There are literally thousands of different configuration settings you can change in Windows to make it look and behave the way you want. The tips in this category deal with making the changes to those settings.

Tips, Tricks, and Answers

The following articles are available for the 'Configuration' topic. Click the article''s title (shown in bold) to see the associated article.

    A More Private Start Menu
If your computer is accessed by multiple people, you may be concerned about privacy. One area where you might want a bit of privacy is in information about which apps you use most frequently. Hide your most frequently used apps from the Windows 10 Start menu.

    Adding a Tile to the Start Screen
The Start screen can serve as your launching pad for whatever programs you desire. Here's how to add tiles for your favorite apps and programs to make your Start screen reflect how you want to work.

    Adding Items to the "New" Context Menu
You can add your own items to the "New" context menu, but it does take a bit of effort. This tip explains how to do it.

    Adding the Administrative Tools Option
Windows provides a number of administrative programs that can be very helpful when managing your system. It's useful to have the Administrative Tools easy to get to. This tip shows you how to add the Administrative Tools option to the Start menu or the Start screen.

    Adjusting Hearing Settings in the Ease of Access Center
If you have hearing difficulties that affect your ability to use your computer, Windows 10's Ease of Access Center can help make your computer easier to use. From showing audio alerts visually to closed captions, you'll be able to know what is going on.

    Adjusting How Quickly Your Keyboard Responds
Does your keyboard seem a bit sluggish or a bit too quick when you hold down keys? You can adjust how the keyboard responds by using the steps described in this tip.

    Adjusting the Taskbar for Multiple Displays
When you have multiple displays attached to your computer you might want to change how the Taskbar looks on your extra displays. This tip explains how you can adjust how the Taskbar is displayed.

    Adjusting Vison Settings in the Ease of Access Center
If you have vision impairments that affect your ability to use your computer, Windows 10's Ease of Access Center can help make your computer easier to use. This tip covers in quick detail the settings you can change in the Ease of Access Center.

    Adjusting Your Monitor's Refresh Rate
Does your screen's motion appear choppy or less than smooth? You can improve the smoothness of motion on your screen by increasing your screen's refresh rate.

    Better Wallpaper Quality
When you set an image for your wallpaper Windows 10 compresses the quality of the image. You can improve the quality of your wallpaper images easily by following the ideas in this tip.

    Camera Privacy
Your computer's camera allows you to connect with people in engaging ways. Whether used to login to your computer or for video conferencing, your camera can pose a privacy concern. You can configure Windows 10 to provide better privacy when a camera is hooked up to your computer.

    Camera Privacy Settings
Using a web camera with your computer opens all sorts of opportunities. Set your computer's Camera Privacy Settings to make sure you're not opening yourself to possible dangers.

    Change the Default Appended Name for New Folders
By default in Windows 10, when a folder or file is copied or duplicated within the same folder as the original, the folder or file name is copied with "- Copy" added to the end. Using the Registry, you can customize the default appended name for copied files or folders to something else that makes more sense to you.

    Change the Default Name for New Folders
By default, when a new folder is created in Windows 10, the folder is titled "New Folder." Using the Registry, you can customize the default name for new folders to something else that makes more sense to you.

    Change Your Pointer
Windows 10 uses a default mouse pointer size and color. With a quick setting change, you can customize the mouse size and color to your liking.

    Changing a Computer's Name
If you don't like the name that was assigned to your computer when it was put together, it's pretty easy to change. This tip tells you how.

    Changing a Program's Compatibility Settings
If an older program no longer runs under Windows, you may still be able to get some life out of it by changing its compatibility settings. This tip tells you how.

    Changing App Notifications
Windows apps can communicate with you, keeping you up to date with whatever task they are designed to perform. If you get too much communication, you can turn off notifications from any app you don't want to hear from.

    Changing Behavior for Audio CDs
When you place an audio CD in you PC, Windows attempts to play the CD, by default. If you don't want Windows to behave in this manner, you'll appreciate the information in this tip.

    Changing File Explorer's Default Startup Location
The File Explorer can start in either of two locations. This tip tells you how to set its default startup location to one of these two views.

    Changing How the Power Button Behaves
When you shut down your system, you normally use the Power button that is visible after you click the Start button. You have complete control over what this button actually does.

    Changing Icons
Windows provide a surprising amount of flexibility when it comes to what you see on the screen. You can even make changes to the icons used for various desktop items, as highlighted in this tip.

    Changing Regional Settings
Windows makes it easy to set your system to accurately reflect your regional settings. This tip sets you well on your way.

