue you’re trying to fix. Sending support technicians a Steps Recorder report can help
- [How to Find the Model of Your Computer in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-find-the-model-of-your-computer-in-windows/) - Your computer’s model name or number provides information about its software and hardware configurations. Knowing your PC model information makes it easy to find compatible software (e.g., drivers) and accessories (e.g., chargers). You may also need to provide your computer model number when seeking technical support or troubleshooting issues. We’ll show you how to find
- [How to Quickly Lock Your Windows 11/10 PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-quickly-lock-your-windows-11-10-pc/) - Your privacy matters. That's why it's good practice to lock a desktop or laptop whenever you leave it unattended. Use any of the methods below to stop other people from snooping around your PC. Unlike signing out, locking a computer is faster, just as secure, and doesn't require you to shut down open programs. You
- [How to Manually Install a Driver in Windows 11/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-manually-install-a-driver-in-windows-11-10/) - Every computer has multiple drivers that enable hardware and software to communicate with the operating system. These drivers need to be updated frequently to provide security benefits, functional upgrades, and fixes for glitches. Generally, Windows automatically installs drivers as required. However, this isn’t always the case, so in this article, we’ll cover how you can
- [How to Fix Windows + Shift + S Not Working on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-windows-shift-s-not-working-on-windows/) - Windows 10 and 11’s Windows + Shift + S keyboard shortcut allows you to take screenshots without opening any apps. When this keyboard combination stops working, you can’t take screenshots using this method. There are many reasons the keyboard shortcut doesn’t work. The first thing to check is your PC’s keyboard and ensure all keys
- [How to Create and Use a Windows 10/11 Sleep Mode Shortcut](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-create-and-use-a-windows-10-11-sleep-mode-shortcut/) - Putting your PC in sleep mode shouldn’t be difficult, and Microsoft knows that. Whether using a Windows 10 or a Windows 11 PC, you have multiple ways to make your system enter sleep mode. In case you don’t like the default offerings, you can make your own shortcuts and put your PC to sleep. Some
- [How to Combine PDF Files in Windows 11/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-combine-pdf-files-in-windows-11-10/) - Windows operating systems don't provide built-in means to combine PDF files, but you aren't without options. In this article, we’ll walk you through each of those options. Combining multiple PDFs into a single document helps reduce clutter and makes reading, printing, and sharing easier. However, you won't find native ways to merge PDF files in
- [How to Clear Windows Store Cache with WSReset.exe](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-clear-windows-store-cache-with-wsreset-exe/) - If the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC starts behaving unusually, resetting the Windows Store cache could make it work again. Here’s how to do that in Windows 11 and 10. The Microsoft Store app in Windows 11 and 10 is susceptible to various issues. For example, it could fail to download apps or updates,
- [How to Resolve DNS Issues on Windows 11/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-resolve-dns-issues-on-windows-11-10/) - Windows 10 and 11 Domain Name System (DNS) issues aren’t uncommon. You may experience these problems when a DNS server faces an outage, or your PC has a network problem. There are a variety of DNS error messages that you may see on your computer. These errors range from messages like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN and DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET to
- [How to Use Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA) to Boost PC Speed](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-windows-performance-analyzer-wpa-to-boost-pc-speed/) - The Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA) tool is a part of the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK). It’s the tool you can use to create graphs and tables based on event trace log recordings. You make these trace files using tools like Xperf or Windows Performance Recorder (WPR). These tools are useful if you
- [How to Install macOS Big Sur in VirtualBox on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-macos-big-sur-in-virtualbox-on-windows/) - It’s been a long time since Apple was a distant runner-up to Microsoft in the personal computer world. Still, Windows is the most popular desktop operating system (OS). If you’re primarily a Windows user, you may need to dip your toes in the Mac world infrequently. Instead of buying a MacBook, You could install macOS
- [How Do You Scan a Document to Your Windows Computer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-do-you-scan-a-document-to-your-windows-computer/) - We probably use more paper now than ever, even though it’s easier, faster, and cheaper to deal with digital documents. So scan those paper relics into your Windows computer and recycle the paper. What File Type Should I Use? Most scan apps can save the file in one or more formats: BMP: Also known as
- [How to Keep Your Windows PC Awake Without Touching the Mouse](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-keep-your-windows-pc-awake-without-touching-the-mouse/) - Having your PC automatically enter sleep mode when inactive is useful. It conserves power and reduces system strain. If you don’t like this feature, though, it’s easy to disable. Many people find the auto-sleep feature unwelcome. Whether you are a power user running multiple computers at once or just someone who juggles other tasks while
- [How to Move Windows to Another Hard Drive](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-move-windows-to-another-hard-drive/) - Learning how to move Windows to another drive might seem useless until it’s finally time to upgrade your hard drive. Technology outgrows current devices, and to keep your system updated, you’ll need to upgrade hardware components every once in a while. For instance, you might want to upgrade to an SSD (solid-state drive) for more
- [How to Reconnect a File History Drive in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-reconnect-a-file-history-drive-in-windows/) - The Windows File History feature lets you back up your data to an external device. This is an easy-to-use and helpful tool for protecting your data, but you can sometimes get error messages claiming that “Your File History drive was disconnected for too long.” If this is the case for you, don’t worry. Here’s how
- [How to Fix Lag on PC Games on Windows 10/11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-lag-on-pc-games-on-windows-10-11/) - Frames Per Second (FPS) is a term all gamers are familiar with. It measures how smoothly your PC can run a game, with lower frame rates leading to choppy visuals and freezes. A common complaint is to have games that once ran perfectly starting to lag on the same hardware. There are many reasons this
- [4 Easy Ways to Remove Bloatware from Windows 10/11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/4-easy-ways-to-remove-bloatware-from-windows-10-11/) - Be it Windows 10 or 11, bloatware remains a persistent and irritating problem for users. Dragging down your computer with their unnecessary processes, these applications can seriously impact performance, especially on low-end systems. But removing them can be tricky. Many of these apps don’t come with uninstallers, and in many cases are even not displayed
- [How to Use the Taskkill Command in Windows 10/11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-the-taskkill-command-in-windows-10-11/) - The Command Prompt is home to many powerful utilities that can help you troubleshoot problems or even fix your Windows installation. Along with the usual culprits like the System File Checker and Diskpart, the Taskkill command is another useful tool for any Windows user. As the name suggests, the command can kill tasks and processes,
- [How To Change Windows 11/10 Gamma Settings](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-windows-11-10-gamma-settings/) - Calibration should be the first thing you do when you buy a new monitor. Adjusting your basic settings can improve the color accuracy and overall viewing experience. And, if you’re using your monitor for anything where color is important (like photography or design) then color calibration is paramount—and this includes your gamma settings. In this
- [Safari for Windows 10: How To Get and Install It](https://helpdeskgeek.com/safari-for-windows-10-how-to-get-and-install-it/) - If you use a Mac or an iPhone, it's hard to pick a different browser over Safari. It's incredibly fast, uses minimal resources, and respects user privacy. But if you also use a PC, you won't have the luxury of installing Apple's flagship browser on Windows since the Cupertino-based tech giant does not develop Safari
- [How to Access iMessage on Windows 10/11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-access-imessage-on-windows-10-11/) - Let's get this out of the way first. You can't use iMessage on Windows 10 or Windows 11 directly. Unlike other text messaging services, Apple does not provide a downloadable app (or even a web app) that you can use to send and receive messages. But as long as you've also got a Mac or
- [How to Optimize TCP/IP Settings in Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-optimize-tcp-ip-settings-in-windows-10/) - You can optimize TCP/IP settings in Windows 10 either manually or using a third-party app. Optimizing it can potentially improve your internet connection speed. If you’re wondering whether it's necessary, what settings you need to change, and how, we’ll walk you through the process. But before that, let’s get some basics out of the way.
