Treat spectators to the same sound you're hearing in your Windows Mixed Reality of VR headset.

Half the fun of VR experiences is letting others watch while you play, but it isn't the same when they can't hear what you're hearing. You might also just have an insane surround sound system that you want to test out with a 3D video or game. In these cases, you'll likely want to split the experience's audio between VR and some external speakers. Whether you're using Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), Oculus Rift, or HTC Vive, here's how to mirror your VR audio.

See WMR at Microsoft Store

• How to split audio between Oculus Rift and external speakers
• How to split audio between HTC Vive and external speakers
• How to split audio between Windows Mixed Reality and external speakers

How to split audio between Oculus Rift and external speakers

With Rift Core 2.0, it's just a matter of flipping a switch in the Oculus desktop app. Here are the steps required to get audio working through the headset and other speakers:

1. Launch the Oculus app from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.

2. Click Devices.

3. Click Rift.

4. Click the switch in the Mirror VR audio section so that it turns blue (On).

Whichever device you have as your default audio output when the Rift isn't connected will now also play any audio from VR apps.

How to split audio between HTC Vive and external speakers

Like with the Rift, splitting audio within SteamVR won't take long. Whether you're using a Vive or WMR, the following steps will mirror audio to an external source as well as to your headset.

1. Launch Steam from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
2. Click the VR button near the top-right corner of the window, and SteamVR will launch.

3. Click the dropdown arrow next to SteamVR.

4. Click Settings.

5. Click Audio.

6. Click the dropdown arrow beneath Mirror audio to device.

7. Click Speakers or the corresponding option where you'd like to mirror the audio from VR.

You should now be able to hear audio through both the headset and external speakers from any app running in SteamVR.

How to split audio between Windows Mixed Reality and external speakers

There is still no official setting within the Mixed Reality Portal that lets you mirror audio, but there is a third-party option that can get the job done.

Keep in mind that if you're solely using WMR for SteamVR, you can mirror audio using the steps listed above for the Vive. If instead you're using VR apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store, you'll have the best luck using VoiceMeeter. Here's how to get it set up.

1. Navigate to the VoiceMeeter download page.
2. Click the Install button. (You might have to scroll down a bit to find it.)

3. Click Run.

4. Click Install.

5. Click OK.

6. Restart your PC.
7. Launch VoiceMeeter from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.

8. Click the A1 button in the Hardware out section.

9. Click the option that corresponds to WMR. (In this case, it's WDM: Headphones [Realtek USB2.0 Audio].)

10. Click the A2 button in the Hardware out section.

11. Click WDM: Speakers or whichever option corresponds with your external speakers.

12. Click the Audio button in the Windows 10 taskbar.

13. Click the More options arrow.

14. Click VoiceMeeter Input.

You should now be able to hear audio through the WMR headset's headphones and your external speakers.

More resources

Be sure to check out our Windows Mixed Reality ultimate guide as well as our troubleshooting guide for way more help with everything VR!

• Windows Mixed Reality ultimate guide
• Windows Mixed Reality troubleshooting guide

Updated February 22, 2018:: This guide has been updated to include steps for Windows Mixed Reality.

You can quickly and easily upgrade your Office 365 subscription from Personal to Home.

Office 365 is a great way to access Microsoft's suite of office tools on a subscription basis. It ensures you won't be left in the dust when a new version of the product comes out, because your Office is going to be kept up to date as long as you're a subscriber.

Did you start with Office 365 Personal but now need Office on multiple computers, tablets, and phones? No problem. Upgrading from Personal to Home edition won't take long.

See at Microsoft Store

Office 365 subscriptions

There are several options to choose from when purchasing a subscription. Each one gets you access to classic Office tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Where the subscriptions really differ, however, is in how many individual devices can use Office 365.

* Office 365 University allows installation on a combined two PCs or tablets.

If you initially purchased Office 365 Personal but now need Office on multiple devices, fret not. Upgrading to Office 365 Home from Personal is a snap. Subscriptions are available starting at about $10 per month if you opt in one month at a time, and about $100 if you opt in for a full year.

See at Microsoft Store

How to upgrade to Office 365 Home using a product key

If you bought a physical copy of Office 365 Home from a brick and mortar store — usually either a box, a card, or a receipt — the product key will be located on that packaging. Follow these steps to upgrade from Office 365 Personal.

Remember that only one subscription can be linked per account, so your Personal subscription will be gone following your upgrade to Home. Any time remaining in your existing Personal subscription will be added to your new Home subscription.

1. Navigate to www.office.com/setup using your favorite web browser.
2. Click Sign in.

3. Type your Microsoft account name or number and hit Tab on your keyboard.

4. Type your Microsoft account password.

5. Click Sign in.

6. Type in the product key found on the physical copy of Office 365 Home.

7. Click the dropdown arrow beneath Country or region and click your country of residence.

8. Click the dropdown arrow beneath Your language and click your language.

9. Click Next.

Microsoft will verify your information and your subscription will change to Office 365 Home. Your subscription time will be extended one year past however much time you had remaining on your Personal subscription.

How to upgrade to Office 365 Home without a product key

If you want to upgrade to Office 365 Home straight from your computer, follow these steps.

Remember that only one subscription can be linked per account, so your Personal subscription will be gone following your upgrade to Home. The time remaining in your existing subscription will be added to your new subscription.

1. Navigate to the Office 365 product page at the Microsoft Store.
2. Click Sign in. If the account name associated with your Office 365 Personal account is displayed here, skip ahead to step 5.

3. Type your username and hit Enter on your keyboard.

4. Type your password and hit Enter on your keyboard..

5. Click a renewal option. Here you can choose from monthly or yearly.

6. Click Buy and download now.

7. Click Checkout.

Your new one-year subscription to Office 365 Home will be added to however much time is remaining on your current Personal subscription.

See at Microsoft Store

More resources

Looking for more to do with Office 365? Check out these other articles.

• Getting started with OneNote 2016
• How to create VideoScribe and whiteboard animations in PowerPoint 2016
• How to create animation in PowerPoint 2016
• How to add shapes and images to PowerPoint slides
• How to use PowerPoint transitions to improve presentations
• Outlook features you should be using right now

Updated February 22, 2018: This guide has been refreshed to ensure you're still getting the correct steps involved in upgrading your Office 365 subscription.

The comfort of controls while using virtual reality

Welcome to the world of virtual reality (VR), now let's discuss how to be comfortable playing. The first thing you combat when using gamepads with your VR headset for the first time is not being able to see the buttons during gameplay. Here we'll help you figure out your best comfort levels, and which controller is best for you.

Using a PlayStation 4 controller.

If you know the button placements of a PlayStation 4 controller better it can be used for your VR experience as well! They are, however, a bit more expensive than other controllers. But, if you already have one you at least won't need to buy a different one! Simply hook up your controller to your computer to play your favorite games. If not, you can get a PlayStation Dualshock controller for about $44 dollars on Amazon.

See on Amazon

Thankfully there are button replacements for the PlayStation 4 controllers, just like there are for the XBox One. Here you can replace two of the buttons on your gamepad so that they feel a little different than the other buttons. This way when you blindly need to find the square button you'll be able to know it'll have a different texture to it than the X button.

Then when you've got the muscle memory down you can finish replacing the rest of the buttons and have a sweet looking controller!

See on Amazon

Silicone grips applied to the entire controller to separate the texture feelings between buttons and extra space is a pretty good call. This way when it comes time for you to press X to loot a monster it'll be that much easier to find your buttons. A gentle glide of your thumb to find the smooth X, O, square and triangle through the silicone is much easier than blindly following if it were all the same texture.

See on Amazon

Using an Xbox One controller

You can get an Xbox controller for about $25 on Amazon. These controllers are larger than most controllers and definitely recommended if you have larger hands or simply like to use a bulkier controller. Then, between sleeves and replacing the buttons, we'll make sure you find what works best for you! When you've got what works best for you then it's time to connect it to your PC and get to your VR gaming!

See on Amazon

Not only is the X button wildly popular, but it's in a different spot on each controller. To combat this you can use replacement buttons that will help you determine which button you're actually pressing. This way when the game calls for you to press X you'll know to aim for the buttons that feel a little different than the standard ones. The best part? When you finally get the hang of where the buttons are you can finish replacing the rest of your buttons, have an awesome new look at your controller and it'll run you less than $10!

See on Amazon

Your other option with an Xbox controller is to buy a silicone sleeve. It's almost the same price as the replacement buttons, and still under $10. With this, the smooth ends of your buttons will be easier to find as silicone makes for a sturdy grip. The texture difference between the two will help you blindly find where your fingers need to go!

See on Amazon

X91 Controller

Last but not least we have the X91 controller that is compatible with Windows 10. With smaller handles this will fit entirely into the palms of your hands, keeping everything close together and easy to find. While it may not look like it from the advertised picture, there is an R1, R2, L1, and L2 trigger on it. For $26 dollars you can find yourself this controller on Amazon!

The only downside is that there is a cable connected to it. It is 9feet long so that makes sure you will be able to move around while playing. But be sure to play this with less physical VR games, as you want to avoid chances of you tripping on another cord while playing.

See on Amazon

Thoughts?

What tips and tricks did you use to find the most comfort when using a gamepad while playing in VR? Did any of these tips help you? Let us know in the comment section below!

Boot Windows with only crucial drivers and programs to diagnose problems.

Windows 10 is a big, complicated OS that often has many different drivers, settings, and programs competing for space, and you might sometimes run into software conflicts. In this case — whether you notice that Windows isn't starting up properly or you're having problems installing updates — you can potentially root out the offender by performing a clean boot. Let's take a look at how to perform a clean boot, as well as how it can be used to figure out what is causing problems.

Why Windows 10 updates take so long (and some potential fixes)

What you need to know before a clean boot

The beauty of a good OS is that you can install as many programs and services as you'd like to make it your own. When you boot Windows 10 normally, it starts up with a bunch of those extra programs and services that you added, and while everything will generally run well, you might eventually come across a software conflict.

If you notice that Windows 10 isn't operating properly, or if an official Windows 10 update won't install properly, it's always a good idea to check for any conflicts. By clean booting Windows, you should be able to root out the offender and make necessary changes.

Before clean booting, there are a few things to know. You must be signed in as an Administrator on your PC to be able to access these settings. This shouldn't be a problem if you're using your own device, but if you're at work, you might have to talk to a system admin.

Once you've clean booted your PC, don't be worried if it doesn't quite work as you remember. This is a state used to root out problems, and you'll be returning your PC to its normal state following this process.

How to perform a Windows 10 clean boot

Ready to clean boot Windows 10? Here are the steps involved.

1. Right-click the Start button.

2. Click Search.

3. Type msconfig and hit Enter on your keyboard.

4. Click Services.

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

6. Click Disable all.

7. Click Startup.

8. Click Open Task Manager.

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

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

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

13. Restart your PC.

Once your PC restarts, only the essentials will boot. If you were having issues with a program or update, try to launch or install while in the clean boot environment. If the problem persists, you'll know that you don't have a software conflict and the problem lies elsewhere.

If the problem doesn't show up while in a clean boot, you can now attempt to find the offending program or service. The best way to do so is to repeat steps 1-5 above, but re-enable half of the services.

