If a program stops working or responding, Windows can automatically report the problem and check for a solution. By default, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 and Vista collect information that describes the problem, called a problem report. Report details can include the name of the program that has stopped working, the date and time when the problem occurred, and the version of the program that has encountered the problem. Sending a problem report allows Windows to notify you if a solution is available. In this article, we will look how to quickly check if solutions are available for problem reports.
Category: Windows 8.1
How to force Windows 8.1 to check for updates
Windows Update allows you to keep the OS up-to-date by installing the latest patches which include new features and security fixes. From Control Panel, you can set Windows Update to download and install updates automatically or only download them but notify you before installation. You can also check for updates manually and disable automatic updates fully. If you wish to directly start checking for updates, there is a secret hidden switch you can use to launch this.
How to end a process quickly with Task Manager in Windows 8
In Windows 8, the Task Manager received an overhaul and saw the addition of several useful features. It can manage startup apps now and calculate their impact on startup performance. You can also see app history and copy process details quickly with it. In the "More details" mode, Task Manager has two tabs, Processes and Details, to control running apps. Today, I would like to share with you a very simple trick to kill a running app quickly.
How to see services related to a process in Windows 8
When your Windows PC starts, many programs open at startup. Some long-running processes, which mostly do system functions are called Services. Service processes usually have no user interface and don't interact with the user. The most famous service process, is svchost.exe which always has multiple instances running and is responsible for many Windows services, e.g. Windows Update or Action Center notifications. You can easily check which services are running from its process. Follow these simple instructions to learn how.
How to enable or disable the Hibernate option in Windows 8.1 and Windows 8
In Windows 8, Microsoft introduced the Fast Startup feature which performs a hybrid shutdown of your PC by logging you out of your user account and then hibernating the PC when you click Shut Down. Full shutdown is possible by holding down the Shift key while clicking Shutdown. Because fast startup is essentially logoff+hibernation, the regular Hibernate option which turned off the PC without logging out is hidden and disabled by default. In this article, we will take a look at how you can enable the Hibernate option so you can hibernate without logging out and don't have to use the Shutdown option.
How to see the actual size of the WinSxS folder in Windows 8.1
The WinSxS folder, which is located inside the C:\Windows folder, represents the Component Store in modern Windows versions like Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. In that folder, Windows stores its system files which are then hard linked to C:\Windows\system32. It is hard to say how much disk space is exactly used by the WinSxS folder, because it contains many hardlinks, so File Explorer just shows the wrong folder size. Let's see how we can view the correct size of the WinSxS folder.
How to pin folders, drives, files or any shortcut to the Taskbar in Windows 8 and Windows 7
Microsoft introduced a redesigned taskbar in Windows 7, which got rid of the Quick Launch toolbar. Even though Quick Launch can be put back, the larger icons on the new Taskbar are better for today's resolutions. Also, with the new Taskbar, Microsoft added 1-click pinning of items. Unfortunately, not everything can be pinned to the Taskbar. For example, folders or disk drives cannot be pinned directly, nor can you pin files directly. Pinning Control Panel items, Libraries, special commands also isn't easy. Luckily, Winaero has Taskbar Pinner for our readers.
How to enable or disable the hidden Administrator account in Windows 8
The "Administrator" account is present in all versions of Windows based on NT but starting with Windows XP it is disabled by default. Additionally, in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Vista, even when you create a new admin-level account, it still requires UAC elevation. The default account named "Administrator" remains disabled and hidden. If you boot Windows into Safe Mode then it is enabled. However, you can unhide and enable the Administrator account if you want.
How to display Administrative tools on the Start screen in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
Administrative Tools in Windows are system management apps to change important settings of operating system. They include the Disk Management tool, Local Group Policy, Local Users and Group Management, Computer Management, Services and many other important management console tools. By default, they are hidden from the Start screen in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. To access these tools, you need to use the Control Panel. There you will find them under Control Panel\System and Security\Administrative tools. If you are using them frequently, you might want to show them on the Start screen.
A list of Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) keyboard shortcuts
Previously we covered the ultimate list of all Windows keyboard shortcuts with Win keys as well as the complete list of the keyboard shortcuts for the Modern Mail app in Windows. Today we would like to explore some of the keyboard shortcuts used over Windows Remote Desktop (RDP).