- [How to Use TaskbarX to Customize Your Windows Taskbar](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-taskbarx-to-customize-your-windows-taskbar/) - If you’re tired of the standard Windows 10 or Windows 11 taskbar, you can use an open-source tool developed by Chris Andriessen called TaskbarX that allows for the customization of the Windows Taskbar. TaskbarX provides the old-school Windows dock where your app icons are in the center position or placed at whatever position you configure.
- [How to Change the Boot Order in the BIOS on Your Windows PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-the-boot-order-in-the-bios-on-your-windows-pc/) - Your PC boots from its internal hard disk or solid-state drive by default, but that's not always ideal. Multiple instances—such as troubleshooting your Windows installation, setting up a different operating system, and checking the RAM for errors—may require you to boot from external media such as a DVD or USB stick. In this tutorial, you'll
- [How to Open EPS Image Files on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-open-eps-image-files-on-windows/) - If you’ve come across an EPS file and can’t open it, you’re going to need to install compatible image viewing or editing software. Luckily, there are plenty of programs that you can choose from. In this article, we’ll cover what an EPS file is, what it’s used for, and how you can open, edit, and
- [How to Open DDS Files in Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-open-dds-files-in-windows-10/) - If you’ve come across a DDS file and realized that you can’t view it, this is because you need specific programs to open or edit DDS files. A DDS file is a raster image that’s saved in the DirectDraw Surface (DDS) container format. A raster (or bitmap) image is the typical graphics viewable on a
- [How to Open 7Z Files in Windows, Mac, and Linux](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-open-7z-files-in-windows-mac-and-linux/) - 7z is an archive file format. It works similar to the ZIP format, but with a number of key advantages, such as superior compression and support for massive file sizes. However, it isn't as common, so you may need additional help to open or extract the contents in a 7Z file depending on the platform.
- [How to Open a JAR File on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-open-a-jar-file-on-windows/) - Occasionally, you find applications or games distributed as .jar files instead of the usual .exe file. You can’t just double-click on a JAR file to run the app. How, then, do you open a JAR file? Java used to be a popular coding language to create freeware games and applications. Even now, many freeware apps
- [How to Uninstall Dropbox on Mac, Windows, and Linux](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-uninstall-dropbox-on-mac-windows-and-linux/) - Despite Dropbox's incredible popularity, you may have many reasons to get rid of it from your computer. Perhaps you find the basic plan too restrictive and want to switch to an alternative cloud storage service. Or, maybe you just want to delete the Dropbox installation for troubleshooting purposes. Regardless, you can quickly remove Dropbox whenever
- [How to Uninstall BlueStacks on Windows and Mac](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-uninstall-bluestacks-on-windows-and-mac/) - BlueStacks is one of the best Android emulators for Windows PCs, and the developers swear by its safety. However, some popular antivirus software often flag the program as malware, particularly during installation. If you downloaded BlueStacks from the developer’s website, the antivirus warning is probably a false positive. Run the app through other antivirus software
- [How To Change the Default Web Browser in Windows 11 or 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-change-the-default-web-browser-in-windows-11-or-10/) - Setting a browser other than Edge as the default browser in Windows 11 is proving to be difficult. Edge is a good browser, sure, but it may not be the browser you want. With the release of Windows 11, now's the time to figure out how to make your favorite browser the default browser in
- [How to Enable Internet Explorer Mode in Edge on Windows 10/11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-enable-internet-explorer-mode-in-edge-on-windows-10-11/) - Despite being slow, outdated, and a security risk, you still need Internet Explorer (IE) for older websites and apps that don't play well with modern browsers. But if you use Microsoft Edge for normal web browsing, you don't have to keep switching between the two. That's because the latter comes with an integrated Internet Explorer
- [How to Reset Group Policy Settings on Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-reset-group-policy-settings-on-windows-10/) - You can change most Windows 10 settings through the Settings app or the Control Panel on Windows. That said, you may need to rely on the Local Group Policy Editor when you need to change more advanced settings. The Local Group Policy Editor provides a more comprehensive interface to change basic settings (i.e., settings that
- [How to Save a Web Page as a PDF on Mac and Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-save-a-web-page-as-a-pdf-on-mac-and-windows/) - There are many ways to save web pages for offline reading. You can either save pages within your web browser (perhaps in a reading list) or export the web pages outside your browser as screenshots, images, a Word document, PDF files, etc. PDF files are portable, print-ready, and easily shareable. In this tutorial, you’ll learn
- [How to Make Any App or Game Go Full Screen in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-make-any-app-or-game-go-full-screen-in-windows/) - It’s fun to immerse ourselves in games and focus without any distractions. Full-screen mode helps reduce distractions. In this article, we will show you how to go full screen in games as well as apps. Some games and apps refuse to run fullscreen for a variety of reasons. Hopefully, this article will clear everything up
- [How to Find the IP Address of Your WiFi Printer on Windows and Mac](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-find-the-ip-address-of-your-wifi-printer-on-windows-and-mac/) - Every WiFi printer will have an IP address assigned to it that will allow the printer to connect to your home or office network successfully. If you’re having issues printing to your WiFi printer, knowing the IP address can be helpful when you start troubleshooting. It’s also useful to know the IP address if you
- [How to Disable Print Spooler Service on Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-disable-print-spooler-service-on-windows-10/) - If you’re witnessing error messages such as “Print Spooler Error” or “Printer Connection Failed”, you may want to disable the Print Spooler service and re-enable it to see if that fixes the issue. For now, though, Windows users have another reason to disable the Print Spooler service because of the “PrintNightmare” vulnerability. What is PrintNightmare?
- [How to Test for Bad Memory (RAM) in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-test-for-bad-memory-ram-in-windows/) - When your PC starts stuttering or freezing up randomly, it’s time to don the detective’s cap and start looking into it. Testing your RAM for any memory errors should be the first step in this journey, as bad memory is the most common reason for such issues. There are multiple methods (and tools) to test
- [How to Disable Your Laptop Keyboard in Windows and macOS](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-disable-your-laptop-keyboard-in-windows-and-macos/) - There are many reasons why you may want to disable a laptop keyboard. You may want to prevent others from accidentally pressing keys on your laptop and possibly cause data loss or corruption. You could also disable the keyboard when cleaning out your laptop to remove accumulated dust or debris. Your laptop keyboard may also
- [What are Filter Keys and How to Turn Them Off in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-are-filter-keys-and-how-to-turn-them-off-in-windows/) - When it comes to accessibility, Microsoft has done a lot of work in helping people with disabilities. Filter Keys is one such feature Microsoft has designed to help people with physical issues control the keyboard repeat rate and ignore repeated keystrokes. This article explains what Filter Keys are and how you can turn them off.
- [How to Fix a "Your Windows License Will Expire Soon" Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-a-your-windows-license-will-expire-soon-error/) - You’ll get constant reminders to activate Windows if Microsoft cannot certify the validity of your Windows license or when it’s expiring. This is arguably one of the worst types of interruptions you’ll encounter on a Windows PC. You may also get activation reminders if your Windows license is not genuine or you have an incompatible
- [How to Open EPUB Files on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-open-epub-files-on-windows/) - Microsoft Edge used to allow you to read your favorite eBooks directly in the browser. Microsoft made opening EPUB files possible through the Windows 10 Creators Update, which brought a slew of features including EPUB file format support. Adding EPUB support to Edge was a strategic decision because Microsoft sold eBooks in the Microsoft Store
- [Stream Video and Music to Your Xbox Console from Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/stream-video-and-music-to-your-xbox-console-from-windows-10/) - Everyone knows the Xbox can support every streaming service known to man, but did you realize you can stream content straight to your Xbox from your PC? The instructions below will work for Xbox One devices and Xbox Series X and Series S devices. If you have family videos or you have movies saved to
- [How to Write or Draw on a PDF File in Mac and Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-write-or-draw-on-a-pdf-file-in-mac-and-windows/) - While you can highlight text in a PDF, edit PDFs to add or remove information, or add your signature to a PDF file, many PDF readers don’t make it easy to write or draw on a PDF file. If you just want to write letters in a crossword or draw amendments to a plan, you
- [How to Type Letters with Accents on Windows, Mac and Linux](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-type-letters-with-accents-on-windows-mac-and-linux/) - Although the English language doesn’t use letters with accents (also called diacritics) often, many other languages like Spanish and Vietnamese do. If you are writing words in Roman characters that require accents, it can be hard to know the exact keystrokes. Don’t be caught by surprise again. This guide will show you how to type
- [How to Open Torrent Files on Windows 10 and Mac](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-open-torrent-files-on-windows-10-and-mac/) - BitTorrent is perhaps the most famous peer-to-peer file transfer protocol. Certainly, it’s the one that kept most music and film executives up at night since it’s mainly known for enabling piracy. Yet, torrenting itself isn’t illegal and can be a cost-effective and useful way to share files with people without paying for online file storage.