Re-enable the top half of all non-Microsoft services (anything crucial to Windows should be hidden by step 5). Once you restart your PC, test to see if the software conflict is back. If it isn't, repeat steps 1-5 again, but this time try re-enabling the bottom half of all non-Microsoft services instead. Restart your PC, and if the conflict is back, you'll know that the problem lies with one of the services in the lower half.

Whether the conflict lies in the top half or the bottom half of the services, you can now start to narrow down the search. Keep unchecking services and restarting your PC. Once you find that the issue is gone, you should be able to point directly at the problem.

Getting back to normal

Once you've performed your clean boot and have rooted out the problem, you can get your PC back to running normally, albeit without the service causing problems.

1. Right-click the Start button.

2. Click Search.

3. Type msconfig and hit Enter on your keyboard.

4. Click Services.

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

6. Click Enable all.

7. Click the checkbox next to the offending startup service.

8. Click Startup.

9. Click Open Task Manager.

10. Click a startup program.

11. Click Enable. Repeat steps 10-11 for all startup programs.

12. Click the X to close Task Manager.

13. Click OK in the System Configuration window.

14. Click Restart.

Your PC should now restart and function as it should, albeit without the service causing a conflict.

More resources

For far more Windows 10 troubleshooting, be sure to check out our hub of help, tips, and tricks.

Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks

Nothing happening when you boot your new PC for the first time? Check your RAM.

Whether you build or buy, the first boot of your new PC is an exciting time. It's also the first time you find out whether it's all put together properly!

When you buy a pre-built PC you'd expect it's all been done properly and everything will work first time. But that's not always the case, as I recently found out with a new Lenovo gaming PC.

Turns out it was a simple fix involving the RAM. Here's what to look out for and how you solve it.

The issue

When you boot your new PC for the first time you'll either be booting into the BIOS of your motherboard or in the case of a pre-built PC, you'll boot into the Windows 10 setup process.

But sometimes you won't get either. In the case of my Lenovo PC, a series of beeps that meant nothing to me was all I got along with no video output of any kind from the GPU or the motherboards HDMI output. Nothing, absolutely nothing.

In Lenovo's case, those beeps do mean something, and once you get to the right support page you might be able to figure it out. There are plenty of parts in a PC to check, but given all the video outputs delivered nothing and there was no BIOS or anything showing to boot into, it becomes a problem seeded deeper.

So if this sounds like something you're experiencing, check your RAM is installed properly. It sounds simple and it's a simple fix, but if the RAM isn't seated in the slots properly, your PC won't do anything.

How to properly install your RAM

Whether you've ever touched the RAM in your PC or not before, checking it's installed properly is an easy task.

1. Unclip the RAM locks on the motherboard module slots.
2. Carefully remove each individual stick.
3. To reinstall, match the RAM stick's notches to those found in the slots on the motherboard.
4. Push the RAM stick in carefully, using light even force across the stick.
5. The RAM stick is installed properly when the RAM locks click closed.

The next thing to do is to boot your PC. If your situation was exactly like mine, hopefully now you see something other than empty black displays, and your PC is booting up ready to go!

More: The ultimate guide to building a PC

Access Apple Music streaming on Xbox One using "AirServer" with an iPhone or iPad.

Microsoft's Xbox One has accumulated an impressive assortment of music services, with Spotify, Soundcloud, and Pandora all among the services with apps for the console. Despite this, Apple Music, one of the biggest players in the music streaming space, is yet to deliver a solution for gaming consoles.

While official support isn't expected soon, a third-party application known as "AirServer" delivers relatively seamless workaround to enjoy the service with gaming. Hooking directly into "AirPlay," Apple's propriety wireless streaming protocol used across its devices, Apple Music content can be remotely cast directly to Xbox One from your iPhone or iPad.

• More: Best Music Apps for Xbox One
• AirServer brings Miracast, Chromecast, and Airplay to your Xbox One

How to set up AirServer on Xbox One

Setting up AirServer on Xbox One is a relatively simple process, with no accounts or passwords to handle – simply install the app and you'll be ready to go. Although the full version of the app is relatively expensive at $19.99 via the Microsoft Store, its handy free trial offers a chance to decide if the app is for you.

1. Navigate to the Store tab on your Xbox One.
2. Select the Search tile.
3. Type AirServer using the on-screen keyboard.
4. Select AirServer Xbox Edition.
5. Select Free trial to try an unrestricted version of the app for free. Alternatively, a full version of the app can be purchased for $19.99.
6. Select Launch to open AirServer on your Xbox One.
7. Press right on the directional pad.
8. Press A to display an on-screen QR code.

After completing the above steps, switch to your iOS device to complete the setup process.

How to set up AirServer Connect on iOS

AirPlay is directly integrated into the iOS operating system, making audio and video streaming a simple process from iPhones, iPads, and other compatible devices running iOS 4.3 or higher. Taking advantage of this, AirServer essentially emulates the receiving capabilities of an Apple TV. Although AirServer recommends using its "AirServer Connect" application to eliminate initial discoverability issues, following an initial setup, connecting and disconnecting is a relatively seamless.

1. Open the App Store on your iOS device.
2. Select the Search tab.
3. Type AirServer Connect using the on-screen keyboard.
4. Install AirServer Connect.
5. Open AirServer Connect.
6. Select Scan QR Code.
7. Allow camera access once prompted.
8. Scan the QR Code on the Xbox One app. This will ensure your Xbox One is discovered as an AirPlay device and quickly pair the two devices.

Following a successful pairing, your Xbox One can now recieve video and audio from your iOS device.

How to play Apple Music on Xbox One

After establishing a connection between your Xbox One and iOS device via AirServer, you'll now be ready to play Apple Music tracks through your console. And with support for background audio, the Xbox One's feature that allows music to play while gaming, you won't need to leave AirServer running to enjoy your music.

1. Open the Music app on your iOS device.
2. Find a song to play.
3. Press the AirPlay icon at the bottom of the playback screen, represented by an upwards facing arrow and three rings.
4. Select XboxOne 1080p 30 to establish the connection. Apple Music will begin streaming to your Xbox One.

Once connected, audio playback, including volume controls and track selection can be handled by your iOS device. Alternatively, using the Xbox One's background audio controls on the Guide menu, playing, pausing, skipping and volume levels are all accessible.

While these steps specifically target Apple Music, AirServer supports remote broadcasting from a majority of music and video apps. Screen-mirroring over AirPlay even allows games and other content to be directly captured from your phone and outputted via your Xbox One. While the app might not be cheap, this is a great solution for those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.

What are your thoughts on AirServer for Xbox One? Make sure to drop your experiences in the comments section.

Here are some killer laptops that can double up as a mobile video editing workstation.

Laptops come in a whole manner of shapes and sizes but for video editing and other intensive workloads, it's all about the internals. Working with high definition (1080p) or even 4K content with gigabytes worth of data to process and effects to add and sample, you need a beefy machine with the best processor and discrete graphics. Anything but simply won't do, unless you'd somehow enjoy a sluggish performance.

Here's what you'll need to bear in mind when purchasing a laptop.

Looking at notebooks, it's easy to narrow down the search by filtering out models that sport at least an Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7 of some kind. Then you need discrete graphics, which will need to come from NVIDIA's GTX line of mobile solutions. Pricing for a capable laptop with a GTX 1050 — considered the entry point in gaming laptops — will set you back around $1,000. Moving up to the GTX 1080 can send the cost upwards of $3,000 and above.

As long as it has a discrete GPU, the laptop will be able to handle video processing.

Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is simply gorgeous. Dell's latest line of hardware is not only a joy to look at but also packs a punch where it counts. The 9560 can be kitted out with 16GB of RAM, SSD, GTX 1050 and an Intel Core i7 processor. That's ample enough power to get some video editing done and it's all in a thin chassis that truly can be used as a laptop.

As an added bonus, the display is a gorgeous 4K touchscreen panel, perfect for working with images and media. It's a little pricey, though with the 4K model coming in at around $1,600.

See at Amazon

MSI GT83VR

The GT83VR from MSI is insane. For just under $4,500 you get a notebook that can outpace many gaming desktops out there all in a somewhat portable form factor. I'm talking two GTX 1080 GPUs in SLI configuration, and a powerful Intel Core i7-7920HQ processor. 16GB of RAM is a little on the low side for video editing, but luckily MSI has made it so you can expand installed memory up to 64GB.

The only drawback is the display isn't 4K, but it's possible to hook up an external monitor with available ports on the side of this monster. We reviewed the GT83VR last year, should you need another look at what this thing is capable of. Pricing for the GT83VR start at around the mid $3,000 range for a GTX 1070.

See at Amazon

Surface Book 2

Microsoft's second-generation Surface Book is quite the 2-in-1. Executive Editor Daniel Rubino is a big fan of the portable PC, noting how it sports excellent build quality and features, offering a true gaming PC with outstanding performance. This also covers video editing and other intensive tasks, thanks to the Intel Core i7 processor and up to GTX 1060 NVIDIA GPU.

Pricing for the Surface Book 2 starts at around $1,200.

See at Microsoft Store

Razer Blade Pro

Razer arguably makes the closest thing to a genuine gaming ultrabook, and the Blade Pro is an incredible feat of engineering. It packs top-of-the-line gaming hardware into a slim, light chassis and then wraps it all up with Razer's Chroma lighting system. At 17 inches, it's also extremely portable and with a GTX 1060 or GTX 1080 GPU it really is a go anywhere gaming system, which can double up as a mobile video creation platform.

All this tech comes with a premium price, starting from $1,999.99.

See at Razer

Fancy building your own video editing desktop? We've got you covered.

You can remap your Xbox One controller buttons to anything you want, and in this guide, we'll show you how to do it.

Although an Xbox One Wireless controller offers the most optimal button layout for gamers, it's not the perfect configuration that will work for every game. Sometimes, the required configuration will depend upon the game or personal preference, which is one of the reasons gamers have to have a way to remap the buttons on a controller.

While you can choose from a number of third-party tools on Windows 10, Microsoft has created the Xbox Accessories app to give gamers an easy way to remap virtually every aspect of a standard and Elite Xbox One Wireless controllers.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the easy steps to customize your Xbox One Wireless controller by remapping its buttons when playing games on your PC.

How to remap the Xbox One controller buttons

In order to remap the buttons of your Xbox One controller, you'll need to follow these steps on Windows 10:

1. Install the Xbox Accessories apps from the Microsoft Store by clicking the Get button.
2. Open the Xbox Accessories app.
3. Connect your Xbox One Wireless controller to your PC using a USB cable, Xbox One Wireless USB adapter, or Bluetooth (if supported).

4. In the "Xbox Accessories app," click the Configure button. (After clicking this button, you may be prompted to login to your Xbox Live account.)

5. Click the Button mapping button.

6. Using the drop-down menu, select the button you want to change.

7. Using the "Map to" drop-down menu, select the button you want to map to.

Alternatively, while in the button mapping experience, you can also remap buttons by pressing and holding the button, stick, or triggers, and then pressing the button you want to map it to.

In addition to remapping buttons, you'll also find a number of options to quickly swap sticks and triggers to make left operate like the right. You can invert the Y-axis for the left and right sticks so that pushing the stick up or down the action will be down or up. And you can even turn on or off the controller's vibration feature.

At any time, you can revert the original settings by clicking the Restore original button in the configuration page.

While the Xbox Accessories app makes the button remapping process easy, remember that it only works with the Xbox One standard and Elite controllers. You can't use it to remap other controllers or keyboard.