    Changing Screen Resolution
Screen resolution is a key attribute of your monitor. You usually have choices for resolution, which provides you with a good deal of control in balancing screen "real estate" against readability.

    Changing Sounds Associated with Windows Events
You can customize Windows so that various sounds (or none) are associated with various Windows events. This tip explains how the association is done.

    Changing the Mouse Pointer
Windows is rather configurable, especially when it comes to the user interface. Here's how you can modify the way that mouse pointers look on your system.

    Changing the Program that Opens a File
If you have multiple versions of the same program on your system, Windows can become confused as to which version it should use to open your files. Here's how to specify exactly which program should be used to open any type of data file.

    Changing the Size of Start Screen Tiles
The Start screen can serve as your launching pad for whatever programs you use on your system. If your Start screen includes live tiles, you may want to resize them to adjust the amount of information they show. Here's how.

    Changing the Start Screen's Theme
You'll spend a lot of time viewing the Start screen in Windows. If you want to change up things, you can modify which theme the operating system uses for a background and color.

    Changing the Text Cursor Indicator
Windows 10 allows for customization of the Text Cursor Indicator. With simple customization options you make the indicator match your needs.

    Changing the User Interface Language
Tired of Windows showing you information in English when you'd much prefer a different language? Here's how to modify the language that Windows utilizes for its user interface.

    Changing Time Settings
As you no doubt know, Windows has a built-in clock that is used for a variety of purposes. This tip covers the various ways you can make adjustments to the time settings.

    Changing Where New Media is Saved
You can specify where Windows 10 saves new media. This quick change will allow you to better control how your media is organized.

    Changing Your DNS Server
Your DNS server is usually set by your Internet provider. You can change the default DNS to another server easily in Windows, however.

    Changing Your Screen Saver
Screen savers can be works of art to bring some aesthetics to your computer monitor. This tip tells you how to change your screen saver.

    Changing Your Sound Theme
Don't like the sounds that Windows has chosen to play when system events occur? Here's how to change the sound theme that Windows uses.

    Checking Your Computer's Bandwidth Capability
5 GHz wireless routers allow for fast data transfer rates. Discover how you can tell if your computer can handle those fast speeds.

    Clean Boot Windows 10
When your computer is not running the way it should, you can try a clean boot. A clean boot in Windows 10 provides more control than Safe Mode, allowing you to help identify possible problems with your computer.

    Clipboard History
Windows has had cut and paste functionality for years. Windows 10 improves the Clipboard functionality by including a new Clipboard History function.

    Configuring Automatic Windows Updates
One of the practices you should adopt to keep your system running smoothly is to keep it updated with the latest Microsoft patches. You can configure automatic updates so this happens behind the scenes without you having to remember to check for them.

    Configuring Windows' Secret Start Menu
You can quickly access either Command Prompt or PowerShell by using the Win+X shortcut key command. But which one is displayed depends on which one you have configured for your computer.

    Controlling the Mouse Pointer Speed
One of the personalization settings you can control is how fast the cursor moves when you move your mouse. You can fine-tune the mouse pointer speed so that it's optimal for how you like to work.

    Controlling the Taskbar on Multiple Monitors
On Windows computers the Taskbar, by default, runs along the bottom of the screen. Learn how to control how the Taskbar is used when using multiple monitors.

    Customizing Quick Actions
Action Center provides quick access to notifications and quick actions. Quick actions provide a fast way to perform tasks on your computer from one simple location.

    Customizing the SendTo Menu
The SendTo menu can be used to perform some handy tasks with files. By following the steps in this tip you'll be able to customize your SendTo menu to meet your needs.

    Customizing the Start Menu
Windows gives you the ability to customize exactly what appears on your Start menu. Here's how you get to the controls for this feature.

    Customizing What Appears on the Right Side of the Start Menu
You're probably used to seeing your Start menu appear a certain way. But is it the most effective display for how you work? This tip tells you how you can customize what appears on the right side of the Start menu.

    Disable the "Get even more out of Windows" Message
Concerned or bothered by the "Get even more out of Windows" or "Welcome to Windows" full-screen notifications? With a simple change in your settings, you can turn these notifications off.

    Disabling Automatic Reboot after a Windows Update
It may not always be a good thing to have Windows automatically restart your computer after an update. This tip tells you how to disable such automatic reboots.

    Disabling Automatic Updates
If you don't like that Windows automatically downloads and applies updates in the middle of the night, you can gain some control over how and when updates are handled. This tip explains how.

