Author: Elijah Lucas

If your laptop feels sluggish, unresponsive, or just not as snappy as it once was, Windows Task Manager can help you pinpoint and resolve performance issues. This built-in tool provides real-time insights into your system’s resource usage, allowing you to identify and manage processes that may be slowing down your laptop.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to utilize Task Manager effectively and enhance your laptop’s performance.

Step 1: Accessing Task Manager

There are several ways to open Task Manager:

• Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.
• Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select “Task Manager” from the options.
• Right-Click Taskbar: Right-click on the taskbar and choose “Task Manager.”
• Start Menu Search: Click on the Start menu, type “Task Manager,” and press Enter.

Once opened, if you see a simplified view, click on “More details” at the bottom to access the full interface.

Step 2: Identifying Resource-Heavy Processes

In the Processes tab, you’ll see a list of running applications and background processes, along with their CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network usage.

• Sort by Resource Usage: Click on the column headers (e.g., CPU, Memory) to sort processes by their resource consumption. This helps identify which applications are using the most resources.
• End Unnecessary Processes: If you notice a non-essential application consuming excessive resources, right-click on it and select “End Task.” Be cautious not to end system-critical processes.

Regularly monitoring and managing these processes can free up system resources and improve performance.

Step 3: Managing Startup Programs

Too many programs launching at startup can slow down your laptop’s boot time.

• Navigate to Startup Tab: In Task Manager, click on the Startup tab.
• Disable Unnecessary Programs: Review the list of startup programs. Right-click on any non-essential program and select “Disable.” This prevents the program from launching automatically at startup.

Disabling unnecessary startup programs can significantly reduce boot time and free up resources.

Step 4: Monitoring System Performance

The Performance tab provides real-time graphs and statistics for CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network usage.

• Identify Bottlenecks: High usage in any of these areas can indicate a performance bottleneck. For example, consistently high CPU usage may suggest a need to close resource-intensive applications.
• Assess Hardware Utilization: This tab helps you understand how your hardware is being utilized, aiding in decisions about upgrades or optimizations.

Regularly checking this tab can help you stay informed about your system’s health and performance.

Step 5: Utilizing the Details Tab for Advanced Management

For more granular control, the Details tab lists all running processes with detailed information.

• Set Process Priority: Right-click on a process, hover over “Set priority,” and choose a priority level. Increasing priority can allocate more resources to critical applications.
• End Process Tree: If an application is unresponsive, right-click on its process and select “End process tree” to terminate it and all associated processes.

Use these features cautiously, as improper use can affect system stability.

Step 6: Managing Services

The Services tab allows you to view and manage Windows services.

• Start or Stop Services: Right-click on a service to start or stop it. Stopping unnecessary services can free up resources.
• Open Services Console: Click on “Open Services” at the bottom to access the Services console for more detailed management.

Be cautious when stopping services, as some are essential for system operations.

Step 7: Additional Tips for Performance Optimization

• Regularly Update Software: Ensure your operating system and drivers are up to date to benefit from performance improvements and security patches.
• Scan for Malware: Use Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program to scan for malware that could be affecting performance.
• Free Up Disk Space: Use Disk Cleanup or third-party tools to remove unnecessary files and free up disk space.
• Upgrade Hardware: If performance issues persist, consider upgrading your RAM or switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster data access.

By effectively utilizing Task Manager and following these steps, you can identify and address performance issues, leading to a faster and more responsive laptop.

Whether your physical keyboard has suddenly stopped working, you’re using a touchscreen device, or you need it for accessibility reasons, the On-Screen Keyboard is an essential built-in tool in Windows. It provides a full visual keyboard on your screen that you can use with your mouse, a stylus, or another pointing device.

This guide will walk you through all the different ways to enable the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows. As someone who has relied on it multiple times to get out of a jam with a faulty keyboard, I can tell you that knowing these quick methods is incredibly useful.

Method 1: The Keyboard Shortcut (The Fastest Way)

If your physical keyboard is at least partially working, this is the quickest way to bring up the On-Screen Keyboard.

• Press and hold the Windows key + Ctrl + O simultaneously.
• The keyboard will immediately appear on your screen, ready to use. Pressing the same key combination again will close it.

Method 2: Using the Settings Menu

If you can’t use a keyboard shortcut, you can easily enable the On-Screen Keyboard through the Windows Settings menu using your mouse. The steps are slightly different for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

For Windows 11 Users:

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Settings.
2. In the Settings menu, click on Accessibility from the left-hand pane.
3. Scroll down to the “Interaction” section and select Keyboard.
4. You will see a toggle for On-Screen Keyboard. Click it to turn it On.

