Have you ever encountered a frustrating situation where a program you need to use is open but off-screen in Windows? Maybe you have tried multiple times to open a program, but it never appears on-screen. It could be that the program opened off-screen, and you just cannot see it. Don't worry; there are several methods to bring an off-screen program back on-screen, or close it and I'll guide you through them step by step.

Alt + Tab: Press Alt + Tab to cycle through the open windows. Keep the Alt key pressed and tap the Tab key until you see the off-screen program. Once it is highlighted, release the keys, and the program window should come back into view.

Use window management shortcuts: If you highlighted the program window with Alt + Tab but it did not appear back on screen, Windows has built-in shortcuts for window management, which can be useful for bringing an off-screen program back on-screen. Press and hold the Windows logo key + Left or Right arrow to move the selected window to the left or right side of the current monitor, allowing you to regain sight of it.

Adjust screen resolution: Sometimes, adjusting the screen resolution can bring an off-screen program back into view. Right-click on the Desktop, select Display settings, and adjust the resolution to a different setting. After confirming the change, revert back to the original resolution. This may prompt the off-screen program to reposition itself within the visible area.

Close the program: When all else fails, consider closing and reopening the program you cannot see. Yes, you might lose any changes made to any files open in that program, but this might be the only way to regain access to it.

Right-click on the Taskbar and left-click Task Manager. The Task Manager will open with either a compact view of open programs or a full list of them. If it opens with the compact view, just click on the More details button at the bottom.

All open programs are typically listed in the Processes section under Apps.

To close a hidden program, right-click it and select End task. If the program you want to close is not listed under Processes, look under Details.

Now, programs listed in the Details section are by the actual program name, the executable (which has a .exe extension). For example, the actual executable name for Quickbooks Pro is QBW32Pro.exe. Also, look for the program's logo as the icon for the executable to the left of the program name.

You can also check Desktop shortcuts for the actual program name. Right-click on the shortcut you use to launch the program and left-click on Properties. In the Shortcut tab, the Target field shows the path (C:\..) and program name (..\MyApp.exe). Make a note of the actual program name. Once you have identified the program you cannot see on the screen, scroll down the list of running programs under Details until you find it.

Then right-click on it and select End task.

Dealing with off-screen programs in Windows can be frustrating, but with the methods outlined above, you can quickly bring them back on-screen or close them. There's always a way to retrieve those elusive windows, whether using built-in shortcuts or Task Manager. Try these methods the next time you encounter an off-screen program, and you'll return to your productive self in no time.

Are you looking to update the drivers inside your Windows PC for optimal performance? Keeping your drivers updated is essential for a smooth and efficient computing experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through updating your Windows drivers while ensuring that your system runs smoothly and efficiently.

Updating drivers in Windows is a crucial maintenance task that can help resolve hardware compatibility issues, improve system stability, and enhance overall system performance. With the ever-evolving hardware landscape, staying on top of driver updates is essential to ensure that your PC components function at their best. Follow these steps to update your Windows drivers and keep your system running smoothly.

Device Manager

The first thing you should do is check Device Manager for any hardware components that are having driver issues. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager from the Power User menu. If any devices are having problems, you will find them here.

Look down the list of hardware components and see if there are any with yellow triangles with exclamation marks.

These devices are currently malfunctioning and might need a driver to run correctly. Double left-click on the component to bring up its properties.

On the General tab, you will find the Device status box, which shows you what is wrong with that component. If it is missing a driver, you can go to the Driver tab and select Update driver. Odds are Windows has already tried to update the driver using Windows Update and did not find a compatible driver.

If Windows cannot find a driver, there are a couple of options. Either use a third-party program to detect and find a driver or play detective and research the mystery component. A quick Google search will usually bring up the device manufacturer and device type.

To find out the component information, bring up the component's properties and go to the Details tab. In the Property pull-down menu, select Hardware Ids, right-click on the top Value, and select Copy. Then, use your favorite browser and go to Google. Right-click inside the search box, select Paste from the menu that appears and then hit Enter.

Nine times out of ten, the type of component and its manufacturer will be at the top of the search results. From here, you can to go to the manufacturer's website and look for drivers for that component or use a third-party driver utiltiy (see below). Once all the components are running correctly, you can update the drivers.

Updating Drivers

When it comes to updating drivers, I prefer using the manufacturer's drivers whenever possible. Most laptop, desktop, and motherboard manufacturers have software to assist you in getting the latest drivers for your device. For example, Dell has Dell Update, HP has its Support Assistant, and MSI has the MSI Center.

