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How to uninstall and reinstall updates on Windows 10

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If Windows 10 is acting up after an update, it could be an installation problem, and not a problem with the update. In this guide, we'll show you how to uninstall and re-apply an update on your PC to fix the issue.

Updates for Windows 10 are regularly pushed out to improve security and stability, and Microsoft's pushing hard to make these updates mandatory and keep every PC up to date. And while that's a nice idea in theory, sometimes something goes wrong with an update and you're stuck with issues.

We've seen problems with an update breaking webcams, driver issues, apps crashing, freezing issues, and settings not migrating correctly after an upgrade — just to name a few. Sometimes it's not a problem with the update, but actually an issue that occurred during the installation process. The solution? Uninstall and reinstall that particular update.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to uninstall and re-apply an update that may be causing a problem on your device. In addition, you'll learn the steps to prevent Windows from trying to install a problematic update.

How to uninstall an update on Windows 10

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the Update history link.

  5. On Update history, you can view which updates were installed successfully and which those that failed with a timestamp, which can help you pinpoint which update is causing the problem. Click the Uninstall updates link.

  6. Microsoft hasn't moved everything to the Settings app, so you'll now be taken to the Uninstall an update page on Control Panel. Select the update and click the Uninstall button.

  7. Click Yes to confirm the uninstall.
  8. Click Restart Now to reboot your computer and complete the task.

Depending on the update you're trying to uninstall, the process may take a few minutes.

How to reinstall an update on Windows 10

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click Update & security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the Check of updates button to trigger an update check, which will redownload and install the update automatically again.
  5. Click the Restart Now button to complete the task.

Once your computer reboots, hopefully, the update would have installed correctly, and you can go back to be productive with your Windows 10 device.

How to prevent specific updates from installing on your device

If after reinstalling the update, you continue to experience problems on your computer, then it could actually be something wrong with the update. In this case, you can temporarily hide the problematic update to prevent Windows from trying to re-apply it to your computer.

In previous versions of Windows, we were able to stop updates from downloading and installing automatically using Windows Update, but since Microsoft made them mandatory on Windows 10, the feature has been removed. However, the company still provides a small tool to help you hide temporarily any update that may be causing issues.

To uninstall an update while preventing Windows from installing it again, do the following.

  1. Uninstall the Windows Update with the problem with the instructions mentioned above.
  2. Download the Show or hide updates troubleshooter from Microsoft support.
  3. Double-click the .diagcab file to launch the tool.
  4. Click Next.
  5. Click Hide updates to continue.

  6. The tool will check online and list the available updates currently not installed on your PC. Select the Windows Update that is causing problems, and click Next.

  7. Click Close to complete the task.

After uninstalling and hiding the update that isn't working correctly, your Windows 10 device won't try to download and reinstall it again until there is a new update that replaces the old version.

Remember that you can always show the update again by following the same instructions mentioned above, but on step 5, you have to use the Show hidden updates option. Then you can go through the process of reinstalling the update on your Windows 10 PC.

Did you ever encounter any problems installing Windows updates? How did you fix the problem? Tell us in the comments below.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:


How to enchant in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta

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How to enchant in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta

How do I enchant items in Minecraft?

Late-game scenarios in Minecraft, including boss battles and Nether trips, often require you to add some pizazz to your items using an enchantment table. Here's everything you need to know about enchanting in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta.

How to craft an enchantment table

The first thing you need to do on your road to enchantment is craft an enchanting table.

Enchantment table

You will need:

  • Obsidian: Created when water touches lava, and can only be mined with a diamond pickaxe. You will need four blocks of obsidian.

  • Diamond: Found only deep below the surface, mine diamond ore blocks with an iron or better pickaxe to get diamond. You will need two diamonds.

Book recipe

  • Book: Craft a book using three pieces of paper and one piece of leather.

Advanced enchantments

Using an enchantment table on its own allows for enchantments up to level eight. To go higher — you definitely don't want to stop at level eight — you need to craft bookshelves and place them near your enchantment table.

Bookshelf recipe

Each bookshelf you place will raise the maximum enchantment level by two levels, up to level thirty.

Enchanting area with bookshelves.

Bookshelves must be placed no more than two blocks away from the enchantment table, and there cannot be any blocks between. Bookshelves must be at the same height or one block higher than the enchantment table to apply their boost.

How to enchant an item

Now that you have an enchantment table ready to go, it's time to enchant an item. There are a few things you'll need before you can begin.

Lapix lazuli

  • Lapis lazuli: This blue ore found deep beneath the ground turns into lapis lazuli when mined. You will need a healthy supply, as each enchantment can take up to three pieces of lapis lazuli depending on the level.

Experience bar at level 32.

  • Experience: The green bar over your hotbar fills up with XP when you mine some ore, kill monsters, and complete certain other tasks. Your current level is displayed in the middle. Enchantments take various levels of XP.

  • A decent tool: There's not much point enchanting wooden tools — wait until you have at least iron tools before you start enchanting them.

You have all the resources needed — here's how to enchant an item:

  1. Right-click the enchantment table.

    Right-click the enchantment table.

  2. Place the item you want enchanted in the left slot.

    Place the item you want enchanted in the right-side slot.

  3. Place lapis lazuli in the right slot.

    Place lapis lazuli in the right slot.

  4. Mouse over the enchantment list to see what the enchantments are. Click an enchantment to apply it to the item.

    Mouse over the list to see the enchantment.

  5. Place the enchanted item in your inventory.

    Place the sword in your inventory. If you're not happy with the list of available enchantments, you'll have to enchant a different tool first or enchant a book to get a new list of enchantments.

Enchanted books

Books are enchanted the exact same way you enchant tools. Place the book in the left-hand slot, place lapis lazuli in the right-hand slot, and click an enchantment.

Enchanting books is especially useful when you don't want to use any of the listed enchantments on, say, your pickaxe, but don't have any other worthwhile tools to enchant.

Enchanted books can be saved for later when you finally find enough diamond to finish your set of armor or finish making a new set of tools. Enchantments can be combined at an anvil using an enchanted tool and an enchanted book.

Anvil recipe

To enchant an item with a book, you need to use an anvil. Craft one from three blocks of iron and four iron ingots.

  1. Right-click the anvil.

    Right-click the anvil.

  2. Place the item you want to enchant in the left slot.

    Place the item in the left slot.

  3. Place the enchanted book in the middle slot.

    Place the enchanted book in the middle slot.

  4. Click the name and type to change it — this is optional.

    Change the name of the tool.

  5. Click the helmet in the right slot and place it in your inventory.

    Click the helmet and place it in your inventory.

You can add multiple enchantments to the same item by placing the enchanted item in the left slot and a new enchanted book in the middle slot. As you can see, this helmet will now have Aqua Affinity I and Thorns III.

List of enchantments

Not all items can be enchanted — here's a list of enchantments and the items they can be applied to

EnchantmentDescriptionItem(s)Max level
Aqua affinityFaster underwater miningHelmet1
Bane of anthropodsExtra damage against spidersSword, Axe5
Blast protectionProtects against explosionsAll armor4
Depth striderFaster underwater movementBoots3
EfficiencyFaster miningPickaxe, Axe, Shovel5
Feather fallingReduced fall damageBoots4
Fire aspectSet monsters on fire with swordSword2
Fire protectionReduced fire and lava damageAll armor4
FlameSet monsters on fire with arrowsBow1
FortuneChance to get more blocks from miningPickaxe, Axe, Shovel3
Front walkerTurns water to ice so you can walk on itBoots2
InfinityBow has unlimited arrowsBow1
KnockbackMonsters fly backward when hitSword2
LootingMobs drop more loot when killedSword3
Luck of the seaBetter chance of hooking treasureFishing rod3
LureMore fish will be caughtFishing rod3
MendingRepair tools, weapons, and armor with your XPTools, Weapons, Armor1
PowerBow does increased damageBow5
Projectile ProtectionReduced damage from all projectilesAll armor4
ProtectionReduced damage from all sourcesAll armor4
PunchAdds knockback to your bowBow2
RespirationBreathe underwaterHelmet3
SharpnessIncreased damageSword, Axe5
Silk TouchMine blocks without breaking themPickaxe, Axe, Shovel1
SmiteBetter damage against zombiesSword, Axe5
ThornsDamage is dealt to your attackerAll armor3
UnbreakingRaises durabilityArmor, Tools, Weapons3

How to repair enchanted items

If your enchanted item gets worn down, don't fret — you won't have to make an entirely new item. You can use your anvil to repair the enchanted item.

  1. Right-click the anvil.
  2. Place the damaged enchanted item in the left slot.

    Place an identical item in the middle slot.

  3. Place an identical item (unenchanted) in the middle slot.

    Place an identical item in the middle slot.

Take the repaired item from the right-side slot. The unenchanted item used in the repair will disappear.

Your enchantments

Do you regularly use enchantments? What is your strategy; do you hoard enchanted books in case you die and lose XP, or do you directly enchant tools? Let us know in the comments section below!

How to buy, craft, and destroy cards in Gears of War 4

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How to buy, craft, and destroy cards in Gears of War 4

Gears of War 4 is currently chainsawing up the charts on both Xbox One and Windows 10. Everything players loved about the Gears series returns in the latest entry, plus a brand new card system. This guide breaks down the new card system, including how to combine, destroy, and create the cards.

The new card system

Gears of War 4 Opening an Operations Pack

Gears of War 4 has six types of cards to collect:

  • Characters: Unique characters and character skins usable in Horde and Versus modes
  • Weapon Skins: Unique weapon skins usable in Horde and Versus modes
  • Emblems: Personalize your nameplate that appears on the main menu and in multiplayer lobbies.
  • Versus Bounties: Earn bonus rewards by completing objectives in Versus mode.
  • Horde Bounties: Earn bonus rewards by completing objectives in Horde mode.
  • Horde Skills: Equippable skills for Horde mode.

