Windows guides and tutorials
Whether you are running the latest version of Windows 11 or staying loyal to Windows 10, keeping your PC running smoothly requires more than just the default settings. EasyTech breaks down complex system configurations into simple, jargon-free steps.
My library of Windows tutorials covers everything from improving system performance and clearing hidden cache files to enhancing your privacy and security. If your PC is feeling sluggish, throwing up error codes, or just needs a "clean house" refresh, youāll find the fix below.
Guides and tutorials
Browse my collection of Microsoft Windows guides and tutorials.
How to resize an image in Windows 11 (2 easy ways)
Learn the quickest ways to resize an image in Windows 11 without downloading any software. Step-by-step guide for the Photos app and Microsoft Paint.
How to turn off the "ding" sound when changing volume in Windows 11
Tired of the annoying beep when you adjust your volume? Learn the three best ways to disable the volume notification sound in Windows 11 permanently.
How to disable the power button in Windows 11 (and 10)
Tired of accidental shutdowns? Learn how to make your PC power button 'Do Nothing' when pressed. This guide covers the latest steps for Windows 11 and legacy Windows 10 systems.
How to automatically hide the taskbar in Windows 11 (and 10)
Need more screen space? Learn how to automatically hide the taskbar in Windows 11 and 10. Plus, find out what to do if your taskbar gets stuck and won't hide.
How to block adult content websites on Windows 11 (easy way)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to permanently block adult content websites on Windows 11 without software or parental controls.
How to automatically clear temporary files on Windows 11 & 10
Stop manually deleting junk. Learn how to use Windows Storage Sense to automatically clear temporary files, empty your recycle bin, and free up disk space in the background.
How to make the Windows 11 taskbar fully transparent
Disappointed with Windows 11's frosted taskbar? Iāll show you how to get a 100% crystal-clear, fully transparent taskbar using a free, lightweight app.
How to rename multiple files at once in Windows 11
Stop renaming files one by one. Iāll show you the built-in Windows 11 shortcut to bulk rename multiple files at once in under 10 seconds.
How to fix āVCRUNTIME140.dll was not foundā in Windows 11
Getting a VCRUNTIME140.dll missing error when trying to launch a game or app? Here is the safe, official way to restore the file directly from Microsoft.
How to go frame by frame in VLC Media Player
Trying to catch a specific detail in a video? Learn the instant keyboard shortcut and interface trick to play frame by frame in VLC Media Player.
How to change the icon of an Internet shortcut in Windows 11
Are all your desktop shortcuts the same browser icon? Learn how to change the icon of any internet shortcut in Windows 11 to something more unique.
How to stop taskbar icons from flashing in Windows 11
Tired of distracting flashing program or app icons? Learn how to disable blinking taskbar icons in Windows 11 using a simple settingāno registry hacks required.
How to copy text from an image on Windows 11
Stop manually retyping text from images or screens. Learn the two native Windows 11 shortcuts to extract and copy text instantly.
How to show or hide the Recycle Bin on Windows 11
Missing your Recycle Bin? Or want to clear clutter by hiding it? Here is the step-by-step fix to show or hide the Recycle Bin icon on Windows 11.
How to fill out & sign a PDF document for free on Windows 11
Stop printing out PDFs just to sign them. Learn the safe, free, and built-in Windows 11 method to fill out forms and add a digital signature in seconds.
How to stop Windows 11 from turning off your computer screen
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to stop Windows 11 from turning off your computer screen automatically.
How to password protect a PDF file (4 easy ways)
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to password protect a PDF file.
Reliable free CD and DVD burning software for Windows 10 and 11
Are you looking for reliable CD and DVD burning software for Windows 10 or 11? Many free disc-burning programs are available, but which ones are reliable?
How to extract audio from a video (step by step)
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to extract audio from a video using VLC media player or Shotcut video editor.
How to open CMD in a folder as administrator on Windows 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to open Terminal, Command Prompt, or PowerShell in a specific folder as administrator on Windows 11.
How to burn any video file to a playable DVD
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to burn any video file to a playable DVD on Windows 10 and 11.
How to hide files and folders on Windows 10 and 11
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to hide files and folders on Windows 10 and 11 and how to view and unhide hidden files and folders.
