The Voicemeeter Banana donationware application for Windows could solve all your audio woes, especially if you're a streamer.

Controlling audio on Windows 10 can sometimes get a little messy, particularly if you have a lot of different apps or devices to funnel it all through. In the case of streamers, in particular, control over which piece of audio goes where is crucial to ensure your stream isn't a complete disaster.

There are hardware solutions, like an external mixing deck, that can take care of everything for you. Those are great, but they're not cheap and they require a fair bit of room. And lots of cables.

You might be better off with Voicemeeter Banana, a free-to-use application for Windows that simulates a mixing deck within the confines of your PC. It is fantastic. But there's a bit of a learning curve.

Setting up Voicemeeter Banana

First, you want to download the application at the link below, but make sure you get the Voicemeeter Banana app, not the regular Voicemeeter.

Download Voicemeeter Banana for Windows

From the same link, you should also download a free virtual audio cable. You're allowed one for free, and you'll see why it's important in later steps. This comes as a zip file, so unpack it and open the executable within for your version of Windows (x86 or x64).

Before you go tinkering with it, you need to set Voicemeeter Banana as your default audio device for Windows 10. That way everything will be funneled through the app.

Click on the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner and select Voicemeeter Input (VB-Audio Voicemeeter VAIO). Confusing, yes, but that's how it needs to be.

Adding your output devices

First, let's look at the output device area of Voicemeeter Banana. In order to hear audio from your PC, you'll need to set up any hardware you have for the job. There are three outputs (A1, A2, and A3), with corresponding controls. The colored boxes in the image above show you which correlates with which.

You can have three separate pieces of hardware that Voicemeeter can send audio to. In my case, I have a set of desktop speakers, a pair of headphones and a gaming headset all connected to an output.

Click on the relevant output and you'll be presented with a list of everything that's connected to your PC that can handle audio. You'll also notice that everything is there twice, prefaced by either WDM or MME (there are others but these are the two we care about right now). Select the audio device with WDM by it first, and if you have any issues try MME instead. But you always need to make sure you're consistent.

That goes for audio input devices, too; input and output need to match. So WDM for WDM or MME for MME.

Each individual audio output can be controlled with the slider and adjacent controls in the bottom right of the Voicemeeter Banana window. The slider has a ton of range for getting volume just right, but you can also mute each individually, add EQ settings, or go from stereo to mono if you wish.

Setting up your audio inputs

Selecting an input device is exactly the same as selecting outputs, but you do it on the left of the window. Grabbing the free virtual audio cable detailed above comes into play here, as it presents you with an extra input you can use. If you want more, throw the developer some money and stack them up.

The principle is the same as outputs. The difference is that an input doesn't have to be hardware. Thanks to the virtual cable, you can tell Voicemeeter Banana to treat an application on your PC like a piece of hardware and deliver it into the mixer.

This is great for streamers to integrate Skype or Teamspeak or Discord, or in my case, I'm setting it up to pull in Xbox party chat from the Xbox app on my PC.

Your first hardware input should be your microphone (remembering to match WDM or MME. The next can be anything you like, hardware or software.To do this with the Xbox app or Skype or Discord, you simply need to tell the relevant app to use the virtual cable as its output.

In the case of the Xbox app, my output for the party chat is set as Cable Input (VB-Audio Virtual Cable). In the second hardware input, simply select the corresponding item, noting it is now labeled as Cable Output. You're telling the Xbox app that you want the audio to go down a cable input to an audio device, and Voicemeeter Banana to pull the output from that cable.

Virtual inputs

So far we've set up mostly hardware (and fake hardware). Audio goes into the PC, then goes out to the speakers or headphones you tell it to. But then we get to the virtual inputs.

As I'm looking at this from a streaming perspective, the colored boxes above demonstrate how to approach the B1 and B2 virtual inputs. B1 is all your Windows audio (remember earlier setting Voicemeeter Input as the default playback device) and should be set up in such a way that you're going to be hearing sound from whatever outputs you connected to your PC. B2 is your stream audio, that is, everything that gets sent to your viewers via software like XSplit and OBS.

Why is this important? You don't necessarily want your stream to hear audio from certain inputs, and you certainly don't want your stream audio doubling up with your Windows audio and going to the same speakers.

What you need to remember is that anything you want to be mixed together with your Windows audio, you send to the B1 channel. You can then send B1 to output A1, A2 or A3, or a combination of the three.

You might want to start changing this and sending only selected hardware inputs to an output if you want to isolate a particular piece of audio. If you want to monitor your microphone, for example, without mixing it with any other audio or sending it to your stream, you can set its output to be your headphones and mute everything else.

As with the hardware outputs, the B1 and B2 channels have their own controls in the bottom right.

Using Voicemeeter Banana with XSplit and OBS for your streams

Now that we're all set up, we can turn to getting the right audio to your stream. Since everything is controlled by Voicemeeter Banana, there's very little to do with your streaming software.

Here's how to get set up in XSplit and OBS.

Adding Voicemeeter Banana audio to XSplit

Follow these quick steps:

1. In your XSplit window click on the settings cog.
2. Select the audio tab.
3. Set system sound to none.
4. Set microphone to Voicemeeter Aux Output (VB-Audio Voicemeeter Aux VAIO)

Now, everything you send to the B2 channel in Voicemeeter Banana will be pulled into XSplit.

Adding Voicemeeter Banana audio to OBS

Follow these easy steps:

1. Go to settings in OBS.
2. Select audio.
3. Set mic/auxiliary audio device to Voicemeeter Aux Output (VB-Audio Voicemeeter Aux VAIO).
4. Disable all other audio devices.

Now everything you send to the B2 channel in Voicemeeter Banana will be pulled into OBS, while everything attached to the PC is muted so you don't end up with any doubling up or echoes.

Final thoughts on Voicemeeter Banana

Voicemeeter Banana is one of those pieces of software you didn't know you needed, but then you can't live without. It's elegantly designed, and once you figure out the basics, it's not particularly difficult to use.

If you like it, definitely donate to help keep the project going. It's worth it.

You can automatically shift between light and dark themes using the "Scheduled Themes" feature on Xbox One. Here's how.

In late 2017, Microsoft debuted a "light theme" for its Xbox One console, giving users the option to shift the OS color scheme away from its formerly darker tone. Reworking the entire Xbox One OS, the light theme favors whites and lighter colors, which makes for improved visibility in brighter environments. Alternatively, the dark theme still utilizes blacks and dark grays, which can be easier on the eyes once the sun sets.

Microsoft has followed this up with a complementary feature, known as "Scheduled Themes." When enabled, the Xbox One can automatically shift between the two themes at certain times of the day. Here's how to enable Scheduled Themes on Xbox One and calibrate the feature to your liking.

How to use Scheduled Themes on Xbox One

To use Scheduled Themes on Xbox One, the feature must first be enabled on your console. This can be done using the Settings app, where you can tune the timing to your personal preferences. In its current state, scheduling must be done manually and cannot be mapped to sunrise and sunset in your region. Here's how to use the feature:

1. Open the Settings app on your Xbox One.
2. Navigate to the Personalization tab.
3. Select Theme & motion.
4. Navigate to the System theme drop-down menu.
5. Select Scheduled.
6. Set the start time for the light theme, using the field that appears.
7. Set the end time for the light theme.

After following these simple steps, Scheduled Themes will be enabled on your console. Going forward, the light theme will be enabled at the start time, while the console will revert to a dark theme once the set period passes.

What do you think of the new feature? Let us know in the comments section.

Related resources

• Xbox One 1802 update: The complete changelog
• How to enable Xbox One 'Do Not Disturb' status
• How to enable the light theme for Xbox One
• More: Xbox Help

Updated February 7, 2018: Updated this article to reflect the public release of the "1802" update.

If you're using an account that doesn't support automatic replies, you can configure a rule in Outlook to overcome this limitation, and in this guide, we'll show you how to do it.

Automatic out-of-office replies are useful for more than just clogging up inboxes — but not every email service offers them, But if you use the Outlook desktop app, you can still create a rule to automatically push out-of-office replies during your time away, even if your email service doesn't support it, all thanks to the magic of rules.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to send out-of-office automatic replies on non-Outlook email accounts using Outlook 2016 and earlier versions.

How to create a rule to set up out-of-office replies

If you have an email account that doesn't support automatic replies, you can use the following steps to set up a rule using the Outlook desktop app to respond to emails while you're away:

Quick Tip: You can confirm whether your account supports out-of-office replies on File> Info. If you don't see the Automatic Replies button, your account doesn't support the feature. If you see the button, then follow these steps to configure Automatic Replies.

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click the New Email button.
3. Use the "From" drop-down menu and select the email address you want to set up with auto-replies.

4. Compose a new email with the message people will receive, and don't forget the subject line.

5. Click on File.
6. Select the Save As button.
7. Use the "Save as" type drop-down menu, and select the Outlook Template (*.oft) option.

8. Save the template in this location:

   %APPDATA%\microsoft\templates

9. Close the message composer.
10. On Outlook, click on File.
11. Click on Info.
12. Select your non-Outlook account using the drop-down menu.

13. Click the Rules and Alerts button.

14. In the "Email Rules" tab, click the New Rule button.

15. Under "Start from a blank rule," select the Apply rule on messages I receive option.

16. Click the Next button.

17. If you'll be replying to every email you receive, make sure no option is selected under "Which condition(s) do you want to check?" and click the Next button.

18. Click the Yes button to confirm.

19. Under "What do you want to do with the message?" on "Step 1," select reply using a specific template.

20. On "Step 2," click the a specific template link.

21. Use the "Look In" drop-down menu and select User Templates in File System option.

22. Select the custom template that you created earlier.

23. Click the Open button.
24. Click the Next button in the Rules Wizard.

25. Check any exception you may want to use.

26. Click the Next button again.
27. Specify a name for the rule. For example, My Out-of-Office Rule.

28. If you're ready to enable the rule, leave the Turn on this rule option checked.

29. Click the Finish button.

Once you've completed the steps, Outlook will start sending out-of-office replies automatically immediately, but it's important that you leave the Outlook app running while you're away. Otherwise, the rule won't work, because this is not an online service.

