Windows 10 Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: How can I find out how much data each app on my PC is using?

Posted on May 26, 2025

Question from Gary: My ISP has notified me that I have exceeded the monthly data allotment for my Internet plan and that I might have to pay extra this month.

I don’t understand this because I only use the Internet for about 1 to 2 hours per day and I don’t do much streaming at all other than watching an occasional YouTube video.

I only have one computer using my WiFi connection. No phones or tablets use WiFi, just this one computer. There is nothing connected via a wired connection either.

I’m hoping you can help me find out what’s using all that data? [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I make my PC shut down at the same time every night?

Posted on May 25, 2025

Question from Kenny: I use my computer to watch a few TV shows every night before I go to sleep. The last show I watch goes off at 11pm.

The problem is I often fall asleep before the last show goes off and my computer stays on all night. I don’t like that.

I’d really like to have the computer shut down automatically at 11pm. How can I make it do that? [Read more…]

Stop your PC from logging your computing activity and sending it to Microsoft

Posted on May 22, 2025

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Did you know your Windows 11 PC is logging every action you take, storing it in a database and sending it back to Microsoft?

Yep, every website you visit, every app you use, every game you play, every file you open…all of that data is collected, stored and sent to Microsoft for them to use for various purposes.

If this collection, transmission and usage of your detailed computing activities makes you a bit squeamish, you’re certainly not alone. I’m right there with you. [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I make File Explorer default to ‘This PC’?

Posted on April 26, 2025

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Question from Keith: Hi, Rick. I have a Windows desktop computer and I have a question about it.

When I open File Explorer it never shows ‘This PC’ by default so I always have to manually switch to it.

Is there any way to make File Explorer automatically open with “This PC” displayed without having to manually click the link to show it? [Read more…]