You can change the default system language on Windows 10 without re-installation, and in this guide, we'll show you how to do it.

Windows 10 uses a default language configuration for the entire system, which typically is specified during the setup process. However, it doesn't mean that you have to be stuck with a particular language when your requirements are different.

Using the Settings app and Control Panel, you can change the entire system to a different language at any time without having to re-install Windows 10, or having to worry about the default language when purchasing a new device.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to change the default language across your computer, including for additional and new accounts.

How to change the default system language on Windows 10

If you've installed the wrong language, or you're in a new region, the Settings app (in combination with Control Panel) makes it easy to change the installation language without having to reinstall Windows 10.

Disabling language syncing

In the case that you're using a Microsoft account, the language settings always roam across devices. This means that if you're planning to change the region and language settings on one computer, it's recommended to disable this sync option using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Sync your settings.

4. Turn off the Language preferences toggle switch.

Once you've completed the steps, you can proceed to change the language settings using the Settings app.

Changing system language

In order to change the default language across the entire system, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Time & Language.
3. Click on Region & language.

4. Under "Languages," click the Add a language button.

5. Use the search box to find the language you want to use.

6. Select the language, and click the Next button.

7. Check the Set as my Windows display language option.
8. Check the additional features you want to install.

9. Click the Install button.

10. Under "Windows display language," make sure the new language is selected.

11. Under "Country or region," select your location if it doesn't match with your current region.

12. On the right pane, click the Administrative language settings option.

13. In the "Administrative" tab, click the Copy settings button.

14. Under "Copy your current settings to," check the Welcome screen and system accounts and New user accounts options.

15. Click the OK button.
16. Click the OK button again.
17. Restart your device.

After completing the steps, everything on your device, including sign-in screen, Settings, File Explorer, apps, and websites will use the new default language.

While it may be obvious for many users, depending on the language you choose, it's likely that you will lose Cortana on Windows 10, because it's not a feature supported on every region and language.

At any time, you can revert the settings using the same instructions, but remember to select the language that you had configured previously.

Wrapping things up

While most users typically won't be changing the language settings all the time, it's a very convenient feature to have when working in a mixed-language environment where you may need to configure devices with different preferences to accommodate users.

Additionally, this feature will come in handy in those times when you end up buying a device that ships from another country, or if you move to another part of the world, and you want to change your computer configuration to match the local settings.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Updated on July 09, 2018: This guide has been refreshed with up-to-date and current information.

There's nothing worse than ordering a bunch of PC parts online, receiving the delivery and finding out that the CPU you've ordered isn't compatible with the motherboard. Some components like the CPU, have specific characteristics that only work with supported hardware. You won't be able to install an Intel CPU into an AMD socket motherboard, for example. We take a look at some ways you can help avoid this.

The main culprit when it comes to compatibility issues is the motherboard, which has to work with various other components, like the CPU, RAM, and more. It's the heart of the PC and needs to interact with various connected hardware, and thus we need to be vigilant when checking specifications and requirements. When building a new machine, it's best to start with the motherboard and CPU. Here are a few tips that will help to ensure the motherboard and other parts you're purchasing will work together:

• Check the motherboard CPU socket and compare against your chosen processor.
• See what RAM the motherboard supports (example being DDR4 2300MHz).
• Similarly to the board, see what RAM the CPU can support.
• Whether or not the motherboard will support an GPU SLI configuration.
• Check ATX size and dimensions when fitting inside smaller cases.
• Ensure your PSU will provide enough juice.

PCPartPicker

There's a handy website that can help out with configuring a new PC build (or an upgrade if you select what hardware you have already installed. Working with the CPU first, the system actually eliminates incompatible motherboard sockets and RAM. Should you somehow manage to add in various items that simply won't work together, the website will throw out an alert for you to fix an issue.

There are some handy little features as well, like the ability to save and share builds. Should you be new to system building, this makes it possible for you to have your list of components checked over by someone with more experience who can verify the build and possibly recommend cheaper alternatives to save a little cash. As an added bonus, it will even provide a rough estimate as to how much power the PSU will need to output.

Overall, PCPartPicker is an invaluable tool when it comes to picking out parts for a new PC.

Visit PCPartPicker

Updated on July 10, 2018: This guide has been refreshed with up-to-date information.

Slow, plodding, stuck, frozen, stopped. Frustrating!

It's important to keep your Windows 10 PC updated. You get security fixes, new features, small improvement tweaks, and more. Unfortunately, updating Windows 10 can often take years. Or so it might feel when you're watching an update sit still, you pacing around knowing that you have stuff to do on your PC. This isn't exactly a rare problem, and you'll almost always find a thread about it in our forum and in countless others around the web. So why exactly is it taking so long, and what can you do about it?

Windows 10 April 2018 Update ultimate resource guide

Why do Windows 10 updates take so long?

Windows 10 is a big, complicated OS that is constantly being tweaked. While some updates are small and you might not even notice them installing, others are massive and take a good chunk of time to install. The amount of time it takes can be affected by multiple factors.

If you're working with a low-speed internet connection, downloading a gigabyte or two — especially over a wireless connection — can take hours alone. Since you'll often be thrown into an update without any idea of what it consists of, watching the blue screen for hours might make you think something's gone terribly wrong. Likewise, if Microsoft's servers are getting slammed with people all trying to download at the same time, speed can be further affected.

So, you're enjoying fiber internet and your update is still taking forever. Does your PC have an old hard-disk drive (HDD) crammed almost to bursting with data? When was the last time you de-fragmented that bad boy? Some updates need to cover a lot of ground, and a slow drive with files everywhere won't help. Backing up your data and reformatting is never a bad idea, but the least you can do is give that old drive some new life with a defrag.

• How to defragment your PC's hard drive on Windows 10
• Back up your PC and protect your data with these Windows resources

Windows Update components might be broken

A slow internet connection or a cluttered hard drive are not the only potential problems to do with Windows Update. When pitchforks and torches are grabbed and walked over to Microsoft's own community support forum, a moderator will usually direct the angered crowd to the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool.

Because Windows Update is its own little program, components within can break and throw the entire process off of its natural course. Running this tool might be able to fix those broken components, resulting in a faster update the next time around.

Download Windows Update Troubleshooter tool from Microsoft

If you run this tool and find that it makes no difference, you can always run through Microsoft's step-by-step Windows Update support page. You answer a bunch of questions and you receive potential fixes along the way.

See the Windows Update support page at Microsoft

Software might be conflicting with Windows Update

Third-party applications, services, and drivers that start when Windows starts can cause software conflicts when trying to update Windows. If you're using a fast, wired internet connection and have a speedy solid-state drive (SSD) in your PC and are still having an issue with an update taking a considerable amount of time, you can try performing a clean boot of Windows 10 before attempting to update.

1. Right-click the Start button.

2. Click Search.

3. Type msconfig and hit Enter on your keyboard.

4. Click Services.

5. Click the checkbox next to Hide all Microsoft services.

6. Click Disable all.

7. Click Startup.

8. Click Open Task Manager.

9. Click any startup program you suspect might be interfering.

10. Click Disable. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for all startup programs.

11. Click the X to close Task Manager.
12. Click OK in the System Configuration window.

13. Restart your PC.

Once your PC restarts, try installing the Windows 10 update again. To enable startup items again, follow the same steps but click Enable all in step 6 and Enable in step 10.

Set a scheduled update time

An update to Windows can happen at the worst time, but you can disable auto updates and even set a schedule to have your PC do its thing overnight rather than during an important meeting.

How to stop Windows 10 auto updates (and set a schedule)

More resources

Have a look at these other articles for more help with Windows Update.

• How to prevent the uploading of updates to other PCs on Windows 10
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks

Updated July 10, 2018: I've refreshed this guide to ensure you're still getting the best advice when it comes to troubleshooting a slow Windows 10 update.

Why Ubisoft plans to force two-factor authentication in Rainbow Six Siege – and how to enable it today.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is among today's top first-person shooters and it's important you keep your account locked down. For those on PC, Ubisoft provides the ability to further secure accounts beyond a password with the help of two-factor authentication (2FA). This keeps unwanted visitors out with an additional layer of security.

More importantly for many, Ubisoft is preparing to force 2FA on all Rainbow Six Siege players within the "Ranked" playlist on the platform. Amid growing concerns around cheating, it hopes that enforcing 2FA will improve the state of competitive multiplayer. Here we break down the mentality behind Ubisoft's decision – plus how to enable 2FA yourself ahead of time.

Rainbow Six Siege Year 3 Season 3: Everything We Know

See at AmazonSee at Green Man Gaming

Why Ubisoft is forcing 2FA in Rainbow Six Siege

With cheating becoming a big problem in Rainbow Six Siege, Ubisoft recently outlined its plans to improve its anti-cheat measures. While the existing BattlEye third-party anti-cheat system deters many, PC users have drawn attention to an increasingly growing population of hackers. Documented hacks included the ability to teleport freely and even plant the bomb defuser at spawn. That's not ideal for a game with a growing competitive scene.

Hacking has become more feasible through breached accounts stolen from other players, which can be sold behind the scenes for cheap. Not only does a shady market exist around the practice – it allows hackers to utilize cheats without repurchasing the game each time they're banned. Among several actions being taken going forward, Ubisoft will force Uplay two-factor authentication (2FA) on all players using the Ranked PC playlist. By making this mandatory, Ubisoft is targeting the lifeblood of many hackers.

Enabling Rainbow Six Siege two-factor authentication

Enabling 2FA is limited to Ubisoft's account management page, with the help of an authentication app. Despite many services allowing email addresses and phone numbers as authentication methods, Ubisoft limits users to a dedicated app.

