How to Repair Corrupted Windows Files (SFC Scan)

 If your Windows computer is crashing, freezing, or showing strange error messages, some of your core system files might be corrupted or missing. You do not need to reinstall the entire operating system to fix this. You can easily repair your PC using the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool.

Here is how to run an automatic scan and repair:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator To use this tool, you must open the command line with full administrative rights.

  1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) on your taskbar.

  2. Type cmd into the search bar.

  3. On the right side of the search results, click on Run as administrator. Click "Yes" if Windows asks for permission.

Step 2: Run the SFC Command A black window with white text will appear on your screen.

  1. Type the following command exactly as shown (notice the space before the slash): sfc /scannow

  2. Press Enter on your keyboard.

  3. The tool will begin scanning your entire system for corrupted files. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Do not close the window until the verification reaches 100%.


Opening Command Prompt as administrator in Windows Search


Once the scan is complete, Windows will automatically replace any damaged files it found.

Running sfc /scannow command in Windows Command Prompt


Restart your computer to apply the final repairs. Your system should now run smoothly without random errors.

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Disclaimer: For educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any system errors, data loss, or hardware damage. Always back up important files before making changes to your PC.

How to Fix High CPU Usage by Antimalware Service Executable

Microsoft Defender is good, but it can slow down your PC. The Antimalware Service Executable process often uses too much CPU. Follow these steps to fix it:

Step 1: Open Antivirus Settings

  1. Click the Start button.

  2. Type Windows Security and press Enter.

  3. Select Virus & threat protection.

  4. Click on Manage settings.

Windows Security Virus and threat protection settings menu


Step 2: Add an Exclusion

  1. Scroll down to the Exclusions section.

  2. Click Add or remove exclusions.

  3. Click Add an exclusion and select Folder.

  4. Copy and paste this path: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender

  5. Click Select Folder.

Windows Defender Antivirus exclusions settings page to fix high CPU usage


Restart your computer to apply the fix.

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Disclaimer: For educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any system errors, data loss, or hardware damage. Always back up important files before making changes to your PC.

How to Stop Apps from Running in the Background in Windows

 


How to Stop Apps from Running in the Background in Windows

Many Windows applications continue to run in the background even after you close them. This consumes your computer's RAM, drains laptop battery life, and can slow down overall performance. You can easily prevent this to make your PC run faster.

Here is how to stop background apps:

For Windows 11:

  1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I.

  2. Go to Apps: Click on Apps in the left menu, then select Installed apps.

  3. Find the App: Scroll to the app you want to stop. Click the three dots (...) next to it and select Advanced options.

  4. Change Permissions: Under "Background apps permissions," open the drop-down menu and select Never.



Windows 11 background apps permissions settings menu

For Windows 10:

  1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I.

  2. Go to Privacy: Click on Privacy.

  3. Select Background Apps: Scroll down the left menu and click on Background apps.

  4. Disable Apps: Turn off the global toggle at the top to stop all background apps, or use the individual toggles below to turn them off one by one.

Other popular guides

Disclaimer: For educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any system errors, data loss, or hardware damage. Always back up important files before making changes to your PC.

How to Optimize and Defragment Your Drive in Windows


 How to Optimize and Defragment Your Drive in Windows


If your computer feels sluggish when opening files or programs, your hard drive might be fragmented. Windows includes a built-in "Defragment and Optimize Drives" tool that reorganizes your data so your PC can access it much faster.

Windows Optimize Drives defragmentation tool interface

Here is how to run it:

  1. Open the Search Bar: Click on the Windows Search icon on your taskbar (or press the Windows key).

  2. Find the Tool: Type Defragment and Optimize Drives and press Enter.

  3. Select Your Drive: In the window that opens, you will see a list of your connected drives (like the C: drive). Click on the drive you want to optimize.

  4. Analyze (Optional): You can click the Analyze button first to see if the drive actually needs optimization.

  5. Optimize: Click the Optimize button. Windows will start reorganizing the files. This might take a while depending on the size of your drive.

Note: If you have a modern Solid State Drive (SSD), Windows will quickly optimize it using the TRIM command instead of traditional defragmentation. This is perfectly safe and necessary for SSD health.

Other popular guides

Disclaimer: For educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any system errors, data loss, or hardware damage. Always back up important files before making changes to your PC.

