Windows - Make Tech Easier

Stop Your PC from Making Random USB Noises

Crystal Crowder — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 00:25:00 +0000

We’re all familiar with the Connect/Disconnect noise Windows makes when you connect and disconnect USB devices. But things get a little spooky when you hear the random USB noises for no reason. You’re just working on your computer when suddenly and inexplicably, the USB noises go haywire for a few seconds, connecting and reconnecting, while you wonder what demons possessed your computer. This tutorial includes tips that can help you exorcise these phantom USB noises.

Using Device Manager

This is the quick-and-easy method (though not as robust as the tool mentioned later). If it does... Read more

How to View Network Adapter Details in Windows

Crystal Crowder — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:25:00 +0000

If you are a network administrator or an advanced user, you probably have multiple network cards in your computer. Digging deep into the device details can be a daunting thought if you want to view network adapter details on all the network cards you have installed, but it’s actually not such a hard thing to do.

Here we show you several ways to view the details of your network adapter in Windows: one is integrated into the system, and the other is a great Nirsoft tool called NetworkInterfacesView, which lets you dig a little deeper.

Content

1. Using System Information Tool
2. Using the NetworkInterfacesView Tool
3. Device Manager
4. Network Connections
Troubleshoot Network Adapters
Frequently Asked Questions

1.... Read more

How to Take Advantage of Windows 11’s Improved Accessibility Tools

Amy Yoder — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 21:25:00 +0000

Windows 11 contains various accessibility improvements compared to Windows 10, but the most noticeable is the name change. The feature set known as “Ease of Access” in Windows 10 was transformed into Accessibility in the the latest Windows version. Microsoft even changed the icon into a human-shaped one, which is the recognized Accessibility icon in most parts of the world.

In this article, we’ll go through the updated Accessibility offerings in Windows 11, touch on how they can sometime differ from Windows 10, and suggest how these features can be utilized by Windows users.

Content

Getting to Your Accessibility Center
Checking Out Your Quick Access Options
Main Accessibility Menu
Options for the Blind/Visually Impaired
Options for the Deaf/Hearing Impaired
Options for Users with Mobility Impairments
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Fix the DistributedCOM Error in Windows

Crystal Crowder — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 00:25:00 +0000

While Windows shows error messages and lets you view vague details in Event Viewer, you still rarely know what the actual problem is, such as with the DistributedCOM error. It’s actually a fairly common error that you’ll see if you check out Event Viewer often. For many users, you may not even realize you’re getting this error unless you’re having connectivity issues. It’s usually not serious and is one of the easier errors to solve.

Content

What is the DistributedCOM Error?
Types of DistributedCOM Errors (Codes)
1. Install Windows Updates
2. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus
3. Ensure You Actually Have Permission
4. Bypass the Error
5. Edit the Registry
6. Verify COM Access Permissions
7. Enable DCOM Permissions for the Error
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DistributedCOM Error?

How to Fix a Windows Infinite Reboot Loop Problem

Sayak Boral — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 21:25:00 +0000

After starting your Windows device, you may occasionally run into an infinite reboot loop issue (also called “infinite boot loop”). The startup logo seems stuck on a black screen with a small circle going round and round. It’s a fairly common problem in Windows, old and new versions alike.

If you’re unable to get past the login screen, try one of the following solutions for Windows 10 and 11.

Content

What is the Infinite Reboot Loop Error?
1. Using Advanced Troubleshooting Options in Safe Mode
2. Fix Driver Validity Issues Using Sigverif
3. Remove Lock Screen Picture and Screensaver During Startup
4. Remove Unwanted Third-Party Apps from Startup Programs Sequence
5. Uninstall Bloat
6. Clean Install Windows
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Infinite Reboot Loop Error?

How to Convert HEIC to JPG in Windows

Megan Glosson — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 21:25:00 +0000

One of the most annoying things in computing is having files that cannot be used by applications on your computer. If this happens to you, then you know how frustrating it can be.

This is apparently the case with the new HEIF file format. Newer iPhones and iPads currently take pictures in HEIF (High-Efficiency Image Format) and save images with an HEIC extension. This format, with all its advantages, isn’t native to Windows, but you can quite easily convert HEIC files to JPG using Windows’ standard tools, like Photos and Paint (as well as myriad third-party apps).

With its ability to occupy very little storage space, it seems like an extension for the long run. If you hit a brick wall viewing HEIC files on Windows, try some of these ways to convert HEIC to JPG.

Content

Opening HEIC In Windows
1. Photos App
2. Paint
3. HEICtoJPEG Web App
4. HEIC Converter Free
5. iMazing HEIC Converter
6. iOS "Automatic" Transfer Mode
7. CopyTrans HEIC for Windows
8. iMobie HEIC Converter
9. GIMP
10. CloudConvert
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Sort Folders by Size in Windows

Ojash Yadav — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 00:25:00 +0000

Windows offers users a variety of organizational tools with which they can catalog data into files, folders, and other classes. You can further rearrange this data based on date, type, and more. One such sorting mechanism is based on size. How can you sort files and folders in Windows by size? Let’s find out.