If you didn't enable the rule using the above steps, you can turn it on File> Info> Manage Rules & Alerts, and in the Email Rules tab, make sure to check the rule you want to activate, and then click Apply and then OK.

When you no longer need to send out-of-office replies, remember that you have to manually uncheck the rule to turn it off on File> Info> Manage Rules & Alerts.

Although we're focusing this guide on Outlook 2016, you can also refer to these instructions for Outlook 2013 and 2010.

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

DPI and CPI?

Shopping around for a mouse will often land you on product pages that list a specification in Counts Per Inch (CPI) or Dots Per Inch (DPI). The latter — unsurprisingly — covers how many dots are in an inch and can be used in printing as well as mice, while the former specifically relates how many virtual pixels the mouse sensor can pick up with the onboard sensor. In short, these two terms essentially cover the same specification of a mouse and can be used interchangeably.

But just because they both virtually mean the same thing in this context, which is the correct term to use?

DPI vs. CPI

Some retailers, vendors and even consumers use DPI when talking about mice and how many dots (or virtual pixels) can be detected and read by the mouse, but fear not as the figures are the same regardless. CPI (and in turn DPI) revolves around how much the mouse cursor will move on-screen compared to physical movement detected on the pad. The higher the CPI, the further the cursor will move, requiring less effort on the user's part.

For example, a CPI configuration of 800 will move the on-screen cursor 800 pixels for each inch the mouse is moved on the pad. By design, sensors are limited to around 1600 CPI, but in order for manufacturers to offer even more sensitive configurations, they have to effectively split all those pixels in half. It's obvious as to how this can become a problem with the performance of a mouse. If the pixels are made smaller and more difficult to detect by the sensor, it may result in worsened accuracy.

This is why it's not recommended to go beyond a certain CPI level unless you really need to. There has to be a fine balance maintained between CPI, acceleration (measured in Gs), and Inches Per Second (IPS), the latter which determines the maximum speed the sensor can maintain high levels of accuracy at.

Clearing up misconceptions about laser and optical mice

Higher CPI ≠ Better

But even the advice of keeping CPI low isn't really correct, as there is no "best" CPI or mouse sensitivity settings. It's all dependant on personal preference and use cases. The same can be said for different mechanical keyboard switches — each type requires a different amount of force to activate a key press but no switch is the "best." Take a first-person shooter, you may want to have lower CPI for hip and iron sight fire but a higher CPI for a long-range scope, which allows for smaller mouse movements to adjust the weapon further.

So there you go, the mystery of CPI and DPI uncovered. If you continue to use DPI when talking about mice the world certainly won't end, but it would be better for everyone if we can grow accustomed to a single acronym.

Best Mice for PC Gaming in 2018

Dealing with nasty players on Xbox One? Here's how to use Xbox Live's reporting and blocking features to make it a safer place for you.

Xbox Live unlocks the full potential of Xbox One, with impressive multiplayer capabilities, social features and unlimited hours of content to explore. However, even one bad egg can ruin the experience for others. To counter this, Microsoft provides a range of tools for evaluating, reporting, and avoiding toxic players, or flagging their content. Here's how to take advantage of these tools and make Xbox Live a better place for you.

What can be reported on Xbox One?

As with any social network, Microsoft has established a set of general guidelines for Xbox Live users. Referring customers to its "Code of Conduct," the company has provided guidance for what types of activities are considered a reportable offense. Even though the list encompasses most issues, if something isn't on the list, it may still be reportable. Below are common offenses punishable on Xbox Live:

• Inappropriate profile content, including Gamertags, names, bios or locations displayed on Xbox Live. This covers those with profane language or surrounding offensive topics.
• Unsuitable shared content, including profile pictures, clips, screenshots, and other user-created content. Sexual, violent, and controversial religious content can all fall into this category, as well as unauthorized or illegal videos.
• Any form of cheating, including software modifications or other traceable exploitation to change experiences.
• Inappropriate communication, including voice communication or messages.
• Unsporting actions, including intentional team killing, bug exploitation, and other trolling methods.
• Repeatedly quitting early from online multiplayer matches.

For a deeper dive into specific issues, a full set of rules can be found on the official Xbox website.

What reporting on Xbox One does

To prevent exploitation of the system, Microsoft doesn't specifically disclose how reports are processed. Reports are handled by humans working for Xbox Live, so the outcome of reports can vary on a case-by-case basis.

As a part of its Code of Conduct, Microsoft lists a range of potential consequences for breaking its guidelines. While users posting inappropriate profile content may be forced to remove it from their profile, limited time bans can also be imposed for Xbox Live features. "Needs work" and "Avoid me" notices can also be pinned to your profile for all Xbox Live users to see. Public shaming is a powerful motivator.

For serious offenses or repeat violations, Microsoft has the right to impose total account bans. Total device bans may also be issued, preventing certain consoles from accessing Xbox Live going forward.

How to block a player on Xbox One

When dealing with harassment or unwanted contact from Xbox Live users, the easiest way to cut off contact is by blocking the player. This will prevent all communication going forward, including messages, party chat invites, and game invites. If on your friends list, the player will also be automatically removed.

1. Press the Xbox button on your Xbox One controller.
2. Press LB to arrive at the People tab.
3. Select Find someone.
4. Type the player's Gamertag. This will open their profile.
5. Select Report or block.
6. Select Block. The block will be immediately applied.

How to report a player on Xbox One

To bring attention to an Xbox Live user's misconduct, the report feature directly submits feedback to Microsoft. When submitting a report, users will be given the chance to provide specific details on the situation. If dealing with harassment from players, we recommend following a report with a block using the steps details above.

1. Press the Xbox button on your Xbox One controller.
2. Press LB to arrive at the People tab.
3. Select Find someone.
4. Type the player's Gamertag. This will open their profile.
5. Select Report or block.
6. Select Report.
7. Choose a reason for filing a report.
8. Type an additional comment, if needed.
9. Select Report to complete the process.

How to report offensive content on Xbox One

Microsoft also allows reports to be filed for specific content shared via Xbox Live's social features. By reporting content, Microsoft will review the content and act if considered necessary. Potential actions include content being removed or account suspension.

1. Press A to expand a post, screenshot or clip.
2. Select More actions in the bottom left-hand corner.
3. Select Report
4. Choose Inappropriate feed item.
5. Type an additional comment, if needed.
6. Select Report to complete the process.

Your take

What are your tips for dealing with toxic players and content on Xbox Live? Make sure to drop into the comments section and give your thoughts.

Here's a closer look at the features and enhancements included with Windows 10 build 17093, and we even show you those changes that Microsoft didn't mention.

As we slowly get closer to the final release of the next feature update of Windows 10, Microsoft pushes build 17093 to Insiders with devices enrolled in the Fast ring and Skip Ahead option. This release doesn't deliver a huge number of improvements, but there are several new smaller features, changes, and a long list of bug fixes.

Windows 10 build 17093 introduces new options to manage graphics performance on systems with multiple GPUs. Integrates secure authentication without having to type a password. Adds multilingual text prediction and one-click Bluetooth connection. Gamers get a newly redesigned Game bar, and a lot more.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll take a look a the new improvements that Microsoft has been working for the Redstone 4 update coming later this year.

Windows 10 build 17093

Desktop

In this preview, you'll find a few tweaks throughout the Desktop experience. Starting with build 17093, Task View no longer includes the button to submit feedback.

The Action Center button context menu continues to show Focus assist options, but to change states, you now have to access a submenu.

The People flyout now uses the current accent color when selecting the "Show accent color" in the Color settings.

File Explorer updates the OneDrive Files On-Demand state icon in the navigation pane to be closer to the file.

Game bar

Windows 10 now includes a redesigned Game bar that not only looks better but makes settings easy to find and use.

The new experience adds support for dark and light themes, adds a clock, and you can quickly access your captures, buttons to turn on microphone and camera, and edit the title of your Mixer stream.

Bluetooth

Starting with build 17093, when Windows 10 detects a nearby, ready to pair, Bluetooth device, it'll display a notification to complete the setup with one-click.

Image source: Microsoft

Eye Control

Starting with Windows 10 build 17093, using Eye Control is easier to scroll content, such as those in websites and emails.

The Eye Control launchpad now includes new direct left-click and right-click options, faster access to common tasks like Start, Timeline, Settings, and device calibration, and there is a new Pause button when the launchpad is no needed to prevent accidental clicks. (Glancing the pause button will re-activate the launchpad.)

Image source: Microsoft

Settings

This flight also delivers a number of improvements and changes to the Settings app.

System

On Settings> System, the Display page includes an "Advanced graphics settings" link to access the new Graphics settings.

This new page has been designed to allow users to manage graphics preferences for apps on a system with more than one GPU.

In short, using these settings you can specify which graphics processor an app should use that may help to improve the performance or save battery life.

The process to configure these settings is straightforward, select the application type, add the app you want to manage, open its options, and then select one of the following:

• System Default — Your computer decides the best graphics processor for the application. (This is how Windows 10 behaves even if you don't use these settings.)
• Power Saving — Runs the app using the graphics processor that uses the least power. (Usually, this is the integrated GPU.)
• High performance — Runs the app using the most powerful graphics processor. (Usually, this is the dedicated or external GPU.)

Settings you configure on this page will always take precedence over those in the control panels offered by companies like AMD and NVIDIA.

If you want to reset the setting for a particular app, just select the System Default option or click the Remove button.

Although you can change graphics settings, ultimately apps can decide which GPU to use. If this is the case, the only way to change this behavior is to change the settings in the app itself (if available).

The Graphics page even includes an option to optimize apps and games running in fullscreen.

On Settings> System, the Sound page no longer shows the HMDs option to change the sound defaults for Mixed Reality.

Devices

On Settings> Devices, the Typing page now includes an option to enable or disable multilingual text prediction.

When enabled, if you type in multiple Latin script languages, Windows 10 can now assist you with predictions for up to three languages without you having to switch the language for the touch keyboard.

