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...
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Cloud Rebuild Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to use Cloud rebuild to perform a full clean reinstall of Windows 11 without USB media, without a custom image, and without depending on the health of the currently installed OS.- Brink
- Replies: 9
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Enable or Disable Point-in-time Restore in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off the point-in-time restore feature in Windows 11.- Brink
- Replies: 29
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Transfer Files and Settings to New Windows 11 PC using Windows Backup app
This tutorial will show you how to transfer your files, settings, and preferences from your previous (old) Windows 10/11 PC to your new Windows 11 PC during Windows Setup.- Brink
- Replies: 3
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Disable Automatic Windows Updates in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to disable Windows Update from automatically downloading and installing updates in Windows 10 and Windows 11.- Brink
- Replies: 41
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Enable or Disable Hidden Feature Flags in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable hidden experimental feature flags in Windows 11.- Brink
- Replies: 53
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Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media
This tutorial will show you how to create a bootable USB flash drive used to install Windows 11 with UEFI support.- Brink
- Replies: 165
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Add or Remove "Learn about this picture" Desktop icon
This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the "Learn about this picture" desktop icon when using Windows Spotlight as your desktop background for your account in Windows 11 and Windows 10.- Brink
- Replies: 42
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Download Official Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft
This tutorial will show you how to download an official Windows Server ISO or Windows 11 64-bit or ARM64 ISO file from Microsoft.- Brink
- Replies: 718
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Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade
This tutorial will show you how to do a repair install of Windows 11 by performing an in-place upgrade without losing anything.- Brink
- Replies: 388
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Clean Install Windows 11
This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account.- Brink
- Replies: 302
Tutorials
Windows 11 tutorials, tricks, tips, and guides.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Network and Internet Enable or Disable Thumbnail Previews on Network Files and Folders in File Explorer in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable thumbnail previews only on network files and folders in File Explorer for all users or specific users in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
File Explorer can display thumbnail previews (image) or icons on files and folders in Windows.
If you select to show icons instead of thumbnail previews, File Explorer will show the icon of the default app on the file instead of an image.
If wanted, you can disable showing thumbnail previews only on network files and folders in File Explorer without disabling thumbnail previews on local files and folders.
You must be signed in as an administrator to enable or disable thumbnail previews on network files and folders.
Thumbnail previews will not show...
This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off Notepad automatically saving the session state to open and continue where you left off for your account in Windows 11.
Notepad is a fast and simple text editor that can be used to view, edit, and search through plain text documents instantly.
Starting with the Notepad version 11.2307.22.0 update, Notepad will start automatically saving your session state allowing you to close Notepad without any interrupting dialogs and then pick up where you left off when you return. Notepad will automatically restore previously open tabs as well as unsaved content and edits across those open tabs. Saved session state does not impact any of your files, though, and it is still your choice whether to...
This tutorial will show you how to show or hide items in the Disk Management console window for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Disk Management is a system utility in Windows for advanced storage operations.
Disk Management shows the details for each drive on your PC and all partitions for each drive. The details include statistics about the partitions, including the amount of space allocated or used.
You can customize the view in Disk Management by choosing which items to show or hide in the console window.
Changes to the customize view settings in the current Disk Management window are not saved and will only stay applied until you close Disk Management. When you open Disk Management next, it will show the default view...
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