- [How to Disable the Windows Key](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-disable-the-windows-key/) - The Windows key is a useful shortcut for most. But for some, it’s frustrating. Fortunately, there are many ways of disabling the Windows key. From third-party tools like AutoHotkey to the built-in settings of your operating system, we will go over all the best ways to disable the Windows key on your computer. Whether you’re
- [How to Check the Type of RAM in Your Windows PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-check-the-type-of-ram-in-your-windows-pc/) - RAM comes in various types, capacities, speeds and brands. If you ever want to upgrade your RAM or need to verify whether your system meets certain minimum requirements, you’ll have to check the type of RAM in your PC. While the jargon and numbers might seem daunting at first, it’s actually fairly easy to determine
- [How to Fix Windows Update Errors](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-windows-update-errors/) - Since the release of Windows 10 and Microsoft’s shift to a software-as-a-service model for their flagship operating system, the updates have been coming thick and fast. At least once a year Microsoft releases a major update for Windows 10, whether you want it or not. There are also numerous small updates that range from critical
- [How to Convert YouTube to MP3 on Windows, Mac and Mobile](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-convert-youtube-to-mp3-on-windows-mac-and-mobile/) - If you like playing some background music while working, exercising or studying, or you prefer to listen to a podcast while relaxing, YouTube offers lots of free, engaging content to keep you going. While you can technically download videos from YouTube and then use a tool to rip the audio files, it’s a time-consuming and
- [How to Generate SSH Keys on Windows, Mac and Linux](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-generate-ssh-keys-on-windows-mac-and-linux/) - If you’re looking to connect remotely to a computer, one of the best and most secure methods is to use a Secure Shell (SSH) connection. This creates an encrypted connection between you and the remote host, ensuring that the data being sent can’t be intercepted or monitored in any way. You can use SSH as
- [How to Block Remote Connections to a Windows or Mac Computer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-block-remote-connections-to-a-windows-or-mac-computer/) - When you connect your PC to the internet, applications send and receive information through the network connection. Typically, you should have nothing to worry about this data exchange as it’s required for some apps and system functionalities to work correctly. On public or unsecured networks, however, you need to exercise extra caution. One way to
- [How to Use Google Assistant on Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-google-assistant-on-windows-10/) - The first thing you should know before reading this article is that there’s no such thing as an official Google Assistant client for Windows 10. The workaround is a customized clone for Windows 10 created by developer Melvin Abraham and available via GitHub. There is a little bit of a setup process to get it
- [How to Merge Videos in Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-merge-videos-in-windows-10/) - It's fairly easy to merge multiple video clips in Windows 10 and create a single video file. In Windows 10 you can either use a built-in app called Photos or a third-party app to merge videos. Besides being a great photo organizer, the Photos app lets you edit videos, add text to your videos and
- [How to Install an Additional Keyboard Language on Windows, Mac and Mobile Devices](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-install-an-additional-keyboard-language-on-windows-mac-and-mobile-devices/) - Installing a keyboard language enables you to type all the popular languages spoken around the world. Nearly all platforms including Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android allow you to install additional keyboard languages. Once you’ve added a language, you can toggle amongst all the available languages on your device.You can uninstall a keyboard language
- [How To Compress a PDF on Windows & Mac](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-compress-a-pdf-on-windows-mac/) - If your document is in PDF format, it’s likely to be in its final format---ready to wow your audience. This is where your highest quality graphics are used and where the final version of your text is presented, ready to print or share with others to read or distribute. This can mean large file sizes,
- [How to Open HEIC Files on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-open-heic-files-on-windows/) - The HEIC format (short for High-Efficiency Image Container) is the default format on iPhones since iOS 11. As its name implies, a HEIC file is incredibly efficient at storing photos, often taking up just half the size of a JPG file without sacrificing image quality. That said, the format is yet to go mainstream outside
- [What Is a CFG File and How to Open It on Windows and Mac](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-is-a-cfg-file-and-how-to-open-it-on-windows-and-mac/) - When you encounter a file type that you (and your operating system) doesn’t recognize, it’s often difficult to figure out how to open it. After all, every file has software that opens it, from DAT files in Windows to Office formats like DOCX or PPTX. Even files without extensions require the right software to open
- [How to Remove Audio From Video on Windows and Mac](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-remove-audio-from-video-on-windows-and-mac/) - Not every video requires sound, especially if the audio quality is poor. Loud background noises, unnecessary chatting, bad language---they can all reduce the quality of an otherwise perfect video, especially home videos. The best way to deal with this problem is to remove the audio entirely, leaving the video to speak for itself. If you
- [How to Pixelate an Image on Windows and Mac](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-pixelate-an-image-on-windows-and-mac/) - There are a number of reasons why you might want to pixelate part or all of an image. If you’re touching up a family photo to post online, you may want to pixelate the faces of some of your family members. If you’re editing a scanned image, you may want to pixelate some personal data
- [How to Undervolt a CPU on Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-undervolt-a-cpu-on-windows-10/) - As magical as our computers may be, they don’t run on unicorn kisses and fairy dust. In the end, there’s good old electricity running through your PC’s electronic veins. Just like any electronic device, the components inside your computer run at specific voltages. That is, the amount of pressure pushing electrons through the circuits inside
- [How to Rearrange Pages in Word on Windows and Mac](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-rearrange-pages-in-word-on-windows-and-mac/) - Word has a lot of powerful features that let you organize documents in sections, pages, and even an outline of the entire document structure. But rearranging pages in Word isn’t an easy feature to find or use. Here are some shortcuts to rearrange pages in Word. It's worth noting that to rearrange pages in Word
- [How To Reduce Windows Explorer High CPU Usage](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-reduce-windows-explorer-high-cpu-usage/) - It’s unfortunately common to see Windows Explorer using up your system resources. With the file explorer system hogging up processing power, games won’t run as smoothly, video editing will take longer, and other basic tasks may run into issues. In some cases, you may see Windows Explorer using high CPU resources. Sometimes this can be
- [How To Set Up & Use a Browser Sandbox On Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-use-a-browser-sandbox-on-windows/) - Imagine being able to test out any software or visit any website without having to worry that your computer might get a virus. That’s what a browser sandbox does. It can be done with the Sandbox app built into Windows 10 or another free app called Sandboxie. However, the Sandboxie app is the easiest way
- [How to Use Python on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-python-on-windows/) - As one of the best programming languages to learn and use, it’s no wonder that millions of new coders turn their attention to learning how to use Python. It offers a low barrier of entry, with support for Python available on all major operating systems, allowing you to build projects from websites to desktop games
- [How to Fix "The iTunes Library File Cannot Be Saved" in Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-the-itunes-library-file-cannot-be-saved-in-windows-10/) - If you're running iTunes on Windows 10, you may have come across a strange error that continually pops up and that prevents you from downloading any media onto your local computer. In this case, I'm specifically talking about Windows 10 and most likely after you have recently updated Windows 10 to the latest version. I
- [How To Use a Windows XP Emulator On Android With Limbo](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-use-a-windows-xp-emulator-on-android-with-limbo/) - Microsoft Windows operating system has been in almost complete dominance of the PC market since it was first released in 1985. We all remember the good releases like Windows 7, while unforgettable releases like Windows Millenium are ones we’d sooner forget. One of the best Windows releases to date is Windows XP, with a small
- [How To Convert a Windows Drive From FAT32 To NTFS](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-convert-a-windows-drive-from-fat32-to-ntfs/) - Older Windows operating systems relied heavily on the FAT32 file system for storage. This file system was developed with 32-bit operating systems in mind, limiting the maximum storage capacity of FAT32 drives to 2TB and file sizes to between 2 and 4GB (depending on your operating system). FAT32 is an old file system, however. NTFS
- [How to Connect Your Xbox to Your Windows PC](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-connect-your-xbox-to-your-windows-pc/) - As a Windows-based device, the Xbox has a lot in common with a typical Windows PC. The Xbox is one of the best consoles for interacting with a Windows PC, with the ability to stream games, share media content, and more. If you want a seamless multimedia experience, combining the Xbox and a Windows PC
- [How To Fix 'Filename Is Too Long' Issue In Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-filename-is-too-long-issue-in-windows/) - If you’ve ever seen this issue, it was probably a simple fix for you. If you’ve seen this error more than twice, then you also know that it can be a complex issue to fix sometimes. Let’s hope you only run into the easy fix variety, but we’ll prepare you for the less easy, guaranteed