In addition, this build introduces text prediction support for many new languages, including: Assamese, Bashkir, Belarusian, Greenlandic, Hawaiian, Icelandic, Igbo, Irish, Kyrgyz, Luxembourgish, Maltese, Maori, Mongolian, Nepali, Pashto, Sakha, Tajik, Tatar, Tswana, Turkmen, Urdu, Uyghur, Welsh, Xhosa, Yoruba, and Zulu.

Apps

On Settings> Apps, the Video playback page features a new tool to calibrate devices with HDR video support, but only if you can turn the Stream HDR video toggle switch to On.

If the tool is available, you can click the link "Change calibration settings for HDR video on my built-in display" to adjust the dark and bright preferences for HDR videos.

Accounts

On Settings> Accounts, the Sign-in options page updates the wording in the "Use my sign-in info" to make it clearer that the option will use your sign-in info to finish setting up your device, and it'll reopen apps after restarting or installing an update.

Privacy

On Settings, the Privacy section has been updated, and now, it separates settings into two groups for easier navigation.

On Settings> Privacy, the Speech, inking, & typing page now includes an option to access and edit the user dictionary.

On Settings> Privacy, the Diagnostic & feedback page adds a new option to delete diagnostic data that has been collected on your device. However, you may still need to access your Microsoft account online to delete additional data.

On Settings> Privacy, the File System page is new, and it lets you allow or deny apps to access to your files, including documents, pictures, videos, and OneDrive files locally stored on your device.

Update & Security

On Settings> Update & Security, the Windows Security page now includes options to access "Account protection" and "Device security" areas from the Windows Defender Security Center.

Microsoft Edge

Windows 10 build 17093 also delivers an updated version of Microsoft Edge with a few new improvements.

While in fullscreen mode (F11) moving the mouse to the edge of the screen will reveal parts of the browser interface to access tabs, navigation tools, and Favorites bar (if enabled). Also, dragging a link to the Favorites bar will now show the icon and the name of the website.

In the advanced settings page for Edge, under "Cookies," you now have options to export and clear your book data.

Finally, Microsoft Edge introduces a "Clutter-free printing" option that removes ads on the page you're about to print. (This option is only supported in some web pages.)

Windows Defender Security Center

This release also includes a new version of the Windows Defender Security Center app adding new features and changes.

The Home page has been updated to accommodate status and alerts of additional areas of protection, including for "Account protection" and "Device security." Also, at the top of the page, you'll no longer see the antivirus information, and the page now reads "Security at a glance" instead of "Windows Defender Security Center."

In the Virus & threat protection page, the "Scan history" option has been renamed to "Threat history," and the "Quick scan" button now is called "Scan now."

The "Controlled folder access" settings have been relocated to a new page, which can be accessed by clicking the Ransomware protection option.

Account protection is a new page in this experience that helps password users to configure Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN for a quicker sign-in. Also, those users using Dynamic lock will now get alerted if the feature stops working if the Bluetooth device or phone is disconnected.

Device security is also a new page that offers status reporting and management of the security features included on your computer.

The information and options available will vary upon your hardware configuration. For example, on my device, I can only control the "Core isolation" setting to add protection against memory attacks and standard hardware security is not supported.

Lastly, the Settings page now includes an option to disable notifications when there is a problem with Dynamic lock.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

In the Linux side of things, the Windows Subsystem for Linux layer is getting some changes, including a new configurable wsl.conf file that automatically loads certain functionalities every time you launch the experience.

Using AF_UNIX, Windows applications and Windows Subsystem for Linux can now talk to each other over Unix sockets.

Starting with this preview, NTFS includes a new flag that can be enabled on folders allowing to treat content as case sensitive, which allows Windows-based applications to open files correctly if they're only different by case.

Additional changes

In addition to all the features and changes, Windows 10 build 17093 also includes other smaller improvements.

For example, Narrator now works in safe mode, and on Windows 10 S devices, you can now use the Authenticator app to configure your device without having to enter your password once.

Image source: Microsoft

Also, after setting up your device with Windows Hello, you'll no longer see the reference of passwords anywhere, including in the Lock screen and in the Sign-in options page.

Wrapping things up

Although build 17093 is a relatively minor update, it includes several significant improvements and features that everyone is expected to get in the next feature update.

During the short time using this preview, the performance was good, but it's still a pre-release with bugs and with features not working correctly, which makes this build not suitable to run on your primary device.

In the case you're planning to install this update, it's always recommended to use a spare computer. If you don't have one, you should be using a virtual machine— never run a pre-release on your primary device. Or at least make sure to create a full backup before installing this release, in case you need to recover your system.

What are your thoughts about the progress with the Windows 10 Redstone 4 update? Tell us in the comments.

More Windows 10 resources

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

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

You don't necessarily need a "gaming router," but there are a few features to consider if you're a console or PC gamer buying a new router.

Gaming is big business, especially on PC, and that means if there's an accessory to be had there's a chance you can find a dedicated gaming version. This applies, too, to the humble Wi-Fi router.

But making a gaming version of something usually increases the price. In the case of the router, you don't necessarily need to plump out more cash for that aggressive looking version with go-faster stripes. Many regular routers have some of the same key features you should look for.

Here are five important features a gamer should consider when buying a Wi-Fi router.

Quality of service

Even beginner-friendly routers can have elements of QoS you can take advantage of.

Quality of service (QoS) may go by different names on different boxes, since some of the different manufacturers try to give it a cool-sounding name that looks good in marketing. Whatever it's called, it's important for gaming.

Why? The folks at MakeUseOf describe perfectly what happens when you don't have it:

A typical router doesn't care about which type of traffic is which. Your roommate using BitTorrent at maximum speed, Dropbox uploading and downloading files, web browsing, Netflix, gaming — it's all the same to your router. All of it has equal priority when it comes to your Internet connection.

What you want is a router that will prioritize the right things at the right time. Online gaming is bandwidth-dependent, so you want that to be a top priority, whether it's coming from a PC or a console. Any router with QoS support should be able to prioritize your gaming while the rest of your household goes about its daily use.

More: The basics of QoS

Manually set priority devices

Even some simpler routers, such as the Google Wifi mesh network system, have the ability to give priority to your gaming, even if they don't do it on their own. If the router you have or plan to buy doesn't have QoS support, make sure you can at least manually give a device priority.

In the case of the Google Wifi, you simply go into the app and tell it which device you want to have priority and for how long. It's basic, but it gets the job done.

More: Is Google Wifi worth it?

Gigabit Ethernet ports

The absolute best gaming performance, like any other web activity, will always come when you're connected to the router over Ethernet. No matter how good the Wi-Fi is, it's still not as strong as using a cable.

With internet speeds getting seriously fast (especially if you're lucky enough to get a gigabit connection), you want to preserve that when it goes into your PC or console. So when you're choosing a router, make sure it has gigabit Ethernet ports on the back, and enough of them to cater to the devices you want to hook up.

All about the bands

Many modern routers support multiple bands, but some older or more budget-oriented ones may still be limited to 2.4GHz. Dual-band routers offer 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, sometimes on different "networks." Tri-band routers offer an additional 5GHz band.

The more you have the more you can throw at it. For gaming wirelessly, the 5GHz band is the one to be on, though this has a shorter range so you need to be reasonably close to the router.

802.11ac should also be something to check you have. It's pretty standard on a lot of modern routers, but if you're a gamer, make sure you don't pick up something with 802.11n only.

More: How to choose the best Wi-Fi router

You can always do better than your ISP-supplied router

This is a big one. No matter how good your ISP-supplied router is (or they claim it is), you can always do better. If gaming is important to you, you should nearly always get a new router at the earliest opportunity.

You're simply not going to get the very latest hardware and software features from a router given to you by the company you pay for your internet. Their job is to get you online and give you a reasonable wireless connection in your home. But reasonable doesn't always cut it. So do yourself a huge favor and get something better.

More: Best Wi-Fi router in 2018

Your tips

If you've got something about routers we didn't cover that you feel is important for gamers to consider, be sure to drop it into the comments.

Catch up on all the current details related to Rainbow Six Siege's new loot crate system, called "Outbreak Packs."

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is set to kick off its third year of post-launch content this March, with an upcoming expansion titled "Operation Chimera." Diverging from the game's competitive nature, Chimera delivers a fantasy cooperative event, "Mission Outbreak," themed around a zombie epidemic.

While the focus lies on Mission Outbreak, the mode is also accompanied by "Outbreak Packs." Opening a new way to secure rewards, these packs house an exclusive collection of themed cosmetics. Here's everything we know about Outbreak Packs so far.

Rainbow Six Siege Operation Chimera: Everything we know

See at MicrosoftSee at Amazon

What are Outbreak Packs?

Ubisoft implemented Rainbow Six Siege's "Alpha Packs" last year, which were randomized loot drops for cosmetic content. Building on the existing roster of weapon skins, collectible charms, and armor variants, the system provided a regular way to earn through gameplay.

Operation Chimera will introduce a successor to Alpha Packs, "Outbreak Packs," which take advantage of similar randomized drops. Tying directly into Mission Outbreak, these will provide access to exclusive gear based on its biohazard theme.

The biggest change with Outbreak Packs is their tie to real-world money, requiring the game's premium currency, R6 Credits. This means there will be no way to obtain Outbreak Packs for free, aside from four complementary packs distributed to mark their release. Luckily, no duplicates can be received from Outbreak Packs, so you won't be wasting money on previously-unlocked gear.

What items are included in Outbreak Packs?

There are 50 unique cosmetic items in the Outbreak Pack content pool, with no crossover with Alpha Pack offerings. Each pack contains one Outbreak event item, and with no duplicates, buying 50 guarantees the complete Outbreak collection.

Inside these packs are weapon skins, headgear, uniforms, and charms, including Hazmat suits and a "Sidewinder" Elite skin for Ash. All content included in the Outbreak pool varies in rarity, falling between rare and legendary. Otherwise, the ambiguous nature of these packs leaves a majority of content a mystery until the official launch.

