Windows and PC How-To Guides

Windows and PC guides for screenshots, screen recording, resets, BIOS access and settings, plus fixes for tools that stop working.

Screenshots and screen recording

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows (PC or Laptop, 8 Ways)
Press Windows + Shift + S to take a screenshot on Windows 11 or 10. See how to capture one window or the whole screen, paste it and find the saved file.
By brand
Print Screen Not Working on Windows 11 or 10 (Key Fixes)
Print Screen doing nothing on Windows 11 or 10? Paste to check for a silent copy, check the Print screen switch, try Fn, then test the key itself.
How to Screen Record on Windows With Sound
Press Windows + Shift + R on Windows 11 to record any area with Snipping Tool, or Windows + Alt + R for Game Bar. Add sound and find the saved MP4.
Snipping Tool Not Working or Not Opening in Windows 11
Snipping Tool not working or not opening in Windows 11? Check which part fails, then terminate, repair, reset or reinstall it. See what each step shows.
Snipping Tool Shortcut Keys and How to Snip on Windows
Press Windows + Shift + S and drag to snip on Windows. Here are the capture and editor shortcuts, plus how to copy text, find snips and record video.
Where Do Screenshots Go on Windows and How to Find Them
Windows 11 saves snips in Pictures > Screenshots by default. Find clipboard copies, Game Bar and Edge captures, or change the save folder.
Windows Shift S Not Working (Win + Shift + S Fixes)
If Windows + Shift + S does nothing, test the Windows key first. If the bar opens but no pop-up follows, check notifications and the Screenshots folder.

Reset and reinstall

How to Factory Reset a Laptop, Even Without the Password
In Windows, open Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC and choose Remove everything. Locked out? Hold Shift and select Restart on the sign-in screen.
By brand
How to Reinstall Windows 11 and Choose What to Keep
Reinstall Windows 11 from Settings > System > Recovery and keep your apps, or reset it and choose what stays. Back up first, then follow each screen.

Settings, apps and security

How to Change Brightness on Windows 11 and Fix Dimming
Open Quick Settings with Windows + A to adjust brightness, or use Settings > System > Display and external monitor controls.
Clipboard History in Windows 11 (How to Open and Use It)
Press Windows + V to open clipboard history in Windows 11. Turn it on, paste older items, pin what you need and clear the list safely.
How to Disable Windows Defender and Turn It Back On
Turn off Real-time protection in Windows Security to pause Microsoft Defender. Switch it back on yourself, and use an exclusion for one blocked file.
How to Force Quit on Windows (Close Any Frozen App)
To force quit a frozen app on Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and choose End task. Try Alt + F4 first, and see what each way does to unsaved work.
How to Enter BIOS on Windows 11 With Settings or Keys
Enter BIOS on Windows 11 through Settings > System > Recovery > Restart now, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
How to Rotate Screen on Windows (Portrait or Upside Down)
Open Settings > System > Display, choose a Display orientation, then select Keep changes. Ctrl + Alt + arrow is graphics software, not Windows.
How to Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Open Get Help and search for windows update troubleshooter, or run it from Settings. Restart, then check for updates to retry.
Windows 10 End of Life and What You Should Do Next
Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025. Your PC still works, and eligible PCs enrolled in ESU get security updates through October 12, 2027.