1. Visit Ubisoft's account management page.
2. Sign-in with your Ubisoft account.
3. Select the 2-step verification tile.

4. Scroll down to the 2-step verification subsection.

5. Select Activate 2-step verification. Ubisoft will send an email to the email address associated with your account.
6. Open the email from Ubisoft.
7. Open the provided link to start the two-step verification process.
8. Sign-in with your Ubisoft account again.
9. Click Continue when prompted to download Google Authenticator.
10. Download Google Authenticator via the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android. Other authentication apps can also be used.

11. Open Google Authenticator.

12. Select Begin setup.
13. Scan the QR code displayed on the Ubisoft website. Alternatively, the manual code can be entered.
14. Click Continue.
15. Enter the numerical code displayed on Google Authenticator when prompted.
16. Click Continue. Six recovery codes should now be displayed on-screen.
17. Securely store the recovery codes for future reference. If you have issues accessing the app, these six codes can be used to access your account.

Some major changes lay ahead for Rainbow Six Siege, its popularity grows across all available platforms. In the meantime, make sure to check out our breakdown of what's coming next in Year 3, Season 3.

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Task View is a powerful system that provides an easy way to switch between running apps, work with virtual desktops, and resume Timeline activities, and in this guide, you'll learn how to use them.

Windows 10's Task View is a system that provides an experience to work more efficiently with multiple apps. with it you can quickly jump between open applications and spread projects onto separate desktops to stay focus on a particular task.

Additionally, starting with the April 2018 Update, Task View also introduces Timeline, which works like a time machine allowing you to resume activities that you're working in the past on the same or different PC using a Microsoft account.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to get started with Task View to improve your multitasking experience when working with multiple apps and projects.

How to get started with Task View

Task View was originally designed to make it easier to see and switch quickly between running applications. However, the feature has been evolving ever since it was first introduced, and now, you can also resume activities you were working in the past, as well as use virtual desktops to organize related tasks.

Here's everything you need to know to multitask more efficiently on Windows 10's Task View.

• Using task switcher
• Using virtual desktops
• Using Timeline

Using task switcher

Task View primary function is to provide an experience to quickly switch between running applications.

Accessing Task View

On Windows 10 there are at least two ways to access the experience. You can click the Task View button in the taskbar, and you can use the Windows key + Tab keyboard shortcut.

Quick Tip: If you don't see the button, right-click the taskbar, and select the Show Task View button option.

Working with Task View

Inside Task View, your running applications will be listed in the middle of the screen, which you can click to switch to a particular app quickly.

You can also right-click an app to access its context menu to perform some common tasks, including the ability to snap the app to the left or right of the screen, move it to a different virtual desktop or show windows across desktops, and an option to quickly close the application.

Windows key + Tab vs. Alt + Tab

Since the addition of virtual desktops, there's a slight difference between the Windows key + Tab and Alt + Tab keyboard shortcuts. While both shortcuts access a list of your running applications, the Windows key + Tab only shows the applications running on a particular desktop. It also exposes an interface that includes the controls to manage virtual desktops, and a list of all your Timeline activities.

Windows key + Tab (left), Alt + Tab (right)

On the other hand, when using the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut, you're accessing a list of all your running applications no matter in which virtual desktop they're running. In addition, you can keep pressing the shortcut to cycle through apps, and when you land on a particular app, it'll take you to that application on the desktop that's running.

Using virtual desktops

Virtual desktops is an easy-to-use feature in Task View designed to help you organize related activities into groups.

Using this feature, you can create multiple environments that each can run different apps keeping your focus on a particular project. Typically, this feature comes in handy to keep work tasks separate from your personal tasks, or when multitasking between different activities, and you don't have a multi-monitor setup.

Accessing virtual desktops

To access the experience, click the Task view button in the taskbar or use the Windows key + Tab keyboard shortcut.

While in Task View, virtual desktops will appear a the top of the experience.

If you're using multiple desktops, a preview will appear for each virtual desktop, which you can hover with the mouse to get a quick pick of the apps running in a particular virtual environment.

Working with virtual desktops

On Windows 10, you can create as many desktops as you need, the only thing you need to do to start is to click the New desktop button.

You can also use the Windows key + Ctrl + D keyboard shortcut to create a new desktop even faster.

If you want to remove a desktop, simply open Task View, and click the Close (X) button in the top-right corner of the virtual desktop. (Any running application will automatically move over to your primary desktop.)

Swithching between desktops, just click the thumbnail of the virtual environment you want to use.

It's also possible to move quickly between desktops using the Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Windows key + Ctrl + Right keyboard shortcuts.

If you need to move apps between virtual environments, right-click the app, and select Move to, and pick the desktop you want to move the app.

Alternatively, you can drag and drop a running application to the virtual desktop you want. You can even drop the app into the plus (+) button, in which case, it'll create a new virtual desktop with the app.

Although virtual desktops is a feature to separate activities into groups, sometimes, you need a particular app to be available on all desktops.

If you need to show an app or a window on all desktops, while in Task View, right-click the app, and select one of two options:

• Show this window on all desktops.

• Show windows from this app on all desktops.

Virtual desktops settings

While virtual desktops is a simple feature, using the Settings app, you can customize a few options to get the most out of the experience.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.

3. Click on Multitasking.

Under the "Virtual desktops" section, you'll notice two drop-down menus that allow you to decide whether the taskbar and pressing the "Alt + Tab" keyboard shortcut should include the open windows only on the virtual desktop that they're on, or on all desktops.

Using Timeline

Timeline is a feature that leverages the Microsoft's cloud infrastructure allowing you to pick up activities you're working in the past within the Task View experience.

Activities can include articles you're reading in Microsoft Edge, an Office document, or task from an app that you started on your computer, or from another device connected with the same Microsoft account, including on your Android or iOS device.

Accessing Timeline

To access Timeline, click the Task view button in the taskbar or use the Windows key + Tab keyboard shortcut.

While in Task View, Timeline will appear a the bottom of the screen.

Working with Timeline

The experience organizes your previous activities using deep-links to a specific piece of content within an app to make it easier to pick up right where you left off.

Items are group by date, and each day offers two rows of activities, but the number of items will mostly depend on the size of your screen real estate.

To resume a task, click the item from the list. If the activity you want to resume isn't listed, you can click the See all button to access a full day of activities.

In the page, the scrollbar on the right helps you to dig through the items. Also, you can use the search button on the top-right to quickly find a particular activity using keywords.

If you need to delete activities, you can always right-click an item and select the Remove option. Or you can also select the Clear all from option to remove all the activities for a particular day.

As a result of Timeline being a feature that works across devices, in order to differentiate activities originated from another device, you'll notice that activities will include the name of the computer that started the task.

Customizing Timeline

Using the Settings app is possible to enable, disable, and customize various aspects and functionalities of Timeline.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy.

3. Click on Activity history.

Under the "Activity history" section, you'll find two options:

• Let Windows collect my activities from this PC: This option is enabled by default, and you must keep it enabled for Timeline to work.
• Let Windows sync my activities from this PC to the cloud: This option is disabled by default, and you must turn it on in order to access up to 30 days of activities, and tasks from other devices. Otherwise, Windows 10 will only collect four days worth of activities.

On Task View, Timeline lists the activities from all your Microsoft accounts connected to your device. If you use multiple accounts, under Show activities from accounts section, you can decide which activities to show.

While disabling all accounts from showing activities will disable Timeline in Task View, unless you clear the Let Windows collect my activities from this PC and Let Windows sync my activities from this PC to the cloud options, Windows 10 will continue to collect and share your activities to your other devices.

You can learn even more about Timeline in this guide.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

These are the improvements included in Windows 10 build 17713 and build 17711.

Windows 10 build 17713 is now rolling out for testers with devices enrolled in the Fast ring. This is the nineteenth preview that Microsoft is making available in the Windows Insider Program, and it delivers several smaller features and improvements that users are expected to receive with the Redstone 5 update later in 2018.

In this new flight, Microsoft Edge is introducing various changes, including per-site media autoplay controls, a built-in dictionary, and PDF reader improvements. Notepad is getting updated with a number of tweaks, and Microsoft is also introducing new features aimed for organizations.

Along with build 17713, the software giant also recently made available Windows 10 build 17711 with some changes on Microsoft Edge, Fluent Design tweaks, new settings, and Registry Editor improvements.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll highlight the latest improvements and new features expected to be included with the Redstone 5 update release.

Windows 10 Redstone 5 latest changes

Here are the most worthy improvements that Microsoft has been working on the last two Windows 10 Insider Preview builds:

Task View

Starting with Windows 10 build 17711, Task View isn't getting new features, but the experience no longer includes the Acrylic background effect. Instead, the settings have been reverted, and now you'll once again see the desktop background.

File Explorer

Alongside the numerous tweaks that File Explorer has been getting during this development, with build 17711, the Share tab now includes updated Remove access and Advanced security icons.

Settings

The Settings app is receiving an update with build 17711, but not as significant as in previous builds.

Display

On Settings> System> Display, you'll now find a new "Windows HD Color settings" option under the "Brightness and color" section since build 17711.

This new option access a new page with settings for devices that can display high dynamic range (HDR) content, including videos, games, photos, and apps.

In this page, you can view and adjust settings per-display using the drop-down menu. Also, depending on the capabilities of the display, you'll be able to see the features you can configure.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is receiving a number of important changes in the last two previews. Starting with build 17713, the default web browser for Windows 10 introduces new settings to control whether media can play automatically per-site. (Previously, you're only able to configure these settings globally in the browser settings.)

When you click the lock icon at the beginning of the address bar, the new settings will be available under "Web permissions," just click the Media autoplay settings option, and refresh the page to change the settings.

