If you’re still using Windows 7 and dread its impending death, then we’ve put together this helpful guide to ease your transition into Windows 10.
How to Install and Manage Fonts in Windows 10How to Find Windows 10’s Spotlight Lock Screen Pictures How to compare document text using Windows 10How to adjust ClearType for better-looking fonts on Windows 10
Below, you’ll find over 100 Windows 10 tips and tutorials, split into nine categories and designed to help you learn the basics, disable common annoyances, save storage or be more productive.
How to Upgrade to Windows 10 for FreeWindows 10 can run Android apps on your PC — here’s howWindows 10 Out of the Box Set UpHow to update Windows 10Customize Windows 10Fix Annoyances and ProblemsCortana TipsEdge Browser TipsPerformance and ProductivitySecurity and NetworkingStorage and BackupFile Explorer TipsPaint 3D Tips7 Computer Pranks That Will Drive Your Friends Crazy
Windows 10 Basics Learn how to install Windows 10, tweak the most important settings, add users and perform key, everyday tasks.
7 Settings to Change Right AwayFind Your GPU Model on Windows 10Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts to Save You Clicks5 Ways to Take ScreenshotsHow to Get to the Desktop in Windows 10Change Your Password in Windows 10Uninstall Programs in Windows 10Enable or Disable Tablet ModeAdd a User (Child or Adult)How to Set Screen Time for KidsChange the Screen ResolutionSync Your Settings Across DevicesSync Your iPhone with Windows 10Control Windows 10 with Your VoiceEliminate Blue Light with Night LightUpgrade to Windows 10 From Windows 7 or 8Add a PrinterSet an Alarm
Customize Windows 10 Tweak the Windows UI so it looks and feels just the way you like it. Change the theme, adjust the icon size, or turn the new OS into a dead ringer for Windows 7.
Create Custom Keyboard ShortcutsCreate a New Folder in Windows 10Make Windows 10 Look and Feel Like Windows 7Change the Default Windows FontTurn off Notification and System SoundsChange Your Desktop Background in Windows 10Change the Icon SizeHow to Enable Light Mode in Windows 10How to Enable Dark Mode in Windows 10How to install Windows 10 apps to an SD Card or USB DriveMake Your Own Windows 10 ThemeHide Your Name on the Login ScreenAdd Another Column to the Start MenuRestore My Computer to Windows DesktopEdit Photos to Fit as BackgroundsSave the Spotlight Lock Screen PicturesAdd Accent ColorsCustomize Autoplay MenuInstall and Delete FontsCustomize the Action CenterDisable Transparency EffectsGet Classic Solitaire and MinesweeperChange the Look of Windows 10 BooksAdd a URL Field to the TaskbarAdd Clocks from Multiple Time ZonesGet the Old Volume Control BackAdd Quick Contacts to the Start MenuEnable Spatial SoundBest Windows 10 ThemesChange the Login Screen BackgroundInstall New ThemesHow to Pin a Website to Windows 10’s Start Menu
Fix Annoyances and Problems
We love Windows 10, but like a close relative, sometimes it can overstep boundaries and get on your nerves. Learn how to prevent the operating system from restarting to update without your permission, speed up a slow-opening Downloads folder or disable personalized ads. Also, find out how to fix serious problems by booting into your BIOS, running older programs in compatibility mode or even rotating your screen.
Repair Windows 10Remove the Lock ScreenDisable Grayscale ModeSet Compatibility Mode for AppsAccess the BIOS on a Windows 10 PCStop Windows Update from Automatically Restarting Your PCTurn Off App NotificationsFix a Slow-Opening Windows Downloads FolderDisable Personalized Ads on Microsoft Sites and AppsStop Skype’s Annoying Auto UpdatesDisable Cortana Voice AssistantUninstall and Restore the Built-in AppsRestore a Missing Battery IconAccess the Advanced Startup Options MenuFix a Boot Configuration File ErrorDelete a Locked FileRestart Windows 10 without RebootingRoll Back Windows 10 Creators Update to a Prior VersionDisable Automatic Driver DownloadsCompletely Disable Internet ExplorerPause Windows Updates for Up to 35 DaysUse Battery SaverDowngrade Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 SSave Netflix Videos for Offline ViewingDisable the Password Prompt on WakeHow to Rotate Screen in Windows 10
Cortana Tips
Windows 10’s built-in digital assistant can help you gather important information, manage your schedule, send messages and more. Find out how to wake Cortana with a voice command, use her to send email, have her ring your phone, change her accent and more.