These come in varying rarity levels, from least to most rare:

  • Blue
  • Green
  • Purple (Epic)
  • Gold (Legendary)

Store

Gears of War 4 Store Purchase Card Packs

The primary way to get new cards in Gears of War 4 is by opening Gear Packs. You get these packs by buying them from the in-game store. Every player starts with a few packs, so you'll want to visit the Store early on. To get there, simply select Store from the main menu.

You can get these cards from the following Packs:

  • Horde Booster: Includes four Horde Skills and a consumable Horde Bounty card
  • Versus Booster: Contains five consumable Versus Bounty cards
  • Operations Pack: Includes five random cards including Bounties, Class Skills, and at least one customization card (emblem, weapon, or character)
  • Elite Pack: Contains five random customization cards, including one guaranteed rare or better item with a greater chance of a legendary.

All four Gears Packs can be bought with either credits earned from Horde and Versus games or real money. If you want to open your wallet for Gear Packs, Airdrops offer bundles of packs at a discount.

Don't think that this Gears of War has been bogged down with microtransactions, though! Since you'll earn credits just from playing, you never have to spend money on Gear Packs if you don't want to. You can also accelerate the speed at which you can buy more packs by using Horde and Versus Bounties that provide Credit bonuses.

Bounties

Gears of War 4 Bounties

Bounties are consumable cards that provide rewards for completing specific goals in Horde and Versus modes. You must equip a Bounty card in order to use it. After completing the objective, you'll receive the reward at the end of the match. If you don't complete the objective, the card remains active and doesn't get consumed.

To view your Bounty cards:

  1. Select Versus or Horde from the main menu.
  2. Pick Manage Bounties.
  3. From the Bounties menu, you have the following options:
  4. Press the LB or RB buttons to toggle between Versus and Horde Bounties.
  5. The Y button toggles between Show Owned and Show All. Use Show Owned to select from the cards you actually have.
  6. Highlight a card and press the X button to access the Craft menu.

Crafting and destroying cards

Gears of War 4 Achievement Craft a Card

Although you can get cards by buying Gears Packs from the Store, many of them can also be crafted from scrap. You can craft all six types of cards, although some exclusive cards (such as preorder bonuses) can't be crafted. The amount of scrap it costs to create a card depends on that card's rarity level.

Once you have enough scrap to make a card:

  1. Highlight the desired card and press the X button to access the Craft menu.
  2. Pick Create Single to make the card.

To craft cards, you'll need scrap. You get scrap by destroying other cards. In general, it's better not to destroy non-Bounty cards unless you have duplicates of those cards. Bounty cards are inherently non-permanent, so destroying extra or unwanted Bounties makes the most sense.

Gears of War 4 Destroy a Card

To destroy a card for scrap:

  1. Highlight the desired card and press the X button to access the Craft menu.
  2. Select Destroy Single to destroy only one copy of that card.
  3. Pick Destroy Duplicates to destroy all duplicates of that card, leaving only one remaining.

The current amount of scrap you possess will be displayed in the bottom-left corner of the screen whenever you highlight a card of any type, as well as at the top of the crafting menu.

Horde Class Skills

Gears of War 4 Class Skills

Gears of War 4's Horde Mode features five classes:

  • Soldier
  • Sniper
  • Engineer
  • Heavy
  • Scout

Each of these classes can equip Horde Class Skill cards to receive unique bonuses. Cards of the Any category can be equipped by any class. Class Skills will remain in the player's inventory unless destroyed or used as upgrade materials. The number of Class Skills that can be equipped at one time depends on the level of the class itself.

Class Skills can be leveled up in order to increase their effect. This requires duplicates of the same Class Skill card. The number of duplicate cards needed to level the skill is shown at the bottom of the card.

To level a Horde Class Skill:

  1. Select Horde Mode from the main menu.
  2. Pick Class Skills.
  3. Select a Class Skill card for which you have enough cards to upgrade.
  4. Press the X button to access the Craft menu.
  5. Select the Upgrade option from the bottom of the list.

Customization

Gears of War 4 Customization Versus Swarm

Customizing your character is a great way to stand out from the crowd during multiplayer games. Gears of War 4 has three types of customizations: Characters, Weapons, and Emblems. You can equip, craft, and destroy customization cards from the Customization menu. Characters and weapon skins must be equipped independently for Versus and Horde modes.

Things you can do from the Customization menu:

  • Press LB and RB to select Versus Cog, Versus Swarm, Horde, and Emblems
  • Select the character on the left side of the screen to manage characters
  • Choose individual weapons to manage their skins.
  • Select Emblems to manage your multiplayer Emblems.

Equipping, crafting, and destroying customization cards works the same way as Bounty cards. Craft the cards you need to fill out your collection and destroy the duplicates, as they serve no purpose.

Prepare for War

Gears of War 4 Horde Mode

Gears of War 4 is the latest in the popular third-person shooter series from Microsoft and The Coalition. It features 2-player campaign co-op, 12-player versus modes, and 5-player cooperative Horde mode. All of these modes support 2-player split-screen, too.

As an Xbox Play Anywhere title, Gears 4 supports cross-play and cross-save between Xbox One and Windows 10. Buy the digital version to get the game on both Xbox One and Windows 10. Third-person shooters don't get much better than Gears of War!

See on the Windows Store

How to summon a Wither in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta

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How to summon a Wither in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta

How do I summon a Wither?

The Boss Update for Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta gives you the ability to summon and fight a Wither, a fearsome, three-headed enemy who shoots exploding skulls at you while it flies around. Think you're up for the challenge? Here's what you need to know about summoning and defeating a Wither.

Collect resources from the Nether

The first thing you need to do is collect the resources needed to spawn the Wither — these resources include four blocks of soul sand and three Wither skeleton skulls. Prepare yourself accordingly for your trip to the Nether— many dangers lie ahead!

Wither skeleton

These skeletons are a bit bigger than normal skeletons and have a darker shade to them. They don't always drop skulls, so you'll likely have to kill quite a few before collecting three. Enchanting your sword with Looting will help your chances of collecting skulls.

Soul sand

Soul sand is only found in the Nether and is usually found in Nether fortresses. Use a shovel to mine four blocks.

When you've collected three skulls and four blocks of soul sand, beat a hasty retreat to the Overworld.

Prepare yourself for the fight

The Wither has a ton of health, it destroys every block its body touches, and it shoots exploding projectiles. Needless to say, the battle will be tough.

Enchant your sword!

Crafting diamond armor and enchanting it with a high level of Protection or Blast protection is recommended to better protect you from the Wither's attacks.

You'll also want a diamond sword enchanted with a high level of Smite, as the Wither is considered an undead enemy. A bow enchanted with Power and Flame will greatly help your ranged attack prospects.

Brew yourself some potions:

  • Potion of Healing II: Down one of these to immediately regenerate eight hearts of health.
  • Potion of Strength II: Increases your melee damage by 260% for 1.5 minutes.
  • Potion of Regeneration II: Restores health for 22.5 seconds.
  • Potion of Night Vision: Allows you to see in the dark — perfect for when the Wither destroys your torches.

Golden apple recipe

Craft as many golden apples as you can — when consumed, they provide five seconds of health regeneration and two minutes of damage absorption.

Choose your battleground

The Wither is going to cause a lot of damage — its projectiles explode in the same way a Creeper explodes. Any blocks it touches will also disappear.

Open area without ravines or lava.

For these reasons, you'll want to spawn the Wither in a remote location with a lot of open space. Do some scouting to ensure you won't stumble on any surprises during the battle — you want your focus to remain on the Wither.

Summon and fight the Wither

Soul sand in a T

To spawn the Wither, place four blocks of soul sand in the shape of a T.

Three Wither skulls atop the T.

Next, place three Wither skeleton skulls along the top of the T. This will spawn the Wither.

The Wither starts small and with half a bar of health, but it immediately starts to grow and gain health. When its health bar fills up, it lets out an explosion — make sure you're nowhere near when this explosion occurs.

The Wither

Hit the Wither with everything you have while remaining aware of your surroundings. Drink a few potions, eat some golden apples, and you'll hopefully down the Wither on your first try. Upon death, it will drop a Nether star, which can be used to construct a beacon.

Beacon recipe

Beacons provide a bright beam of light to help you and friends locate your settlement and also provides some regeneration and other positive effects when you're in its vicinity. Worth the challenge? Definitely!

Your Wither battle

Will you go after a Wither to obtain the rare Nether star? Let us know in the comments section below!

How to enroll in the Office Insider program on Windows 10

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Here's how to quickly become an Office Insider on your PC and Mobile to get early access to features and improvements — and how to opt out if things aren't working as expected.

Similar to Windows 10, Office also has an Insider program that allows any Office 365 subscriber to get early access to features and improvements, which eventually will be part of the most popular suite of apps in the world.

Office Insider is available on two levels: "Insider Slow" or "Insider Fast." In the Insider Slow, new versions of the suite rollout at a slower pace, at least once or twice a month, with new features without significant risks of bugs or things not working correctly.

In the Insider Fast, new versions are available more frequently, but you'll find more issues, bugs, and features may not work as expected. In this level, you'll get new releases at least once or twice a week.

In addition, Microsoft makes available security updates, bug fixes, and enhancements on every pre-release version of Office. While Office Insider is meant for Office 365 subscribers, users without a subscription can still join the program to get early access to performance enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to enroll to the Office Insider program, switch levels, and opt out of the program as necessary.

How to enroll in the Office Insider program

Before you can join the program, you must have installed the latest stable version of Office.

Check for Office updates

  1. Open any Office application, such as Word.
  2. Click on File.
  3. Click on Account.
  4. Click the Office Update tile.
  5. Click on Update Now to complete the task.