Dictionary

The browser now includes a built-in dictionary to look up word definitions while using Reading View, reading a book, and viewing PDF documents. Just select the word and see the definition pop-up.

You can click the microphone icon to read the word aloud to hear the correct pronunciation or click the more option to learn additional details about the word.

In the "General" settings, you can enable or disable this feature, and you can even choose in which type of content the dictionary should be available.

PDF reader

If you use Microsoft Edge as your default PDF reader, you're now getting an updated toolbar that shows text descriptions for each button and adds new options like "Add notes" to make features more discoverable. Also, there's a new pin button to pin the toolbar at the top of the document to make it easier to work with PDFs.

In addition, you can now invoke the toolbar by moving the mouse cursor close to the top of the document.

According to the company, this update also includes rendering performance fixes to improve the page navigation experience.

Reading view

Since Windows 10 build 17711, clicking the open book button on a website opens Reading View, which is a feature that removes the page clutter for a distraction-free reading experience. Starting with build 17711, the "learning tools" is getting several improvements, including additional themes to select the color that is best for your eyes in the "Text options" section.

Also, in the "grammar tools," the "Parts of speech" feature now allows you to change the color when highlighting nouns, verbs, adjectives. You can even show labels to make it easier to identify the part of speech.

In the "Reading preferences" section, you'll find the "Line focus" feature that is a feature to help focus while reading highlighting up to five lines of text.

Microsoft is also making some tweaks on Edge with a new consent box for saving data with the autofill feature to make it more discoverable and easier to understand.

Image source: Microsoft

Notepad

In the Redstone 5 development, the company is updating Notepad as we have never seen in years. Starting with build 17713, the note-taking app now includes a number of highly requested features.

For example, when using the Find feature, you'll notice a new option to do a wrap-around find and replace. The app will now remember values that you've previously entered, and the checkboxes selections will be preserved the next time you open the Find dialog.

Also, selecting some text and opening Find will now populate the text selection in the search field.

You can now zoom in and out using Notepad. The option is available in the "View" menu, but you can also use the Ctrl + Plus, Ctrl + Minus and Ctrl + Mouse Wheel keyboard shortcuts to zoom in and out, and using the Ctrl + 0 keyboard shortcut will reset the zoom level.

When using the word-wrap option, Notepad now supports the ability to display line and column numbers.

Alongside the new changes, Notepad also ships with performance improvements when opening large text files, and adds the Ctrl + Backspace keyboard shortcut to delete the previous word.

Registry

Windows 10 build 17711 also delivers a few tweaks for the Registry Editor. For instance, as you type a path in the address bar, you'll now see a drop-down with suggestions to help you complete the path faster.

Also, you can now use the Ctrl + Backspace keyboard shortcut to delete the last word you typed, while the Ctrl + Delete keyboard shortcut will remove the next word.

Windows Ink

In build 17713, the Windows 10 embedded handwriting panel is now the new default experience when entering text using a stylus on Microsoft Store apps.

Image source: Microsoft

This panel is not available for classic desktop apps, but you can still open the full handwriting experience to enter text.

Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG)

Windows Defender Application Guard is a nifty feature on Windows 10 that sandboxes web pages on Microsoft Edge to provide an extra layer of security to prevent malware and zero-day attacks from infecting your machine.

On build 17713, Windows 10 brings the experience to the Windows Security app allowing you to install and configure the feature without complicated workarounds.

If you're using an organization-managed device, you'll now be able to check the settings that have been configured by your network administrator.

You'll find the settings on Windows Security> App & browser control, under "Isolated browsing." In this section, you can click the Install Windows Defender Application Guard option and restart your computer.

Image source: Microsoft

Then click the Change Application Guard settings option to check or configure the security feature.

Image source: Microsoft

These new settings will only appear on devices that meet the system requirements.

Additional improvements

In addition to all the features and changes, build 17713 and build 17711 also deliver a number of additional improvements.

As part of the gradual rollout of Fluent Design, starting with Windows 10 build 17711, you'll notice a new depth effect using shadows across many of the pop-up type controls.

Windows 10 for administrators

Windows 10 build 17713 even delivers a few new features specifically for network administrators.

Remote desktop

If you work on an Azure Active Directory or classic Active Directory environment, you can now authenticate on a remote desktop session using biometric technology with Windows Hello for Business. (This feature doesn't support PIN passwords.)

Image source: Microsoft

The feature detects that you signed into your account using Windows Hello for Business, and as a result, when starting a remote session, you'll be offered to use Windows Hello to start the session automatically.

Web sign-in

Starting with build 17713, organizations can now use "Web Sign-in," which is a new way to sign into your device. This feature enables Windows login support for non-ADFS federated providers.

Image source: Microsoft

Fast sign-in

In workplaces with devices using shared PC mode, you can use "Fast sign-in," which offers a faster way to access a shared or guest computer.

Wrapping things up

While build 17713 isn't as massive as previous builds, it's significant as this release marks the first rollout that comes from the RS5_RELEASE branch, instead of the RS_PRERELEASE branch, which indicates that Microsoft is getting close to begin finalizing the feature set planned for the Redstone 5 update. Also, this means that soon we'll start seeing previews for the spring 2019 update.

As usual, if you're planning to test this flight, consider only installing it on a secondary system or virtual machine as the Redstone 5 update still under development, and you may encounter problems, errors, and data loss might happen. Alternatively, you should at least create a full backup of your primary machine before installing the latest pre-release, just in case that you need to rollback to the previous version.

What are your thoughts on how the update is progressing? Tell us in the comments.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Minecraft players on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch can unite at last – here's what you need to know.

Last year Microsoft rolled out the Minecraft Better Together update – one of its most substantial yet with a reworked engine, cross-platform multiplayer, and the Minecraft Marketplace. Minecraft's Nintendo Switch version just saw the update one year late, bringing long-awaited unification between several platforms. This allows Xbox One and Nintendo Switch players can play together too, joining a growing library pushing cross-play between the duo.

Continue for a breakdown on using cross-play between Xbox One and Nintendo Switch versions of Minecraft.

See Minecraft for Xbox One at AmazonSee Minecraft for Switch at Amazon

Setting up Minecraft cross-play for Xbox One

Preparing cross-play on Xbox One is straightforward, thanks to relaxed content restrictions over other platforms. And with direct Xbox Live integration on the console, you'll be ready to go after installing the game. Xbox One users should ensure "Minecraft" is used, rather than the incompatible "Minecraft: Xbox One Edition."

1. Open the Microsoft Store on Xbox One.
2. Select the Search title.
3. Type Minecraft.
4. Select Minecraft from the available titles.
5. Download Minecraft. This will be a free download for existing Minecraft: Xbox One Edition owners. For new buyers, the game is priced at $19.99.
6. Open Minecraft.

After completing the above steps, your Xbox One is primed for Minecraft cross-play with other systems.

Setting up Minecraft cross-play for Nintendo Switch

Cross-play on Nintendo Switch brings a few additional hurdles to overcome, due to limitations of the console. Without native Xbox Live integration, you'll need to sign into a Microsoft account. Furthermore, the lack of an integrated browser means you'll need help from a mobile or PC. Like the Xbox version, Nintendo Switch users should ensure "Minecraft" is installed, rather than the incompatible "Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition."

1. Open the Nintendo eShop.
2. Navigate to the Search tab.
3. Search for Minecraft.
4. Select Minecraft from the available titles.

5. Download Minecraft. This will be a free download for existing Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition owners. For new buyers, the game is priced at $29.99.

6. Open Minecraft.
7. Select Sign In For Free when prompted to sign into your Microsoft account.

8. Navigate to https://aka.ms/remoteconnect on your PC or mobile.

9. Enter the unique code displayed on-screen.
10. Sign into your Microsoft account. A confirmation screen will be displayed. Your Xbox Live profile will appear on your Nintendo Switch shortly after.
11. Select Let's Play to complete the process.

Minecraft is now linked to Xbox Live and ready for cross-play with other systems.

How to create Minecraft cross-play games

The process to create cross-play sessions is the same as any other Minecraft multiplayer game – set up your world and you're ready to go. For those with an existing Minecraft Realm from other platforms, these steps can be ignored.

1. Select Play from the main menu.
2. Choose Create New under the Worlds tab.
3. Select Create New World to start a fresh game.
4. Navigate to the Multiplayer subsection.
5. Check multiplayer is enabled.
6. Select Create once you're ready to play

Your Minecraft world will now start and be open to other players.

How to join Minecraft cross-play games

Using Minecraft's Friends tab is a quick way to see active games and join sessions. Navigating to this section will breakdown which online games are joinable across compatible platforms.

1. Select Play from the main menu.
2. Press RB to access to Friends tab on Xbox One. Press R to access to Friends tab on Nintendo Switch.
3. Select an active game to join.

On Xbox One, games will be split between joinable friends and joinable Realms. On Nintendo Switch, games are sorted by Nintendo Switch friends, Xbox Live cross-platform friends, and joinable Realms.

Over to you

If you're yet to jump into the world of Minecraft, make sure to check out our ultimate guide for a full breakdown of mechanics. The game is available on both Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, priced at $19.99 and $29.99 respectively.

Do you plan to use cross-platform play? Let us know in the comments.

See Minecraft for Xbox One at AmazonSee Minecraft for Switch at Amazon

Microsoft uses "Alcantara" fabric to add a premium look and feel to some of its products.

Namely, the Surface Laptop, the Signature Type Cover and the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard all feature Alcantara. We recently looked at just how durable these pricey extras can be. But how do you clean Alcantara to ensure it lasts as long as possible?

It's not as difficult as you might assume. Microsoft recommends the following when cleaning its Type Cover Keyboards:

To clean the keyboard, wipe with a lint-free cloth dampened in mild soap and water. Don't apply liquids directly to your Surface. Do this often to keep your Touch Cover or Type Cover looking great.

