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The History of the Windows Start Menu

For all the pomp and ceremony surrounding the release of Windows 10, one of the most well-received features of the operating system is the return of an old friend—the Start Menu.

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windows-productivity
6 Simple Time Management and Productivity Apps for Windows

Could your computer help you get more work done? It certainly can. Here's a choice number of productivity apps for Windows.

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Expired Windows 8.1 tablet
Microsoft No Longer Supports Windows 7 or 8.1: What This Means for You

Microsoft is sunsetting Windows 7 and 8.1, but the ramifications go far deeper than simply cutting off their updates.

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7 Ways to Turn Off High Contrast Mode on Windows
How to Turn Off High Contrast Mode on Windows

High Contrast mode on Windows can help with accessibility, but it's not to everyone's taste.

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windows-reinstall
Should You Refresh, Reset, Restore, or Reinstall Windows?

Ever wanted to reset Windows without losing personal data? Here's what to pick, depending on your situation.

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Headphones Laying on a Brown Background
10 Groove Music Shortcuts for Windows You Need to Know

Love Groove Music? Take the hassle out of customizing your music with these shortcuts.

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cybersecurity lock
How to Block Users from Installing Software on Your Windows Computer

"Resistance is futile...." is not something you'll want to hear from a PC. When too many people access your computer, it's best to restrict the Windows Installer. We show you how.

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A laptop in front of a white wall installing Windows updates
How to Upgrade to Windows 11 From Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 is coming close to its expiration date, but don't fret. You can still upgrade your PC all the way to Windows 11 with this guide.

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Startup menu on a Windows computer
How to Fix Windows Issues by Creating a New User Account

Have you been troubleshooting a Windows issue to no avail? Creating a new user account could be your last resort. It's tricky, but we'll show you how to do it right.

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A Windows tablet featuring Windows 8.1
Why You Shouldn't Shrug Off Windows 8.1's New Warnings

Windows 8.1's new full-screen warnings can be turned off until its end-of-life date, but doing so is a short-term solution for a long-term problem.

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Laptop and hourglass side by side
What Microsoft's Warning to Windows 8.1 Users Means for Anyone Still Using the Outdated OS

Still using Windows 8.1? Here's what will happen once it reaches its end-of-life, and what to do before that happens.

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Laptop and hourglass side by side
Why Is Microsoft Ending Support for Windows 8.1?

Windows 8.1 is coming to an end, but why did Microsoft pull the plug, and how much time does the operating system have left?

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vector illustration of three people next to a monitor displaying an update screen
Microsoft Really, Really Wants You to Leave Windows 8.1 Already

Starting from July 2022, the software giant will begin prodding 8.1 users to upgrade before the operating system's end-of-support date.

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closeup of a screen displaying command prompt
Is CHKDSK Stuck? Some Fixes to Try When Check Disk Won't Work

CHKDSK can seriously deflate your Windows boot time. More importantly, it indicates that something's not right. Here's what Check Disk does and how you can use it.

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windows-folder-tricks
9 Nifty Windows Folder Tricks You Have to Know

Look after your folders and they'll look after you—use these tips to get a head start!

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Is Windows Taking Forever to Shut Down? Try This!

Shutting down is a complex process and much can go wrong. If your Windows 10 or 11 PC gets stuck, check out our troubleshooting tips.

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8 PC-Saving Windows Tools You Must Not Overlook

These hidden Windows tools can prolong your PC's life and save you if disaster strikes.

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skull and retro monitor
7 Signs You Are a Seasoned Windows User

Windows has been around since 1985, making it positively ancient. Have you been there since the beginning? Here's some fun trivia about early Windows.

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windows-retired-features
Good Riddance: 7 Retired Windows Features We'd Rather Forget About

Windows has dropped a lot of terrible features over the years. How many of these do you remember them?

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How to Make Windows 10 Look Like Windows 7 or XP

Here's how to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7, Windows XP, or Windows 8 so you can restore a classic look and feel.

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