Tutorials

Windows 11 tutorials, tricks, tips, and guides.
Enable or Disable Block All Incoming Connections in Windows Firewall
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable "shields up" mode in Windows Firewall to quickly "Block all incoming connections, including those in the list of allowed apps" on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. Windows Firewall or Microsoft Defender Firewall is a security feature that helps to protect your device by filtering network traffic that enters and exits your device. This traffic can be filtered based on several criteria, including source and destination IP address, IP protocol, or source and destination port number. Windows Firewall can be configured to block or allow network traffic based on the services and applications that are installed on your device. This allows you to restrict network traffic to only those...
Privacy and Security
Play Sound on Mobile Device from Phone Link app on Windows 11 PC
This tutorial will show you how to play a sound on your Android mobile device from the Phone Link app on your Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC. With the Phone Link app on your PC linked to your Android phone, you can instantly access the Android apps installed on your mobile device right on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. Using a Wi-Fi connection, Apps allows you to browse, play, order, chat, and more — all while using your PC’s larger screen and keyboard. The Phone Link app on your Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC can play a sound on your linked Android phone for 20 seconds to help find the mobile device. Here's How: 1 Open the Phone Link app on your Windows 10/11 PC. 2 Click/tap on the Play sound button at the top of the left pane...
Phone
Switch to S mode in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to switch to S mode in Windows 11. Windows 11 in S mode is a "secure" version of Windows 11 that is streamlined for security and performance, while providing a familiar Windows experience. To increase security, it allows only apps from Microsoft Store, and requires Microsoft Edge for safe browsing. If you have a Windows 11 in S mode edition installed, you will only be able to install apps from The Microsoft Store only. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode. Windows 11 in S mode is only available in the Windows 11 Home edition by default. If you switched out of S mode or just wanted to test S mode in Windows 11, then you can...
Installation and Upgrade
Create New Environment Variables in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to set (create) new user and system environment variables in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Environment variables are a set of dynamic named values that can affect the way running processes will behave on a computer. The variables can be used both in scripts and on the command line. Environment variables makes it easy when certain standard directories and parameters need to be referenced but where the actual locations or names can vary from computer to computer. The variable (ex: "%UserProfile%" for command and "$Env:UserProfile" for PowerShell) is used as a type of shortcut of the value (ex: "C:\Users\<username>"). There are two types of environment variables: user environment variables (set only for...
System
Use Generative Erase in Paint app in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to use the Generative Erase tool in the Microsoft Paint app in Windows 11. The Paint app included in Windows 11 is a simple and powerful graphics editor with a range of uses. You can edit images quickly or create masterpieces with the tools in this app. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to save and share your files in almost any format. Starting with Paint app version 11.2410.28.0 for Windows Insiders in the Canary, Dev, Beta, and RP channels on Windows 11, Microsoft is introducing generative fill, a powerful new creation tool designed to help you make your artistic process more fun and intuitive. With generative fill, you can make edits and additions with just a few words while maintaining the existing...
Apps
Check if HDD, SSD, or NVMe Disk Drive in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to quickly check if a disk drive is a HDD, SSD, or NVMe type in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Hard disk drive (HDD) = This is the older mechanical magnetic spinner disk. While HDDs are slower than SSD or NVMe, a HDD does offer much larger storage capacity at a cheaper price. This will usually be a 3.5 inch hard disk connected to the SATA interface. You can hear these drives spinning up and down. Solid-state drive (SSD) = This will be a 2.5 inch hard disk usually connected to the SATA interface that uses memory chips without any moving parts, and is absolutely silent. SSDs are faster than a HDD, but not faster than a NVMe. Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) SSD = This is the latest and much faster version...
Devices
Choose App or Widgets to Show Detailed Status on Lock Screen in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable showing widgets or app detailed status on the lock screen for your account in Windows 11. The lock screen (aka: welcome screen) is the screen you see at startup and when you lock (Win+L) the PC. You will need to dismiss the lock screen to to see the sign-in screen and sign in to Windows. Windows supports detailed status updates from apps on the lock screen. Microsoft is enhancing the lock screen experience, starting with dynamic, interactive weather updates. Devices running Windows 11, version 23H2 (and later) that have installed the April 2024 monthly security update (or later) will now be included in a phased rollout of this new experience. With this new experience, you can...
Personalization
Enable or Disable Get the Latest Microsoft Edge Updates Faster in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off "Instant updates" in Microsoft Edge for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11. The Microsoft Edge web browser is based on Chromium and was released on January 15, 2020. It is compatible with all supported versions of Windows, and macOS. With speed, performance, best in class compatibility for websites and extensions, and built-in privacy and security features. Starting in Microsoft Edge version 120.0.2197.0 (Canary and Dev), a new Get the latest Microsoft Edge updates faster setting has been added to get updates as soon as they are available. Starting in Microsoft Edge version 121.0.2265.0 (Canary), the Get the latest Microsoft Edge updates faster setting has been renamed to...
Browsers and Mail
Create Custom Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Snap-in Shortcut in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to create a custom Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in shortcut as a MSC file in Windows 10 and Windows 11. You use Microsoft Management Console (MMC) to create, save and open administrative tools, called consoles, which manage the hardware, software, and network components of your Microsoft Windows operating system. By default, a MMC snap-in (ex: Disk Management) does not save or remember any customizations you made to it when closed. You can add a snap-in (ex: Disk Management) to MMC to create a custom MSC file (shortcut) that can save and remember any changes made to the MMC snap-in. References...
System
Change Storage Location of Offline Maps in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to change the storage location of offline maps in Windows 11. Whether you’re driving, walking, or taking the bus, Maps for Windows 11 gets you there. Get directions and choose from alternate routes, or plan a longer trip with multiple stops. You can download maps, and use the Maps app to search for and get directions, even when you are offline. By default, Windows will automatically update maps when plugged in and not on a metered connection. Offline maps are stored in the hidden C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\MapData folder by default. You can change the storage location of offline maps if wanted. If you select a different drive as the new storage location, all new and current downloaded offline maps will...
Apps
Adjust Processor Scheduling for Best Performance in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to adjust processor scheduling for best performance of programs or background services in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Processor scheduling refers to the process by which Windows determines which job (task) should be run on the computer processor at which time. Without scheduling, the processor would give attention to jobs based on when they arrived in the queue, which is usually not optimal. As part of the scheduling, the processor gives a priority level to different processes running on the machine. When two processes are requesting service at the same time, the processor performs the jobs for the one with the higher priority. You can adjust processor scheduling for best performance of Programs...
System
Change ForegroundLockTimeout to Open App window in Front in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to change the time a new background window will automatically be brought to the foreground (front) for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11. ForegroundFlashCount specifies the number of times the taskbar button flashes to notify the user that the system has activated a background window. If the time elapsed since the last user input exceeds the value of the ForegroundLockTimeout entry, the window will automatically be brought to the foreground. ForegroundLockTimeout specifies the time, following user input, during which the system keeps applications from moving into the foreground. Reference...
Personalization

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