Turn On ‘Hey Cortana’Add / Remove Cortana from Your Lock ScreenSend an Email With CortanaSet a Reminder with CortanaSearch for Files With CortanaTurn On and Use Cortana in Microsoft EdgeChange Cortana’s Voice and LanguageTurn Cortana Off in Windows 10Change the Name Cortana Calls YouFind Your Phone with CortanaList Apps That Work With CortanaShow Weather for Multiple CitiesClear Personal Info From CortanaTweak Cortana Privacy SettingsSend SMS Messages with CortanaCreate Reminders with Sticky NotesGet News NotificationsCreate Reading ListsSet Cortana to Use Google Instead of Bing
Edge Browser Tips
The default Microsoft browser is blazing fast and dead simple. Here’s how to perform a variety of tasks in Edge, from common actions like blocking pop-ups, managing favorites and clearing cookies to tweaking key settings like the default search engine or crash-recovery options.
Performance and Productivity
Make both Windows 10 and yourself faster and more powerful. Configure the operating system to boot faster, mirror your screen to an external monitor, record your Xbox games, or activate the platform’s built-in “God Mode.”
Best Windows 10 Keyboard ShortcutsMirror Your Screen to a TV or MonitorUse Your Windows 10 PC as a Wireless DisplaySpeed Windows 10 Boot TimeGet Superfast Mouse, Touchpad SpeedsCalibrate Your MonitorActivate ‘God Mode’Defragment Your Hard DriveFind the Time it Takes Programs to Load at StartupUse Maximum CPU PowerCopy and Paste at the Command PromptHow to record your screen in Windows 10Use Offline MapsGet the Full Layout in Windows 10’s Touch KeyboardCreate a .Reg File for Easy Registry HacksRecord PC Gameplay on the Xbox AppEnable Swipe to Delete in EmailPerform a Clean Install of Windows 10Enable Linux Bash ShellCreate a Detailed Battery ReportTurn a PC into a Wireless Display (for other devices)Open Folders in the TaskbarOpen Websites in the TaskbarDisable the Windows 10 Startup DelayImport Gmail ContactsGet Android NotificationsUse Multiple DesktopsUse Eye ControlUse the Timeline Feature to Resume TasksSend Web Pages from Phone to PCIncrease Your Battery Life
Security and Networking
Connect your PC to a network or use it as a hotspot while keeping your system secure. Learn how to create limited-privilege guest accounts, password-protected folders and more.
Use the Windows 10 Parental ControlsFind Your MAC AddressTurn Your Windows PC into a Wi-Fi HotspotPassword Protect a FolderCreate a Guest Account in Windows 10Enable Windows Hello Fingerprint LoginSet Up Windows Hello Facial RecognitionLock Your PC Automatically with Dynamic LockBlacklist Non-Windows Store AppsFind Saved Wi-Fi PasswordsSet up a Metered Internet ConnectionStream XBox One GamesUse Find My Device to Locate Your SystemMap a Network DriveCreate Limited User AccountsHow to Set Time Limits for AccountsHow to Open a Port on Windows Firewall
Storage and Backup
Find extra space on your hard drive or SSD by making Windows as small as possible, installing apps on an SD card and deleting the unnecessary Windows.old folder. Make the most of Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud backup service by controlling which folders you sync, mapping your account as a network drive and more.
Reclaim Hard Drive Space by Shrinking Windows 10Delete the Windows.old Folder in Windows 10How to Save Space By Cleaning Out the WinSXS FolderInstall Windows 10 Apps to an External DriveBack Up Files with the File History FeatureMount and Burn ISO FilesFormat a Hard Drive For Both Windows and MacZip a File or Folder in Windows 10Control Which OneDrive Files Are Available OfflineMap OneDrive as a Network DriveFetch Any File on a Remote Computer with OneDrive3 Ways to Save Space in Windows 10Free Disk Space Automatically with Storage Sense
Windows File Explorer Tips
Every time you browse through your hard drive, copy files over from a USB Flash drive or organize your photos folder, you’re using File Explorer. Make this most of this important utility by taking advantage of all its features and customizing the UI.
Change Windows Explorer’s Default FolderAdd the Control Panel to File ExplorerDisable Quick AccessHide the Navigation PanePin Explorer Searches to the Start MenuStar-Rate Your FilesShare Files from ExplorerRemove Duplicate FilesTake Ownership of a FolderDisable Ads in Explorer
Paint 3D Tips
Learn how to make the most of Microsoft’s built-in drawing program.
Rotate and Resize ObjectsCreate 3D TextRemove BackgroundsTurn a 2D Shape into a 3D ShapeUse a Photo as a TextureCreate a 3D DoodleAdd Realistic TexturesCreate a 3D ImageAdd Backgrounds to ModelsUpload Your Creations to the Remix 3D CommunityRewind Your Build and ShareAdjust Lighting EffectsRemove Paint 3D
