How-To
SEE LATEST HOW-TO STORIES BY CATEGORY
Tip
It's scary when your webcam turns on and you don't know why
I was a bit freaked out when I saw that my webcam was on and watching me, and I didn't know why. Here's how I solved that mystery…I think.
Updated
Streaming NFL games on Paramount+: What you need to know
One of the best perks of a Paramount+ subscription is the ability to stream NFL football games. But what are the caveats?Tip
Sick of Google? Try one of these 5 search engines
You don't have to use Google to search the internet. Here are five contenders you don't want to miss.
Tip
Long live the hard drive: Why HDDs are still far from obsolete
Despite the impressive advantages of SSDs, classic hard disk drives (HDDs) still remain relevant today.
How-To
4 eco-friendly ways to get rid of a laptop
Before you toss your laptop into the trash, here are some greener alternatives that might actually serve you better.
How-To
Verizon's free NFL Sunday Ticket offer: Here's how to get it
Once again, you can get a season's worth of free NFL Sunday Ticket action through Verizon, but there are strings attached.
How-To
Has my PC been hacked? 5 ways to detect virus attacks, step-by-step
Your computer was running fine a moment ago, but now applications are stalling and you're inundated with ads. This step-by-step guide will help you identify the type of attack as well as provide the solution.
How-To
6 simple tweaks that maximize your SSD's performance
Use these tips and tweaks to boost your SSD's speed and wring every last drop of performance out of it.
Tip
There's a sneaky way to make your passwords more secure: emojis 👍
Here's a creative tip that can instantly boost the complexity of your passwords without making them harder to memorize.How-To
How to sign PDF documents without printing them out
Need to sign an e-mailed PDF document? Going through the motions of printing, signing, and scanning the document is tedious. Fortunately, there's a faster way to go about this process.
How-To
8 big gotchas to watch out for in tech privacy policies
The privacy policies of internet services play an important role for end users. In this article, we'll show you the potential pitfalls and what you should look out for.Tip
Google Chrome's hidden link preview feature is actually pretty useful
You can now preview the destination page of a link before you actually visit it — but only if you manually enable the feature first.Tip
Eradicate Windows 11's annoying Microsoft ads with this free tool
Microsoft includes a lot of self-promotion in Windows 11. If you want to stop this, you can use a free tool. This is how it works.
How-To
5 ways to get Alexa to shut the hell up
Is Alexa driving you nuts with unnecessary weather alerts, ultra-detailed delivery updates, and random "by the way" digressions? Help is here.How-To
Give your Raspberry Pi blazing-fast SSD speed with this PCIe add-on
Although the Raspberry Pi 5 has a PCIe interface, it does not have a slot for a PCIe SSD. An extension solves this problem.How-To
Is your PC slowing down? Here's how to find the problem
If your Windows PC is slowing down or even crashing, we recommend getting to the root of the problem with these diagnostic tools.Tip
How to record audio files with Windows 11
The audio recorder was introduced in Windows 11 as a replacement for the previous Voice Recorder program. It enables audio recordings via integrated microphones or headsets.Tip
Unlock the potential of Windows File Explorer with this free app
The free files app beautifies and improves Windows File Explorer in every way.
How-To
Unlock the hidden menu on your TV with this secret button combo
Here's a lifehack for your smart TV: use this button combo to activate a secret menu that can do some cool stuff.How-To
The 7 deadliest Windows sins: Don't break your PC!
If you avoid a few mistakes in Windows, your system can run smoothly and efficiently for a long time. We show you what you should NOT do in Windows.How-To
How to take smarter screenshots in Windows 11
Need to take a screenshot in Windows 11? We'll guide you every step of the way.Tip
How to use Google contacts in Excel
Looking to use Google contacts in Excel? You'll need do some exporting and importing then. Don't worry, the process is easier than you think.
How-To
6 things that annoy every Windows PC user
These are the biggest disruptive factors when working on a Windows PC.