Content from the Outbreak Pack collection will also be limited to a set number of Operators. For attackers, content covers the French Operation Chimera Operator, alongside Ying, Buck, Hibana, Zofia, Fuze, Ash, Thermite, and Glaz. For defenders, the new Russian Operation Chimera Operator, Smoke, Kapkan, Doc, and Tachanka will have Outbreak content up for grabs.

How do you get Outbreak Packs?

The Outbreak event is set to run from March 6, 2018, until April 3, 2018. Ubisoft plans to distribute four Outbreak Packs to all users logging in over this period, meaning you won't have to buy all 50 Outbreak Packs. New players who purchase the game's upcoming "Advanced Edition" will be rewarded 10 further Outbreak Packs.

During this four-week period, Outbreak Packs will also be available for purchase. Outbreak Packs will cost 300 R6 Credits each, which depending on the number of credits purchased, roughly varies between $2 and $3. Factoring in the four free packs for most players, you'll pay a minimum of 13,800 R6 credits (around $90) for the complete collection.

After the event concludes, both the Outbreak game mode and Outbreak Packs will be inaccessible. Unlocked Outbreak items will remain usable and could end up as a rarity on the battlefield.

Your thoughts

What do you think of Outbreak Packs so far? Are you planning to buy the complete collection? Make sure to drop your thoughts in the comments.

• Rainbow Six Siege Operation Chimera: Everything we know
• How to win at Rainbow Six Siege

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Get prepared for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics with these five Xbox One titles.

The PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics have kicked off in South Korea, promising over two weeks of intense frosty action. While a huge selection of winter activities are broadcasting throughout the event, the best way to witness them for yourself. We might not be offering cheap trips to PyeongChang, but these Xbox One games are the best replacements you'll get. We've rounded up our favorite winter sports games on Xbox One, to get you prepared for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Steep

Steep first made its debut in late 2016, with a fresh angle on the sports genre, centered around extreme winter activities. Departing from Ubisoft's recent successes, the game delivered a premise that still stands out for its concept alone. Although it suffered from unimpressive sales, its blend of arcade and realistic mechanics makes for a unique take on the digital slopes.

The game's most recent expansion, "Road to the Olympics," makes Steep more timely, with a Pyeongchang twist to its existing gameplay. As an officially licensed product of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, the content dives into the journey of an athlete and building up to an Olympic event. For those getting started, the Steep "Winter Games Edition" bundles together the base game and expansion for just $35.99 digitally.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Infinite Air with Mark McMorris

Infinite Air is one of the few purely snowboarding titles on the market, delivering a "physics-driven" experience that promises improved realism over its competitors. And with the backing of Olympic Canadian snowboarder, Mark McMorris, you'll be getting an experience that ties into the real snowboarding scene.

Offering mechanics designed to welcome newcomers, while rewarding those who invest over time, few games match its depth on Xbox One. Infinite Air with Mark McMorris starts at $29.99 digitally, with further reductions available at select retailers.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

NHL 18

NHL 18 is the latest entry in Electronic Arts' long-running hockey series, continuing to build upon its legacy as the defining title of the genre. While NHL hasn't hugely evolved in recent years, NHL 18 is established on an already strong foundation of 25 years. Ultimately, you'll be receiving a leading hockey experience, with the addition of a new 3-on-3 mode, updated rosters, and other various refinements. NHL 18 starts at $39.99 for a physical disc-based copy.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

SSX

SSX is the pioneer of snowboarding games on console, with a long legacy of well-received titles. Putting an arcade spin on the sport, SSX embraces tricks and stylized mechanics, still mostly unmatched today. Its latest entry, simply titled SSX, might not be new but rebooted the franchise for a new generation on Xbox 360. The game is now available on Xbox One via backward compatibility, priced at $14.99 digitally.

See at Xbox MarketplaceSee at Amazon

Battlefield 1: In the Name of the Tsar

The Xbox One has only a small selection of winter sports titles, meaning that your options are currently limited. If you're not a fan of the games available, why not jump into one of this generation's best shooters in a snowy setting? You can't get more primed for the Olympics than that. Well, sort of.

Battlefield 1's In the Name of the Tsar expansion takes the battle to the eastern front, with a range of maps based on the frozen Russian landscape. Fully embracing the brutal nature of the First World War, the expansion adds four new maps to the Battlefield 1 roster. Battlefield 1 Revolution, a complete package bundling the game and its expansions can be picked up starting at $32.99.

See at MicrosoftSee at Amazon

This fix also translates to floor height in SteamVR.

Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), like most room-scale VR systems, sometimes has an issue with relating virtual floor height to actual floor height. The result can sometimes be amusing, but it can also be dangerous to you and your equipment. Seeing the wrong floor height in VR can cause you to lose your balance, or you might bend down to pick something up and smash your controller into your hardwood.

Not only might you find this issue in the WMR Cliff House and games downloaded through the Microsoft Store, you might also see it carry over to time spent in SteamVR. In either case, this fix, if performed from the start of your time in WMR, should carry over to whatever you choose to do in VR.

How to fix floor height in Windows Mixed Reality

This is not what your floor should look like when you set a controller on the ground.

Microsoft is aware that proper floor height is a big deal in VR, and so they've included a simple tool that lets you raise or lower the virtual appearance. Here's how it all works assuming you've already plugged in your headset and have run through the initial setup steps.

1. Launch the Windows Mixed Reality Portal from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar and put on your headset. The Portal should launch automatically when the headset senses movement.

2. Hit the Windows key on one of your motion controllers.

3. Select All apps.

4. Select Room Adjustment. You might have to scroll through your apps to find it.

5. Place the Room Adjustment icon somewhere in your Cliff House. Once placed, it will automatically launch.

6. Place a motion controller on your physical floor. If the height is wrong, it will either appear to be floating or it will partially or completely disappear.

7. Hit up or down on the touchpad on the other motion controller. This will either raise or lower the virtual floor so that it corresponds to your real floor.

8. Select the glowing orb in front of your once you're satisfied with the height of the virtual floor.

You will now be returned to the Cliff House, free to proceed as you wish. If you set your controllers on the ground now, they should sit flat on the virtual floor.

More resources

Need more help with Windows Mixed Reality? Have a look at our troubleshooting guide, and be sure to visit the overarching ultimate guide.

• See the Windows Mixed Reality troubleshooting guide
• See the Windows Mixed Reality ultimate guide

Why does motion sickness happen to me?

Although VR is relatively new and explanations aren't exactly concrete, a common belief is that discord between ocular input and vestibular stimulation is the cause — what your eyes see don't match up with what the balance-nerves in your ears are feeling. Your brain tries to figure out what's going on, and in the process you get sick. Nausea, headache, sweating, and dizziness are all common symptoms.

Be picky about your first virtual reality games

When it comes to playing VR for the first time you want to make sure you're not jumping into games with high movement right off the bat. For me personally, I started with Job Simulator, which I found to be the perfect game for my first jump into virtual reality. The things you want to look for when purchasing a new game are ones with low movement, good quality imagery and the least amount of complaints when it comes to glitching and shaking.

Building up your tolerance

When I first started playing Ultrawings, it was the first game to make me feel really sick after only 20 minutes of playing. Some people are more prone to feeling nauseous when playing virtual reality, especially if you are the type to get car sick easily. But don't worry! Building up your tolerance by playing just a little more each day will ensure that your VR experiences don't have to be completely ruined by your stomach betraying you! All I did was increase my game time by 5 to 10 minutes each day until I stopped having problems in the flight simulator!

Battling visual movement with a fan

A common issue with games that have a lot of movement is that your eyes see movement but your body isn't actually moving. If you're playing games like Skyrim VR, chances are you're getting pretty nauseous after a few minutes of gameplay.

Something you can do to help prevent the nausea is tricking your body into thinking it's moving. By using a fan to lightly blow air on you while you play will help stimulate your brain into thinking that you are moving alongside your character. Thankfully you can find one on Amazon for as low as $26.29!

You want to make sure this fan is set up away from your playspace to avoid any accidental bumps.

See on Amazon

Sitting down

Most games are made to be played standing up but are not impossible to play sitting down. If you find yourself getting too overwhelmed, take a minute to try playing the game while sitting down while your stomach adjusts.

Closing your eyes or removing your headset

I know it's not ideal to be told to look away from a game you want to experience completely but always know your breaking point. If you only need a brief moment to catch yourself then take a moment to pause your game and close your eyes or remove the headset to refocus.

Comfort mode options

Give the store a good check before ordering or buying your VR games. Thankfully, places like the Oculus store have a comfort level explained on the website right with the game's information! If you are buying from sites like Amazon or Steam, which will not always specify how intense the game might be, drop yourself into the comments to see what the reviewers are saying. You want to be able to get a feel for which sort of games you are more prone to feeling sick with before you spend your hard earned money!

Wait for games to be fully patched

Shakey or jumpy games are never good when it comes to VR. If you find your underdeveloped games are causing you to feel significantly sicker while playing then wait for the game to receive a new patch before trying again. The likelihood of you becoming nauseous will decrease with a smoother image!

Game mode options

Another thing to look out for are game options you can change in-game, on the menu. Games like Ultrawings, Skyrim, Fallout VR, and much more actually have options to change the game mode or motion settings for a better gaming experience.

For instance, in Ultrawings the game mode will change how much of the scene around you will see when flying, whereas in Skyrim you can change how much of the screen will go to a "bird's eye view" when moving. If the game you are playing is causing you a good amount of discomfort, try playing around with the visual settings before you give up on it.

Removing your headphones

This may seem like an odd request, but trust me. I've found when I start to get nauseous in a game that if I take my headphones off it'll help out a bit. There's something about going back to hearing the sounds in my room that helps my brain remember to separate reality from what's happening in VR, thus reducing my amount of nausea.

Thoughts?

Which games cause you the most motion sickness, as opposed to which games that don't? Tell us about it in the comments below or check out our forums to talk more about avoiding motion sickness in VR!

While you can technically leave it plugged in, there are some things to know.