If you have an Xbox Elite Wireless controller, you'll get even more options. For example, you'll get the ability to store up to 256 different configurations and save two of them on the controller itself. Options to fully customize buttons and paddles with the option to assign the same action to multiple buttons. Also, you can select the sensitivity curve for the movement of the sticks, four vibration sliders to adjust the controller feedback, and you can even change the brightness of the Xbox button on the controller.

Download Xbox Accessories at Microsoft Store

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

Microsoft's Surface Dock occasionally receives firmware updates, and you can manually download and install them using the Surface Dock Updater. Here's how.

The Surface Dock is a valuable tool that lets Surface users quickly and easily add connectivity options to their PCs via a single Surface Connect port, including power, Ethernet, audio, USB 3.0, and DisplayPort. And because the Dock features its own internal chipset, Microsoft can release firmware updates to fix issues or enhance functionality. Microsoft says Windows Update can automatically download Surface Dock firmware updates, but for some reason, that does not always happen.

Updating the firmware on Microsoft's Surface Dock is easy — if you know how to do it and you download the right utility: Microsoft's Surface Dock Updater, which is part of the company's Surface Tools for IT toolset. If Windows Update isn't downloading the latest Surface Dock firmware, or you just want to make sure you have the latest release, you can download the tool and update on your own.

• How to tell if your Surface Dock has the latest firmware
• How to update Surface Dock firmware
• How to fix Surface Dock update issues

See at Microsoft Store

How to tell if your Surface Dock has the latest firmware

One way to ensure your Dock has the firmware is to download the tool, set it up and then run it, which will quickly let you know if you need an update. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Visit Microsoft's Surface Tools for IT page and hit the red Download button.

2. Under the list titled "Choose the download you want,"check the box next to Surface_Dock_Updater.

3. Hit Next.
4. In your taskbar search field, type "Microsoft Surface Dock Updater, and when the application appears in the list click the app to select and open it.
5. A popup will appear and ask you, "Do you want this app to be able to make changes to your device?" Choose Yes.

6. Hit Start.

   If you already have the latest version of Surface Dock firmware, the tool will say you're up to date. If not, it will tell you a firmware update is available.

• Related: Why Microsoft needs to release a new Surface Dock — now
• Related: Should you buy Microsoft's pricey Surface Dock?

How to update Surface Dock firmware

If you do not have the latest Surface Dock firmware, you can use the Surface Dock Update to download and install it. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit Microsoft's Surface Tools for IT page and hit the red Download button.

2. Under the list titled "Choose the download you want,"check the box next to Surface_Dock_Updater.

3. Hit Next.
4. In your taskbar search field, type "Microsoft Surface Dock Updater, and when the application appears in the list click the app to select and open it.
5. A popup will appear and ask you, "Do you want this app to be able to make changes to your device?" Choose Yes.
6. Hit the Start button.
7. When the tool informs you that you do not have the latest firmware, click Update to start the download and installation process.

8. On the next screen, Surface Dock Update will tell you that the process could take some time. Click Confirm to continue the process.

9. About halfway through the update, the tool may ask you to disconnect the Dock from your Surface. Unplug the Dock from your Surface Connect port.

10. Wait a few seconds, and plug the Surface Dock into your Surface Connect port once again.

11. After a few minutes, if the update works as intended, you'll see a screen that informs you to unplug your Dock from the Surface Connect port once again, so it can finish the update, which should take about three minutes.

    • Note: While the Surface Dock finishes updating, a small LED within the Surface Dock Ethernet port will blink. When the update is complete, the light will stop blinking and you can plug your Surface Dock back in

How to fix Surface Dock update issues

Depending on the model Surface PC you use, you may encounter issues updating the Dock.

For example, I was unable to get the Updater to work at all when connected to my Surface Book 2, which according to Microsoft's Store page is not officially supported by the Surface Dock, though I use it with my Book 2 every day. That could be related to the fact that the Surface Book 2 draws more power than the first Surface Book and other Surface laptops and 2-in-1s, and as such the Surface Dock can't provide an optimal amount of power. Whatever the reason, I was unable to update my Dock using the Book 2, but I had no issue at updating it via my Surface Pro 2017.

Microsoft official take on Surface Dock update issues? From a related support page:

If the Surface Dock didn't update with the Updater tool, try … another Surface device running Windows 10 Pro. Or, you can get your Surface Dock updated free of charge at a Microsoft Store near you.

So, if for some reason your Dock doesn't want to update properly, and you don't have another Surface PC laying around, your best bet might be making your way over to a local Microsoft Store, assuming you live near one.

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

Want to use the new Cortana in Launcher for Android all the time? Here is how to do it.

When it comes to Microsoft's services on Android between Cortana– the Android app – and Cortana in Launcher for Android there is some overlap. I recently wrote about the different UI designs with the Launcher version looking much better, but the question for many is, do you need both?

Moreover, did you know you can set the Microsoft Launcher version of Cortana as your default voice assistant? Here's how.

How to set Microsoft Launcher Cortana as default

Before we get started, make sure to read our other quick guide on how to enable Cortana in Microsoft Launcher if you are currently outside the list of supported countries.

Setting Cortana in Launcher in Android 7.1.1.

The process for assigning Cortana – the Microsoft Launcher version, not the app – as the default is straightforward. Assuming you have Android 7.1.1 (the most common these days), here is how you do it:

1. Open Settings > Apps and hit the cog wheel in the upper right corner.
2. Select Assist & voice input.
3. Select Assist app.
4. Choose Microsoft Launcher.

Perhaps a more natural, direct way is just to use the Settings search and type in "voice" and choose Assist & voice input. You can then jump to steps 3 and 4.

Just searching for "voice" is easier to set the default app.

If you are on Android 8.x the process is similar, but there are some changes in the menu structure and choice option:

1. Open Settings > Apps & notifications.
2. Tap Advanced.
3. Choose Default apps.
4. Tap Assist & voice input > Assist app.
5. Choose Cortana (with the microphone).

The confusion on Android 8.x is if you have both Cortana the app and Microsoft Launcher installed there are two Cortana listings, which is an early issue. The one highlighted in the image below is the one you want to pick.

In Android 8.x, there may be two Cortana apps to choose from.

Once enabled, every time you long press the Home key on your Android phone you'll get the new Cortana experience found in Microsoft Launcher, which I find more satisfying. You can always, of course, change it back following the same steps.

Do you need both Cortanas?

The next obvious question is, do you need both Cortana experiences on your Android phone?

For now, the answer is it depends. The Cortana app still has some advantages like being a full app that reveals your Cortana interests (weather, reminders, package tracking, news, etc.) and upcoming events in one location. Plus, you can access and modify the Cortana Notebook, devices like the Harmon Kardon Invoke, and general Cortana settings.

The new Cortana experience in the Launcher version looks great.

The Cortana app can also do things like send a text or make a phone call, which the Cortana in Launcher cannot yet do (it's still in beta, so hopefully it will soon). When set as default the Cortana app suddenly becomes much more useful.

The Cortana app can make calls or send a text, something that Launcher cannot yet do.

Some of the above functionality is also duplicated in Microsoft Launcher. For instance, the Launcher has a mini-weather app (widget) and can pull in your calendar and To-Do lists from the cloud. That info then shows up in the Feed (swipe left). What the Microsoft Launcher does not offer is a centralized place to view and modify Cortana settings.

Whether any of those differences matter to you depends, of course, on how you use Cortana on Android. The Microsoft Launcher version – for now – is a lighter, more ambient version versus the dedicated app. But when you set the Microsoft Launcher Cortana as default for voice-assistant, the differences begin to fade.

Hopefully, Microsoft ports more Cortana functionality into the Launcher version in the future making it less of a choice for current users.

Related reading:

Microsoft Launcher for Android review

These are all Xbox One games with Dolby Atmos support and those with plans to adopt it.

Xbox One has adopted a variety of upcoming technologies in recent years, with 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR) among the console's capabilities. While still in early days, its adoption of Dolby Atmos looks to be a promising evolution of its audio capabilities too, shifting away from fixed channels to an object-based setup. By mapping sound to a virtual 3D space, positioning and depth are greatly improved, making for the most immersive audio technology on the market.

Everything you need to know about Dolby Atmos for PC, Xbox One, and media

Xbox One games with Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is now supported on Xbox One across a range video and gaming content, delivering the same bonuses to the living room. Although Dolby Atmos can be used with most existing games, those designed specifically for the technology takes full advantage of its capabilities. The current offering may be limited, yet it's already being embraced by titles from major publishers. We've rounded up every game that currently supports Dolby Atmos on Xbox One so far.

• Assassin's Creed Origins
• Final Fantasy XV
• For Honor
• Gears of War 4
• Insects: An Xbox One X Enhanced Experience
• Rise of the Tomb Raider
• Super Lucky's Tale

We'll be sure to update this list going forward with new games that offer Dolby Atmos functionality.

Upcoming Xbox One games with plans for Dolby Atmos

With Dolby Atmos adoption still limited in comparison to 4K, HDR, and other cutting-edge technologies, publishers don't heavily market support. While we can expect changes to this list, Microsoft is one of the few publishers discussing Dolby Atmos plans for upcoming titles. These are the titles currently expected to support Dolby Atmos at launch on Xbox One.

• Sea of Thieves
• Crackdown 3

Which games would you like to see with Dolby Atmos support? Make sure to drop your thoughts in the comments.

• Xbox Play Anywhere Games List
• Xbox One X Enhanced Games List
• Everything you need to know about Dolby Atmos for PC, Xbox One, and media

When your PC refuses to detect an external monitor, this guide can help troubleshoot and fix common problems to get your secondary display working on Windows 10.

Typically, connecting a second monitor to your computer allows you to create a larger canvas to work with apps, for a better multitasking experience, to boost productivity, or improve your gaming experience.

Although adding another display is usually a straightforward process, it doesn't always work flawlessly. Sometimes, Windows 10 may not be able to detect the second monitor, and you may end up seeing error messages despite a good connection between your PC and the external display.

If you're having trouble getting an external monitor to work, there are several things you can do, including hardware troubleshooting, manually detecting the monitor, and updating graphics card drivers.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through some steps to troubleshoot and fix your second monitor when your computer is not automatically detecting it.

• How to fix external monitor connection issues via hardware troubleshooting
• How to fix external monitor not detected using Settings
• How to fix external monitor not detected updating graphics driver

How to fix external monitor connection issues via hardware troubleshooting

While it's likely that Windows 10 can't detect your second monitor because of a software related issue, it could be possible that there is a connection problem.

Before changing your device settings and updating drivers, make sure you first cover the basic troubleshooting steps:

• Check the physical cable connection from the display to the video port on your desktop, laptop, or tablet.
• Try a different cable, as the problem could be a bad cable or pin in the connector.
• If you're using a monitor with multiple inputs, make sure to select the correct input.
• Sometimes, if you're trying to use an HDTV or a particular high-definition display as a second monitor, you may need to update its firmware to fix bugs or compatibility issues. If this is the issue, make sure to check your display manufacturer support website to find out how to apply the latest firmware update.
• The problem could be an issue with the input port in the monitor or output port on your device. If necessary, make sure to switch ports to see if that fixes the problem connecting to the second monitor.
• Restart your computer to see if that fixes the problem.
• Connecting the monitor to another device can help determine if the problem is with the display itself.

If none of the above troubleshooting steps help get the external monitor working on Windows 10, you can try using more advanced ways to fix the issue.