Related: What the heck IS Alcantara anyway?

General cleaning tips for Alcantara

Here's what you'll need:

• Lint-free cloth.
• Mild liquid soap.
• Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner.
• Compressed gas.
• Pure ethyl alcohol — You can find this at your local drug store.

First, you're going to want to use some compressed gas or cloth to get rid of any dirt and particles that may have collected on or underneath the keys, as well as the surface and on all sides. Once this has been completed, it'll be easier to analyze just how much cleaning you'll need to do to remove tough marks or oil stains from daily use. Here's a list of next steps:

1. Pour some warm water into a bowl.
2. Add the mild liquid soap.
3. Dampen a lint-free cloth into the mixture.
4. Rinse and gently wipe down the Keyboard/Type Cover.
5. Repeat until clean.

If stains and marks remain after a few runs with the cloth, it may be time to apply some Alcantara cleaner, which should get rid of these unwanted blemishes. We recommend giving a keyboard or Type Cover a cleaning once a week (depending on use) to prevent build-up.

How to clean specific substances from Alcantara

The official Alcantara website details how you can remove specific stains or spillages:

• Fruit juice, jam, jelly, syrup or ketchup— Lukewarm water; rinse by dabbing with clean water.
• Blood, egg, excrement or urine— Cold water; avoid warm water because it makes these substances coagulate, rinse by dabbing with clean water.
• Liquors, alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, coke or tea— Lukewarm water; if the color mark remains, treat with lemon juice and then rinse it well.
• Indelible pencil, cocoa, chocolate, pastry with cream or chocolate, ice-cream, or mustard— Lukewarm water; rinse by dabbing with clean water.
• Vinegar, hair gel, tomato sauce or coffee with sugar— Lemon juice and then wipe with lukewarm water; rinse by dabbing with clean water.

How about you?

Do you own a Microsoft Keyboard or Type Cover with Alcantara? Let us know in the comments how you clean your products and what your experiences have been.

Updated on July 13, 2018: This guide has been updated so you have everything you need to keep your Alcantara products clean.

You can transfer a Windows 10 license to a new machine, and in this guide, we'll show you how to do it.

While in most scenarios, transferring a Windows 10 license (product key) to another device isn't something that regular users need to do, there are many situations when such process may come in handy.

Usually, transferring the product key could be a good way to save money if you're building a new computer, and you're planning to retire your previous system. You need to move the license to another virtual machine. You're about to sell your computer, but you want to keep the license. Or you're working with a macOS device, and you want to work with Windows 10 using Boot Camp, but you don't want to pay again for another copy.

Although moving a license to a new machine can be a straightforward process, you might be able to do this only depending on how Windows 10 was originally obtained.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through one of the ways in which you can transfer a license to a new computer.

• How to tell if a Windows 10 product key is transferable
• How to transfer a Windows 10 product key to a new PC

How to tell if a Windows 10 product key is transferable

If you have purchased a retail copy of Windows 10, then you're entitled to transfer the license to another device multiple times. The same is true when upgrading a retail copy of Windows 8.x or Windows 7 to Windows 10, and you want to move the product key to another device.

Generally speaking, you can transfer a retail license as many times as you need, but depending on the scenario, and the number of times you transferred a product key, you may start getting an activation error. When this happens, you'll need to contact Microsoft to explain the situation and fully activate.

On the other hand, when purchasing a new computer with Windows 10 pre-installed, you're getting an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) license. This means that you're not allowed to transfer the product key to another device (under the Microsoft rules). The same will be true when upgrading a device that came with Windows 8.x or Windows 7 pre-installed, because these are OEM licenses, after upgrading to Windows 10, the machine will inherit the OEM rights.

If you have an OEM license, you'll need to purchase a device that comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, or purchase a retail copy of Windows 10.

How to transfer a Windows 10 product key to a new PC

If you have a computer with a retail version of Windows 10, you can transfer the product key to a new computer using these steps.

Uninstalling license using Command Prompt

To uninstall the product key from a device, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.

3. Type the following command to uninstall the product key and press Enter:

   slmgr /upk

   Quick Tip: If you don't see the "Uninstalled product key successfully" message, try to run the command multiple times until you see the message.

Once you've completed the steps, you can safely use the product key on the new computer. However, this method won't remove the link between your copy of Windows 10 and your device stored in the Microsoft servers. This process will prevent the activation mechanism from detecting that the same product key is in use on more than one computer.

If you're switching to a new computer because your other device no longer works, you don't need to use the steps outlined above.

Installing Windows 10 product key using Command Prompt

On the new device with a fresh installation of Windows 10 without a license, use these steps to install the new product key:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.

3. Type the following command to install the product key on the new device and press Enter:

   slmgr /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

   In the command, make sure to change "xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx" with the product key you want to activate Windows 10.

4. Type the following command to verify the activation and press Enter:

   slmgr /dlv

If under "License Status," the status reads "Licensed," then Windows 10 is fully activated.

Manual activation process

If the message doesn't read "Licensed," then it didn't activate correctly, and you'll need to contact Microsoft support to activate using these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.

3. Type the following command to re-activate the copy of Windows 10 and press Enter:

   slui 4

4. In the activate wizard, select your region.

5. Click the Next button.
6. Using the toll-free number, call Microsoft support line, and provide the installation ID number.

7. Click the Enter confirmation ID button.

8. Type the confirmation ID provided by the Microsoft support agent to activate your copy again.

9. Click the Activate Windows button as directed on the screen.

After completing the steps, Windows 10 should be activated on the new computer.

When transferring a product key to a new device, bear in mind that you can only activate the same edition of Windows 10. For instance, if you uninstall a Windows 10 Home product key, you can only activate another computer running the Home edition.

In this guide, we're focusing on the consumer channel, but it worth noting that Microsoft distributes licenses through a number of channels, which may include different licensing rules.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

You don't need a smartphone phone to use the Amazon Echo. Windows 10 is also Alexa's friend!

The Amazon Echo is not a smart home product that is reliant on a mobile device to operate. Once set up, the Echo is entirely voice activated and it's very good at it. You simply use the app to pair it to your WiFi, adjust settings and add or remove skills.

OK, so there's a good amount of interaction through an app, but you don't need the app to make it do things throughout the day. And the best thing of all is that Amazon has a web app for Alexa that does everything the Android and iOS apps do. So you can use an Echo with Windows 10.

Which Amazon Echo should you get?

Amazon now has a whole range of Echo products to choose from: The Echo Dot, Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Tap, Echo Show and Echo Spot.

The first big difference between them is the price. The Echo Dot is $50, the 2nd generation Echo is $100 and the Echo Plus is $150. The Spot is $129 and Show is $229, with these two also having a display (Show has a big rectangular screen, Spot's is little and round), not just audio-based features. The Tap is the red-headed stepchild — a $130 portable Alexa-enabled speaker, not one that's dedicated for use in the home.

The Echo Plus tops the range of the speakers because it's also a built-in smart home hub, and it's basically the same form factor as the original Echo. The new 2nd generation Amazon Echo is smaller, has fabric finishes in its lineup and has improved sound powered by Dolby.

The Echo Dot hasn't been refreshed as yet, but for $50 you get all the same Alexa features as the other two in a teeny tiny package. It's not so hot as a speaker for playing music, but you can get a pair for the price of one Echo. Or if you'd prefer one for the kids' room, the Kids Edition is available for $80 with a neat case and an included year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited.

If you're looking for an extended Echo experience, the Show and Spot have built-in displays that can show you the time, weather, make video calls and take advantage of skills like the Ring Doorbell. You can answer the door and check your cameras using the Echo Show and the Echo Spot.

See at Amazon

Setting up an Amazon Echo with Windows 10

Before you get too excited there are a couple of caveats, the first is that you'll have to set it up through your desktop browser. Unless you're a weird outlier like me and using a smaller browser like Opera, you'll probably be supported — if your browser's not, Edge will work just fine.

Setting up using your browser is fairly straightforward:

1. Go to https://alexa.amazon.com in your browser.
2. If you're not already logged in, hit log in.
3. Plug in and turn on your Echo.
4. Wait for the Echo's ring light to turn orange. The Echo should appear in the Alexa web app, as it's was automatically attached to your Amazon account when you ordered.
5. Hold down the action button on the Echo for 5 seconds.
6. In the web app, click on settings.
7. Select set up new device.
8. Choose the type of Echo you have.
9. Select your Wi-Fi network in the web app.
10. Click connect

After a few seconds, your Echo will set up and you can begin talking to it!

What you get inside the Alexa web app is a very simple to use layout to manage all your key Amazon Echo features. If you're using an Echo it's mostly a given you're also a Prime subscriber, and this will be your default music service. In the UK, Echo has support also for Spotify Premium, but that's it.

Amazon now has Music Unlimited, which has a special, lower-cost Echo only subscription that opens up more music for about $5 a month. To enable it, just ask Alexa to start your Music Unlimited trial.

All this in regular use without touching a phone — just say "Alexa…" and issue your command or ask your question. You can use the web app to keep a visual track on such items as your reminders and shopping lists, alarms, playlist history and even what Alexa has been asked. But none of this is necessary to just use the Echo, it's all value added. And you can look at it all in the browser on your PC or tablet.

So, an Amazon Echo might be mildly less convenient to set up for those of us who don't carry an iPhone or Android phone regularly. But set up is about the only real hiccup, after that, it does all the other Echo things. If you've held off because you think you can't use it because you prefer Windows, you need not. This tubular speaker with benefits is a wonderful product and I'm enjoying using one a great deal.

Now, Alexa, play some Iron Maiden.

