The secret (better) way to restart your Windows PC
One way to fix PC problems is to reboot. That’s the most common solution IT professionals will tell you to begin with. But you may have to ring up the help desk if your computer’s still acting up after restarting it.
You know what that means: long wait times that put your patience to the test. Luckily, there’s a free tool you can use. Use this site to determine how long the wait time will be before you call.
Then again, you could always try this secret solution. Many people don’t know there are multiple ways to restart a computer. If the classic computer reboot doesn’t work, try this.
The best way to restart your PC
Most of us are familiar with restarting our computers through a “normal” shutdown. When you click the Restart button, the computer goes through a process that saves some of its memory, or RAM.
This helps the computer start up faster when you turn it on again. However, not everything is closed out during a normal shutdown. Some background processes and open apps may still be running.
This is why regular shutdowns are sometimes called “hybrid” shutdowns. They can fix most computer issues, but you can try a shift shutdown to wipe the slate completely. This particular type of shutdown fully closes all processes and apps. Plus, it clears the RAM completely.
RELATED: How to see how much RAM is in your PC
Hold down the Shift key before you hit Restart to do a shift shutdown on a Windows computer. Keep holding it until the PC powers down. When it restarts, you’ll see a screen like this:
Select Continue so you can load normally. This can fix many issues you can’t fix with a regular reboot. So the next time your computer is acting up, try it before calling customer service. You could save a ton of time you’d otherwise waste listening to elevator music!
Sick of computer issues? It’s time to upgrade your setup
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Many factors, including speed, appearance, ease of use, privacy and customization options can determine your choice of search engine. Some people stick to the default search engine included with their browsers. But it would be best if you took the time to choose a search engine that works best for you.
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We’re all suckers for a good deal. When buying a computer, jumping on a shiny new laptop is tempting if it’s at a great price. While cost is a definite factor, it’s not the only thing you must consider. Need help to find the perfect laptop for you? Tap or click here to take our quiz and find the right one.
Here are 7 mouse shortcuts you'll use again and again
No matter how long you’ve been using computers, there’s still a special feeling when you discover a new shortcut that makes life easier.
The Windows key is a relative newcomer to keyboards, where many standard keys date back to typewriters. Tap or click here for seven Windows key shortcuts you’ll use daily.
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Let’s say you have a folder full of files with nonsensical names. You can manually change them one at a time, which can take an hour, depending on the folder size. Or you can batch rename them in a few easy steps.
This can be a game-changer if you have hundreds of files with confusing names. Maybe you transferred photos from your smartphone to your computer, so now they have names like IMG28091. Tap or click here for an easier way to transfer photos from your phone to PC.
Computer on the fritz? Diagnostic tools every PC owner should know about
When you buy a brand new computer, it’s like Christmas morning. That sparkly, shiny new machine runs lightning-fast and puts the latest technology at your fingertips.
Everything is grand until it ages a few years and suddenly starts acting up. But don’t give up hope. There might be a simple solution. You just need to find it.