Tag Archives: windows 10
Managing Window 10 Hard Drive Partitions Without Third-Party Software
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There are numerous third-party software managers for Microsoft Windows partitions, but the with Windows included Disk Management wizard, none others are needed. You can create, resize, format, and delete partitions and volumes, including changing drive letters.
Disk Management Tool Access
Quickly access the Disk Management wizard by selecting Start and entering “partition”. In option list, select “Create and format hard disk partitions”.
The window pane for Disk Management is in two parts. A list of your computers volumes is shown in the top, while a graphical picture of the disks and volumes are shown on the bottom.
Resizing a Volume
In some cases, you may find it necessary for a volume to be resized. Perhaps, you have one large volume that you’ve decided to divide into two.
Shrink
In either window pane, right-click and choose Shrink Volume. Enough space much is available to shrink a volume. For example, the single volume containing 1 TB with nothing stored upon it, can be shrunk by almost the entire 1 TB.
So, enter the amount you want to be shrunk in the only option available. The current volumes new size after shrinking is also shown in the window. The new volume is now shown on the left side, with the amount of freed unallocated space shown on the right side.
Extend
A computer’s volume may only be extended if it contains unallocated space located to the right.
To open the Extend Volume Wizard, right-click the current volume and select Extend Volume. Then choose Next. The appropriate disk will already be displayed in the Select Disks and the volume size as well as maximum available space. After you choose to Select the amount of space in MB hit Next > Finish.
Creating a New Volume
Free space may be used to create an additional volume if you have unallocated space located on a disk. Begin by right-clicking on the pane with the unallocated space then hit New Simple Volume to open the New Simple Volume Wizard and hit Next. After specifying the volume size, you wish to create, hit Next. Accept the default drive letter in the box, or assign one and hit Next. Prior to using the volume, the partition must be formatted. You can choose to do this right away by choosing a file system and assigning a volume letter followed by Next > Finish.
Delete
It may be necessary at times to delete an existing volume. This space will then return to the unallocated pool. Keep in mind, all data in the volume is deleted when the volume is deleted. This frees up more space.
In either pane of the Disk Management tool window, right-click and hit Delete Volume. A warning window pops up where you must hit Yes to continue.
Managing Windows 10 partitions and volumes are simple with the Disk Management tool.
Setting Up Bluetooth on Your Windows 10 Personal Computer
Bluetooth technology allows users to connect devices wirelessly to a Windows 10 computer. Without the use of USB ports, devices such as keyboard and mouse can be added. Many smartphones can be connected wirelessly through Bluetooth for the use of the computers internet access. Bluetooth technology lets users remove much of the clutter from their desktop by connecting.
Set-up Bluetooth to Computer, Tablet, or Laptop with These Steps:
1. Be sure the Bluetooth device is powered on and ready to pair
The majority of Bluetooth devices are equipped with an ON/OFF switch. However, it is slightly more difficult to tell the Bluetooth device to begin pairing. In some cases, flipping a switch is all that is needs to be done. While others require the user to hold a button down until a light begins to flash.
The Bluetooth device is ready to be paired with another, such as the computer when you notice a flashing light.
2. Start>Settings>Devices
Select the Start button on the personal computer, choose Settings, and select the Devices app shown in the computer settings. A list of devices currently installed is shown on the Devices page.
3. From the left side of the Devices app page, select the Bluetooth option
The personal computer quickly starts to search for any Bluetooth devices located in the nearby vicinity that you want to be connected, otherwise known as paired.
If the device you want to be paired fails to appear, return to Step 1 to ensure the Bluetooth device has been powered on and is ready to be paired. Many devices power themselves off after thirty seconds of waiting to pair and may need to be ready again.
4. Select the name of the Bluetooth device when it appears beneath the Add a Device button
5. If necessary, enter the Bluetooth device’s code while also selecting the Pair button if requested
This is when setup may become slightly complex. Due to security reasons, you are required to prove that you are not a stranger attempting to hack and that you are, in fact, sitting in front of your personal computer. However, to prove your innocence, many Bluetooth devices use somewhat different strategies.
In some cases, users are required to enter a passcode into both the personal computer and the Bluetooth device. Usually, the passcode is located in the devices user’s manual. The passcode must be entered quickly to ensure the other device is still waiting.
Some devices, such as Bluetooth mice, require a small push button located on the underside to be held in during this step. Sometimes, cell phones require users to select a Pair button when identical passcodes appear on both the cellphone and computer.
When unsure, type 0000 and hit enter on the keyboard for a universal passcode.
The name and icon appear in the Setting app once a Bluetooth device is successfully paired.