How-To
How to copy smartphone photos to your PC: The ultimate guide
Transferring your photos to a computer via a USB cable can be a cumbersome experience. The cloud is much more convenient. Not sure how to go about it? Don't sweat it. We'll explain everything.Tip
Do I need Windows and software licenses for a virtual machine?
What you need to know about license keys for running Windows and commercial software in virtual machines.Tip
How to update all your Windows PC's apps with a single click
It can be tedious to keep your software up to date under Windows. It's a lot easier with this free third-party package manager tool.
How-To
Why two SSDs are better than one in your PC
Most Windows PCs come with just one SSD. That may work for most people, but if you're really looking to boost your speed and free up bandwidth, then you should consider using two SSDs instead of one.Tip
How to search multiple PDFs at the same time like a pro
With this simple trick, you can search through several PDF files simultaneously to find what you need faster.How-To
9 replacements for Windows features that Microsoft abandoned
If you're missing a feature after a Windows upgrade, additional software can help fill in the gaps.Tip
The brilliant Google Maps feature that nobody seems to know about
Google Maps offers a nifty web-only feature that can make it easier for you to plan trips. Here's how to turn it on and use it.How-To
22 awesome free apps already installed on your Windows PC
Microsoft has developed many powerful free applications for Windows 11.
Updated
The trick to streaming the Olympics for free on Peacock
How to get Peacock Premium free trial via Instacart+How-To
14 tips to protect your privacy on Windows 11
With the right settings enabled, you can make your Windows 11 experience more secure.How-To
Windows gets Linux's sudo superpower: Here's how to turn it on
Learn what the powerful sudo command is, how it works, and how to enable it in Windows 11.
How-To
How to test if your VPN is working
Not sure your VPN is working? Read this quick and easy guide to make sure you're data is staying private and secure online with a VPN.
How-To
18 tweaks that give Windows 11 a personalized feel
Not happy with the look of Windows 11? Here are tips to make your computer look better and feel better.How-To
How to use Windows Pro’s BitLocker device encryption on any PC
BitLocker is officially only available for Windows 10/11 Pro. However, the tool is actually also included in the Home versions, just hidden.
How-To
Apple TV hacks: These 5 tips and tricks are game changers
Ever want to hurl your Siri Remote in frustration? These must-know hacks will streamline your Apple TV 4K experience.Tip
How to change what Windows does when you plug in a flash drive
When you connect a USB stick to your computer, the "AutoPlay" notification appears by default. This is annoying, but there is a simple solution.How-To
20 smart tweaks that make Windows 11 more productive
Here's how to get more out of your Start Menu, Taskbar, Widgets — and many others.
How-To
4 ways to cool down your laptop in the summer heat
Summer is here and temperatures are rising. While a high temperature is great for a beach day, it's less great for your laptop. Here are four ways to cool down your laptop in the summer heat.How-To
How to find lost gadgets (and avoid losing them)
Steps to find (and safeguard) a lost laptop, tablet, or phone.Tip
7 nifty Windows File Explorer tips to keep under your belt
You use File Explorer all the time, but have you mastered it? Here's how to take full advantage of it.Tip
Can't update Windows due to error code 0x80070643? Here's what to do
Here's what to do if this bug is preventing you from installing these important security updates for Windows.Tip
How to set the default font for headings and text in Word
Since the last update, Microsoft Word uses Aptos instead of Calibri as the default font. If you don't like this font, you can easily switch to Calibri or another font.How-To
This Windows feature eliminates the need for a USB flash drive
Still using the old-fashioned sneakernet to get files from one computer to another? Or uploading to the cloud to then download it again? There’s an easier way.How-To
7 ways Windows collects your data (and how to opt out)
Microsoft tracks certain types of data on Windows 11 users. You can opt out of most of it.
Tip
Proof: Why you can't even trust verified Amazon reviews anymore
Reviews and ratings should inspire confidence while shopping, but Amazon's system is still easy to game with fake reviews.Tip
How to download VMware Workstation Pro's hidden installer file
VMware Workstation Pro recently became free, but the installer download is hidden away. Here's how to get it and install it.
How-To