How to Turn Off Sticky Keys in Windows 10 and 11 — A Quick Guide

If you press the Shift key five times in a row, Windows will suddenly interrupt you with a popup asking if you want to turn on "Sticky Keys". While this accessibility feature is helpful for some users, it can be incredibly annoying for gamers or fast typists.

Here is a safe way to disable this shortcut completely using standard Windows settings.

What You Will Need

  • A computer with Windows 10 or 11.

Step 1 — Open Windows Settings

  1. Press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.

  2. Click on Accessibility in the left menu (In Windows 10, this is called Ease of Access).


Opening Accessibility settings in Windows to disable Sticky Keys

Step 2 — Disable the Sticky Keys Shortcut

  1. Scroll down the page and click on Keyboard.

  2. Look for the Sticky keys section.

  3. In Windows 11: Turn off the toggle for "Keyboard shortcut for Sticky keys".

  4. In Windows 10: Uncheck the box that says "Allow the shortcut key to start Sticky Keys".


Turning off the keyboard shortcut for Sticky Keys in Windows

Result

After following these steps, you can press the Shift key as fast and as many times as you want without any interruptions.

Read also

Disclaimer

For educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any system errors or software malfunctions.

How to Find Your MAC Address in Windows 10 and 11

If you are setting up a new router, configuring network security, or troubleshooting connection issues, you might be asked for your computer's MAC address. This is a unique hardware ID assigned to your network adapter.

Here is the fastest way to find it using the standard Windows Settings app without typing any complex commands.

What You Will Need

  • A computer with Windows 10 or 11.

Step 1 — Open Network Settings

  1. Press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.

  2. Click on Network & internet in the left sidebar.


Opening network and internet settings in Windows to find MAC address

Step 2 — Find the Physical Address

  1. At the top of the page, you will see your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Click on Properties right below it.

  2. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page until you see the Hardware properties section.

  3. Look for the line that says Physical address (MAC). The combination of letters and numbers next to it is your MAC address.


Locating the physical MAC address in Windows network properties


Pro Tip

If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can simply press Win + R, type cmd, hit Enter, and then type getmac -v to see the physical addresses for all your network adapters instantly.

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Disclaimer

For educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any network configuration errors or data privacy issues. Never share your MAC address on public forums.


How to Calibrate Your Monitor Display Color in Windows

If your screen colors look washed out, too bright, or too dark, you do not need to download third-party software to fix it. Windows has a built-in Display Color Calibration tool that helps you adjust gamma, brightness, contrast, and color balance for the best visual experience.

Here is how to run it safely:

Step 1: Open the Run Dialog

  1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard at the same time.

  2. Type dccw into the box and press Enter.

    Using Run dialog to open display color calibration in Windows

Step 2: Start the Calibration

  1. The Display Color Calibration window will now appear on your screen.

  2. Click Next at the bottom right to begin the process.

    Windows built-in Display Color Calibration tool welcome screen

Follow the on-screen instructions. The tool will guide you through several screens where you might need to use your monitor's physical buttons to adjust the settings. At the end of the process, you can compare the previous and new calibrations before clicking Finish to save the changes.

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Disclaimer: For educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any system errors, data loss, or hardware damage.

How to Change a Drive Letter in Windows Disk Management

Sometimes Windows assigns an inconvenient letter to your new USB flash drive or internal hard drive. You can easily reassign it to any available letter using the built-in Disk Management tool.

Here is a safe, step-by-step guide on how to do it without installing any third-party software.

What You Will Need

  • A computer with Windows 10 or 11.

  • Administrator privileges.

Step 1 — Open Disk Management

  1. Right-click on the Start button (the Windows icon) on your taskbar.

  2. Select Disk Management from the menu that appears.


Opening the Disk Management tool in Windows to change a drive letter

Step 2 — Change the Drive Letter

  1. Find the drive you want to change in the list.

  2. Right-click on that drive's block and select Change Drive Letter and Paths...

  3. In the small popup window, click the Change... button.

  4. Open the drop-down menu next to "Assign the following drive letter" and select your preferred letter from the list.

  5. Click OK. A warning message will appear stating that some programs might not run correctly. Click Yes to confirm.


Selecting a new drive letter in Windows Disk Management settings

Result

The new drive letter is now assigned. You can open File Explorer immediately, and you will see your drive listed under the new letter.