    Disabling the Windows 10 Blurred Sign-on Screen
The later updates to Windows 10 introduced blurred background images on the sign-in screen. If you prefer to have the image shown in focus you can turn this feature off.

    Disabling USB Selective Suspending
USB Selective Suspending allows Windows to automatically (and without warning) suspend USB ports. Discover how to deactivate USB Selective Suspending.

    Disabling USB Storage Devices
USB storage devices can be extremely helpful. They can also allow people to copy and access your information through the use of USB storage devices. By disabling USB storage devices with Registry Editor, you can keep your information safer.

    Disabling Windows Shake
Windows Aero Shake minimizes open windows with a simple gesture. You can disable this feature using the Registry Editor.

    Displaying Seconds in the System Tray Clock
Time is more than hours and minutes. How do you get the taskbar clock to show seconds?

    Downloads and Storage Sense
Storage Sense can free up limited storage space on your computer automatically. Make sure you don't have it delete files you need or use often.

    Enable or Disable Mouse Hover Window Activation
Windows 10 allows for a window to become active by simply hovering your mouse over it. Discover how to turn this setting on or off.

    Enabling and Disabling Windows Features
Want to make sure that Windows is trim and fit, using only those features you routinely use? Here's how to enable or disable just about any built-in feature in the operating system.

    Enabling Safe Mode
Safe Mode is an essential way to regain control of a system that fails to fully boot. Windows 10 doesn't come with a way to get into Safe Mode, however. Here's how to fix that problem.

    Enlarging Screen Font Size
Sometimes things appearing on the screen are a bit too small to read easily. One possible solution is to adjust the size of the font Windows uses to display information. Here's how you can make the change.

    Five Windows 10 Services that are Safe to Disable
Windows 10 is built using services that perform tasks. In this tip you'll discover five services that you can disable safely.

    Getting Narration through the Ease of Access Center
If you are blind or have a severe vision impairment, the Narrator feature provided in the Ease of Access Center found in Windows 10 can help you out. With the Narrator you can have your computer read to you what is on your screen.

    Getting Started with the Xbox Game Bar
Xbox Game Bar is more than just for use in the Xbox ecosystem. What settings correlate to using Xbox Game Bar? Read on to find out!

    Grouping Tiles in the Start Menu
Arranging tiles into groups can make finding and starting your apps quicker. Discover how easy it is to group tiles in the Start menu.

    Grouping Tiles on the Start Screen
The Start screen can serve as your launching pad for whatever programs you desire. You can move tiles around on the Start screen and group them in a manner that makes sense for how you work.

    Improve Performance by Turning Off 3D Effects
Windows does a lot of nuancing to provide the user with a pleasing visual experience. All this attention to detail, though, comes at a price. If you want your computer to perform a bit better you might consider turning off its 3D effects. This tip tells you how.

    Improving Text Sharpness with ClearType
Ever notice that even with a fancy new monitor, text can still look a bit muddy on the screen. You can use ClearType technology to sharpen the text, so it appears very crisp instead of muted.

    Keeping the Scroll Bar
Scroll bars are helpful in showing that there is more information to be seen. By default, Windows 10 hides scroll bars, but you can turn them back on easily.

    Launching and Understanding the Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar is a feature that often goes unnoticed by non-gamers. Let's go over launching and default settings for this handy tool.

    Left-Handed Mouse
If you're left-handed, using a computer that by default is setup for right-handed users can be tricky. With Windows 10, quickly setup your computer's mouse for left-handed use.

    Limiting Bandwidth for Updates
Use a new advanced feature in Settings to limit upload bandwidth usage. By setting the absolute bandwidth an update can use, you free up bandwidth for other activities.

    Listening with One Ear
If you use a single speaker to listen to your computer audio, you may be missing out on some sounds. Two quick changes to Ease of Access and Sound Output Device properties will have all sound go through that one speaker.

    Look to the Background
Windows 10 has several apps that run in the background that help improve performance and function for your system. Some apps, though, are not required and can drain computer resources. You can turn these apps off or on quickly and easily.

    Making Sure Num Lock is On
The Num Lock key controls how your numeric keypad behaves and, possibly, a few other behaviors. Here's how to adjust whether the key is on or off when you start your system.

    Modifying the Color Scheme
Windows maintains what it calls a color scheme to control how the various elements of Windows appear. Here's how to change the various colors in that scheme to reflect your personal preference.

    Modifying the General Startup Process
Having problems getting Windows to start properly? You can try to track down what is causing the problem by using the techniques discussed in this tip.