How to fix external monitor connection issues using Settings

In the case, there aren't any physical connection issues, but you still can't get Windows 10 to detect the external monitor, you can try manually detecting the monitor using the Settings app.

Forcing second display detection

To detect the second display manually, do the following:

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

4. Under "Select and rearrange displays," click the Detect button in the bottom-right corner (if available).

Connecting to a wireless display

If you're dealing with a wireless display, assuming it's turned on, you can use these steps to fix the second monitor that's not detected by Windows 10:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.

4. Click the Add Bluetooth & other devices button.

5. Click the Wireless display or dock option.

6. Confirm that your wireless display is discoverable.
7. Select the display from the list.
8. Continue with the on-screen directions.

How to fix external monitor issues by updating graphics drivers

An outdated, corrupted, or a particular version of a graphics driver can prevent Windows 10 from detecting the second monitor. If this is the case, you can update, reinstall, or roll back to a previous version of the driver to reestablish a video connection with the other display.

Updating graphics drivers using Device Manager

To update your device's GPU driver using Device Manager, do the following:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, click the top result to open the experience.
3. Expand the Display adapters category.

4. Right-click the device, and select Update Driver.

5. Click Search automatically for updated driver software.

Once you complete these steps, restart your computer if prompted to finish the installation, and confirm that second monitor is working.

Reinstalling graphics drivers

To reinstall a driver that may not be working correctly, do the following:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the experience.
3. Expand the Display adapters category.

4. Right-click the device, and select Uninstall device.

5. Click the Uninstall button again. (Do not check the Delete the driver software from this device option.)

6. Restart your computer.
7. Open Device Manager again.

8. Right-click the computer name and select Scan for hardware changes.

After restarting your computer, Windows 10 should automatically reinstall the driver, but you want to go through the extra steps to make sure the video card was detected properly.

Rolling back graphics drivers

If the problem is with a newer driver that you recently installed, or there is a yellow exclamation mark in the adapter, you can try going back to the previous version of the driver to fix the detection issue.

To roll back the previous version of the graphics driver, do the following:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the experience.
3. Expand the Display adapters category.

4. Right-click the device, and select Properties.

5. Click on the Driver tab.

6. Click the Roll Back Driver button.

   • Quick Tip: If the Roll Back Driver button is grayed out, you can't use this option. However, you might be still able to roll back if your device manufacturer support websites allow you to download older versions of the driver.
7. Answer the question why you're rolling back.

8. Click the Yes button.

If the problem was the newer driver, you can also use this guide to prevent Windows 10 from temporarily trying to install the same driver again.

In the rare case that this method doesn't work, follow the steps mentioned above to update the video card to the latest version using Device Manager.

Updating graphics driver manufacturer via control panel

Alternatively, you can update your video card driver using the control panel software from companies like AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel depending on the brand you use to fix problems connecting to an external display.

• NVIDIA GeForce Experience
• AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition
• Intel Driver & Support Assistant

These applications are easy to install and use; just download, double-click the installer, follow the on-screen directions, and then check for driver updates.

It's also possible to download the latest drivers directly from your manufacturer support website and follow their instructions.

• NVIDIA
• AMD
• Intel

When it comes to updating graphics cards, computer manufacturers can customize drivers (such as those offered by Intel). This means that if you have a branded device, you should try getting the latest update from your manufacturer before trying the driver from Intel to avoid additional problems.

Wrapping things up

The instructions outlined in this guide should help to resolve the problem to get the second monitor working, but if you're still having issues, remember you can always use the Windows Central forums to seek additional help.

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
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Setting a PWA on Android can be a bit confusing and weird. Here are two methods using the Microsoft Edge browser that will get you started.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are going coming online in 2018 with Google expected to make a big push mid-year and Microsoft with native support in Windows 10 Redstone 4 in the coming weeks.

If you have an Android phone and are using the Microsoft Edge browser, you can start to use many of the sites already.

Here are two ways to get a PWA website to act like a typical app on your Android phone.

See at Google Play Store

For those who want a deeper dive into what PWAs are and why they will matter for all OS platforms starting this year, check my in-depth article and video explainer:

Progressive Web Apps (PWA): What they are, and what they mean for Microsoft

Which sites support PWA?

Currently, there is no master list of sites that support PWA. Luckily, there are some big ones, including:

• Starbucks (U.S.) (starbucks.com).
• Tinder (tinder.com).
• Google Maps (maps.google.com).
• Uber (m.uber.com).
• Lyft (ride.lyft.com).
• Twitter Lite (lite.twitter.com).
• Instagram (Instagram.com).
• Pinterest (pinterest.com).
• 2048 (game) (github.com).
• Outlook.com (outlook.com).

Other major sites include Alibaba, Medium, Flipboard, Snapdeal, Trivagao, The Weather Channel, The Financial Times, Pokedex.org, GitHub Explorer, Flipkart, Offline Wikipedia, and Forbes. And there are thousands more.

How you know a site is PWA-enabled is tricky. Websites rarely announce such a feature, but one way you usually can tell is when you login to the site. That usually prompts a pop-up notification asking you to pin to your Home. The site may also ask to send you notifications – these are PWA features.

You can see this in action below when going to mobile.twitter.com and what happens after I login:

You often don't get a PWA notification until you login.

While that may seem like a nag (or even spammy) that is how a PWA-enabled site lets you know it can act as app. (Microsoft is getting around this by putting PWA-enabled apps into the Microsoft Store as "real" apps avoiding confusion or discoverability issues).

So, problem solved. You pinned the Twitter Lite app to your Home screen and you now have a PWA.

But what if you said 'no' to the prompt? Twitter won't ask you each time you go to mobile.twitter.com to pin to your Home screen, so how do you get it back?

Fixing problems: login in (again)

One trick that usually resets the PWA prompt on websites is just logoff and login again from that website.

If that doesn't work, try logging off and then clear the browser's cache (tap the ellipsis > Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data) and then re-login. That should cause the PWA-prompt to reappear.

Use 'Add to Home screen'

One easier trick than the above is simply using Edge's 'Add to Home Screen' feature.

While a user can add any website as a pin to their Home screen – even if it's not PWA-enabled – when the site has a PWA this will create that necessary shortcut. Here is how to do it:

1. Ellipsis menu (lower right corner)
2. Choose Add to Home Screen
3. Select Add and OK after the prompts

If you now go and launch Twitter through that shortcut suddenly it looks like a full-fledged application with no Edge browser "chrome" (boarders, controls).

Twitter as a PWA looks just like an app.

And that is how a PWA looks and works!

Further info about PWAs

PWAs: What's in it for Google and why Microsoft likes it tooPWAs may be the great equalizer for Microsoft, Google and Apple

A few customization tweaks can help to make the experience more personal and improve productivity, and in this guide, we show you the ways to change the appearance of Windows 10.

Windows 10 ships with a wide range of options to customize the look and feel, with custom lock and desktop backgrounds, color accents, and a variety of settings to tweak the interface, allowing anyone to personalize the experience.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps everyone should know to customize the appearance and make the experience a little more personal.

• How to change the desktop background
• How to change the color accent
• How to customize the Lock screen
• How to apply a theme
• How to customize the Start menu
• How to customize the taskbar

How to change the desktop background

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to add some personality to your device is to change the desktop background with a custom image or collection of images.

Changing the desktop wallpaper

To change your desktop background use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Background.

4. Using the "Background" drop-down menu, select the Picture option.

5. Click the Browse button to select the image you want to use.
6. Using the "Choose a fit" drop-down menu, select the option that best suits the image, including fill, stretch, center, span, etc.

Quick Tip: If you're using a multi-monitor setup, you can use these steps to set a different background for each display.

Setting up a desktop slideshow

If you want to showcase a collection of pictures on the desktop, do the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Background.

4. Using the "Background" drop-down menu, select the Slideshow option.

5. Click the Browse button to select the folder with the images.
6. Use the "Change picture every" drop-down menu to select how often the image will rotate.
7. If the order of the images is not important, turn on the Shuffle toggle switch.
8. Using the "Choose a fit" drop-down menu, select the option that best suits the images, including fill, stretch, center, span, etc.

How to change the color accent

Windows 10 also lets you change the color accent that appears throughout the experience, including Start, taskbar, Action Center, title bars, and linkable text in apps and Settings.

Applying a color accent

To change the current color, do the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Colors.

4. Select the color accent you want to use through the experience.

   • Quick Tip: If you want Windows 10 to decide the appropriate color accent, check the Automatically pick an accent color from my background option under "Choose your color."

If the color you want isn't listed, you can click the Custom color button to create a custom color using the palette, or you can click the More button to enter the RGB or HSV code.

Once you found the one you want, simply click the Done button to apply the changes.

Controlling transparency effects

Some elements of Windows 10, such as Start, taskbar, Action Center, and apps include transparency effects with blur and noise textures part of the Microsoft Fluent Design System, and using the Colors page, you can enable or disable these effects using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Colors.

4. Under "More options," turn on or off the Transparency effects toggle switch.

Adding colors to Windows 10 elements

Windows 10 by default uses a color dark for Start, taskbar, and Action Center, and a light color for title bars. If you want to add a little more personality, it's possible to show the color accent in these elements using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Colors.
4. Under "More options," check the Start, taskbar, and action center option to show colors in those elements.

5. Check the Title bars option to show the color accent in title bars of apps and File Explorer.

Choosing a color mode

Windows 10 includes two personalization modes. The light mode is the default mode and works well during daytime, and then there's the dark mode that uses a dark color scheme in backgrounds and another part of the OS and supported apps, and it's an option more suited for a low-light environment.

You can switch between the light and dark mode using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Colors.

4. Under "More options," select the Light (default) or Dark using the "Choose your default app mode" option.

If you want to go a step further, you can use our guide to configure your computer to switch between the dark and light mode automatically.

How to customize the Lock screen

Windows 10 also allows you to customize the Lock screen, the screen you slide up every time you turn on your device to get into the sign-in screen.

The options available include the ability to set a custom image, collection of pictures, Windows Spotlight, and settings to control apps notifications.

Setting up a custom Lock screen image

Lock screen uses "Windows spotlight" as the default option to show a new background every time you turn on your computer, and while this option pulls stunning images from Bing, it's also possible to set any image you want.

To personalize the Lock screen using a custom image, do the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Lock screen.

4. Use the "Background" drop-down menu, and select the Picture option.

5. Click the Browse button to locate the picture you want to use.

Setting up a Lock screen slideshow

To show a collection of images on the Lock screen, do the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Lock screen.
4. Use the "Background" drop-down menu, and select the Slideshow option.

5. Click the Add a folder button to locate the folder with the images you want to see.

Additionally, you can click the Advanced slideshow settings link to control other options.

For example, you can include the Camera Roll folders on your device and OneDrive. Choose to use only pictures that are best suited to fit the screen. Allow your computer to show the Lock screen instead of turning off the screen after a certain time of inactivity. And there is a drop-down menu to specify the duration of the slideshow.

On either option you choose, it's also a good idea to turn off the Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen toggle switch to avoid the so-called "Windows 10 ads" in the lock screen.

Quick Tip: The behavior of Windows 10 is to show the same background on the Lock screen as well as in the Sign-in screen. If you want to see a solid color background in the Sign-in screen make sure to turn off the Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen toggle switch listed at the bottom of the page.