For Windows 10 Users:

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Settings.
2. In the Settings window, click on Ease of Access.
3. From the menu on the left, scroll down and select Keyboard.
4. You will see a toggle under “Use the On-Screen Keyboard.” Click it to turn it On.

In both versions of Windows, the keyboard will remain on the screen until you manually close it by clicking the “X” in the top-right corner.

Method 3: From the Run Command or Start Menu

The On-Screen Keyboard is an application, and like any application, it has an executable file name. This gives you another quick way to launch it.

Using the Run Box:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type osk.exe (or simply osk) and press Enter or click OK.

Using the Start Menu:

1. Click the Start Menu.
2. Type On-Screen Keyboard or osk.
3. Click on the “On-Screen Keyboard” app that appears in the search results.

Method 4: Accessing the On-Screen Keyboard from the Login Screen

This is perhaps the most critical use case. What if you can’t type your password to log in to Windows? Fortunately, you can access the keyboard right from the sign-in screen.

1. On the Windows login screen, look to the bottom-right corner.
2. Click the Accessibility icon. It looks like a person in a circle.
3. A menu will appear. Select On-Screen Keyboard from the list.
4. The keyboard will pop up, allowing you to click the keys with your mouse to enter your password and log in.

How to Make the On-Screen Keyboard Start Automatically

If you have a long-term issue with your physical keyboard, you might want the On-Screen Keyboard to launch every time you start your computer.

1. Follow the steps in Method 2 to navigate to the keyboard settings in either Windows 11 (Accessibility > Keyboard) or Windows 10 (Ease of Access > Keyboard).
2. Enable the On-Screen Keyboard.
3. On this same settings page, you will see additional options. Look for a checkbox or a dropdown menu that allows you to start the On-Screen Keyboard automatically at sign-in. This option is typically found by clicking on the “Options” key on the On-Screen Keyboard itself and then selecting “Control whether the On-Screen Keyboard starts when I sign in.”

On-Screen Keyboard vs. Touch Keyboard: What’s the Difference?

You may have noticed another keyboard pop up, especially on touchscreen devices. It’s important to know the difference:

• On-Screen Keyboard (OSK): This is the classic desktop accessibility application (osk.exe). It’s a resizable window that stays on top of other applications and looks like a traditional keyboard. It’s best for use with a mouse or when a physical keyboard is completely unavailable.
• Touch Keyboard: This keyboard is designed for touchscreens. It typically appears automatically at the bottom of the screen when you tap into a text field and looks more like a smartphone keyboard. It’s optimized for touch input and has features like swipe typing.

For most non-touch troubleshooting scenarios, the On-Screen Keyboard is the tool you need. By knowing these different methods, you’ll always have a way to type and control your Windows PC, no matter the situation.

Windows Task Scheduler is a powerful built-in tool that helps you automate tasks on your PC. Instead of manually opening programs, running scripts, or performing maintenance, you can set tasks to run automatically—at specific times, on events, or under certain conditions. Mastering this utility can save you time and keep your system running smoothly.

Why Use Task Scheduler?

Automating tasks offers many perks:

• Efficiency: Tasks run on their own, freeing you up for other things.
• Consistency: Tasks happen reliably on schedule without you needing to remember.
• Maintenance: Schedule disk cleanups, antivirus scans, or system updates.
• Boost Productivity: Automatically launch apps or organize files.
• Control: Customize exactly when and how tasks run, including power or network conditions.
• No Extra Software: It’s built right into Windows.

Understanding Task Scheduler Basics

Before you create a task, here’s what you need to know:

• Task: What action(s) you want to automate.
• Trigger: What starts the task (time, event, idle state).
• Action: What the task does (run a program, send an email, show a message).
• Conditions: Extra requirements for the task to run (like being on AC power).
• Settings: How Windows manages the task (e.g., stop if running too long).

Step 1: Open Task Scheduler

You can open Task Scheduler a few ways:

• Search the Start menu for Task Scheduler.
• Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit Enter.
• Or find it in Control Panel > Administrative Tools.

Step 2: Create a New Task

We’ll use the full Create Task option for complete control.

1. Click Create Task… in the right Actions pane.

Step 3: Configure General Settings

• Name: Give your task a clear name (e.g., “Open Morning News”).
• Description: Optional, but useful to note what it does.
• Security options:
  • Usually, keep Run only when user is logged on for personal tasks.
  • For tasks needing admin rights or running regardless of login, choose Run whether user is logged on or not (may require password).
• Check Run with highest privileges if the task needs admin rights.
• Choose your Windows version in Configure for.

