🤐 Get off my PC: Windows 11 crams ads for apps into the “recommended” section of the Start menu. Yes, it’s on by default. I’ve got the fix: Go into Settings and select Personalization > Start. Then, toggle off “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more.”
7 default settings tech companies don't ever want you to change
Our devices are packed full of settings that keep us safe and secure. You just need to know which ones to adjust. Tap or click for Windows and Mac security settings to check now.
The same goes for the software and apps we use day in and day out. Google Chrome is safe, but you can make it even safer. Tap or click for five steps you can take.
Default settings are often much better for the company behind them than for you. Grab your phone and computer, then take a few minutes to improve your digital life.
1. Apple, stop tracking my location
Apple keeps track of where you go and how often you visit. It can then make suggestions based on what it calls Significant Locations. You might see these as calendar events or map directions alerts.
Sure, it’s helpful, but not everyone likes it. You can clear this list.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
- Tap Significant Locations.
- Hit the Clear History button.
Use a Mac? Here’s how to find all the passwords hidden on your computer.
2. Alexa, don’t read my mind
The Amazon Echo monitors and learns your behavior based on requests you make through the Hunches feature. Here’s an example. You say, “Alexa, good night,” and your smart speaker says, “You left the kitchen light on. Would you like me to turn it off?”
If you don’t like it, there’s an easy fix. Just say, “Alexa, disable Hunches,” and you’re good to go.
You can disable Hunches through the app if you’re not near your Alexa.
PC acting up after the latest update? Try this
The latest update from Microsoft fixes 14 issues in Windows 10, but it’s not going smoothly for some.
There is always a chance that something can go wrong during an operating system’s update, and the last patch is creating havoc for some users. It’s not as severe as past update consequences, but it can still hamper productivity.
Get off my PC: The latest Windows 11 update crams ads for apps into the “recommended” section of the Start Menu. Yes, it’s on by default. I’ve got the fix: Go into Settings and select Personalization > Start. Then, toggle off “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more.”
5 best Windows 11 utilities to get more out of your PC
Windows 11 has been out since early October, and users are learning their way around the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. While you may not be eligible to upgrade just yet, be patient and check out some of the things you can look forward to.
Windows 11 is here - How to upgrade and features you have to try
The next iteration of Microsoft’s Windows operating system is finally here. Tap or click here for the best Windows 11 features. The download is made available for free and packs a host of new features.
The beta version has been available to Windows Insiders for some time, and reviews seem positive (so far). At first glance, it looks like Microsoft took all the best elements from macOS and Linux, swirled them around a bit and slapped a Windows logo on it.
Windows, quit showing me ads: Microsoft places ads in the Start menu. Go to the Start menu > Settings. Choose Personalization > Start and toggle off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more. Magic? Nope — tech smarts!
Your Windows PC has a hidden emergency restart: Use it when nothing will respond. Hold down Ctrl and click the power icon in the Start menu. You’ll get a dramatic-looking message warning you’ll lose any unsaved data. Click OK to restart immediately.
Be the James Bond of Windows: There’s a secret version of the Start menu. Hold down the Windows key and click the letter X, and you’ll access an advanced menu with Device Manager, Task Manager and Disk Management options. You can also right-click on the Start button to access this menu.
Better than holding the power button: Your Windows PC has a hidden emergency restart when nothing will respond. Hold down Ctrl and click the power icon in the Start menu. You’ll get a dramatic-looking message warning you’ll lose any unsaved data. Click OK to restart immediately.
Look your best: Ever been caught checking your hair in a video call? Kind of embarrassing. Adjust yourself and the lighting before the meeting. Launch the Camera app built into Windows (from the Start menu) or open Photo Booth on a Mac.
- For Chrome on a PC, drag the icon from your Start menu to the desktop to create a shortcut. Then right-click and select Show more options > Properties. There, you’ll see the URL string under “Target.” Add -incognito to the end.
- On Safari for Mac, click Settings > General > Safari opens with a private window.
- For Android phones, tap and hold the browser’s icon, then select Open in Private tab.
- On iPhone, press and hold your browser’s icon and choose New Private Tab (for Safari) or Incognito Search (for Chrome).
Where the heck did Excel go? On Windows 11, it’s handy to pin the apps and programs you use most to the Start menu. Open the app list, right-click on a favorite, then select Pin to Start. You can drag them around to any order you like. Right-click to unpin.
On Windows, get a detailed report that includes usage, capacity and battery life estimates. Open the command prompt by hitting the Start menu, then typing in cmd or cmd.exe in the Run command box. Press Enter. Now, smarty-pants, type or paste in the following: powercfg /batteryreport
Leave me alone: You’re trying to get something done on your PC and the notifications won’t stop. Click on the Start menu > Settings > System > Focus assist. You’ll see options for customizing the notifications you receive — including one to make them all silent.
Best Windows 11 features and how to try it now
The next version of Microsoft’s operating system will be a free update for qualifying users and will launch later this year. Windows 11 promises a new look and better performance, along with new features across the board.
Windows 10: 5 new features to try right now
Few things in life are predictable. Sadly, one is buggy Windows updates. After every major update, you’ll see a slew of reports of broken drivers, features on the fritz and the Blue Screen of Death.
Those updates also bring vital security patches, so skipping them entirely isn’t your best move. Updates can speed things up, too, though you might some extra help if your PC slogs through every task. Tap or click here for smart, simple ways to speed up your machine.
5 new Windows 10 features to try right now
Microsoft updates bring new features, security patches, updated drivers and bug fixes. That doesn’t mean they always go smoothly. Those same updates often leave Windows users frustrated or staring at the Blue Screen of Death.
Windows big October update: New features and how to download it
Microsoft has been busy this year. Since January, the company has released monthly Windows 10 updates — many of them with critical security enhancements or new features for Windows users to enjoy.
Unfortunately, not all of these updates have been smooth sailing for Microsoft. Several of them have been riddled with bugs and security issues of their own. Tap or click here to see what the latest set of patches from Microsoft broke for users.