It's not rocket science, but purchasing a GPU can be a rather daunting task. Here's our buyer's guide to help you make the perfect choice.

Should you wish to not only work but play on your PC, you'll need to look at investing in a capable GPU. The Graphics Processing Unit is responsible for rendering everything you see on-screen, as well as taking workloads off the CPU when working through calculations. The last thing you want to do when purchasing a new GPU is to waste your money on an old one or one that's not powerful enough to do what you need.

In this buyer's guide, we'll help you get the best GPU for your money. Here's what you need to know:

• Check what you have
• Check what you need
• Pick a GPU

Check what you have

Whenever you look at investing in a new component for your PC, it's good practice to run a piece of software to have a gander at what you have already. This will help determine just how recent other components are and whether or not they will become a bottleneck for your upcoming GPU purchase. In order to have a look at what makes everything tick inside the PC case, there are a number of software options available; CPU-Z and Speccy are two we would recommend.

These apps will tell you what motherboard you have, as well as CPU, RAM and other bits and pieces. We'll mainly need to see what CPU you have, and a good measurement to use in order to determine how good your CPU will be with a new GPU purchase is 3D Mark. The higher the 3D Mark score, the better a CPU generally is in gaming and other intensive applications. It shouldn't be used as a definitive value, but the 3D Mark score of a specific chip will give you an idea as to how powerful it is.

As well as the score, one should also consider the age of the processor, the generation it's part of, the manufacturing process used, the cooler installed, whether or not it's overclocked, and how many cores you're rocking. Intel has its ARK platform available for conveniently searching its portfolio of CPUs. If you're on #TeamRed, AMD has a similar feature on its own website.

To accompany a decent, modern CPU, a capable gaming rig also needs to have a decent amount of RAM; 8GB is safe, but 16GB is the sweet spot. The power supply (PSU) is an important consideration when looking at a new GPU. Generally, a single graphics card will not require anything more than 500W, which is widely considered as the best option for consumers. Should you have a PSU that offers less, you'll need to double check if enough power will be available.

Lastly: cooling. Not only should you have ample cooling for your CPU, but the graphics card can also get hot when you put it under a heavy load. We recommend having solid negative airflow — fans pushing in cool air from the front and top of the case, and an exhaust fan pulling it out on the rear. This is less vital for rear exhaust-cooled cards that do not add to the already warm temperature readings from inside the case, but more cooling never hurt anyone.

Should you have a capable CPU, ample amounts of cooling and power available, we'll move on to see just what you will need from your next GPU.

Check what you need

Ask yourself: "What do I need a GPU for?" Are you an avid League of Legends summoner? Or do you wish to take full advantage of current-gen gaming and enjoy slaying ghouls in Witcher 3 at 1440p on highest graphics settings? If the answer is the former, you'll need to think about more affordable graphics cards that don't require advanced components to get the most out of the GPU. Something in the $150 region would do just fine with casual gaming and titles that don't require much power.

As for more demanding games, it's generally down to your budget and what your current PC has in terms of CPU, RAM and more. If you're rocking anything less than a recent Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5, it's not worth forking out on top-of-the-line and most expensive options. The mid-range is ideal for you and these cards can even power the latest games at decent quality levels. With the latest GTX 10-series from NVIDIA, the 1060 will be more than enough.

AMD's RX line of GPUs are less powerful than the latest GTX family, but are much more affordable (if you can pick one up). It's possible to pick up an RX 480 that is more than capable of powering VR content for around $200. Another factor worth considering at this stage in the process is the resolution the PC will be outputting at. 1080p is great for smaller displays and less powerful hardware, 1440p is the sweet spot for gamers currently and 4K is still located at the end of the pilgrimage.

Vega is also here by AMD, but it's still early days and availability can be a hit or miss.

Jumping up from 1080p to 1440p will require a substantial boost in power, and even moreso with 4K. Just like graphics and detail levels, the higher the resolution, the more powerful your PC and GPU will need to be. Should you be leaping up in display resolutions on less capable hardware, you'll then need to resort to lowering quality levels to achieve stable frame rates (frames per-second or FPS). Generally speaking:

• Entry — 1080p / ~$250 — Perfect for less demanding titles.
• Mid-range — 1080p, 1440p / $250-$500 — For those looking at stable FPS and VR.
• High-end — 1440p, 4K / $500+ — If you have a money tree planted in the yard.

The above is a rough estimation. Depending on sales and aggressive pricing, it's possible to bag a decent GPU for less, especially with competition heating up and latest families of GPUs driving down last-gen cards. As part of this guide, we'll offer some solid examples of certain requirements, be it 1440p gaming, virtual reality or the best bang-for-the-buck.

Pick a GPU

Now that you have a rough idea as to what you need a GPU for and how powerful your PC is, next comes to choice between AMD and NVIDIA. The latter continues to dominate the market, launching the new GTX 10 series that offers immense amount of power, though AMD has some very capable graphics cards at more affordable prices. Both companies have yet to bolster their line-ups with all cards to be released this generation so it's difficult to tell who will come out on top.

For now, however, we'd recommend NVIDIA unless you're tight on budget. The GTX 1060, GTX 1070 and GTX 1080 are astounding pieces of kit. As an added bonus with these new cards now on sale, older generation options are now priced lower, notably the GTX 900 series. That said, nothing really beats AMD on price, the company's RX 480, which is the current most powerful card in the family is available for just over $200. Need power? NVIDIA. Require a bargain or enjoy #TeamRed? Go AMD.

Another thing to note is FreeSync and G-Sync, which are technologies developed by AMD and NVIDIA, respectively. Purchasing a monitor supporting either feature will help with synchronizing the display with the attached graphics card to reduce input lag and screen tear. Say goodbye to V-Sync. AMD's tech is cheaper for screen manufacturers to include, so you'll be paying out slightly more for G-Sync displays.

• Read more about G-Sync
• Read more about FreeSync

We'll be sure to update this guide on upcoming hardware releases so if you're able to hold off for then, we'd recommend doing so. Taking into account the three tiers of GPU we explained above, here are some options you should look at, depending on your requirements.

Insane Power

Look, 4K gaming is still some way off. Sure, you can comfortably enjoy 4K gaming with good FPS after lowering quality settings slightly, but we're almost at a point where spending countless hundreds will ensure a smooth and incredible experience. A single GTX 1080 Ti will be able to play titles at this resolution, while two of them in paired SLI configuration will unlock insane amounts of power. That, and a super-high price tag.

We're still holding off for AMD's high-end competitor to the GTX 1080 and newly released Ti variant. Should you only own a 1440p or 1080p monitor and don't require a GPU for other demanding tasks like video editing, we would urge you to look at the next option down.

• 4K gaming
• Start from around $699

• NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti
• NVIDIA GTX 1080

1440p Gaming

This mid-tier category of GPUs are perfect for 1080p and 1440p gaming on high-ultra settings. This is the more popular sector with the GTX 1070 and R9 Fury taking our spots for recommendation. While NVIDIA's new card is more efficient and requires less power but will set you back slightly more.

• 1440p gaming
• Start from around $300

• NVIDIA GTX 1070
• AMD R9 Fury

1080p Gaming

This tier isn't necessarily bottom-line, nor are our two examples here cheap by any means. That said, the GTX 1060 and RX 480 are more than capable of 1080p gaming on ultra settings. You should be able to enjoy all games in your Steam library (even those titles you've still yet to download and install) without issue. But if you upgrade your monitor, you're going to need to invest in a new card or lower quality settings.

Both cards are superb options, and as an added bonus both even support VR gaming.

• 1080p gaming
• Start from around $200

• NVIDIA GTX 1060
• AMD RX 480

Updated October 30, 2017: We updated this guide to reflect the latest offerings from AMD and NVIDIA.

