Windows guides

Windows problems, solved in plain English: restarts, updates, storage, sound, printers, Bluetooth and networking, with steps you can follow without jargon or risky tools.

• WindowsHow to Stop Windows From Restarting for Updates While You Work

  Set active hours, pause updates and schedule restarts so Windows stops rebooting in the middle of your work.

• WindowsHow to Free Up Space on Windows Without Deleting Anything Important

  Use Storage Sense and clear temporary and large files, while keeping the files you actually need.

• WindowsHow to Speed Up a Slow Windows PC

  Trim startup and background apps, adjust power settings and visual effects, and make a slow PC feel responsive again.

• WindowsHow to Stop Windows Notifications From Interrupting You

  Turn on Do Not Disturb and set notifications app by app so only the alerts you want get through.

• WindowsWindows Won't Connect to Wi-Fi? Reset the Network Stack

  Reset the adapter and the network stack, check the driver, and get Windows back online without guessing.

• WindowsHow to Back Up Windows Automatically (and Check It Worked)

  Set up File History and a cloud backup, then test a restore so you know the backup actually works.

• WindowsHow to Recover Deleted Files on Windows

  Check the Recycle Bin and File History first, and stop writing to the disk so deleted files stay recoverable.

• WindowsPrinter Not Working on Windows? Fix It Step by Step

  Work through an offline printer, a stuck print queue and driver problems in the order that fixes most cases.

• WindowsWindows Update Stuck or Failed? Fix It Safely

  Run the troubleshooter and reset update components safely, without downloading random fixer tools.

• WindowsHow to Change Your Windows Password, PIN, or Hello Sign-In

  Change your password, set up a PIN or Windows Hello sign-in, and reset sign-in details if you are locked out.

• WindowsHow to Stop Windows Tracking and Personalized Ads

  Adjust privacy settings, the advertising ID, diagnostic data and app permissions to cut back on tracking and ads.

• WindowsHow to Connect a Bluetooth Device to Windows

  Pair headphones, speakers and other devices, and fix the pairing and driver problems that stop them connecting.

• WindowsNo Sound on Windows? Fix It Step by Step

  Check the output device, volume mixer, drivers and audio services until sound comes back.

• WindowsHow to Customize the Windows Taskbar and Start Menu

  Set taskbar alignment, tidy the Start layout and turn off widgets you do not use.

• WindowsHow to Set Default Apps on Windows

  Choose your default browser and set which apps open each file type, so links and files open where you expect.

• WindowsWindows Screen Too Bright or Too Dim? Fix Brightness and Night Light

  Fix brightness controls, set up Night Light, and check HDR and driver settings when brightness will not behave.

• WindowsHow to Share Files Between Two Windows PCs on the Same Network

  Share files with Nearby sharing or a network folder, with permissions set so only the right people can reach them.

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