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Guides for 2026

Learn practical tech skills with our how-to guides and tutorials, covering a wide range of topics for all experience levels. Browse our comprehensive Guides section, featuring 214 items organized from newest to oldest for 2026. Whether you're after in-depth benchmarks or expert buying advice, it's all here. Also, learn about how TweakTown tests and reviews hardware. Use the sub-category and year filters to quickly find what you need.

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6 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Windows Laptop

6 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Windows Laptop

July 23, 2026 | Buying a new Windows laptop? Avoid these buying mistakes and choose a Windows laptop that fits your needs, budget, and long-term expectations.

I capped Windows Update's bandwidth with Delivery Optimization, and my downloads stopped choking

I capped Windows Update's bandwidth with Delivery Optimization, and my downloads stopped choking

July 22, 2026 | Windows hands your update files to other PCs when you browse and game. A few settings later, my connection stopped buckling every time a big update landed.

I use this decade-old free tool that finds files faster than Windows Search does

I use this decade-old free tool that finds files faster than Windows Search does

July 19, 2026 | I've kept Everything installed for many years, and it still beats the Windows 11 search box at finding files, so results appear as fast as I can type them.

I install and update most of my apps with this Windows command now, and I stopped downloading sketchy installers

I install and update most of my apps with this Windows command now, and I stopped downloading sketchy installers

July 18, 2026 | A few commands handle searching, installing, and updating most of what I run, and there's a graphical version if you would rather not touch a terminal.

I stopped digging through Windows menus after I set up this one folder

I stopped digging through Windows menus after I set up this one folder

July 12, 2026 | Windows keeps splitting its controls between the Settings app and the old Control Panel. This folder drags the scattered half into one searchable list.

Don't sell your Windows laptop until you do these things

Don't sell your Windows laptop until you do these things

July 8, 2026 | Before selling your Windows laptop, back up your data, Sign Out of accounts, clean the device, and perform a full Factory Reset to protect your privacy.

6 PC cleaning mistakes to avoid for safer hardware maintenance

6 PC cleaning mistakes to avoid for safer hardware maintenance

July 7, 2026 | Avoid these six common PC cleaning mistakes to protect your hardware and keep your system running smoothly with safe and effective maintenance tips.

How to Remap Keyboard Keys in Windows using Microsoft PowerToys

How to Remap Keyboard Keys in Windows using Microsoft PowerToys

July 4, 2026 | Discover how to remap, disable, or customize keyboard keys on Windows with Microsoft PowerToys to enhance your productivity and workflow.

7 tips to organize your Windows files for faster, easier access

7 tips to organize your Windows files for faster, easier access

July 2, 2026 | Struggling to find files on your PC? These seven practical tips will help you organize your Windows files for quicker and easier access.

How to fix Wi-Fi Adapter Not Working on Windows laptops: troubleshooting tips

How to fix Wi-Fi Adapter Not Working on Windows laptops: troubleshooting tips

June 27, 2026 | Learn effective troubleshooting steps to fix Wi-Fi adapter issues on Windows laptops and restore your wireless connection quickly and easily.

6 underrated Microsoft Word features worth using to boost your productivity

6 underrated Microsoft Word features worth using to boost your productivity

June 25, 2026 | Unlock a smarter way to work in Microsoft Word with six overlooked features that make writing, formatting, and editing more efficient.

7 Windows settings to change right after installation for better privacy, security, and performance

7 Windows settings to change right after installation for better privacy, security, and performance

June 22, 2026 | Change these seven Windows settings after installation to improve your PC's privacy, security, and overall performance quickly and easily.

I stopped Windows 11 notifications from interrupting me with Do Not Disturb, Focus, and a priority list

I stopped Windows 11 notifications from interrupting me with Do Not Disturb, Focus, and a priority list

June 20, 2026 | Most notification advice stops at turning things off. Mine sorts them instead, so what's urgent reaches me, and everything else waits in the center.

7 ways to transfer data from Android to Windows PC quickly and easily

7 ways to transfer data from Android to Windows PC quickly and easily

June 18, 2026 | Discover seven effective methods to transfer photos, videos, and documents from your Android phone to a Windows PC quickly and hassle-free.

I read the Windows Backup app screen carefully, and it does not back up what most people think

I read the Windows Backup app screen carefully, and it does not back up what most people think

June 17, 2026 | Windows Backup syncs folders, app lists, and settings to OneDrive but misses key data, so you need a real backup plan beyond Microsoft's tool.

Low Sound Volume on Windows 11? How to fix audio issues and restore normal volume

Low Sound Volume on Windows 11? How to fix audio issues and restore normal volume

June 16, 2026 | Struggling with Low Sound Volume on Windows 11? This guide covers easy fixes for audio issues, including driver updates, output device checks, and sound.