Once touted as the "ultimate Ultrabook," how does Razer's latest Blade Stealth stack up against the Surface Book 2?

If you're buying a premium Windows 10 laptop you have a lot of great choices. Two of the newest to hit the streets are the Surface Book 2 from Microsoft and the refreshed Blade Stealth from Razer with a quad-core processor.

Both are powerful, highly portable and truly desirable. In a battle, though, which one comes out on top? That depends on your personal preferences. But we can help you make a decision.

Preorder Surface Book 2Buy Razer Blade Stealth

Surface Book 2 vs. Razer Blade Stealth: Spec comparison

The Surface Book 2 is available in two sizes, with different specs. The Razer Blade Stealth quad-core is currently only available in one configuration. Let's break down the hardware.

To game or not to game

Razer as a brand targets gamers, and the Blade Stealth is no exception. While it lacks a dedicated GPU, thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 connection you can hook it up to a Razer Core when you get home and turn it into a desktop gaming rig with a full-size graphics card. If you want to run a Blade Stealth with a GTX 1080 Ti, you can. And now that there's a quad-core processor in the laptop you'll get better gaming performance than ever.

Essentially, the Blade Stealth is a laptop you can take out all day to work and get great battery life, then come home and tear it up in Pochinki.

The Surface Book 2 is not a gaming laptop ... but it sort of is.

Alternatively, the Surface Book is not a gaming laptop. Its target market is far different: professionals and creatives. The major party piece is that the display detaches from the base, giving you both a premium laptop and a killer Windows 10 tablet with a digital pen. The Surface Book is nothing if not versatile.

While the original model was a little lackluster in terms of graphics power, the new one is anything but. It's nothing spectacular at the lower end, but if you're happy to empty your wallet, the 15-inch model will give you a 6GB GTX 1060 inside. That's not only great for gaming (Razer uses it in its Blade), it'll be plenty powerful enough for VR and Windows Mixed Reality.

Suddenly, the Surface Book can do it all — but only in the larger model, which has a really high price.

Surface Book 2 vs. Razer Blade Stealth: Bottom line

Both of these laptops have an element of versatility. The Surface Book 2 can now give you everything you want for work and play, albeit at a premium. It's finally a laptop that can game and do VR as well as being a Surface with inking and a detachable display.

The Blade Stealth has to leave its powerful graphics card at home.

By contrast the Blade Stealth is still just an Ultrabook. The display is attached at all times, it has no pen, and it also has no dedicated graphics of any kind. But thanks to the power of Thunderbolt 3, you can spend less on the laptop and get yourself a Razer Core which will transform it into a high-powered desktop machine when you're at home.

The Blade Stealth also has a little edge on price. At $200 more than the base model Surface Book 2 you're getting a quad-core eighth-generation processor, 16GB of RAM and an NVMe solid-state drive (SSD) with twice the storage as the Surface Book 2. The 15-inch models with the GTX 1060 start at $2,499, which is a lot of money, but it about evens out when you take into account the price of a Razer Core and a GTX 1060 graphics card on top of a Blade Stealth.

The main difference between the two: You can have a Surface Book 2 that takes all that graphics power with you, no Razer Blade Stealth has that option. If you're not so interested in the graphics power or the Surface-specifics, like a pen and detachable display, the Blade Stealth is an exciting proposition compared to the cheaper Surface Book 2. You get more than $200 worth of extra hardware inside.

Ultimately, the decision on what to get comes down to how you're going to use it. Surface Book 2 can be that one machine that does it all, and you can take it all with you. The Blade Stealth just leaves some it all at home.

Preorder Surface Book 2Buy Razer Blade Stealth

The motion controllers for Windows Mixed Reality headsets run on AA batteries. But how do you know how much power is left? We have the answer.

The fact that you don't have to recharge the motion controllers with your Mixed Reality headset is a blessing, assuming you have a stash of AA batteries at hand. Hot swapping means you don't have to come back to reality and wait for batteries to recharge before you continue your virtual experience.

But the controllers don't have battery level indicators on them, and there's no obvious sign of power levels when you're inside Mixed Reality either ... or is there? In fact, there is. You just have to know where to look.

Comparing Windows Mixed Reality headsets from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung

Finding your Windows Mixed reality controllers' battery level

To check, you need to be inside the Windows Mixed Reality experience with your motion controllers powered on. To check how much battery you have left in each one, all you need to do is turn each controller over so the back is facing you. You'll now see a handy (but hidden from plain sight) battery meter that shows you how much power is remaining.

This isn't exclusive to one manufacturer's controller, either. Currently, they're all the same reference design by Microsoft and this is built into the Mixed Reality software. In the future the implementation could change, but right now it's all the same.

Despite the fact that it's not immediately obvious, it's actually a nice feature. It's always there, but it doesn't interfere with the immersive experience by being a persistent presence on the display. Well done, Microsoft.

More: Everything you can do in Windows Mixed Reality right now

Older parents, relatives or friends don't generally require very powerful PCs, unless they're already part of the gaming community.

When you're looking to purchase a PC for them to use either on a daily basis or sporadically, you should consider ease of use, affordability, and security. Some older folks still have yet to touch a PC, so you'll need to think back to the very first time you used a mouse and keyboard (or trackpad, touchscreen) to get an idea as to what they'll initially go through.

For keeping in touch with friends and family, browsing the internet and possibly firing up Solitaire every once in a while, you can get away with picking up a cheap PC and call it a day. With Windows 10 S as a viable option, there are plenty of choices available. Windows Central member vEEP pEEP took to our community forum for some advice.

vEEP pEEP

10-21-2017 11:52 AM

“

Ok, is this the best place to ask? I hope so. Scenario: parents over 80. They can use a dumb cell phone Aging parents and computers! Help! Their Windows XP computer has to go! They can use email, browse the web, use Skype (if it is set up for them) but are not adventurous. Change one setting and game over. They require much more security that is automated (Malware).

Reply

In general, the PCs you consider for the shortlist should be:

• Easy to use.
• Affordable.
• Secure (with antivirus and automated backups).
• Reliable.

Microsoft Surface 2-in-1s are solid considerations, mixing both tablet and laptop form factors into a single device. You then have some killer laptops and tablets that are likely more appealing than a traditional desktop. Need to make the purchase or suggestion yourself? Head to our community forum to share your experiences and see what others are saying.

From the forum: Best computer for the elderly

Powerline networking is a cool and useful way to carry a wired Internet connection through your home or apartment.

For my entire adult life, I've been an apartment dweller. There was always the potential for me to move around for my job, so I didn't want to buy a house. But living in an apartment — or even a rented house — means I can't do any heavy customization. If I could, I'd punch holes in my walls and run Ethernet cable to every room, both to ensure consistent speeds and to keep my home network as safe as possible. As long as I can remember, I've always had my desktop and Xbox plugged into Ethernet for these exact reasons.

Powerline networking is a cool way to bridge this gap. With the right adapters, an Internet connection can be carried over the electrical wiring in your house or apartment, rather than having to string Ethernet cable everywhere. I wanted to try this, so I bought a TP-LINK set. There are cheaper models that carry a connection at slower speeds, but I wanted to give the connection more headroom and get a kit that would work in the future if I get a faster Internet connection.

Here are some thoughts on the experience.

Getting started

Installation is simple: You just plug an Ethernet cable from your router or modem into one of the adapters, then plug that adapter into an electrical socket. But you need to make sure it's plugged straight into the socket, not into a power strip or UPS. The connection might carry through these accessories, but speeds will be inconsistent at best.

In another room, plug in the other adapter and plug an Ethernet cable into that. From there, the Ethernet cable can be plugged into a switch, a router or in my case, straight into my Windows desktop computer. Assuming the electrical wiring in your home was installed in the last 30 or so years, the signal should carry without issue. The adapters sold in the same box will already be paired together, meaning they are plug and play.