Step 4: Set Triggers (When the Task Runs)

1. Go to the Triggers tab, click New…
2. Pick a trigger type:
   • On a schedule (daily, weekly, one-time) — common choice.
   • At startup, At logon, On idle, or On an event for more advanced triggers.
3. Set start time, recurrence, and other options.
4. Click OK.

Step 5: Define Actions (What the Task Does)

1. Go to Actions tab, click New…
2. Choose Start a program (most common).
3. Browse to the program’s executable (e.g., Chrome at C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe).
4. In Add arguments, enter parameters if needed (for example, a URL to open in a browser).
5. Click OK.

Step 6: Optional Conditions

Set additional conditions like:

• Only run on AC power (good for laptops).
• Run only if connected to a specific network.
• Run only if computer is idle.
• Wake computer to run task.

Step 7: Configure Settings

Adjust how Task Scheduler handles the task:

• Allow manual runs anytime.
• Run task as soon as possible if a scheduled start is missed.
• Decide what happens if the task is already running (usually don’t start a new instance).
• Set maximum runtime and choose to force stop if necessary (use cautiously).

Step 8: Save and Test

• Click OK to create the task (you may need to enter your password).
• In the Task Scheduler Library, find your task.
• Right-click and select Run to test it.
• Verify that it performs as expected.

Managing and Troubleshooting

• Use the History tab on each task to check if it ran successfully or failed.
• Common errors:
  • 0x0: Success
  • 0x2: File not found (check program path)
  • 0x80070005: Access denied (try running with highest privileges)
• Make sure the user account running the task has necessary permissions.

By following these steps, you can automate a wide range of Windows tasks, making your computing life easier and more efficient.

It sounds like you’re experiencing some trouble with your Windows system, possibly due to corrupted system files. Don’t worry, this is a common issue and there are several reliable ways to fix it. Corrupted system files can lead to various problems, from minor glitches to major system instability, so addressing them promptly is key to a healthy Windows experience.

As someone who’s spent countless hours troubleshooting Windows systems, I can tell you that while the idea of “corrupted files” might sound daunting, the solutions are surprisingly straightforward. We’ll walk through the most effective methods, step-by-step, to get your PC back in top shape.

How to Repair Corrupted System Files in Windows

Repairing corrupted system files in Windows often involves using built-in tools designed for this exact purpose. These tools scan your system, identify discrepancies, and replace or repair any damaged files. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most effective methods:

Method 1: Using the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

The System File Checker (SFC) is the first and most crucial tool you should turn to. It’s a command-line utility that scans for and restores corrupted Windows system files.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press the Windows key + S to open the search bar.
   • Type “cmd” or “Command Prompt“.
   • Right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results and select “Run as administrator.” You’ll be prompted to confirm; click “Yes.”
2. Run the SFC Scan:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
   • sfc /scannow
   • Explanation:
     • sfc: This invokes the System File Checker tool.
     • /scannow: This is the parameter that tells SFC to scan all protected system files and replace corrupted files with a cached copy.
   • The scan will begin and can take some time to complete. Do not close the Command Prompt window until the verification is 100% complete.
3. Interpret the Results:
   • Once the scan finishes, you’ll see one of the following messages:
     • “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.” This means your system files are likely fine, and the corruption might stem from another source.
     • “Windows Resource Protection found corrupted files and successfully repaired them.” Great news! SFC fixed the issues.
     • “Windows Resource Protection found corrupted files but was unable to fix some of them.” This indicates SFC couldn’t repair everything. In this case, proceed to Method 2.
     • “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.” This might mean there’s an issue with the Windows modules installer service or another underlying problem. You might need to run the DISM tool first (Method 2).
4. Restart Your Computer: After the SFC scan completes (especially if it found and repaired files), it’s always a good idea to restart your computer. This allows the changes to take full effect.

Method 2: Using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

If SFC couldn’t repair all corrupted files, or if you received an error message, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is your next step. DISM is a more powerful command-line tool used to prepare Windows images, including repairing the underlying Windows component store that SFC relies on. Think of it as preparing the ground before SFC can do its work effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Run DISM Commands: You’ll typically run three main DISM commands in sequence. These commands download original Windows files from Windows Update to repair your local image. An active internet connection is required for these steps.
   • Command 1: Check Health (Optional but Recommended)
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
     • Explanation: This command quickly checks for any corruption in the Windows image. It’s a quick check and doesn’t perform any repairs.
   • Command 2: Scan Health
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
     • Explanation: This command performs a more thorough scan of the Windows image for corruption. This can take several minutes to complete.
   • Command 3: Restore Health
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
     • Explanation: This is the most important command. It scans for corruption and automatically attempts to repair it by using Windows Update to download necessary replacement files. This can take longer than the previous commands, especially if a lot of corruption is found. The progress might appear stuck at times, but be patient.
3. Run SFC Again (Crucial): After running the DISM RestoreHealth command, it’s vital to run the SFC scan again (as described in Method 1). This is because DISM repairs the source files that SFC uses. Once DISM has fixed the underlying image, SFC can then successfully repair any remaining corrupted system files.
   •   sfc /scannow
4. Restart Your Computer: Once both DISM and SFC have completed, restart your computer.

