Microsoft Windows Archives - Page 2 of 32

This is how I prefer to open ‘File Explorer’

Posted on April 19, 2024

The Windows Desktop in every version of Microsoft Windows since Windows 95 has included a “My Computer” icon which opened the handy “Windows Explorer” window when you clicked on it.

All recent versions of Windows till have the “My Computer” icon, but it’s now called “This PC”. And “Windows Explorer” is now called “File Explorer”.

But even though their names have changed, these features still work in much the same way they always have, and they are still two of the most-used components of Windows. [Read more…]

Windows users: Save time by skipping the clicking

Posted on April 7, 2024

Ok, I’ll admit it. I’m impatient. Well, at least when it comes to getting things done on my computer.

After all, there are only so many hours in the day, right?

With that in mind, one of the best tips I’ve learned over the years is that the keyboard is often a lot faster and more efficient than the mouse.

I used to get frustrated at having to click through multiple layers of menus, click on the program I want to run and then scroll through a couple hundred filenames until I find the specific file I need to work with.

But these days in most cases I can just skip the mouse altogether except for one final click and be working with my file in mere seconds. Here’s how it’s done: [Read more…]

Why you should use a ‘Standard’ user account in Windows

Posted on March 14, 2024

Every modern version of Microsoft Windows allows you to create two types of local user accounts.

In my opinion every PC should have one account of each type installed even if only one person will be using the computer. [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I make my Desktop icons bigger?

Posted on March 7, 2024

Question from Andreas: Hello, Rick. I hope you can help me.

I recently replaced my ancient desktop computer with a new Dell with Windows 11 on it.

I also bought a new 24 inch flat panel monitor to go with it, and I love the enhanced sharpness and clarity.

The problem is I’m used to using an older monitor that had large icons (I know, I’m WAY behind the times) and at 72 years of age my eyes aren’t what they once were.

Thanks to one of your tips I found out how to increase the font size in Google Chrome which was a tremendous help, but I really need to know how to make the Desktop icons bigger.

Can you help me with this? [Read more…]

What (and where) is the ‘Windows’ key?

Posted on January 20, 2024

Many of the tips I post include a step that involves pressing the Windows key on a PC’s keyboard.

Every time I post one of those tips I receive several messages from folks asking me where the Windows key is.

I guess we “geeks” tend to assume that all Windows users know about the ‘Windows’ key, but we really shouldn’t.

After all, no one knows everything about the behemoth that is the Windows operating system, and not everyone has the same level of experience with using it.

That’s why I decided it might be a good idea to write a post explaining what the Windows key is – and just as important, what it looks like and how to find it. [Read more…]