This introduces a security issue, however. If someone who lives in your complex buys the same brand and model of adapter, it's possible that they would be able to gain access to your network since the adapters would share the same default credentials. Fortunately, there's a way to pair the adapters so that they establish their own credentials. This will also let you add more adapters to your network. The exact method varies from brand to brand, but on my TP-LINK adapters, there's a pair button on the side of the adapter. There's also a utility that can be used to manage the adapters.

Testing

My primary reason for trying the powerline kit was to be able to connect my desktop to my router without needing to run a super long Ethernet cable across my apartment. My modem and router are in my living room, since that's how my apartment is wired, so by necessity my desk was also in my living room. It was not the end of the world, but I wanted to have my desk in my dining room just to have things spread out more. Before moving my desk, I installed the powerline kit and got my laptop out to test the connection speeds. I did three speed tests with an Ethernet cable straight from my router, and it had an average download speed of 82MBps. Next, I plugged my Ethernet cable into the Powerline adapter, plugged the adapter into the wall, and then put the other adapter into a power outlet.

Because I cut power to my modem and router, they needed a few minutes to get up and running. Once they were back online, I plugged the Ethernet cable into the adapter in my kitchen and ran three speed tests again. The average speed for those tests was 81MBps, which is close enough for me to say there wasn't any real degradation.

Also pictured: my horrible attempt at cable management.

Final thoughts on Powerline networking

Raw download speed isn't the only issue to be worried about here. Inter-network speed is also an issue to consider, particularly for those that run a media server. I didn't do any scientific measurements, but I'm happy to report that streaming movies from my Plex library on my desktop computer to my Xbox or Chromecast still works like a charm. Even better, streaming games from my Xbox to my desktop is still just as smooth before I moved everything around.

Truth be told, I sort of wish I had to do some troubleshooting that I could describe here. But it was just plug and play. The network works without any issue, and I'm really happy to have my desk back where I originally wanted it.

Are you interested in a Powerline networking kit? Do you have experience with one? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Should you give a laptop as a gift? What is there to know first?

Here's the bottom line: laptops can make great gifts, no matter the occasion or time of year. However, there are some things you must keep in mind to ensure that the laptop is actually well received, and that the person isn't let down by the specs, build, or display. You might have the word "ungrateful" in your head, but purchasing a new laptop is really a personal thing, akin to buying a new phone. Let's take a look at whether or not you really want to gift a laptop, and if you do, we'll also examine some key questions to ask before buying.

Do you really want to gift a laptop?

Before we get into the things to look out for when buying a laptop, it's good to first answer whether or not you really want to gift a laptop. Sure, they make great gifts, but they can also become quite expensive depending on the configuration. You can go the budget or used route, but it might be harder to get what's required. There are some ways to save money on a brand new laptop, but they generally involve knowing exactly what the giftee needs.

• Considering a budget laptop? You should expect these compromises
• Should you buy a new, used, or refurbished laptop?
• How to save money buying a refurbished laptop
• 5 easy ways to save money when buying a laptop

Likewise, shopping for a laptop can take up quite a lot of time, and if you're planning to gift one during the holiday season, you're likely already on a time crunch. Give yourself plenty of time to shop around, as the first laptop you see won't likely be the right one to give. As a plus, however, laptops usually dip in price at the end of November and start of December, so giving one during the holiday season is doable.

How to buy a laptop at the right time (and be much happier with your purchase)

There's also the element of surprise. If you love the shocked look when a gift is opened, giving a laptop likely won't do. There are plenty of questions that must be asked (unless the giftee has been dropping some heavy hints) in order to give a suitable device, and the element of surprise will likely be ruined. If you do buy blindly, ensure it's from a manufacturer with a generous return policy. That way the giftee can enjoy the surprise of opening a laptop, yet can eventually get exactly what they want.

5 common mistakes to avoid when buying a laptop

What you need to know before buying a laptop as a gift

So, you've decided that you'd absolutely like to gift a laptop. As always when buying a new PC, there are some questions that must be answered when it comes to things like chassis size, display, hardware, and general usage.

Is a notebook, convertible, or 2-in-1 preferred?

Laptops are generally built in a standard notebook form with the lid only opening so far, a convertible form with a lid that rotates around 360 degrees, or a 2-in-1 form with a removable keyboard and touchpad.

Make sure you figure out what type of chassis is preferred. Buying a convertible for someone who only needs a notebook will likely be a waste of money. Likewise, buying a standard notebook for someone who wants to use their device as a tablet half the time just won't do.

What size display should you buy?

Laptops often come in variations somewhere between 12 and 17 inches. Smaller laptops are usually best suited for those who are often on the go. Toting around 15- and 17-inch laptops is not nearly as easy, and the weight can make a big difference, especially in the backpack of, say, a college student.

Larger laptops are, however, usually suitable for gamers and anyone looking to edit multimedia. The same can be said for those who need to multitask. Being able to open up two or more windows next to each other is more efficient than switching back and forth.

What is a suitable resolution?

These days, a PC should usually come with at least a 1080p display, no matter the size. A lesser display just doesn't quite hold up as well as it once did, especially when even many thin-and-light Ultrabooks have 4K screens available.

On that note, buying the highest resolution possible isn't always recommended. Sure, a 4K display is gorgeous, but battery life almost always takes a hit. If the laptop is going to be used primarily as a gaming device, 1440p and 1080p are usually still preferred because of performance gains. Hitting 1080p or 1440p (or somewhere around there, as in the case of Surface devices) are recommended for most tasks unless specified otherwise by the person receiving the laptop.

What processor has enough power?

The processor (CPU) is an incredibly important part of the laptop, as it is the anchor point for other hardware. Buying an underpowered CPU for the task at hand is going to affect the rest of the laptop by causing a bottleneck. Always try to find a relatively new CPU. Technology is constantly improving to reduce power usage and up performance, resulting in a faster device with a longer battery life.

What CPU works for what task? In the case of Intel, a Core i3 is usually enough for web browsing and word processing, a Core i5 is generally enough for multitasking and even gaming, and a Core i7 is best if the best performance is needed, as in the case of multimedia editing.

• Intel Core i3, i5, and i7: Which processor is best for you?
• Intel Y-Series vs. U-Series Ultrabook CPUs: What's the difference?

How much RAM is needed to keep up?

Like the CPU, how much RAM a PC needs depends heavily on what the laptop will be used for. There isn't quite as much variation when it comes to RAM; DDR3 or DDR4 will do, and it's more about the amount included.

For web browsing and word processing, 4GB should be enough. For gaming or VR, at least 8GB of RAM is recommended, and for intensive tasks, like multimedia editing, at least 16GB is recommended.

• How much RAM does your Windows 10 PC really need?
• Ultimate RAM buyer's guide for Windows PC users

How much and what type of storage is needed to hold all data?

There are basically two different types of storage commonly found in a PC: solid-state drives (SSD) and hard-disk drives (HDD). HDDs have been around much longer, and can usually be found in larger configurations for a cheaper price. The downside here is that data transfer is slow because of moving parts.

An SSD, on the other hand, has no moving parts, and data transfer is usually much faster. The downside is that they'll usually raise the price of a laptop significantly.

The main difference between the two types is performance. A 1TB HDD and a 1TB SSD are going to hold the same amount of data, but they will deliver it at a different pace. What's likely more important here is how much storage is actually required, and if the person you're buying for is a regular user of cloud storage.

If the laptop is going to be used for video games or multimedia editing, a larger SSD is recommended. Just going to be using it for productivity and web browsing? You can probably get away with a smaller HDD, possibly coupled with some cloud storage or an external drive.

• SSD vs. HDD: Which should you have in your PC?
• What is an SSD and why would I want one?

Is a dedicated graphics card required?