Make sure to check out some more useful Windows 10 tips to make your PC continue to run strong while giving you even more productivity.
Best New Features of Windows 10 Anniversary Update
Windows 10 Anniversary Update
Around the time of Windows 10 one-year anniversary, Microsoft released a major update for the OS. Due to the timing of the update, it is being called ‘Windows 10 Anniversary Update’. This update includes some minor polishing to fix some hated annoyances, as well as adding some amazing new features.
Smart Cortana
Almost everyone knows Cortana on Windows 10 can be quite useful. Cortana allows users to set reminders, check your schedule, find and keep notes, receive answers to questions simply spoken, along with much more. Now, Cortana has become more intelligent. Cortana is now available on the lock screen. Also, the gap between your phone and PC is no longer an issue with the Anniversary Update. Notifications from your phone, such as missed calls or low battery can be mirrored to your PC. Other apps are also able to be mirrored to your PC thanks to Cortana new update feature.
Microsoft Edge Extensions
Microsoft’s Edge browser has extensions, finally! Some of these include Adblock Plus, OneNote Web Clipper, Translator for Microsoft Edge, Evernote Web Clipper, and LastPass: Free Password Manager.
In addition to extensions, Microsoft Edge also received the click-to-play Flash feature in which Chrome and Firefox users enjoy. Users can enjoy watching a piece of video now while junk plugins and ads are blocked.
There is now the ability to pin certain tabs with Edge, giving you more room in the tab bar. When restarting the browser, all pinned tabs come back. This includes when you choose to quit the browser by selecting “Close all tabs”.
Action Center Customization
The Windows 10 Action Center can now be customized for setting and notifications you need. Having your notifications organized in one location can be extremely helpful. There are Quick Action tiles already in place in the panel allowing users to quickly get to setting or activate many features such as Quiet Hours or Tablet Mode.
Users also have the option of customizing the Action Center by going to Settings > System > Notification > Actions. By clicking and dragging on the display of Quick Tiles located on the top of the window, users can rearrange tiles. Also, by selecting “Add or remove quick actions” they have the ability to disable tiles not needed.
Active Hours for Windows 10
Stop being angered by Microsoft’s updates interrupting you to apply them while you are actively working on your PC. Users can set up Active Hours, during which time automatic updates will never be applied, with Windows 10 Anniversary Update. The timeframe for Active Hours can be up to twelve hours. However, Windows still informs you of needed updates and you have the ability to update then instead of waiting for non-active hours.
With Windows 10 Anniversary Update and its many new features, Microsoft is beginning to finally make the OS bridge the gap across multiple devices. For additional questions answered about your Windows 10 software, check out other posts from IQ Computer Services.
How to Customize and Use Windows Lock Screen to Fit Your Needs
Know How to Customize Your Windows Lock Screen
When turning on your Windows 10 PC, the first thing that comes into view is the Lock Screen. By either tapping or clicking on this screen, you’ll be taken to where you can sign into Windows. We know the Lock Screen may seem pointless, however, it has some information that can be helpful prior to launching Windows.
There are options to view information from certain apps on your PC while you are still on the Lock Screen. With customization options you can choose what background image to show or if you want, there is an option for a slideshow as well. Also, if you already downloaded and installed the Windows 10 Anniversary update, you have the ability to talk with Cortana while still on Lock Screen.
Guide to Customize Lock Screen on Windows 10
To begin customizing Windows 10 Lock Screen, select Start followed by the Settings icon located on the lower left side in the shape of a gear. You will then be directed to the Settings screen where you need to select Personalization followed by Lock screen.
First, you can choose what background image you want to see for Lock Screen. Underneath Background there is a drop-down menu giving three different choices, Windows spotlight, Picture, and Slideshow.
If you choose Windows spotlight, different images are displayed to you periodically. Windows tries to learn what your preference for images are by asking if you like or dislike ones they display for you.
When choosing Picture, you can either choose one of your own Pictures or select one of the images displayed. By choosing Slideshow, you are able to choose several images that will move along one after the other.
The following customization option available to your Lock Screen is “fun facts, tips, and more information from Windows and Cortana”. Be advised: this is only available when selecting Picture for the background image.
Next, you have the option of viewing specific details from one app while on this option. Select the icon located under “Choose an app to show detailed status.” You will be given several apps to choose from such as Messaging, Weather, Calendar, and Mail. When choosing one of these apps, you will see details pertaining to it.
You also have the option to show a quick status of several apps at once. You are given the same app choice as above but with fewer details.
The next option allows you to keep the same image used for the background for your sign-in screen. Simply select “on” under the phrase.