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Disclaimer

For educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any system errors, data loss, or hardware damage. Changing the drive letter of your system drive (usually C:) or software installation drives can cause programs to stop working.

How to Auto-Hide the Taskbar in Windows 10 and 11

 If your problem is that the Windows taskbar is taking up too much precious screen space, below is a safe way to fix it using standard settings in Windows 10 and 11.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

  • PC with Windows 10 or Windows 11

  • Keyboard and mouse

STEP 1 — Open Taskbar Settings (Windows 11) Right-click on any empty space on your taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" from the pop-up menu.

Right-click menu on the Windows 11 taskbar showing Taskbar settings.

STEP 2 — Enable Auto-Hide (Windows 11) Scroll down the right pane and click on "Taskbar behaviors" to expand the section. Then, check the box next to "Automatically hide the taskbar".

Automatically hide the taskbar checkbox in Windows 11 taskbar behaviors.

STEP 3 — Enable Auto-Hide (Windows 10) If you are still using Windows 10, the process is slightly different. Right-click the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings". In the right pane, find the toggle switch for "Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode" and turn it On.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Clicking on an app icon instead of an empty space on the taskbar.

  • Looking for the Windows 10 toggle in the Windows 11 menu (the interfaces are different).

PRO TIP The taskbar will immediately slide down out of view. To bring it back, simply move your mouse cursor to the very bottom edge of your screen.

RESULT After completing these steps, your taskbar will disappear when not in use, giving you more room to work and a cleaner desktop.

INTERNAL LINKS

DISCLAIMER This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any system errors, data loss, or hardware damage.

How to Run an Offline Virus Scan with Microsoft Defender

If you suspect that your PC is infected with stubborn malware like rootkits or trojans that hide within the system, below is a safe way to solve it using built-in Windows 11 tools.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

  • A computer with Windows 11

  • Administrator rights (Recommended)

STEP 1 — Open Windows Security

Actions: Click the Start menu, type Windows Security in the search bar, and press Enter.

Windows 11 Start menu search for Windows Security

STEP 2 — Access Scan Options

Actions: In the Windows Security window, click on Virus & threat protection, then click the Scan options link.

Virus and threat protection settings in Windows 11

STEP 3 — Run Offline Scan

Actions: Scroll down, select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan), and click the Scan now button. Your PC will restart immediately.

Selecting Microsoft Defender Offline scan mode

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Not saving open documents before clicking "Scan now".

  • Thinking the computer is broken during the 15-minute black screen process.

PRO TIP

Perform this scan once every 3 months to detect deep-seated threats that standard real-time protection might miss.

RESULT

After the restart and scan, your system will be cleaned of hidden malware that cannot be removed while Windows is running.

INTERNAL LINKS

DISCLAIMER

This instruction is for informational purposes only. All actions are performed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for possible errors or data loss.

How to Check Your GPU Temperature in Windows Task Manager

 If you need to check if your graphics card is overheating during heavy gaming or video rendering, this guide will show you the safest and most effective way to do it using built-in Windows 11 tools. This method works for both beginners and advanced users.

WHY THIS MATTERS

You may need to perform this action when:

  • Your PC fans suddenly get very loud.

  • Games start stuttering or dropping frames.

  • You want to ensure your system cooling is working properly.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

  • A computer running Windows 11

  • Administrator rights (recommended)

  • 1–3 minutes of time

STEP 1 — Open Task Manager

Actions: Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Task Manager from the menu.

Task Manager option in the Windows Start menu context list

STEP 2 — Go to the Performance Tab

Actions: Click on the Performance tab on the left side (it looks like a small heartbeat graph).

Performance tab icon in Windows Task Manager


STEP 3 — Select Your GPU and Check Temperature

Actions: Scroll down the list on the left and click on your GPU (e.g., GPU 0 or GPU 1). Look at the bottom of the right pane to see the GPU Temperature displayed in Celsius.

GPU temperature display in Windows Task Manager Performance tab


ALTERNATIVE METHOD

If the main method doesn’t work, try this:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously on your keyboard to open Task Manager directly.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Looking in the Processes tab — Temperature is only shown in the Performance tab.

