Tech Fixes & Troubleshooting

To make Windows 11 resemble Windows 7, use Open Shell for the Start Menu and Explorer, apply a Windows 7 theme, and tweak the taskbar. Set a Windows 7 wallpaper and window color to finish the retro transformation. Achieving the Windows 7 Visual Experience The key to transforming Windows 11 into Windows 7 lies in a combination of software and system tweaks. Let’s break down the process step-by-step. 1. Installing Open Shell/Classic Shell (Start Menu & Explorer) Open Shell (originally Classic Shell) is the cornerstone of this transformation. This free software replaces the Windows 11 Start Menu with a customizable replica of the Windows 7 Start Menu. Here’s how to install and configure it: ...

To set VLC as the default player on Windows 11, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Find VLC, and select it. Then, assign VLC to each file type or use ‘Set defaults by app’. This ensures VLC handles your media files seamlessly. How to Set VLC as the Default Player in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide This section details reliable methods to configure VLC as the default media player on a Windows 11 system. These steps have been tested on multiple Windows 11 installations, including clean and upgraded systems. ...

How to Change Desktop Icons on Windows 11 Tired of the default icons? Changing desktop icons in Windows 11 is straightforward. Right-click the desktop, select ‘Personalize,’ then ‘Themes,’ and ‘Desktop icon settings.’ Choose the icon, click ‘Change Icon…’, browse to your desired file (.ico, .dll, or .exe), select it, and click ‘OK’ then ‘Apply.’ You can restore defaults, too. I’ve customized countless Windows setups, and tweaking desktop icons is one of the first things I do. This guide uses my direct experience customizing Windows 11 icons to tailor your desktop to your exact preferences. Let’s walk through the process step by step. ...

Can’t Drag Files Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It! The inability to drag and drop files in Windows 11 often stems from corrupted system files, interfering applications, or incorrect registry settings. Restarting Explorer, updating drivers, disabling conflicting software, or running a system file check can resolve this. More advanced troubleshooting, like editing the registry or performing a clean boot, might be needed. Let’s get this fixed! Troubleshooting Steps: Fixing Drag and Drop in Windows 11 Here’s a detailed walkthrough of potential solutions, starting with the simplest and moving toward more complex methods. Remember to test after each step to see if the issue is resolved. ...

Making Windows 11 resemble Windows 7 involves using Open-Shell or Classic Shell, which restores the classic Start Menu and Windows Explorer appearance. Apply a Windows 7 theme and change the taskbar behavior. Finally, use a third-party tool like Winaero Tweaker. Recreating the Windows 7 Look in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide This guide details precisely how to transform Windows 11 into a near-identical replica of Windows 7. The focus is on free, readily available tools and techniques. ...

Where to Find Notepad.exe in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide The notepad.exe executable in Windows 11 is typically located in the C:\\Windows\\System32 directory. You can quickly access it by typing “notepad” in the Windows search bar or by navigating directly to this folder using File Explorer. Confirm the location through Task Manager after launching the program. Understanding Notepad.exe’s Importance Notepad is a fundamental text editor included with Windows. It’s used for creating, viewing, and editing plain text files. Its simplicity makes it ideal for quick note-taking, writing scripts, and viewing configuration files. Understanding where it resides and how to launch it can significantly speed up your workflow. ...

Install Windows 11 on VMware Without TPM: A Comprehensive Guide Installing Windows 11 on VMware without TPM can be tricky. This guide walks you through the process of installing Windows 11 on a VMware virtual machine, even without a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. I’ve tested this across various VMware versions and Windows 11 builds. This involves a simple registry modification that bypasses the TPM and Secure Boot checks during the installation. ...

Changing app icons in Windows 11 is straightforward. Right-click the app shortcut, select ‘Properties,’ then ‘Change Icon’ under the ‘Shortcut’ tab. Choose a new icon from the system or browse for a custom .ico file. This quick customization enhances desktop personalization. I’ve found that customizing my Windows 11 desktop with unique icons makes it easier to quickly identify and launch my favorite applications. Let’s explore the different methods I’ve used to personalize app icons. ...

Understanding the Need to Disable the Windows Key The Windows key, typically located between the Ctrl and Alt keys, offers quick access to the Start Menu. However, gamers or those using full-screen applications find accidental presses disruptive. Disabling it prevents interruptions, enhancing productivity and the gaming experience. Methods to Disable the Windows Key Several methods exist to disable the Windows key in Windows 11. Let’s explore the most reliable. Using the Registry Editor (Recommended) The Registry Editor offers a direct and persistent way to disable the Windows key by remapping it to a null function. ...

Checking crash logs in Windows 11 involves using Event Viewer or examining minidump files. Event Viewer provides a user-friendly interface to view system errors and application crashes. Minidump files, located in C:\\Windows\\Minidump, contain detailed information about the crash and can be analyzed with debugging tools like WinDbg for deeper troubleshooting of blue screen errors and program failures. Diagnosing Windows 11 Crashes: A Comprehensive Guide Windows 11, while generally stable, can sometimes experience crashes. Understanding how to access and interpret crash logs is essential for troubleshooting. These logs provide valuable clues about the cause of the crashes, allowing you to resolve the underlying issues. I’ve personally dealt with countless system crashes and these methods have proven invaluable. ...