Dealing with battery life and maintenance is a reality of our tech-obsessed world. Everyone wants something that can keep up with their device, and most people agree that it's not fair for a battery to wear out sooner than the rest of the hardware. Just look at what's happening with Apple and their #iPhoneSlow fiasco.

Laptops, because of the amount of performance hardware inside, have some relatively beefy batteries. Technology is always improving, and where battery life used to be atrocious, we're now seeing batteries that can last far longer than the eight-hour workday. Just look at LG's new gram Z980, which manages to cram a 72WHr battery — delivering about 13 hours of life — into a device weighing just over 1kg.

While in the past it was unwise and even dangerous to leave your laptop plugged into an external power source all the time, new laptops are mostly using either lithium-polymer or lithium-ion batteries that won't take more charge than they can handle. Still, there are a few things you should know about leaving your laptop plugged in.

What happens when I leave my laptop plugged in?

Instead of continuing to suck up power when at full capacity, the battery in your laptop should be bypassed even if it remains plugged in. This means that power coming from an external source is used directly to power the laptop instead of it first passing through the battery.

Have you noticed when charging your laptop that there's an excess of heat coming off of the bottom? This is a normal byproduct of charging, but if the temperature gets too high or remains elevated for too long, serious damage can occur.

Battery University is an awesome resource that can teach a lot about batteries, with one subject focusing on the effects of heat on Lithium-based batteries.

Temperature chart courtesy of Battery University.

In this chart, we can see that keeping a battery at a certain charge and at a certain temperature over the course of a year can significantly diminish its overall capacity. If your laptop already has a hard time keeping cool, leaving it plugged in and at 100 percent charge is probably a bad idea.

If you're lucky enough to have a modern laptop with a removable battery — some of Lenovo's ThinkPad line is still offering this feature — consider taking it out and relying solely on the charging cable.

What can I do to prolong the life of my battery?

No matter what you do to baby your laptop's battery, it's going to naturally see a decline in performance. When you charge a battery to its full potential — which is, in most cases, to about 4.20V per cell in the battery — you can expect to get a set number of charge cycles out of it. Lowering that voltage in each cell, even by a little bit, can potentially prolong the life of your battery, as seen in this chart from Battery University.

Voltage chart courtesy of Battery University.

Many modern laptops have software that helps deal with keeping batteries healthy. Lenovo, for example, comes with a companion app that will can change the charge threshold. Similarly, Dell's power manager has a "Primarily AC" setting that will also lower the threshold to keep the battery from sitting at 100 percent all the time.

As for some battery basics to keep in mind if you don't have any fancy software, it's generally recommended to keep your battery somewhere between 40 and 80 percent charge and to keep it cool whenever possible.

Why isn't my battery gauge giving an accurate reading?

If you've been using your laptop for a few months (or a few years), you might notice that the battery gauge in the bottom-right corner is no longer giving an accurate reading. You might see that you can two hours left, but 30 minutes into your movie, it powers down.

A recalibration can likely solve this problem! I've already written a guide on the steps required, and the entire process shouldn't take long.

How to recalibrate the battery in your Windows 10 laptop

More resources

Looking for more help, tips, and tricks for your Windows 10 PC? We've collected them all right here!

See more Windows 10 help, tips and tricks

You can execute virtually any command using Cortana on Windows 10, and in this guide, we'll show you how.

Cortana on Windows 10 is your personal assistant that can help you to keep up with your daily tasks, answer questions, and allows you to use voice commands to get things done hands-free.

Although the assistant can be handy, it's still limited to the tasks it can perform. For example, you can use voice commands to execute various power options, but there isn't a command to put your PC into hibernation or sleep mode. Further, while you can use commands to open a specific section in the Settings app, Cortana can't change a particular setting on its own.

However, it's possible to use Cortana's "Open" command to run a shortcut linked to a particular command or script that allows you to perform virtually any task using only your voice.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create custom commands that Cortana can execute on your behalf.

How to execute custom commands using Cortana

In the instructions below we'll go through the steps to create a shortcut that executes a particular command, and you'll also learn the steps to perform a more complex task running a script.

Executing a command

In the following example, you'll be creating a command to put your computer into hibernation mode using voice command.

1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

2. Type the following path and click OK:

   C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

3. Right-click on an empty area, select New, and click on Shortcut.

4. In the "Type the location of the item" field, enter the command you want to execute. For example, if you want to hibernate your computer, use this command:

   shutdown.exe -h

5. Click Next.

6. Type a descriptive name for the shortcut, which will also be the voice command that will allow Cortana to run the task. For example, Hibernate Device.

7. Click Finish.

Once you've completed the steps, you can use the "Hey Cortana, Open Hibernate Device" voice command to hibernate your computer.

If you want to put your device into a sleep mode, on step No. 4, make sure to use this command instead: rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState 0,1,0

Running a script

In the following example, you'll be creating a command to execute a script using Cortana to switch from the light to the dark theme using a voice command.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder 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. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
2. Browse into a folder you want to store the script.

3. Right-click on an empty area, select New, and click on New Text Document.

4. Type a name for the file, make sure to change its file extension from .txt to .bat, and press Enter.

   Quick Tip: If you don't see the file extension, click the View tab in File Explorer, and check the File name extensions option.

5. Right-click the .bat file and select Edit.

6. Copy and paste the following command into the batch file:

   %SystemRoot%\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe New-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize -Name AppsUseLightTheme -Value 0 -Type Dword -Force

7. Save the file as you would normally do with any text file (Ctrl + S).

8. Right-click the file and select Create shortcut.

9. Select the shortcut, press F2, remove the ".bat - Shortcut" as part of the name, and press Enter.
10. Right-click the shortcut, and select Cut.
11. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

12. Type the following path and click OK:

    C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

13. Right-click on an empty space and select Paste.

After completing the steps, you can run the "Hey Cortana, Open Enable Dark Theme" voice command to switch from the light to the dark theme on Windows 10.

If you want to switch back to the light theme, you can do this on Settings> Personalization> Colors, and selecting the Light option. Or you can create a second script and shortcut in the Programs folder using the same instructions mentioned above, but on step No. 6, make sure to use this command:

%SystemRoot%\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize -Name AppsUseLightTheme -Value 1

It's worth noting we're just showing you a few examples to get started, you can always create your custom commands.

In order to prevent conflicts with Cortana's built-in commands try to avoid well-known words, such as PC, computer, switch, etc., when naming your shortcut. If you're not sure, just create your custom command, and try to ask Cortana to run it using the "Hey Cortana, Open SHORTCUT-NAME" command. If the assistant is having trouble, simply change the name of the shortcut to something else, and try again.

Also, it might take a few moments until Cortana can detect the new shortcuts in the Programs folder. The easiest way to find out is to open the Start menu, and check if your shortcuts appear in the "Recently added" list.

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

Do you keep closing Edge completely when trying to close one tab? If so, in this guide, we'll show you the steps to bring back the close all tabs warning to prevent that from happening.

In Microsoft Edge, when you have multiple tabs open, the browser will display a "Do you want to close all tabs?" warning to prevent you from accidentally closing important tabs.

Usually, without a second thought, you immediately disable this feature checking the "Always close all tabs" option within the prompt. The only caveat is that Edge doesn't include a setting to re-enable the message if later on, you realize that it's a feature you need.

Luckily, if you find yourself frequently closing important tabs when you just intend to close a single tab, on Windows 10, there's at least one way to bring the warning back using the Registry.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to restore the close all tabs message when trying to close Microsoft Edge when you have multiple tabs open.

How to restore the 'Do you want to close all tabs?' prompt

If you must re-enable the warning to prevent accidentally closing multiple tabs, use the following steps:

Warning: This is a friendly reminder 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 path:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppContainer\Storage\microsoft.microsoftedge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\MicrosoftEdge\Main

   Quick Tip: On the Windows 10 Creators Update and later, you can now copy and paste the path into the new Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.

4. Double-click the AskToCloseAllTabs DWORD and set the value from 0 to 1.

5. Click OK.

Once you've completed the steps, the next you try to close the Microsoft Edge when you have multiple tabs open, you'll once again see the "Do you want to close all tabs?" to help you prevent closing important open tabs.

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

Plex finally added support for live TV to its Xbox One app. Here's how you set it up.

It has been a pretty long time coming but Plex finally added support for watching live TV to its app for the Xbox One. You can already do such a thing with OneGuide and either your cable box or the Xbox One OTA TV tuner, but if you're already using Plex there are benefits to using it instead.

Your TV will be mixed with your Plex Media Server content, for one. Here's how you get up and running.

What you need

Here's a quick list of the things you need in order to make this work:

• A Plex Media Server.
• A Plex Pass subscription.
• A compatible tuner such as the HDHomeRun Connect.
• The Plex app on your Xbox One.

Plex Pass offers a bunch of features and if you're a heavy Plex user then it's worth having.

Subscribe to Plex Pass

Setting up TV on your Plex Media Server

Setting it up is pretty straightforward, and the good news is if you've been using Plex DVR in the past without watching live TV with it, then you're already where you need to be.

It involves pointing your Plex Media Server at your tuner and then getting Plex to pull in the local TV information for your area. It doesn't take a long time to get it all set up, and we've a guide linked below to walk you through it.

How to set up and usePlex DVR

Watching TV with Plex on the Xbox One

First, a question I know some will be asking: no, Plex does not integrate with OneGuide. To watch TV with it on your console you need to use the Plex app.

It's not a 'traditional' interface, in so much as there's no guide that's just a giant list of current and upcoming shows. Instead, Plex makes it a little more visual, showing you what's on now, what's about to start, and even upcoming movies.

To watch TV you simply navigate to the live TV tab in the app and select a show. You can change the settings inside the viewer to adjust the video quality, turning it down for example if you're getting some buffering. You can also pause live TV, which is super handy.

What you don't seem to be able to do right now is interact with Plex DVR through the console. So, while you'll be able to watch back recorded shows that have saved to your server, you can't instigate new recordings from the Xbox One app right now. So you'll need to use either a mobile device or the web app on your PC for this.