Controlling Lock screen app notifications

Some apps can show details and status (such as upcoming calendar events and the number of unseen emails) on the Lock screen. To add or remove the apps that can appear in the experience, do the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Lock screen.

Only one app can show detailed status, which by default is set to the Calendar app. If you want to select another app, click the app button, under Choose an app to show detailed status, to see the available Microsoft Store apps you can pick, or select None to disable the feature.

Using the Choose an app to show quick status option, it's possible to configure up to six apps to includes status on the Lock screen. Usually, you'll see the Mail, Calendar, and Skype apps, but you can always remove, change, or add more apps to the list clicking the app or "+" button.

How to apply a theme

Although Windows 10 includes many ways to personalize your experience, the quickest way to change the look and feel is to use a theme.

A theme is just a package that can contain one or more background images, color accent, and sounds, and they're quickly acquirable from the Microsoft Store.

To get and apply a new theme on Windows 10, do the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Themes.

4. Click the Get more themes in the Store link.

5. In the Microsoft Store, pick the theme you want, and click the Get button.

6. Click the Launch button to go back to the Themes settings.

7. Click the newly added theme to apply it.

You can check our guide detailing everything you need to know to manage themes.

How to customize the Start menu

The Start menu is an essential feature of Windows 10, as it's the experience where you can find your apps, settings, and files.

There are a number of ways to customize the Start menu, some of the options can be customized from the menu itself, and additional options can be managed through the Settings app.

Changing basic Start menu settings

You can customize almost everything you see on the menu with the options available through the Start page in the Settings app using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.

3. Click on Start.

In the Start page, you'll find a number of options you can customize, including:

• Show more tiles on Start — Allows you to add a fourth column of tiles to fit up to 8 (small) tiles in a single row.

  Start menu 3 columns (left), Start menu 4 columns (right)

• Show app list in Start menu — Disabling this option will remove the all apps list with only access to your pinned Live Tiles. You can still access your apps clicking the All apps button on the top-left, or typing a search as you open the menu.

  Start menu with all apps list (left), Start menu without all apps list (right)

• Show recently added apps — If you're not interested in seeing the Recently added list, you can turn off this option to remove it.
• Show most used apps — The Start menu lists your more frequently used apps, but you can disable this option if you only want to see all the apps.

• Occasionally show suggestions in Start — When enabled, the Start menu will show recommendations of Microsoft Store, which many consider as ads. You can use this toggle switch to prevent seeing suggestions.

  Start menu with lists (left), Start menu without lists (right)

• Use full screen — enables a Windows 8.1 Start screen-like experience stretching the menu across thea desktop letting to see more pinned tiles without having to scroll.

To customize the left rail button, you can click the Choose which folders appear on Start link at the bottom of the page, and then simply turn on or off the toggle switch for the buttons you want to see on the menu.

Customizing Live Tiles

Alongside the customization options available through the Settings app, you can also personalize the experience from the menu itself.

Resizing Start

You can resize the menu vertically and horizontally by stretching the edges outwards using the mouse.

Working with tiles, folders, and groups

The Start menu also offers the ability to drag tiles, groups of tiles, and folders anywhere in the menu.

In order to better organize your tiles, you can create a group by dragging tiles into an empty space. You can even click the header of the group to change the name to anything that makes more sense for that group — and yes, emojis are supported.

Folders is another way to group tiles inside of tile to optimize the space in the Start menu. You can create new "folders" by dragging and dropping a tile on top of another tile. Then dropping more items into the folder will add them to the group.

Live Tiles and folders support many sizes, which you can change right-clicking a tile, selecting Resize, and choosing from one of the available sizes, including Small, Medium, Wide, or Large.

If the live updates isn't a feature you like, right-clicking the tile, and selecting More, you'll find the option to turn off live updates. Also, depending on the app, you will see additional options, such as options to pin or unpin the taskbar, run it with administrator privileges, and more.

A Windows 7 Start menu look

In the case that you prefer a more classic look, you can always remove all the tiles to end up only with the all apps list view, which is a menu very similar to the one found in Windows 7. However, you'll need to right-click each tile and select the Unpin from Start option, as Windows 10 doesn't offer a setting to hide the Live Tile section.

How to customize the taskbar

The taskbar is perhaps one of the features we use the most on Windows 10, and similar to the Start menu, you can customize it in a number of ways using the Settings app and with options available in the taskbar itself.

Changing basic taskbar settings

If you want to customize the taskbar experience, do the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.

3. Click on Taskbar.

In this page, it's possible to change many basic options, including:

• Lock the taskbar — If enabled, you can't move or resize the taskbar.
• Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode — If enabled, the bar will stay hidden, unless you're actively interacting with it in normal mode.
• Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode — If enabled, the bar will stay hidden, unless you're actively interacting with it in tablet mode.
• Use small taskbar buttons — Allows you to use smaller buttons to reduce the footprint of the taskbar.
• Show badges on taskbar buttons — App buttons in the taskbar can show status notifications, and this option lets you disable or enable the feature.

Although you can change the location of the taskbar by just dragging it around with the mouse, this page also includes a drop-down menu to relocate the bar anywhere you like.

In order to customize your experience even further, the taskbar also lets you combine buttons in three different ways, including always combine and hide their labels (default), show labels and combine buttons only when the taskbar is full, and never combine and show buttons labels.

If you have a multi-monitor setup, the Taskbar settings page also includes additional options, such as the ability to show taskbar on all displays, choose where apps button appear, and an option to combine buttons on other taskbars.

Customizing the notification area

In the bottom-right corner of the taskbar, you'll find the notification area, which can quickly get clutter with system and apps icons. However, you can customize the experience to show only the icons you need using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Taskbar.

4. Under "Notification area," click the Select which icons appear on the taskbar link.

5. Turn on the toggle switch for each icon you want to appear in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

6. Under "Notification area," click the Turn system icons on or off link.

7. Turn on the toggle switch for each system icons (such as Clock, Volume, and Network) that will appear in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Disabling My People

My People is a new experience that makes it easier to connect with people you know, but if it's a feature you don't use, you can quickly disable it using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Taskbar.

4. Under "People," turn off the Show contacts on the taskbar toggle switch.

Optimizing the taskbar space

Alongside the customization options available through the Settings app, you can change a few other options from the taskbar itself.

For example, if you don't actively use the Cortana search box, you can remove it or show only a button to access the experience to get more space to pin additional apps.

To remove the search box, you can right-click the taskbar, select Cortana, and click the Hidden option, or you can also select the Show Cortana icon option.

Using the same taskbar context menu, you can remove the Task View, People, and other buttons which could just be wasting valuable space in the bar.

You can also check this guide for more details on how to fully optimize the space on the taskbar.

Wrapping things up

Although the default options should be adequate for most users, Windows 10 provides a slew of customization settings to change the look and feel that helps to make the experience more personal without having to resource to third-party tools or hacks.

This guide is focused on changing the personalization options that most people will use, but it's worth noting that there are many other ways and features you can customize on Windows 10.

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

Become a master of the oceans with these Sea of Thieves tips, covering sails, navigation, combat and more.

Sea of Thieves, Microsoft's upcoming pirate-themed adventure game is just around the corner for Xbox One and Windows 10. Embarking on deadly nautical adventures in search of coveted treasure, players can expect a complete pirate experience full of harsh seas, towering monsters and a helping of treasure.

During your travels, a fair share of time will be spent on your ship – the base of operations for any upcoming pirate. We've wrapped up a range of tips you should know, before setting out on your first ocean voyage.

New to Sea of Thieves? These beginner's tips are for you

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Which ship should you choose?

Before setting sail on the Sea of Thieves, you'll need to choose your ship. As of launch, the game offers two ship variants, each with strengths and weaknesses to consider. While the number of players in your party is the main bearing on which ship you'll use, their differences should be recognized before starting your journey.

Galleons

Galleons are the pinnacle of the Sea of Thieves experience, requiring a larger team and strong communication to handle effectively. As the motherships of the game's fleet, these are recommended for parties of three to four players. With high potential speeds and eight cannons of firepower, these vessels can rule the seas with the right crew.

Carrying three large sails, galleons can reach unrivaled top speeds that outpace smaller sloops. However, without the strong wind behind them, their weight can leave them almost grinding to a halt. The large nature of the galleon also leads to other shortcomings, including an increased turn radius, an inability to venture into shallow waters and being an easy target to hit.

Sloops

Sloops are ideal for smaller crews of two, or even tackling the world's perils on your own. They may not pack the horsepower of galleons, but in the right hands, offer a nimble way to cut through under the radar.

Only one sail supports sloops, meaning that their highest potential speed falls behind galleons. But with a sleeker, lightweight frame, sloops can sail significantly faster against the wind than their full-sized counterparts. In general, sloops are better suited for outsmarting foes, rather than engaging directly in combat with their two cannons.

Moving your ship

Now that you've got a ship, you need to get around. We're talking sails and rudders and anchors, matey!

Sails and wind

One of the principal mechanics of Sea of Thieves is wind – and provided you know how to use it, you're on your way to becoming a pirate legend. The direction of the wind dynamically changes in Sea of Thieves and should be considered before leaving the docks. When on your ship, this can be identified by looking at the wind "flow" visually represented in the sky.

Wind direction and how sails are accordingly positioned directly regulates your boat's speed on the water. In response to the wind patterns, your sails should be angled so the gust blows directly behind them. This will allow for the most wind to be pushing your boat, in turn moving your boat at the maximum speed. Conversely, sailing directly into the wind will move your boat at the minimum speed. In some situations, it may be impossible to angle your sails perfectly, in which case preventing wind from hitting sails head-on is recommended.

Alongside angling, crews also need to consider sail length. This indicates how high or low your sails are dropped, with lower sails offering the largest surface area to catch the wind. While having your sails lowered completely is preferred in most cases, raising them helps in confined waters.

When sailing a galleon, sail length and angles can be adjusted via ropes on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the ship's top deck. Each of the three sails has its own ropes, which control positioning on an individual basis. On the other hand, sloops are easier to handle, with two ropes for angling and length of the single sail on the rear upper deck of the ship.

Steering your ship

Controlling the trajectory of your ship in Sea of Thieves takes place exclusively behind the wheel. While on the move, turning the wheel to the left will move your ship in the same direction, while turning to the right does the equivalent.

Across both ships, the captain's wheel can turn four complete rotations. When centered, the wheel's single gold spoke will face upwards, with sharp left or right turns achieved by completing a two full rotations until the gold spoke points upward once again. Upon completing a full rotation, the wheel will lock in place and can only be turned back the other way.

When steering, a discreet indicator is provided to indicate the direction your wheel is currently positioned in. A "clunk" sound is made when turning past the wheel's central position, reducing the confusion over the wheel's current orientation.

Using the anchor

Finally, before setting out on your adventures, you'll need to raise the anchor. When the anchor is down, your ship will be unable to move, regardless of sail positioning. Similarly, if the anchor is dropped while the ship is in motion, the ship will quickly drag to a standstill. Depending on various factors, including speed and steering, you may turn sharply if the anchor is dropped while turning at speed.

Although raising the anchor can take some time, having multiple crew members on the anchor simultaneously speeds up the raising process.

Navigating the seas

Once you're on the move, you'll want to plot your destination. The best tool for any journey is the map table, which can be used to calculate your position and find nearby islands. As the only way to see the whole world and your real-time location, most planning will take place at this table.