Finally, you have the ability to talk with Cortana while still on Lock Screen. Start by selecting “Cortana lock screen settings.” Next, select “on” under “Use Cortana even when my device is locked.”
By taking a few minutes, you are able to make this option in Windows 10 very useful for when you turn on your PC.
Have You Tried Windows 10 Task View & Virtual Desktop Yet?
Try Windows 10 Virtual Desktop for Yourself
Task View & Virtual Desktop are features introduced in Windows 10, with many people not knowing about them or believing they are useless. Your overall productivity will be enhanced from Task View and when used with Virtual Desktop your thoughts will improve on Windows 10.
Take a look at why and how Task View & Virtual Desktop can be useful for you:
Abilities of Task View & Virtual Desktop
Task View has a job of taking all windows currently open and spreading them out for you to view at one time. Some believe this is a useless feature added due to one available since Windows 3.0, Task Switcher, which does the same. If they are able to alt + tab why use Task View?
Task View is more beneficial than Task Switcher depending on how many applications are running at one time. If running only 3-4 windows at one time, these are equal. However, when running five or more, Task Viewer is more beneficial.
Another benefit is Task View is integrated into the program, unlike Task Switcher. With Virtual Desktop, users are able to create several desktops with each of them having their own set window application. Switching in real-time between desktops is simple and quick.
Stay organized with Virtual Desktop. An example would be by keeping all window relating to work on Desktop 1, and on Desktop 2 keep windows such as music, email, calendar, and keep your leisure time windows on Desktop 3. Easily switch back and forth between Desktops when needed.
Using This Program
Bottom left-hand corner of your screen, next to Start Menu, there is a button for Task View located in the Taskbar. To open it, either select that button or use keyboard shortcut Windows Key + tab
While Task View is open, switch to any window by clicking on it or using the up/down/left/right arrows on the keyboard.
Virtual Desktop Creation
Looking at bottom right-hand corner of the screen while Task View is open, you see + New Desktop. Clicking on this or hitting tab then enter will create a new desktop. When having more than one desktop, there will be a bar on the bottom of the screen allowing you to switch between them.
Another way of creating a Virtual Desktop is by dragging an application located in Task View to + New Desktop.
Useful Shortcuts
Windows Key + tab: Task View opens or closes.
Windows Key + ctrl + D: create and switches to the new virtual desktop.
With the use of Task View & Virtual Desktop on Windows 10 become more productive than ever before. Give them a try and find out for yourself!
Make sure you’re also up to date on your maintenance for Windows 10.
Windows 10 Features Gamers Will Love
Are these features you love?
What Windows 10 Features Are We Speaking of?
In the past, Microsoft tried to combine gaming with Windows, but never with any luck. Xbox always came out on top, while Games for Windows did not work out. However, with Windows 10 all that has changed, where they are combined in a way for all gamers to enjoy.
Support for Native Controller
One of the greatest gamepads is the Xbox controller, and is natively supported in Windows 10. No need to install new drivers, they are installed already. As of right now, there is only support for controllers that are plugged in, however, wireless adaptors will be available later in the year. Third party controllers are supported as well, such as Mad Catz and Logitech as long as their drivers work.
Xbox App
Users are provided with the connectivity the console offers with the Xbox app, right on their computer. When opening the app for first time, you may need to sign in. This connects you to the same account in which you sign into Windows.
Users can switch between pages from the tabs on the apps left side. There is a page for each game owned or want to own though their store. These pages allow users to view clips, find upcoming updates, look at what friends play, and browse achievements. This is a place where you can also see any screenshots or game clips in which you have captured.
Enjoy Xbox lives social experience from your device. Engaging with friends through chat or directly launching into a game of cross-device multiplayer.
Game Streaming
If Xbox one is connected to a television that is in use by someone, no need to worry. Games from Xbox one are capable of being streamed to a Windows 10 tablet or PC.
Due to the console still being what is technically playing the game, there is no need to have a powerful computer to play use. Windows 10 is basically acting as a second screen, displaying the output of Xbox One.
Record and Screenshot
There is no longer a need to use third-party software for screenshots or recording of games. Windows 10 allows it to be done straight from it. There are ways for settings to be customized, by selecting Game DVR from Settings, which is located on the left side. There are several different options available to explore, making it possible for video and clips to have looks that stand out.
Play & Buy Cross-Platform
Although, play with cross-platform is not technically new, users with controllers defeated ones with mice and keyboards. Now with Windows 10 and Xbox One running off architectures which are similar, developers can more easily create games supported by cross-platform play.
Cross-buy is a concept linked with this. There are some games which have downloadable content and in-game purchases, able to be accessed regardless of playing Xbox One or Windows 10 device, with no need to pay two times.