The software will check and download any updates as required.

Enroll to the Insider program

  1. Open any Office application, such as Word.
  2. Click on File.
  3. Click on Account.
  4. Click the Office Insider tile.
  5. Click Join Office Insider.

  6. Check the Sign me up for early access to new releases of Office option.
  7. Choose your office Insider level: Insider Slow or Insider Fast.
  8. If you decide to enroll to the Insider Fast, you'll need to agree to additional terms of use to make sure you understand the risks involved.

  9. Click OK to complete the enrollment.

Once you're enrolled in the program, you will receive new updates automatically with new features, fixes, and enhancements.

If you can't wait, while on the Account page, you can check for updates again to force Office to download the latest version of the Insider program.

At any time, you can switch levels from Insider Slow to Insider Fast or vice versa. The process is virtually the same as the instructions mentioned above to enroll, but on step 5 the option is called Change level. Also, remember to check for updates to trigger the new download immediately.

Note: If you don't have Office installed on your computer, you can always download and install the latest preview from the Office store.

Enroll to the Insider program for mobile

If you want to participate in the Insider program for Office Mobile, you only need to join the Windows Insider Program. Once your phone is part of the program, you'll get the pre-releases version of Office Mobile apps automatically.

If your mobile device isn't part of the Insider program, you can do the following:

  1. Open Settings on your mobile device.
  2. Click on Update & security.
  3. Click on Windows Insider Program.
  4. Click the Get started button to join the program and don't forget to choose the Windows Insider level.

To leave Office Insider for mobile, you can follow the same steps, but this time click the Stop Insider Builds option on step 4, which will also remove your device from the Windows Insider Preview program.

How to leave the Office Insider program

If you feel that you had enough of the program, or features are not working correctly, you can always opt out of the Office Insider program and return to the stable version.

  1. Open any Office application, such as Word.
  2. Click on File.
  3. Click on Account.
  4. Click the Office Insider tile.
  5. Click the Change Level option.

  6. Clear the Sign me up for early access to new releases of Office option.
  7. Click OK.

  8. Click OK again to confirm and complete the task.

Once you completed the task, you'll be removed from the Insider program, but you'll have to wait until there is a new update for Office to roll back to the latest stable release, which is usually within a month.

Alternative way to go back to the stable version of Office

If you need to rollback immediately, you can simply uninstall and reinstall the suite of apps using the latest stable version.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on Apps & features.
  4. Select Microsoft Office 365.
  5. Click Uninstall.

  6. Click Uninstall again.
  7. Click Uninstall one more time to confirm and complete the process.
  8. Click Close to complete the task.
  9. Open your web browser and go to www.office.com/myaccount.
  10. Sign-in with your Microsoft account.
  11. On My Office Account, click Install.

  12. Click the Install button.

  13. Save the installer to your computer.
  14. Double-click to launch the installer and get Office on your computer.

After the installation completes, you'll be back to the stable release of Office. However, you may also want to go back again to the Account page, and check for updates, as the installer doesn't always install Office with all the current updates.

Are you enrolling to Office Insider to try out the upcoming features and improvements? Tell us in the comments below.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

How to remove the Power button from the Sign-in screen on Windows 10

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Prevent users from shutting down your PC and losing unsaved work by removing the Power options menu from the Sign-in screen on Windows 10.

One of the great things about Windows 10 (and on nearly every version of the operating system) is that you always have multiple ways to access and change settings. For example, if you need to restart, sleep, or shutdown you computer, you can access the Power options menu from the Start menu. You can right-click the Start button and select one of the options from "Shut down or sign out". You can use specific commands on Run or Command Prompt, and you can even access the Power options in the Sign-in screen.

While it can be convenient to access, in this case, the Power options in a number of ways, sometimes you may want to consider to hide this feature from the Sign-in screen to prevent other users from accidentally or purposely shutting down your computer, which can result in data loss.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to disable the Power button from the Sign-in screen on your PC.

How to remove the Power button and its options from the Sign-in screen

Important: This is a friendly reminder to let you know that editing the registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.

  1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit and click OK to open the Registry.
  3. Browse the following key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

  4. Double-click the shutdownwithoutlogon DWORD and change its value from 1 to 0.
  5. Click OK.

    If the DWORD doesn't exist, you'll have to create it:

    1. Inside the System (folder) key, right-click, select New, and click DWORD (32-bit) Value.
    2. Name the key shutdownwithoutlogon and press Enter.
    3. Double-click the shutdownwithoutlogon and make sure its value is set to 0.
  6. Close the Registry.
  7. Restart your computer to complete the task.

After making the changes, the Power button along with its options will be removed from the Sign-in screen at startup or when you lock your device. This will help you not only to reduce the chances of someone accidentally shutting down your computer, but it'll also minimize the chances of you losing data from unsaved work when your PC is locked.

Sign-in screen with Power button (left), Sign-in screen without Power button (right)

At any time, you can revert the changes by following the same step mentioned above, but this time, change the value on step 4 from 0 to 1. Then restart your device to complete reverting the changes.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

How to prevent Windows 10 from requiring a password when resuming from sleep

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Here are three different ways you can stop Windows 10 from asking a password every time your computer resumes from sleep.

Windows 10 offers a number of features to keep your computer and data secure. One way the operating system protects your device from unauthorized access is by keeping it locked on certain events, including when waking up from sleep.

Although entering a password to unlock your device after resuming from sleep can keep things more secure, if you use your computer at home, and you're the only person using it, a password prompt at wake up can simply be an inconvenient extra step (unless you have something to hide).

Fortunately, Windows 10 offers at least three ways to disable the password prompt after resuming from sleep to help you quickly get to your desktop.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to stop your computer from asking you to enter a password after resuming from sleep using the Settings app, Group Policy Editor, and Command Prompt.

How to skip password prompt after sleep using Settings

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Sign-in options.
  4. Under "Require sign-in," choose Never from the drop-down menu to complete the task.

Once you completed the steps, you'll no longer be required to enter a password after waking up Windows 10 from sleep.

To go back to the previous option, follow the same steps, but on step 4, make sure to select the When PC wakes up from sleep option.

How to skip password prompt after sleep using Group Policy

While the Settings app makes it super easy to change whether or not to skip entering the password when waking up your computer, if you use a laptop, you only get one option. You can't choose to stop requiring a password when your device is running on battery or plugged in individually.

If you're running Windows 10 Pro, you can use the Group Policy Editor to stop the operating system from requiring a password when your laptop is running on battery or plugged in.

  1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  3. Browse the following path:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Sleep Settings

  4. Double-click the policy you want to enforce: Require a password when a computer wakes (on battery) or Require a password when a computer wakes (Plugged in).

  5. Check the Disable option in the top-left corner.
  6. Click Apply.
  7. Click OK to complete the task.

After completing the steps, depending on what you picked, your computer will bypass the Sign-in screen and go straight to the desktop when resuming from sleep.

If you want to revert the changes, simply follow the same steps, but this time on step 5 select the option Not configured.

How to skip password prompt after sleep using Command Prompt

If you're running Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, as it's only available on business variants of the operating system, including Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education, but you can still get the same result using Command Prompt.

To disable the require sign-in option when Windows 10 wakes up, do the following:

  1. Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu, and select Command Prompt (admin).
  2. If you want to disable the sign-in option while your device is running on battery, type the following command and press Enter:

    powercfg /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_NONE CONSOLELOCK 0

    If you want to disable the sign-in option while your device is plugged in, type the following command and press Enter:

    powercfg /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_NONE CONSOLELOCK 0

To enable the require sign-in option when Windows 10 wakes up, do the following:

  1. Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu, and select Command Prompt (admin).
  2. If you want to enable the sign-in option while your device is running on battery, type the following command and press Enter:

    powercfg /SETDCVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_NONE CONSOLELOCK 1

    If you want to disable the sign-in option while your device is plugged in, type the following command and press Enter:

    powercfg /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_NONE CONSOLELOCK 1

Wrapping things up

Note that in previous versions of the operating system you were able to change the sign-on option on wakeup using Control Panel, but now it's not longer the case. Microsoft continues to move forward migrating features and options from Control Panel to the Settings app, and the "Require a password on wakeup" is one of many options that has been deprecated from the latest version of Windows 10.

It's worth pointing out that removing the option the password requirement while resuming from wake up will also prevent Windows 10 from requiring a password after resuming from hibernation.

How do you have the password requirement configured on your Windows 10 PC? Tell us in the comments below.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

How to successfully install Windows 10 Mobile build 14951 (workaround)

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Good news! If your phone is stuck at 0% downloading Windows 10 Mobile 14951, you can use this workaround to install the latest flight.

Microsoft recently began the rollout of Windows 10 build 14951 to the Fast ring. The new release includes some subtle improvements and fixes, and a few features for both PC and Mobile.

Although users quickly began updating their PCs to the latest version without a glitch, users running Windows 10 Mobile on their phones have been reporting getting stuck at zero percent while trying to download build 14951 on their handsets. Thankfully, there's a few workarounds.

Microsoft quickly acknowledged the issue and now has already narrowed down the problem to an issue that is only affecting phones which have been previously updated to Windows 10 Mobile 14946. The company says that is currently making the necessary changes to properly publish build 14951, and the same changes will be part of future flights to prevent users hitting this issue again.

In the meantime, the company is now offering a few workarounds to help Insiders successfully install Windows 10 Mobile build 14951 on their devices.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the four available paths to download and install the latest test Windows 10 Redstone 2 update on your mobile device.

How to install Windows 10 Mobile build 14951

Currently, there are four different ways to try and download the latest Insider preview build on your phone.