Method 3: Performing a Clean Boot

Sometimes, third-party applications or services can interfere with system files, causing them to appear corrupted or preventing repair. A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping you identify if a background program is causing the issue. This isn’t a direct repair method but a diagnostic one that can lead you to the cause.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open System Configuration:
   • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
2. Configure for Clean Boot:
   • Go to the General tab.
   • Select “Selective startup.”
   • Uncheck “Load startup items.”
   • Make sure “Load system services” and “Use original boot configuration” are checked.
3. Disable Non-Microsoft Services:
   • Go to the Services tab.
   • Check the box for “Hide all Microsoft services.” This is crucial to avoid disabling essential Windows services.
   • Click “Disable all.”
4. Apply and Restart:
   • Click “Apply” then “OK.”
   • You’ll be prompted to restart your computer. Click “Restart.”
5. Test for the Issue:
   • After restarting in a clean boot environment, run the SFC and DISM commands again (Methods 1 and 2). If the system files are now repairable, it indicates a third-party application or service was interfering.
6. Troubleshoot and Re-enable Services:
   • If the issue is resolved in a clean boot, you’ll need to go back into msconfig and enable services one by one or in small groups to pinpoint the culprit.
   • After enabling a group, restart your computer and test. Repeat until you find the problematic service.
   • Once identified, you can choose to keep it disabled, update it, or uninstall the associated program.
7. Return to Normal Startup:
   • Once you’re done troubleshooting, go back into msconfig.
   • On the General tab, select “Normal startup.”
   • Click “Apply” then “OK,” and restart your computer to return to your regular Windows environment.

Method 4: Using System Restore

System Restore is a powerful feature that allows you to revert your system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and system settings to a previous point in time, known as a restore point. This can be incredibly helpful if the file corruption is recent and you have a healthy restore point available.

Important Note: System Restore will not affect your personal files (documents, pictures, etc.), but it will remove programs installed after the chosen restore point.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open System Restore:
   • Press the Windows key + S and type “create a restore point” in the search bar.
   • Click on the search result that appears. This will open the System Properties window on the “System Protection” tab.
   • Click the “System Restore…” button.
2. Follow the Wizard:
   • Click “Next” on the initial System Restore dialog.
   • You’ll see a list of available restore points. Select a restore point that was created before you started experiencing issues with corrupted files. You can check the box “Show more restore points” to see additional options.
   • Once you’ve selected a restore point, click “Next.”
3. Confirm and Proceed:
   • Review the details of the restore point.
   • Click “Finish” to begin the restore process.
   • You’ll receive a warning that System Restore cannot be interrupted once it starts. Click “Yes” to confirm.
4. Wait for Restoration:
   • Your computer will restart and begin the restoration process. This can take some time. Do not turn off your computer during this process.
5. Check System:
   • Once the restoration is complete, your computer will boot back into Windows. Check if the corrupted file issues are resolved.

Method 5: Resetting or Reinstalling Windows (Last Resort)

If none of the above methods work, and you’re still facing persistent issues due to corrupted system files, a Windows Reset or clean reinstall might be necessary. While more drastic, these options effectively give you a fresh start.

Option 1: Reset This PC

Windows 10 and 11 offer a “Reset this PC” option that allows you to reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files (though it’s always recommended to back them up first).

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Recovery:
   • In Windows 10: Go to “Update & Security” > “Recovery.”
   • In Windows 11: Go to “System” > “Recovery.”
3. Start Reset:
   • Under “Recovery options,” click “Get started” next to “Reset this PC.”
4. Choose an Option:
   • You’ll be presented with two main options:
     • “Keep my files“: This reinstalls Windows and keeps your personal files, but removes apps and drivers.
     • “Remove everything“: This removes all personal files, apps, and settings, performing a completely fresh installation. Choose this if you want a truly clean slate or if “Keep my files” doesn’t resolve the issue.
5. Follow On-Screen Prompts:
   • Windows will guide you through the remaining steps, including choosing how to reinstall (cloud download or local reinstall). Follow the instructions carefully.

Option 2: Clean Reinstallation of Windows

A clean reinstallation is the most thorough approach, completely wiping your drive and installing a fresh copy of Windows. This is ideal if you suspect deep-seated corruption or want to eliminate any lingering issues.