8 Critical Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore in Windows 11

8 Critical Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore in Windows 11

June 15, 2026 | Discover 8 critical warning signs in Windows 11, from performance drops to system crashes, that you should never ignore to keep your PC secure and stable.

This Windows security feature protects Documents from ransomware, but it is off by default

This Windows security feature protects Documents from ransomware, but it is off by default

June 13, 2026 | Ransomware encrypts your most important files and then demands payment for them, yet a built-in Windows 11 feature can shut it down before it ever starts.

Windows 11 already has a voice typing tool, and it is the one most people are not using

Windows 11 already has a voice typing tool, and it is the one most people are not using

June 12, 2026 | Most people who try voice on Windows reach for the accessibility tool. The faster one has been sitting behind a two-key shortcut the whole time.

Quick Assist is the only remote-support tool I open when a relative calls about their PC

Quick Assist is the only remote-support tool I open when a relative calls about their PC

June 11, 2026 | A six-digit code and a quick tap of approval let you see or fix a relative's PC from anywhere, without ever handing over standing access to their machine.

The PowerToys utilities I keep enabled on every Windows 11 PC, and the ones I turned off within a week

The PowerToys utilities I keep enabled on every Windows 11 PC, and the ones I turned off within a week

June 5, 2026 | PowerToys ships with around thirty utilities, and most people enable them all. After an audit, my active list is half that size, with one new addition.

USB Ports Not Working in Windows 11? Try These Fixes

USB Ports Not Working in Windows 11? Try These Fixes

May 28, 2026 | USB ports not working in Windows 11? These fixes can help resolve driver, power, hardware, and connection issues to get devices working again.

Second Monitor Not Detected in Windows 11? Try These Fixes

Second Monitor Not Detected in Windows 11? Try These Fixes

May 23, 2026 | Windows 11 not detecting your second monitor? These fixes can help resolve connection, driver, and display-setting issues to get it working again.

Turn Your Old Smartphone Into a Dedicated Webcam for Your Windows PC

Turn Your Old Smartphone Into a Dedicated Webcam for Your Windows PC

May 22, 2026 | Here's how to turn your old smartphone into a dedicated Windows PC webcam and upgrade your video quality for free with a simple setup.

The Send To menu is the right-click feature on Windows 11 that nobody bothers to customize

The Send To menu is the right-click feature on Windows 11 that nobody bothers to customize

May 21, 2026 | The Windows "Send To" submenu is just an editable shortcuts folder. A printer, dated folder, OneDrive path, and batch script earn permanent spots.

Windows 11 will not let you pin a folder to the taskbar, but a 30-second workaround does

Windows 11 will not let you pin a folder to the taskbar, but a 30-second workaround does

May 20, 2026 | Windows 11 doesn't offer folder pinning to the taskbar, but a one-word edit to a shortcut target brings it back - and it works for drives and applets, too.

What Happens If You Don't Activate Windows 11? 5 Downsides Explained

What Happens If You Don't Activate Windows 11? 5 Downsides Explained

May 19, 2026 | Windows 11 runs unactivated, but it never lets you forget it. Limited features, constant prompts, and a locked-down feel hold you back.

Fast Internet on Your Phone but Slow on Your PC? Try These Fixes

Fast Internet on Your Phone but Slow on Your PC? Try These Fixes

May 18, 2026 | Getting fast internet on your phone but sluggish speeds on your PC? These fixes can help pinpoint and remove what's slowing your connection down.

The Snipping Tool quietly became the only screenshot app I keep installed on Windows 11

The Snipping Tool quietly became the only screenshot app I keep installed on Windows 11

May 17, 2026 | Microsoft has turned the Snipping Tool into a real screenshot app, and most people still haven't noticed. These are the four features that won me over.

How to Set Up a Windows Computer for a Senior User

How to Set Up a Windows Computer for a Senior User

May 16, 2026 | The right way to set up Windows for seniors or less tech-savvy users - simple, clutter-free, and easy to use from the very first click.

Bluetooth Toggle Missing in Windows? Try These Fixes

Bluetooth Toggle Missing in Windows? Try These Fixes

May 15, 2026 | Can't find the Bluetooth toggle in Windows? Don't worry - this isn't always a hardware issue. These quick, no-nonsense fixes will help you bring it back.

GPU Overclocking Basics in Windows 11: Safe Performance Gains Without the Guesswork

GPU Overclocking Basics in Windows 11: Safe Performance Gains Without the Guesswork

May 14, 2026 | Learn the basics of how GPU overclocking works, what it changes, and how to push performance safely in Windows 11 without sacrificing stability.

I automated 5 annoying Windows maintenance tasks, and my PC basically runs itself

I automated 5 annoying Windows maintenance tasks, and my PC basically runs itself

May 9, 2026 | Task Scheduler is one of the most underused tools in Windows 11. These five scripts turn it into the maintenance assistant your PC has needed all along.