Fastest: Force the update session to time out

  1. Plug your device into a charger.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Tap on Update & Security.
  4. Tap on Windows Insider Program.
  5. Change your device to "Slow" and then back to "Fast".
  6. Go to Network & wireless.
  7. Tap on Airplane Mode, and turn on airplane mode.
  8. Go to Time & Language.
  9. Tap on Date & Time.
  10. If On, turn Set date and time automatically to the Off position.
  11. Change the date on the device to 7 days in the future.
  12. Return to the home screen.
  13. Reboot your phone.
  14. After the reboot, open Settings.
  15. Tap on Network & wireless.
  16. Tap on Airplane Mode.
  17. Turn off airplane mode.
  18. Go to Update & Security.
  19. Tap on Phone update.
  20. Tap the Check for updates button. As expected this process will fail with an error code.
  21. Go to Time & Language.
  22. Tap on Date & Time.
  23. Change the device date back to the current date.
  24. Go to Update & Security.
  25. Tap on Phone update.
  26. Tap the Check for updates button. This check may fail again, but it's expected.
  27. Return to the home screen.
  28. Reboot your phone.
  29. Open Settings.
  30. Tap on Update & security.
  31. Tap on Phone update.
  32. Tap the Check for updates button and now Windows 10 Mobile build 14951 should begin to download.

Microsoft also notes that users may run into an error code 80242006 after this last update check, and to fix the error users need to use additional steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap on Update & Security.
  3. Tap on Windows Insider Program.
  4. Change your device to "Slow".
  5. Go to Phone update.
  6. Tap the Check for updates button and wait until you get the message that your device is up to date.
  7. Go back to Windows Insiders Program.
  8. Change back to the Fast ring.
  9. Go to Phone update.
  10. Tap the Check for updates button, and your phone should now update.

Easiest: Wait

If your phone is already stuck at 0% trying to download build 14951, it will timeout after five days. After the update times out, your phone will get updated metadata, which will allow the device to download Windows 10 Mobile build 14951.

Medium: Reset to factory and update

You can always reset your device currently running Windows 10 Mobile build 14946 to factory default settings.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap on System.
  3. Tap on About.
  4. Tap the Reset you phone button.

Once the reset is completed, you should now be able to download build 14951 without getting stuck at 0 percent.

Hard: Less optimal

In the case you already rolled back to a previous build, including Windows 10 version 1511 or Windows 10 Anniversary Update using the Windows Device Recovery Tool, you can easily download and install build 14951 without running into issues.

Wrapping things up

Although Microsoft has isolated the issue, keep in mind that these instructions are still being validated. However, if your device is stuck at 0% downloading the update, and you can't wait until the timeout expires or the company releases the next build, you can use these options to install the latest flight on your phone.

Finally, remember that some of this options will wipe out your phone, and as always, it's recommended to make a backup your data before proceeding.

Did, any of these options, work to install Windows 10 Mobile build 14951 on your device? Tell us in the comments below.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:


Guide to slash commands and cheats in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta and Pocket Edition

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Guide to slash commands in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta

How do I use cheats in Minecraft?

The Boss Update for Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta and Pocket Edition brought the ability to use slash commands to alter your game. Some people call these commands cheats, but others call them fun! Here's how to use slash commands in Minecraft.

Note: Enabling cheats will block your ability to get Xbox Live achievements!

How to enable slash commands

  1. Launch Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
  2. Click Play.

    Launch Minecraft. Click Play.

  3. Click Create New World.
  4. Click the toggle switch next to Cheats.

    Click Create New World. Click the toggle switch next to Cheats.

  5. Click Continue.
  6. Click Create.

    Click Continue. Click Create.

You can also change an existing game to allow slash commands.

  1. Launch Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
  2. Click Play.
  3. Click the edit button next to an existing world. It looks like a pencil drawing two lines.

    Click Play. Click the edit button.

  4. Click the toggle switch next to Cheats.
  5. Click Play.

    Click the toggle switch next to Cheats. Click Play.

List of available slash commands

  • /? and /help: Type /help for page one. Type /help 2 for page two, etc. There are six pages of slash commands in total.

  • /clone: Type /clone <x1> <y1> <z1> <x2> <y2> <z2> <x> <y> <z> where x1 y1 z1 are the coordinates for the start of a region to clone, x2 y2 z2 are the coordinates for the end of the region to clone, and x y z are the region where the clone will appear. Example: /clone -267 70 -20 -280 78 -30 -250 50 -40

  • /deop: Type /deop <playername> to remove admin privileges from a certain player.

  • /enchant: Type /enchant <playername> <enchantmentID> <level>. This will enchant the item the player is currently holding in their hand. Example: /enchant ceeceehaatch 16 3. This gives the sword I'm holding level three Sharpness enchantment.

  • /fill: Type /fill <x1> <y1> <z1> <x2> <y2> <z2> <blockName> to fill the area with a certain type of block. Example: /fill -263 70 -7 -268 75 -2 gold_ore will replace all blocks in that area with gold ore.

  • /gamemode: Type /gamemode 0 to set the game to survival mode. Type /gamemode 1 to set the game to creative mode.

  • /give: Type /give <playername> <itemName> <amount> to give a specific item to a specific player. Example: /give ceeceehaatch diamond_sword 1

  • /kill: Type /kill <playername>. This will kill the player.

  • /list: Type /list to display the players currently connected to the server.

  • /op: Type `/op to give a certain player admin abilities in a server.

  • /say: Type /say then type a message to send it to everyone.

  • /setblock: Type /setblock <x> <y> <z> <blockName> to change a certain block at a certain coordinate to a different type of block. Example: /setblock -267 70 -6 gold_ore.

  • /setworldspawn: Type /setworldspawn to set the spawn point for all players to the point you're currently at. Type /setworldspawn <x> <y> <z> where x y z are coordinates to set a new spawn point for all players.

  • /spawnpoint: Type spawnpoint <playername> <x> <y> <z> where x y z are the coordinates you want a certain player to spawn at.

  • /summon: Type /summon <Entityname> to spawn an entity on your current position. Type /summon <Entityname> <x> <y> <z> where x y z are the coordinates you want to spawn an entity at. Example: /summon Zombie -269 70 -3

  • /tp: Type /tp <playername> <location>. You can use coordinates or another player's name in the field.

  • /tell and /msg: Type /tell <playername> <message> to send a message to a certain player.

  • /testforblock: Type /testforblock <x> <y> <z> <blockName> to test if a certain block is in a certain spot. Example: /testforblock -267 70 -6 gold_ore

  • /time add: Type /time add <number> to add time to the world. Example: /time add 1000 to add an hour of time to the clock — if it's 2:00 a.m. when you use the command, the time will jump to 3:00 a.m.

  • /time query daytime: Type /time query daytime to find out the in-game time.

  • /time query gametime: Type /time query gametime to see the total amount of time elapsed.

  • /time set: Type /time set <number> to change the time of day. 0 is equal to 6:00 a.m. and 23000 is equal to 5:00 a.m. Example: /time set 16000 will change the time to 10:00 p.m.

  • /toggledownfall: Type /toggledownfall to change the weather. If it's clear, it will start to rain or snow depending on the biome. If it's raining or snowing, it will become clear.

  • /weather clear: Type /weather clear to remove rain or snow.

  • /weather rain: Type /weather rain to add rain or snow.

  • /weather thunder: Type /weather thunder to add a thunderstorm.

  • /xp: Type /xp <number> <playername> to give that amount of XP to a certain player. Type /xp <number>L <playername> to give that many levels to a certain player.

How to use slash commands

Using slash commands in the chat window.

  1. Hit T or Enter on your keyboard to open the chat bar.
  2. Type the slash command into the field. Using the list of commands above, replace anything surrounded with < > with the corresponding information. Make sure you also remove the < >.
  3. Hit Enter on your keyboard to submit the command.

More Minecraft!

For more information on Minecraft, the Boss Update, and beyond, see the links below!

How to use Resilient File System (ReFS) on Windows 10

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Here we show you the steps to try out the new Resilient File System (ReFS) on Windows 10 to overcome the limitations of NTFS when managing large amount of data.

Like on any other operating system, Windows features a file system to control how data is stored and retrieved from disk. Windows 10, similar to its predecessors, continues to use NTFS as the default file system, which is one of the most popular feature-rich file system in use today.

However, even though NTFS provided us with many performance, reliability, and advanced features you can't find on other file system, NTFS has been designed years ago. Today, we face new storage challenges that NTFS just can't handle, and to overcome the limitations Microsoft created from the ground up a new file system called "ReFS" (Resilient File System).

ReFS was first introduced with Windows 8, and it's now part of Windows 10. The new file system is also built on the foundation of NTFS, which means that it's compatible with the most critical features found in the old file system while introducing new storage technologies.

While ReFS will primarily benefit large corporations with large data centers, the new file system is also very useful for users who work with large amounts of data, such as photographers, video editors, and others.

With this in mind, in this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to try ReFS on your computer, and we also provide the information you need to know moving to the new file system.

How to give ReFS a try on Windows 10

Currently, there is one proper way you can use to try ReFS on Windows 10, and it involves to create a two-way mirror with two hard drives and use Storage Spaces to format the storage using ReFS.

Alternatively, if you're simply looking to test how everything works, and you don't have the required number of extra hard drives, you can use two virtual drives.

How to create virtual drives on Windows 10

On Windows 10, you can easily create a new VHDX using Disk Management.

  1. Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Disk Management.
  2. Click the Action menu and select Create VHDX.

  3. Click the browse button to find a location to store the VHDX file.
  4. Choose a name for the new drive and click Save.
  5. Set how big you want to the virtual hard drive to be. For example, 10GB.
  6. Select the VHDX option.
  7. Select the Fixed size (Recommended) option.
  8. Click OK to complete the task.

Repeat the same steps to create a second virtual hard drive, and then you'll notice two new drives listed as Unknown and Not Initialized.