Important: This will erase everything on your primary drive. Back up all your important personal files to an external drive or cloud storage before proceeding.

General Steps (requires a bootable USB drive):

1. Create Windows Installation Media:
   • Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website on a working computer.
   • Use the tool to create a bootable USB flash drive with the Windows installation files.
2. Boot from USB:
   • Insert the USB drive into your problematic computer.
   • Restart your computer and access your BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, F12, or Del during startup) to change the boot order, making the USB drive the first boot device.
3. Install Windows:
   • Follow the on-screen prompts of the Windows installation wizard.
   • During the installation, you’ll reach a point where you can choose to format your drives. Select your primary Windows partition and choose to format it before proceeding with the installation.

Preventing Future Corruptions

While repairing corrupted files is essential, preventing them in the first place is even better. Here are some tips:

• Regularly Update Windows: Microsoft frequently releases updates that include bug fixes and stability improvements.
• Use Reliable Antivirus Software: A good antivirus can prevent malware from corrupting your files.
• Perform Disk Checks: Occasionally run chkdsk (Check Disk) to scan and repair bad sectors on your hard drive.
• Safely Remove Hardware: Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media” option before unplugging external drives.
• Avoid Force Shutdowns: Try to shut down your computer properly rather than forcing a power off, which can lead to file corruption.
• Back Up Your Data: Regular backups are your ultimate safeguard against any data loss, whether from file corruption or hardware failure.

By understanding and applying these methods, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle corrupted system files in Windows and maintain a stable, high-performing computer. Remember, patience is key, especially when dealing with system-level repairs.

\When your Windows 10 computer just won’t stay connected to Wi-Fi, or Ethernet keeps throwing “No Internet Access” errors despite everything looking fine, a network reset might be the magic bullet. This built-in feature gives your networking setup a clean slate, often resolving issues that other fixes just can’t touch.

Why You Might Need a Network Reset

Here’s when hitting that reset button can be your best move:

• Constant Wi-Fi Drops or No Internet on Ethernet
• Weird DNS or IP Problems
• Leftover Issues After Removing Malware
• VPN or Proxy Configs Gone Rogue
• Driver Corruption
• Some Networks Work, Others Don’t
• Just Plain Network Weirdness

What Does the Reset Actually Do?

It reinstalls all your network adapters and rolls your network settings back to how they were when Windows was freshly installed. Here’s what gets reset:

• All saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords
• Static IP addresses or custom DNS settings
• Any VPN connections you’ve manually set up (the software remains installed)
• Some Windows Defender Firewall rules
• Possible impacts on Bluetooth network configurations

Important: It won’t touch your personal files or apps. But yes, you will need to rejoin your Wi-Fi and reconfigure things like VPNs.

How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 10

Let’s walk through it step-by-step:

1. Open Settings

• Click the Start button > select the gear icon (Settings)
• Or just press Windows + I

2. Go to Network & Internet

• Click “Network & Internet”

3. Navigate to the Status Tab

• It should open here by default
• Scroll to the bottom and click “Network reset”

4. Reset and Reboot

• Click “Reset now”
• Confirm when prompted
• Windows will warn you it’ll restart in 5 minutes
• Restart manually if you’re ready

What to Do After the Reset

Once you’re back up:

• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Find your network and re-enter the password
• Ethernet: Should reconnect automatically
• VPN/Proxy: Reconfigure if you used one
• File Sharing/Network Discovery: If you had these set up, you might need to turn them back on

Still Not Working? Try These:

• Release/Renew IP & Flush DNS:

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

• Check Physical Connections: Especially important for Ethernet users
• Update Network Drivers:
  • Device Manager > Network adapters > Right-click > Update driver
  • Or manually download from the manufacturer’s site
• Disable and Re-enable the Adapter:
  • Right-click Start > Network Connections > Right-click your adapter > Disable > Enable
• Check Antivirus/Firewall Settings: Temporarily disable to test

A Real-Life Reset Save

After a Windows update, my laptop suddenly wouldn’t connect to Wi-Fi reliably. Every few minutes, it would drop and then reconnect—or not. I went down every rabbit hole: drivers, router settings, rolling back updates. Nothing. Then I tried a network reset. A few clicks, a restart, and boom—connection solid. It really felt like pressing a reset button on the invisible web of networking settings.

Final Word

A network reset in Windows 10 is a deceptively simple fix that can resolve some pretty gnarly internet problems. Just remember: you’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi and reconfigure any advanced settings afterward. But if your connection woes are starting to drive you up the wall, it might be exactly the clean slate your system needs.