Windows 10 or 11 start menu button not working? (5 solutions)
Windows 10 or 11 start menu button not working? Here are a few solutions you can try to fix the problem.
Windows 10 or 11 taskbar icons missing? Try these solutions!
Are Windows 10 or 11 taskbar icons suddenly missing? Here are a few solutions you can try to fix the problem.
Remove the PowerShell update message in Terminal & PowerShell
This tutorial teaches you how to remove the 'Install the latest PowerShell for new features and improvements!' message in Terminal or PowerShell in Windows 11.
How to keep your laptop on with the lid closed on Windows 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to keep your laptop on with the lid closed on Windows 11.
How to change the thumbnail of a folder in Windows 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to change the thumbnail of a folder in Windows 11.
How to repair or reset the Settings app in Windows 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to repair or reset the Settings app in Windows 11.
How to make the Windows 11 clock show seconds
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make the Windows 11 system tray clock show seconds.
Notepad++ tips and tutorials
Enhance your productivity in Notepad++ with these helpful tips, tricks, and step-by-step tutorials.
How to open ZIP, RAR, or 7Z files on Windows 11 (No Software)
Learn how to quickly open and extract ZIP, RAR, and 7Z archive files natively on Windows 11 without installing extra programs like WinRAR, WinZip, or 7-Zip.
How to customize the Windows 11 taskbar (step-by-step guides)
Learn how to customize the Windows 11 taskbar with these step-by-step guides. Move the taskbar to the left, automatically hide it, remove widgets, and more.
How to change text size on Windows 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to change text size on your Windows 11 PC.
How to show all icons in the system tray on Windows 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to show all icons in the system tray on Windows 11.
How to burn a CD or DVD in Windows 11 & 10 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to burn a CD or DVD on Windows 11 and Windows 10 using built-in tools. No software download required.
How to reset audio settings in Windows 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to reset audio settings in Windows 11.
How to get 'Tool Options' back in GIMP (step by step)
GIMP Tool Options gone? This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to get 'Tool Options' back in GIMP.
How to automatically open a website on startup on Windows 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to automatically open a website on startup on Windows 11.
Find bookmark file locations: Chrome, Edge, Brave & Firefox
Where are your bookmarks stored? Find the bookmark file locations for Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Firefox in Windows File Explorer. Includes the Firefox SQLite path!
How to disable startup programs in Windows 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to disable startup programs in Windows 11.
How to create a RAR file in Windows 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to create a RAR file with WinRAR on Windows 11.
How to create a password-protected ZIP file in Windows 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to create a password-protected ZIP file in Windows 11.
How to make a ZIP file on Windows 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make a ZIP file on Windows 11.
How to delete temporary files in Windows 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to delete temporary files in Windows 11.
How to hide the language bar in Windows 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to hide the language bar in Windows 11 ā even when you have two or more languages installed on your PC.
How to open a JSON file on Windows 10 and 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to open a JSON file on Windows 10 and 11.
How to turn off File Explorer grouping by date in Windows 11
Learn how to turn off File Explorer grouping by date in Windows 11. Disable the annoying grouped folder layout for a single folder or all folders permanently.
How to enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11. DNS over HTTPS improves privacy and security by encrypting your DNS requests.
Fix: The file is too large for the destination file system
Trying to copy a file to a USB flash drive but get the following error message: 'The file is too large for the destination file system'? Here's a solution.
How to change a username on Windows 10 & 11 without account
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to change your username on Windows 10 and 11 without a Microsoft account. The steps work for local user accounts.
How to change the mouse pointer size and color in Windows 10 & 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to change the mouse cursor size and color in Windows 10 and 11.
How to remove 'Cast to Device' from the Windows context menu
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to remove 'Cast to Device' from the context menu in Windows 10 or 11 File Explorer.
How to create a desktop shortcut to open multiple web pages
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to create a single desktop shortcut to open multiple web pages on Windows 10 and 11.
How to make your web browser open on startup (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Brave, or another web browser open on startup on Windows 10 and 11.
Force Chrome, Edge & Brave to open full screen or maximized
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Brave always open in full screen or maximized on Windows 10 and 11.