To complete setting up the two virtual drives, do the following:

  1. Right-click the Disk tile and click on Initialize Disk.

  2. You'll get a list of all the disks you can initialize, make sure both drives are selected, and click OK.

After you initialize the virtual hard drives, they should now appear as Online, and now you can move forward to create a storage using Microsoft's Resilient File System.

How to create a storage using ReFS on Windows 10

The tool that makes it all happen is Storage Spaces, which is Microsoft's storage virtualization technology that allows you to group multiple drives together to create a Storage Pool, which then you can use to create a new storage using the new file system.

Once you connected the required drives, you can proceed to use Storage Spaces to create a new storage using ReFS.

To create and format a storage using ReFS, do the following:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Do a search for Storage Spaces and click the result.
  3. Click the Create a new pool and storage space link.

  4. Select the two hard drives you intend to use with ReFS.
  5. Click Create pool.

  6. On the newly created storage space, enter a name for the new drive. You can use anything you want but make the name descriptive.
  7. Pick a drive letter.
  8. On File System, select REFS from the drop-down menu.
  9. This next step is very important. On "Resiliency," you must pick the Two-way mirror to correctly format the storage using ReFS.

    Although, you may be able to select Simple (no resiliency) or Parity, both of these options will fail the process. And the file system doesn't support Three-way mirror.

  10. On size, you can leave the default settings, or you can make it larger, and when you're running low on capacity, you can always add more storage.
  11. Click the Create storage space button to complete the task.

To verify you're in fact using ReFS, simply open This PC on File Explorer, right-click the newly created drive, and select Properties.

Resilient File System goals

Microsoft developed the new file system with these goals in mind:

  • Compatibility: Maintain support for key NTFS features to offer compatibility, as it's a widely adopted file system.
  • High availability: On the event of data corruption ReFS is capable of isolating the section with the problem while offering uninterrupted access to the rest of the volume.
  • Data verification and auto-correct: When less expected data will get corrupted, the file system features a mechanism verify and correct data on the fly.
  • Scalability: ReFS has been thought out to provide extreme storage scalability.
  • Resiliency: The new file system can provide full resiliency architecture when it's implemented using Storage Spaces on Windows.

Resilient File System key features

Microsoft has built ReFS from the ground up, and it includes the following key set of features:

  • Resiliency to data corruption with a built-in mechanism with salvage that offers maximum volume availability.
  • Data and metadata integrity.
  • Large volume support up to 1 yobibyte (that's 1.2 trillion terabytes).
  • Maximum folder size of 18.4 × 10^18.
  • Maximum file size of 16 exabytes (16 million terabytes).
  • Improves data striping performance and redundancy for fault tolerance.
  • Disk scrubbing (error correction) for protection against latent disk errors.
  • Shared storage pools across computers to provide additional failure tolerance and load balancing.
  • Data stored on disks using ReFS can be easily accessed using the same mechanism employed by any operating system that can access files on NTFS volumes.

Important information about ReFS on Windows 10

ReFS in its current state is not meant to be a replacement of NTFS. Instead, ReFS ships with Windows 10 to provide an alternative solution for situations where NTFS can't handle certain storage scenarios.

It's important to note that you can't use the new file system on a boot drive (the drive where you have Windows installed); it's only suitable for drives you'll be using exclusively for storage.

You can't use ReFS on removable drives, such as USB flash drives, and there is not a mechanism to convert a drive formatted using ReFS to another file system. However, you can always backup your data to another drive, format the ReFS storage using another file system (e.g., exFAT, FAT32, NTFS), and then restore the data.

ReFS was built on the foundation of NTFS to offer compatibility. If you move to the new file system, you'll find a number of features inherit from NTFS, including access-control list for security, BitLocker encryption, USN journal, mount points, reparse points, junction points, volume snapshots, change notifications, symbolic links, file IDs, and oplocks.

On the other hand, you'll be losing several features moving to the Resilient File System, including object IDs, named streams, extended attributes, short names, file level encryption (EFS), compression, user data transactions, sparse, hard-links, and quotas.

Wrapping things up

We probably should have been using ReFS as the primary file system for Windows 10 for quite some time now, but it seems that Microsoft is still not ready to faze out NTFS, as there are still some features missing and the company has to ensure reliability of data on every scenario. However, until that day comes, you can at least try the new file system using our guide.

While the new file system emphasizes on "resiliency," you shouldn't take for granted that once you move to ReFS, your data will live forever. There are still many factors that can cause data loss, and it's always recommended to keep a full backup of all your data.

There is also a known registry tweak that allows you to try ReFS on a single drive without the need to use Storage Spaces, but after a number of tests, I noticed that it doesn't work on the Windows 10 Anniversary Update— it only works up to version 1511. In addition, even if it worked, you wouldn't be able to take advantage of data resiliency, which is one of the main features of the file system, as such I'm not including the tweak in this guide.

What do you think about Microsoft's new file system? Tell us in the comments below.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

How to remove Agenda from the clock flyout on Windows 10

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If the clock and calendar integration in the taskbar isn't your thing, here's how to remove the Agenda section from the clock flyout on Windows 10.

In the Anniversary Update for Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a slew of new features and improvements to refine and make the user experience a little more complete and secure. For example, in this feature update, the taskbar includes a number of tweaks, and in particular the ability to see your daily event from the clock flyout.

The new feature is called Agenda, and it's a section that you can easily use on Windows 10 to check your daily schedules that you have configured in the Calendar app. Within the Agenda section, you can click an event to view all the details, or click the "+" button to create a new event in the Calendar app.

However, if you use a different calendar application that doesn't take advantage of this feature, or you simply don't use a calendar, Windows 10 provides a way to remove it from the clock flyout.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to completely remove the Agenda section from the clock flyout.

How to remove the Agenda from the clock flyout

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Privacy.
  3. Click on Calendar.
  4. Under "Choose apps that can access the calendar," turn off the toggle switch for the Windows option to complete the task.

Once you completed the steps, when you open the clock flyout, you'll no longer see the Agenda section.

Alternatively, you can turn off the Let apps access my calendar to get the same results, but you'll also be preventing other apps from accessing your calendar.

If you don't want to see the new Agenda section, but you don't want to disable it either, you can open the clock flyout and click the Hide agenda option in the bottom-right corner.

Do you prefer to show or remove the Agenda on Windows 10? Tell us in the comments below.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

How to customize mob skins in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta

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How to customize mob skins in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta

How do I make my own mob skins in Minecraft?

The Boss Update for Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta brings you the ability to customize mob skins! Make your chickens look like horses, your villagers looks like carrots, and your creepers look like exploding phones — here's how to do it!

How to show file extensions in Windows 10

Dealing with JSON files means you need to be able to see file extensions in Windows 10. Here's how to show them!

  1. Launch File Explorer from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
  2. Click View. It is located near the top of the window.
  3. Click the checkbox next to File name extensions.

    Click View. Click the checkbox next to File name extensions.

You'll now be able to see the extensions of files on your PC.

How to customize mob skins

  1. Launch your favorite web browser from the Start menu, taskbar, or desktop.
  2. Navigate to minecraft.novaskin.me.

    Launch your web browser. Navigate to the site.

  3. Click Resourcepacks.
  4. Click Entities.

    Click Resourcepacks. Click Entities.

  5. Click an entity you want to customize. In this case we choose Creeper.
  6. Click creeper.png.

    Click an entity. Click creeper.png.

  7. Customize the entity using the site's editing tools.
  8. Click Save when you're finished.
  9. Click Download.

    Click Save. Click Download.

  10. Right-click the image.
  11. Click Save picture as.

    Right-click the image. Click Save picture as.

  12. Name the image creeper.png. Note that the file must be a PNG, and the name must line up with the EntityID as set by Minecraft.
  13. Click Save.

    Name the image creeper.png. Click Save.

You now have the PNG file saved, and it's time to add it to the Minecraft folder.

  1. Click the Search Windows / Cortana field.
  2. Type Run and hit Enter on your keyboard.
  3. Type appdata and hit Enter on your keyboard.

    Type Run and hit Enter. Type appdata and hit Enter.

  4. Double-click the Local folder.
  5. Double-click the Packages folder. You might have to scroll down a bit to find it.

    Double-click the Local folder. Double-click the Packages folder.

  6. Double-click the Microsoft.MinecraftUWP folder. You might have to scroll down a bit to find it.
  7. Double-click the LocalState folder.

    Double-click the Microsoft.MinecraftUWP folder. Double-click the LocalState folder.

  8. Double-click the games folder.
  9. Double-click the com.mojang folder.

    Double-click the games folder. Double-click the com.mojang folder.

  10. Double-click the resource_packs folder.
  11. Right-click a blank space in the window.

    Double-click the resource_packs folder. Right-click a blank space in the window.

  12. Hover your cursor over New and click Folder.
  13. Type Resources for Creeper and hit Enter on your keyboard. You can name this folder appropriately for whatever entity you're customizing.

    Hover your cursor over New and click Folder. Type Resources for Creeper and hit Enter.

  14. Double-click the Resources for Creeper folder.
  15. Right-click a blank space in the window.

    Double-click the Resources for Creeper folder. Right-click a blank space in the window.

  16. Hover your cursor over New and click Text Document.
  17. Type pack_manifest.json and hit Enter on your keyboard. Make sure you remove the original TXT filename.

    over your cursor over New and click Text Document, Type pack_manifest.json and hit Enter.

  18. Double-click the pack_manifest JSON document.
  19. Copy and paste this code into the JSON document:

    {
    "header": {
    "pack_id": "Note-7-creeper",
    "name": "Note-7-creeper",
    "packs_version": "0.0.1",
    "description": "For the creeper texture"
    }
    }
    

    Ensure the spacing and line breaks are the same as the image below.

    Double-click the pack_manifest document. Copy and paste the code.