This is one of the easier questions to answer. Will the laptop be used for high-end gaming? If so, it should absolutely have a dedicated graphics card (GPU). Will it be used for multimedia editing? It should likewise have a dedicated GPU.

If, however, the laptop will be used for everyday regular tasks with a bit of light gaming on the side, integrated GPUs have come a long way and will likely get the job done.

• What is the difference between laptop and desktop GPUs?
• Everything you need to know about the GPU

Getting more help buying a laptop

Now that you know what answers to ask, you might be wondering exactly where to look for a wide selection of laptops. We've painstakingly compiled a laptop buyer's guide with categories that include price, design, size, manufacturer, usage, and feature. From here you should be able to find the perfect laptop to give as a gift.

See our Laptop Buyer's Guide for a wide selection of the best laptops available

Did you block automatic file downloads on an app by mistake? Here are the steps to unblock it on Windows 10.

Starting with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, in order to give you more control over file downloads, you'll now see a toast notification with the file description, download progress, and an option to cancel the download when an app tries to open a file only available online from services, such as OneDrive or Dropbox.

The only problem is that after blocking the app, future downloads will trigger "The cloud operation was aborted" message preventing you from accessing the file, which in some cases it can make the app unusable.

If you change your mind, or you block automatic file downloads on an app by mistake, the updated Settings app now provides a new option to quickly unblock apps on your device.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the easy steps to remove the block and allow apps to download files stored from cloud storage services to your computer.

How to allow automatic file downloads on Windows 10

In order to unblock apps to request file downloads automatically from OneDrive or other cloud storage services, use the following steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy.
3. Click on Automatic file downloads.

4. Click the Allow button.

In the "Automatic file downloads" page, you won't see a list of apps that you blocked, instead there only one button that unblocks all apps to previously blocked to requests automatic file downloads.

Quick Tip: If you haven't seen this feature in action, you can try uploading a music track to OneDrive, make the file available only-online, and then try open the file using Windows Media Player.

More Windows 10 resources

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

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

Here's what's new for the HTC Vive for November 2017!

A number of interesting titles are set to release for the HTC Vive this month, fit for the fan of any of virtual reality genre. Although we won't be getting any highly anticipated releases from big studios, some indie gems are on the horizon. Here's an in-depth breakdown of all the HTC Vive games releasing over the month of November 2017.

Note: This list is compiled from Steam store listings at the start of the month.

Read more at VRHeads

My People gives you a quick and easy way to communicate with a handful of your favorite contacts.

We all have a handful of people in our contacts list that we communicate with on a daily, often hourly basis. To help stay in touch with those people, Microsoft introduced a feature called My People in the Fall Creators Update. It lets you quickly send a message, Moji, file, or other form of media with just a couple of clicks. Let's take a look at how all this works and how to get it set up for the first time.

How to set up My People

My People comes mostly set up with the Fall Creators Update. All you have to do is click a few buttons to get it all started.

1. Click the People button in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.

2. Click Get started.

You should now see a window that includes your connected apps. In our case, all three apps were connected by default because we'd signed in to them in the past. If you've never signed in, you'll instead see Click to connect this app below the app's name. If so, click each app to connect it to My People.

How to pin contacts to your taskbar

Up to three contacts can be pinned to your taskbar for fast access.

1. Click the People button in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.
2. Click Find and pin contacts.

3. Click a contact.

You'll now see the person's avatar in the taskbar. From here, there are many more features available.

How to merge multiple contacts

If you have more than one contact for one person, say in the case of a Microsoft account and an Xbox Live account, you can merge them into one for easier communication.

1. Click a contact's avatar in your taskbar.
2. Click Combine duplicate contacts for this person… A new windows will open in which you'll be able to see all contacts associated with this person.

3. Click Choose contact to link.

4. Click a contact.

5. Click the checkmark button once finished.

All information about the person will now be contained in one contact.

How to use Skype through My People

Skype is one of the driving apps that makes My People work. Here you can send messages and start calls without opening the full Skype app.

1. Click a contact's avatar in your taskbar.
2. Click Skype.

3. Type a message and hit Enter on your keyboard to send.

4. Click the Call button to start a voice chat.

5. Click the Video call button start a video chat. Ours is greyed out here because we have no webcam connected to the PC.

You can also launch the full Skype app from here.

1. Click the More options button.

2. Click Launch Skype.

How to send Mojis through My People

One of the coolest things about My People is the ability to send animated Mojis straight to your friend's desktop.

1. Click a contact's avatar in your taskbar.

2. Click Skype.

3. Click the Insert icon or Moji button. It looks like a smiley face.

4. Click a Moji and hit Enter on your keyboard.

Once sent, the animated Moji should appear above the pinned avatar for a short period of time.

How to use Mail through My People

Need to blast off a quick email? You no longer need to open the full Mail app.

1. Click a contact's avatar in your taskbar.
2. Click Mail.

3. Click the New button at the bottom of the window. It looks like a plus sign.

4. Type an email message.

5. Click Send when finished.

Your email will now be sent, and you'll be able to see a list of recent emails in the Mail category within My People.

How to share files through My People

Once My People is set up, you should see your pinned contacts when you right-click a file and click Send. This feature uses the Mail app.

1. Launch File Explorer from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
2. Right-click a file.

3. Click Share.

4. Click one of Your People.

5. Click Send.

How to remove a contact from your taskbar

Windows 10 only lets you pin up to three contacts to your taskbar, so if you'd like to remove and replace, follow these steps.

1. Right-click a contact pinned to your taskbar.

2. Click Unpin from taskbar.

At this point, any other contacts you've attempted to pin to the taskbar while you already had three pinned will automatically fill the cleared spot. If you haven't attempted to pin any others, an empty spot will remain.

How to change My People settings

From here you can tweak a few settings to do with My People.

1. Click the People button in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.
2. Click the See more button.

3. Click People bar settings.

Here, near the bottom of the page, you'll find three toggle switches: one that shows or hides contacts on your taskbar, one that shows or hides notifications from Your People, and one that turns on or off a sound when a notification comes in. To change any settings, just click the switch.

More Fall Creators Update resources

• The ultimate Windows 10 Fall Creators Update resource guide
• The definitive Windows 10 Fall Creators Update review
• How to get started with Story Remix in Photos on Windows 10
• New Windows Defender Security Center features in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
• How to use your digital pen as a PowerPoint slideshow remote
• How to get OneDrive FIles On-Demand in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Call of Duty: WWII has ditched the 'Create-A-Class' system, ushering in a new approach to multiplayer loadouts.

Call of Duty: WWII promises to bring the franchise back to its roots, with the revival of "boots on the ground" multiplayer gameplay later this year. Moving away from jump-packs and exosuits, the game is already shaping up to deliver some welcome changes, while also bringing back a level of purity associated with the series a decade ago.

One of the biggest new changes to Call of Duty: WWII's multiplayer is the new "Divisions" system – a new route for customizing your multiplayer experience.

See at AmazonSee at Xbox Store

What are Divisions?

Divisions are a new approach to competitive multiplayer classes, making their debut in Call of Duty: WWII. Unlike the existing "Create-A-Class" system, which allows players to finely tweak multiplayer classes to their liking, Divisions promote a more structured approach to both gameplay and progression.

After "enlisting" in a Division, players will gain access to new abilities – some even available exclusively to certain Divisions. While there are still options to customize your gameplay experience, Divisions generally encourage players to adopt more defined styles of play.

Wait, so what happened to Create-A-Class?

Divisions are a replacement of the Create-A-Class system, despite being a major component of Call of Duty multiplayer for almost ten years. While Divisions take forward several concepts from the old loadout system, the evolution ensures players having a much more guided path through multiplayer progression.

Like Create-A-Class, players can choose their primary weapons, secondary weapons, and equipment all from the entire Call of Duty: WWII arsenal. However, attributes decided by your Division, such as passive skills and upgrades, will be tied down by the route you've chosen to pursue. There is still the flexibility to shape a class around your personal preferences, although over time you'll come to discover certain weapon combinations fit well with a Division's abilities.

