Rick's Daily Tips

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

Posted on January 16, 2026

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

Posted on January 15, 2026

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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

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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…]

How (and why) to make sure System Restore is turned on in Windows

Posted on January 14, 2026

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Have you updated your PC to Windows 11 at some time in the past?

If so, there’s a very good chance that the System Restore utility was turned off during the update process.

What’s more, I’ve seen plenty of PCs that came from the factory with Windows 11 that had the System Restore utility disabled.

As you probably know, System Restore is a powerful tool that can help you get your Windows machine back into working order if something ever goes haywire with your Windows installation.

When turned on, System Restore (usually) makes it easy to roll your Windows installation back to a previous (working) state if something ever goes wrong during a program installation or some other serious issue arises.

In other words, this awesome tool can really can get you out of rather serious jams. [Read more…]