  20. Click File.
  21. Click Save.

    Click File. Click Save.

  22. Close the document.
  23. Right-click a blank space in the window.

    Close the window. RIght-click a blank space in the window.

  24. Hover your cursor over New and click Folder.
  25. Type Textures and hit Enter on your keyboard.

    Hover your cursor over New and click Folder. Type Textures and hit Enter.

  26. Double-click the Textures folder.
  27. Right-click a blank space in the window.

    Double-click the Textures folder. Right-click a blank space in the window.

  28. Hover your cursor over New and click Folder.
  29. Type Entities and hit Enter on your keyboard.

    Hover your cursor over New and click Folder. Type Entities and hit Enter.

  30. Double-click the Entities folder.
  31. Right-click a blank space in the window.

    Double-click the Entities folder. Right-click a blank space.

  32. Hover your cursor over New and click Folder.
  33. Type creeper and hit Enter on your keyboard. The name of this folder must correspond with whatever entity you made a skin for.

    Hover your cursor over New and click Folder. Type creeper and hit Enter.

  34. Double-click the creeper folder.
  35. Drag and drop the creeper.png file you made earlier into the window.

    Double-click the creeper folder. Drag and drop the creeper PNG file you made earlier.

How to enable custom skins within Minecraft

It's now time to enable your custom skin within Minecraft.

  1. Launch Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta from the Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
  2. Click Play

    Launch Minecraft. Click Play.

  3. Click the edit button next to an existing world. It looks like a pencil drawing two lines.
  4. Click Resource Packs.

    Click the edit button. Click Resource Packs.

  5. Click the resource pack you just added. In this case we called it Note 7 Creeper.
  6. Click Play.

    Click your resource pack. Click Play.

The Result!

Your mobs

Have you created skins for the mobs in your game? Let us know in the comments section below!

What is the difference between laptop and desktop GPUs?

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What is the difference between laptop and desktop GPUs?

What does the 'M' mean in a graphics card's number?

Anyone who has shopped around for a gaming rig knows that the graphics card (GPU) is arguably the most important thing to consider. Without an appropriate graphics card for the games you want to play, you'll be stuck with sub-par graphics and an overall disappointing experience.

Buying a gaming laptop adds a bit of intricacy to the buying process. You might have heard that an NVIDIA GTX 980 is a powerful GPU — it can even run VR — and this laptop says it has a GTX 980M within. You buy the laptop, get it home, and realize you can't play a recent game on ultra settings. What gives? Let's explore the difference between laptop (M) and desktop GPUs.

The difference between laptop and desktop GPUs

Lots of room in this desktop!

Consider the amount of space in a laptop PC against the amount of space in a desktop PC — there's simply way less room in a laptop, even a bulky gaming laptop.

This lack of room has traditionally called for a different graphics card than one designed for a desktop. NVIDIA, up until their latest 10-series cards, names these graphics cards something similar and just adds an M to the number. AMD does something similar with their desktop and laptop GPUs.

While the architecture of the laptop and desktop GPU are the same, that's about where the similarities end. If you compare the AMD Radeon R9 380 with the AMD Radeon R9 M380, you're going to get roughly half as much performance out of the mobile version as you would the desktop version. These specs from GPUBoss tell the tale:

CategoryAMD Radeon R9 380AMD Radeon R9 M380
Memory bandwidth176GB/s96GB/s
Clock speed970MHz900MHz
Shader units1792768
Texture mapping units11248
Video composition97.9 frames/s47.87 frames/s
Pixel rate31.04 GPixel/s16 GPixel/s
Compute units2812
Render output processors3216
PassMark score56003047

Even if you're unsure what pixel rates and texture mapping units really mean, it's clear the R9 380 without an 'M' in its name crushes its mobile counterpart.

The same can be said for last-generation NVIDIA 9-series GPUs. Again with specs from GPUBoss, it's clear that the battle between the GTX 980 and the GTX 980M is won by the desktop version:

CategoryNVIDIA GeForce GTX 980NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M
Memory bandwidth224.4GB/s160.4GB/s
Clock speed1753MHz1253MHz
Shader units20481536
Texture mapping units12896
Texture rate136.2 GTexel/s99.6 GTexel/s
PassMark score97125596

Again, it's clear the laptop version, named the same other than the 'M' on the end, suffers when compared to the desktop GTX 980.

The future of GPUs

NVIDIA's new 10-series GPUs, the GTX 1050, GTX 1060, GTX 1070, and GTX 1080, have dropped the 'M' from the end of the number when designed for a laptop. Why? You can expect almost the same performance from both versions.

GTX 1080

For example, both GTX 1080s have 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM and 2560 CUDA cores. The main difference is in the clock speed, where the laptop GTX 1080 comes in just under the desktop version. While performance isn't completely on par with desktop versions, you shouldn't see anything more than about a 5-10% difference.

This is good news for fans of gaming laptops, as you won't have to sacrifice performance or lug around an external GPU with you when you take a trip.

Which should you buy?

Whether or not you buy a laptop or desktop for gaming really depends on what games you want to play and how much money you want to spend. Laptops are generally more expensive than their desktop brethren (though that gap has been closing over the years), but obviously more portable.

Before you pull the trigger on a new laptop, be sure to check out whether or not it has a laptop GPU, and, if it does, make sure you compare it to the desktop counterpart.

If you'd like a more extensive guide on buying a GPU, head over to our Ultimate GPU Buyer's Guide for help with choosing the right hardware.

How to manually download and install Windows 10 cumulative updates

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When a new Windows 10 update isn't showing up, use this guide to download and install cumulative updates manually.

Microsoft makes available updates for Windows 10 in the regular basis to patch any security hole and to improve the functionality of the operating system. However, even now that updates are mandatory to keep devices always up to date, sometimes updates may not appear for download on your computer for a long time.

Although Windows Update is the preferred method to get updates, Microsoft also allows users to manually download new patches as they become available through the "Microsoft Update Catalog" website. While mainly a resource for IT administrators who need to test updates before pushing them to devices in their network, you can use the Update Catalog to quickly download a new update if it's not showing for you in Windows Update as an alternative option.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to find, download, and install updates manually on your device.

How to download cumulative updates

It's important to note that the Microsoft Update Catalog doesn't list anything, instead it's a search page, where you must know exactly the update you want to download.

The easiest way to find an update is knowing its Knowledge Base reference number. For example, on October 11th, Microsoft released Windows 10 build 14393.321, which Knowledge Base reference was KB3194798. You can find the references when we publish a new article about a new update, or when you visit the Windows 10 Update History website. Then do the following:

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

    Quick Tip: If you can't access the site using Microsoft Edge, you can also try opening a new InPrivate window, which should let you get through.

  2. Do a search for the update using the KB number for the update you want. For example, KB3194798.

  3. Click the Download button for the 64-bit or 32-bit version of the update. If you don't know your system type, do the following:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Click on System.
    3. Click on About.
    4. See System type.

  4. A pop-up window will appear with a direct download link, click it to download the .msu file.

How to install cumulative updates

While you can simply double-click the .msu file to install a new update for Windows 10, you may prefer to include options, such as to prevent the operating system from restarting to finish applying the update, which is something you can do using Command Prompt.

  1. Use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Command Prompt (admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    wusa C:\PATH-TO-UPDATE\NAME-OF-UPDATE.msu /quiet /norestart

    Note: We're adding the /quiet /norestart switches to prevent the operating system from restarting your computer after installing the update, but later on, you must manually reboot your device to finish applying the update.

    Quick Tip: If the name of the update turns to be very long, simply begin typing "Windows10.0-kb" and the hit the Tab key to autocomplete the name.

Wrapping things up

The Microsoft Update Catalog website works best using Internet Explorer, but recent changes that removes ActiveX requirement now allows users to access the site using Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Additionally, alongside cumulative updates, you can also download the latest updates for certain device drivers, and Surface updates.

It's worth pointing out that even though sometimes updates won't get through because of a problem on your computer, there will be other times when an update won't show up because it's not compatible with your system. If you install a patch that is not working correctly, you can always use our guide to uninstall a problematic update.

While we're focusing this guide on Windows 10, the same concept shown here works to download and install updates on previous versions of the operating system, including Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

Battlefield 1 medic guide

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Battlefield 1 medic guide

What is the best strategy for playing as a medic?

A Battlefield 1 team without medics will have a hard time winning any type of battle, but that's only part of the struggle. How many times have you watched one or a couple medics run by while you lie wounded on the ground? Why did they ignore your calls for help? Here's how to properly help your teammates as a medic and which equipment to use while doing it.

Medic basics

Make sure you choose a squad!

No matter how you play as a medic, the basics remain the same: your primary role is to provide healing and revives to your teammates. Playing on a full squad with varied classes works best as you can all contribute in different ways to the overall objective — you'll also get more XP for revives and heals within your squad.

Medpacks

If you have them equipped, toss as many medpacks as you can; you'll never run out. Just ensure you don't block a teammate's view if they're lying prone.

A new addition to Battlefield 1 is the ability to quickly toss medpacks using the spot button (Q on PC, right bumper on Xbox). You will be prompted to do so when you aim at a wounded teammate — use it to your advantage, as more medpacks means more healing and more points!

Revives

A downed teammate.

When you see a downed teammate, don't just rush over to revive them unless they're in the clear. Running out without checking your surroundings will likely just end up with you dying beside your friend before you can get in a revive. What's true in the real world battlefield is true in Battlefield 1: you need to keep yourself alive if you're going to do any good.

Your medical syringe needs no charging or buffering to give a full-health revive. Just pull it out and stick your teammate once to bring them back to life with 100% health. You can also use your syringe on the enemy for a one-shot kill and some good laughs all around.