Check out Android Central's full Amazon Echo review

Alexa on Windows 10 PCs

Announced at CES 2018, Amazon is bringing Alexa to Windows 10 PCs in partnership initially with companies like ASUS, Acer, and HP. While not specifically for interacting with an Echo, it does provide another outlet to handle Alexa, requests and skills on your PC.

In practice, you'll still have the very best experience with Alexa on an Amazon Echo. And, of course, a PC, even a laptop, isn't as convenient as a small speaker in any room in your home.

But, it expands the reach and makes Alexa even more convenient to integrate with your life, and your home. It's a little rough right now, but it's a start/

See at Amazon

Updated July 13, 2018: Added our hands-on video so you can see Alexa on Windows 10 first hand!

Stand your ground in the wasteland with Fallout 76's weapons, crafting, and upgrades.

Fallout 76 is an ambitious new direction for Bethesda's role-playing franchise, evolving the formula for a new shared-world multiplayer experience. While the harsh wasteland was never been forgiving, real-world players add a new level of unpredictability to the emergent gameplay. No matter your role, when you're facing hostile players there's only one way to survive.

Fallout 76 appears to stow a lot of weapons, building on an extensive arsenal established in prior games. Here we explain its weapon systems, how crafting and mods work, and confirmed weapons so far.

See at AmazonSee at Microsoft

How weapons have changed in Fallout 76

As with previous series entries, Fallout 76 will require players to work for new weapons, equipment, and other loot. An expansive assortment of weapons will be laced throughout the world, with both returning icons and fresh newcomers. Ammunition for weapons must also be found or crafted, in accordance with the caliber/type required by the weapon.

Each Fallout 76 firearm is rated using six visible attributes – damage, fire rate, range, accuracy, weight, and value. Numerous hidden statistics are also in play, such as critical shot damage and armor penetration. These statistics determine each weapon's capabilities and make it easier to situationally tailor your loadout. Bethesda has also confirmed legendary weapons are also set to make a return in select locations, packing high-value modifiers with several tiers.

Fallout 76 will also embrace the weapon progression of its single-player predecessors, through crafting and finding armaments in the wasteland. Deep weapon crafting and modification systems in Fallout 4 are expected to see a revival, aside from minor tweaks for its multiplayer focus. Weapon degradation from previous games also returns, so you'll need to track item condition over time.

Fallout 76 weapon crafting and mods

Although Bethesda is yet to detail Fallout 76's weapon crafting systems, many newly announced additions likely tie into existing Fallout 4 features. The new Construction and Assembly Mobile Platform (C.A.M.P.) can be used to build and craft anywhere, though gameplay already confirms the return of dedicated workstations. Weapon Forges and Ammunition Plants can both be placed in settlements and aid in the production and maintenance of gear.

Survivors will be able to craft new weapons like usual, in exchange for raw materials. Weapon upgrades can also be crafted, unlocking access to new sights, barrels, stocks, magazines and other equipable enhancements.

Fallout 76 confirmed weapons list

While Bethesda is seemingly leaving most of Fallout 76 to be discovered, there's still ample information hidden in the reveal. Weapons spanning various categories have already been spotted, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and much more. We can already confirm specific returning fan-favorite weapons too, such as the Fat Man, Pipe Gun, and Laser Rifle.

For a full breakdown of every Fallout 76 weapon confirmed so far, be sure to check our comprehensive list.

Fallout 76 complete weapons list (so far)

Gear up for battle

Let us know your thoughts on Fallout 76's weapon systems in the comments below. In the meantime, Fallout 76 is now available for preorder starting at $59.99, ahead of its expected November 14 release for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PCs.

See at AmazonSee at Microsoft

You can adjust various settings of the Recycle Bin on Windows 10, and in this guide, we'll show you how to do it.

On Windows 10, the Recycle Bin is a great feature designed to store deleted files, instead of erasing them immediately from the hard drive. If you ever need them back, you can use this feature to restore one or multiple files as necessary.

The only caveat is that Recycle Bin won't keep all your deleted files indefinitely. Depending on the size of the partition, only five to fifteen percent of space is reserved to store deletions. As space fills up, Windows 10 will start erasing the oldest files to make room to accommodate new deletions, reducing the number of files you can recover.

However, you can adjust the settings to change the maximum storage size to increase the number of files you can restore, remove files bypassing the Recycle Bin, and even add a confirmation dialog to prevent accidental deletions.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to manage the Recycle Bin settings to change the maximum hard drive space that can be used to store deleted files. Also, we'll show you the steps to remove files immediately after they're deleted, and the instructions to enable the confirmation dialog to prevent accidental deletions.

• How to adjust storage usage for Recycle Bin
• How to delete files immediately bypassing Recycle Bin
• How to display confirmation before deleting files on Windows 10

How to adjust the maximum storage usage for Recycle Bin

If you want to increase or decrease the amount of storage Recycle Bin can use to keep deleted files, use these steps:

1. Use the Windows + D keyboard shortcut to view the desktop.

2. Right-click the Recycle Bin icon, and select the Properties option.

   Quick Tip: If you can't find the icon in the desktop, you can control the desktop icons on Settings> Personalization> Themes, and clicking the Desktop icon settings option under the "Related Settings" section.

3. If you have multiple partitions you want to configure, select the Recycle Bin location you want to configure. For example, Local Disk (C:), which is the drive where Windows 10 is installed.
4. Under the "Settings for selected location" section, select Custom size option.

5. In the "Maximum size (MB)" field, specify the maximum hard drive space in megabyte that Recycle Bin can use on the particular partition. For example, if you have a 500GB drive, and you want Recycle Bin to use 50GB of space, then you need to specify 51200 megabytes (because 1GB is equal to 1,024MB).

6. Click the Apply button.
7. Click the OK Button.

Once you've completed the steps, the Recycle Bin will be able to keep more or fewer files from a particular location depending on your configuration.

While each partition configured on your device has its own Recycle Bin, removable drives like SD cards and USB flash drives are not supported, which means that as you delete files on those portable devices, they'll be erased permanently.

How to delete files immediately bypassing Recycle Bin

If you work with files that are not important, instead of saving them in the Recycle Bin, you can set an option to remove files immediately using these steps.

1. Use the Windows + D keyboard shortcut to view the desktop.

2. Right-click the Recycle Bin icon, and select the Properties option.

3. If you have multiple hard drives, choose the Recycle Bin location that you want to configure.

4. Under the "Settings for selected location" section, select the Don't move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted option.

5. Click the Apply button.
6. Click the OK Button.

After completing the steps, files you don't need anymore will delete immediately skipping the Recycle Bin.

How to display confirmation before deleting files on Windows 10

If you're one of those users who usually push the delete button on files by accident, even though, you can always restore them from the Recycle Bin. It's possible to display a confirmation dialog before deletion.

To enable a confirmation dialog before moving a file to the Recycle Bin, do the following:

1. Use the Windows + D keyboard shortcut to view the desktop.

2. Right-click the Recycle Bin icon, and select the Properties option.

3. Check the Display delete confirmation dialog option.

4. Click the Apply button.
5. Click the OK button.

Once you've completed the steps, every time you try to delete a file, you'll get a confirmation dialog before sending the file to the Recycle Bin.

We're focusing this guide on Windows 10, but these Recycle Bin settings have been available in the OS for a long time, which means that you can use the same instructions on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

You might find yourself needing more storage space on your Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. Fortunately, it's easy to add some.

Lenovo ships premium storage with the sixth generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon– usually the Samsung PM961 or PM971 – but for those who need to add more storage you can easily change it yourself. In fact, you could order the X1 Carbon with a lower amount of storage, buy your own larger (and faster SSD) and save some money by doing it yourself.

While the physical swap of the SSD is one of the easiest in any premium Ultrabook, it gets tricky if you want to restore an image created with the free Macrium Reflect software.

Here's what you need to know.

X1 Carbon SSD swap: What you need

There are a few things you'll need for this upgrade before we get started:

• A new m.2 SSD.
• A USB 3.0 enclosure for m.2 SSD drives (optional).
• A Philips screwdriver (this is a nice set for this type of work)
• Cloning software.
• A blunt edge such as a pry tool or a credit card.

In this guide, we're going to be going from the stock 256GB SSD up to a new 500GB Samsung 970 EVO.

Samsung offers its own data migration software, or you can use the free Macrium Reflect (our choice).

You also need to backup any important information on your laptop before going any further. If anything goes wrong, you don't want to be without it. Check out our guide on backing up in Windows 10 if you need some help with that.

See 970 EVO at Amazon

Cloning the existing drive

Macrium Reflect free edition clones your SSD to restore to your new one.

Before you take anything apart, you want to have the new SSD set up and ready to roll. As it's a direct replacement and not a secondary drive, you need to do it first, and outside of the laptop.

That's where the USB 3.0 enclosure comes in. This one is relatively inexpensive; it's a box with an m.2 (PCIe)-to-USB interface board. It allows you to connect the new SSD to a laptop via a regular USB 3.0 cable for cloning.

Open the enclosure and fix the unused SSD to the board using the screws provided, and then reassemble. Plug the drive into the ThinkPad X1 Carbon using the included USB 3.0 cable.

Next is the cloning software. The actual steps may vary from software to software, but the overall process should be similar. If you want to see an example using Samsung's SSD and software, check out this guide on doing a similar upgrade on the Dell Inspiron 15 7559 gaming laptop.

You need to choose the source drive and the target drive. Hit the magic button and allow the software to do its thing. In this case, we're going from a smaller to a larger SSD, so you shouldn't encounter any space issues.

Now you should have a brand new SSD drive set up exactly like the old one.

IMPORTANT: If you are using Macrium Reflect 7 (free) you need to switch PE Version during the Rescue Media Wizard portion. Instead of the default Windows PE 10.0 you need to switch to Windows PE 5.0. If you do not, when you go to restore the image the graphics will be at less than full HD, and you won't be able to complete the restore due to graphics incompatibility.

It's now time to grab the screwdriver.

Opening up the ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Where the SSD is found on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon has just five regular Philips head screws on the bottom. They should come off with ease. Simply remove all five screws and set them aside in a safe place as you will need them later. Once they're all removed the bottom of the laptop will come away, but it'll need a little persuasion. Here's where the pry tool or credit card comes in. Slide it into the edges of the laptop and gently press the back cover away until you can lift it off completely. Start from the back of the laptop and gently work forward. You should hear some light snaps, which is normal.

The good news from here is that you don't have to dig too far into the belly of the laptop.

Swap the SSD drives over

A single screw holds the SSD in place.

The current SSD drive will be looking right at you, secured with a single screw. Carefully remove the screw, and the SSD will pop up slightly. Then pull it away from its mounting, holding the outer edges while you do it.

Installing the new one is the reverse of this process. Carefully hold the edges and slot the new SSD into the mounting, gold contacts first. You should have a new screw in the packaging as it is, so go ahead and secure the drive with it once it's in place. You'll know you're OK when you can't see the notches on the new SSD drive anymore.

Optional thermal padding added to the new SSD.

The Samsung 970 EVO (and especially 970 Pro) can get warm. Adding 1.5mm of thermal padding can help dissipate heat. Thermal padding works by transferring heat away from the SSD to the laptop chassis, so you may feel the bottom of the laptop get warmer this way, but it is keeping the SSD itself cooler, which is good for long durations of read and write sessions.

That's all there is to that. While you cannot upgrade the RAM on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, you can swap out the SSD, Wi-Fi card, and add an LTE modem if you have the proper antenna already wired. The battery is also user-replaceable should it deteriorate over the next few years.

Cross fingers and boot up

Look after the existing drive carefully. Don't do anything with it right now and certainly don't think about wiping it just yet. A safe bet is to install it into the housing you used to clone to the new drive.

Because you've cloned the existing drive to the new one, in theory, you should now boot up as normal. Hit the power button on your Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and watch it boot up. If anything did go wrong, you still have the existing drive that you can reinsert to troubleshoot the process.

If you are using Macrium Reflect you will need an extra step. Make sure the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is set to boot to USB in the BIOS (hold F1 key during boot process > Startup > Boot). Boot to the backup drive containing the Macrium Reflect Rescue Media and restore the backup image to the new SSD.

And that's it. With SSDs readily available now in large capacities, you've got a not massively expensive way to increase your internal storage should you need to on your Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon.

See 970 EVO SSD at AmazonSee X1 Carbon at Lenovo

What's the difference between the Samsung PM961 and Samsung 970 EVO? Read speeds increased from 2,800 MB/s to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds almost doubled from 1,345 MB/s to 2,400 MB/s.

Older 250MB Samsung PM961 (left) vs. newer 500GB Samsung 970 Evo.

What to do with that old SSD drive?

Don't throw the old drive away. Once you're booted up and sure everything went well, you can use the USB enclosure you have to format this and leave it empty. From there, keep it inside the enclosure all the time, and you've got a nifty, highly portable SSD drive.

If the existing drive is 256GB or higher, you could also plug it into your Xbox One to expand your game storage. If you need guidance on what to do there, we've got a handy guide for you.

You can now remote install Windows 10 apps from the Microsoft Store on one or multiple devices, and in this guide, we'll show you how to do it.

Although you can access the Microsoft Store on the web, it used to be that you could only install apps through the Microsoft Store app on your PC. To help streamline the installation process, Microsoft is adding a new option to its web version of the Microsoft Store to remotely install apps on your devices, even if you're not in front of them.

Similar to iOS and Android, you can deploy Windows 10 apps remotely to your devices as long as they're connected with the same Microsoft account.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to remote install a Microsoft Store app to one or multiple devices.

How to remote install apps on your Windows 10 devices

If you're planning to install the same application on all your devices, instead of using the Microsoft Store app on every computer, you can use the web version of the Store to remote install the app on all devices. Here's how:

1. Open the Microsoft Store website on your web browser.
2. Search for the app you want to install.

3. Click the menu (•••) button (at the right of the "Install/Open" button), and select the Install on my devices option.

4. Select the devices you want to automatically install the app.

5. Click the Install now button.

6. Click the OK button.

Once you've completed the steps, after a few moments, the app will start installing automatically on the devices you selected.

Microsoft is still testing this feature, and while this method should work across most modern web browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, if you don't see the option, you may want to try a different browser. For instance, in my case, this feature only works when using Chrome.

Even though this feature is currently available on the web, it's likely that the same option will become available in the Microsoft Store app for Windows 10.

What do you think about remote app installs on Windows 10? Tell us in the comments.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Frequently video chat with friends, co-workers, or podcasters? Here are a few tips to help you look like a pro.

Video chatting with friends and co-workers has practically become a way of life in our modern world. I use Skype and FaceTime pretty much daily in my home and work life, and because of that, I've spent a good deal of time trying to perfect my video quality.

Whether you wear pajama bottoms or a dress shirt for a video chat, you shouldn't have to settle for sub-par results: Here are my favorite tips for making your webcam video look better than the rest.

• Film from above, not below
• Light it up
• Create a good backdrop
• Add effects and white balance with iGlasses

Film from above, not below

Whether you're using an iMac, MacBook Pro, third-party webcam, or iPhone, the worst you can do is have your camera below your face, pointed up — human faces do not look great chin-first. In an ideal world, you want your camera positioned slightly above eye-level, looking down at you. Make sure not to position it too high, however: You don't want to look like you're craning to stare into the camera when talking to someone.

Light it up

While the "calling you from a dark cave" look is great if you're trying to cultivate an air of mystery, it's not the best way to chat with your co-workers. If you want to communicate effectively, you want some light on your face. The best way I've found is with ambient lighting behind your computer or webcam — adjustable Hue lights that bounce their light off the wall like a Hue Go, or Nanoleaf Aurora.

If you need to bathe an entire office in light, consider getting a few portable LED lights and tripods: iMore editor-at-large Rene Ritchie uses these to light up his personal studio at home for video shows like MacBreak Weekly.

A word of advice: You never want to point lights directly at your face unless they're from a distance and allowed to diffuse somewhat, and you'll want to make sure you're evenly lighting yourself on both sides, lest you get the opposite of dark cave calling — "I'm in an interrogation room, send help."

Create a good backdrop

If you're routinely chatting from a specific space in your home — especially if these video chats are for work — it may behoove you to declutter your surroundings.

A few things to avoid in the background of video chats:

• Windows and lit lights: Both will create giant highlight spots that can either provide a wacky backlight or just pull focus from your face. To fix, cover your windows with drapes and turn your lights off
• Crazy patterns: They'll pull focus
• Reflective glass in picture frames: I've broken this rule myself, but be careful of putting posters or pictures on a wall that can reflect your studio lights, or use anti-reflective acrylic.
• Garbage and other mess: Especially if you're calling someone for work, make your studio space look professional and ditch the mess

Your tips and suggestions?

Do you have any tips and suggestions for great webcam video? Let me know below.

Originally published February 17, 2017.

New Xbox One Avatars on the way, but here's how you can access them today.

The next major Xbox One update is set to deliver a variety of anticipated features – including the long-awaited arrival of refreshed, player-designed Xbox Avatars. Despite being initially unveiled for a late 2017 debut, Microsoft is finally close to releasing these reworked characters. Rebuilt from the ground up, the new Xbox Avatars tout diversity and inclusivity not seen in previous revisions.

While Microsoft is yet to formally release the new Xbox Avatars to the public, a limited subset of the Xbox Insider Program can now gain access. Here's how to access the redesigned Avatars and what to expect during the beta.

How to use new Xbox One Avatars

With the public release assumedly still some time away, Microsoft is limiting Avatar access to a small portion of the console install base. The refreshed app is currently limited to those in the invite-only Alpha Preview and Skip Ahead rings of the Xbox Insider Program, with a wider rollout expected soon.

For eligible Xbox Insiders, access to new Xbox Avatars can be found through the Xbox Insider Hub. These are the steps to access the new system on your console today:

1. Open the Xbox Insider Hub app on your Xbox One console.
2. Select the Insider content tab.
3. Select the Xbox Avatar Editor preview. (If this option isn't present, Avatars aren't currently available to you.)

4. Select Join. (You can now download the new Xbox Avatars experience.)

5. Press the Xbox button on your Xbox One controller.
6. Select the My games & apps tile.
7. Navigate to the Apps tab.
8. Select Xbox Avatar Editor, and the new Xbox Avatars app will open on your console.

After opening the app, you'll be walked through creating your Avatar using the new system. Tools to finely craft your face, body, and style with further precision than before are all outlined. And even more items are expected to be added closer to the public launch.

Microsoft plans to expand Xbox Avatar availability to more Xbox Insider rings at a later date. Access for Beta, Delta, and Omega rings is likely in the coming weeks, though timeframes are not available.

Xbox Avatars hands-on video offers a glimpse of good things to come

Over to you

Have you had the opportunity to try the new Xbox Avatars system? Drop into the comments section below with your thoughts on the changes and what you'd like to see tweaked before release.

See Xbox One X at Microsoft StoreSee Xbox One X at Amazon

AMD has a number of product families in the desktop processor market, including the popular Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7 and Threadripper. But which one is best for you and your PC?

Intel and AMD now share a similar model-naming scheme. The two main families of processors — Core and Ryzen, respectively — use 3, 5, and 7 to differentiate the CPUs. The lower the number, the less capable the processor usually is. A Ryzen 3 processor won't be able to outpace a Ryzen 7, for example. And just like Intel, AMD keeps everything simple by only using a few model numbers, as well as the "X" suffix.