After deciding on a location, work out its direction in relation to your ship. Using your compass, align to the correct bearing and set off across the seas. Make sure to regularly check back at the map during the journey to ensure you're still on course. For easy future references, press "A" while viewing the table to set markers for your crew.

If on a galleon, the map bench can be found by descending to the middle deck. On sloops, the same bench is located at the rear of the ship on the lower deck, underneath the wheel.

Pushing into battle

On the search for treasure, you're bound to encounter other players. When this happens, you're going to want to have the tools for the job – and know how to use them.

When on a ship, your main offensive tool will be your onboard cannons. On galleons, four cannons can be found on each side, while one is available on each side of the trusty sloop. Using these cannons, you'll want to lay fire on hostiles and sink them to the depths.

To fire cannons, players must manually load cannonballs from their personal inventory. A stash of cannonballs can be found on every new ship, while additional ammunition can be found at outposts and islands. These can be loaded by pressing "Y," either while using a cannon, or standing nearby with the cannonball equipped.

Cannonballs are treated like projectiles, meaning you'll need to account for your speed, distance, and various other traits to land a shot. When aiming, try to hit hostile ships below the waterline, to ensure water quickly floods into the lower deck.

While it may seem wise to attack from within the safety of your own ship, also don't be hesitant to push enemy vessels on foot. Cannonballs might do a great job at delivering heavy damage, but entering enemy territory is a high-risk, high-reward way to sneak up on foes.

Keeping your ship afloat

If your ship begins to take damage, you'll need to perform repairs to prevent the vessel from sinking. Whether through combat or collisions, taking damage has the chance of leaving holes, where water can drain in. When damage appears, water will begin collecting on the bottom deck and rise over time.

Once water starts collecting, you'll need to find the source of the leak. When taking hits, the hole doesn't necessarily appear where the damage took place, meaning you may need to search for the water source. Depending on the severity of the damage, multiple holes may also appear from a single blow.

To prevent water from draining in through holes, players will need to repair them using wooden planks. Wooden planks can be found in barrels on your ship, located on the middle deck of on both ships. By walking up to the hole and holding RT, your pirate will board it up and stop further water from entering.

Once the water level has stopped rising on your ship, switch to your bucket to remove any collected water. Scoop up and throw water overboard to deplete the level and continue on your journey.

Over to you

Do you have any tips to share with new pirates in Sea of Thieves? Make sure to take to the comment section and share your boating tactics.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

• Sea of Thieves on Windows Central
• Sea of Thieves gameplay tips for new players and budding pirates
• Ship captaincy, hideouts, raid content, and becoming a Pirate Legend
• All about the Kraken in Sea of Thieves
• Purchasable pirate pets and future Sea of Thieves plans

Find the perfect Xbox One controller for you with this complete list of every one released so far.

Since the Xbox One's 2013 debut, Microsoft has launched an array of unique and stylish Xbox One controllers, even providing the opportunity to design your own. While the standard issue Xbox One controller gets the job done, designs based on various franchises, patterns and aesthetics make it easy to find one that truly expresses you. We've rounded up every special edition and limited edition controller available for Xbox One so far and where to find them.

• Every Xbox One console released so far
• Best Xbox One controller of 2018

Third generation Xbox One controllers

This is the latest revision of the Xbox One controller, which offers several improvements over its predecessor. Among its highlights is Bluetooth connectivity for PCs and a textured grip on the rear. Third generation Xbox One controllers can be identified by their single face plate which surrounds the Xbox button. The design was first introduced with the launch of the Xbox One S in 2016.

Combat Tech

Combat Tech is the latest entry in the "Tech" line of Xbox One controllers, featuring a sleek look embracing a dark military green. Featuring the signature diamond grip, icons embossed down the center and matching accents, this controller fully embraces military design. The Combat Tech controller is set to release on March 27, 2018, with preorders priced at $69.99.

See at Microsoft Store

Sea of Thieves

The Xbox One's latest game-themed controller takes inspiration from Sea of Thieves– Microsoft's upcoming pirate-themed adventure title. With a sleek nautical design plucked from the depths, the controller stands out as one of the most distinct yet. Among its highlights is a translucent purple casing etched in barnacles, a gold trigger resembling a pirate's tooth and a glow in a dark skull symbol. The Sea of Thieves controller appears to be selling fast, but can currently be picked up for $74.99.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Project Scorpio

Microsoft first formally discussed the Xbox One X at E3 2016 under its "Project Scorpio" codename, prior to settling on a formal name for the device. While the codename has since been dropped, the "Project Scorpio Edition" console and controller pays homage with its unique branding. The Project Scorpio Edition controller can be picked up via the Xbox One X bundle and isn't sold separately.

See at Amazon

Minecraft Creeper

This Creeper design is a one of a pair of Minecraft controllers, designed around the game's iconic foe. On the front, you'll find the Creeper's face, reconstructed in a subtle, yet identifiable tile pattern. The A, B, X and Y buttons are represented in a blocky Minecraft front, while a secret explosive surprise lies under the battery pack. Although the controller is available for standalone purchase at $64.99, dedicated fans can also pick up the controller in the Minecraft Xbox One S bundle.

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Minecraft Pig

Minecraft fans also have the choice of the limited edition Pig controller, based on everyone's favorite porky friend. Like the Creeper controller, the Minecraft Pig design features the pig face on the front of the controller in a tiled pattern. The A, B, X and Y buttons have also been skinned with a blocky Minecraft font, while the rear is rounded off with a curly tail. The Minecraft Pig controller can be purchased standalone for $64.99.

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Volcano Shadow

The Volcano Shadow controller offers a fiery twist to "shadow" line of designs, with a black gradient descending into a metallic orange base. Characterized by its shifting colors, black buttons, and red accents, you won't find a controller hotter than this. The Volcano Shadow is currently available from various retailers, priced at $69.99.

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Patrol Tech

Inspired by modern military forces, the Patrol Tech Xbox One controller offers a utilitarian design with a sleek finish. Complementing its dark blue faceplate, the Patrol Tech controller features a rubberized, etched diamond grip and three stacked icons down the center. The Patrol Tech controller is currently priced at $69.99.

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Gray / Green

This controller offers a simple yet striking colorway, blending a two-tone gray design with subtle green highlights. While soft gray makes up a majority of the controller, bright green accents lay hidden underneath the two thumbsticks. The Green/Gray Xbox One controller is available for $64.99 in the U.S.

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Recon Tech

As the first of the "Tech" line of controllers, Recon Tech established the sharp, modern design used across future entries. Defining aspects of the controller are its warm grey base color, diamond grip etched in gold and three minimalistic icons down the center. This model has been discontinued, however remaining stock is available from some retailers.

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Ocean Shadow

The Ocean Shadow controller features a metallic blue merging into a rich black. Complemented by black buttons highlighted with blue accents, the controller offers a simple yet distinct look. This controller is currently priced at $59.99 at most retailers.

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Winter Forces

The Winter Forces Xbox One controller is draped in a lozenge camouflage, comprised of various polygonal shapes. Taking advantage of clean whites and lighter grays, this controller is perfect for any arctic operation. The Winter Forces controller is currently available for $59.99.

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Green / Orange

This controller comes in a dark military green, with matching buttons, thumbsticks and triggers. Hidden underneath the thumbsticks are sharp neon orange highlights, contrasting with the main body. This controller retails for $59.99 in the U.S.

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Red

For those that want something simple, yet striking, nothing beats the red Xbox One controller. With a vibrant red front and a darker tone on the rear, this controller is a fit alternative to the standard black or white colorways. This controller is available for $54.99.

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Blue

Like its red alternative, this Xbox One controller comes in a bright blue. On the front, you'll be getting a vibrant flat blue, while the back and accents rock a darker tone. This controller is available for $54.99 across most retailers.

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Dawn Shadow

The Dawn Shadow Xbox One controller embraces an eye-catching metallic magenta rising into to matte black finish. Having sold fast at launch and since being discontinued, the remaining stock can be hard to come by.

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Military Green

Coinciding with the launch of Battlefield 1, Electronic Arts' brutal First World War shooter, a special edition Xbox One S bundle hit the market. Packing a unique military green 1TB console, a matching controller and a copy of Battlefield 1, the bundle proved the best way to experience the game on Xbox One. While Microsoft has since discontinued the console, the remaining stock is still circulating among retailers.

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Deep Blue

Shortly after the launch of the Xbox One S, a 500 GB variant of the console was released in "Deep Blue" across select regions. Packaged alongside Battlefield 1, Gears of War or FIFA 17, this was the only way to obtain a "Deep Blue" Xbox One controller.

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Storm Grey

Like the Deep Blue console, a "Storm Grey" variant of the 500 GB console was available in select regions. Included in this bundle was a Storm Grey console, matching all-grey controller and a copy of Battlefield 1 or FIFA 17.

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Gears of War 4 Crimson Omen

The Crimson Omen controller was one part of controller duo, based on Microsoft's Gears of War shooter series. Celebrating the game's fourth main installment, this controller reflected its brutal universe, etched with lasers and painted with a gritty design. This controller is still available today, priced at $64.99.

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Gears of War 4 JD Fenix

The second controller in the Gears of War 4 series opted for a grey and blue color scheme based on the game's protagonist, JD Fenix. With a rustic form similarly styled to Fenix's armor, this controller is a must-buy for any Gears fan. This controller is also still available, priced at $64.99.

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Second generation Xbox One controllers

The second generation of Xbox One controller delivered a welcome revision of the original design, adding a dedicated 3.5 mm headphone jack next to the proprietary accessory port. This allowed standard 3.5 mm headsets to be used on the device without a Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter. The second generation design was first introduced in June 2015 and retired one year later for the launch of the Xbox One S.

Gears of War 4 Elite

Microsoft raised the bar for special edition peripherals with this Gears of War Elite controller. Etched with lasers, brutal battle scars and several layers of detail, this Gears of War Elite truly captures the aesthetic of the universe itself. As an Elite controller, it features removable joysticks, fully configurable buttons, interchangeable d-pad options and four additional paddles for extra tactical control. However, due to the design of the Elite line, you'll be losing out on Bluetooth connectivity. Don't expect these to come cheap either, with remaining controllers scarce at high price point.

Dusk Shadow

Taking influence from the skies, the Dusk Shadow controller offers a deep metallic blue, slowly descending into a matte black finish. The controller also features black thumbsticks and buttons, with blue highlights on A, B, X and Y. This controller has since been discontinued, although stock remains through select retailers.

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Copper Shadow

In contrast to its Dusk Shadow partner, this controller features a metallic copper and black finish, bound to grab attention. Black thumbsticks and buttons are also included, with stylish copper highlights on A, B, X, and Y. This controller has also been discontinued but lucky buyers may find stock at some retailers.

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Halo 5: Guardians Master Chief

Marking the release of Halo 5: Guardians, Microsoft released two limited-run controllers, designed around the game's main characters. One of these captures the series' most iconic figure, the Master Chief, with a green and gold design mimicking his unique armor. This controller has been discontinued, however, several retailers still stock the item for a markup.

See at Amazon

Halo 5: Guardians Locke

The second controller within the Halo 5: Guardians line is inspired by Spartan Locke, the Master Chief's main foe throughout the game. Designed to replicate gunmetal plating with blue highlights, the controller fully captures the styling of the character's armor. This controller is also stocked at a variety of retailers, sold at a markup.

See at Amazon

Armed Forces

Covered by lozenge camouflage in an iconic military green, the Armed Forces controller perfectly captures military operations. With a design made of angular polygons, the controller offers a unique blend of sharp, modern geometry and the natural feel of the wilderness.

See at Amazon

Lunar White

The Lunar White Xbox One controller provides one of the best premium designs to date, embracing a space-age aesthetic of white, black and gold. While the matte white finish and black highlights make for a sleek design, the gold directional pad and triggers provide a look out of this world.

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Forza Motorsport 6

Marking the launch of Forza Motorsport 6, 2015's entry to Microsoft's racing franchise, a special edition controller was released. Its dark navy color scheme is layered with dual racing stripes, and two silver triggers on the rear. This controller has since been discontinued, meaning collectors will now pay an above-retail price.

See at Amazon

Covert Forces

Take part in only the most surreptitious operations with the Covert Forces controller, which features a dark camouflage design. This controller takes influence from the original Camouflage controller, however, with a dark gray color scheme. This controller was the first of the second-generation controllers, debuting the 3.5 mm headphone jack for stereo audio and voice chat.

See at Amazon

First generation Xbox One controllers

The first generation Xbox One controller design made its debut with the launch of the console in 2013. While the core functionality of the controller remains, several improvements were seen in future revisions.

Midnight Forces

The Midnight Forces controller offers a nocturnal take on the original camouflage design, embracing blues and blacks in a darker theme. This controller also features black analog sticks and a metallic directional pad.

See at Amazon

Call of Duty Advanced Warfare

Paired with the launch of Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, this special edition is the only official Xbox One console based on the world-famous shooter franchise.

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White (Sunset Overdrive)

Paired with the release of Sunset Overdrive, Microsoft released a special edition Xbox One console, offering the first widely-available design since the console's launch. Alongside a white console, a matching controller was also produced, available exclusively through this bundle. Although this console has since been discontinued, the complete package is still available from select resellers.

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Camouflage

Classic camouflage made its arrival on Xbox One with this controller, delivering the first patterned design in the range. With a clean lozenge design, the controller rocks an array of green polygons to keep you hidden from foes. This controller is based on the first revision of the Xbox One controller, however, a similar updated model is available through the "Armed Forces" design.

China Day One

Although the Xbox One first hit store shelves in late 2013, it took almost a year for the console to reach China. After a lengthy console ban, the Xbox One was the country's first official console in 14 years. Commemorating its arrival, a "China Day One" bundle was released, featuring a 500 GB console and a branded controller. This controller is especially hard to find, with most units understandably residing in China.

Titanfall controller

This controller was the first themed special edition Xbox One controller, tying into the release of Respawn's Xbox-exclusive shooter, Titanfall. Designed around the game's near-future technology, the controller embraces a clean white and orange color scheme of the Frontier. Today, the Titanfall controller is hard to find in a new condition.

See at Amazon

Launch Team

Celebrating the efforts of the Xbox One team, a limited-run console was distributed to select Microsoft employees. With "I Made This, Launch Team 2013" printed on the console and controller, few Xbox collectibles are as rare as this. Just don't expect to get one, unless you're willing to drop several hundred dollars.

Day One

Kicking off the launch of Xbox One, the special edition "Day One" edition of the controller was issued. While a similar design to the standard first-generation Xbox One controller, the Day One controller was defined by its "Day One 2013" branding in the center. This controller was only available as a part of the Day One console bundle available on launch day.

Over to you!

What controller are you using? Are there any franchises you would like to see Microsoft develop a special edition controller for? Let us know in the comments.

Updated March 1, 2018: Updated this article with the upcoming Combat Tech design.

Should you let your phone get some rest while you're asleep?

A big part of our interconnected, tech-heavy lives is the maintenance of our devices. We back up hard drives, we install updates, and we keep batteries charged. In the case of your phone, charging might coincide with the time that your own head hits the pillow for a mental recharge. You can plug your phone in, set it next to you, and not have to worry about it until morning. But is the battery being damaged while you sleep?

See the 3 best Androids for former Windows Phone users

What happens when I leave my phone plugged in overnight?

For the most part, leaving your modern phone plugged into a charger overnight isn't going to be a problem. Inside is most likely a lithium-ion battery, which is partly responsible for how thin phones have become, as well as how they can last through a day with life to spare. They also don't come with some of the same problems as older nickel batteries used to have, like losing track of the maximum charge threshold.

Lithium-ion phone batteries are not made to last forever. As soon as you deplete it and charge it — known as a cycle — you've begun a process that will eventually lead to your phone either needing a replacement battery or you in need of an entirely new phone. Battery University, in an article about how to prolong the life of lithium-based batteries, claims that on average you can get about 400 cycles out of a device.

Though it usually only takes a couple of hours to get a full charge, let's say your phone is plugged in for about seven or eight hours while you sleep. Once the battery hits 100 percent, it's going to stop charging thanks to software there to determine when it's had enough. Unless there's a breakdown in the process, you shouldn't expect to see a ballooned battery poking out of the back of your device.

Heat will harm your phone's battery

Your phone is smart enough to not take damage by overcharging, but there's still an issue. Charging a phone causes heat, which — along with cold — can damage a lithium battery. Prolonged periods of elevated heat will degrade a battery faster, as can be seen in this chart from Battery University.

Temperature chart courtesy of Battery University.

Regular charging shouldn't cause a phone to reach a harmful temperature, but if you like to keep your phone next to you in bed while it's plugged in, the blankets or pillows probably aren't doing it any favors. If possible, leave the charging phone next to the bed where it has room to breathe. A bulky case will also no doubt contribute to unwanted heat, so consider removing it as well.

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

Batteries are in a constant state of degradation, and you can expect to get about 400 charge cycles before you notice a serious hit to performance. In another chart from Battery University, we can see that lowering the maximum charge can give a battery more cycles, but will ultimately lower its maximum threshold for stored energy.

Voltage chart courtesy of Battery University.

If you keep your phone's battery somewhere between a 40 and 80 percent charge, you should be able to get more life out of it in the long run. This doesn't exactly work for those who like to charge overnight, but it's certainly an option for those who get in a quick charge here and there over the course of a day.

Those who are frustrated with a device that gets to 30 percent battery and powers down can try a calibration to get a more accurate reading. Let your battery drain completely and recharge to 100 percent while it's powered down. Once you turn it back on, the gauge should give a more accurate read of the time you have left before you'll be looking for an outlet.

How to recalibrate the battery in your Windows 10 laptop

More resources

If you're wondering how all of this applies to the battery in your laptop, be sure to check out this other guide with similar information!

The reality of leaving your laptop plugged in

Want to put your Blu-ray discs into your home media server or just make it easier to watch them on a PC? Here's what you need to know.

A Blu-ray contains a lot of data, and to get them onto your PC you need time and patience. But it's also a fairly straightforward process and something that anyone can do.

To be clear, though, there is a distinct legal grey area around using software such as that mentioned in this post, and this will differ depending on your location. It's unlikely you personally will face any direct consequences of circumventing the DRM on Blu-ray discs, but it's something to bear in mind.

Getting a Blu-ray drive for your PC

The first thing you actually need is a Blu-ray drive, and they're not particularly common when it comes to being pre-installed in PCs these days. If you have one, great, you're all set.

If you don't, you need a great external drive. They'll hook up over USB 3.0 to your PC, and you can get cracking straight away.

Best external Blu-Ray drives for PC

Ripping your Blu-ray discs

This isn't for the light-hearted, mostly because it takes such a long time to do, and it's easy to make a mistake. But there is a free way to do it using two pieces of software.

MakeMKV and Handbrake have been featured before in our roundup of DVD cloning software, and for good reason. Both are completely free to use, and though MakeMKV is technically still a beta, they're very powerful.

Essentially you use MakeMKV to pull the data from the Blu-ray, then run it through Handbrake to compress it down. You can, of course, skip Handbrake, but each file from a Blu-ray will be huge. So unless you have an awful lot of storage on hand, running through Handbrake is a good step to reduce the file size at the expense of outright quality.

It's a lengthy process, but this great post walks you through some of the steps.

Download MakeMKV for WindowsDownload Handbrake for Windows

How to use the files

What you end up with is a digital file now instead of the disc. And that means you can watch it with any programs on your PC capable of interpreting that file type. That might be the built-in Movies & TV app, or it could be something a little more advanced like VLC.

One of the best things you can do is add them to a home media server such as Plex or Emby. This way you can enjoy them on not only your PC but any other device that has access to those apps, as well as easily being able to pull them into something like Kodi.

• Plex beginner's guide
• What you need to know about Emby
• How to watch Blu-Ray discs on Windows 10

If you've got any tips or tricks be sure to drop them into the comments below!

Our comprehensive PC build guide will walk you through how to put together your own computer, to save some money.

Building a PC in 2018 remains to be a daunting endeavor for many consumers. But it doesn't have to be. Even if you've never picked up a screwdriver and tossed together a few components, this comprehensive guide will make you a PC building master in no time at all.

The best part about building a desktop PC is that it's a skill pretty much everyone will be able to learn through experience. It's also a fairly straightforward process too — the chances of messing up or really causing problems for yourself are slim. One of the most important parts of actually building a PC is picking the parts.

Before you even attempt to install components, it's paramount that you order internals that are compatible with one another and that provide enough computing power to accomplish desired tasks. For gaming, you'll want to go for an unlocked CPU and high-end GPU, while those who wish to simply watch videos and check social media will only need more affordable components.

Picking the right parts

The most important part to get right is picking parts that do what you want and work with each other. The wrong parts or ones that happen to be incompatible with one another may cause issues, damage to other components or require time to be wasted with returning said products to retailers. We'll need a CPU, GPU, RAM, motherboard, and some storage to complete the barebones checklist.

Looking inside a PC case can reveal a mess of electronics to someone who doesn't know what does what. Fear not, as we've got you covered when it comes to picking the right parts. Check out our best guides for each component and then check for compatibilities using our brief checklist below.

Best choices

We've put together guides for each component, showcasing what we believe to be the best options when it comes to PC building.

• Best cases
• Best CPU (best CPU coolers)
• Best PSU
• Best motherboards
• Best RAM
• Best GPU
• Best GPU for gamers
• Best SSD

Compatability

Here's what you're generally looking for with components:

• Case: Cases come in different form factors, depending on the size of PC you wish to build. Less important overall.
• PSU: Needs to supply enough stable power (500W is usually a good value).
• CPU: You have the choice of AMD and Intel for desktop processors. Take a look at our best guide and take note of the socket they use as you'll need to match the socket for the motherboard.
• Motherboard: A motherboard simply needs to match the same socket type of the CPU. Chipset and other features are all down to pricing and preference.
• RAM: The faster the frequency, generally the better the RAM, though you'll need to make sure your motherboard can support the same clock speed or it'll be limited. Most new boards support DDR4.
• Storage: Entirely down to personal requirements, though we always recommend an SSD for installing Windows.
• GPU: This is optional and is only really needed if you plan to do some gaming or intensive workloads. In that case, spend as much as you can.

But wait! Even after double and triple checking that everything will place nicely together, it's recommended you use an automated tool that checks entered components against a database to confirm that there are no conflicts. It's worth firing up PC Part Picker, entering in all your components and then checking everything over.

Not only does the website allow for comparison between other options available — potentially allowing for even more savings to be made — it will also provide warnings for any issues detected.