How do Divisions work?

Upon getting started with Call of Duty: WWII's multiplayer, all users will be asked to enlist in a specific Division. Players will be able to choose from the Airborne, Mountain, Infantry, Armored or Expeditionary Divisions, which each provide their own training paths to aid a specific play style.

Players will be able to switch between their enlisted Divisions on the fly. All Divisions are also available from the start, similarly to classes in most multiplayer shooters, however, new Division unlocks can be earned during the early stages of progression.

Each multiplayer loadout for a Division is comprised of weapons and associated skills. While weapons and equipment form the basis for combat, Division Skills, Division Training, and Basic Training are all additional abilities, which enhance your performance on the field. Here's a breakdown of the core components behind a Division loadout.

• Primary weapons: This is your main companion on the field and be your main method of delivering heavy damage. These weapons can also be equipped with various attachments to change their performance. Rifles, submachine guns, light machine guns, and shotguns are all under this weapon type.
• Secondary weapons: Secondary weapons are also a required component of Divisions, providing some supporting fire when times get tough. While pistols are the most common secondary firearms, rocket launchers, shovels, and ice picks are also confirmed to occupy this slot. Some of these weapons also support certain attachments.
• Equipment: The equipment slot is reserved for additional gadgets which don't fall under weapon slots. So far, grenades and mines are the only confirmed items to fall into this category.
• Division Skill: Your Division Skill is an ability available exclusively for your Division, based on its style of play. Division Skills cannot be changed and are one of the defining features of a class.
• Division Training: Division Training is a route of progression associated with your class, providing access to additional abilities outside of your Division Skill. These are tiered into levels and upon leveling up, new perks are unlocked.
• Basic Training: Your Basic Training slot is used to equip a third and final set of perks, which mostly add enhancements to your core abilities. These generally don't enhance your Division-specific abilities and don't appear to be tied to a Division.

For a deeper look into the weapons, equipment, and scorestreaks in Call of Duty: WW2, make sure to take a look at our in-depth list of everything announced so far.

What Division types are available?

For Call of Duty: WWII's launch, Activision has announced five unique Divisions and how we can expect them to play. In current builds of the game's multiplayer, customization of Divisions has been restricted to provide a better sense of their expected playstyle. As a result, specific weapons are paired to Divisions from the outset. Here's a brief look at each of the Divisions, and what they offer in battle.

• Infantry: is a traditional front-lines soldier, packing a semi-automatic rifle and self-loading pistol. This is a generally well-rounded class but excels in offensive situations.
• Expeditionary: is an aggressive scout class, best suited for when situations get up close and personal. While the class' shotgun provides heavy stopping power, the addition of incendiary shells can add extra heat to the battle.
• Airborne: soldiers gain access to a submachine gun with an optional suppressor, allowing for a more strategic and tactical angle to gameplay. This class can also bring smoke grenades into combat, adding a new edge to encounters.
• Armored: is a tank class, with heavy weapons, heavy armor, and unrivaled power. Although you'll be losing the agility of a traditional soldier, the LMG and Bazooka can be a deadly combination.
• Mountain: is the long-range class of Call of Duty: WW2, with access to sniper rifles for precise, sharp shooting. As one of the stealthier classes available, enemies won't know what hit them from afar.

See at AmazonSee at Xbox Store

Further reading

• Everything we know so far about Call of Duty: WWII
• List of all Call of Duty: WWII weapons, equipment and scorestreaks

Motiga, the development studio behind hero shooter MOBA Gigantic, has shut down.

Motiga employees have confirmed the shutdown, indicating that all employees are impacted by the shutdown. In a statement to Destructoid, Motiga founder and CEO Chris Chung confirmed that the shutdown was a monetary decision by Gigantic publisher and studio owner Perfect World. From Chung:

Yes, [the closure] was the corporate decision. It was a budgetary decision at the highest level. Perfect World as a public company has a profitability goal and they decided to cut parts of the company that were not profitable. In short, Gigantic was not making enough revenue. Unfortunately, Motiga is not the only Perfect World studio being impacted by the decision.

As for what the studio's shutdown means for Gigantic, Chung says that the game will "be left at the hands of a maintenance team composed of a few dedicated folks at Motiga." So, at least in the near term, the game will remain available to play, but it likely won't see any new content. Chung says that the maintenance team will continue to work on the game until "it doesn't make sense anymore."

The shutdown follows a rough course of development for Gigantic as Motiga dealt with publishing and funding issues. The game was originally due to be published by Microsoft, but that deal seemingly fell through after a spate of layoffs at Motiga in the preceding months. That's when Perfect World assumed publishing duties of the game, acquiring Motiga in the process. Gigantic finally released in July, 2017, on PC, Xbox One and Windows 10.

Gigantic remains available to play, but its future is very much uncertain.

See at the Windows StoreSee at the Xbox StoreSee at Steam

It stings, but if you're a Windows 10 Mobile user thinking of jumping ship to iPhone, let us help your transition.

Because the iPhone is as popular as it is, you're able to use virtually any popular app or service on it. And that new iPhone X looks pretty slick. The truth is, you can make the happily switch and still be all about Microsoft if you want to. After all, why should you give up the services you love just because you change phone platforms?

The sad truth is Windows 10 Mobile just isn't competing right now, and its future is unclear. Of course, we'd much prefer the opposite situation, but cold hard facts are impossible to ignore.

If you're looking elsewhere and the iPhone is where you're headed, we have some tips to make the transition as painless as possible.

1. Get an Apple ID

If you're going to use an iPhone, you're going to need an Apple ID. Without one, you can't sign in to the phone or download apps. So if you don't already have an Apple ID, get one. It's easier to do on your PC than on a phone, so it's a good idea to do it in advance.

You're not required to have a credit card on file to download apps or content from the App Store, so you can literally just sign up for an account and use it to log into your phone. You don't even have to use most of Apple's stock apps anymore, you can uninstall a whole bunch of them. If you want to buy apps without using a credit card, you'll need to pick up vouchers from a retailer and redeem the codes.

Sign up for an Apple ID

2. Microsoft it all up

If you're going to be keeping all your Microsoft services and accounts intact (why wouldn't you?), you'll be happy to know iOS is your friend. Microsoft supports the platform with all its core apps and services.

And they're mostly pretty darn good. You can still get the Xbox app. And your Outlook mail and calendars are safe. Microsoft is even bringing Edge to the App Store soon, and its new streaming platform, Mixer, is already there. Anything you need to use you'll find in the App Store.

See Microsoft Apps in the App Store

3. Set up Outlook contacts, calendars, and mail

Microsoft does have an Outlook app available for iOS and it's pretty good. You can just download it and get your mail and calendars that way, but it's not the only way.

By integrating your Outlook account into the iPhone directly you can use the iPhone stock calendar and mail apps, as well as being able to use a range of third-party solutions which hook into that information. Fantastical, for example, is one of the best calendar apps on the iPhone and it'll be able to hook into your Outlook account once you've set it up on the phone.

If you're looking for a guide to getting going, we've got just the thing for you.

How to set up Outlook calendars, mail and contacts on the iPhone

5. Add Windows Central to Apple News!

Unlike Android, iOS doesn't have an official Windows Central app. They won't let us. Sad face for that one.

What it does have is Apple News which is pre-loaded on every iPhone. And Windows Central is on Apple News so you don't need to be very far away from the latest and greatest in the world of Microsoft! You'll also want to keep tabs on iMore for the best from the Apple side of the tracks. And they do have an app.

News App: The Ultimate Guide

Download iMore from the App Store

Your tips

These are some basic tips to help get started on an easy, Microsoft-filled life on iPhone. If you recently made the switch, help out your fellow readers by sharing your own tips and tricks in the comments below.

