How-To
SEE LATEST HOW-TO STORIES BY CATEGORY
Tip
How to redact parts of a PDF to remove sensitive information
When you share a PDF document, you might not want all the information it contains to be visible. Here's how to simply redact parts of a PDF.
Tip
My best desktop organization gadget is a humble carabiner
To save myself from diving into a rat's nest of cables, I made a cable keychain for my desk.
How-To
Windows is full of mysterious processes and files. What's behind them?
Windows is full of files whose purpose is baffling to you. Some of these files take up an enormous amount of space. But only a few can be deleted safely. We can help.
How-To
Passkeys explained: How to embrace a passwordless future today
Passkeys are increasingly replacing traditional passwords. This makes logging on to the internet much more convenient and secure. You can create your first passkey in just one minute.
How-To
13 important Windows settings to change immediately
Immediately after installing Windows 11, there are various settings that you should adjust to operate the operating system more securely and effectively.
How-To
7 once-popular PC programs that are now outdated (and their successors)
What used to be standard is now a case for the recycling center: Many programs that used to be part of the basic equipment of a PC have now been replaced by faster, nicer and better competitors.
How-To
Save money! How to use your smartphone as a Windows 11 PC webcam
Windows 11 now allows the wireless connection of Android smartphones for use as a webcam. We'll show you how to do this and what you should look out for.
Tip
How to reset Microsoft Edge's browser settings
Sometimes problems occur with the Edge browser, such as annoying cookie settings or blocked downloads. We'll show you how to solve these quickly.
Tip
How to turn off Windows 11's new Start Menu ads
Microsoft is starting to display annoying ads in the Windows 11 start menu. How to switch them off immediately.
How-To
Benchmark your SSD: These free tools do it all
Fast SSDs have now almost completely replaced classic hard drives in PCs and notebooks. We tell you which SSD tips you should definitely know.
Tip
6 security cam mistakes that will leave you open to hackers
Security cameras let you monitor your home. But if you don’t lock them down, criminals can monitor you, instead. Here's how to protect your privacy.
How-To
How Linux's insanely customizable desktop works
Anyone who familiarizes themselves more intensively with Linux will, over time, gain an appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages. However, this is the last link in the graphical system.
Tip
Midnight Commander revives the spirit of Norton's long-dead file manager
Although Norton Commander, once the standard tool among file managers, is long gone, Midnight Commander offers a suitable replacement.
Tip
Micro-ATX vs. Mini-ITX: Pros and cons for tiny motherboards
When choosing between Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX for building a smaller computer, you are faced with the decision of how much functionality and expandability you want to sacrifice for a compact size.
Tip
Outlook: How to set up breaks between your meetings
By default, Outlook assumes that appointments in the calendar follow each other directly if you enter them one after the other. We will show you how Outlook automatically schedules breaks between consecutive appointments.
Tip
Don’t buy these dangerous USB-C accessories
You risk killing your laptop, tablet, or phone using cheap magnetic USB-C adapters.
Tip
This free, ancient Windows app will watch over your laptop battery
Do you want to know how much battery your laptop has left? Or how long it will take to charge? This old free Windows utility gives you all the information you need about your laptop battery.
Updated
Use your TV as a computer monitor: Everything you need to know
Will that big, sexy screen look as good on your desk as it does in your living room? Let's dig into the specifics of using an HDTV with your PC.
Tip
CPU-FAN versus CPU-OPT on motherboards: What’s the difference?
You may notice a CPU OPT connector on your motherboard. Although its function appears clear at first glance, its exact function remains a mystery for many users.
How-To
9 must-know Microsoft OneDrive tips: Get more from Windows cloud storage
Microsoft's cloud storage doesn't need to hide behind Dropbox, Google Drive, and others. OneDrive offers some surprising functions and backs up important data automatically.
How-To
Multiboot vs. virtual PC vs. live DVD: Which is best for multiple OSes?
Do you want to use two or more operating systems on your desktop computer? Then there are three options: a parallel installation, a virtual PC, and booting from a live DVD or USB stick.
Tip
How to open the Windows Terminal with the command prompt
With the Terminal, Windows has a common interface for Powershell, Command Prompt, and Azure Cloud Shell. This allows you to start the terminal directly with the command prompt.
How-To
How to speed up your laptop without spending a dime
There's nothing more disappointing than an agonizingly slow laptop. If you're looking to speed things up, here's how to do it without spending your hard-earned cash.
