https://www.makeuseof.com Get to know your Windows operating system inside out! Pick up tips and tricks, plus discover the best Windows software you should use. Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:15:34 GMT en-US hourly 60 Have you ever found yourself looking to turn your computer off or put it to sleep with just the keyboard? Maybe you're in search of a Windows sleep shortcut because your mouse isn't working reliably, or perhaps you want to work more efficiently.

]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:30:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-shutdown-or-sleep-windows-10-with-a-keyboard-shortcut/ 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/ The Unmountable Boot Volume Windows stop code error is a pain. Since it usually keeps you from loading into Windows, you can't troubleshoot it like you would with most other errors.

]]> Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:30:35 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/unmountable-boot-volume-windows/ Smartphones have evolved to the extent that they can easily replace our PCs for day-to-day tasks such as email, video streaming, and web browsing. Regardless of your primary device, sooner or later, you will need to transfer files from your phone to a PC or vice versa.

]]> Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:46:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-ways-to-get-data-from-your-desktop-to-your-android/ 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/ Is your mouse double-clicking when you perform a single click in Windows? It can lead to many problems when simple actions like clicking to select, dragging files, and more don't behave like you expect them to.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 17:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fix-double-clicking-mouse-windows/ 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/ A major benefit of using an Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi is the improved and consistent network performance. However, this may not always be the case. Your Ethernet connection may occasionally let you down when it disconnects for no apparent reason on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:16:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ethernet-keeps-disconnecting-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/ Steam finally has the storage management feature we’ve needed for a long time. It takes some looking around to find it, but gone are the days of using an external application or searching through forums, videos, and sketchy websites just so you can move a game without corrupting it.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 16:31:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-use-steam-storage-manager/ 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/ Windows uses the "beep/ding" sound to alert about specific actions, such as changing the volume level. While an accessibility feature, the beep sound when changing volume can be annoying, especially if you are wearing a Bluetooth headset.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 15:16:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/disable-volume-slider-ding-sound-windows/ Not being able to safely remove a USB drive from your Windows computer could be problematic. If you've transferred files onto the USB stick, it can be risky to take it out without safely ejecting it, as it can cause data corruption or data loss.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 14:16:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-cant-eject-usb-drive/ Managing apps means many things. From discovering apps to allowing you to install, repair, or uninstall them, managing apps is a key part of our computing life. And since we do this very often, it is important to learn how to do it efficiently to be more productive no matter which operating system you use.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/managing-apps-windows-better-macos/ 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/ Skype is a popular messaging app widely utilized on Windows 11/10 PCs. However, Skype connection issues prevent some users from utilizing that app. For example, some users see a connection error that says, “Sorry, we couldn’t connect to Skype.” The app opens ok but can’t establish a Skype connection even when there isn’t a general internet connectivity issue.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:16:34 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/skype-connection-errors-windows/ Bluetooth is a great way to connect our computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, and audio devices without the need for wires. But for all its hopes and promises, it still has a few drawbacks.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 14:16:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-10-bluetooth-audio-stutter-fix/ HandBrake offers detailed control over each encode, however, most people would prefer to skip customizing everything. That's why HandBrake also comes with dozens of presets, each a one-click configuration of all encoding options. But what if those aren't precisely what you need?

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:01:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/handbrake-how-to-customize-presets-for-video-encoding/ 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 11 has a completely different look from Windows 10, especially when it comes to the Start menu. The Windows 11 Start menu has a Recommended section that displays recently downloaded files and installed applications.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/remove-start-menu-recommended-section-windows/ 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/ It’s that time in the school year when teachers and students are slowly realizing that a lot of their technology needs an upgrade. Maybe you’ve noticed that your traditional pen and paper aren’t capturing the same quality of notes that a laptop could be. Or perhaps your tablet isn’t cutting it anymore when you’re trying to unwind with a show after school.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:31:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/acemagic-ax15-laptop/ The touchscreen controls for Windows have come a long way, going from basically unsupported to fully integrated. However, there's still a lot of work to do in terms of making them feel properly snappy and responsive. Dragging windows can feel a bit sluggish and the right-click menu can sometimes take an eternity to open.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:15:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/touchscreen-controls-more-responsive-windows-11/ 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/ Having your taskbar display your favorite apps is a great way to access them quickly, but sometimes your icons will disappear from the taskbar without any warning. While it isn’t a major issue and doesn't prevent you from using your PC, it's still a huge inconvenience, and you likely want your colorful icons back.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 14:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-fix-windows-10-not-showing-app-icons-in-taskbar/ 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/ 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/ While most manufacturers proudly boast of giving you a battery life of 10+ hours for laptops, the reality is often different. So unless you carry a charger wherever you take your computer, you need clever ways to extend the battery life.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:16:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ips-run-windows-low-battery/ 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/ The Windows Security app is a comprehensive suite of features that lets you monitor and manage your computer’s security. From virus protection to device health and performance monitoring, Microsoft built the app to help protect your PC’s vulnerable spots for free. Because of this, it can be troubling when the Windows Security app is acting up.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:15:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-security-app-not-starting-or-crashing/ 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/ Introduced in Windows 10, memory compression is a feature that gives your RAM more breathing room to prevent it from becoming full rather quickly. Windows will turn on memory compression by default, and you can disable it if you please.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 15:16:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-memory-compression-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/ When someone says they have "blank icons" on their desktop, they can refer either to the absence of icons or the icons becoming plain white color. Unfortunately, icons are essential for navigating through applications, so their sudden absence can cause problems. And while the issue may lie with Windows Explorer, your Windows settings may also be to blame.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 16:15:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-10-fix-blank-icons/ 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/ If you're looking for note-taking apps that aren't littered with distracting features, you're in the right place. While many modern note-taking apps offer some benefits, they often involve unnecessary features that can waste your time.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 13:01:33 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/best-distraction-free-note-taking-apps-for-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/ The seamless integration of Microsoft OneDrive with your Windows PC makes it easy to access the files synced to your cloud storage. However, occasionally, when you try to open, copy, or delete your OneDrive files, you might come across the “cloud file provider is not running” message along with the 0x8007016a error code.

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:16:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/onedrives-cloud-file-provider-not-running-error-windows/ 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/ A surprising number of Windows users don't change their desktop background. Don't believe us? Just peek over a couple of people's shoulders next time you're in a coffee shop or airport.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2023 22:01:45 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-themes-desktop/ 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/ Are you having audio problems on your Windows PC? If so, it might be time to update your Realtek High Definition Audio driver.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:15:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-download-the-realtek-high-definition-audio-driver-for-windows-11/ 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/ Has Epic Games stopped showing the games within your library? Most of the time, it’s a minor glitch that you can fix by restarting Epic Games Launcher or re-authenticating your account.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:00:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-fix-the-epic-games-library-when-it-doesnt-show-games/ 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/ The Xbox Game Bar allows you to access things quickly and easily without having to exit your game completely to do so. It may seem like a small addition to your PC gaming experience, but it has the potential to become massively helpful if you customize it to suit your needs perfectly.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:00:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ways-to-customize-xbox-game-bar-on-windows-pc/ Steam for Windows has a useful tool that can verify the integrity of game files to ensure they are all there and in good condition. This makes it easy to fix crashes and performance issues with games installed through Steam.

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:30:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-fix-steam-files-failed-to-validate-and-will-be-reacquired-error/ 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/