https://www.makeuseof.com Tips, tricks, and guides for the latest version of the Windows operating system. Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:15:34 GMT en-US hourly 60 In your Windows operating system, various files and processes run quietly in the background, rarely catching your attention. One of these is AggregatorHost.exe, a file that Windows users often encounter while using their computers.

]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:15:34 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-aggregatorhostexe-windows/ The Resource Monitor application offers a detailed graphical user interface to help you monitor the behavior of your system resources. The app's interface may seem confusing at first, but once you get to know it better, it'll become an indispensable tool when troubleshooting high CPU usage issues on Windows.

]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:16:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/troubleshoot-high-cpu-usage-resource-monitor/ It can be confusing if your keyboard on Windows starts typing backward instead of typing in the typical left-to-right manner. Not only does it hinder your ability to write comfortably, but it can also lead to mistakes, especially when entering sensitive information such as passwords.

]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/typing-backwards-windows/ Three years ago, Microsoft unveiled their cheapest laptop yet: the Surface Laptop Go. This compact 12-inch device offered the company's signature industrial design at a price point that directly competed with premium Chromebooks, making them ideal for students. This year, Microsoft revamps the lineup with the Surface Laptop Go 3, which gets a spec bump and price increase, but is it still a great option for students?

]]> Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/surface-laptop-go-3-review/ Is Windows showing the “A disk read error occurred”? Even if you follow Windows’ suggestion of pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart your computer, the error may not disappear. When this happens, there might be an overheating problem, improper port connections, or an outdated BIOS version, among other possible causes.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/disk-read-error-occurred-error-windows/ Whether you want to rehearse a speech, master a foreign language, or produce a podcast, recording audio on your Windows 11 PC is a straightforward process. You can even record the sound coming out of your Windows 11 PC.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/record-audio-windows-11/ The Windows Control Panel is a handy feature that allows you to configure several system settings. It helps you remove software, disable hardware, control Windows user accounts, and repair several system-related issues.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-open-control-panel/ As its name suggests, Apple Maps is the Apple version of the map app. It's a great piece of technology, though it is only available in Apple devices like Mac and iPhone by default.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 16:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/use-apple-maps-windows/ Razer Synapse is the software for configuring Razer peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, and headphones. However, this software has its fair share of technical hiccups that prevent it from starting for some users. Razer Synapse might throw up an error message like “Failed to start” or not open without showing any message when such hiccups arise.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 15:16:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/razer-synapse-not-working-windows/ Factory resets are the nuclear solution for many Windows issues. If your computer is far slower than it once was, you have a malware infection that you can't remove, or plan to sell your machine, a reset is the most convenient option.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 19:30:34 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-ways-factory-reset-windows-computer/ The iCloud app for Windows makes it easy to access and sync your photos, files, calendars, contacts, passwords, and more on your Windows PC. If you use both Apple and Windows devices, it makes sense to get the iCloud app. But what if Windows doesn't allow you to download or install the iCloud app?

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 16:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/cant-download-or-install-icloud-on-windows-try-these-fixes/ The Windows Insider Program gives users, known as Windows Insiders, early access to Windows releases before they are made available to everybody else.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:16:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-insider-program-join/ Users often utilize the pre-installed Windows 11/10 troubleshooters available in Settings to fix update, sound, internet, microphone, video playback, Bluetooth, and UWP app issues. However, sometimes those troubleshooters display messages in their windows that say, “An error occurred while troubleshooting.” Or the message might say, “An error occurred while loading the troubleshooter.”

