windows 11
Quick Tip: File and Folder Thumbnail Cache Images in Windows [Subscribers]
If you’ve ever used a cleanup tool or dug around in your system to free up space, you might have encountered something called a “thumbnail cache” or “thumbnail images.”
At first glance, these can seem like junk files taking up space for no reason. But before you hit delete, let’s talk about why they’re not as disposable as they seem.
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Kevin’s Picks: PowerToys
Are you looking for ways to make your Windows experience more powerful and personalized? Well, you’re in for a treat!
Today, I’m introducing you to PowerToys—a free, feature-packed utility from Microsoft that adds a whole new level of functionality to your system.
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The Windows 2024 (24H2) Update: New Features You Might Have Missed
In this blog post, I’ll explore the subtle but useful changes in the Windows 11 2024 (24H2) update—new AI tools, smoother file management, and more!
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This is a Windows 11 Enshittification Checklist [Subscribers]
I’m not here to defend Microsoft; my focus is on everyday users who often feel ignored by corporate decisions. Let’s take a look at the problems with Windows 11 and find ways to improve our experience with it. Although there have been some positive changes, the overall trend has been disappointing. So, what are the main issues we’re facing.
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Windows 11 Settings to Change Immediately [Subscribers]
In this blog post exclusive to paid subscribers, I’m going to show you settings you should change immediately in Windows 11 to improve security, including showing file extensions, advanced options in Windows Update, improving malware protection, and ensuring the built-in antivirus working the way it should be.
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How To Reset Windows 11 [Subscribers]
There are any number of reasons why you might want to or need to “reset” Windows 11. These might include virus or malware infection, or even a brand new computer where you want to avoid the manufacturer-altered version of Windows it came with, or the bundled software.
Here is the step-by-step process on how to download a “clean” copy of Windows directly from Microsoft and have your computer back up and running fairly quickly, though setup for your given needs will take longer.
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Quick Tip: Startup Items in Windows 11
In this Quick Tip, I will discuss how to check to see what applications are automatically added to Startup in Windows 11. This refers to how many applications are running in the background, and not necessarily on-screen as soon as you turn your computer on and log into Windows.
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Kevin’s Picks: PowerToys [Premium]
Ever feel like you’re not getting the most out of Windows? Well, you’re in luck! With PowerToys, a free utility program from Microsoft, you can supercharge your Windows experience with added capabilities and enhanced features.
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How To Reset Windows 11 [Premium]
There are any number of reasons why you might want to or need to “reset” Windows 11. These might include virus or malware infection, or even a brand new computer where you want to avoid the manufacturer-altered version of Windows it came with, or the bundled software.
Here is the step-by-step process on how to download a “clean” copy of Windows directly from Microsoft and have your computer back up and running fairly quickly, though setup for your given needs will take longer.
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Hate Windows 11? Let Me Make It Better!
The amount of stuff (that you probably don’t want) that comes with Windows 11 is truly offensive, never mind how they’ve changed things compared to Windows 10, and for no other reason than because they could.
I’m going to recommend two ways to debloat Windows 10 or 11.
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Quick Tip: How to Disable The “Let’s Finish Setting up Your Device” Screens on Windows 11
In this Quick Tip, I’ll show you how to disable the annoying upsell screen that occasionally appears when you turn on your computer. It’s the one that says, “Let’s finish setting up your device.”
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How To Switch To A Local Account in Windows 11 [Premium]
In this blog post exclusive to paid subscribers, I’m going to walk you through how to switch from a Microsoft Account to a Local User Account. There are many benefits with a Microsoft Account, but choice is important and if you’d prefer not to have your account tied to Microsoft, then a Local Account is an option.
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Quick Tip: Hide Clutter in Windows 11 Desktop Search
The search box on the taskbar and the pop-up search both have “highlights” that recommend all kinds of distractions, including shopping content, games, and more. Here’s how to turn that off.
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Quick Tip: Get Rid of Notification Ads and Full-Screen Upsells in Windows 11
Windows will occasionally send you notification pop-ups with “tips and suggestions.” These tips can include messages pushing the Microsoft Rewards program and other things.
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Windows 11 Settings to Change Immediately [Premium]
In this blog post exclusive to paid subscribers, I’m going to show you settings you should change immediately in Windows 11 to improve security, including showing file extensions, advanced options in Windows Update, improving malware protection, and ensuring the built-in antivirus working the way it should be.
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Quick Tip: Turn Off Suggested Notifications (ads) in Windows 11
Suggested (Microsoft ads) notifications appear by default in Windows 11, even on the Lock (login) screen. These may not appear if you’re not signed in with a Microsoft account. Here’s how to turn them off.
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Quick Tip: How to Use A Password Instead of a PIN in Windows 11
In this Quick Tip, I’m going to describe how to change your Windows PIN to a much more secure password. By default, Windows 11 asks for a PIN to login to your account, but this is a convenience at the sacrifice of good security. Better than nothing, but barely.
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Quick Tip: Clean Up Search Suggestions and Permissions in Windows 11
Microsoft likes to clutter up search results with their “suggestions” (ads). To remove these, you’ll want to disable some settings in Privacy & Security, Here’s how to do that.
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Quick Tip: Turn Off Data Collection and Content Suggestions in Windows 11
Microsoft collects certain data right out of the box that you likely want to disable. Even if you disabled all the data collection options when setting up Windows 11, I suggest disabling these four items as well.
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Quick Tip: Customize The Windows 11 Taskbar
You may want to customize the behavior of the Windows Taskbar to turn off settings you find annoying or that you don’t want to use. In this Quick Tip, let’s take a look at those.
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