Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: How do I change the default Downloads folder in Windows 11?

Posted on January 16, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Question from Danny: Hi, Rick. Several years ago I read your post explaining how to change the default Downloads folder in Windows 7.

I followed the instructions and changed the Downloads folder on my PC to the Desktop because that way I always knew where to look for the file I just downloaded.

I just replaced that old computer with a new Windows 11 machine and I’d really like change the Downloads folder to the Desktop again. Can you tell me how to do it in Windows 11? [Read more…]

How to shop at Amazon without using a credit/debit card

Posted on January 16, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

You probably know that Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer.

You’re also probably aware that you can often save money on your purchases due to Amazon’s low prices and free shipping on many items.

It’s true that Amazon is a great place to shop for the items you need, but many folks think they can’t shop there because they don’t have a credit card or debit card and they don’t want to use their bank account online.

But truth be told, you actually can shop at Amazon without having to give them any credit/debit card or bank account information whatsoever!

[Read more…]

How (and why) to force Windows 11 to show file extensions in File Explorer

Posted on January 15, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

For whatever reason, the folks at Microsoft must have decided it’s a good idea to hide file extensions when using the File Explorer dialog in Windows 11.

I really don’t understand the thinking behind keeping file extensions hidden since they’re so useful for quickly determining a file’s type when viewing its filename.

Seeing a file’s extension can provide an important clue about which app you’ll need to use in order to open it, and there are other reasons as well. Here’s a great example (and it’s an important one). [Read more…]

6 best free YouTube profile picture maker tools

Posted on January 15, 2026

As a YouTuber, your profile picture serves as an identity and contributes to your channel’s content. Typically, followers can scroll through feeds and check out your profile – often new subscribers.

Having a catchy Instagram profile is not just about the bio description and content. The profile picture also creates an impression, and it is only ideal that you have the perfect shot up on your page.

Are you looking for the best YouTube profile picture maker tools to update your page? The list below highlights options that you can explore freely.

[Read more…]

Q&A: Why are new computers slower than really old ones?

Posted on January 14, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Larry: I was digging through some junk in my basement and found my old 1990s era Gateway computer with Windows 3.1 on it.

Just out of curiosity I hooked it up and was surprised to see it come on and boot up.

I spent several minutes just fooling around with it and I noticed how fast it was running.

I have a four month old Dell laptop that has an Intel i5 CPU and 8GB of RAM but it seems to run a lot slower than that 20+ year old Gateway.

Why would a modern computer with supposedly much better hardware run slower than a PC that’s over 20 years old? [Read more…]