  • Checking the wrong GPU — If you have two graphics cards (like in a gaming laptop), make sure you select your dedicated GPU (usually GPU 1) to see the actual gaming temperature.

PRO TIP

A normal GPU temperature under heavy load is usually between 65°C and 85°C. If it consistently goes above 90°C, you might need to clean your PC fans or improve airflow.

RESULT

After completing all steps, you will achieve: A clear understanding of your current GPU temperature without installing any third-party monitoring software.

INTERNAL LINKS

DISCLAIMER

This guide is for informational purposes only. All actions are performed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for data loss or configuration errors.

How to Block Ads on Windows 10 and 11 Using a Custom DNS

If you need to block annoying advertisements in your web browser and Windows apps without installing heavy extensions, this guide will show you the safest and most effective way to do it using built-in Windows network settings. This method works for both beginners and advanced users.

WHY THIS MATTERS

You may need to perform this action when:

  • Websites are cluttered with distracting banners and pop-ups.

  • Your browser feels slow due to loading heavy ad scripts.

  • You want system-wide ad blocking, including inside some desktop apps.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

  • A computer running Windows 10 or Windows 11

  • Administrator rights (recommended)

  • 1–3 minutes of time

STEP 1 — Open Network Settings

Actions: Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Click on Network & internet on the left menu, then click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet (depending on how your PC connects to the internet).

Network and internet settings menu in Windows


STEP 2 — Edit DNS Server Assignment

Actions: Scroll down to find Hardware properties. Look for the DNS server assignment option and click the Edit button next to it. Change the setting from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.

DNS server assignment edit button in Windows network settings


STEP 3 — Enter the Custom DNS

Actions: Turn on the IPv4 switch. In the Preferred DNS box, type exactly 94.140.14.14. In the Alternate DNS box, type exactly 94.140.15.15. Click the Save button.

Entering AdGuard custom IPv4 DNS addresses


ALTERNATIVE METHOD

If the main Windows Settings app doesn't work (especially on older Windows 10 versions), try this:

  1. Open the classic Control Panel.

  2. Go to Network and Sharing Center -> Change adapter settings -> Right-click your connection -> Properties -> Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and enter the DNS numbers there.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Typing the wrong numbers — Double-check the IP addresses carefully. If you make a typo, your internet connection will stop working entirely.

  • Forgetting to turn on IPv4 — The text boxes for the DNS numbers will not appear until you toggle the IPv4 switch to the "On" position.

PRO TIP

If a specific website ever refuses to load because it detects an ad blocker, you can quickly revert the DNS setting back to "Automatic (DHCP)". This will restore default settings and allow you to bypass the site's block.

RESULT

After completing all steps, you will achieve: A faster, ad-free browsing experience across your entire Windows system without background apps draining your PC's memory.

INTERNAL LINKS

DISCLAIMER

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any network connectivity issues or inaccessible websites. Always note down your original settings before making changes.

How to Schedule Your Windows PC to Shut Down Automatically

Leaving your PC on to finish a large download or render? You do not have to keep it running all night. Windows has a hidden built-in sleep timer that allows you to schedule an automatic shutdown after a specific amount of time. You do not need any extra third-party software to do this. This guide will show you the fastest way to set it up using a simple command.

WHY THIS MATTERS

You may need to perform this action when:

  • You are downloading a massive video game or file that will take several hours to finish.

  • You are rendering a high-resolution video and want the PC to turn off when it's done.

  • You want to fall asleep while listening to music or watching a movie without leaving the computer on until morning.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

  • A computer running Windows 11 (or Windows 10)

  • 1 minute of time

STEP 1 — Open the Run Dialog

Actions: To use the built-in shutdown timer, you need to open the Run window. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard at the same time. A small window will appear in the bottom-left corner of your screen.

Opening the Run dialog box in Windows using keyboard shortcut


STEP 2 — Enter the Shutdown Command

Actions: In the "Open:" text box, type the following command: shutdown -s -t 3600 and click OK (or press Enter). Note: The number at the end represents seconds. 3600 seconds equals exactly 1 hour. A notification will pop up confirming your PC will shut down.