Everything you need to know about AMD Ryzen

It's all in the numbers

Here's a quick breakdown of the different AMD Ryzen processor brackets:

• Ryzen 3— Quad-core processors.
• Ryzen 5— Quad- and hexa-core processors.
• Ryzen 7— Hexa-core processors.
• Threadripper— 8, 12, and 16-core processors

Within each bracket, the processors are named by model number — the higher the model number the more powerful the CPU. For example, a Ryzen 3 1200 is less powerful than a Ryzen 3 1300X and a Ryzen 5 1400. An X suffix simply means it's a slightly faster version of that model out the factory. So, the Ryzen 7 1800X is stronger than the Ryzen 7 1800. The differences aren't huge and only represent a slight increase in factory-set clock speeds.

Ryzen CPUs that start with the number two are Zen+ processors, released in 2018. And those with a G suffix for graphics include Vega video processing, much like the majority of Intel CPUs. That means you can run a system without a dedicated video card. The Ryzen 5 2400G is one such CPU. All AMD Ryzen CPUs use the same socket AM4.

Picking the right CPU for your PC

Ryzen 3

The Ryzen 3 is designed for budget-friendly PC builds and consumers who don't use their PCs for intensive applications. That said, the processors are all quad-core, sporting four physical cores, and as such, they don't slouch. You'd be able to build a capable gaming rig that can handle even big games.

Ryzen 5

Ryzen 5 is where things get interesting for AMD processors. These CPUs are priced aggressively to take on the popular Intel Core i5 family and are incredible for gaming. These processors are a mix of quad- and hexa-core processors, packing more than enough power for video editing and other intense workloads.

Ryzen 7

Much like the Core i7 Intel processors, the Ryzen 7 family may be overkill for most people, but it allows for advanced computing at a somewhat affordable price point. If you happen to have a capable GPU (I'm talking GTX 1070 and GTX 1080), you may find some benefit in picking up a Ryzen 7 CPU.

Threadripper

You probably won't need a Threadripper (consider it a "Ryzen 9" of sorts) CPU, but it'll be awesome to have one. It's for advanced users only who need to push their systems beyond their limits. I'm talking up to 16 cores and 32 threads.

The choice is yours

Which processor is perfect for your build depends on what you'll need the PC to do, as well as how much money is available. We recently rounded up the best processors for building a PC on different budgets, which is worth checking out for a few helpful points:

Best CPU for your PC

Other than that, the rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can, within reason. It's better to purchase a Ryzen 7 instead of a Ryzen 3 and then have to upgrade sooner, which will cost more in the long run.

Updated on July 19, 2018: We refreshed this guide to include the newer Zen+ processors

L33T PWNZ HO, you got me again… and again

Game modder SKK50 created a mod for Fallout 4 that allows you to experience Fallout 76 before it releases. This will not only remove all of your companions but add griefers and, yes, even random missile launches.

When I realized I had been playing this mod for 4 hours I decided I may have been having the time of my life. It got to a point where I had been defeated by the most ridiculous things over and over that I was laughing at myself while simultaneously raging. Yeah, this mod brings you right to the brink of that insanity and it's so fun.

How it works

After you download this mod a file will appear inside of your MISC inventory labeled "Fallout 4-76 Enable". To activate the mod all you have to do is open it up that Holotape from the Pip-Boy menu. You'll be met with a not so welcome message and a concise rundown of what you will experience.

It even plays the tune of "Country Roads" for you, which I loved. After enabling the mod that Holotape will then turn into configuration settings from your Pip-Boy.

Settings include things like changing the time of griefing spawns or how often Nukes will drop on you. I would ignore the options for taunting, griefer corpses or PlayerUndead. Turning any of these off will dull the experience that you could be having. Normal enemies in Fallout 4 taunt you during battle, so not having them makes things too quiet in my opinion.

You're probably going to experience a couple of glitches. In my video above I came across a live feral that had only its feet sticking out of the ground. After killing him, he did a little shimmy and then sunk into the ground. Rest in peace, little buddy. Since I experience Fallout 4 glitches on just the base parts of the game, I don't fault the modder for them happening. They happen just as frequently as they do without the mod, so there's no reason to shun it.

Turning your NPCs into Feral Ghouls

There are no raiders or angry scavengers in this mod. All of them have been replaced with ferals. But, you have the option to turn off NPCs being replaced by Feral Ghouls. This mod is going to remove NPCs from the game entirely anyway, so the only thing this option will do is make areas a little less lonely and a lot more deadly. With it on every town or settlement will have Ghouls inhabiting the area that you'll need to clear out but you have auto-access to any Workbench you come across.

So, don't let the fact that there are no NPCs scare you if you're looking to do a full run with this game. There are no quests. All doors and mechanics that once required an NPC to unlock are now open from the very beginning. Some of the quest grounds, like the Death Claw spawn that is supposed to be in the beginning, (shown in the video above) are just straight up removed.

Oh, look. It's Diamond City and the Old Church. Whats that? Ghouls instead of Guards or Minute Men? They're not even the "Of the people, for the people," kind. They straight up want to eat your face so make sure you shoot theirs first.

To be perfectly honest I would recommend you keep this selection on. It gives the game that much more of a "fresh apocalypse" feel to it that you're going to experience in Fallout 76 anyway. If you want to mess around with the nukes and the griefers you can turn this option off for easier gameplay.

This mod is the most fun I've had in Fallout in a long time

Even if you're not looking forward to Fallout 76, this mod is still an extraordinary amount of fun. The griefers level with you and that makes the difficulty of this mod work pretty well. If you're starting from the beginning, the griefers come out on "Noob" level difficulty, increasing in rank as you progress. As you see in the picture above being a higher level has you against the L33T enemies.

It's set up this way to give you the real-life feeling of a fresh apocalypse that Fallout 76 will be doing when it launches. Let's face it, at the start of the apocalypse there flat out aren't that many survivors. From the mouths of Bethesda themselves, "It's the apocalypse, not a theme park."

Want to emulate playing an MMO with your friends like you would with Fallout 76? No problem. Just go into the settings and turn your companion mode back on. Then grab your furry friend and try to take on the wastes together. What is a world without Dogmeat anyway?

All around, this is 100% worth the download and has only made me that much more excited for Fallout 76 to release. Did I mention the adorable notifications you get? You can see them in the video above. From "W00t boxes on sale now!" to "You shoot like a Radroach." It was a nice humorous touch I appreciated from the modder.

See for yourself and get ready for Fallout 76

You can find the Fallout 4/76 mod on the Nexus website, and the download instructions are super easy.

1. Download the mod through the manual downloads. You can find the download under the "files" tab on the website.
2. Create a folder on your desktop and label it "Mods."
3. Extract the download file to that folder.
4. Copy the three files inside of the folder.
5. Paste the files into your Fallout 4 Data folder. (Found: ComputerC:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout4\Data)
6. Load into your Fallout 4 game and select "Mods."
7. At the bottom, menu select "Load order."
8. Click the new mod so that it's selected with a check mark.
9. Go back to the main menu, it will reload, and then you can get right to having fun!

Pre-order Fallout 76 on Amazon

Download the Fallout 4/76 mod here!

If you're an Xbox fan looking to upgrade your old 2013 Xbox One, or even an old-school Xbox 360, there are two main console options for you to consider.

The Xbox One S launched in 2016, with all-new 4K capabilities, including UHD Blu-ray and support for 4K media streaming, including Netflix. At the same event, the Xbox One X was announced, built to power 4K media, Blu-ray, and games, wrapped in the smallest Xbox console ever made.

At face value, the primary differences are price and power. The Xbox One S can be purchased for around $249, whereas the Xbox One X clocks in at $499. The Xbox One S is only slightly more powerful than the Xbox One of 2013, outputting games at around 1080p. The Xbox One X is far, far more powerful, outputting games at full 4K with enhanced textures, visuals, and other effects.

Still, there are many other nuances to consider when examining the differences between the two, and we'll go through and work out which might be best for you.

See Xbox One S at AmazonSee Xbox One X at AmazonSee Xbox One S at MicrosoftSee Xbox One X at Microsoft

Xbox One X vs. Xbox One S: Spec showdown

HD vs. UHD

With the Xbox One X being twice as expensive as the Xbox One S, it's fair to expect some massive gains, and it seems like Microsoft has delivered. The Xbox One X packs well over 130 visually enhanced games with more on the way, taking advantage of the console's beastly 6 TF power. By comparison, the Xbox One S only has around 1.2 TF, which often struggles to handle games at a native 1080p resolution. But what does all of this mean?

Resolutions, charted. 4K/UHD in red, 1080p/HD in bright green.

4K is referred to as "UHD" or ultra-high definition, because the images contain many millions of additional pixels (8,294,400 to be precise) vs. standard high-definition (2,073,600). Each pixel represents a single point of colored light, which combines to create the images on-screen. More pixels means sharper images, more detail, and thus, more immersion. Both consoles also support HDR, which allows games to achieve more vivid colors and leverage more realistic light tones and contrasts, producing spectacular effects.

Xbox One @ 1080p (left) | Project Scorpio @ 4K (right).

Even owners of 1080p TVs can get in on the Xbox One X action to some degree.

It's hard to replicate what 4K truly means without viewing the images on a 4K screen, simply because the display doesn't have enough pixels to show the images natively. While it doesn't really do true 4K justice as the images are squashed, you can see in the above slider that the 4K image is far more crisp than the 1080p image. Microsoft used these images to demonstrate the differences between 4K and 1080p on the Xbox One X to developers earlier in the year, showing how resolution bumps could instantaneously enhance visual quality. It isn't all about raw resolution, however, and even owners of 1080p TVs can get in on the Xbox One X action to some degree.