Tip
Is your motherboard defective? Here's how to identify warning signs
The motherboard is at the heart of every system. Motherboard problems can affect a variety of components and are not always easy to diagnose.
Tip
Why a great gaming setup needs more than just a powerful PC
Gaming is a passion that requires the right setup. An optimized setup can not only improve the gaming experience, but also increase the chances of winning, and is simply more fun.
How-To
Samsung Galaxy owners: Buy this GAN charger for the fastest charges
Confused AF about which GAN charger to buy to charge your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra as fast as possible? Here's what you need to know.
How-To
How to avoid buying a PC case that is too small or too large
Every detail counts when assembling a PC, but we often overestimate the space required. Not every powerhouse needs a colossal case — sometimes less is actually more.
How-To
How to work on your laptop with a migraine
My wife, a migraine sufferer, offers her tips to get through the day while using a laptop. Try them — they may help you!
How-To
Copilot Pro: What can Microsoft 365's premium AI do?
With Copilot Pro, private users can now also utilize the artificial intelligence of Chat-GPT in Microsoft Office. The chat tool is powerful, but there is still a lack of integration and usability.
How-To
7 settings every PC gamer should tweak immediately
In this article, we show you how you can optimize your PC's gaming performance using Windows and UEFI settings — and introduce you to useful software that every gamer should have.
Tip
How to take screenshots of complete web pages
To capture the content of an entire web page, you can either take several screenshots and combine them later — or you can use a special screenshot add-on such as Fireshot.
How-To
LocalSend: A free, super fast way to transfer files over Wi-Fi
LocalSend: Fast local file transfers over Wi-Fi with a free, open-source app
Tip
Google's dark web monitoring is actually pretty helpful
I didn’t know the depth of this feature until my family got an early alert about the recent AT&T data leak.
Tip
Should I disconnect my PC from the internet when I have a virus?
It is often recommended to disconnect the internet connection in the event of a virus attack. But is it really sensible or even necessary to disconnect the computer from the internet?
Tip
Oculink: The blazing-fast new tech enabling better external GPUs
Oculink is entering the interface market as a potential game changer. The technology promises to be a cost-effective and fast alternative to Thunderbolt.
How-To
The fastest way to install your apps on a new PC
Winget, the built-in Windows tool, will install all of your favorite applications in a snap.
How-To
How to connect your iPhone or iPad to your big-screen TV
Try these options when you want to mirror iPhone or iPad content on a bigger screen.
How-To
The right amount of thermal paste for your CPU
Applying heat-conducting paste optimally is not a complex matter, but simple, quick and effective — if you know how.
Tip
Windows 11 power tip: How to use the old task manager
You're using the new Windows 11 Task Manager, but you like the old Task Manager better? No problem: With this trick, you can start the old task manager immediately.
Tip
When should you upgrade your PC’s motherboard?
Choosing a new motherboard is a far-reaching decision when building a PC. It influences both the present and the future of system performance.
How-To
How to turn your laptop into a desktop workstation
If you're not going anywhere for a while with your laptop, why not kick back and get the full desktop experience? Here's how.
Tip
How to fight the new Windows Outlook app and keep Mail…for now
Microsoft is trying to kidnap Mail users and put them into the new Outlook app! Here's how to fight back and resist.
How-To
How to build a killer 1080p gaming PC for just $700
Looking to build your own 1080p gaming PC? Well, you can do it for just $712–here's how.
How-To
Why I won’t spend a fortune on a gaming microphone
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need an expensive USB gaming microphone. But the truth is you can make even a cheap mic sound like a pro-grade device with a few smart settings tweaks. Here's how…
How-To
This hidden trick reveals your Wi-Fi password in Windows
You don't need a special program to view your saved Wi-Fi passwords in Windows 11 anymore. Yay!
How-To
6 basic mistakes to avoid when installing a motherboard
This guidance will ensure your motherboard installation goes smoothly and your system functions optimally afterwards.
How-To
Why are your Windows Defender antivirus scans slow? Here's how to find out
If the scan of your hard drive with Microsoft Defender seems to take forever, it's worth finding out why.
How-To
Caution: These PC noises are warning signals
If your PC makes noises that are more reminiscent of an avant-garde orchestra than a quiet working environment, it's high time to listen more closely.
How-To
How to create custom Windows icons from your own images
Here's how to change the look of the icons — to any image.
How-To