A quick check for utilities or software in your device's download section should yield either an app for updating drivers or the actual driver itself. You may have to search through the downloads, but an app that will check for and download updates is the preferred way to go.

If you do not find any apps for updating the drivers and you did not find a driver for your mystery component, then using a third-party driver updating program may be your only alternative. There are plenty of them out there. But I have only found one that really works.

A few years back, I had a laptop for which I was reinstalling Windows and had to find drivers. It was an obscure laptop made in China, and the manufacturer had gone out of business. I took the opportunity to test out several of the top-rated driver utilities. The only one that found drivers for all components was the IObit Driver Booster.

In conclusion, updating drivers on Windows is a crucial maintenance task that can help optimize your PC's performance and ensure compatibility with the latest hardware and software. Following the steps outlined above, you can keep your system running smoothly and efficiently while enjoying the best possible computing experience. Remember that regular driver updates can help prevent compatibility issues and ensure that your PC's hardware operates at its full potential.

Every computer technician carries a few USB flash drives with software, scripts, and other files that we use for diagnostics. I have several in my briefcase and even more in my workshop. But their contents are constantly changing. So here is another installment of My Digital Toolbox.

HWiNFO

When it comes to monitoring hardware while running diagnostics or stress tests, nothing comes close to HWiNFO. This versatile tool allows you to know the status of any component inside your computer. The convenience of a portable version that can be run directly from a USB drive adds to its appeal, making it a must-have for your digital toolbox.

HWiNFO

Prime95

Prime95, originally developed to search for Mersenne prime numbers, has been adopted for stress testing CPUs (Central Processing Unit). It uses the CPU's integer and floating-point instructions to feed a consistent workload, testing the CPU's stability. The fact that it's a stand-alone program that doesn't require installation adds to its appeal. Simply download, unzip, and run. It's a great companion to HWiNFO (see above), making it a valuable addition to your digital toolbox.

Prime95

Display Driver Uninstaller

When it comes to graphic cards, having the correct version of drivers is essential, and maintaining them can be a nightmare. Uninstalling the separate components can be frustrating. Luckily, there is the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). With this program, you can uninstall all of the components that get installed when you use the manufacturer's installation software package. It is recommended that you run DDU in safe mode and create a Restore Point before running DDU.

Display Driver Uninstaller

Are you tired of hunting for your favorite program, website, or feature in Windows 11? Why not utilize a shortcut to make navigating Windows 11 so much easier? In this article, I will show you how to master shortcuts in Windows 11.

Creating shortcuts in Windows 11 can significantly improve your productivity and efficiency. By allowing you to access your favorite apps and features with just a few keystrokes, whether you are a seasoned Windows user or new to the platform, learning how to create and use shortcuts can streamline your workflow and make navigating Windows 11 a breeze.

In this article, we will explore the various methods for creating and using shortcuts in Windows 11, as well as some valuable tips and tricks to help you get the most out of these powerful features. There are basically four (4) types of shortcuts we are going to look at. They are Desktop, Taskbar, Start menu and Keyboard.

When creating shortcuts, you have to know where the file or app you want to create a shortcut to is located on your computer. You usually will use File Explorer to make most of your shortcuts. You can access the File Explorer by either:

• Left-clicking on the manilla folder icon (File Explorer) on the Taskbar.
• Right-click on the Start button and select File Explorer from the Power User menu.
• Press the Windows logo key + E.

Desktop Shortcuts

Desktop shortcuts are by far the most popular shortcuts. They are easy to create, can link to almost anything, and have the most options. Some of the following procedures require using both left and right mouse buttons and drag-and-drop functions.

Folder and file shortcuts

1. Open File Explorer and make sure that its window is not maximized and that you can see the Desktop behind it.
2. Locate any folder or file you would like to create a shortcut on the Desktop.
3. Click and hold the right mouse button on the folder or file and drag it to the Desktop.
4. Left-click on Create shortcuts here from
   
   the context menu that appears.

By using the right mouse button instead of the left mouse button to create the shortcut, you are guaranteed to get the Create shortcuts here option.

URL shortcuts

Creating a link to a web page is as simple as it is for folders and files. We will use your favorite browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, etc.) to create a Desktop shortcut.