For anyone juggling multiple languages, special characters, or just a preferred keyboard layout, knowing how to change the keyboard input method in Windows is pretty much essential. Luckily, Windows offers solid support for this—you can switch between different layouts like QWERTY, AZERTY, or Dvorak, and input languages like English, Spanish, Japanese, or Hindi in just a few clicks. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to add, manage, and switch keyboard input methods in both Windows 10 and 11.

Why Keyboard Input Methods Matter Whether you’re working across languages, coding with specific symbols, or just like a different physical layout, customizing your keyboard setup can make a big difference. Windows makes it relatively simple to add and toggle between input methods on the fly.

Understanding Keyboard Input Methods

Let’s break down what we mean by input methods:

• Keyboard Layouts: The physical arrangement of keys (like QWERTY for English or AZERTY for French).
• Input Languages: The actual language and script used (e.g., English (US), Spanish (Spain), Japanese).
• Input Method Editors (IMEs): Especially useful for languages like Japanese or Chinese, these let you type phonetic input and then pick characters from a list.

Step 1: Adding a New Keyboard Input Method

For Windows 11:

1. Open Settings: Click the Start menu > gear icon, or just hit Windows + I.
2. Navigate to Time & Language: Click it on the sidebar.
3. Click Language & Region.
4. Add a Language:
   • Hit “Add a language.”
   • Type in and select your desired language.
   • Click “Next.”
5. Choose Language Features:
   • Make sure “Basic typing” is checked. Others like speech or handwriting are optional.
   • Click “Install.”
6. Manage Layouts (Optional):
   • Click the three dots next to the added language > “Language options.”
   • Under “Keyboards,” click “Add a keyboard” to pick specific layouts.
   • Remove any extras you don’t need.

For Windows 10:

1. Open Settings: Same as above.
2. Go to Time & Language > Language.
3. Add a Preferred Language:
   • Click “Add a preferred language.”
   • Search and select your language.
   • Click “Next.”
4. Pick Language Features (ensure “Basic typing” is selected).
5. Adjust Layouts (Optional):
   • Click the language > “Options.”
   • Add or remove keyboard layouts as needed.

Step 2: Switching Between Input Methods

Once you’ve got multiple input methods set up, here are a few ways to toggle between them:

Option A: Language Bar (Taskbar Icon)

1. Look for the language abbreviation near the clock (e.g., ENG, HIN).
2. Click it to see your installed languages/layouts.
3. Pick the one you want.

Option B: Keyboard Shortcut (Windows + Spacebar)

1. Hold the Windows key.
2. Tap the Spacebar to cycle through options.
3. Release when you land on the one you want.

Option C: Left Alt + Shift (Legacy Shortcut)

1. Press both keys together to switch languages.
2. This won’t switch layouts within a language—use the other methods for that.

Step 3: Advanced Keyboard Settings (Optional)

For Windows 11:

• Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region
• You can reorder languages and keyboard layouts.
• Check out “Typing” settings for autocorrection, text suggestions, etc.

For Windows 10:

• Settings > Time & Language > Language
• Adjust order of languages and layouts.
• Explore “Spelling, typing & keyboard settings” for more tweaks.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Language Bar Missing? Right-click the taskbar > Taskbar settings > make sure “Input indicator” is on.
• Wrong Characters? Double-check you’ve selected the correct layout (e.g., US vs. AZERTY).
• Special Characters Not Working? You might need the “Character Map” app or specific layout shortcuts.
• IME Acting Up? Right-click the IME icon for additional settings and check it’s properly activated.

Getting a handle on keyboard input methods in Windows isn’t just a tech trick—it’s a real productivity boost, especially in multilingual or specialized work environments. Once set up, switching between languages and layouts becomes second nature.

Your Apple ID email is the key to your entire Apple ecosystem. It’s used to sign in to iCloud, access your App Store purchases, manage subscriptions, and sync photos, contacts, calendars, and more across your devices. But what if you need to update that email address? I’ve gone through this process myself, and one of the biggest concerns people have is: Will I lose my data if I change my Apple ID email? The good news is you can change your Apple ID email without losing data, as long as you follow the correct steps. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process in detail, based on real-world experience and Apple’s official documentation.

When Should You Change Your Apple ID Email?

You might need to change your Apple ID email in the following situations:

• You’re switching to a new email provider.
  
• You lost access to your old email address.
  
• You want to consolidate accounts under one email.
  
• You created your Apple ID with a third-party email and now prefer using an Apple email (like @icloud.com).

Important Things to Know Before You Start

• You won’t lose data if you sign out properly and stay signed in to iCloud during the transition.
• Your iCloud data, apps, subscriptions, and purchases remain intact.
• You must have access to the new email address for verification.
• Changing from a third-party email (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) to an Apple domain (e.g., @icloud.com) is permanent. You can’t go back.

