🤐 Get off my PC: Windows 11 crams ads for apps into the “recommended” section of the Start menu. Yes, it’s on by default. I’ve got the fix: Go into Settings and select Personalization > Start. Then, toggle off “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more.”
7 default settings tech companies don't ever want you to change
Our devices are packed full of settings that keep us safe and secure. You just need to know which ones to adjust. Tap or click for Windows and Mac security settings to check now.
The same goes for the software and apps we use day in and day out. Google Chrome is safe, but you can make it even safer. Tap or click for five steps you can take.
Default settings are often much better for the company behind them than for you. Grab your phone and computer, then take a few minutes to improve your digital life.
1. Apple, stop tracking my location
Apple keeps track of where you go and how often you visit. It can then make suggestions based on what it calls Significant Locations. You might see these as calendar events or map directions alerts.
Sure, it’s helpful, but not everyone likes it. You can clear this list.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
- Tap Significant Locations.
- Hit the Clear History button.
Use a Mac? Here’s how to find all the passwords hidden on your computer.
2. Alexa, don’t read my mind
The Amazon Echo monitors and learns your behavior based on requests you make through the Hunches feature. Here’s an example. You say, “Alexa, good night,” and your smart speaker says, “You left the kitchen light on. Would you like me to turn it off?”
If you don’t like it, there’s an easy fix. Just say, “Alexa, disable Hunches,” and you’re good to go.
You can disable Hunches through the app if you’re not near your Alexa.
Bad Windows default settings you should change today
Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop, your devices come loaded with settings, apps and bloatware. They exist for many reasons: To give you a free tease of a paid program, to collect data or simply part of a deal with other companies.
Get off my PC: The latest Windows 11 update crams ads for apps into the “recommended” section of the Start Menu. Yes, it’s on by default. I’ve got the fix: Go into Settings and select Personalization > Start. Then, toggle off “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more.”
7 tips and tricks to make Windows 11 more useful
You may want to check out a few changes in Windows 11. They can help you maintain focus or provide faster ways to get things done. You can even play around with some settings to make the new Windows feel like past versions. We’ll go through some of them to help you get started.
PC acting up after the latest update? Try this
The latest update from Microsoft fixes 14 issues in Windows 10, but it’s not going smoothly for some.
There is always a chance that something can go wrong during an operating system’s update, and the last patch is creating havoc for some users. It’s not as severe as past update consequences, but it can still hamper productivity.
Windows, quit showing me ads: Microsoft places ads in the Start menu. Go to the Start menu > Settings. Choose Personalization > Start and toggle off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more. Magic? Nope — tech smarts!
Your Windows PC has a hidden emergency restart: Use it when nothing will respond. Hold down Ctrl and click the power icon in the Start menu. You’ll get a dramatic-looking message warning you’ll lose any unsaved data. Click OK to restart immediately.
Be the James Bond of Windows: There’s a secret version of the Start menu. Hold down the Windows key and click the letter X, and you’ll access an advanced menu with Device Manager, Task Manager and Disk Management options. You can also right-click on the Start button to access this menu.
Better than holding the power button: Your Windows PC has a hidden emergency restart when nothing will respond. Hold down Ctrl and click the power icon in the Start menu. You’ll get a dramatic-looking message warning you’ll lose any unsaved data. Click OK to restart immediately.
Look your best: Ever been caught checking your hair in a video call? Kind of embarrassing. Adjust yourself and the lighting before the meeting. Launch the Camera app built into Windows (from the Start menu) or open Photo Booth on a Mac.
- For Chrome on a PC, drag the icon from your Start menu to the desktop to create a shortcut. Then right-click and select Show more options > Properties. There, you’ll see the URL string under “Target.” Add -incognito to the end.
- On Safari for Mac, click Settings > General > Safari opens with a private window.
- For Android phones, tap and hold the browser’s icon, then select Open in Private tab.
- On iPhone, press and hold your browser’s icon and choose New Private Tab (for Safari) or Incognito Search (for Chrome).
Where the heck did Excel go? On Windows 11, it’s handy to pin the apps and programs you use most to the Start menu. Open the app list, right-click on a favorite, then select Pin to Start. You can drag them around to any order you like. Right-click to unpin.
On Windows, get a detailed report that includes usage, capacity and battery life estimates. Open the command prompt by hitting the Start menu, then typing in cmd or cmd.exe in the Run command box. Press Enter. Now, smarty-pants, type or paste in the following: powercfg /batteryreport
Leave me alone: You’re trying to get something done on your PC and the notifications won’t stop. Click on the Start menu > Settings > System > Focus assist. You’ll see options for customizing the notifications you receive — including one to make them all silent.
5 ways to clear out the junk in your Windows 10 Start menu
Windows 10 is a handy tool, but it’s not optimized for your needs right out of the box. This software comes with many valuable tools, but it also comes pre-loaded with bloatware and annoying features that can get in the way of productivity.
5 best Windows 11 utilities to get more out of your PC
Windows 11 has been out since early October, and users are learning their way around the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. While you may not be eligible to upgrade just yet, be patient and check out some of the things you can look forward to.
Windows 11 is here - How to upgrade and features you have to try
The next iteration of Microsoft’s Windows operating system is finally here. Tap or click here for the best Windows 11 features. The download is made available for free and packs a host of new features.
The beta version has been available to Windows Insiders for some time, and reviews seem positive (so far). At first glance, it looks like Microsoft took all the best elements from macOS and Linux, swirled them around a bit and slapped a Windows logo on it.
Best Windows 11 features and how to try it now
The next version of Microsoft’s operating system will be a free update for qualifying users and will launch later this year. Windows 11 promises a new look and better performance, along with new features across the board.