Features available for gamers are excellent, with more coming in the future. So why not take the leap of faith and make this your new go-to platform for all?
Learn So Many Apps on One Program
Learn what One Note provides.
Learn How to Use OneNote to Share Notebooks, To-Do-Lists, and More
Sharing digital notes is an excellent way of distributing notebooks, to-do-lists, shopping lists, home renovation notes, Christmas party lists, and so forth with your friends and family. The only problem you may have is persuading them to sign up for an account on your preferred service to receive all note-sharing capabilities.
There are several services offering digital note sharing, but most likely you and everyone that you will be sharing with has a Microsoft account. This makes using OneNote to share much easier.
To Begin
First, download from Windows store or use the web app version at Office.com. If you have Windows 10, the store version is already pre-installed for you.
After signing in, if using OneNote for the first time you will see a “Personal” notebook. We want to make another notebook to place our family stuff in because it is wise to maintain your own personal notebook.
OneNote works in the same way as a physical notebook with tabs does. A notebook itself is a gathering of notes gathered together, then there are section (tabs) to separate subjects such as gift idea, shopping lists, recipes, gardening plans, etc. Finally, each tabbed section has actual pages where the notes are kept.
Create Notebook
To create a notebook, select File in upper left corner then select New. A box now opens letting you name your new notebook. You can name it “My Notebook” or use your imagination to come up with something creative. After you enter this, select Create Notebook.
Within a couple of seconds, OneNote displays an invite for you to share this notebook you just created with others. Since we want to prep ours prior to sharing, we can say Not now. OneNote now opens up the notebook you have just created, which has one tab named “New Section 1” at top. Go to the tab and Right-click, then select Rename, enter “Shopping lists” and select Enter. Select the “plus” sign located next to the first section, to create addition sections.
The section for shopping list has a list of pages running down the notebooks right side. There is one untitled page which you can rename by default.
Adding a date to the name helps to tell you old from new notes from a glance. To select it, click on the main part of page. To make a list that has check boxes, choose Home > To Do Tag. Enter lists name and click Enter following each item for the creation new check boxes.
To begin sharing, have notebook, section, and your first page aligned. Select File > Share > Invite People, enter email addresses of whom you want this list shared with, making sure “Can edit” is stated next to these addresses in the drop down menu. Check the box stating, “Require user to sign in before accessing document,” just to be safe. Finally, click Share.
Now it is simple for everyone to create and share notebooks with OneNote.
Boot into Windows 10 Safe Mode
Boot safely and effectively.
Boot Your Computer into Safe Mode Easily
If you are somebody that done your own troubleshooting, then most likely you have come across Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a feature built in which unnecessary programs and drivers are disabled during startup, allowing us to separate any system errors or setting and repair them without needed applications interfering.
Here are some different methods for booting into Safe Mode:
System Configuration
Use Cortana search to get to System Configuration. Enter either system configuration or msconfig and hitting Enter opens the panel for System Configuration. Go to Boot > Safe Boot and when you restart your computer it will boot into Safe Mode.
Under Safe Boot there are additional options you can choose. You want to choose Minimal, next hit Apply then OK. You now will be asked if you was to restart your computer. If you choose Restart, be sure any active projects or documents are saved.
Tapping
Tapping the F8 key is the method most commonly used to reach Safe Mode. During startup, Safe Mode selections are brought up allowing you to choose which operating mode to start in. However, Windows 10 disable Safe Mode by F8 for faster boot process. You can use Command Prompt to enable F8 menu, which will only cost a few seconds more of boot time.
To start you need to open Command Prompt elevated. On the Start menu, Right-click and choose Command Prompt (Admin). In User Account Control dialogue, choose Yes if it pops up. You should now see Command Prompt. Enter this command:
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
Hit Enter.
To undo this command, open the Command prompt elevated once again and enter:
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard
This command returns startup to the state it was originally in.
Advanced Startup
This is a useful way to know. Go to Settings menu, then over to Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup. Hitting Restart Now restarts your computer in recovery mode, where you will come upon three options: Troubleshoot, Continue, or Turn off your PC. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options. You will now get several more options. Hit Startup Settings then Restart. Your computer now will restart. You will see the Startup Settings screen when rebooting. This is where you choose your function required.
Shortcut
You can bypass the clicking process and hold how the Shift key and hit Restart listed under Power, located in Start menu of Windows 10. This reboot option brings you directly to Recovery options. This is where you can choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
***Please keep in mind that many newer computers, those with UEFI enabled, may not be able to use these options, but instead should configure their computers into safe mode through this method:
Use a USB flash drive, or a DVD installation disc with Windows 10 installation on it. When the screen pops up, choose the repair option > troubleshooting > advanced options. Then you will want to change the startup options.