Step 1: Check if Your Email Is Eligible to Change

If your Apple ID is already an @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com address, you cannot change it to a third-party email. However, if you use a third-party email like Gmail or Outlook, you can change it to another third-party address or an iCloud email.

To check:

1. Go to Settings > Apple ID > Name, Phone Numbers, Email.
2. Under Contactable At, you’ll see the email used as your Apple ID.
   

Step 2: Back Up Your iPhone or iPad

Even though your data is tied to your Apple ID and should remain safe, create a backup just in case anything goes wrong.

To back up via iCloud:

1. Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
   
2. Tap Back Up Now.
   

To back up via Finder or iTunes:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
2. Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier).
3. Select your device and click Back Up Now.
   

I always recommend doing both if you’re making significant changes to your Apple ID.

Step 3: Sign Out of All Devices Except One

To avoid sync issues or repeated verification prompts, sign out of your Apple ID on all devices except the one you’ll use to change the email.

On other Apple devices:

1. Go to Settings > Apple ID.
2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
3. Enter your password to turn off Find My iPhone.
4. Keep a copy of local data when prompted (e.g., Contacts, Keychain, Safari).

Step 4: Change Your Apple ID Email Address

Now, let’s change the email address.

On iPhone, iPad, or Mac:

1. Go to Settings > Apple ID > Name, Phone Numbers, Email.
   
2. Tap Edit next to “Reachable At.”
   
3. Tap the red minus sign to remove your current email.
   
4. Tap Continue when prompted.
   
5. Enter the new email address you want to use.
   
6. Tap Next and enter your Apple ID password.
   
7. Check your new email for a verification code.
   
8. Enter the code on your device to confirm the change.

Or do it on the web:

1. Visit appleid.apple.com and sign in.
   
2. Under Account, click Edit.
   
3. Click Change Apple ID.
   
4. Enter the new email and verify it.

After confirmation, your Apple ID email is updated.

Step 5: Sign Back In to All Your Devices

After changing your Apple ID, go back and sign in on each device using your new email address and your existing password.

Make sure you:

• Re-enable iCloud, Find My, and Keychain.
  
• Review your settings under iCloud > Apps Using iCloud.
  
• Sign in to iMessage and FaceTime again if prompted.

Step 6: Update Apple ID in All Services and Apps

To avoid login interruptions, update your Apple ID wherever it’s used:

• App Store & iTunes
• iCloud.com
• Apple Music or Apple TV+
• Mail accounts on macOS or iOS
• Third-party apps that use Sign in with Apple

Apple should automatically sync most of these changes, but it’s a good idea to check manually, especially for subscription services.

Step 7: Confirm Your Data Is Still There

After signing back in, verify that your data is still synced.

Check the following:

• Photos in the Photos app (iCloud Photos)
  
• Contacts in the Contacts app
  
• Notes, Reminders, and Calendar entries
  
• Files in iCloud Drive
  
• Safari bookmarks and tabs
• Health data if synced to iCloud

If anything seems missing, check your backup and consider restoring from iCloud.

Troubleshooting Tips

Can’t change Apple ID email?

• Make sure the new email is not associated with another Apple ID.
  
• If using a third-party email, make sure it’s valid and accessible.
  
• If the option is greyed out, your current email might be an Apple domain, which can’t be changed.

Didn’t get the verification code?

• Check spam or junk folders.
  
• Ensure your new email is entered correctly.
  
• Resend the code from the verification screen.
  

Lost data after change?

This is very rare. Most cases of “lost” data are due to:

• Signing in with a different Apple ID
• Forgetting to re-enable iCloud services
• Having multiple Apple IDs unknowingly
  

Always sign in using the correct account linked to your data.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Apple ID email address doesn’t have to be risky or complicated. As long as you follow the correct steps—especially signing out properly, backing up your device, and re-signing in—you can change your Apple ID without losing any data.

I’ve personally done this on my iPhone and MacBook without any issues, and the key takeaway is preparation. Understand what’s connected to your account, keep your login credentials secure, and follow each step with care.

Microsoft uses telemetry data collection to monitor system performance, usage patterns, application behavior, and more. This helps them improve Windows and deliver relevant updates. However, many users—including IT professionals and privacy-conscious individuals—may want to disable telemetry in Windows to limit data sharing and protect user privacy. I’ve personally applied these steps on multiple systems—both personal and professional—to reduce unnecessary background data transfer and gain better control over system performance. This guide explains how to disable Windows telemetry data collection using built-in settings, Group Policy, services, and registry tweaks.

What Is Windows Telemetry Data?