- [How To Move Your Thunderbird Profile & Email To a New Windows Computer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-move-your-thunderbird-profile-email-to-a-new-windows-computer/) - Are you struggling to convert and move your Thunderbird profile, settings, and email to a new computer? Many people choose to use Thunderbird as their email client for its many benefits including advanced spam filtering, a good reputation for being dependable, the ability to customize, a high level of security, support for email protocols such
- [How To Monitor Your CPU Or GPU In Windows' System Tray](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-monitor-your-cpu-or-gpu-in-windows-system-tray/) - For the average desktop or laptop user, keeping track of the health of their CPU and GPU isn't something that many put consideration towards. Most of us rely on our machine to properly cool and take care of itself through dynamic fan speeds, offloading, and other such technology. However, you’d be surprised what a quick
- [How to Access Linux Partitions in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-access-linux-partitions-in-windows/) - If you have a Linux distribution sitting alongside Windows on your PC, you’ll have no problem accessing your Windows drive. NTFS, the default Windows file system, is well supported, and most Linux distros will be able to mount NTFS drives with ease. The same can’t be said for Windows users, however. Common Linux file systems
- [Switching from Mac to Windows? What You Need to Know](https://helpdeskgeek.com/switching-from-mac-to-windows-what-you-need-to-know/) - For a long time, Apple users and Windows users kept to their respective sides of the aisle. There was little overlap between the two user bases, but that has started to change. Many people recognize the ease of use and simple productivity that Apple provides (and many people love the status and image that comes
- [How To Dual Boot Linux Mint and Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-dual-boot-linux-mint-and-windows/) - When you have more than one operating system (OS) on your computer, you can reboot from one into the other. This allows you to use the best application for the job at hand. What are some of the reasons you might want to have multiple operating systems on one computer? Each OS has its own
- [How To Set Up An Automatic Backup System For Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-set-up-an-automatic-backup-system-for-windows/) - Anyone who regularly uses a home computer ends up storing a large amount of very important information that they don’t want to lose. The best way to protect this information is by setting up an automatic backup system for Windows. There are a few approaches you can take to backup your Windows system. You can
- [What Is Windows PE & How To Make a PE Rescue Disk](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-is-windows-pe-how-to-make-a-pe-rescue-disk/) - Windows PE (or Windows Preinstallation Environment) is a scaled-down version of Windows. This custom environment is useful in an emergency, letting you run Windows commands or custom, third-party tools to resolve issues with your Windows installation or, in a worst-case scenario, to recover your files. There are several third-party Windows PE rescue disks that you
- [Use This Script to Rename Multiple Files at Once in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/use-this-script-to-rename-multiple-files-at-once-in-windows/) - Do you need to rename several files at once in Windows? It can be quite the task to do it manually, but Windows supports scripts that you can run to automate the renaming process, saving you loads of time. As an example, consider a case like in the example image above where you have a
- [7 Ways to Clear Memory and Boost RAM on Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/7-ways-to-clear-memory-and-boost-ram-on-windows/) - There are few things quite as annoying as a computer that’s starting to run slow. As good as the Windows 10 operating system is, Windows computers still have the problem of running much more slowly over time. In this article, you’ll learn seven of the most effective ways to clear out old memory and boost
- [Find the WiFi Password in Windows 10 Using CMD](https://helpdeskgeek.com/find-the-wifi-password-in-windows-10-using-cmd/) - Did you forget one of your WiFi passwords? Do you need access to it right away? Using the command prompt (CMD), you can see a list of every wireless network your computer has ever connected to and their passwords. This article details how you can find out the WiFi password or change WiFi settings using
- [Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts for Anything in Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/create-custom-keyboard-shortcuts-for-anything-in-windows-10/) - Want to know how to create keyboard shortcuts to do anything on Windows 10? This guide will help. Surprisingly, it’s quite easy to create a quick keybind that can open programs, perform repeatable tasks, and speed up your workflow. I’ll suggest a number of different options you can use to make keyboard shortcuts and provide
- [Prevent Popup Notifications from Appearing on Your Windows Desktop](https://helpdeskgeek.com/prevent-popup-notifications-from-appearing-on-your-windows-desktop/) - Windows 10 notifications are important, but some people do find them annoying. Fortunately, getting rid of these pop-ups are as easy as editing a few settings. This article will show you how you can fine-tune the types of notifications you see for a more pleasant Windows experience. Turning Off All Notifications To turn off the
- [Automatically Backup Important Windows Folders with OneDrive](https://helpdeskgeek.com/automatically-backup-important-windows-folders-with-onedrive/) - When you take up an Office 365 subscription from Microsoft, you get access to a whole suite of programs beyond just apps like Word or Excel. One of the most useful services is OneDrive. A bit like DropBox or Google Drive, OneDrive provides you with substantial online storage. OneDrive is more than just a big
- [How To Make & Run An ISO File On Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-make-run-an-iso-file-on-windows/) - Among the many things that Windows is known for are its many file formats. Whereas MacOS only has a few file formats, Windows has a huge amount more. One of them, which is actually one of the most useful ones, is also not the most well-known. That file format is known as .ISO. What is
- [3 Ways to Track Which Programs are Using the Most Bandwidth in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/3-ways-to-track-which-programs-are-using-the-most-bandwidth-in-windows/) - Are you having trouble connecting to Facebook or Twitter? Has your internet connection slowed down to the point that it’s become unusable? Don’t blame your internet service provider just yet. The reason for this could be a program consuming bandwidth in the background. In this post, you’ll learn how to monitor the bandwidth usage of
- [Add Shutdown and Restart to the Right-Click Context Menu in Windows 8](https://helpdeskgeek.com/add-shutdown-and-restart-to-the-right-click-context-menu-in-windows-8/) - In Windows 8, now that the Start Menu is now gone and replaced by the Start Screen and Charms bar. This means that if you want to restart your computer, you have to open the Charms bar, click on Settings, click on the Power icon and then click on Restart. You can read my previous
- [Install .NET Framework 3.5, 3.0, 2.0 on Windows 8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/install-net-framework-3-5-3-0-2-0-on-windows-8-10/) - With Windows 8/10, .NET Framework 4.5 comes installed by default. Since .NET 4.5 is an in-place upgrade of 4.0, you can automatically run any applications that are geared towards .NET Framework 4.5 or 4.0. That's fine, but what if you need to run programs that require older versions of .NET Framework? What's the lowest version
- [Fix Windows 8/10 Live Tiles Not Updating](https://helpdeskgeek.com/fix-windows-8-10-live-tiles-updating/) - Recently, I had a client come in with a Windows 10 PC that had live tiles that were not updating. Upon connecting up his computer, I was surprised to see that not only were the live tiles not updating, they had these strange little down arrows on them and nothing else. Before I connected the
- [HDG Ultimate Guide to Taking Screenshots in Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/ultimate-guide-to-taking-screenshots-in-windows-10/) - Taking screenshots has always been fun in Windows, especially with Windows Vista and 7, which included the new Snipping Tool. Basically, since Vista, there have been two ways to take screenshots in Windows without third-party software: using keyboard shortcuts or using the Snipping Tool. Before Windows 7, it was very complicated to take screenshots of
- [Fix Error 10016 in Windows Event Viewer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/fix-error-10016-windows-event-viewer/) - Being a big tech geek, I hate when my Windows machine isn't working flawlessly. I figure if I can't get my computer working perfectly, then what kind of tech person am I? Obviously, trying to get everything to work perfectly means spending a lot of time fixing issues that probably don't cause any major issues
- [Enable Game Mode to Smooth Out Performance in Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/enable-game-mode-to-smooth-out-performance-in-windows-10/) - For gamers, the latest version of Windows has been a mixed bag. You don’t have to search far on the net to find complaints from gamers that Windows 10 game performance isn’t what it should be. This isn’t true for everyone, but it seems common enough to warrant some concern. Every update to Windows seems
- [Disable Keyboard Keys in Windows with AutoHotKey](https://helpdeskgeek.com/disable-keyboard-keys-in-windows-with-autohotkey/) - When you’re at your keyboard, not too many things are as frustrating as accidentally hitting a disruptive key. For example, the Windows key can cause some fullscreen applications to minimize. Pressing the Alt key can sometimes completely block all key inputs thereafter. If you’re accidentally hitting these keys without knowing, it can cause major inconveniences
- [Open Command Prompt in Folder Using Windows Explorer](https://helpdeskgeek.com/open-command-prompt-folder-windows-explorer/) - The Command Prompt is an incredibly useful way to perform certain tasks. For example, if you want to run a program with special parameters, the Command Prompt is one fast way to do it. The problem is that navigating the directory structure of a modern computer can be a real pain when using Command Prompt.