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How to Sort Files By Size
How to View Folder Size
How to Sort Folders by Size

Windows allows you to sort files by size in multiple ways, however it does not provide a definitive way to sort folders by size. To overcome this shortcoming, users can choose from multiple third-party apps. We cover three of them right after we show you how to sort files by size and how to view folder size.

How to Connect a Laptop Screen as External Monitor in Windows

Sayak Boral — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:25:00 +0000

Windows has a built-in feature that allows you to connect a spare laptop screen as a second monitor. The projected display can be wirelessly controlled from a primary laptop as a duplicate or extended screen. This is helpful to enhance your viewing experience or when additional displays are needed but you don’t have multiple monitors.

Content

Initial Setup of the Laptop Screens
Start Connecting the Two Laptops
Project the Screen From One Laptop to Another
Frequently Asked Questions

Initial Setup of the Laptop Screens

The connectivity between the two laptop screens is launched through a feature on the Start menu: “duplicate or extend to a connected display.” It also gives you the options to adjust the additional... Read more

How to Use vDos to Run Old DOS Programs on Windows

Sayak Boral — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:25:00 +0000

If you’re feeling nostalgic for 8-bit games or need to run some old software, 32-bit Windows 10 doesn’t accommodate. Old DOS programs need a little extra to run on the 64-bit version of Windows 10 as well as Windows 11.

You can use vDos to help you run old DOS software if you need to, although it isn’t a suitable option for gaming. Here’s how to use it.

Content

What Is vDos?
How to Install vDos on Windows 10
How to Use vDos
Running DOS Programs on Windows 10
Running vDos on Windows 11
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is vDos?

To allow older DOS programs to run on newer Windows platforms, the Virtual DOS Machine (NTVDM) is used. Windows 10 32-bit includes... Read more

How to Set up and Use a RAM Drive in Windows

Sayak Boral — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 19:25:00 +0000

A RAM drive is a hard drive made up of your computer’s RAM. It can’t save data permanently, but it’s incredibly fast. If you want to try it out, you can create a RAM drive with free software and without a single computer upgrade. This article will walk through how you can set up and use a RAM drive on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Content

Using ImDisk Toolkit
Using Your RAM Drive
Precautions and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions

Using ImDisk Toolkit

ImDisk Toolkit is an application for managing virtual drives. It also includes a utility that allows the creation of RAM drives.

Download ImDisk from Sourceforge.net.

How to Use a Game Controller as a Mouse in Windows

Sydney Butler — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 00:25:00 +0000

Game controllers (also known as gamepads) are the most popular way to play video games, but that’s not all they’re good for. You can use a controller to act as a mouse, opening up a range of interesting possibilities, as we shall see in this article.

Content

Why Use a Controller as a Mouse
1. Using Steam's Solution
2. Alternatives to Steam
How to Emulate Xinput With DS4Windows
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Use a Controller as a Mouse

The most obvious reason to turn your controller into a mouse is if you want to use your computer like a console. While it’s perfectly acceptable to control your Windows PC using a wireless mouse and keyboard from the couch, it’s not the most... Read more

How to Fix “WDF_Violation” Error in Windows

Sayak Boral — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 00:25:00 +0000

WDF_Violation is a bluescreen bug causing startup problems and blank screen errors that can affect both Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you’re unable to access your login screen due to this bug, follow our step-by-step solutions below. These methods range from easy fixes that quickly restore access to your Windows 11/10 desktop, along with diagnostic tools that reliably identify the root cause of WDF violation and other similar bluescreen errors.

Content

What Does the WDF_Violation Error Mean?
1. Uninstall Recent Updates and Any Latest Software
2. Use Different Windows Recovery Environment (RE) Options
3. Using WinDbg Commands
4. Using BlueScreenView Freeware Tool
Frequently Asked Questions

What Does the WDF_Violation Error Mean?

In Windows, WDF violation falls under a special category of blue screen of death (BSOD) bugs... Read more

5 Ways to View Saved Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows

Richard Kanyoro — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 21:25:00 +0000

Remembering Wi-Fi passwords can be a struggle. Often, you have to track down technicians and sysadmins so you can access a network you’d connected to before. Fortunately, Windows gives you several options to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on your PC.

If you’ve drawn a blank when prompted to enter a password to access a Wi-Fi connection in Windows, these methods should come in handy.

Content

1. Use Control Panel
2. With Command Prompt
3. Try PowerShell
4. Use Wi-Fi Password Revealer
5. Use WirelessKeyView
Alternative: Check the Router
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Use Control Panel

One way to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on your PC is through the Control Panel. This method only works for active Wi-Fi networks.