Telemetry refers to the automated collection and transmission of diagnostic and usage data to Microsoft. This includes:

• Device configuration
• Application usage
• System health and performance
• Error reports
• User interaction (in some cases)

Windows 10 and 11 include four telemetry levels (some renamed over time):

• Security (only in Enterprise/Education editions)
• Basic
• Enhanced (deprecated)
• Full

By default, most Windows 10/11 versions use the Full level unless modified.

Why Disable Windows Telemetry?

Common reasons:

• Privacy concerns over sensitive data being transmitted
• Reducing background activity to improve system performance
• Preventing enterprise data leaks in managed environments
• Minimizing network bandwidth usage

Disabling telemetry won’t affect core system functionality, but it may limit access to some diagnostics-based features like tailored troubleshooting.

Important Notes Before You Begin

• These steps work on Windows 10 and 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
• Home edition users may have limited access to some settings (Group Policy is unavailable by default).
• Always create a system restore point before editing the registry or disabling services.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Disable Windows Telemetry

Method 1: Disable Telemetry Using Group Policy Editor

This is the most effective way on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor

• Press Windows + R → type gpedit.msc → press Enter

Step 2: Navigate to Telemetry Policy

Go to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds

Step 3: Configure Telemetry Settings

1. Double-click Allow Telemetry
2. Set it to Disabled
3. Click Apply, then OK

If Disabled is not selectable, choose Enabled, and from the drop-down list, select 0 – Security

Note: Level 0 (Security) is only respected in Enterprise/Education editions. On Pro editions, the minimum is level 1 (Basic), but the above settings will still limit data sharing.

Step 4: Force Policy Update

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

bash

CopyEdit

gpupdate /force

This will apply the policy changes immediately.

Method 2: Disable Telemetry via Registry Editor

This method works for all Windows editions, including Home.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

• Press Windows + R → type regedit → press Enter
• Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt

Step 2: Navigate to the Following Path

CopyEdit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection

If the DataCollection key doesn’t exist, create it manually.

Step 3: Create or Modify the “AllowTelemetry” DWORD

1. Right-click in the right pane → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
2. Name it: AllowTelemetry
3. Set its value to:
   • 0 = Security
   • 1 = Basic
   • 2 = Enhanced (deprecated)
   • 3 = Full

For maximum limitation, set it to 0.

Step 4: Restart the PC

The changes will take effect after rebooting.

Method 3: Disable Connected User Experience and Telemetry Services

Windows runs several background services related to telemetry. You can safely disable them.

Step 1: Open Services

• Press Windows + R → type services.msc → press Enter

Step 2: Locate and Disable Services

1. Find and double-click the following services:
   • Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
   • dmwappushsvc (Device Management Wireless Application Protocol Push Service)
   • Diagnostic Execution Service (if available)
2. Set Startup type to Disabled
3. Click Stop, then Apply and OK

Step 3: Restart Your PC

This stops the background telemetry process permanently unless manually re-enabled.

Method 4: Disable Feedback Frequency via Settings

This is a quick way to limit user interaction data collection.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback
2. Scroll to Feedback frequency
3. Set to Never

While this doesn’t disable telemetry entirely, it stops prompts asking for user feedback.

Method 5: Block Telemetry Domains via Hosts File (Advanced)

For power users, blocking Microsoft telemetry URLs using the hosts file or firewall rules is another layer of protection.

Example Hosts File Entries:

kotlin

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127.0.0.1 vortex.data.microsoft.com

127.0.0.1 settings-win.data.microsoft.com

127.0.0.1 watson.telemetry.microsoft.com

Edit the hosts file:

• Path: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
• Open in Notepad as Administrator

Be cautious. Blocking certain endpoints may break Windows Update or Microsoft Store.

Verifying That Telemetry Is Disabled

You can check whether your changes were applied successfully:

Using PowerShell:

powershell

CopyEdit

Get-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection” -Name “AllowTelemetry”

Output should show value = 0 if telemetry is fully restricted.

Check Group Policy Status:

Run gpresult /h report.html and open the report to verify applied telemetry policies.

Things to Remember

• Updates may reset telemetry settings. Check settings again after major updates.
• Some telemetry is tied to system health reporting and Microsoft Defender updates.
• Disabling all telemetry may prevent personalized suggestions or remote troubleshooting in Windows.
• If you manage multiple machines, use Group Policy templates or PowerShell scripts for batch application.

Conclusion

Disabling Windows telemetry data collection is possible through Group Policy, Registry Editor, and service-level configuration. Whether your priority is privacy, performance, or regulatory compliance, following these steps will help limit how much data Windows sends back to Microsoft.

I’ve implemented these configurations on both standalone and managed systems, and they continue to be one of the most requested privacy customizations. Always remember to back up your system or create a restore point before making any changes.