Hopefully, this will be added at some point, as it would be one of the biggest draws to using Plex on the Xbox One for TV.

Download Plex for Xbox One from the Microsoft Store

Your phone needs RAM to operate, but why? And how much?

It looks like Vivo is going to be selling a phone with 10GB of RAM. That's almost as much as many gaming PCs and about 6GB more than most phones. It has a lot of folks scratching their heads and asking why in the world does it need 10GB of RAM, and does that mean my phone with 4GB needs more?

This wouldn't be the first time we've seen phones come with oodles of RAM. The OnePlus 5T has an 8GB configuration, and seeing 6GB inside some phones is becoming fairly common. Let's talk about what RAM is, how your phone uses RAM, and why a phone would have 250% more of it than "necessary".

What is RAM?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is short-term digital storage. Computers (and yes, your phone is a computer) use RAM mostly to hold data that active applications — along with the CPU and operating system's kernel — are using because RAM is very fast when it comes to reading and writing. Even the fastest hard drive or flash storage is slow when you need to read or write something "right now", and while the CPU inside your phone has its own cache to hold data that's being used for calculations, there's not a lot of it. The Snapdragon 835 (as an example) has 2MB of cache for the high-performance cores and 1MB for the low-performance cores. 2MB of cache is only enough to hold what's being used right now, so you need somewhere to hold what's being used next.

Reading and writing to and from RAM is fast. Super fast.

The OS kernel acts as a traffic cop for everything that goes on when it comes to using your phone's hardware. When a game or any app wants to draw a new screen, the data is created to use for it goes into the RAM where the OS can parse it, let the CPU and GPU do any processing needed, then send it off to the display, so the right color dots can be drawn in the right places.

It all sounds complicated, and it is, but all you need to understand are three basic things: RAM is a place to hold data for a short period of time, and data placed there can be read or written very fast. Data in RAM is erased when you shut your phone down. A portion of the RAM in your phone is used as soon as you turn it back on and no apps or even the OS is able to use that portion. This goes for just about any computer; they (almost) all have RAM and they use it the same way.

How your phone uses its RAM

RAM in your phone is mostly used as a place for apps that are running store their data. In the simplest terms, that means more RAM can let more apps run in the background without slowing your phone down. But like most things, it's not really that simple. The RAM in your phone is in use before Android is even up and running.

We're not going to talk about fancy low-level management or things like compcache here, but this is basically how your phone uses the RAM inside of it.

• The kernel-space: Your Android phone runs on top of the Linux kernel. The kernel is stored in a special type of compressed file that's extracted directly into RAM during the device power-on sequence. This reserved memory holds the kernel, drivers and kernel modules that control the hardware and room to cache data in and out of the kernel.
• A RAMdisk for virtual files: There are some folders and files in the system tree that aren't "real." They are pseudofiles written at boot and hold things like battery levels and CPU speed data. With Android, the whole /proc directory is one of these pseudofile systems. RAM is reserved so they have a place to live.
• Network radios: Data about your IMEI and radio settings are stored in NVRAM (Non-Volatile memory that's not erased when you power off your phone), but get transferred to RAM along with the software needed to support the modem when you first turn on your phone. Space is reserved to keep this all in memory.
• The GPU: The graphics adapter in your phone needs memory to operate. That's called VRAM, and our phones use integrated GPUs that have no stand-alone VRAM. System RAM is reserved for this.

Once that's done and your phone is up and running, what's left is the available RAM your phone needs to operate and run apps. A portion of this is also reserved for things that need to happen quickly (low-level operating system functions and housekeeping) but it's reserved a different way through what's called "minfree" settings. These are software-based settings the people who wrote the OS and built the kernel for your phone set, and it keeps a set minimum amount of RAM free (thus, minfree) so these low-level functions can be done as needed without having to wait for an app to free any memory.

All this is why the available RAM listing in settings isn't the same as the total amount of RAM installed in your phone. The full amount really is inside, but a portion of it (usually about 1GB or so) is reserved. Your apps get to fight over the rest.

Unused RAM is wasted RAM

You might have heard this saying about Android and memory management. It's a Linux thing, and Android is a Linux kernel-based OS just like Ubuntu. What it means is that Android was built to stuff the RAM full of apps and their associated data as fast as possible and keep it full, leaving only the minfree amount from above open for housekeeping duties.

Android is not Windows 10 and they each do things differently.

This is different from the way Windows works, though if you're using a Mac, it's very close. Windows keeps RAM open and free for an app that needs it. Linux keeps an app in memory until the memory is needed elsewhere. That's also decided by the minfree settings the company that built your phone set. Apps and their processes are given a priority based on what they do, how they do it and when the last time they were on the screen. When you want to open a new app, the apps with lower priorities get closed so the new app has the RAM it needs.

As you use your phone, you'll use many of the same apps more than others. These apps will tend to stay resident in RAM and be running so they are available in an instant. Having that RAM free instead means the apps would need to restart the processes that allow you to interact with them, and that's slower and uses more battery power than keeping them resident in RAM.

It's a true saying for your Android (or iOS) phone, but not your Windows computer or Chromebook (also a Linux-kernel-based OS but uses zcache and sandboxing in a very custom RAM management scheme) because they manage RAM differently.

What does having more RAM in my phone do for me?

You already know the short answer because it's above — allows for more apps to run in the background. But the long answer is really interesting.

The first Android phone, the T-Mobile G1, had 192MB of RAM. The Pixel 2 has about 22 times more with 4GB.

8GB or 10GB of RAM is complete overkill for a typical Android phone. Phones like a Nexus or an Android One/Android Go phone can get away with 1.5 - 2GB of free RAM after the phone is booted up. So can a Galaxy S8, but only because the minfree settings are set so that the home app (the user interface) is forced to stay open, and uses a portion of the reserved RAM. The Samsung interface is more resource intensive, and Samsung did the very smart thing here starting with the Galaxy S6 and killed most of the home screen lag. Nice work, Samsung!

Using what that tells us, we can see that a phone like the Galaxy S8 needs more RAM installed. Since almost every phone comes with 4GB of RAM, there is no real difference here and a Nexus phone just has a little more memory to have another app or two up and running because it's interface isn't using as much. It's also why Samsung, LG, HTC and others have included ways to kill running processes outside of the minfree settings for the times it needs a little boost in performance. If you kill all the apps you can, apps that were not already in memory will start a little faster.

If you take things a step further and do things like Samsung's DeX desktop setup, having more RAM can be a big benefit. DeX, for example, could use more RAM set aside before the phone is running for VRAM and have a nice chunk to use itself so other apps or processes can run without being interrupted. And you can even more creative if you're developing software for a phone with "extra" RAM.

Ideally, a phone with extra physical RAM (let's say 6GB gives an extra 2GB) could use a device driver that enables DMA (Direct Memory Access) for the user interface. This sets aside RAM at boot just for the home screen, touch input, and anything else that makes your phone uber-responsive regardless of anything else running or going on outside of the RAM set aside for DMA. Are you ready for instant touch response or scrolling? Because that is how you get it.

You don't need more, but you can always use more.

This would let the kernel manage a portion of the RAM, but in a different way than the memmap parameters set for minfree settings when the kernel was built. Software and the OS still control input and output to the Home user interface, but no app would ever be able to overwrite any of the data in this section of RAM, and the interface would always be ready to act on your input.

Now extend this idea into "game mode" or a desktop solution or any other special way an Android phone can be used. There would still be more than enough RAM for the system to do its thing while that extra RAM is there for playing a software-heavy 3D game without killing all the apps in the background, or putting your phone in a stand or laptop shell to use in desktop mode has the memory it needs set aside only for it to work.

RAM is cheap and having more RAM looks great on a spec sheet

Companies charge a lot for a model with more RAM, but most of that is because it means they have another model to manufacture and another parts list to maintain. The actual chips that go inside the phone only cost pennies when bought at volume. But being able to say your phone has 6 or 8 or even 10GB of RAM when it's announced can go a long way when it comes to the spec sheet.

It's impressive, especially to tech enthusiasts and early adopters. I'll admit, it gets me interested. I like seeing optimized software that can run well on minimal hardware because, to me, it's an art form; writing code can be beautiful. But I'm also intrigued by what having extra RAM can mean when the two have meshed together in the same device. Seeing 8GB of RAM in the specs instantly gets me interested, the same way a high-resolution display does.

Seeing better specs is a sure-fire way to interest early adopters.

Companies that build phones know this. They also know that putting more RAM in a phone means they can get away with less software optimization (a costly and time-intensive thing) or try and do more with their version of Android. Either way, some of us will be buying only because of the specs. That makes the added costs worth it because people talking about your product is priceless.

This is especially important in the East. Phones with more impressive specs sell better in India and China (the two markets that show the biggest potential for growth in the industry) because more people in India and China want impressive hardware. Catering to your customers is a smart thing.

So, what this all means is ...

When this is all said and done, you probably won't need more than 4GB of RAM for your phone today. That will change as phones start to do more, which is why the Nexus One shipped with 1GB of RAM and the Pixel 2 shipped with 4GB of RAM. But it's important to realize the potential of a 4 or 6GB surplus of fast digital storage has for new ideas and features. Don't let additional RAM be your only decider when buying a phone, but don't write it off as a gimmick.

Here's how you can get started with Windows Defender Security Center to keep your device and data secure against malware and malicious attacks.

The Windows Defender Security Center is an experience that comes built into Windows 10 since the release of the Creators Update. It combines the most common security features of Windows into an easy-to-use app allowing technical and non-technical users to view and protect their devices and data against many types of malware, including viruses and ransomware, hacker attacks, security threats, and more.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to get started and perform everyday tasks with the Windows Defender Security Center app to keep your system and data safe.

