Windows Archives - Page 19 of 20

Q&A: Why does Microsoft release some Windows Updates to users in batches?

Posted on June 30, 2017

Question from Paula H.: I’ve noticed that Microsoft releases most Windows Updates to everyone at once but every now and then they’ll release one to people in batches, over several days.

Why don’t they just release all updates to everyone at the same time? Seems like it would be simpler that way.

Rick’s answer: That’s a great question, Paula. And if memory serves you’re the only person who has ever asked it.

There are actually two reasons why Microsoft “rolls out” some updates instead of making them available to everyone at the same time: [Read more…]

How to create a Desktop Shortcut for quickly launching the OnScreen Keyboard

Posted on June 16, 2017

Every now and then I receive messages asking me how to launch the OnScreen Keyboard on Windows machines that don’t have a touch screen.

There are several ways to activate the OnScreen Keyboard, but my favorite method is by simply clicking a desktop shortcut.

If you’d like to create a shortcut to the OnScreen Keyboard on your own computer, just follow the steps below: [Read more…]

Create a Homegroup in Windows for sharing files, folders and printers on your local network

Posted on March 5, 2017

Recent versions of Windows make it easy to create a Homegroup for easily sharing files, folders and printers with any or all of the PCs on your local network. In fact, it only takes a few mouse clicks and keystrokes to set one up.

Note: There are a couple of things to consider before you create your Homegroup and begin sharing your computer’s resources: [Read more…]

How to adjust the brightness of your screen with just two mouse clicks

Posted on January 9, 2017

Do you wish there was a faster and easier way to adjust the brightness of your computer screen?

Well, there is, and it’s a real time-saver!

A nifty free utility called ClickMonitorDDC lets you adjust your screen brightness by simply clicking an icon in the Windows notification area and selecting a new value.

Alternatively, you can save even more time by hovering your mouse over the icon and rolling the mouse wheel to change the brightness level. Either way is fine – whatever works best for you.

ClickMonitor DDC is a tiny portable utility that doesn’t have to be installed, and it couldn’t be easier to use. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I reset my Windows login pin, but keep using the same pin?

Posted on September 9, 2016

Question from Bob S.: I had been using a pin instead of a password and that worked just fine.

I had some other issues and needed to do a safe boot. Then back to regular boot. Now it is asking for my password instead of a pin to log in.

I want to use my pin, but I don’t want to change it. The only options I have are change or remove the pin.

Is there a place I can say use my pin instead of my password? I want to keep the same pin I have been using. Don’t want to change it.

Any thoughts on what I might do? Thanks in advance … Bob

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]