- [Cleanup the WinSxS Folder in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/cleanup-the-winsxs-folder-in-windows/) - In Windows 7 and Windows 8/10, there is a new folder under C:\Windows called WinSxS, which basically stores dll and component files. It also stores older versions of all dll and component files and can grow to be quite large. In addition to that, a lot of space is taken up by the backup folder,
- [Scale Down an Image in Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android](https://helpdeskgeek.com/scale-down-an-image-in-windows-mac-ios-and-android/) - So you just downloaded some pictures from your new fancy Canon or Nikon camera? Well, get ready for some huge pictures with lots of resolution! You're talking about 20+ megapixels and extremely high resolutions! The prices are always coming down and the quality is always going up. For most people, it's overkill. Additionally, it's sometimes
- [Fix NT Kernel & System Process High CPU Usage in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/fix-nt-kernel-system-process-high-cpu-usage-in-windows/) - I recently ran into a strange problem where a process called System (NT Kernel & System) was using about 15 to 30 percent of the CPU on my Windows machine all the time. In the above screenshot, System is using 0 percent CPU, which is how it normally should be. The system process basically houses
- [Fix Windows 8/10 "We weren't able to connect to the Store" Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/fix-windows-8-10-we-werent-able-to-connect-to-the-store-error/) - I have loaded Windows 8/10 on a couple of home PCs and I've been running into occasional issues here and there. Recently, I tried to open the Windows Store and I got the following error message: We weren't able to connect to the Store. This might have happened because of a server problem or the
- [Create Custom Environment Variables in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/create-custom-environment-variables-in-windows/) - By default, Windows uses certain environment variables to allow users to quickly access certain paths and directories within the operating system. This helps to make Windows easier to navigate. By defining and setting up your own custom environment variables, you can create direct paths and shortcuts to apps, directories, URLs and more. Environment variables in
- [4 Ways To Find Large Files In Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/find-the-largest-files-on-your-computer/) - If you quickly want to free up memory space on your Windows machine, the best way to do that is to find large files on your Windows 10 PC and get rid of them if they’re no longer useful. The question though is how do you go about searching for large files on your computer?
- [Use Netstat to See Listening Ports and PID in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/use-netstat-to-see-listening-ports-and-pid-in-windows/) - In another article, we explained computer ports and what they’re used for. Other than that, what can we do with port information? Since all traffic in and out of the computer goes through ports, we can check on them to see what they’re doing. Maybe the port isn’t listening for traffic? Maybe something is using
- [Move a Window with the Keyboard in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/move-a-window-with-the-keyboard-in-windows/) - So for those of you who do not like to use a mouse, it would be pretty cool if you could move a window using just the keyboard in Windows 7 right? Well, there are a couple of ways to do this and even though you may not need to do it very often, it
- [Merge Two Partitions in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/merge-two-partitions-in-windows/) - One common complaint that I get from friends and family is that their computers with default system configurations from Dell, HP, etc. often make the C partition too small and therefore force them to figure out ways to extend the partition in order to get more free space. Unfortunately, when you search about merging partitions,
- [Use Alternate DNS Servers In Windows For Faster Internet](https://helpdeskgeek.com/use-alternate-dns-servers-in-windows-for-faster-internet/) - For many computer users who have complaints about their ISP's Internet speed, one factor they may not be considering is the quality of their ISP's DNS servers. DNS stands for Domain Name Servers, and is what your web browser uses to convert the web address you type into the URL bar of the browser into
- [Disable Aero (Permanently or Temporarily) in Windows 7](https://helpdeskgeek.com/disable-aero-permanently-or-temporarily-in-windows-7/) - In Windows Vista and Windows 7, the older Luna interface was replaced with a new default theme/interface, called Aero. Aero uses a number of features, such as transluscent windows and title bars, live thumbnails, and other eye candy to create a more pleasing experience for users. The problem with Aero (and other compositing window managers),
- [Remove Lock Icon on Folder in Windows 7](https://helpdeskgeek.com/remove-lock-icon-on-folder-in-windows-7/) - Windows XP had a few ways to share a folder and it was always a little confusing dealing with NTFS permissions and Share permissions. Now in Windows 7, it's even more confusing! Yes, that's because they now have Homegroups and you can share files with a homegroup, which is separate from sharing with the rest
- [Uninstall and Reinstall IE in Windows 7](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-reinstall-internet-explorer-in-windows-7/) - Internet Explorer was recently having some strange issues on my Windows 7 machine and instead of spending hours trying to figure out what was causing the problem, I decided I would just reinstall the whole thing! Well, it fixed my problem and that's why I'm writing about it. Method 1 - Windows Features Depending on
- [Remove or Uninstall a Printer Driver from Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/remove-uninstall-a-printer-driver-from-windows/) - If you connect to different printers across several locations all the time, you’ll probably not use all of the printers installed on your device - probably just once or twice. However, your device ends up with many printers installed on it without you realizing it. Thankfully, you can remove any printer you’re no longer using,
- [Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/fix-unidentified-network-and-no-network-access-in-windows/) - The internet is great, but what about when the internet doesn’t actually work? In most cases, a little bit of troubleshooting should help fix any unidentified network errors or no internet in Windows. With this step by step guide, you’ll be able to take all of the necessary steps to fix your internet so that
- [Generate a System Health Report in Windows 7 to Check for Errors](https://helpdeskgeek.com/generate-a-system-health-report-in-windows-7-to-check-for-errors/) - Among Windows 7’s more underused and unknown features is the Resource and Performance Monitor. With it, administrators can generate a system health report that indicates failure to pass a series of diagnostics. Learn how to check for errors in Windows 7 using a built-in Resource and Performance test. In addition, another great tool is the
- [Prevent Access to the Command Prompt in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/disable-command-prompt-in-windows/) - The Windows Command Prompt is a robust solution for administrators to quickly and easily keep a system up and running smoothly. It's rare that the average user has a use for the Command Prompt. Rather than invite temptation, many administrators prevent access to the Command Prompt to discourage users from troubleshooting computer errors and poking
- [Enable and Disable Windows Features](https://helpdeskgeek.com/enable-and-disable-windows-features/) - No matter which version of Windows you use, there is a lot of features that are installed with the system by default, many of which you probably will never use. Disabling Windows features you don’t use can optimize your system, making it faster and saving precious hard disk space. This article shows you how to
- [Export, Clear, and Increase Size for Event Logs in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/export-clear-event-log-windows/) - The Event Viewer in Windows is a centralized log service utilized by applications and operating system components to report events that have taken place, such as a failure to complete an action or to start a component or program. There are several sections in the Event Viewer, such as Application and Security under Windows Logs
- [Create a Portable Version of Any Application in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/create-a-portable-version-of-any-application-in-windows/) - These days, most of us have multiple computers that we take with us, but what if you wanted to turn any computer into your computer? That’s where the idea of “portable” apps come into the picture. By loading up a flash drive or external hard drive with these apps, you simply have to plug the