• Windows Defender Security Center vs. Windows Defender Antivirus
• How to navigate Windows Defender Security Center
• How to scan your PC for malware using Windows Defender Antivirus
• How to view scan history using Windows Defender Antivirus
• How to temporarily disable Windows Defender Antivirus
• How to view health and performance report of your PC
• How to manage network security with Windows Defender Firewall
• How to protect your PC against malicious code
• How to manage parental control and keep track of your PCs

Windows Defender Security Center vs. Windows Defender Antivirus

Before we dive into this guide, it's important to clarify the difference between "Windows Defender Antivirus" and "Windows Defender Security Center," because while their names are similar, they serve different purposes.

Windows Defender Security Center is an application that provides a unified experience to view status and control security features, such as firewall, antivirus, performance monitor, and other products.

On the other hand, Windows Defender Antivirus is the default anti-malware engine of Windows 10 that offers real-time protection against viruses and security threats.

Installing a third-party antivirus will disable the Windows Defender Antivirus automatically, but it'll not affect the functionality of the Windows Defender Security Center. In the same way, disabling Windows Defender Antivirus or Windows Defender Firewall will not disable Security Center.

How to navigate Windows Defender Security Center

To get started, you can launch the app from the Start menu, or you can double-click the shield icon from the notification area in the taskbar.

Although "Home" doesn't include any setting that you can manage, it's a good place to get started, as it provides an overview of the protection of your device.

In this page, you can view the status of all the security features and alerts of any action that needs to be taken to keep your computer secure. Also, at the top of the page, you'll be able to find antivirus information, such as when the last scan was performed and when the last definition was installed.

The shield icon in the notification area is also capable of alerting you when an action needs to be taken. If there is more than one alert, only the most severe warning will be displayed.

Windows Defender Security Center includes five areas of protection that you can manage and monitor.

• Virus & threat protection: includes the Windows Defender Antivirus settings, and it allows you to monitor the malware protection, scan your device for threats, and set up its advanced anti-ransomware feature.
• Device performance & health: allows you to check the health and performance of your computer, and provides a mechanism to clean up your device to fix errors and slowdown problems.
• Firewall & network protection: lets you monitor the status of network connections, and you can configure various Windows Defender Firewall settings.
• App and browser control: helps you to protect your device and data from malicious code hidden on apps, files, and websites.
• Family options: offers easy access to manage your devices and kids online experience using a Microsoft account.

How to scan your PC for malware using Windows Defender Antivirus

Windows 10 automatically updates and scans your computer for malware regularly, but if you can also perform a scan manually.

Quick scan

A quick scan happens fast, and it only scans the parts of the system where malware are known to hide.

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.

3. Click the Quick scan button.

If you suspect that a virus is still on your computer, you should try to perform a full scan.

Full scan

A full scan takes longer, but it checks your files and running applications. You can run a full virus scan on your computer using the following steps:

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.

3. Click the Advanced scans link.

4. Select the Full scan option.

5. Click the Scan now button.

Custom scan

If you simply want to scan a folder or another specific location, you can perform a custom scan using these steps:

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.

3. Click the Advanced scans link.

4. Select the Custom scan option.

5. Select the location to be scanned, and click the Select Folder button.

Alternatively, you can just right-click a drive, folder, or file and select the Scan with Windows Defender option from the context menu to perform a custom scan.

Offline scan

Sometimes if you're dealing with a tough virus or another type of malware, the antivirus may not be able to remove it while Windows 10 is running. If this is the case, save your work, close any running application, and run an offline scan using the following steps:

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.

3. Click the Advanced scans link.

4. Select the Windows Defender Offline scan option.

5. Click the Scan now button.

6. Click the Scan button to continue.

When you start an offline scan, your device will restart and boot using the Windows Defender Antivirus environment. The latest definition update will be installed (if an internet connection is available), a scan will be performed, and if a malicious software is detected, it'll be removed or quarantined automatically.

How to view scan history using Windows Defender Antivirus

During a scan for malware there are many things that it could happen, and to understand the threats and scan details, Windows Defender Antivirus includes a history area, which you can access using these steps:

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.

3. Click on Scan history.

In the "Scan history" page, you'll be able to see any threats that have been detected, quarantined items that couldn't be removed, and those items that were detected as threats, but were allowed to run by you.

How to temporarily disable Windows Defender Antivirus

Although it's not recommended to use a device without a malware protection, sometimes the antivirus can be the reason you can't install an application or update. In this case, you can disable the antivirus temporarily to complete an installation.

To disable Windows Defender, do the following:

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.

3. Click the Virus & threat protection settings option.

4. Turn off the Real-time protection toggle switch.

Once you've completed the steps, you can perform tasks that may conflict with the antivirus. If you don't re-enable the antivirus, it'll restart automatically the next time you reboot your computer.

If you have a good reason, you can disable Windows Defender Antivirus permanently using these advanced instructions.

How to view health and performance report of your PC

Windows Defender Security Center also includes an area that surfaces information about the health and performance of your computer.

To view your PC health and performance report, do the following:

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Click on Device performance & health.

The report includes status for Windows Update, storage, device driver, and battery. If action needs to be taken, you'll see an alert with a recommendation on how to remedy the issue.

Here are the meanings for each possible status state:

• Green: everything is OK.
• Yellow: recommendation is available.
• Red: warning that requires immediate attention.

Fresh start

If your PC is having performance problems, such as issues with memory, shutting down, or everything is working very slow, you can click the Additional info link under "Fresh start" to re-install Windows 10 with the latest updates.

The process to start with a fresh copy of Windows 10 is straightforward:

1. Click the Get started button.

2. Click the Next button.
3. Review the apps that will be removed.

4. Click the Next button.

5. Click the Start button to begin the process.

This process won't delete your files, it'll keep some Windows settings, but it'll remove everything else to help fix performance issues with your device.

How to manage network security with Windows Defender Firewall

The experience also includes an area to monitor and manage Windows Defender Firewall settings, which you can access with the following steps:

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Click on Firewall & network protection.

In the page, you can view at a glance in which network profile the firewall is currently enabled and protecting you from unauthorized access. The one marked as "active" is the network profile currently in use.

You can also click any of the networks to disable the firewall and block all incoming network connections for a particular profile.

"Firewall & network protection" includes access to a number of other advanced firewall settings, but these are just links to Control Panel.

How to protect your PC against malicious code

The "App & browser control" page is the place to configure the Windows Defender SmartScreen settings that can help you to protect your computer against sites, apps, and files that may contain malicious code.

The default settings are the recommended configuration you should be using. Of course, that is unless you have a specific reason to change them.

To change the default SmartScreen settings do the following:

1. Open Windows Defender Security Center.
2. Click on App & browser control.

3. Select the level of protection you want for apps and files, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Store apps.

You'll also notice the Exploit protection at the bottom of the page. This is an advanced feature that can help to mitigate malware and vulnerabilities without having to wait for a malware or system update.

Windows 10 includes the most optimal settings for Exploit protection, and you shouldn't be making any changes to these settings unless you know what you're doing.

How to manage parental control and keep track of your PCs

Windows Defender Security Center also has a "Family options" area, but it's not a place where you can manage any settings. Instead, it offers access to manage parental control from your Microsoft account if your device includes accounts for children.

If you need to set up a kid-friendly device, check out this guide.

In the case you have multiple devices connected to the Microsoft account, you can click the View devices link to see your inventory along with health information and more.

Wrapping things up

On Windows 10, you can always choose to install any third-party suite of security tools. However, Windows Defender Security Center offers an user friendly experience that allows anyone to manage advanced security features, and it helps you to stay more informed about the protection of your device and data.

Best of all, it's totally free, and it works with other antivirus products too.

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

How to set yourself up to stream using the powerful, free to use OBS.

Whether you're streaming from a PC or console, to get the absolute best quality broadcast you're probably looking for some great software. In the case of Windows, one of the most popular choices is Open Broadcaster Software (OBS).

One of the things that attract people initially is that OBS is free to use thanks to being open source (though you can and definitely shoulddonate to the project if you enjoy using it.) If you're new to OBS or to streaming in general, it can be a little daunting at first. The software has evolved a great deal over the years and now it's one of the most powerful tools in a broadcaster's arsenal.

Here, I'll show you how the basics and how to get your stream up and running using OBS.

Download OBS for Windows

How to set up your stream key on OBS

Before you stream anything anywhere you need to give OBS the credentials to broadcast on your channel. Exactly how you do this on the wide range of services OBS supports will vary, but I'm covering Twitch and Mixer for the purposes of this guide.

In both cases you need to generate a stream key in your accounts settings on the relevant service, and then use this in OBS to allow it to stream on your channel.

Follow these steps to get your stream key.

Mixer

1. Login to your account at mixer.com
2. Click on your avatar.
3. Click manage channel.
4. Click the copy button next to the blurred box that contains your stream key.

Twitch

1. Login to your account at twitch.tv
2. Click on your avatar in the top right.
3. Click dashboard.
4. In the menu on the left, click channel under the settings header.
5. Click the stream key button.
6. Click show stream key.
7. Copy the text.

Whichever service you're streaming to you now need to enter the stream key into OBS.

1. Click settings in the main window.
2. Select the stream tab from the menu.

3. In the service drop-down box choose either Twitch, Mixer FTL or Mixer RTMP (FTL is the best one to use).

4. Paste your stream key into the box labelled as such.

5. Click apply.

OBS is now configured to stream to your channel! Never give your stream key to someone else, as it gives them the ability to broadcast anything using your channel. If you think someone may have got it, go into your settings as above and regenerate a new stream key.

How to set up output resolution and bitrate in OBS

Now you're set up to actually stream, the first step is to set your resolution, frame rate and bitrate. The higher each of these the more bandwidth and horsepower you'll need from your PC. Unlike XSplit, OBS doesn't have a built-in bandwidth checker, so you'll have to do some playing around to get the best settings for you.

If you've got a really fast internet connection and a powerful PC, then you can probably stream at 1080p60 at a high bitrate. But, you also need to balance this with providing a stream that's not going to buffer like mad for your viewers who might be on slower connections.

Here's how to adjust the settings in OBS.

1. Click settings in the main window.
2. Select the video tab from the menu.
3. Change the boxes for base and output resolution as well as frame rate to your desired levels.

