Windows Hacks & How Tos
SEE LATEST HOW TO STORIES BY CATEGORY
How-To
How to add your Android phone to Windows 11 File Explorer
If you want to avoid using USB cables to transfer photos or files between your phone and PC, you need the Link to Windows app. Here's how to use it
How-To
How to use Windows built-in ransomware protection
Did you know Windows includes ransomware protection built right in? Microsoft Defender can safeguard your PC, but the feature isn’t automatically enabled. Here's how to do it yourself
How-To
How to Remove a Windows Virus
You can do a lot to prevent your laptop or PC getting infected, but if you suspect it's already happened, here are the steps to take to banish malware.
How-To
How to log in to Windows if you forgot the password
Forgotten the all-important password and can't log in using your fingerprint or face? Here's what to do on Windows 10 or Windows 11
How-To
How to enable Windows Defender
Windows Security is Microsoft's built-in antivirus protection for Windows. Here's how to turn on Windows Defender
Updated
How to get the Google Play Store on Windows 11
A method for installing the Google Play Store on Windows 11 is available, but it's not something we'd recommend on your main device
How-To
How to move the Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar icons
Windows 11's Start menu and taskbar icons are in the middle of the screen by default, but you're not stuck with them there
How-To
11 great Windows features for students and how to use them
A Windows device is the obvious choice for students, especially with so many powerful features to help you stay productive
How-To
Can you use Cortana in Windows 11?
Cortana's influence in Windows has been reducing over time, but can you still use Microsoft's virtual assistant?
How-To
How to hide files in Windows 11
All Windows 11 files and folders are stored in File Explorer, but there are some you might prefer to keep out of reach. Here’s how to hide them
Updated
How to install Android apps on Windows 11
Windows 11 can run a range of different Android apps without the need for third-party software. Here's how to get started with them
How-To
How to stay focused while using Windows 11
Windows 11 has a lot of great features, including some that are specifically designed to limit distractions. Here’s how to make the most of them
Updated
How to get Windows 11 on an old device that's not supported
You'll need to download Windows 11 before Windows 10 support ends in 2025, but what if your device doesn't support it? Here's a workaround
How-To
How to customise the Windows 11 taskbar
Windows 11 removed some Windows 10 taskbar features, but you can add many of them back or customise it in other ways
How-To
How to install and update drivers on Windows 11
Drivers are a crucial part of Windows 11, so it’s worth taking some time to make sure everything is getting installed and updated correctly
How-To
How to start Windows in Safe Mode
The methods for accessing Safe Mode are almost identical on Windows 10 and Windows 11, but very different to legacy versions
How-To
How to run programs as administrator in Windows
Administrator privileges allow you to access tools and features that wouldn't usually be available in some Windows 10 and Windows 11 apps
How-To
How to turn off automatic updates in Windows 11
Windows 11 updates are automatically downloaded in the background by default, but there are a few ways to stop it from happening
How-To
How to remove a user account in Windows 11
If you don’t need a user account on Windows 11 anymore, you can either temporarily disable it or permanently delete it
How-To