Typing the shutdown timer command in the Windows Run box


STEP 3 — How to Cancel the Scheduled Shutdown

Actions: If you change your mind and want to keep using your PC, you must cancel the timer. Press Windows Key + R again, type shutdown -a into the box, and press OK. You will see a notification saying the logoff is cancelled.

Entering the command to abort a scheduled shutdown in Windows


ALTERNATIVE METHOD

If you need your PC to shut down at a specific time every single day (for example, at 11:00 PM), using the Run command is tedious. Instead, search your Start menu for the Task Scheduler app. There, you can create a basic task that runs the shutdown.exe program daily on an automated schedule.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Calculating the time wrong — The command only understands seconds. Here is a quick cheat sheet so you don't have to do the math:

    • 30 minutes = 1800

    • 1 hour = 3600

    • 2 hours = 7200

    • 3 hours = 10800

PRO TIP

If you use this feature often, you can create a clickable shortcut on your desktop! Right-click your desktop, select New > Shortcut. In the location box, type shutdown -s -t 3600, click Next, name it "1-Hour Shutdown", and click Finish. Now you can start the timer with a simple double-click.

RESULT

After completing all steps, you will achieve: A computer that securely and automatically turns itself off after your specified time, saving electricity and extending hardware lifespan.

INTERNAL LINKS

DISCLAIMER

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. Make sure to save all your important documents and close your work before setting a shutdown timer, as unsaved data will be lost when the PC turns off.

How to Find Your Windows 10 and 11 Product Key Using CMD

If you need to reinstall Windows or transfer your license to a new PC, you will need your 25-character product key. Instead of searching for old emails or physical stickers, you can instantly extract your product key directly from your computer's motherboard using the Command Prompt.

Here is the fastest way to find it:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

To access license data stored in the BIOS/UEFI, Windows requires "high-level" permissions.

  1. Press Win + S on your keyboard to open the Search bar.

  2. Type cmd in the search box.

  3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Click Yes if a system window asks for permission.

Windows 11 search results for CMD showing Run as administrator option.



Step 2: Enter the WMIC Command

Now you need to enter a specific command that tells the system to display the original key from the hardware.

  1. Copy this exact text: wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

  2. Go to the black window (Command Prompt).

  3. Right-click anywhere inside the window to paste the command.

  4. Verify that you see the full text and that the window title says "Administrator".

Administrator Command Prompt window with the WMIC license retrieval command entered.



Step 3: Copy Your Product Key

After you press the Enter key, the system will process the request and show your unique code.

  1. Hit the Enter key on your keyboard.

  2. Your 25-digit Windows product key will appear on the next line in the format: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

  3. Highlight it with your mouse, press Ctrl + C to copy, and save it in a safe place.

Command Prompt displaying the extracted 25-character Windows product key.



Important Note

This method works best for computers that came with Windows pre-installed (OEM licenses). If the command returns a blank line, your license is likely Digital, meaning it is tied to your Microsoft account. In this case, you don't need a physical key — just log in to your account after reinstallation.


Related Articles:


Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. The author is not responsible for any system errors or data loss. 

How to Move the Windows 11 Start Menu to the Left

When Windows 11 was released, one of the biggest visual changes was the centered Start menu and taskbar. If you prefer the classic Windows 10 look with the Start button on the far left, you can easily change it back using built‑in settings—no third‑party tools required.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to move the Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar icons to the left in just a few clicks.

Step 1: Open Taskbar Settings

  1. Right‑click the taskbar: Find an empty space on your Windows 11 taskbar at the bottom of the screen and right‑click it.

  2. Open Taskbar settings: In the context menu that appears, click Taskbar settings.

Right‑click menu on the Windows 11 taskbar showing the “Taskbar settings” option.


Step 2: Open Taskbar Behaviors

  1. In the Taskbar settings window that opens, scroll down to the bottom of the page.

  2. Find the section called Taskbar behaviors.

  3. Click on Taskbar behaviors to expand the menu.

Windows 11 Settings window opened to the Taskbar section with the “Taskbar behaviors” menu visible.


Step 3: Change Taskbar Alignment to Left

  1. After expanding Taskbar behaviors, look for the Taskbar alignment option.

  2. Click the drop‑down menu next to Taskbar alignment.

  3. Change the value from Center to Left.

Your Start menu and all pinned app icons will instantly move to the left side of the taskbar, giving you a more classic Windows 10‑style layout.