How to make your web browser always open in private mode
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Brave always open in private browsing mode on Windows 10 and 11.
How to locate the Screenshots folder in Windows 11 (and fix it)
Can't find your screenshots folder in Windows 11, or has Windows stopped saving your captures? Here is how to locate it instantly and fix a missing folder.
How to copy text from an image (step by step)
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to copy text from an image on a computer.
AOMEI Backupper cannot find the system partition (solution)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you what to do when AOMEI Backupper cannot find the system partition when creating a system image backup on Windows 10 or 11.
How to resize multiple photos at once in Windows 10 and 11
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to resize multiple photos at once in Windows 10 or 11, with or without extra software.
How to change where screenshots are saved in Windows 10 & 11
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to change where screenshots are saved in Windows 10 and 11.
How to make File Explorer open to 'This PC' in Windows 11
Tired of File Explorer opening to the Home screen? Here is the step-by-step fix to force Windows 11 to open directly to 'This PC' every time.
How to disable a Microsoft account in Windows calendar
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to disable a Microsoft account in the Windows Calendar app in Windows 10 and 11.
How to turn off calendar notifications in Windows 10 and 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to turn off calendar notifications and reminders in Windows 10 and 11 (e.g., birthdays, holidays, events, etc.).
How to fix 'The Audio Service is not running' in Windows 10
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to fix the 'The Audio Service is not running' problem in Windows 10.
Fix: Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device on Windows
Do you have a problem ejecting a USB in Windows 10 or 11? Do you get the 'This device is currently in use' message? Here are 9 solutions to solve this problem.
How to remove DTS Audio Control Panel icon from system tray
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to remove the DTS Audio Control Panel icon from the system tray in Windows 10.
How to remove calendar notifications from Windows lock screen
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to remove calendar notifications or reminders from the Windows 10 and 11 lock screen.
Windows 10 or 11 Mail: 'Account already exists' (solutions)
This tutorial will teach you step by step how to solve the 'Account already exists' problem in the Windows 10 or 11 Mail app.
VirtualBox top menu missing? Here's how to get it back!
Is the VirtualBox top menu missing? This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to get it back.
How to use ALT codes on a laptop without Num Lock & number pad
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to use ALT codes on a laptop without Num Lock and number pad.
How to turn on Num Lock on a laptop with Windows 10 and 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to turn on Num Lock on a laptop with Windows 10 or 11 when your laptop doesn't have a Num Lock key.
How to clear cache in Windows 10 (step by step)
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to clear the cache in Windows 10.
How to convert a JPG or PNG image to PDF in Windows 10 or 11
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to convert a JPG or PNG image to PDF in Windows 10 or 11.
How to really defer updates in Windows 10 and 11 (step by step)
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to defer updates in Windows 10 and 11 Home and Pro.
How to disable fast startup in Windows 10 and 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to disable fast startup in Windows 10 and 11.
How to disable the touchpad when a mouse is connected
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to disable the touchpad when a mouse is connected on a laptop with Windows 10 and 11.
How to fix 'VLC could not open the mpga audio encoder'
Here's a solution for when the VLC media player shows the following error: 'VLC could not open the mpga audio encoder' when converting a video.
How to rip an Audio CD in Windows 10 and 11 (4 ways)
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to rip (copy) music from an audio CD to your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
How to fix Windows 10 stuck on boot screen in VirtualBox
This step-by-step tutorial will show you what to do when Windows 10 is stuck on the boot screen in VirtualBox.
How to fix missing desktop icons in Windows 10 and 11
Are desktop icons missing or disappeared in Windows 10 or 11? Here are several solutions you can try to fix the problem.
How to move a Hyper-V virtual machine in Windows 10
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to move or relocate a Hyper-V virtual machine in Windows 10.
How to screen record on Windows 10 and 11
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to screen record on Windows 10 and 11 with audio and with or without extra software.
How to block a program from accessing the internet on Windows
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to block a program from accessing the internet on Windows 10 and 11 with Windows Firewall.
How to pin a folder to the taskbar in Windows 10 and 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to pin a folder to the taskbar in Windows 10 and 11.
How to add a user to the Hyper-V administrators group
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to add a user to the Hyper-V administrators group on Windows 10 and 11.