Downed teammates have a skull above them with a circular bar that disappears — this is their time remaining until redeployment. They might not always redeploy when the bar is depleted, so if you still see a skull above them, try to revive them.

Ideal loadouts

Choosing the correct combination of weapons and gadgets for your play-style will make an enormous difference both to your team and to the scoreboard. Here are a few ideal loadouts based on how you want to play.

Tank buster

Tank buster

When enemy armor rolls onto the battlefield, your squad should immediately think about taking it out. Having a medic on the anti-armor squad is a good plan — your squad mates will need revives, and you can even contribute to disabling the tank.

  • Rifle: You'll probably want something that is good for short-range fighting, as the crew of the tank you just blew up will probably come pouring out right before it explodes. The Cei-Rigotti Trench or the M1907 SL Trench are both good options.
  • Pistol: Really up to you here. Keep in mind the C96 holds the most rounds of ammunition at once.
  • Gadgets:a Rifle Grenade - HE will be a good friend when busting tanks. It does quite a bit of damage and can be used from a distance. Keep your medical syringe with you — you'll need to revive downed teammates.
  • Grenade: Use the light anti-tank grenade.

Defensive runner

Defensive runner

If you're guarding a point on the map, there's no doubt your position will be getting shelled, shot at, and gassed. In these situations, it's not a bad idea to concentrate fully on your medical duties, shooting back only when absolutely necessary. There will be plenty of injured and downed teammates to keep you busy.

  • Rifle: This is really up to you as you'll mostly be busy healing your teammates.
  • Pistol: Again, this is up to you. Keep in mind the auto revolver does the most damage of all medic pistols.
  • Gadgets: Medical syringe and medical crate will be your go-to gadgets here. You want to heal as much as possible.
  • Grenade: Smoke grenades will cover you when you need to revive and heal teammates.

Front-line fighter

Front-line fighter

Playing as a medic doesn't mean you can't fight back. This class is actually one of the best for assaulting on the front lines, as you have the ability to heal yourself and your squad in between firefights. The gadgets you can choose from also make up a pretty good offensive loadout.

  • Rifle: The Selbstlader M1916 holds 26 rounds in a single magazine and offers pretty decent stopping power. The Mondragon also offer the same damage but has only a 10-round magazine.
  • Pistol: If you're looking for pure damage, take the auto revolver. It has a 6-round magazine and does the most damage of all pistols available to the medic.
  • Gadgets: If you want to focus more on healing, take the syringe and medical crate. If you'd like to deal damage, keep the syringe but swap the medical crate out for a rifle frag grenade.
  • Grenade: Impact and Incendiary grenades are both great options here.

Your favorite class

What class do you usually play as? What style of play do you enjoy? Let us know in the comments section below!


How to remove the 'Cast to Device' option from context menu on Windows 10

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If you don't use the "Cast to Device" feature on Windows 10, then use this guide to quickly remove the option from the context menu.

On Windows 10, Cast to Device (formerly known as Play To), is a feature that allows you to stream content, such as videos, music, and pictures, using Windows Media Player to another device (including your Xbox One) using DLNA or Miracast technology.

File Explorer includes a "Cast to Device" option in the context menu when you right-click a compatible file, but if you rarely (or never) use this feature, you can remove it from the context menu.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to quickly remove the "Cast to Device" option from the context menu in File Explorer.

How to remove 'Cast to Device' from context menu

Windows 10 adds Cast to Device to the context menu using a specific shell extension, which you can block from loading using a simple tweak in the Registry, therefore removing the entry from the menu when right-clicking a file.

Important: This is a friendly reminder to let you know that editing the registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.

  1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit and click OK to open the Registry.
  3. Browse the following key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\

  4. Right-click on Shell Extensions, select New and click Key.

  5. Name the key Blocked and press Enter.
  6. Inside the Blocked (folder) key, right-click on the right, select New and click String Value.
  7. Name the string {7AD84985-87B4-4a16-BE58-8B72A5B390F7} and press Enter.

  8. Restart your computer to complete the task.

Once your computer reboots, you'll notice that the Cast to Device option will be gone from the context menu when right-clicking a video, music, or picture file.

Context menu with "Cast to device" option (left), Context menu without "Cast to device" option (right)

You can always change your mind and revert the changes by following the steps mentioned above. However, this time, delete the Blocked key you created on step 5 or delete the string created on step 7.

Do you use the Cast to Device feature on Windows 10? Tell us in the comments below.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

What is TDP and why should you care about it?

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AMD FX CPU

Should you be looking at various parts to build a PC with, or to upgraded a specific component, you may have come across a term on your travels: TDP. But what exactly is TDP and why should you even care about the value provided by a manufacturer? We break everything down for you.

So, what is TDP?

TDP stands for Thermal Design Power, and is used to measure the amount of heat a component is expected to output when under load. For example, a CPU may have a TDP of 90W, and therefore is expected to output 90W worth of heat when in use. It can cause for confusion when shopping around for new hardware as some may take the TDP value and design a PC build around that, taking note of the watt usage. But this isn't entirely accurate, nor is it completely wrong.

Our 90W TDP CPU example doesn't mean the processor will need 90W of power from the power supply, even though thermal design power is actually measured in watts. Instead of showcasing what the component will require as raw input, manufacturers use TDP as a nominal value for cooling systems to be designed around. It's also extremely rare you will ever hit the TDP of a CPU or GPU unless you rely on intensive applications and processes.

The higher the TDP the more cooling will be required, be it in passive technologies, fan-based coolers or liquid platforms. You'll not be able to keep a 220W AMD FX-9590 with a laptop CPU cooler, for example.

TDP ≠ power draw?

AMD Radeon GPU

Not quite, no. TDP doesn't equate to how much power will be drawn by the component in question, but that doesn't mean you can't use the value provided as an estimation. The reading itself is based on power so it can actually prove useful when looking at what you will need to provide enough juice. Generally, a component with a lower TDP will need draw less electricity from your power supply.

Actual readings listed by manufacturers can vary as well, depending on their own findings. So while the value of TDP may not exactly reflect how much power a part will draw in a system, it does provide solid grounds to design a cooling system around it, as well as a rough idea as to how much output a power supply (PSU) will need to have. To be safe, we usually recommend a quality brand PSU of 500W for a PC with a single GPU.

Conclusion

If that still has you flabbergasted with TDP, it's essentially a reading that helps determine the power efficiency and performance of a component. Using a CPU as an example, one with higher TDP will usually provide more in terms of performance, but will draw more electricity from the PSU. TDP is not — however — a direct measure of how much power a component will draw, but it can be a good indicator.

Be sure available cooling you have at hand is more than enough to keep components cool, especially when it comes to the GPU and CPU.

Battlefield 1: Friends in High Places field manual guide

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Battlefield 1: Friends in High Places field manual guide

Where do I find field manuals in the Friends in High Places campaign?

The Battlefield 1 campaign contains field manuals scattered throughout individual chapters that you must find if you want to claim a special tank skin and some achievements.

Here's where to find all six field manuals hidden throughout the Friend in High Places campaign.

First field manual — Fall From Grace chapter

  1. After you kill the smoking guard and his pal, walk down the road past the barn.

    Walk past the barn.

  2. Go right as soon as you're past the barn.

    Go right as soon as you're past the barn.

  3. Walk between the barn and the shed with the lamp. You will see a cart ahead of you.

    Walk between the shed with the lamp and the barn.

  4. The field manual is located on the far side of the cart.

    The field manual is on the far side of the cart.

Second field manual — Fall From Grace chapter

  1. Walk down the main road as you continue the chapter until you come to the next farmyard.

    Walk down the road until you come to the next farmyard.

  2. Head to the right of the farmyard; you can ignore the guards or kill the guards.

    Head to the right of the farmyard.

  3. The shack with the sloped roof is your target.

    Locate the shack with the sloped roof.

  4. The field manual is located inside this little room.

    The field manual is located inside the little room.

Third field manual — Fall From Grace chapter

  1. Immediately after collecting the second field manual, turn 180 degrees and start walking.

    Turn 180 degrees and start walking.

  2. Keep going past the fence until you see the lantern. You might have to dispatch some guards if they notice your presence.

    Hop over the fence and head toward the lantern.

  3. Enter the barracks with the lit lantern out front.

    Enter the barracks with the lantern out front.

  4. The field manual is located between the second set of cots in the barracks.

    The field manual is located between the second set of cots.

Fourth field manual — Fall From Grace chapter

  1. Continue along your way until you see a loudspeaker with a brazier near it.

    Keep walking until you find the loudspeaker with a brazier next to it.

  2. Run into the trench past the loudspeaker and go up the staircase.

    Run into the trench past the loudspeaker and go up the staircase.

  3. Take the first path to your right.

    Take the first path to your right.

  4. Walk down the path until you come to a gap — jump over it.

    Walk down the path until you come to a gap. Jump over the gap.

  5. Walk straight ahead toward the overturned cart.

    Walk toward the overturned cart.

  6. The field manual is located next to the overturned cart.

    The field manual is next to the overturned cart.

Fifth field manual — Fall From Grace chapter

  1. Immediately after collecting the fourth field manual, turn to your right. You will see a bunker with a large spotlight on top. Walk toward the bunker.

    Turn to your right and head toward the bunker with the spotlight on top.

  2. Enter the trench at the opening and go to your right.

    Enter the trench at the opening and go to your right.

  3. Go left at your first opportunity.

    Go left at your first opportunity.

  4. Follow the trench up the stairs.

    Follow the trench up the stairs.

  5. Enter the bunker and turn to your left. There might be an enemy soldier within.

    Enter the bunker and turn to your left.

  6. The field manual is nestled in the corner.

    The field manual is located in the corner.

Sixth field manual — Forte et Fidele chapter

You start this chapter in your fighter. After you take out enemy fighters and bombers (and some surprises), you'll eventually end up atop a zeppelin. Once you fall into the zeppelin, the fun starts.