Updated November 2, 2017: We double-checked our tips and tweaked a few things for the new iPhone X.

Did you forget your account password? No worries, you can now quickly reset it from the Lock screen starting with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

It happens to everyone. You start your PC, type your password as usual thinking that is the correct one, but then the account won't unlock. You continue trying different combinations, and even different passwords, but nothing works until you finally realize that you have indeed forgotten your password.

If you're having trouble signing in to your account, starting with the Fall Creators Update, Windows 10 includes a new option that makes it super easy to reset your password when using a Microsoft account.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the easy steps to quickly regain access to your device after forgetting your password or PIN.

• How to reset password from the Lock screen
• How to reset PIN from the Lock screen

How to reset password from the Lock screen

If you no longer remember your Microsoft account password to sign in to Windows 10, you can use these steps to get a new one.

Although you'll be resetting your password through Windows 10, you'll be technically resetting the one from the email you're using on your Microsoft account. This means that after this process, you'll have to use the new password to check your emails on the web.

1. In the Lock screen, click the I forgot my password link. (If you have multiple accounts, make sure to select the correct account first.)

2. Type the captcha letters to prove that you're not a robot.

3. Click Next.

4. Select the recovery email address from the drop-down menu.
5. Complete the hidden part of the email challenge.

6. Click Send code.

7. On your phone or using another computer, using the recovery email account check for the Microsoft account code and enter it to verify your identity.

8. Click Next.

9. Enter a new password.

10. Click Next.

11. Click Next again to go back to the sign-in screen.

After completing the steps, you can once again unlock your PC with the new password. If the new password doesn't work right away, restart your computer, and try to sign in one more time.

How to reset PIN from the Lock screen

While you can alternatively sign in to your account using your password, you might be in the situation where you may need to reset your PIN to access your account.

If you must reset your Windows 10 PIN, use these steps:

1. In the Lock screen, click the I forgot my PIN link. (If you have multiple accounts, make sure to select the correct account first.)

2. Type your Microsoft account password.

3. Click Next.

4. Select the recovery email address from the drop-down menu.
5. Complete the hidden part of the email challenge.

6. Click Next.

7. On your phone or using another computer, using the recovery email account check for the Microsoft account code and enter it to verify your identity.

8. Click Next.

9. Click Continue.

10. Set up your new PIN.

11. Click OK.

Once you've completed the steps, you'll be back on the sign-in screen, where you can use the new PIN to unlock your device.

The only caveat is that these options are only available using a Microsoft account or Azure AD Premium (AADP). If you're using a local account, the Lock screen option won't work.

In the case the password reset option isn't available on the Lock screen, it's likely because you're not running the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

More Windows 10 resources

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

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

Get the best result when selling your old Surface device.

So you're getting a new PC — what do you do with your old Surface? Sure, you could keep it around, but you could sell it instead. There are some great ways to sell your old Surface, but what about getting it ready for its new owner? There will no doubt be a lot of questions about the condition of the device, and you definitely want to make sure it's been wiped of all your data before sending it off to its new owner. No matter the Surface, here's how to get it ready before selling it.

How to change the battery in your Surface Pen

Having a Surface Pen included in the sale is no doubt a big selling point. If the pen attached to your Surface device is no longer working, it might just need a new battery. The battery should last about a year or longer, but it will eventually run out. In that case, you need to grab a new AAAA battery and swap it out.

You can grab a four-pack of AmazonBasics AAAA batteries from Amazon for about $3.

See at Amazon

As far as actually changing the battery, the process is relatively simple. All of these actions should be performed delicately to ensure nothing is broken in the process.

1. Twist the back cap of the Surface Pen counter-clockwise. It will click open. If you're using the latest version of the Surface Pen (without the shirt clip) you can pull the back cap directly off without twisting.

2. Slide the cap out of the Surface Pen.

3. Turn and tap the Surface Pen so that the old battery falls out.

4. Insert the new battery with the positive side facing out.

5. Place the cap back in the Surface Pen.

6. Apply pressure and twist clockwise until it clicks into place. With the new Surface Pen, you should be able to just push the cap back into place.

How to clean your Surface before selling it

Microsoft has a bunch of recommended cleaning practices for your Surface, including care for your screen and Type Cover. Clean your Surface device before taking pictures for your sales post, and you'll no doubt receive more interest. Who wants to buy a laptop with fingerprints and dirt all over it?

Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to wipe dust away from the screen. For oil and smudges, lightly wet the cloth with water or a mild cleaner, specifically the type used for eyeglasses or marketed for cleaning the displays of electronic devices. You generally don't want to use anything harsh. You also do not want to pour any type of liquid directly onto the screen.

For the Type Cover, you can use soap and water on a lint-free or microfiber cloth. Again, don't pour anything directly onto the keyboard or touchpad. You don't want to use anything harsh on the keys or touchpad, but you can take some isopropyl alcohol to the back of the cover, especially on the hinge where dirt can collect.

Back up the data on your Surface

Before you reset Windows 10, you want to back up the data on your Surface. This is especially important if it is your only device.

We've already written extensively on this subject, culminating in a round up of the best ways to keep everything safe. Bottom line: take the time to make one or two backups and you'll be able to rest easy knowing your data is safe while you transition between devices.

See 6 easy and effective ways to back up your PC

If you're super concerned about the safety of your data even after it's been erased and you haven't already enabled BitLocker on the Surface you're selling, you might want to do so before creating backups and ultimately resetting the device. BitLocker is only available in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions, and works best on PCs equipped with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

Remember, BitLocker isn't a necessary precaution but will add another layer of protection when it comes to the following owner being able to recover some of your old data.

See our complete guide to using BitLocker on Windows 10

How to reset your Surface to protect your privacy

Once you've properly backed up the data on your Surface, you can go about resetting Windows 10. Microsoft has made it super easy to reset Windows and wipe the hard drive on your device at the same time. Before beginning these steps, ensure your Surface is plugged into power.

1. Right-click the Start button.

2. Click Settings.

3. Click Update & security.

4. Click Recovery.

5. Click Get started.

6. Click Remove everything.

7. Click Remove files and clean the drive.

8. Click Reset.

Your Surface will now be wiped and Windows 10 will be reinstalled. In this process, the TPM chip (if your PC has one) will also be completely wiped. This can take up to a few hours, so leave your Surface plugged in and let it do its thing. You'll eventually see the initial setup pop up, and at this point, you can put in a temporary username or you can leave it alone and let the new owner set it up when they receive it.

Deregister your Surface

If you've registered your Surface with Microsoft, you'll want to deregister it before selling it.

1. Navigate to the Microsoft account website.

2. Click See all next to Devices. You might have to scroll down a bit to find it.

3. Click the dropdown arrow next to More actions in the section with your Surface device.

4. Click Remove tablet.

5. Click the checkbox next to I'm ready to remove this device.

6. Click Remove.

The Surface device will no longer be associated with your account and should be ready to take on a new owner.

Check out the new Surface devices

Wondering which Surface device you should grab next? Have a look at the new Surface Book 2, the Surface Pro, and the Surface Laptop.

• See at Microsoft | Surface Book 2
• See at Microsoft | Surface Pro
• See at Microsoft | Surface Laptop

If you ever happen to lose your pen, Windows 10 can help to track it down, but you must enable the feature before you can use it.

Windows 10 has been able to track the physical location of your device for quite a while in case it gets lost, which is particularly useful for laptops and tablets. Now, with the Fall Creators Update, the feature expands to help you track your pen as well.

Although it's impossible for Windows 10 to know your pen's current location (due to the fact that they don't include GPS), because they connect to your device using Bluetooth, the OS can tell the last location you were using the pen, and saves that information to help you track it down.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to use the pen tracking feature included with the Fall Creators Update.