4. Next, click on the output tab in the menu.

5. Adjust the video bitrate box to your desired level.
6. Choose the encoder you want to use from the drop-down box. You'll have options that can use the CPU or your GPU.

Twitch has a handy resource on the sort of bitrates you should be using depending on your output, so it's worth reading up and balancing these figures against the upload speed from your internet provider. Mixer has a similar resource for streaming there.

How to set up audio devices in OBS

With your video output now set up, it's time to turn to audio. Without great audio your stream will be a disaster, so it's important to get things right. If you have multiple audio devices that you want to connect, I recommend using Voicemeeter Banana to manage things, because it's extremely powerful and once you've got over the initial learning curve, really easy to use.

How to use Voicemeeter Banana to manage your PC audio

Whatever you're using, here's how to set your audio up in OBS.

1. Click settings in the main window.
2. Select the audio tab from the menu.

There are now a number of boxes for you to indicate to the software what your desktop audio devices are (speakers, headphones etc) and your microphone or other auxiliary devices. You also have options to enable push to talk or push to mute for any hardware audio device connected to your PC.

I prefer using Voicemeeter over a setup like this because it's easier to manage on the fly and you only need to set up a single audio device in OBS. In this case, you set the microphone to your Voicemeeter output and disable everything else.

Levels can be managed from the mixer in the main OBS window. If you're using a console it's important to remember that the audio for this will be a source of its own (even if you're using Voicemeeter) and you'll have to manage it within OBS. Pro tip: Turn it down, it'll be way too loud at default settings.

How to add capture cards and webcams to OBS

If you're streaming console games then you'll need to add your capture card as a source in OBS. Whether you're streaming console or PC, you'll probably also want to add a webcam so your viewers can see your beautiful face while you play.

The good news is that both devices are added to OBS in the same way. Here's how.

1. Click the + button in the sources box in the main window.
2. Select video capture device.
3. Name it (if you wish) so it's easier to identify in your sources list.
4. Click OK.
5. Choose your capture card or webcam from the device drop-down box.

In this window, you'll also be able to adjust some video settings such as resolution and frame rate. In the case of the capture card you'll want to keep it at whatever the highest you can get from the console is (1080p60 in almost all cases), but your webcam definitely doesn't need to be 1080p.

When it's a tiny little window on your stream, you're wasting processing power and bandwidth this way. Drop it to something like 640x480 and it'll still look fine on stream.

How to add PC game capture to OBS

If you're going to be streaming PC games, then OBS can automatically detect these and import them for use. Set it up similarly to other sources.

1. Click the + button in the sources box in the main window.
2. Select game capture.

You now have a couple of options. If you always play your PC games in fullscreen, you can set OBS to capture any fullscreen application in the mode drop-down box.

If you play windowed, then you can manually choose the game by changing the mode to capture specific window and then choose the game from the windows drop-down box

How to add a stream overlay to OBS

One last thing you might want to add right from the start is an overlay to your stream. I've previously written about great services like Player.me and StreamJar which help you create professional looking overlays with minimal effort on your part.

Besides making your stream look more professional, overlays can add important alerts such as new followers and subscribers, social media links, goals and much more. Whichever service you use to create one, adding to OBS is the same every time. You'll get a unique URL for your overlay, copy this and follow these steps.

1. Click the + button in the sources box in the main window.
2. Select browsersource.
3. Name it (if you wish) so it's easier to identify in your sources list.
4. Paste your stream overlay URL in the URL box.
5. Change the width, height and frame rate to match your output resolution and frame rate.

Your overlay will now appear before your very eyes. Make sure you move it towards the top of your sources list to ensure it pastes itself over the top of the other items in your stream.

Your tips

That's how to get yourself set up with OBS to stream either console or PC games and have a really great looking broadcast.

If you're an old OBS wizard with some tips and tricks to share be sure to drop them into the comments below.

Download OBS for Windows

Sure, you can save some money now, but what are you getting yourself into?

Building your own PC can be a rewarding, money-saving experience, but not everyone has the time or feels comfortable enough to do it themselves. Major PC manufacturers understand, and most have a lineup of pre-built desktop devices ranging from budget productivity machines worth a few hundred dollars to extreme gaming rigs that cost thousands.

One possible route to take when PC shopping is buying a budget pre-built now with plans of upgrading yourself in the near future. It doesn't seem quite as complicated as starting from scratch, and besides, you'll have a device that powers on today rather than in a few weeks when all the parts arrive and you've assembled them properly.

The short game vs. the long game

Buying budget now — I'm talking a device that sits around the $500 mark— with plans to upgrade slowly over the next year or so can be considered the short game. You're getting a pre-built PC that works as soon as you open the box, but it's not going to have the same power as something in the $750 or $1,000 range.

Playing the long game, on the other hand, either means you're saving up a bit longer for a mid-range or high-end pre-built PC, or you're going to wait for separate parts to go on sale and build something yourself. If you're holding out on building your own device from scratch because of a lack of confidence, remember that you're going to be tinkering inside anyway when you decide to upgrade your budget rig. Would you rather pop open a PC and guess which cables go where, or would you like to know it from the ground up? The ease of PC building has come a long way, especially when you take advantage of our step-by-step guide.

How to build a PC: The ultimate step-by-step guide

Still, many don't have the time to get into this (consuming) hobby. If you're looking to buy budget and upgrade, there are some things to keep in mind.

The budget PC's components

While budget PCs will usually offer up at least a semi-recent processor (CPU) that should serve you well for a few years to come (one of my PCs is still using a second-gen Core i7), you're likely going to be getting a low amount of DDR3 RAM, a slow hard-disk drive (HDD), and no option for discrete graphics.

Using DDR3 RAM instead of DDR4 isn't that big of a deal when it comes to performance, but adding extra RAM might pose a problem. You want to be sure that the PC can handle the amount of RAM you're thinking about adding.

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

The performance of an HDD can be quite noticeable, especially if you're already used to using a solid-state drive (SSD). HDDs help keep the initial price down while offering up an attractive amount of storage, but this is one of the parts that is most commonly upgraded. When buying budget with plans to upgrade later, you can safely earmark a couple hundred for an SSD.

Finally, if you're interested in turning a budget PC into a gaming rig, you'll eventually be buying a dedicated graphics card (GPU). Not only does the motherboard need to have an appropriate PCIe hub, you also need to have enough RAM and a decent enough CPU to not cause bottlenecks. There's no point in putting a GTX 1080 GPU into a PC with a Core i3 CPU and 4GB of RAM.

• Everything you need to know about the GPU
• The ultimate GPU buyer's guide

The budget PC compatibility dilemma

Say you're interested in putting a big new GPU into your PC. This might also require you to upgrade your CPU, as it's going to cause a bottleneck. Since buying the budget PC with an aging Intel CPU, there's a brand new AMD CPU that you have your eye on.

Here's the problem: a lot of different CPUs use different chipsets, and they aren't compatible with each other. If your motherboard is using a certain chipset, you're stuck buying a certain type of CPU. Now, this doesn't mean you can't find something good in that chipset, but this problem can snowball quickly.

That GPU is going to need more power, and the stock power supply unit (PSU) isn't up to the task. Likewise, the new motherboard doesn't support the RAM you have, so that's also been added to your list. Worst case, you'll throw up your hands in frustration and scrap the entire upgrade plan.

The budget PC case dilemma

PCs generally come in a few standardized case sizes that make it easier to pick compatible parts. While shopping for budget PCs, it's evident that a few come in non-standard case sizes, which can pose serious problems down the line.

GPUs seem to keep getting bigger, and while there are certainly compact options, the big one you have your eye on might not fit in that slim-profile case. You could transplant the entire PC into a bigger case, but that's assuming the motherboard doesn't have something proprietarily funky going on that keeps you from doing so.

If you plan on keeping upgrades to a minimum, this isn't nearly as big of a problem, but again things can get out of hand quickly if you plan on turning the PC into a beefy gaming rig.

Is it worth upgrading a budget PC?

Buying budget now with concrete plans for some minor upgrades down the line isn't that bad of an idea. As long as you make sure there's room for the RAM you want and the new CPU you have your eye on is compatible with the chipset, you should be good to go. You might have an issue with the PSU, but that's far more likely if you're thinking of adding a dedicated GPU.

On that note, buying budget with concrete plans to turn it into a gaming PC won't work out as well. Upgrading just one part might turn into upgrading all parts, and in that case, you'll be wishing you'd just started from scratch to begin with.

My suggestion for would-be PC gamers that prefer a pre-built? Save up a bit longer and invest in something mid-range that won't require as many upgrades. You could also put that money into buying better parts separately, use our guides to build something yourself, and hit the power button for the first time and bask in the sweet hum of a PC you built booting for the first time.

More resources

• Best Budget PCs for Less Than $500 in 2018
• Best Desktop PC in 2018
• Best Gaming Desktop PC in 2018
• Best Desktop PC for VR in 2018
• Best All-in-One (AiO) PC in 2018
• Best Desktop PCs for Windows Mixed Reality in 2018
• Pros and cons of pre-built desktop PCs

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

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

Why do Windows 10 updates take so long?

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

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

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

• How to defragment your PC's hard drive on Windows 10
• Back up your PC and protect your data with these Windows resources
• Best External Hard Drives in 2018

Windows Update components might be broken

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

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

Download Windows Update Troubleshooter tool from Microsoft

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

See the Windows Update support page at Microsoft

Software might be conflicting with Windows Update

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

1. Hit Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard.
2. Click Task Manager.
3. Click the Startup tab.

4. Click any startup item you suspect might be interfering.

5. Click Disable. Steps 4 and 5 can be repeated for as many startup items as you'd like.

6. Click the Start button.

7. Click the Power button.

8. Click Restart.

Once your PC restarts, try installing the Windows 10 update again. To enable startup items again, follow the same steps but click Enable in step 5.

Set a scheduled update time

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

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

More resources

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

• Windows 10 Fall Creators Update common problems and fixes
• Windows 10 Fall Creators Update's most common user problems and complaints
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks