Windows 8.1 Archives - Page 11 of 15

Step-by-step guide to installing the free Windows 8.1 update on a Windows 8 machine

Posted on March 29, 2014

windows-8-1-update Several of my recent posts have discussed the importance of updating a Windows 8 installation to Windows 8.1.

After receiving a number of requests for instructions for installing the update, I thought it might be a good idea to publish them as a tip. As you’ll soon find out, it really isn’t all that difficult to install the free Windows 8.1 update.

The first thing you need to do is make sure that all available Windows Updates have been applied to your existing Windows 8 installation. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I make my files open in desktop programs instead of apps in Windows 8.1?

Posted on March 20, 2014

Question from Allison T.: I just upgraded my computer from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 and I’m having a big problem. I’ll be so grateful if you can help me fix it.

When I click on a photo in Windows Explorer it always opens in a Start Screen app instead of one of my desktop photo editors (I have 3 of them). How can I fix that?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Why Microsoft might soon start giving away Windows for free

Posted on February 28, 2014

windows-for-free Could Microsoft be working on plans to give away their cash-cow Windows operating system for free? According to several reliable sources, the answer could be yes.

It’s no secret that Microsoft’s share of the operating system market is dwindling by the day, and it all started way back with the release of Apple’s first iPad. The guys and gals in Redmond apparently thought users would consider tablet PCs to be toys, not suitable replacements for desktop and laptop computers.

Well, they were wrong, and by the time they realized it the genie was already out of the bottle. [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I stop all auto-updates in Windows 8.1?

Posted on February 13, 2014

Question from Alan J.: Rick, I travel frequently and I use my mobile phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot via “tethering” for my laptop. The problem is I’m only allotted 2 GB of data transfer per month.

2GB would be enough but something on my laptop is constantly checking for updates and downloading them. I need to put a stop to the auto-updates because they’re using up my paltry supply of monthly data.

I’ve already turned off automatic Windows Updates. How can I prevent ALL auto-updates from my laptop with Windows 8.1?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]