Expanded Taskbar behaviors menu in Windows 11 with the Taskbar alignment dropdown showing Center and Left options.


Optional: Verify the New Start Menu Position

Once you change the alignment to Left, close the Settings window and look at your taskbar. The Start button and all pinned apps should now be aligned to the left, similar to older versions of Windows.

If you ever want to switch back, just repeat the steps and change Taskbar alignment from Left to Center.

Windows 11 taskbar with the Start button and pinned apps aligned to the left side.


Important Note

This method works on standard Windows 11 installations that include the Taskbar alignment option. On some managed or corporate devices, this setting may be disabled by your organization.

If you don’t see Taskbar alignment under Taskbar behaviors, your system might be using custom policies or an older build of Windows 11. In that case, check for updates or contact your system administrator.

Related Articles:

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The author is not responsible for any hardware damage, data loss, software malfunctions, or system issues that may result from following these instructions. Always ensure your important personal files are backed up on an external drive. Please proceed at your own risk.

How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10 and 11

If your Windows PC keeps freezing, crashing, or acting suspicious due to malware, booting into Safe Mode is the safest way to diagnose and fix the problem. Safe Mode loads only essential system files and drivers, disabling third‑party apps that may interfere with troubleshooting.

Below is the easiest and most reliable method to enter Safe Mode directly from the Windows desktop.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Click the Start button on your taskbar, then click the Power icon.

Windows Start menu with the Power button highlighted before restarting into Safe Mode.


Step 2: Use the Shift Key Trick

Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.

Step 3: Click Restart

While holding Shift, click Restart in the power menu. You can release the Shift key once the screen turns blue and shows “Please wait”.

Step 4: Navigate the Recovery Menu

Your PC will reboot into the blue Choose an option screen. Follow this path:

  • Click Troubleshoot

  • Click Advanced options

  • Click Startup Settings

  • Click Restart

Windows Recovery Environment showing Troubleshoot and Advanced options for Safe Mode.


Step 5: Enable Safe Mode

After your PC restarts again, you will see a list of startup options.

Press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode. Press 5 or F5 to enter Safe Mode with Networking.

Windows Advanced options screen showing the Startup Settings tile highlighted.


Windows boot options list showing Enable Safe Mode (option 4).


Once you finish troubleshooting, simply restart your PC normally to exit Safe Mode.

Related Articles 

Important Note

Some corporate or managed devices may hide Safe Mode options due to administrator policies. If you don’t see Startup Settings, your PC may be using restricted configurations.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. The author is not responsible for hardware damage, data loss, or system issues caused by incorrect troubleshooting steps. Always back up important files before making system changes.

How to Change What Closing the Laptop Lid Does in Windows

 

AI Generated Image


How to Change What Closing the Laptop Lid Does in Windows

By default, closing your Windows laptop lid puts the computer to sleep. But what if you want to connect it to an external monitor and use it like a desktop PC while it is closed? Or maybe you just want it to keep downloading a large file while you carry it to another room.

You can easily change this behavior in the Control Panel. Here is how:

  1. Open Windows Search: Press the Windows key on your keyboard.

  2. Search for Control Panel: Type Control Panel and hit Enter.

  3. Change the View: In the top right corner of the Control Panel, change the View by setting from "Category" to Large icons or Small icons.

  4. Open Power Options: Click on Power Options.

  5. Access Lid Settings: On the left side of the window, click on the link that says Choose what closing the lid does.

  6. Change the Action: * Look for the row that says When I close the lid.

    • Under both the On battery and Plugged in columns, click the drop-down menus and change the setting to Do nothing.

  7. Save Changes: Click the Save changes button at the bottom of the window.

Now, you can safely close your laptop lid, and your computer will continue running normally! If you ever want to change it back, just return to this menu and select "Sleep."


Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The author is not responsible for any hardware damage, data loss, software malfunctions, overheating, or system issues that may result from following these instructions. Keeping a laptop closed while performing heavy tasks can lead to overheating. Always ensure adequate ventilation for your device. Please proceed at your own risk.

How to Fix Windows PC Overheating (With One‑Click Script Option)

  Windows laptops and PCs often get hot: the fan becomes loud, the case gets warm, and everything slows down. This guide is written for begi...