- [Create an ISO File from a Folder in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/create-an-iso-file-from-a-folder-in-windows/) - If you don’t already know, an ISO file is a container that can hold a number of files in it. It’s usually used to create backups of your CD and DVD discs. However, you can create an ISO from the folders on your Windows PC as well. There are actually multiple apps that help you
- [7 Ways To Generate a List of Installed Programs in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/generate-a-list-of-installed-programs-in-windows/) - If you own a Windows PC, you’ll likely have a list of go-to software that you use all the time, whether it’s Chrome, Outlook, or Steam. Outside of these favorites, there’ll be other programs you’ve forgotten about or have never even used. That can be problematic---forgotten software takes up disk space and can be a
- [Save a List of Running Processes to a Text File in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/save-a-list-of-running-processes-to-a-text-file-in-windows/) - Sometimes, it can seem like there are so many processes running on your computer that you’re unsure which are okay and which might be suspicious or malicious. A good first step is generating a list of running processes to a text file so you can analyze what processes are running. Usually, people use Task Manager
- [Change the Registered Owner Name in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/change-the-registered-owner-name-in-windows/) - When Windows is first installed, Microsoft asks you a series of questions about the owner of the computer upon which the operating system is being loaded. Once you choose the name of the owner, Microsoft uses this information as the person to whom Windows is licensed. If you bought your computer with Windows pre-installed, the
- [Remove Windows Messenger from Windows 7, Vista, and XP](https://helpdeskgeek.com/remove-windows-messenger-from-windows-7-vista-and-xp/) - Windows Messenger and Windows Live Messenger are useful programs for instant messaging. However, if you don't use instant messaging, Messenger can quickly become a resource hogging annoyance that can pop up at the worst possible time. Fortunately, you can remove or uninstall Messenger in all versions of Windows XP, Vista and 7. Windows XP Since
- [Manually Add a Contact to a Windows Live Mail Address Book](https://helpdeskgeek.com/manually-add-a-contact-to-a-windows-live-mail-address-book/) - Contacts in any e-mail program make it easy to keep track of recipients and easily send out e-mail messages to multiple people at the same time. Windows Live mail allows you to add contacts to a number of categories to keep them organized. Learn how to manually add a contact to your list of Windows
- [Use the Windows Snipping Tool to Capture Popup Menus](https://helpdeskgeek.com/use-the-windows-snipping-tool-to-capture-popup-menus/) - While many people have begun to use the Windows Snipping tool instead of a third party product to grab screen images, not many realize that it can also be used to capture those elusive popup menus that are so critical when trying to describe how to do something in a document or web page. First
- [Run Old DOS Games and Programs in Windows XP, Vista, 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/run-old-dos-games-programs-in-windows/) - Many improvements have come with the most recent versions of Windows. Unfortunately, along with these improvements, support for running certain DOS programs has been lost. For those who are attached to their old DOS software, there is hope. You can still run your favorite DOS programs using an open source DOS emulator called DOSBox. DOSBox
- [Re-enable Always Ask Before Opening this Type of File Check Box in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/re-enable-always-ask-before-opening-this-type-of-file-check-box-in-windows/) - Sometimes, when you download a file from the internet, a File Download dialog box displays, asking whether you want to open the file or save the file to disk. There is a check box on this dialog box, called Always ask before opening this type of file, on the dialog box. If you don’t want
- [Restart the Explorer.exe Process Correctly in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/restart-the-explorer-exe-process-correctly-in-windows/) - You may think that you need to restart your computer in order for registry changes to take place. Not necessarily. Restarting the explorer.exe process performs the same function. Explorer.exe is the program component in Windows that provides the Windows Shell. The Windows Shell or Explorer creates and presents the entire Windows user interface, such as
- [Prevent Users from Changing the Screen Saver/Lock Screen in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/prevent-users-from-changing-the-screen-saver-in-windows/) - All users of Windows 7/8/10 have the ability to change the look and feel of their computing experience. This includes cosmetic changes such as the screen saver and lock screen in Windows 10. However, many administrators deny users access to some customization features to create a uniform environment in a work setting. Learn how to
- [Assign Drive Letters to Folders in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/assign-drive-letters-to-folders-in-windows/) - If there are folders that you access frequently, this post shows you how to quickly access these folders in Windows Explorer without having to enter the full path to the folder. We will discuss three ways to map folders to drive letters. Method 1: Use the subst DOS Command First, we will use an old
- [Run Programs as Administrator with Full Rights in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/run-programs-as-administrator-in-windows/) - We have previously written about creating a shortcut to run a command prompt window with administrator rights in our post, Create a Command Prompt Shortcut with Admin Rights. If you need to run a program that requires administrator rights, there are several methods for doing this. Sometimes you may need to run a program as
- [Add a Message to the Logon Screen for Users in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/add-a-message-to-the-logon-screen-for-users-in-windows/) - Windows 7/8/10 allows you to add a message that is displayed on the logon screen when users log in. To setup a message for users logging in on your computer, use the Local Security Policy editor. The message is simply informational and doesn't provide any kind of actual security. Depending on what you write, it
- [Backup and Restore Your Pinned Taskbar Items in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/backup-and-restore-your-pinned-taskbar-items-in-windows/) - The Windows 7//8/10 taskbar can be a very handy launch bar where you can pin programs you use often. You can also pin often-used files, folders, and web pages to it. Once you have set up your taskbar the way you want it, you may want to back it up so you can restore it
- [Prevent Saving of Remote Desktop Credentials in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/prevent-saving-of-remote-desktop-credentials-in-windows/) - Remote Desktop Connection in Windows allows you to log on to any remote PC and access all of the programs, files, and network resources as though you were actually sitting in front of the remote computer. We have previously written about how to properly configure remote desktop on a Windows 7/8/10 computer and how to setup
- [Update Apple’s Safari Browser in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/update-apples-safari-browser-in-windows/) - Every web browser provides a different way of checking for updates, most of them fairly easy and found within the browser itself. Firefox allows you to easily check for updates through the Help menu. Opera also provides an easy method of checking for updates using their Help menu. Even Google Chrome makes it easy by
- [Remove the Text Labels from Desktop Icons in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/remove-the-labels-from-desktop-icons-in-windows/) - If you want to simplify the display of icons on your Windows 7/8/10 desktop, you can “remove” the labels from desktop icons. Before showing you how to remove the labels on your desktop icons, you should know that there are two kinds of desktop icons. There are the standard shortcut icons that you can create
- [View the List of Services Hosted by the svchost.exe Process in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/svchost-exe-process-in-windows/) - Svchost.exe is a process that hosts other Windows services that perform various system functions. There can be multiple instances of svchost.exe running on your computer, with each instance containing a different service. We published a post a while back on what you can do if svchost.exe is using up a high percentage of your CPU.
- [How to Play 3GP 3G2 Files in Windows Media Player](https://helpdeskgeek.com/play-3gp-3g2-files/) - Looking for a way to play 3GP or 3G2 files on your computer? If so, there are a couple of ways you can do this. First of all, 3GP files are usually movies that are taken from a mobile phone. Probably, a really old mobile phone too. If you want to play these on your
- [Share a Printer from XP to Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/xp-to-windows-7-8-10-printer-sharing/) - One common problem I have run into with clients is trying to share a printer connected to a Windows XP machine with Windows 7/8/10. There are lots of people out there that have USB connected printers attached to one computer, sometimes even a Windows XP machine. If you get a new laptop running Windows 7/8/10,
- [Disable Aero Snap/Snap Assist in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/disable-snap-assist-in-windows-7-8-10/) - Starting with Windows 7, Microsoft added Aero Snap, a part of the Aero Desktop experience not found in Windows Vista’s Aero Desktop. With Aero Snap, users can drag any window to the top, left, or right side of the screen to maximize the window in a special way. Dragging a window to the top maximizes
- [Change the Location of User Folders in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/change-location-of-user-folders-in-windows/) - If you have an old computer or a new computer with a small SSD drive as your primary drive, you may need to periodically move data out of the default Windows user folders and onto a second hard drive or even an external drive to save space. The default folders I'm talking about are Downloads,
- [Prevent Files From Being Deleted Or Renamed In Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/prevent-file-deletion-and-file-renaming-in-windows/) - No matter what purpose you use your computer for, there are likely some files on your machine that you don’t want anyone to rename or delete. But unfortunately the way Windows works, there’s really no default mechanism to help you prevent your files from being deleted on your computer. Any user who has access to
- [How To Use The Tabbed Command Prompt In Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/use-multiple-tabs-in-the-windows-command-prompt/) - If you’re someone who uses the Command Prompt utility for most of your tasks, you likely often have multiple utility windows open at the same time on your screen. Managing these windows becomes a bit difficult when the number of the windows grows. A tabbed Command Prompt interface can help you out here. Just like
- [Redirect Output from the Windows Command Line to a Text File](https://helpdeskgeek.com/redirect-output-from-command-line-to-text-file/) - One of the most useful ways to log and troubleshoot the behavior of commands or batch jobs that you run on Windows is to redirect output to a file. However, there are a few different ways you can redirect command line writes to a file. The option you choose depends on how you want to
- [Turn Off Taskbar Thumbnail Previews in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/disable-taskbar-thumbnail-previews-windows/) - In a previous post, I wrote about why Windows may not be showing taskbar thumbnail previews by default, but instead show just a text list. However, if you do have thumbnail previews enabled in Windows, you will see actual screenshots of the programs or windows that are open when you hover your mouse over the
- [Use Small Icons on the Windows 7/8/10 Taskbar and Desktop](https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7-8-10-small-icons-taskbar-desktop/) - With a default installation of Windows 7/8/10, you may have noticed a couple of things immediately, such as the large desktop icons and the large taskbar! I’m personally not a big fan of huge icons anywhere on my computer! And to me, a large taskbar is a waste of precious real estate. I like the
- [Bridge Network Connections in Windows 7/8/10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/bridge-network-connections-in-windows-7-8-10/) - Windows provides the capability to connect or bridge two different network types through software. This can eliminate the need to buy a hardware device to connect two disparate networks. This has been a part of Windows since XP and still works just fine in Windows 10. Here's an example. Let's say you have two networks:
- [How to Configure a HomeGroup in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/setup-homegroup-in-windows/) - A homegroup in Windows makes it easier to share files and printers on a home network. You can share pictures, music, videos, documents, and printers with other people in your homegroup. As a security measure, other people can't change the files that you share, unless you give them permission to do so. When you set
- [Use Reliability Monitor to Check Windows Stability](https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-reliability-monitor/) - Ever had to purchase a used computer with Windows already installed and wanted to know if the operating system was stable or not? Sometimes with just a cursory look, you won't be able to tell if Windows is corrupt or having other issues. A quick way to see the state of a Windows machine is
- [How to Register a DLL File in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/register-dll-file-in-windows/) - Ever run into a Windows problem where you have to register a DLL file on your computer? A DLL file, aka Dynamic Link Library, are files that contain functions used across multiple applications. For example, Microsoft Office has hundreds of DLL files that can be used between the various Office programs to perform certain certain
- [How to Force Group Policy Update in Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 8 and 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/group-policy-update-force-windows/) - As an IT Administrator, there are many times when I make a change to Group Policy in Active Directory and need to manually refresh the policy on a client machine. Depending on which OS you are running, the command to refresh group policy is different. Also, there is a difference between refreshing a policy and
- [How to Configure Interrupt Request (IRQ) Priorities in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/manage-irq-settings-windows/) - Most components directly attached to your motherboard—including PCI slots, IDE controllers, serial ports, the keyboard port, and even your motherboard’s CMOS—have individual interrupt requests (IRQs) assigned to them. An interrupt request line, or IRQ, is a numbered hardware line over which a device can interrupt the normal flow of data to the processor, allowing the
- [Enable Microphone, Line-In Audio, and Stereo Mix in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/record-sound-using-line-in-microphone-windows/) - Want to convert some of thoseold cassette tapes to digital MP3s? Want to use voice dictation software? Want to record some audio from a website that streams music? Want to use your PC as a makeshift karaoke machine? Getting Windows to record all those sounds isn't always so easy or straightforward. Windows allow more than
- [The Easiest Way to Use Kiosk Mode in Windows 10](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-setup-windows-10-as-a-kiosk/) - Previously, I had written about how you can use Assigned Access to put Windows 8.1 into kiosk mode, which basically only allows one app to be run on the system and that's it. It's great for any public computer that you want to have a high degree of control over. With Windows 10, the procedure
- [How to Use DiskPart Utility in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/diskpart-windows-how-to-use/) - The Disk Management Tool is a useful, effective tool for managing your Windows disks and partitions, but it isn’t as powerful to use as Diskpart. This command-line tool lets you delete, create and modify partitions on any hard drives or USB storage your PC can detect. We’d recommend using the Disk Management Tool for most
- [Windows 2003 Active Directory Setup:dcpromo](https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-2003-active-directory-setupdcpromo/) - Now that we have setup Windows Server 2003 on our virtual machine, patched it with SP2, installed an anti-virus and setup DNS, it is now time to setup Active Directory using dcpromo. Setting up Active Directory using the run command dcpromo is a straightforward procedure. To begin, from your Windows 2003 Server desktop, go to
- [How to Fix Stop:0x000000F4 Blue Screen Error in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-stop0x000000f4-blue-screen-error-in-windows/) - Working in IT, I've come across a number of strange STOP errors in Windows that are only fixed by doing something ridiculously obscure! Recently, I came across another STOP error that is very obscure, but pretty easy to fix! Well, at least it was easy to fix for me. Here's the error on the associated
- [Fix Windows Update Error Code 8E5E03FA](https://helpdeskgeek.com/fix-windows-update-error-code-8e5e03fa/) - I have Windows Vista installed on a virtual PC and recently I've not been able to install any Windows updates because I keep getting an error saying that the update failed. Taking a look at the error, it says the following: Failed error code 8E5E03FA Not very helpful! The event viewer does not show anything
- [How to Fix "The Windows Installer service could not be accessed" Error](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-fix-the-windows-installer-service-could-not-be-accessed-error/) - Recently, a friend of mine tried to install a program on his Windows machine and the computer gave the blue screen of death error. After he restarted his computer, he tried to run a different program and he got the following message: The Windows Installer service could not be accessed. This can occur if the
- [How to Reset Local Security Policy Settings to Default in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP](https://helpdeskgeek.com/reset-local-security-policy/) - Have you ever gotten a computer second-hand? Maybe from a company that was shutting down or from someone who no longer needed theirs? Ideally, you would want to simply reformat the computer and start from scratch, right? However, that’s not always the case. Let’s say you get a computer that has Windows already installed, but
- [Fix "Windows was unable to find a certificate to log you on to the network"](https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-was-unable-to-find-a-certificate-to-log-you-on-to-the-network/) - I recently bought a new Linksys wireless router and after setting it up with basic WEP security, I tried to logon from my laptop and was successful! Not very exciting, eh? So then I tried to connect from my desktop computer that has a wireless USB adapter attached to it and I ended up getting
- [Fix File System Errors in Windows 7/8/10 with Check Disk Utility (CHKDSK)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/run-chkdsk-utility-xp/) - Check Disk (chkdsk) is a tool used to verify file system integrity and is also used to locate bad sectors on hard drives. It also helps in recovering corrupted data whenever a system failure occurs that involves data integrity (i.e. power failure). Check Disk can examine FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS drives and automatically repair errors.
- [How to Check Steam Games Storage Use in Windows 11](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-check-steam-games-storage-use-in-windows/) - Check Steam Games Storage in Windows 11: Discover how to efficiently monitor and optimize storage space for your Steam games.
- [How to Allocate More RAM to Specific Apps in Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to-allocate-more-ram-to-specific-apps-in-windows/) - RAM, or random access memory, is used to allow programs to boot more quickly and carry out tasks in a fraction of the time it would take if the program had to load from your hard drive. RAM is vital to performance in any program that needs to access a tremendous amount of data. For
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- [8 Best PC Case Fans to Buy In 2023](https://helpdeskgeek.com/8-best-pc-case-fans-to-buy-in-2023/) - If you're wondering how to keep your PC running smoothly in 2023, then the answer is fairly simple: a good case fan! A proper case fan will help to dissipate hot air from inside your computer's case and make sure that everything is running at peak performance. By selecting a quality fan, you'll also help
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- [6 Best Amazon Fire Tablet Cases](https://helpdeskgeek.com/6-best-amazon-fire-tablet-cases/) - The Amazon Fire tablet is one of the best tablets focused on entertainment. Its 10.1 inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution offers a beautiful experience watching movies or TV shows. It also features quad 2.0 GHz Cortex CPUs, two 2 megapixel cameras capable of 720p video, and a stereo loudspeaker system.
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- [10 Best 3D Printed Raspberry Pi Cases](https://helpdeskgeek.com/10-best-3d-printed-raspberry-pi-cases/) - Raspberry Pis are getting more popular, and it’s no wonder. You can do so much with so little when you use a Raspberry Pi. These tiny computers that run on Linux are portable and affordable, often making them the perfect solution for your projects. It’s a good idea to get a case for your Pi
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- [The Best Work from Home Gadgets and Accessories (2021)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-best-work-from-home-gadgets-and-accessories/) - Thanks to a global pandemic, it seems that working from home is here to stay for a lot of people. You may benefit from investing in your workspace a little to make life easier and more comfortable. There are several gadgets that can turn blue Mondays into, well, not a party exactly but much less
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GXT 970 Morfix: 
A Comparison Review](https://helpdeskgeek.com/trust-gxt-960-graphin-vs-gxt-970-morfix-a-comparison-review/) - Trust is a well-known name in the European computer peripherals market, but with the GXT 960 Graphin and GXT 970 Morfix, the company is showing its pedigree, with two high-quality gaming mice that will satisfy casual and serious gamers alike without breaking the bank. The GXT 960 is the more budget-friendly of the two, with
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- [12 Best Graphics Cards In 2020](https://helpdeskgeek.com/12-best-graphics-cards/) - Graphics cards are an essential component if you want to run intense 3D applications or want better performance in applications that support GPU acceleration. There’s a discrete graphics card for just about any budget, but many of them are poor choices, even compared against other graphics cards at exactly the same price. We’ve scoured the
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- [5 Best Budget Gaming Laptops](https://helpdeskgeek.com/5-best-budget-gaming-laptops/) - The time of the gaming laptop has finally come. Gone are the days where you needed to pay twice the price of a desktop for half the performance. Modern gaming laptops have the same performance components as their desktop cousins and not nearly the price premium that you might expect. We’ve rounded up five of
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- [The 5 Best Budget Chromebooks in 2020](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-5-best-budget-chromebooks/) - Chromebooks have taken the world by storm. The Chrome OS-based laptops are affordable, come in a variety of sizes from a whole host of manufacturers, and are incredibly simple to use. Better still, many Chromebook models have incredible battery life, giving you upwards of ten hours of up-time. It's no wonder they're the favorite of
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- [The 4 Best Wearable Translators](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-4-best-wearable-translators/) - The idea of translating a language seamlessly and instantly has long fascinated people. It shows up in pop culture all the time: just look at the Babelfish from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy or The Tardis from Doctor Who. While perfectly accurate translation is still a long way off, you can buy earbuds that will
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- [5 Best Budget Webcams You Can Afford To Buy](https://helpdeskgeek.com/5-best-budget-webcams-you-can-afford-to-buy/) - With many people working from home for the first time, a great, affordable webcam is a must-have item. From conference calls with the boss to social-distancing-friendly online gatherings and even streaming your favorite games on Twitch, a good webcam is key to your home setup. If you are only looking for a webcam for work,
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- [The 4 Best Pre-Built Plex Servers](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-4-best-pre-built-plex-servers/) - If you’ve grown tired of switching between streaming services to find out exactly which one has the content you feel like watching at that moment, it may be time to build your own media server. Of all the possible media servers out there, Plex is the easiest way to house all of your shows, movies,
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- [What's The Best Data Recovery Software For You?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/whats-the-best-data-recovery-software-for-you/) - Losing your data can be terrible. But if you installed a data recovery software prior to the loss, the odds are in your favor - you can get your data back! Let’s look at a list of data recovery software. That way, you can decide which one is best for you. Recuva With this program,
- [4 Lesser-Known Mechanical Keyboard Brands & Why They're Worth Trying](https://helpdeskgeek.com/4-lesser-known-mechanical-keyboard-brands-why-theyre-worth-trying/) - Keyboards are becoming an art form. Today, you can find enthusiasts that are are as passionate about their mechanical keyboards as anyone who collects sneakers, comic books, video games, or anything else you can think of. Just like with any collectible or piece of fashion, the most prized items are usually those with quirky aesthetics
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- [The 10 Best Privacy Extensions for Chrome (2022)](https://helpdeskgeek.com/the-10-best-privacy-extensions-for-chrome/) - Although Google Chrome comes with an integrated Safe Browsing module to preserve your privacy, that's simply not enough. The internet is a dangerous place filled with privacy-invasive trackers, misleading URLs, and malicious sites, which means you must always do more to ramp up the protection. If you use Google Chrome as your default browser on
- [5 Best Firefox Privacy Add-ons for Online Safety](https://helpdeskgeek.com/5-best-firefox-privacy-add-ons-for-online-safety/) - Privacy has become a major issue for almost everyone. Few people are happy to give their personal information away whenever they sign onto the internet. Luckily, Firefox helps you maintain your privacy online in several ways. There are plenty of Firefox Add-ons to choose from to protect your online privacy. In this article, we'll cover
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- [What Is the Microsoft Phone Link App for Windows?](https://helpdeskgeek.com/what-is-the-microsoft-phone-link-app-for-windows/) - Many people spend their day switching between computers and smartphones to field emails, calls, and other work. The Phone Link app (formerly Your Phone) helps you access your phone via your PC, so there’s no need to take your phone out of your pocket. In this article, we’ll take a look at what Microsoft’s Phone
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- [5 Command Prompt Tricks to Make CMD More Interesting](https://helpdeskgeek.com/5-command-prompt-tricks-to-make-cmd-more-interesting/) - Command Prompt is an indispensable part of Windows. From generating a list of startup programs to finding your WiFi password, there’s a lot you can do with the Command Prompt. However, you may not know that the Command Prompt can also be fun. All you need is to know a few Command Prompt tricks to
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- [7 Best Bloatware Removal Tools for Windows](https://helpdeskgeek.com/7-best-bloatware-removal-tools-for-windows/) - As any Windows user knows, background apps are the biggest factor slowing down a computer. There are usually dozens of useless applications in a PC that are never used but still take up quite a bit of memory. And while you can uninstall such Bloatware manually, it helps to have a dedicated tool to do
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