1. Open your browser, make sure that its window is not maximized, and you can see the Desktop behind it.
2. Navigate to the web page to which you would like a shortcut.
3. Click and hold the left mouse button on the
   
   View site information icon to the left of the web address, then drag it to the Desktop.

Desktop shortcuts also have another cool feature: keyboard shortcuts. These keyboard shortcuts are limited to using the Ctrl + Alt keys along with your choice of a letter (A-Z) or number (0-9). They are handy when you want to open a Desktop shortcut, and your screen is full of open apps.

To set up a keyboard shortcut for a Desktop shortcut:

1. Right-click on a Desktop shortcut and select Properties.
2. For shortcuts to folders and files, select the Shortcut tab and scroll down to Shortcut key. For web page shortcuts, select the Web Document tab and scroll down to Shortcut key.
3. Left-click in the Shortcut key box and press the letter or number you want to use. You will notice that Ctrl + Alt are automatically added.
4. In the right-hand corner, left-click on Apply. Then click on OK.

To remove a Desktop shortcut, right-click on it and select Delete from the context menu that appears.

Taskbar / Start menu shortcuts

Since the Taskbar and Start menu shortcuts are created similarly, I have grouped them together. There is one difference between them: Taskbar shortcuts can only be to programs, not folders or files. However, creating and deleting them is the same.

1. Using either Files Explorer or the Start menu, navigate to the program, folder, or file you want a shortcut to.
2. Right-click on it to bring up the context menu for it.
3. On the context menu, look for either Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start. If there is a More options link at the bottom of the context menu, click on it. You should now have all available options shown.
4. Left-click on the type of shortcut you would like to create.

To remove a Taskbar or Start menu shortcut, right-click on the shortcut and choose Unpin from Taskbar or Unpin from Start.

Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are another powerful way to streamline your workflow in Windows 11. Many built-in shortcuts can help you quickly navigate the operating system and perform everyday tasks. For example, pressing Windows logo key + D will minimize all open windows and show the Desktop, while Windows logo key + E will open File Explorer.

There are several categories of Keyboard shortcuts: Windows logo key, accessibility, dialog box, and general. And since I use my right hand for my mouse, I have keyboard shortcuts I use only with my left hand. Here are links to all of the different categories of keyboard shortcuts you can use with Windows 11.

Windows logo key shortcuts for Windows 11

Accessibility keyboard shortcuts

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

General keyboard shortcuts

My favorite left hand Windows keyboard shortcuts

In conclusion, creating and using shortcuts in Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your computing experience. By taking advantage of Desktop shortcuts, Taskbar shortcuts, Start menu shortcuts, and Keyboard shortcuts, you can easily customize your workflow to suit your individual needs and navigate Windows 11. With some time and effort, you can create a personalized system of shortcuts that will help you work more efficiently and effectively.

Did you recently purchase a Windows computer only to discover that you could not install desktop programs? If so, it could be that your Windows computer came with S mode enabled. In this article, I will show you how to switch your Windows computer running in S mode to the Windows Home version.

Most people have never heard of Windows running in S mode. That is probably because S mode was meant to compete with Chromebooks in the education industry. Basically, it's a Home version of Windows that has been restricted to only installing apps from the Microsoft Store.

Now, if you're a parent of a young child, S mode is a perfect match. Using Microsoft accounts, you can utilize the Family Safety feature to configure what software can be installed, where they can and cannot go on the Internet, and when they can use their device.

How to setup Family Safety for Windows using Microsoft accounts

The nice thing is that Microsoft allows you to switch Windows out of S mode and into the Home version. And it is free. But it is a one-way conversion. Once your system switches out of S mode, it will never be able to go back into S mode. It's important to note that switching out of S mode does require an Internet connection. If you are using a laptop, make sure that your device is plugged in or has sufficient battery charge to complete the process.

How to switch out of S mode

Before switching out of S mode, it's important to note again that this process is irreversible. Once you switch out of S mode, you cannot go back. With that in mind, here's a step-by-step guide to switching out of S mode:

1. Begin by opening the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer.
2. In the Microsoft Store, search for Switch out of S mode in the search bar.
3. Select the Switch out of S mode option from the search results.
4. Click the Get button to initiate the process. You may be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account if you haven't already done so.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the switch out of S mode. This process may take a few minutes, and your computer will need to restart to apply the changes.

After switching out of S mode, your computer will be running the Home version of Windows. You will now be able to install and run desktop apps from sources other than the Microsoft Store, giving you greater flexibility and control over your computing experience.