Windows Threads
Join the How-To Geek community chatting about all things Windows.
Is Windows 11’s 60-Day Limit on Restore Points Too Short?
Microsoft recently confirmed a 60-day limit on System Restore points. Is that enough time to be useful in real-world situations?
Is Microsoft Recall Cool or Creepy?
Recall logs snapshots of your screen every few seconds to help create a searchable archive on your computer, but critics say it’s an invasion of privacy. Will you be using this feature, or will you opt out?
Which Windows Privacy Settings Do You Always Turn Off?
Windows 11 collects a lot of information by default, data on telemetry, your location, diagnostics, app usage and more. What settings do you disable to limit the data your PC sends to Microsoft?
Was Your Ultrawide Monitor Worth the Price?
If you could go back, would you still buy a curved ultrawide monitor for your Windows setup? What do you wish you knew before you bought one?
What Are Your Go-to Troubleshooting Tools for Windows?
Windows is great... When it works. When it doesn't, it's time to put on the thinking cap and break out the tools. There is no shortage of tools out there, and we've all got our favorites, so I'd like to hear from the admins and troubleshooters out there. What are your go-to tools that you couldn't live without?
What Do You Use to Get Files From Your Phone to Your Computer?
These days we have countless ways of moving files from one device to another, be it by cloud, network transfer, syncing services, or good old-fashioned cables. When I need to get files from my phone to my computer, I typically use KDE Connect. What do you use?
Which Monitor Features Are Really Worth It to You?
I'm looking at upgrading my desktop monitor right now, which means I have to decide which features and specs are really going to be worth my money. High refresh rates, 4K resolution, HDR, and other bells and whistles don't come without a premium. Which ones do you think are worth shelling out for?
Who Makes the Best Tiny PCs?
Mini PCs are endlessly useful and versatile little things. They make great server hardware, and they can be desktop workstations too if your needs aren't too demanding. The next time you buy a tiny PC, which manufacturer will be your go-to?
What Was Your Favorite Part of Computex 2025?
Computex 2025 wrapped up on Friday, May 23, and there were a bunch of announcements over the week about computer hardware that ranged from odd to exciting. I was happy to see a new cheaper GPU in AMD's RX 9000 lineup. What stood out to you most at the annual computing trade show?
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What Do You Use to Remove Duplicate Files?
My old duplicate finder was tedious to use. What do you like? I'm currently running Widows 10 but I would like something that could also run on Linux, if possible.
What's the Minimum Amount of RAM You Need in a PC?
If you were buying or building a computer today, what's the minimum amount of RAM you personally would need it to have? I was surprised to see Amazon still features some budget laptops with 4GB of RAM. For daily use, I wouldn't buy anything with less than 12GB if I can avoid it.
Which Windows PowerToy Should More People Use?
If you work on Windows a lot and have for a long time, you've probably discovered PowerToys, Microsoft's collection of free tools that will help you be productive and customize your PC experience. From keyboard remapping to mass-renaming of files, there's a lot you can do with PowerToys. Which is your favorite?
What Do You Do With Windows Subsystem for Linux?
Microsoft has been offering a tool for using Linux operating systems and applications on Windows for almost a decade now as WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). There are several reasons to use WSL, though to be frank, I've always preferred to just use a Linux operating system bare metal when I have a Linux task. If you use WSL, what do you do with it?
Which GPU Brand Do You Buy?
When you buy a graphics card, you have to choose a manufacturer you're going to get it from. There's Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, and more out there. What GPU brand do you prefer?
How Fast Do You Type on Your Computer?
Despite taking a typing class in college, I'm not the fastest typist. I clock in at around 60 words per minute most of the time. With skill, you can type much faster than that. What's your top typing speed?
How Often Do You Back Up Your Computer?
If you don't want to ever lose your data, you need to back up your files regularly. Ideally you follow the 3-2-1 rule, with three different copies of your data in two different mediums, with one off-site. How often are you backing up the data on your PC, whether it's automatic or manual?
What's the Easiest Video Editor for Windows?
What's the easiest video editor for Windows right now if you want to create shorts and reels on social media?
Do You Like Windows 11?
I've increasingly noticed it in doctor's office and businesses I visit, people using Windows 11 instead of Windows 10 to do their work. Windows 10 support is expiring later this year, so it's inevitable. If you're using it already, what do you think of it? Do you think it's better or worse than earlier versions of Windows?
How Would You Improve the Windows 11 Start Menu?
Microsoft this week previewed a new version of the Start menu for Windows 11, including a wider frame and a different layout for app lists. It's limited to Insider builds at the moment, but the changes may be coming to a Windows 11 PC near you. If you were redesigning the Start menu, though, what would you want changed?
What's the Most Frustrating PC Problem You've Solved?
It's just a matter of time before the computer you're using develops a problem that makes it almost too annoying to use. My most frustrating one might be how Windows 11 kept uninstalling the drivers for my graphics card with every update. After months of pulling my hair out, my solution was just to stop using Windows. How did you troubleshoot your worst computer issue?
What Laptop Brand Is Your Go-To?
Part of choosing a laptop is deciding what brand you trust, and in some ways what brand you can afford. Is there a computer manufacturing brand you're loyal to, or do you make a brand-agnostic needs-based assessment every time you buy one?
How Do You Move Files From Your Phone to Your PC?
There comes a time when you own both a phone and a computer that you have a file on your phone that needs to get to the computer somehow. You have a lot of options for moving files between computers and phones, from USB cables to cloud drives to dedicated apps. When you're in that situation, what do you use to move the file?
Are You Buying the New AMD Graphics Cards?
Retailers started selling AMD's new RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards this past week, bringing a lot of power to with them. Compared to Nvidia's latest, they're far more affordable, going for typically under $700. Do you plan on buying one, or have you already?
Where Do You Go to Buy Computer Parts?
You can buy computer parts at lots of places, from Amazon to eBay to Facebook Marketplace to yard sales. Personally I buy new parts from Micro Center when I can, and I go to eBay if I want to find something used. Where do you find the best deals for PC parts?
Which Is the Best Kind of PC Cooling System?
Computers generate heat, and you have to keep that managed somehow, whether it's water cooling, fans, or passive cooling. When building a PC, what kind of cooling system do you recommend?
Do You Think the New Framework PC Is Worth It?
Framework, known for its upgradable laptops, this week revealed its first desktop PC, simply called the Framework Desktop. It's a "DIY" PC that you can buy in a partially pre-built state but that does require some assembly and allows for a lot of expansion. The base configuration will run you $1,099. Do you think it's worth the price?
Do You Have an SSD or HDD in Your PC?
While SSDs (solid-state drives) have been around for a while, the world of HDDs (hard disk drives) is still thriving and evolving. SSDs in one form or another have essentially become the standard for boot drives, but you can certainly replace them with HDDs if you want. Or, if there's enough physical space, install a supplementary HDD for more storage. Is your PC using an SSD or HDD? Or both?
How Much Do You Spend on PC Gear Every Year?
Looking at some deals at my local Micro Center has me thinking about my computer parts and accessories budget. The costs can add up, especially if you're into the addicting hobby of PC building. What do you estimate you're investing in your desktop or laptop every year, or maybe across years?
What Are Your Portable Monitor Recommendations?
Has anyone had any experience of using portable monitors with a laptop? Are there any conditions or limitations that depend on the specifications of the laptop?