Once the computer is restarted, there will be a numbered menu with one of the options being to start up in Safe Mode.
Now you should feel at ease booting into Safe Mode with Windows 10 using one of these methods explained above.
How Windows 10 System Restore and Factory Reset Work
Windows 10 can easily be rebooted.
Restore and Reset Everything
With Windows 8 is was possible to restore the operating system by using a recovery image on a hidden disk partition, with Windows 10 this can no longer be done. A recovery petition is no longer available. Microsoft wanted to allow uses to increase their disk space availability, which over 6 GB can be saved on 64-bits systems with Windows 10.
Windows 10 System Restore
If you experience issues with Windows 10, first you want to look at your restore point list. If you see one that coincides with the time your issues began, use System Restore tool to restore your settings as they were at that time.
Click Start > Settings in search box enter create a restore point. Select your matching result, choose which drive you wish your restore point to be stored on (generally, system drive) then click Configure > Turn on system protection. System restore functionality is now activated. Now click OK. Next click Create… for a restore point to be created, and name it.
This makes a restore point in which you can use on a later date with System Restore and follow the wizard to restore your computer setting to that state.
If you ae not able to boot into Windows 10 and need to do a system restore to a saved point, you can get there through Advanced Startup. This is accessible by using Windows installation media or recovery drive (when Windows Setup begins, select Repair your computer).
Next go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore, and follow the wizard.
Windows 10 Reset
Reset is the best way to get Windows back to the best way it was. By doing this, your operating system is restored to “factory settings.” Prior to reset, back up any personal data. Keep in mind, all bloatware will be reinstalled, even ones you removed.
Click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Get Started > Remove everything. There are two options, first one is Remove files and clean the drive; this one is more secure but takes longer (this option is great if giving or selling you PC and need to wipe it), and the other option is Just remove my files; which is for a quick reset.
When completed, your operating system will be as if it has been newly installed. You need to input your account information again (or if desired, create a new profile), and all your data needs to be restored.
System Restore or Reset?
System Restore is the least reliable solution, however it is the fastest. Reset is more reliable, but more time consuming. It is recommended to try System Restore before Reset to see if this resolves your issues. Always know how to reboot your Windows programs so you can have the best functionality of your computer.
How You Can Downgrade From Windows 10 to Windows 7 or 8.1
Windows 10 is going around, do you want to keep it?
Downgrading Made Easy
Did you upgrade to Windows 10 and don’t like it? If your upgrade was within the last month, you are able to downgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 7 or 8.1. If you decide later to go back to Windows 10, you can.
Downgrade Option Built-in
When upgrading to Windows 10 from a previous version of Windows, the old OS files are stores in a folder with the name Wondows.old.
There is a feature built-in allowing you to return to your old operating system. The stipulation is, this option is available for only one month after upgrading. There are other options available if this time has passed.
To start, press Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery. You will notice a header named Go back to Windows X (depending on what version you previously had). Press Get started.
There will be a window asking why you are returning to the old version. After filling this in, press Next, keep note of the information and prompts, such as do not unplug your system during process. Your system will now begin to rollback, during which time it is unable to be used.
Downgrade When There is No Option Given
If you do not have the option anymore, you will need to do a fresh install of Windows 7 or 8.1 on your system. Keep in mind, doing so wipes everything from your drive. If you have a physical copy of Windows 7 or 8.1, put it into your computer. If you do not have a physical version, Microsoft Product Recovery for Windows 7 and 8.1 allows you to create one.
Next, restart your system looking for a message similar to this “press Esc to choose boot device.” The key and message might vary – F12 and F10 are keys commonly used also. To be sure it is registered, you can tap the key several times.
A menu is displayed with a list of all your bootable devices in which you can choose from. To choose the device that matches the media use your arrow keys and hit Enter. Next, follow the wizard for installation. If prompted, choose custom install – which means this is a completely fresh install. You will be asked to enter a product key, this is on installation media (if purchased separately), or with documentation for the PC (if PC came with Windows), or a sticker which is on the device. Some Window 8 PC’s you do not need to enter the key due to it being embedded in the computers firmware. In this case, it is detected automatically and allows you to install Windows without you having to enter a key.
Going Back to Windows 10
If you decide to hang on to Windows 7 or 8.1 for little longer, you can downgrade. Upgrading to Windows 10 is free for the first year. Just give it a go, but know that you have the option to use whichever you feel the most comfortable with.