• Visit PC Part Picker

Trusted tools

The bare essentials you'll need to build a PC including the following:

• Philips (preferably magnetic) screwdriver.
• LED light source.
• Flat workspace (no carpet).
• Anti-static mat.
• Anti-static wristband.

• 13 tools and toolkits for PC building
• Prevent frying your components

Build it better

We've arranged this guide in an order that makes sense in most cases, though it may not be optimal for every PC case. You'll need to check the layout and see which components will need to be installed first, but usually, the power supply is the best way to go. You'll first want to put aside the box/bag of screws that come with the case as we'll need these for the steps ahead.

1. Installing the PSU
2. Installing the CPU
3. Installing the RAM
4. Installing a motherboard
5. Installing storage drives
6. Plugging everything in
7. Adding case fans
8. Installing a GPU

Avoid these rookie PC building mistakes

Installing the PSU

The PSU is the most important component of any PC. It provides the juice required for all the computing magic to take place. Depending on the case you've purchased, we'll need to install the unit with the fan facing up or down. To determine which is most optimal, check if you have a vent at the bottom of the case. If so, face the PSU fan downwards.

1. Slide the PSU into the mounting area with the fan facing up or down.
2. Screw in bundled screws (should come with the case) in the four holes at the rear of the case.
3. Ensure the unit is switched off using the rear switch.
4. Plug the PSU into a free socket to ground the PC.
5. Bind all the power cables coming out of the PSU together and put them to one side.

Depending on the PSU you've purchased, it may be one of the following:

• Fully modular: No cables are permanently connected to the PSU.
• Semi-modular: Some cables are permanently fixed, usually ATX and CPU power.
• Non-modular: Every cable is connected and cannot be removed from the PSU.

Installing the CPU

We can now insert the CPU into the motherboard. This is a super-easy process, regardless as to whether you're rocking an AMD or Intel chip.

1. Unpack the motherboard from its packaging.
2. Place the motherboard atop its cardboard box. (It's safe here.)
3. Open the CPU latch.
4. Remove the plastic cap.
5. Insert the CPU, matching notches and indicators to the socket. (Do not apply pressure, it should lie flush without force.)
6. Close the latch to secure the CPU. (This step will require some amount of pressure.)

Now we can use the thermal paste and attach the CPU cooler to complete everything processor-related. Depending on the cooler you've purchased, you may have a layer of thermal paste already applied. If not, we'll need to do this before installing the cooler. (Tip: less is more.)

Especially with aftermarket coolers — both water and air — you'll need to pay close attention to the manual that comes with the product. This is why it's better to do all these steps with the motherboard outside the PC case for easier handling.

• How to install an Intel CPU

Installing the RAM

RAM is a sensitive component and as such should be handled with care. It's recommended that contact is avoided with the contact pins on the underside of each module. The RAM slots on a motherboard are located to the right of the CPU but do check the motherboard manual as to which RAM slots are to be used, depending on how many sticks you have. A motherboard with four slots or more, you'll want to populate slots one and two first.

1. Unclip the RAM locks on the motherboard module slots.
2. Match the RAM module notches to those found in the slots on the motherboard.

3. Insert the module carefully, using light even force across the stick.

4. After it inserts into the slot, push down on either side of the RAM module until it securely clicks into place.

How to install RAM

Installing the moterboard

With the CPU, the cooler, and RAM modules installed, the motherboard is ready to be screwed to the back plate inside the case. First, we need to install the I/O shield, a long piece of metal that has cutouts for the all the rear ports and connections. This is optional but recommended accessory helps provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection.

1. Place the I/O shield to the rear cutout in the PC case and click into place. (This can be super-fiddly.)

2. Hover the motherboard atop the back plate to see where standoffs need to be screwed in. Different sizes need different holes.

   Standoffs are the screws that are installed on the motherboard backplate, which then allows the motherboard to rest atop them and for screws to secure the board.

3. Install the standoffs for the motherboard, if not already pre-installed. (Some backplates may feature labels next to holes to guide you.)

4. Lower the motherboard onto the standoffs.

5. Tighten the screws, but do not overtighten them — just enough to secure the board in place.
6. Check the sides of the motherboard by lightly pulling to make sure every inch has been secured.

Installing storage drives

Storage drives are important devices that hold not only the operating system but also all programs, personal media, and all other data. It's recommended to use an SSD (2.5-inch) drive for the main OS partition, which enables for quick booting and solid performance. Data can be stored on traditional (3.5-inch) mechanical drives.

Depending on the case and how drive bays are configured, 2.5- and 3.5-inch drives may be able to be installed at the same points or using dedicated brackets. Be sure to double check the PC case manual. We'll go over how your PC case may have both configured below.

2.5-inch SSD

1. Take the SSD bracket and attach the drive to it, lining up the screw holes.
2. Screw in the drive using appropriate screws.
3. Attach the bracket and secure it to the case.

3.5-inch HDD

1. Extract the HDD bracket from one of the bays.
2. Slide the mechanical drive into the bracket.
3. Secure the drive to said bracket using screws or screwless mechanism.
4. Slide the bracket and drive back into the bay.

Plugging everything in

With all major components now installed, it's time to hook everything up to the power supply and motherboard. Generally speaking, it's best to start with the power to the motherboard itself.

• Motherboard: The PSU has two cables for the board: 24-pin ATX and 8-pin CPU. Route these behind the back plate, using available grommets and cutouts.
• Storage drives: Most SSDs and HDDs today use SATA connectors. These are 15-pin flat connectors with a dip on one side to prevent plugging them in the wrong way. Route these from the PSU to the drive bays and mounts, using more than one lead from the PSU if required.

Next, we need to connect the storage drives to the motherboard, using SATA data cables. These are essentially smaller versions of their power siblings that carry data instead. The motherboard usually has SATA ports located to the lower-left hand-side. It doesn't matter which ports are used. Much like the power cables, route these through cut-outs and grommets to the drive bays and mounts.

We now have power to our storage drives and to the motherboard, as well as data channels between drives and the main board. All that's really left is to connect front panel I/O and other optional connectors (front panel USB, HD audio, etc.). Connecting the front panel I/O, which includes the power switch, reset switch, HDD activity LED, and power LED can be a tricky step.

These pins stand up from the motherboard, which requires a careful approach when plugging in the small connectors. The motherboard manual should provide information as to the layout of these pins and what they correspond to - though usually the below layout is used:

The front USB 3.0 and HD audio pins can be located on the motherboard. Again, refer to the manual for exact placement as not all motherboards are created equal.

Adding case fans

For added cooling capacity (and unlocking room for overclocking or more stable operation), throwing in an extra fan or two is worthwhile. PC cases may come with fans pre-installed, but if not it's simple to screw them into fan mounts. Just be sure to align them correctly and have the units pointing the correct way. Fans can have small arrows on the side that show which way the blades spin and where airflow will be directed.

Note: some cases may require you to install fans before inserting the motherboard. Fans can either be plugged into a motherboard or to the PSU directly using an adapter. We'd always recommend the motherboard due to the ability for it to control the fans intelligently depending on system temperatures. Fan headers can be located on the motherboard itself where the 3- (or 4-) pin connectors can be inserted.

Installing a GPU

Need some extra power for gaming and intense workloads? A GPU is a must-have. As an added bonus, it's really easy to install a graphics card.

1. Unscrew the rear PCI brackets that align with the PCI slot you will use.
2. Check that the motherboard GPU card latch is open.
3. Remove the protective cap that covers the PCIe strip on the GPU.
4. Line up the GPU to the PCIe slot on the motherboard.
5. Carefully insert the card and push down once it has made contact with the slot, listening out for a click of the latch securing.
6. Use the rear bracket screws to secure the GPU to the PC case for added stability.

Upgrading a GPUInstalling a GPU

Power up

All that hard work will now pay off. It's time to boot up the PC and make sure everything is working fine now that all components are inside the case. Switch on the PSU and hit the power switch. You should now be greeted by the BIOS POST screen, asking for an OS to be installed if one is not detected. You'll now need to follow OS installation instructions. If you run into problems, it's time to do a little troubleshooting.

Diagnose common PC problems

Updated March 01, 2018: This guide has been edited with some additional information to help you on your PC building journey.

Keep scallywags away from your booty with this weapons guide for Sea of Thieves.

When starting off in Sea of Thieves, you'll be dropped straight in and left to work out the basics. With a ship, a trusty crew and an ocean of treasure to explore, you're on your way to becoming a pirate legend in no time. But even for the most skilled pirates, the journey won't be easy – a battle is always on the horizon.

Before taking to the seas, you'll need to choose the best weapons for the job. The game offers a range of weapons for new players, with dozens more to unlock, provided you know where to find them. Here's what you need to know about acquiring and equipping new weapons in Sea of Thieves for Xbox One and Windows 10.

Note: This guide is currently for pre-release beta builds of the game.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

How to change weapons in Sea of Thieves

After first selecting your character and dropping into the game's world, every pirate is equipped with a trusty cutlass and flintlock pistol. These weapons occupy your two dedicated weapon slots, accessible by tapping "Y" on your controller, or "1" and "2" on your PC keyboard.

Various other weapons are available at the start of your pirate career but must be manually equipped to be accessed. To equip new weapons, players must visit an "Armory" cabinet, found across various locations in the game's world. These cabinets provide access to your weapon collection, including all future purchases.

For new players, this cabinet will contain two additional weapons, the "Blunderbuss," a short-range cannon comparable to a shotgun, and the "Eye of Reach," a scoped long-range rifle. These two weapons can be swapped out for your cutlass or flintlock pistol, without prerequisites to unlock them. Here's how:

1. Navigate to an Armory cabinet. (These can be found on the rear lower deck of sloops, the front middle deck of galleons, or outside of an outpost's gun vendor.)
2. Press X to open the Armory.
3. Press LB and RB to navigate through weapon category tabs.
4. Use the right thumbstick to move your cursor over a new weapon.
5. Press A to equip a weapon.
6. Choose the slot the new weapon should fill.

After confirming the switch, your two weapon slots will now contain your chosen weapons. To rework your weapon choices, simply return to the Armory cabinet and select a weapon.

How to buy new weapons in Sea of Thieves

Beyond the weapons available at the start of the game, collecting new weapons is a major pillar of the Sea of Thieves experience. Currently, purchasing weapons from the gun vendor is the main way to obtain new firearms, using gold earned from quests.

Weapons that can be purchased via the gunsmith are entirely cosmetic, meaning they have no direct effect on gameplay. Variants of each weapon offer a differing design from the standard "Sailor" design, providing a way for you to stand out on the battlefield. Here's how to buy new weapons:

1. Visit the gun vendor.
2. Press X to speak to the vendor.
3. Choose to browse the stock.
4. Use the right thumbstick to move your cursor over a new weapon.
5. Press A to choose a weapon.
6. Confirm your purchase.

After purchasing a new weapon, visit the armory details in the above steps to equip your weapon. Next time you play Sea of Thieves, your new weapons will remain equipped in your chosen slots.

Which weapons have you picked up so far in Sea of Thieves? Make sure to drop into the comments and share your prized firearms.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

• Sea of Thieves on Windows Central
• Sea of Thieves gameplay tips for new players and budding pirates
• Sea of Thieves ships guide: Tips and tricks for sails, combat, repairs and more
• Ship captaincy, hideouts, raid content, and becoming a Pirate Legend
• All about the Kraken in Sea of Thieves
• Purchasable pirate pets and future Sea of Thieves plans