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/troubleshooters-not-working-windows/ Windows 11 has kept many of the useful features from its predecessor, including Fast Startup. As the name suggests, Fast Startup allows your computer to start up faster after a shutdown.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-turn-on-or-off-fast-startup/ Microsoft’s Photos app contains basic annotation features, but for a long time, it didn't come with a “blur” feature for those who want to protect their or other's privacy.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:50:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/background-blur-photos-app-windows/ By default, when you maximize a Chrome or Edge browser window, the taskbar is visible. However, in some instances, when you maximize the browser, it covers the taskbar. A hidden taskbar hinders your ability to interact with other applications, notifications, and system tray.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:15:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/edge-chrome-browser-hiding-taskbar-maximized/ If you're looking to connect your Galaxy phone to your Windows PC, you've probably already tried several solutions. However, unknown to many, Samsung offers a solution that's perhaps faster, more reliable, and more convenient.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:16:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/samsung-flow-connect-windows-galaxy/ No one wants interruptions when video chatting or streaming with friends and family. A black screen on your webcam can disrupt these moments and cause frustration. If you are experiencing this issue on your Windows computer, here are some solutions to fix it.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-webcam-shows-black-screen/ Windows can display a lot of information when you perform a search. For some users, this is great. For others, they may find that they're getting information they don't need, such as recommendations for games to play when they don't even play games.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/turn-off-games-for-you-windows/ When clean installing Windows, you may see a Windows N edition in the list of operating systems. This edition lacks Windows Media Player and other multimedia playback features.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-n-editions-guide/ For many, a cluttered desktop and downloads folder is just a way of life—no matter how hard you try, they somehow always ends up disorganized. Need to do a bit of digital spring-cleaning? Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can keep your Windows 10 computer decluttered.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:16:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/automatically-delete-old-files-windows-downloads-folder/ Windows continues to enjoy a significant market share in the laptop OS space, thanks to its availability on a wide variety of devices, from the ultra-portable and the affordable to powerhouses intended for gamers and creative professionals. While MacOS and Linux are excellent alternatives, the sheer variety of options makes Windows the more common choice.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:00:33 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-windows-pc-laptop/ If you hear your computer's fans whirring more loudly than usual or notice a significant slowdown in performance, check your Task Manager. You might see that a process called Ntoskrnl.exe is using a large portion of your CPU's resources.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:16:33 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ntoskrnl-exs-high-cpu-usage-windows/ Windows 11 encourages you to set a PIN to log in, but there are many different options you can use. So why is it so difficult to find the password option?

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/change-windows-11-login-password/ MKV is a multimedia container format that often stores multiple audio and subtitle tracks. However, since it is not as popular as other video file formats, such as MOV and MP4, playing an MKV file can become challenging on a Windows computer.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-convert-mkv-to-mp4/ Enter the wrong local account password too many times and Windows could lock you out. The system also counts how many failed attempts you make when attempting to sign on to the machine.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:16:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/reset-account-lockout-counter-windows/ Windows has a policy setting that can lock someone out from signing in if they enter the wrong local account password too many times. The user is not allowed to sign in for a set number of minutes after being locked out, but you can change this lockout duration.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:16:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/change-lockout-duration-windows/ Microsoft Teams is one of the many pre-installed apps in Windows 11. Unfortunately, while it is an excellent business collaboration platform, it is plagued by the occasional crashing issues.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/microsoft-teams-keeps-crashing-windows/ Discovering a yellow tint on your laptop screen can be quite frustrating. Not only does it affect your work and entertainment experience, but it also leaves you wondering what could be causing this unwelcome hue. This color change can happen because of both hardware or software issues on your system.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/yellow-tint-windows-laptop-screen/ Live wallpapers are Windows desktop backgrounds that have motion. More basic live wallpapers are typically MP4 video or animated GIF files. A live wallpaper that moves looks more alive than static Windows background images.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 16:16:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/live-wallpaper-windows-11-lively-wallpaper/ Is the Microsoft To Do app not syncing? There could be several reasons behind this issue. Maybe you’re running an outdated app version, you’ve encountered an app bug or glitch, or there’s an authenticating issue, among other possible causes.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 15:16:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/microsoft-to-do-app-not-syncing/ Microsoft requires your system to have an active internet connection to complete the Windows 11 setup. It asks you to log into your Microsoft account to download critical updates and new features before you can start using your freshly installed Windows operating system.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 14:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-set-up-without-internet-connection/ Did you get hit by an error in the middle of a Windows installation process? Often encountered in the form of a "No device drivers were found" dialog box, this bug usually occurs when the setup cannot find your disk drive.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 17:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/no-device-drivers-found-error-installing-windows/ Taskbar thumbnail previews usually enable you to see an app window’s content without maximizing it. However, some Windows 11/10 users have posted on help forums about thumbnail previews not working. When taskbar thumbnail previews aren’t working, they don’t appear when users hover their cursors over minimized windows.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 16:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/taskbar-thumbnail-previews-not-working-windows/ Windows outperforms any other operating system when it comes to features. Be it customizing themes, wallpapers, or anything else, you can easily do so with Windows.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/boost-studying-windows/ Leaving your Windows vulnerable to unbridled outside access is the last thing you want as a modern computer worker. Whether you realize it or not, your PC stores tons of information about you; a sudden breach can, therefore, result in more damage than just data loss.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 17:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/prevent-unauthorized-access-windows/ Task Manager is one of the most important Windows 11/10 system utilities. So, it’s a big issue when Task Manager is not working. Some users have reported Task Manager not opening (working) for them when they try to access it.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 16:15:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/task-manager-not-working-windows/ Have you suddenly been disconnected from Roblox and received an error code 262 saying, "There was a problem sending data, please reconnect"? The error usually occurs when your internet connection or Roblox's servers go down.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/fix-error-code-262-roblox/ Background apps in Windows continue to perform actions such as updates and fetch up-to-date data even when you are not using them. While Windows can intelligently manage and power-optimize background apps, it can still drain your battery and increase data usage.

]]> Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:15:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-disable-background-apps/ Your Windows computer probably has integrated graphics, especially if it's a laptop. The problem with this type of GPU, which is built into the motherboard, is that it's usually less powerful than a dedicated GPU. So, if you have a dedicated GPU, which is usually more powerful, it makes sense that you might want it to take over the graphical performance of your computer.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:15:34 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/disable-integrated-graphics-windows/ There are many ways to download driver and Windows updates, one of which is by visiting the Microsoft Update Catalog. The files downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog have a .CAB extension. Microsoft uses these files because they use lossless compression, which means that the original files remain unchanged when they are compressed.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-cab-files-guide/ Microsoft Works is a discontinued office suite the big M replaced with MS Office Stater in 2010. Works was a cheaper alternative to Microsoft Office. That suite incorporated word processor, spreadsheet, and database applications with more limited features than MS Word, Excel, and Access.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:15:33 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/install-microsoft-works-windows/ A factory reset can help you fix critical problems and improve your system performance. You can factory reset your PC using the Recovery option in the Settings app. However, to do this, you need to log in with an administrator account. But what if you have forgotten your administrator password or can't boot into your PC?

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:16:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-factory-reset-without-admin-password/ Microsoft To Do is a handy personal task management tool. But have you ever tried automating it to boost your productivity even further? IFTTT—"If This Then That" is a no-code tool for task automation. Using IFTTT, you can automate task creation, completion, or cross-scheduling in Microsoft To Do.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2023 13:01:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-automate-microsoft-to-do-with-ifttt/ Many users need to extract ZIP archives on Windows 11/10 PCs. The built-in archive extraction tool within Windows is fine for unzipping single ZIP files. However, that tool doesn’t have an option for batch extracting multiple ZIP files. This means you must extract multiple ZIP archives one at a time when utilizing that extraction utility.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/simultaneously-extract-multiple-zip-files-windows/ When you launch Windows File Explorer, it automatically takes you to the "Quick Access" view. This page displays shortcuts to recently accessed folders and files and lists your favorite folders. It might be convenient for some users but not for others who prefer easy access to their cloud storage.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/start-file-explorer-onedrive-instead-quick-access/ Netstat is a command-line utility that helps you monitor all the technical properties of your active network connections. It provides a quick way to see all your open ports, active connections, and network services running on your system.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:15:33 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/netstat-command-windows/ Steam's Remote Play is a useful feature that allows you to play your favorite Steam titles from any modern handheld and other devices. You can use the Steam Link app on your phone or another computer to stream games you have installed on your primary computer.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-steam-remote-play-not-working/ It can get pretty tiring when you have to run batch files over and over again during certain times or events on your computer. Luckily, Windows offers a way for you to automate that process so you don't have to manually do it all the time.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 16:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/automate-batch-files-task-scheduler-windows/ Professionals and gamers use second monitors to maximize productivity. It is useful for multitasking, screen sharing, and expanding your display space. However, sometimes Windows fails to detect or recognize the second monitor.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:16:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-second-monitor-not-detected/ It's nice how, on Microsoft's Windows, you can freely move any window wherever and whenever you like. This freedom, though, also expects you to keep juggling windows around and can turn your desktop chaotic. That's where the alternative approach of "tiling window managers" enters the picture.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:15:33 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-fancywm-guide/ It can be extremely annoying when Command Prompt keeps interrupting you from what you're doing on your Windows computer by randomly popping up. Whether you're watching a movie, browsing the internet, or doing some work, it can be quite disruptive. Luckily, you don't have to put up with it.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:15:33 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/command-prompt-popping-up-windows/ Not all keyboards include volume control hotkeys for muting, maximizing, and adjusting audio levels. Nor does Windows 11 have any universal sound control keyboard shortcuts. Therefore, some users have to make do with their mouse for volume control.

]]> Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-custom-volume-control-hotkeys/ WinDirStat is useful when you want to quickly see what's eating up your storage space. However, it's also slow and can be somewhat complicated. That's where its unofficial modification, altWinDirStat, comes in.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-altwindirstat-guide/ Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps are those you download from the Microsoft Store. Unlike desktop software, you don’t need to install UWP apps with setup files. The UWP apps you download automatically get installed to a default WindowsApps restricted location.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 14:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/shortcuts-microsoft-store-apps-windows-11/ Many things can negatively impact your computer's performance, and this warrants an investigation to get to the bottom of it. Many Windows users usually open Task Manager to see if there's something consuming system resources and causing performance dips. And, if through your investigation, you find that the problem is Modern Setup Host causing high CPU usage, we're going to show you how to fix this.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:15:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/modern-setup-host-high-cpu-usage-windows/ CCleaner is one of the most widely utilized third-party system maintenance software packages for Windows 10 and 11 PCs. However, some users have reported on help forums they can’t utilize CCleaner because it’s not working for them. The CCleaner window doesn’t open when that software isn’t working.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 14:16:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ccleaner-not-working-windows/ Is your Windows Hello PIN not being accepted by Windows? In most cases, it occurs when you enter the wrong PIN. Other factors that could contribute to this issue include corruption of the Ngc folder, a problem with your Microsoft or local accounts, or misconfigured PIN settings in the Group Policy Editor.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 18:16:36 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-10-pin-not-working/ In Windows os, there are countless processes and executable files running behind the scenes to ensure your computer functions smoothly. One of these is "winservices.exe." You may have wondered what this file is, what it does, and whether it is safe or not. In this article, we will answer these questions and show you how to fix any errors related to this file.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:15:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/winservices-exe-windows-errors/ To see all the group policies applied on your Windows computer, you can bring up the Local Group Policy Editor (LGPE) and search using that tool. However, considering that there are too many group policies on Windows, how can you know the ones that apply to your computer?

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:15:40 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/generate-group-policy-report-gpresult/ A pattern lock is a login method for securing a device with a preset pattern. It enables you to sign in to a device by inputting a unique pattern for connecting multiple circles. The Meta Quest 2 VR headset is an example of one device for which users must set pattern locks.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/custom-pattern-lock-windows-pc/ Originally, Windows 11 lacked a native Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature. The closest thing to OCR is possible using Microsoft PowerToys which offers copying text from images feature. Fortunately, Microsoft changed all that with a new feature in the Snipping Tool.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:40:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/text-actions-snipping-tool-windows-11/ When you launch a game on your PC or Steam client, do you encounter a message that reads "error 30005: CreateFile failed with 32"? It mostly occurs when running games protected by Easy Anti-Cheat, an anti-cheat service used by multiplayer games to prevent hacking.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 18:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/fix-error-30005-create-file-failed-32-windows/ The Windows Camera app is known for its simplicity and user-friendliness, making it a go-to choice for capturing and preserving memories. However, there are occasions when you encounter problems with the app, like the inability to save photos or videos on your device. This can be particularly frustrating, especially if you intend to share or edit these media files later. Below, we walk you through the steps to resolve issues with the Camera app when it fails to save photos or videos in Windows.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/camera-app-cant-save-photos-videos-windows/ Everyone hates when their Windows computer suddenly crashes, especially when they have no idea what causes it. Fortunately, there are some tools out there that can help identify what caused your last BSoD crash, one such tool being BlueScreenView.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:16:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/bluescreenview-guide/ Microsoft redesigned File Explorer’s user interface for Windows 11. Windows 11’s File Explorer has a command bar on which you can select options. That bar replaces the tabbed ribbon interface from Windows 10’s File Explorer.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:16:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/restore-file-explorer-classic-ribbon-interface-windows-11/ If one of the volumes on your Windows computer is full, you always have the option to extend it to give it more storage space. However, this can be impossible if the option to extend said volume is grayed out in Disk Management.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/is-the-extend-volume-option-greyed-out-on-windows-heres-how-to-fix-it/ The Blue Screen of Death (commonly abbreviated as BSoD) is a type of critical error present in Microsoft Windows operating systems and ReactOS operating systems.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:15:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-bsod-memory-dumps-guide/ Context menus are the backbone of Windows—they're the little menus you see when you right-click the mouse on something. And while Windows 11 has brought in a new context menu for your desktop, there still aren’t any native customization options for it. For example, Windows 11 doesn’t include any built-in setting that enables you to add custom software shortcuts to that menu.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:16:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-add-shortcut-desktop-context-menu/ Virtual machines enable you to try out multiple operating systems without removing your main operating system. VMware is one such popular third-party hypervisor that supports multiple operating systems. However, some users face the 'Failed to start the virtual machine' error when they power on any virtual machine in VMware.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/vmware-failed-to-start-the-virtual-machine-error-windows-11/ HandBrake is a powerful video transcoder tool packed with useful features. The tool converts videos from various source formats to MP4 or MKV and resizes them accordingly. It takes time and effort to master HandBrake, but once you've got the hang of it, you'll never look back.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:15:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/cant-open-handbrake-windows/ It is recommended always to update Windows to get the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. However, Windows may sometimes apply a safeguard hold to prevent you from installing an available feature update.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/safeguard-hold-windows-11-disable/ If you have a PlayStation 4 controller, you can connect it to your PC with an app called DS4Windows and use it to play PC games. But sometimes, you can run into issues where the controller constantly disconnects.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:15:33 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ps4-controller-disconnecting-windows/ Microsoft regularly releases patch updates for both Windows 10 and 11 every month. These patch updates typically address security vulnerabilities and fix Windows bugs and issues. Although those updates are usually automatically installed, sometimes your PC will miss the memo. And sometimes, the update itself is an optional download.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:15:34 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-10-11-check-for-updates-context-menu/ Windows Update keeps your computer safe and secure with the latest security patches. However, you might encounter errors while installing these updates, like 0x800736cc. This error code stops you from deploying critical security updates, leaving your computer vulnerable. In this guide, we’ll show you some troubleshooting steps to fix this error.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:16:34 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-update-error-0x800736cc-fix/ Having trouble uploading files in Google Chrome? It can be quite irritating, right? Whether you're attaching documents to emails, sharing images on social media, or submitting essential files for work or school, a smooth file upload process is essential. Hence, it can be frustrating if your file uploads keep failing in Chrome on your Windows PC.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:15:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/cant-upload-files-google-chrome-windows/ If you are anything like the average writer at MUO, you probably dabble in the world of words your fair share of time, too. And, if you're used to doing things digitally, you most likely use a PDF reader.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/change-default-pdf-reader-windows/ Have you ever left your computer unattended for a while, only to return and find that it was still unlocked? Several users have reported problems getting their Windows computers to lock automatically after a certain period of inactivity.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/lock-screen-timeout-not-working-windows/ The Power button on your Windows Start menu is a handy tool to quickly shut down your Windows 10 or 11. Just click on the Start button from the taskbar below, and you will find the Power button in the bottom-left corner.

]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/hide-power-button-start-menu-windows/ We all use PDF files for various needs like school notes, books, resumes, bills, medical reports, investment portfolios, and more. As a business owner or a professional, you might be drafting contracts on PDFs as they are secure and can be signed and verified.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 18:15:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/download-adobe-reader-windows-microsoft-store/ Startup Repair is a free tool from Microsoft that scans for and then fixes many common Windows problems, including the ones encountered during a startup. But launching and using the tool can get tricky depending on the error you are facing.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 17:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ways-open-startup-repair-windows/ Are you unable to use your computer because of the "Hard drive not installed" issue? If so, don't worry, you're not alone.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 15:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/hard-drive-not-installed-issue-windows-11/ If you use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you might have seen an error code 4294967295 when you try to open it in a Windows terminal or access your Linux files in Windows Explorer. This error code means that something went wrong with the communication between Windows and Linux, and it can prevent you from using WSL properly.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 14:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/wsl-error-4294967295-windows/ Is your PowerPoint printout not coming out right? Whether it's distorted, blurry, or doesn't match what you see on your screen, there's no need to waste valuable time or paper.

]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 18:15:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/fix-microsoft-powerpoint-not-printing-correctly-windows/ The Windows activation error 0x803F700F, which is typically accompanied by a message stating “Something prevented us from communicating with our activation servers" occurs when a Windows operating system is unable to establish a connection with Microsoft's activation servers to verify its license status.

]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:16:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-activation-error-0x803f700f/ While a handy feature, a common annoyance with the Windows key is accidental presses, which can disrupt your workflow or gaming sessions. If you don’t have a use for this little funky key, you can disable it using the built-in option on your keyboard or by modifying the Windows Registry.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/enable-disable-windows-key/ If you struggle with time management, recording your PC usage can help you better understand where your time goes. In this article, we’ll cover the best Windows apps to track your PC usage, so you can build healthier digital habits.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:15:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/apps-track-computer-usage-windows/ Windows can sometimes crash down for the most puzzling of reasons. Windows BSOD error codes are one such error, and it can show its head in various ways from time to time. For example, the error code 0xc0000001 on Windows PC is but one of many iterations of the BSOD error.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:15:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/fix-error-code-0xc0000001-windows/ The "lsass.exe - Unable to Locate Component" error means that Windows cannot find or load a file that it needs to run the lsass.exe process. This process is important for managing security policies and user authentication on your device.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:15:26 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/lsass-exe-unable-to-locate-component-error-windows/ So you fire up your PC like any other day, but instead of the usual desktop screen, you get hit by a "hard drive not detected" error message on your Windows. In some cases, even though your PC might be working, the error can naturally cause many headaches to your workflow.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:16:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/hard-drive-not-detected-windows-fix/ Microsoft's official Windows store is full of helpful apps, both official and third-party. It also falls victim to what many other app stores do, and that is a glut of fake apps and malicious products.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:15:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/dont-fooled-5-tips-avoid-fake-apps-windows-store/ Windows has many services that it needs for the running of OS features and task operation. Error 1053 is an issue some users report occurring when they try to manually start required services via the Services app. It can also happen when users start programs. The error 1053 message says, “The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.”

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/service-did-not-respond-error-1053-windows/ A PIN is a convenient way to sign into your computer. However, when you try to sign in with a PIN, you may encounter the "this sign-in option is disabled because of failed sign-in attempts" error. This is followed by a message asking you to use a different sign-in method or wait for 2 hours and try again.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:15:24 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/sign-in-option-disabled-because-failed-sign-in-attempts-windows/ The Windows Operating System has a hidden folder called "WindowsApps." It stores Microsoft application files and other important files to enhance your Windows experience. The folder usually contains a large amount of reusable space. This is because it also contains those application files you uninstalled from your PC earlier.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:15:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-access-windowsapps-folder/ Your Windows computer provides several options for deleting unwanted drive partitions, whether you are looking to consolidate space, restructure data allocation, or simply start over. However, before you do that, make sure to backup or move any important data on the partition, as the process removes all the data on the drive.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:15:26 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/delete-drive-partition-windows/ When managing user accounts on a Windows PC, it often makes sense to use the Settings app. After all, it provides a graphical user interface that simplifies the process. But for those who'd rather manage the accounts with fewer clicks, they can use the net user command in Command Prompt to manage user accounts on Windows.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:16:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/manage-user-accounts-windows-command-prompt/ At times, you might find it necessary to change a file's type or extension on your computer. Whether it's to ensure compatibility with different software or simply modify how the file appears to users, there are several options to alter a file's type or extension on Windows.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:15:41 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/change-file-types-windows/ The Registry Editor is the first thing Windows users bring up when it comes to editing the Windows Registry. However, if you don't want to deal with a distracting GUI and too many clicks, there's a simpler-looking tool you can use: the Command Prompt.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:16:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/edit-windows-registry-command-prompt/ Windows 11 includes numerous keyboard shortcuts right out of the box. However, the operating system doesn’t include any options for creating custom hotkeys that open software, documents, and folders. You can still add hotkeys to desktop shortcuts, but adding a plethora of shortcuts to the desktop isn’t exactly an ideal way to set up your system.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:16:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-set-up-new-hotkeys/ When working on an Excel workbook, you may need to insert cells to accommodate new data or modify your existing spreadsheet. However, this seemingly uncomplicated task can sometimes leave you frustrated if Excel does not allow you to insert new cells.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:15:22 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/cant-insert-new-cells-in-microsoft-excel-for-windows-try-these-fixes/