How to merge subtitles with video permanently (6 easy ways)
Learn how to permanently burn subtitles into MP4, MKV, or AVI videos using 6 free methods, including VLC and HandBrake. Hardcode your SRT files easily.
How to copy a DVD to your computer in Windows 10 and 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to copy a DVD to your computer in Windows 10 and 11. The steps on this page also work for copy-protected DVDs.
How to pin a batch file to Windows 10 or 11 taskbar or start menu
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to pin a batch (.bat) file to the taskbar or start menu in Windows 10 and 11.
How to block a website in Windows 10 and 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to block a website in Windows 10 and 11 by adding a few lines to the Windows hosts file using Notepad.
How to copy a DVD to another DVD with only one drive (2 ways)
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to copy a DVD to another blank DVD on a Windows 10 or 11 PC with only one drive.
How to make BitLocker use AES 256-bit encryption
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make BitLocker use AES 256-bit encryption instead of AES 128-bit encryption on Windows 10 and 11.
How to merge multiple images into one PDF file in Windows 10 & 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to merge multiple JPEG, PNG or GIF images into one PDF file in Windows 10 and 11 without using extra software.
How to erase a rewritable CD or DVD in Windows 10
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to erase a rewritable CD or DVD in Windows 10 without using any third party software.
Fix: 'This folder is empty' on a USB drive on Windows 10 & 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you what to do when you see 'This folder is empty' when opening a USB flash drive or external hard drive on Windows 10 or 11.
Fix: 'SFC unable to fix corrupt files' in Windows 10 and 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to fix the 'sfc scannow found corrupt files unable to fix some of them' problem in Windows 10 and 11.
Fix: Thumbnails not showing in Windows 10 or 11 File Explorer
Are thumbnails for images and videos not showing in Windows 10 or 11 File Explorer? Here are a few solutions you can try to fix the problem.
How to delete the Windows.old folder in Windows 10 and 11
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to delete the Windows.old folder in Windows 10 and 11 without using third-party software.
USB flash drive showing less space than actual? Here's a fix!
Is your USB flash drive showing less space than its actual disk space? This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to fix this problem on Windows 10 and 11.
Fix: 'Invalid Uninstall Control File' on Windows 10 and 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to fix the 'Invalid Uninstall Control File' problem on Windows 10 and 11.
Fix: VirtualBox only showing 32-bit and no 64-bit versions
Is VirtualBox only showing 32-bit and no 64-bit versions of operating systems as options while creating a new virtual machine? Here's how to fix this problem.
How to convert SRT subtitles to SUB and IDX subtitles
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to convert SRT subtitles to SUB and IDX subtitles in Windows 10 and 11.
How to convert video to audio in Windows 10 and 11
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to convert video to audio in Windows 10 and 11 using VLC media player.
How to copy a CD to another CD with only one drive (2 ways)
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to copy a CD to another blank CD on a Windows 10 or 11 PC with only one drive.
How to create a website shortcut on the desktop of your PC
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to create a website shortcut on your computer's desktop in Windows 10 and 11.
How to create an ISO image file from a Windows 10 or 11 DVD
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to create an ISO image file from a Windows 10 or 11 DVD.
How to fix connection problems with Google Chrome
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to fix connection problems with Google Chrome in Windows 10 or 11.
How to open ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR and GZ files on Windows 10
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to open RAR, ZIP, TAR, GZ, 7Z, and other compressed files on Windows 10 using free software and online tools.
How to play VIDEO_TS on Windows 10 and 11 (step by step)
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to play VIDEO_TS folders and files on Windows 10 and 11.
How to remove a password from a PDF file using your browser
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to remove a password from a PDF file using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Brave.
How to remove hardcoded subtitles from MKV video files
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to remove hardcoded subtitles from MKV video files without cropping and converting.
How to remove sound from a video (step by step)
These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to permanently remove sound from a video using VLC media player, Shotcut, HandBrake, Clipchamp, or Filmora.
PC connected to TV via HDMI but no sound? (easy fix)
Plugging your PC into your TV with HDMI but getting no audio? Iāll show you how to force Windows 11 to route sound through your HDMI connection.