How to find your pen using the Settings app

In order to find your Surface Pen (or any supported pen) use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Find my device.

4. Click the Change button, and turn on the Save my device's location periodically toggle switch.

Once you've completed the steps, use the pen so that Windows 10 can start tracking its physical location.

Finding my pen

If you ever lose the Surface Pen, you can use these steps to track it down:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Find my device.

4. Under "Where's my pen?" click the Go here to track it link.

After completing the steps, the Maps app will open letting you know the last location that Windows 10 was able to record you using the pen.

Of course, this feature will only tell you the approximate location. You won't see a message that says: "Your pen is under the couch." So, you'll have to do some digging. And this doesn't take into account the pen being moved while you were away from said location, but it's better than noting.

Also, note that enabling this feature, you'll be giving Windows 10 permission to periodically record the physical location of your device as well. If your Surface or laptop ever get lost, you can go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices, and click the "Find my device link" for the computer you want to locate.

More Windows 10 resources

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

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

Is Windows 10 showing the wrong first day of the week in your location? Or do you simply want your week to start on a different day? If so, you can use these steps to change the calendar format.

Windows 10 sets the first day of the week during setup based on your region settings, but it can't adjust the setting automatically if you're visiting another country, or your work schedule starts on a different day.

Fortunately, you can use the Settings app or Control Panel to set the start of the week to any day you want.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the easy steps to change the first day of the week on your device.

• How to set the first day of the week using Settings
• How to set the first day of the week using Control Panel

How to set the first day of the week using Settings

In order to change when your week starts on Windows 10, do the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Time & Language.
3. Click on Date & Time.

4. Click the Change date and time formats link.

5. Using the "First day of week" drop-down menu, select the day you want to start the week.

Once you complete these steps, when you open the clock flyout (Windows key + Ctrl + D) it will display the newly configured first day of the week in the calendar. In addition, apps like the built-in Mail and Calendar that use the system configuration will also show your new first day of the week.

How to set the first day of the week using Control Panel

If you feel more comfortable using Control Panel, you can use these steps to set the first day of the week:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click on Clock, Language, and Region.

3. Click on Region.

4. In the "Formats" tab, under "Date and time formats," use the First day of week drop-down menu to set the day you want your week to start.

5. Click Apply.
6. Click OK.

After completing these steps, the clock flyout and apps like Mail and Calendar will display the new first day of the week you selected.

More Windows 10 resources

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

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

Looking for the best of the best on your Xbox One X? These are the Xbox One X Enhanced games you need to try on your new console.

Microsoft's Xbox One console has finally hit store shelves, with the promise of delivering the best console gaming experience on the market. Taking advantage of hardware far superior to competing devices, the Xbox One X aims to produce a "true 4K" gaming experience, alongside benefits such as High Dynamic Range (HDR) and improved visual effects.

While all existing games can expect some form of a performance boost, specific "Xbox One X Enhanced" games are where the console truly shines. These games are developed especially for Xbox One X, with the ability to take full advantage of its available resources. While many games built for the console strive to achieve 4K resolution, other benefits such as improved framerates and textures are becoming increasingly common sights.

We've rounded up our favorite Xbox One X Enhanced games available for the console right now, which truly highlight the potential of Microsoft's latest flagship.

Assassin's Creed Origins

While the success of the Assassin's Creed franchise began to dwindle with 2015's Syndicate, Assassin's Creed Origins is a return to form for the franchise. It's one of the most refreshing titles from Ubisoft in some time, offering an expansive and deep digital recreation of ancient Egypt.

Assassin's Creed Origins is a stunning game no matter the platform, but with support for Xbox One X from launch, the game truly shines on the hardware. Achieving a 4K resolution via a technique known as "checkerboard rendering," the game's world is brought to life with an additional level of clarity. Paired with HDR, which displays a wide gamut of colors, whether the desert sands or glaring sun, the world of Origins stands out against its predecessors.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Rise of the Tomb Raider first arrived on Xbox One back in 2015 and two years later, the game is still seeing extended support. In collaboration with a small Dutch studio, the game most recently received enhancements for the Xbox One X, making for one of the best revisions of the game so far. Whether resolution, frame rate or visual effects, one of three visual modes can be chosen on the fly.

The first of these modes is "native 4K," which pushes the resolution to the max while targeting 30 FPS. Alternatively, 4K resolution can be achieved by utilizing a checkerboarding technique, while serving up additional visual upgrades under the "Enriched Visuals" name. Finally, a "high frame rate" option is also available, which drops the resolution to full HD, while climbing up to 60 FPS.

See at AmazonSee at Microsoft Store

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War

Back when the Xbox One X was only known under its Project Scorpio codename, Middle-Earth: Shadow of War was among the first titles to announce 4K plans on the console. With the console now on the market, the action-RPG has delivered on these promises, rendering Tolkien's world is a better light than ever before.

Shadow of War is another title that gives players choice in their visual upgrades, depending on visual preferences. The first of these, "Favor Resolution" leverages the extra horsepower to output at native 4K, with improved textures across the game. Those who prefer visual effects will have the option of a "Favor Quality" mode, which aims to improve the graphics in areas aside from the output resolution. These upgrades include the same improved textures, alongside better shadows, lighting, draw distances and polygon counts.

See at AmazonSee at Microsoft Store

Halo Wars 2

Halo Wars 2 was never a game that pushed boundaries with its graphical fidelity, yet has still seen some welcome improvements for Xbox One X. The top-down RTS has seen an upgrade to 4K resolution with its latest patch, which clears up the game's presentation across the board. As a tedious title that can require precision on controller, 4K resolution has gameplay benefits, making the smaller details of Halo Wars 2 much more apparent on the screen.

With more overhead than its standard Xbox One equivalent, Halo Wars 2 also sees improved stability on average when played on Xbox One X. Most notably, in hectic battles where overcrowding can result in huge frame rate drops, the Xbox One X does a better job at maintaining stability over time.

See at AmazonSee at Microsoft Store

Gears of War 4

Gears of War 4 was a great showcase for the Xbox One S at launch, showcasing the console's HDR support. A new update has been released parallel to the Xbox One X debut, with a visual bump designed for the console.

In the original release, Gears of War 4 hit 30 FPS across is Campaign and Horde modes, while competitive player-versus-player (PvP) gameplay achieved 60 FPS. On the Xbox One X, upgrades have been made to address its performance shortcomings, allowing the entire experience to run at high frame rate.

An option is also provided to run Gears of War 4 at native 4K, which adds a new level of detail previously only possible with the PC release. If enabled, visuals will be vastly improved across the board in Campaign and Horde, however, without the frame rate bump.

See at AmazonSee at Microsoft Store

Ghost Recon Wildlands

With Bolivia under the control of the Santa Blanca drug cartel, Ghost Recon Wildlands sets the scene for an expansive tactical experience. Building on Ubisoft's previous successes in the open-world genre, the game serves up a rich open world shooter experience with a range of locales to explore.

Xbox One X enhancements have now dropped for the game, pushing an improved resolution and a long list of visual effects. In a game where its huge world is simply compelling, increased draw distances, textures and antialiasing bring out the beauty of a country thrown into turmoil.

See at AmazonSee at Microsoft Store

Hitman

After parting ways with Square Enix and establishing itself as an independent studio, IO Interactive has returned to last year's episodic installments of the Hitman series for Xbox One X. Reworking each of the game's episodes, every Hitman location looks better than ever on the console, with boosts to resolution and framerate depending on your preferences.

Hitman on Xbox One X includes a native 4K resolution mode called "High Detail," which aims to show off the world of assassination in its best form yet. Alternatively, those looking for a gameplay edge can adopt "High Frame Rate," which doubles the frame rate to 60 FPS. HDR support also carries over from the Xbox One S version. Both modes also feature improved texture resolution, filtering, and environmental shadows.