  1. There's really only one direction to go. Follow the zeppelin's catwalks until you come to a diamond-shaped doorway with white tanks hanging just past it.

    Follow the zeppelin catwalks.

  2. Turn right after the second tank.

    Turn right after the second tank.

  3. The field manual is located on the catwalk.

    The field manual is located on the catwalk.

Your collection

Were you able to locate all field manuals in the Friends in High Places campaign? How's the rest of your collection shaping up? Let us know in the comments section below!

How to configure time restrictions to a local account on Windows 10

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If you share your computer with multiple people, you can use this guide to set time restrictions to their accounts using Command Prompt on Windows 10.

When you share your computer running Windows 10 with other users, you can use your Microsoft account to control various aspects of a particular account, including web browsing and app restrictions, and set account sign in limits. However, the account administration is only possible if it's created as a Child account and using a Microsoft account.

If you must share your device with other people using a local account, the operating system doesn't offer a way to set time restrictions to an account -- at least it doesn't make it easy. Fortunately, Windows 10 like in previous versions includes a command you can use to limit access to a local account.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to set limits to a local account when sharing a device with other people.

How to set limits to a local account

  1. Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Command Prompt (admin).
  2. Type the following command to get a list of all the accounts on your computer and press Enter:

    net user

  3. Enter the following command and press Enter:

    net user USERACCOUNT /times:DAYS, TIME

    In the command mentioned above, you must replace "USERACCOUNT" with the name of the account you want to set time limits. You also need to replace "DAYS" and "TIME" with your specific settings. For example, you can adjust the number of days by using: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, or Su. And for the time, you'll need to use 24-hour format.

    In addition, you can also set multiple time restrictions using a semicolon.

    Here's an example of the command setting restrictions from Monday to Wednesday from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm:

    net user WCUser /times:M-W,9:00-16:00;T,11:00-20:00

Once you completed the steps, the user will only be able to sign in only within the allowed times.

To view the current logon hours allowed for the account, do the following:

  1. Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Command Prompt (admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    net user USERACCOUNT

    Note: Remember to replace "USERACCOUNT" with the name of the account you want to view its settings.

To remove the time limits, do the following:

  1. Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Command Prompt (admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    net user USERACCOUNT /times:all

    Note: Remember to replace "USERACCOUNT" with the name of the account you want to remove the sign in restrictions.

Keep in mind that signed in users won't get kicked out of their accounts in the event they signed in within the allowed time. This is only to prevent users from accessing an account outside of the time limits.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

How to make the switch to Microsoft Edge

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Microsoft Edge has what it takes to be your default browser, and in this guide, we'll help you to make the switch.

Microsoft Edge is the new default web browser bundled with Windows 10, and the one that finally replaces Internet Explorer. Although the new browser isn't as mature as the competition, Microsoft Edge is growing rapidly, and with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update the software is getting a lot better.

In the new version, you'll find tweaks and improvements everywhere. For example, in the latest update for the operating system, Microsoft Edge includes new power-saving improvements to reduce memory usage and processor cycles making it the browser of choice for your laptop or tablet.

Additionally, similar to Chrome and Firefox, Microsoft Edge now includes support for extensions to extend its functionality, which you can quickly download from the Windows Store.

And let's not forget, the browser is super fast (arguably faster than Chrome) and very secure. It's the first browser that natively lets you annotate webpages, and it's the only browser that integrates with Cortana to offer you relevant suggestions when browsing the web, which are just a few features that might make you switch to Microsoft Edge as your everyday web browser.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make the switch to Microsoft Edge.

How to make Microsoft Edge your default web browser

If you've been using a different web browser like Chrome or Firefox, they probably tricked you into removing Microsoft Edge as your default web browser. If that's the case, you'll need to change the settings back.

To restore Microsoft Edge as your default browser, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on Default apps.
  4. Under "Web browser," click your current default browser and select Microsoft Edge to complete the task.

How to customize the startup experience

Every time you open Microsoft Edge by default opens up the Start page, which includes the search box, top sites, and curated news around the web. However, you can easily customize what happens when you launch the web browser to open a new tab, previous pages, or a specific page or pages you want.

To customize your startup experience, do the following:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dotted menu button on the top-right and click Settings.
  3. Under "Open Microsoft Edge with" select the option you want.

    • Start page
    • New tab page
    • Previous pages
    • A specific page or pages

Keep in mind that the New tab page is exactly the same as the Start page option, but you can customize it to be a blank page or show top sites too with the Open new tabs with drop-down menu.

Using Previous pages is a convenient way to always be able to pick up where you left off after restarting the browser or your computer.

The A specific page or pages option let you manually enter one or multiple URLs for specific websites you want to load when you open the browser.

How to customize the New Tabs experience

Microsoft Edge allows you to customize what happens every time you create a new tab with three basic options, including using a blank page, a page showing the top sites you visit, a start page.

To customize the experience, do the following:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dotted menu button on the top-right and click Settings.
  3. Under "Open new tabs with," select from one of the following options to complete the task:

    • Top sites and suggested content
    • Top sites
    • A blank page

How to customize the homepage experience

Alongside having the ability to customize the startup and the new tabs experience, Microsoft Edge also lets you add and customize a home that will appear in the address bar.

The home button is turned off by default, but you can turn it on and customize using these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dotted menu button on the top-right and click Settings.
  3. Scroll down and click the View Advanced settings button.
  4. Turn on the toggle switch for Show the home button.
  5. From the drop-down menu, select from one of the following options to complete the task:

    • Start page
    • New tab page
    • A specific page

How to change the default search engine

Similar to most web browsers, Microsoft Edge is just a gateway to access the World Wide Web, but it happens to use Bing as the default search engine when you type a query in the address bar. However, you can customize it to use Google, DuckDuckGo, and even Facebook as your default search engine, or anything else, as long it's designed to use OpenSearch technology.

Now changing the search engine is slightly different than in other browsers. Unlike other modern web browsers, you cannot just manually enter the URL of the search engine you want to use in the settings. Instead, Microsoft Edge, for some mysterious reason, requires you to visit the search engine page to discover the search provider before it becomes available as an option in the settings page.

To change the default search engine settings on Microsoft Edge, do the following:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Navigate to the search engine page you want to use (ex. Google.com).
  3. Click the three-dotted menu button on the top-right and click Settings.
  4. Scroll down and click the View Advanced settings button.

  5. Scroll down again and then click the Change search engine button.
  6. Select the search engine you want to use from the list.
  7. Click Set as default to complete the task.

How to import your favorites from another browser

You've probably been saving links from your favorite sites for a long time, and it could take you a long time to re-create that list. However, Microsoft Edge includes an option to let you easily migrate your favorite bookmarks from the major web browsers.

To import your bookmarks into Edge, do the following:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dotted menu button on the top-right and click Settings.
  3. Under Favorites, click the View favorites settings button.
  4. Select the web browser you want to import from, including Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox.
  5. Click Import to complete the task.

If you prefer, you can also click the show the favorites bar below the address bar for quicker access to your favorite sites.

Quick Tip: If you want to optimize the space on the favorites bar, you can always right-click the bar and select Show icons only, which will let you see more favorites in the same space.

Currently, you can only import favorites from a small number of web browsers, but in future updates of Microsoft Edge you'll also have the ability to import and export bookmarks from HTML files.

How to customize Microsoft Edge with extensions

One of the biggest addition Microsoft Edge has received as part of the Anniversary Update is extension support.

Similar to the Chrome extensions and Firefox Add-ons, extensions on Microsoft Edge are tiny applications that can extend the functionality of the web browser.

At this time there aren't many extensions, but some of the most popular, and some specific for Microsoft Edge, are already available in the Store, including:

  • Adblock and Adblock Plus
  • Microsoft Personal Shopping Assistant and Amazon Assistant
  • Translator for Microsoft Edge
  • LastPass: Free Password Manager
  • Evernote Web Clipper and OneNote Web Clipper
  • Pinterest Save button and Save to Pocket
  • Reddit Enhancement Suite
  • Office Online
  • Turn Off the Lights for Microsoft Edge

The easiest way to get extensions is by using the following steps:

  1. Open Windows Store.
  2. Use the search box on the top-right and search for extensions.

  3. Get to the extensions section, and click the one you want to add to Microsoft Edge.

  4. Click the Install button.

  5. Once the installation completes, click the Launch button.
  6. Microsoft Edge will open, the extension will load, and on the prompt click the Turn it on button to complete the task.

Some extension may include additional settings, which you can customize using the following steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dotted menu button on the top-right and click Extension.
  3. Click the extension you want to configure.
  4. Change the settings accordingly.

Keep in mind that from the extension settings, you can also disable, uninstall, and in some cases, you'll also get the option to show the extension button in the address bar.

How to change the theme on Microsoft Edge

If you've been using Firefox or Chrome, you're probably familiar with themes that you can add from third-party developers. Microsoft Edge also includes support for themes, but unlike the other browsers, you can't add custom themes, but you can switch between the Light (default) and Dark built-in theme.

To change from the Light to the Dark theme, or vice versa, do the following:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dotted menu button on the top-right and click Settings.
  3. Using the "Choose a theme" drop-down menu, select Light or Dark to complete the task.

Wrapping things up

It's true that Microsoft Edge is a little behind in features and functionalities compared to other browsers, but it's not Internet Explorer either. It's a great lightweight browser designed for the modern web. When you make the switch, you'll immediately notice that it's quick and responsive, and you'll also find most of the familiar features found in your previous browser.

Since the initial release of Windows 10, Microsoft has been improving its new web browser and we can only expect the same trend in future updates.

Are you making the switch to Microsoft Edge? If you having been using Edge for since the beginning, what are your favorite features? Tell us in the comments below

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

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