    Modifying What is Started when You Start Windows
Did you know that Windows automatically starts extra programs whenever you boot your system? If you want to see which programs are loading in your system, follow the steps outlined in this tip.

    Modifying Windows Startup Services
Windows takes advantage of many different operating system components called services. Most of the Windows services are started when you boot your system. These services can, however, be selectively enabled or disabled by you. This can be very handy for troubleshooting.

    News and Interest Widget in the Taskbar
A new Windows feature allows for quick access to news and weather directly from the Taskbar. See how to turn this feature on and off.

    Notice Your Notifications
Windows 10, by default, displays alerts or notifications for five seconds. If that's not enough time, you can increase the duration these alerts are on your screen to give you enough time to react.

    Opening HEVC and HEIF Files
HEVC and HEIF are two new popular graphics file formats that are gaining support. Getting your Windows 10 computer setup for HEVC and HEIF file formats on your Windows 10 computer is easy.

    Organizing the All Programs Menu
All of the programs installed on your system are visible when you choose All Programs from the Start menu. If you want to reorganize how those programs appear on the All Programs menu, Windows makes it easy.

    Picking a Desktop Icon Size
Are the icons on your desktop displayed at the right size for your preference or needs? Windows provides three different sizes from which you can choose, as detailed in this tip.

    Quick Screen Clear
Do you work with a lot of open windows at the same time? If so, you'll love this way to easily focus on only one of those windows.

    Quickly Deactivate Apps that Impact Startup
Windows will load apps at startup, which can impact performance. Quickly deactivate startup items that can affect the performance of your computer.

   Recording Video with the Xbox Game Bar
You can use Xbox Game Bar to record videos of applications running on your system. Let's see how to capture a video of your application.

    Remove Shortcut when You Make a Shortcut
When you create a shortcut in Windows 10, by default the text "- Shortcut" is added to the end of the shortcut's name. By using the Registry, you can remove this term or replace it with something else of your choosing.

    Removing a Place from the Recent Places or Quick Access Lists
Some Windows features can be both time savers and privacy concerns at the same time. The Recent Places list and the Quick Access list are two such features. This tip tells you how you can handle the lists if privacy is an issue for you.

    Removing a Tile from the Start Screen
The Start screen is a busy place in Windows. If it is too busy for your tastes, you can easily remove any of the tiles it contains.

    Removing an Update
Windows installs updates automatically by default. If you want to remove an update, this tip tells you how.

    Renaming Your Computer
When you buy a new computer, it typically has some obscure name that doesn't accurately reflect your personality. Or perhaps you gave your computer a name but now it's on a network and publicly viewable, so you want to change it to something else. Whatever the case, renaming your computer, assuming you have permission to do so, is quick and easy.

    Restoring Send To Desktop (Create Shortcut)
Sometimes the "Send to | Desktop (create shortcut)" option disappears, or perhaps it was never there in the first place. This tip explains how to restore this functionality.

    Reverse the Wheel
With multiple devices used today, the way we scroll can change depending on the device. If you're used to reverse scrolling, you can enable this on your Windows 10 computer for a more consistent experience across devices.

    Reviewing the Windows Update History
Windows installs updates automatically by default. If you want to review what updates have been installed, seeing the update history is just a few clicks away.

    Running Older Programs in Windows
You may still need to use programs that worked under older versions of Windows that don't work so well under Windows 7 or Windows 8. Using the program compatibility wizard provides hope that these old programs may still work after all.

    Setting an Account to Automatically Logon
Passwords are a great way to protect the content on our computers. What if you want to login to your system without using a password, though?

    Settings Compared to Control Panel
Windows 10 has moved a lot of the settings previously found in Control Panel to the Settings app. How is the settings app different from Control Panel? This tip has the answers!

    Sharing a Windows Theme with a Friend or Coworker
Being able to customize your theme is a great way to personalize your computer, but what if you want to share your theme with friends or coworkers? Windows allows users to share themes easily, as you discover in this tip.

    Sharing Resources on a Network
Business or home networks can make efficient use of resources by sharing them. You can establish a print server and/or a disk server so that most of your resources are concentrated on just a few systems, thus removing the need for every machine to have its own printer and its own disk farm.

    Showing File Extensions
All file types have an extension, and Microsoft hides them by default. Learn how to turn file extensions on.

    Specifying a Screen Orientation
The orientation of your screen is not limited to the default orientation when you connect it to your computer. You can easily configure the screen orientation within Windows 10.

    Start Menu Folders
The Start menu in Windows 10 allows for you to customize what appears there, such as tiles and recently used apps. You can also easily edit which folders appear in your Start menu, as discussed in this tip.