How to Fix Windows 11 Black Screen on Boot or After Login

How to Fix Windows 11 Black Screen on Boot or After Login

May 8, 2026 | Stuck on a black screen in Windows 11 after boot or login? Don't panic - try these quick, proven fixes to get your display back up and running.

The first 8 settings I disable on every fresh Windows 11 install in 2026

The first 8 settings I disable on every fresh Windows 11 install in 2026

May 7, 2026 | Microsoft's defaults in Windows 11 lean heavily on suggestions, ads, and tracking. These are the eight settings I switch off on every fresh install.

Is Your Ethernet Performance Slower Than Wi-Fi? Here's How to Fix It

Is Your Ethernet Performance Slower Than Wi-Fi? Here's How to Fix It

May 5, 2026 | Ethernet should beat Wi-Fi in performance almost all the time - so why is yours crawling? Let's track down the hidden bottleneck and get your speed back.

How to Fix "We Couldn't Find a Fingerprint Sensor Compatible With Windows Hello" in Windows 11

How to Fix "We Couldn't Find a Fingerprint Sensor Compatible With Windows Hello" in Windows 11

April 29, 2026 | Unable to set up Windows Hello fingerprint sign-in because your fingerprint scanner isn't being recognized? These checks can help you fix it.

Why Is My Mouse Moving on Its Own? Here's How to Fix It

Why Is My Mouse Moving on Its Own? Here's How to Fix It

April 28, 2026 | Is your mouse cursor moving on its own, like it has a mind of its own? Here are the real reasons behind it - and the simple fixes to stop the chaos.

Windows Using Too Much RAM? Here's How to Fix It

Windows Using Too Much RAM? Here's How to Fix It

April 27, 2026 | Is your RAM usage consistently high and slowing down your computer? Here's how to find what's consuming your memory and fix the problem.

Windows 11 is secretly throttling your apps - here's how to catch it

Windows 11 is secretly throttling your apps - here's how to catch it

April 25, 2026 | Windows 11 quietly slows background apps to save power. It's easy to find throttled processes, and sometimes, it's better to take back control of your CPU.

Best Windows 11 Productivity Tips to Save Time Every Day

Best Windows 11 Productivity Tips to Save Time Every Day

April 24, 2026 | Still doing things the slow way in Windows 11? These simple yet powerful tips can help you save time, stay focused, and get more done with ease.

How to Make an Old Windows Laptop Feel Fast and Fresh Again

How to Make an Old Windows Laptop Feel Fast and Fresh Again

April 23, 2026 | If your old Windows laptop feels slow, a few simple upgrades and settings changes can make it feel much faster and fresher without buying a new one.

Why Is My Keyboard Typing on Its Own? Here's How to Fix It

Why Is My Keyboard Typing on Its Own? Here's How to Fix It

April 21, 2026 | Has your keyboard gone crazy and started typing on its own in Windows? Don't panic - here's how to quickly fix it and get things back under control.

Common Laptop Battery Mistakes That Reduce Battery Lifespan in 2026

Common Laptop Battery Mistakes That Reduce Battery Lifespan in 2026

April 20, 2026 | Poor habits can shorten your laptop battery lifespan without you realizing it. Here's the key mistakes to avoid to keep your battery healthy for longer.

6 PowerToys Features I Wish Were Built Into Windows

6 PowerToys Features I Wish Were Built Into Windows

April 18, 2026 | From lightning-fast batch file renaming to almost magical text extraction, these PowerToys features make you wonder why they aren't built into Windows.

Task Manager only tells half the story - this built-in tool shows the rest

Task Manager only tells half the story - this built-in tool shows the rest

April 17, 2026 | If Task Manager leaves you guessing why your PC is acting up, Resource Monitor is the built-in tool that pinpoints the exact cause behind it.

Your PC is overheating, and Windows won't tell you - here's how to check

Your PC is overheating, and Windows won't tell you - here's how to check

April 15, 2026 | If your PC keeps slowing down for no obvious reason, heat is probably why. Windows won't tell you when your PC is cooking itself, but two free apps will.

Best Windows right-click menu tweaks that will actually save you time

Best Windows right-click menu tweaks that will actually save you time

April 14, 2026 | With tweaks, the right-click menu can go beyond the basics, letting you handle file conversions, access shortcuts, make quick edits, and run malware scans.

Windows not using your dedicated GPU? Here's what to do

Windows not using your dedicated GPU? Here's what to do

April 13, 2026 | Is your dedicated GPU sitting idle while Windows uses the integrated graphics? Here's how to force your system to actually use the GPU you paid for.

Five Windows 11 registry tweaks I apply on every new PC

Five Windows 11 registry tweaks I apply on every new PC

April 12, 2026 | Registry tweaks aren't as scary as they sound. I apply a few of them as they are practical, low-risk, and actually stick around after Windows updates.

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