See at AmazonSee at Microsoft Store

If you're running low on space after getting the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, use this guide to delete the previous version to reclaim storage.

During the installation of the Fall Creators Update, Windows 10 makes a backup of the current setup that can be used to restore the previous configuration in case of problems during and after the upgrade.

The only caveat is that even after the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update was successfully installed, and it's working without a glitch, the copy of the previous version stored in the Windows.old folder is still around on your drive — wasting gigabytes of space that can be used by more important files.

Although this might not be an issue for devices with large hard drives, if you have a laptop or tablet with limited storage, you can reclaim that storage space (and more).

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through three different ways to delete the previous installation saved on your computer after upgrading to the Fall Creators Update to free up storage space.

• How to free up space using Storage sense
• How to free up space using Temporary files
• How to free up space using Disk Cleanup

How to free up space using Storage sense

The quickest way to free up space on your device after installing the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is to use the Storage sense option.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Storage.

4. Under "Storage sense," click the Change how we free up space link.

5. Under "Free up space now," check the Delete previous version of Windows option.

6. Click the Clean now button.

After completing the steps, Windows 10 will delete the backup files from the previous installation, including any other temporary files options you may have checked, such as temporary files from apps, files that have been in the recycle bin for over 30 days, and files that haven't changed in the last month in the Downloads folder.

How to free up space using Temporary files

Alternatively, the Storage page in the Settings app allows you to delete the previous version of Windows using the Temporary files settings.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Storage.

4. Under "Local storage," click your device main drive labeled "This PC."

5. Click on Temporary Files.
6. Check the Previous version of Windows option.

7. Click the Remove files button.

Once you've completed the steps, the previous installation files will be deleted from your device, reclaiming several gigabytes to store more important files.

In addition to deleting the previous version backup, you can also choose to remove a number of other junk files to free up space, including temporary files from apps, Downloads folder, and those files in the recycle bin.

How to free up space using Disk Cleanup

In addition to using the Settings app, you can use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove the previous installation backup files.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on This PC from the left pane.

3. Right-click the Local Disk (C:) drive, and select Properties.

4. Click the Disk Cleanup button.

5. Click the Clean up system files button.

6. Check the Previous Windows installation(s) option.

7. Click OK.

After completing the steps, the Disk Cleanup tool will properly get rid of the Windows.old folder containing the previous installation.

While in Disk Cleanup, it's also a good idea to select other unnecessary files wasting space on your device, such as Windows Defender Antivirus, Windows upgrade log files, Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files, System created Windows Error Reporting files and others.

Wrapping things up

While there are multiple ways to delete the old Windows 10 installation to free up storage space on your computer, bare in mind that these files are required to rollback in case the new version is not working correctly.

After freeing up disk space using any of these methods the option to go back to an earlier build will no longer be available in the Settings app recovery options. You should only consider getting rid of these files if your device is running low of space and you're not experiencing any issues after installing the Fall Creators Update.

If you delete the previous version, the only way to rollback is to do a clean installation of Windows 10. However, if you don't delete these files manually, the system eventually will delete them automatically after ten days of the upgrade.

More Windows 10 resources

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

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

It's time to clean your Xbox One!

After you've had your Xbox One console for a while, you'll probably notice that it starts to get dusty. Dust can easily build up, and cause a problem down the line. That's why we've put together this handy guide to cleaning your Xbox One. Here's what to do — and what not to do — to keep your console shiny and clean!

Dust cloth

When it comes to cleaning your Xbox One, your very best friend is a dust cloth. That's because as long as you keep the exterior clean and dust free, you shouldn't ever have to clean out the inside of your console. A dust cloth lets you grab most of the dust that can accumulate on your system.

All you need to do is run the dust cloth over the outside of your system. This includes the top, bottom, sides, and ports. Depending on how long it's been since you've wiped down your Xbox One you may need to clean off the cloth a few times, but for the most part this method will get the job done.

Compressed air

If it's been a while since you've cleaned out your Xbox One, then you might notice that there is dust everywhere. On the top and sides of your console, as well as in all of the grates. While a dust cloth can easily deal with everything on the outside of your console, if you've got dust inside your grates you'll need to go a slightly different route.

Thankfully it isn't hard to go ahead and clean out the dust inside those grates. All you'll need is a can of compressed air. Using the detail nozzle, use short directed sprays to clean the dust out. This should only take a few minutes, and you'll be able to see when the dust has evacuated the area. Canned air is also useful for getting into all of the ports along the back of the Xbox One. These can easily collect dust, but they're hard to get into with a cloth (and you'll probably end up leaving behind lint or shreds of paper towel if you do).

Of course, in doing this you'll be kicking a bunch of dust into the air, and inevitably that's going to settle back on your Xbox. So give it a few minutes and then come back with the dusting cloth and give it a quick wipe down.

Avoid damp wipes

Now plenty of folks use wipes doused in cleaning chemicals (or even a bit of water) to clean just about every surface in their homes, from countertops to windows to TV screens. Most of that's fine. Do not use them on your Xbox One. Specifically this is because your Xbox One is covered in vents, and you don't want moisture of any kind to seep in there. Really, you shouldn't use these on any electronics — TV and Xbox included.

In general, you should avoid using anything that is wet since it has the capacity to screw up your console. Liquid + electrical components = bad time. By sticking with the combo of a dust cloth, and compressed air you should be able to easily clean out your Xbox without accidentally causing any damage to it.

Cleaning your controllers

While getting your console clean and shiny again only takes a few minutes, it's also worthwhile to go ahead and clean off your controllers on a regular basis as well. It easy for dirt, grime, and germs to multiply on your controller without you even realizing.

You can clean your controller using the same methods that you use on your main console. A dust cloth can clean off smudges, and grab at any detritus caked around the buttons or analog sticks. If dust is an issue, then you can use some compressed air to clean out the ports at the top and bottom of the controller.

Tempting as it may be to just take a damp cloth and run it over the body of the controller, you still want to avoid this. Moisture getting in and close to the electronic components inside the controller can cause issues nobody wants the hassle of dealing with.

Do you want to pin more than just three contacts to your taskbar? No problem. Here's how to do it.

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update introduces a new feature called My People, that allows you to pin your favorite contacts directly to the taskbar for quick and easy access to instant messaging services, email, contact details and more. Unfortunately, Microsoft imposed a limit of just three contacts that can be pinned to the taskbar, which just isn't enough for some people.

If you're one of those people longing for more pinable contacts, you've come to the right place. The three-people limit isn't fixed and can be adjusted via a simple Registry edit. As always, fiddling around with the Registry can be dangerous, so you should proceed with caution if you're not already familiar with the Windows Registry.

Step No. 1: Open the Windows Registry

First, you need to open the Windows Registry to be able to edit the values necessary to increase the number of people you can pin to the taskbar.

1. Right-click on the Windows Start button.

2. Select Run.

3. In the Run dialog box, type "regedit."

4. Select OK.

Step No. 2: Unlock more pinable contact spaces

Now that you're in the Windows Registry, you need to navigate to the folder that lets you change a number of people you can pin to the taskbar.

1. Navigate to:

   Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\People

2. In the People folder, right click and select "New > DWORD (32-bit) value."

3. Name the DWORD, "TaskbarCapacity."

4. Double-click the newly created DWORD.

5. Set its "Value data" to 10.

6. Select OK.

7. Restart your computer.

You should now be able to pin up to 10 contacts to the contacts area on the taskbar. We haven't tried increasing the value data past 10, so we're not sure if it's possible to continue pushing a number of people you can pin. If you give it a go, make sure to let us know in the comments.

It's likely Microsoft imposed the original limit of three people because most screens aren't big enough to accommodate more, and pinning more than three can make the user's taskbar feel cluttered. If you're someone with a big monitor with more space, pinning more than three people may make sense.