    Starting Applications Automatically when Starting Windows
Understanding the Task Scheduler is a great asset when you want your computer to do things automatically. This tip shows you how to use the Task Scheduler to start an application when Windows starts.

    Swapping Mouse Buttons for Left-Handed Users
By default, the mouse is configured such that the primary mouse button is the left one, and the secondary mouse button is the right one. If you're left handed, this may seem backwards, so Windows makes it easy to swap the buttons.

    Syncing Settings between Computers
When you use a Microsoft account or an Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) account, you can sync settings between the computers you use. This tip examines what are you actually able to sync between computers.

    Turn Off/On Window Snap
Windows allows for a system window to "snap" to certain areas of your screen. You can easily turn this feature on or off.

    Turning Off Aero
Windows implements a lot of visual effects that can make your screen and desktop look gorgeous. These good looks come at a price, however: They take up memory and processor time. If you want to speed up your system, consider turning off the Aero effects, as described in this tip.

    Turning Off Bothersome Windows Messages
Bothered by messages from Microsoft letting you know about their various apps and tools? Here's a way to configure Windows to cut back on some of those messages.

    Turning Off Window Drop-Shadows
Windows adds its own bells and whistles to what you see on your desktop. One of those flourishes is a drop-shadow added to each window. If you want to, you can turn off these drop-shadows, as discussed in this tip.

    Turning on Inactive Window Scroll
Have you ever needed to scroll through an inactive window while keeping another window active? This tip will show you how to activate this setting.

    Turning on Night Light
When you work on your computer late at night the glow from your computer monitor can affect your sleep. Why not setup your computer to ease your eye strain so it doesn't keep you up later than you need?

    Typing Insights
Gaining insights into how you type can improve your typing skills and allow you to see how you're doing. The Windows 10 October 2018 update provides a way to view your Typing Insights.

    Understanding Aero Peek
Windows implements a lot of visual effects that can make your screen and desktop look gorgeous. Those effects have a name: Aero. Part of Aero is a usability feature called Peek, as described in this tip.

    Understanding and Changing AutoPlay Settings
You can configure Windows to perform some tasks automatically. This includes telling it what to do whenever Windows detects external media.

    Understanding Compatibility Settings
Compatibility settings are parameters within executable images that allow or deny it to properly run under a given version of Windows. You can't change these parameters directly, but there is a Compatibility Wizard that you could use to see if it can help make your old programs run under Windows.

    Understanding Computer Names
Every Windows computer on your network has a name. This name typically provides some identifying information about the system itself. Here's the low-down on what computer names really are all about.

    Understanding Optional Features
Windows 10 includes many features that are not enabled by default. Discover how to turn on or off the optional features available in Windows 10.

    Understanding ReadyBoost
ReadyBoost promised to provide a hot-swappable addition of memory that could end up improving system performance. Whether it really does depends on a number of factors. This tip provides some understanding of ReadyBoost.

    Understanding Windows Firewall
There are a lot of malicious users on the Internet who are trying to break into other people's systems. One way to mitigate the risk of your system being compromised is to run behind a firewall.

    Using a Dvorak Keyboard with Windows
Dvorak keyboards can provide more efficient typing as well as make the keyboard characters more accessible to those who type with one hand. This tip describes how to tell Windows you have a Dvorak keyboard.

    Using Command Prompt (CMD) to Change Your Computer Name
Computers have names that are used to identify them. Using Command Prompt (CMD) you can change your computer's name.

    Using Desktop Themes
Desktop themes allow you to quickly and easily personalize your system so that what you see and hear while working can be tailored to your taste. You can choose from built-in themes or create new ones. And switching between themes is just a couple of mouse clicks away.

    Using Desktop Themes from Around the World
When you install Windows, it installs desktop themes appropriate to where you live. You can access a number of themes from other countries, though, if you know where to look.

    Using Random Hardware Addresses
Random Hardware Addresses helps hide your computer from others tracking you on a Wi-Fi network. Turn Random Hardware Addresses on or off quickly in Windows.

    Using the System Information Tool
Need to lift the hood and look into the inner workings of Windows? One place you can do this easily is through the System Information dialog box, introduced in this tip.

    Using Your Own Pictures as Wallpaper
You can change the image that is displayed for your desktop background to your own picture. Changing the wallpaper to one of your own pictures is a simple process.

    What is a Desktop.ini File?
When browsing through your system, you might see several files named Desktop.ini. This tip explains what these files are and how Windows uses them.