Some games on the Xbox One X enhanced list won't output at native 4K resolution, instead, they will either use checkerboard rendering techniques or use sub-4K resolutions, using compute power to add physical details and improved effects instead (or in addition). Even if they are using UHD resolutions your HD set can't accept, the Xbox One X will use a technique called supersampling to take the 4K image and improve its visual quality at a HD level. You'll also benefit from faster loading speeds, due to the X's upgraded HDD.

Additional features

So, we know that dozens and dozens of games will look significantly better on the Xbox One X, but what about other features?

The first thing to note is that the Xbox One X is slightly smaller than the S. It's not so much smaller that you'll choose based on that fact alone, but it's worth being aware of. Both consoles can also be positioned vertically with an additional vertical stand.

Both the Xbox One X and Xbox One S run incredibly quietly, despite the X's slim form factor. The X comes with advanced cooling features to help with this, which no doubt, in part, has impacted its price point.

Both consoles support HDMI-in for TV pass-through, meaning that you can connect your cable box or TV receiver to your console, and use it to navigate channels and TV schedules. However, using the Xbox One's TV tuner accessory, you could eliminate a separate TV set-top box altogether in some territories. Both consoles also have an IR blaster to communicate with other devices, such as televisions, sound systems, and remote controls.

Neither console has a port tailored specifically for the (now dead) Kinect, sadly, but you can pick up a Kinect USB adapter for that purpose if you still have one. Both the X and the S have the same number of USB ports: two in the back, one in the front.

The Xbox One S was updated with support for 1080p 30 FPS game DVR clip recording, after years of being restricted to 720p. The Xbox One X however supports full 4K 60 FPS video recording options, complete with HDR. With current technology, the best 4K capture devices are either PCI-e based (for desktop PCs) or professional grade-standalone solutions that cost hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars.

Games upgraded for the Xbox One X like Forza Motorsport 7 will be truly stunning at 4K.

Additionally, the Xbox One X will support FreeSync variable refresh rates — Xbox One X enhanced games could offer options for frame rates between the standard 30 and 60 FPS without screen-tearing. This will provide a smooth experience even if developers decide to offer sub-60 FPS frame rates to achieve 4K or other visual enhancements in their games. While support for this sort of display technology isn't yet widespread in combination with 4K and HDR, it should see more adoption in 2019 and beyond.

So, which should you buy?

The real issue here is whether or not you have a 4K television. There are gains to be had by using the Xbox One X with a 1080p set, but they will be nowhere near as pronounced as they would with a 4K display with HDR. I would argue that, unless you're going to get a 4K TV or monitor in the near future, that you should stick with the Xbox One S. However, as time goes by, more and more games have "60 FPS" options that enhance games significantly even on a 1080p TV. It should also be noted that the X has a faster hard drive, which has a big impact on load times.

If you're on the fence about whether or not to join the 4K resolution revolution, it depends what you want from your console experience. If you're the type of console gamer who buys all the latest, biggest games and wants the best visual experience possible, the Xbox One X with a 4K TV is the best option by far this year. If you're a content creator, the Xbox One X will provide you with 4K video clips and screenshots as an added bonus.

However, if you're a little more casual and are more interested in maybe just picking up one or two games per year and playing occasionally in the evenings after a hard day at work, consuming media on the side, the Xbox One S might be a more cost-effective solution. You can always invest in a 4K TV and an Xbox One X later, since all games and all accessories will be fully compatible across both devices. You'll get the 4K upgraded visuals included. 4K panels and the Xbox One X will eventually come down in price.

It all boils down to personal preference, but the Xbox One S is going to be the true bargain console for the remainder of the year. The X will compete for the hardcore audience against Sony's less-powerful PlayStation 4 Pro and even some higher-end gaming PCs.

As someone who has been lucky enough to experience the Xbox One X in 4K with HDR, I frankly never want to see a 1080p, HDR-less game again, especially after playing enhanced games like Wolfenstein II and Assassin's Creed: Origins. But I'm also the kind of guy who has spent his entire working life picking up all the latest games and consoles too. It all depends on how invested you are in the hobby, but 4K is truly something.

See Xbox One S at AmazonSee Xbox One X at AmazonSee Xbox One S at MicrosoftSee Xbox One X at Microsoft

Related reviews

• Xbox One X review
• Xbox One S review

Updated July 17, 2018: We've updated this article to reflect the latest information and prices.

One of the coolest things about Mixer is its ability to allow other viewers to interact with your streams.

However, it can be unclear on exactly how to set up your own interactive buttons. In order to allow your viewers to spend their Mixer "sparks," the site currency, on things like in-stream sounds or GIFs, you need to leverage Mixer's Interactive Studio and SDK. Thankfully, there's a bunch of independently-developed systems to help you use Mixer Interactive, and today, we'll detail how to use the free and open-source Firebot tool to place buttons into your stream.

First, you're going to need to learn how to set up your stream using OBS or XSplit on a Windows PC. This will not work when streaming from Xbox One, because you need to use an .HTML overlay. For more information on how to set up, see the link below.

How to stream on Mixer using OBS or XSplit

How to set up interactive buttons for Mixer streams

First, we're going to get started with Mixer Interactive Studio and set up a button or two for testing.

1. Log in to your Mixer.com account, and then click your avatar in the top-right corner.

2. In the new menu, click the studio button at the bottom.

3. In the Studio section, it should say "You have no Projects yet." Click on Let's create one.
4. Here, you can give your Project a name, a description, and even a logo. Only the name is really required.

5. In the top menu, select Build and you should see the button layout interface.

6. Select the + under the Controls column.
7. Name your button, then click add.

8. Now, using your mouse drag your new button into the blue grid on the right side of the screen.

   • Note: The grid positioning is how your button will display on the web. It can be a little awkward to position buttons by dragging. Resizing and shrinking to move them around seems to work best in Microsoft Edge.

9. Next, click on the arrow on your control to give it a display name, and a spark cost. This will tell the Firebot application how many Mixer sparks to charge a user for pressing the button. You can alter this later using Firebot.

10. Once you are done, hit save in the top right corner. You can add as many buttons as you want, but for the purposes of this guide, we're going to start with one.
11. Finally, go to the code section at the top, and make a note of the number it gives you. This is how you'll tie your button into the Firebot application in the next section.

Go get Firebot

Now you will need to download Firebot. Firebot is a program for Mixer Interactive that allows you to set up custom buttons and output them to an XSplit or OBS .HTML overlay. We'll get into how to set up the overlay later, but for now, head over to the link below and download Firebot for Windows PC.

Download Firebot for Windows PC

1. Download the latest version of Firebot and extract the contents of the folder to an easily accessed location on your computer.
2. Double-click the Firebot.exe application.
3. Windows Defender might pop up and give you a warning about installing unknown applications. Click More Info then select Run Anyway to circumvent this.
4. Windows Firewall might also pop up, and if so make sure to click allow access.

5. Next, click log in with your main Mixer broadcaster account on the left.

6. Once you are logged in, go back to Firebot and select Buttons at the top.
7. Click on change board then add new board.
8. Enter the code from Step No. 11 in the above section. (It's the unique identifier for your button layout we created earlier in Mixer Studio.)
9. Your "default" scene should now be available. Click on default to see the buttons you created earlier in the above section.

10. You should now see the button you made previously. Click on the edit symbol in the top-right corner of the button.

11. This is where you add effects to the button. It's a good idea to add a cooldown timer on each button, preventing it from being pressed again for x seconds. This is so people can't spam click it.

12. Click on Add effect then Pick effect to see all the different types of things you can do to the button. We're going to select show image for this tutorial, but you're limited only by your creativity here.

13. Once you have chosen the effects you desire (and you can add multiple effects per button), hit save changes.

Next, we're going to look at how to set up the overlay, so people can see the effects of your button.

Set up the Firebot overlay

Overlays are basically transparent web pages that people use to show GIFs, information, and logos on top of their streams. You can do this using either XSplit or OBS, but we'll focus on the free OBS for this guide. The XSplit steps are very similar. Remember to hit the link below for more information on how to stream to Mixer using OBS or XSplit.

How to stream on Mixer using OBS or XSplit

1. Open OBS and note the Sources section at the bottom.
2. Click on the + symbol, then select Browser Source.
3. Give the source a name if you wish, and then click OK.
4. Check the box for local source, and then click browse next to Local file.

5. In Firebot, you can get the link for your overlay in the settings menu under settings, and then overlay.

6. For the width and height, match it to your streaming resolution. If you stream at 1080p, select a 1920 width and a 1080 height. (I stream at 720p, so I'm using 1280 by 720.)

7. Make sure you drag the red outline of your browser source all the way to the edge of your preview window. (Sometimes the overlays don't work properly if they aren't full sized.)

8. You should now be ready to go live with your shiny new interactive button!

Going live

1. Go back to Firebot and click on the button at the bottom that looks like a red power button. This will set your Interactive buttons live on your stream channel. If it works, the button will go green as shown here.

2. Once you go live, you should now see the interactive buttons you set up, and if you followed all of the steps correctly, it should work as expected!

3. When you're done, you can simply close Firebot or hit the connect button to disable your interactive panel.

Wrapping up

Using Firebot and Mixer Interactive, you can add all sorts of things from sound effects, scene changes, and different buttons. You can also make exclusive subscriber-only buttons, and send chat messages. This guide is intended to cover the basics, so be sure to go forth and experiment more deeply with Firebot's features and systems.

Firebot is an amazing tool created by Firebottle, which is also a Mixer streamer. Consider contributing to the project on Github, or following or subscribing to Firebottle on Mixer.

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