6 Ways to Clean the Windows Registry

Crystal Crowder — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 21:25:00 +0000

Since most of us don’t dive into the registry editor often, you probably don’t have any idea if you need a registry cleanup or not. However, over time your registry collects broken, outdated, and even missing registry keys that hurt your PC’s performance. You may even get the occasional error message. With the use of Windows tools and some third-party tools, you can clean the Windows registry quickly. These methods work on Windows 11 as well as Windows 10.

Content

Causes of Registry Errors
Back Up Your Registry
1. Use Disk Cleanup
2. Using DISM
3. Use CCleaner
4. Clean With Wise Registry Cleaner
5. Use Auslogics Registry Cleaner
6. Manually Clean the Registry
Frequently Asked Questions

Causes of Registry Errors

If you’re not experiencing any issues right... Read more

What Happens If You Don’t Activate Windows?

Sydney Butler — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:25:00 +0000

Before Windows 10, you needed to activate your operating system. You had to pay for a license if you wanted a full and smooth experience while using your computer. Windows 10 and Windows 11 handle things very differently. So what actually happens when you don’t activate a modern copy of Microsoft Windows?

Content

What Does Activation Even Mean?
The Activation Watermark
Personalization Options Are Disabled
Activation Reminders in the Settings App
Activation Banner Popups
Potentially Limited Updates
"Freemium" Windows Isn't Official
Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Activation Even Mean?

Activating Windows means registering your status as a paid, licensed user. When you buy a new copy of Windows, it usually comes with a license key. Alternatively, you can have a digital entitlement linked to your Microsoft account. Some computers have... Read more

Windows Security Not Opening in Windows? Here are 6 Fixes

Richard Kanyoro — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:25:00 +0000

Windows Security, which also includes an antivirus program known as Windows Defender, is designed to protect your PC from viruses and malware. But just like other Windows apps, it can run into problems.

One of the issues is Windows Security failing to start. Fortunately, we have some quick fixes for you.

Content

1. Reset or Repair Windows Security
2. Use SFC and DISM
3. Disable Background Apps
4. Disable and Uninstall Third-Party Security Tools
5. Install the Latest Windows Updates
6. Restart Windows Security Center Service
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Reset or Repair Windows Security

Windows 11 comes with a native repair tool that can identify minor issues in apps and resolve them automatically. Windows Security is no exception.... Read more

How to Map a WebDAV Drive in Windows

Crystal Crowder — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 21:25:00 +0000

Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) is an HTTP extension that provides a collaborative way of editing and managing your files on a remote web server. Here we will show you how to map a WebDAV drive in Windows so you can access your remote files directly in File Explorer.

In order to connect to the WebDAV directory in Windows, you’ll need the WebDAV site URL, your WebDAV account login details, and a name for the shortcut or connection. All three allow you to map WebDAV by mounting its folder as a mapped drive so you can view, edit, or delete files from the remote web server using your computer.

Content

How to Map a WebDAV Drive in Windows
What to Do When You Cannot Connect to WebDAV Directory
What to Do If You Can't Access Your WebDAV Folder?
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Windows Hello and Should You Use It?

Sydney Butler — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 21:25:00 +0000

Windows Hello is a sophisticated facial scanning technology. It lets you quickly log in to your Windows PC without a passcode. You need a special webcam to make Windows Hello work, but with the right hardware, it’s fast and convenient. Does that mean you should use it? What are the pros and cons?

Content

What Makes Windows Hello Special
Windows Hello Requirements
When Not to Use Windows Hello
Who Should Use Windows Hello
Improving Windows Hello Recognition
How To Disable Windows Hello
Saying Goodbye to Hello?

What Makes Windows Hello Special

While many different facial unlocking systems exist, Windows Hello is one of the most sophisticated solutions.

Facial recognition security always... Read more

How to Use Nearby Sharing to Share Files on Windows

Richard Kanyoro — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:25:00 +0000

Nearby Sharing makes it easy to share files wirelessly from your Windows PC to other nearby Windows devices. You can send documents, photos, links, and other files without the need for cloud services, network file sharing, USB flash drives, or email attachments.

This nifty feature uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet to transfer files between devices. This guide will show you how to set up, use, and troubleshoot Nearby Sharing.

Content

Nearby Sharing Prerequisites
How to Turn on Nearby Sharing
How to Share Files with Nearby Sharing
How to Share Links Using Nearby Sharing
How to Change Nearby Sharing Download Folder
How to Add Nearby Sharing to Quick Settings for Faster File Sharing
How To Troubleshoot Nearby Sharing
1. Confirm Bluetooth Driver is Installed Correctly
2. Enable Bluetooth Adapter
3. Check Bluetooth Compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions