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How to close a program or scareware running in full-screen kiosk mode

Are you currently facing the urgent need to close a program or scareware in Windows that is running in full-screen kiosk mode? This is a common issue when a scareware web page takes over your entire screen, making it impossible to exit. In this article, I will guide you through the steps to quickly regain control and close the program or scareware.

Dealing with a program or scareware running in full-screen kiosk mode can be challenging. The usual methods of closing programs, like clicking the X button, are ineffective. So, how can you take back control of your screen and close the program or scareware? Let's delve into some practical solutions to this complex issue.

Keyboard Shortcuts: Many full-screen kiosk mode applications offer a way out using keyboard shortcuts. One common shortcut is hitting the Esc key. This key is often set to exit full-screen mode and return the program to a windowed state, allowing you to close it using the usual methods. If the Esc key doesn't do the trick, try another standard keyboard shortcut, Alt + F4, to force close the program. These shortcuts can empower you to regain control of your screen and close the kiosk application.

Task Manager: This is by far the most successful way of closing a program or scareware running in full-screen kiosk mode. To open Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard. If that doesn't work, press Ctrl + Alt + Del to bring up the Windows Security screen and select Task Manager.

Task Manager will open in either a compact view of open programs or a complete list. If it opens with the compact view, click the More details button at the bottom. Once Task Manager is open, there are two (2) places you can close a program: Processes and Details.

Remember that if you are trying to close a scareware screen, it is just a web page, and you will need to close the browser displaying it. On the Processes tab, program names are displayed; on the Details tab, the executable (*.exe) name is displayed. For example, Google Chrome is chrome.exe, Microsoft Edge is msedge.exe, and Mozilla Firefox is firefox.exe.

To close a program/browser from the Processes tab,
Task Manager displaying all running Processes
right-click on the program/browser name and select End task. To close a program/browser from the Details tab,
Task Manager displaying the details of all running programs
right-click on the executable name and choose End task. If multiple copies of the same executable are running, right-click on one of them and select End process tree.

If you just closed a browser that displayed scareware, open that same browser. If it tells you that it closed unexpectedly and asks if you want to open the previously opened tabs, select No. This will prevent the scareware from reappearing.

In conclusion, closing a program or scareware in Windows running in full-screen kiosk mode can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Using keyboard shortcuts and Task Manager, you can regain control of your screen and close the full-screen application. Knowing these methods will help you effectively manage full-screen kiosk applications in Windows.

Rescuing off-screen programs in Windows

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.

Rescuing off-screen programs in Windows

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 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.
A list of running processes inside of Task Manager
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.
A list of running programs inside of Task Manager
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.

Optimize your network connection for your Windows computer

Are you having problems with the network connection for your Windows computer? Does your Internet connection seem slow? If so, here are some tips on how to optimize the network connection in your Windows computer.

Optimize your network connection for your Windows computer

In today's world, being connected to the Internet is essential for both personal and professional purposes. However, sometimes, the network connection for your Windows computer can be slow or unstable, which can be frustrating and affect your productivity. In this article, we'll explore some tips to optimize the network connection in your Windows computer.

Reset your network adapter

Overtime, the settings for your network adapter can get corrupted. Resetting the network protocols back to factory default will often restore the speed and stability of your network connection. This works for both wired and wireless adapters.

Now, if you have any unique network settings, like a static IP address or preferred DNS servers, you will need to make note of them. Resetting your network adapter(s) will clear all custom settings and return them to out-of-the-box status.

How to reset your network adapter in Windows 11

How to reset your network adapter in Windows 10

Update the drivers for your network adapters

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause network connection problems. You will need to download the latest drivers for your network adapter to update your software. And depending on if your computer is custom-built or pre-built, the manufacturer's website will vary.

If your system is pre-built, you must go to the manufacturer's website and search for drivers for your computer model. If your system is custom-built, you must go to the motherboard manufacturer's website and search for your motherboard model.

You can also update your network drivers from the Device Manager. But remember that these drivers will be generic drivers and not the latest version. To do this, right-click on the Start Windows logo menu, left-click on Device Manager, left-click on the Network adapters category on expand it, right-click on your network adapter, and select Update driver from the context menu that appears.

Disable bandwidth-hogging applications

If you have applications running in the background that use a lot of bandwidth, your network connection may be slow or unstable. To check which applications are using the most bandwidth, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc (all together simultaneously), select the Performance tab, and left-click on Open Resource Monitor. Under the Network tab, you can see which applications are using the most bandwidth. If you find an application that's using a lot of bandwidth and you don't need it, consider disabling it or uninstalling it.

Check your WiFi signal strength

If you connect to your network via a wireless connection, check the WiFi signal strength throughout your home. You might find out that the signal is weak in the areas where you use the network the most. This is where having a smartphone comes in handy.

By installing a WiFi analyzer on your smartphone, you can walk around your home and map the signal strength thought the different rooms. If you find the signal to be weak in a particular area, you can consider moving your WiFi router to another location or getting a WiFi range extender.

Also, if your router or modem is located near other electronics or appliances, they may be causing interference. Consider moving it to a different location or away from other electronics.

Use a wired connection

If possible, use a wired connection instead of WiFi. A wired connection is generally faster and more stable than WiFi, especially if you're transferring large files or streaming video. To connect your computer to your router or modem using a wired connection, plug an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your computer and the Ethernet port on your router or modem.

Optimize your router or modem

Your router or modem may also need some optimization to improve your network connection. Some tips to optimize your router or modem include:

  • Updating the firmware: Check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates for your router or modem. Updating the firmware can improve performance and fix security vulnerabilities.
  • Changing the channel: If you're experiencing interference from neighboring WiFi networks, changing the channel on your router can help. You can do this in the router's settings.

By following these tips, you can optimize the network connection in your Windows computer and enjoy faster, more stable Internet. Remember to always keep your computer and network equipment up-to-date and secure to avoid network problems.

What is the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination and how to use it in Windows 10 and Windows 11

In the decades I have been using computers, one combination of keys on the keyboard has been the 'holy grail', the genuinely fool-proof way of regaining control of an unresponsive program or computer, Ctrl+Alt+Del.

What is the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination and how to use it in Windows 10 and Windows 11

As most of you know, I am a big fan of keyboard shortcuts, especially Windows Logo key shortcuts. But when it comes to personal computers, the single, most powerful combination of keys has to be Ctrl+Alt+Del (Control-Alt-Delete).

The history of Ctrl+Alt+Del, or the "three-finger salute" as it is more commonly known, was created by an engineer at IBM working on the original IBM PC project in the '80s as a way to execute a soft reboot. The keys were selected for their location on the keyboard so that it required both hands to press all three keys at the same time. That way, you could not accidentally reboot your computer.

The Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination is built into every IBM PC clone computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). Even today, the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination will still reboot an IBM PC when it is started into the BIOS. And in Windows, Ctrl+Alt+Del has a couple of different uses.

The first use of Ctrl+Alt+Del inside Windows 10 and Windows 11 is to bring up the login screen. Typically, only users whose computers are connected to a domain will be required to use the "three-finger salute" to log on. Every day Windows users are only required to press any key to bring up the login screen.

The second use of Ctrl+Alt+Del inside Windows 10 and Windows 11 is the best and probably the most unknown use. When you are logged into Windows and press Ctrl+Alt+Del, it brings up Windows Security in full screen.

The Windows Security screen inside of Windows 10
The Windows Security screen inside of Windows 10

The Windows Security screen inside of Windows 11
The Windows Security screen inside of Windows 11

The Windows Security screen gives you five (5) options, including Lock, Switch user, Sign out, Change a password, and Task Manager. There are three (3) more options in the lower right-hand corner: Internet, Ease of access, and Power. Here is a list of all the functions.

Lock: This button will lock the computer and require the user who is currently signed in to log on again to unlock the computer.

Switch user: This button will allow another user to log on to the computer.

Sign out: This button will sign out the currently logged-in user. Note: If you have an unresponsive program or a program that you cannot close (like junkware), signing out will close all open programs and then log the current user off.

Change a password: As the name implies, it will change the user's password that is currently logged in.

Task Manager: This button will open the Task Manager. Task Manager has several functions, including managing the running tasks and monitoring system resources. Note: You can also forcibly terminate processes or programs that have become unresponsive.

Internet: With this button, you can select the network connection to use for the Internet.

Ease of access (Windows 10) / Accessibility (Windows 11) - This button allows you to turn on and off Narrator, Magnifier, On-Screen Keyboard, High Contrast, Sticky Keys, and Filter Keys.

Power: This button has two (2) options, Shut down or Restart.

Clean up Windows 11 with Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup

Updated January 16, 2024

Are you running out of free space on your Windows 11 computer? Or maybe you would like to clean up all the clutter that can build up over time? If so, here is how to clean and free up space on Windows 11 using Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup.

Clean up Windows 11 with Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup

Windows 11 has two (2) built-in programs that you can use to clean up Windows 11: Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup. They both have similar features, and they both can be run manually or automatically.

Note: Both of these programs will permanently delete files on your computer, so you need to be careful what you decide to clean up. Remember, once you delete a file or files with either one of these programs, you cannot get them back.

Storage Sense

The Storage Sense feature inside of Windows 11 Settings

Storage Sense is relatively new, as it first appeared in Windows 10 version 1809. It is simple to use, as it only has a few settings that you can change.

Storage Sense can be run automatically when your computer starts to run out of free space or every day, week, or month. It can delete files in your Recycle Bin and Downloads folder based on how long those files have been there. You can run Storage Sense manually, too.

How to open Storage Sense in Windows 11

  1. Left-click on the Start Windows logo key button to bring up the Start menu.
  2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
  3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
  4. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on Storage.
  5. In the right-hand column, left-click on Storage Sense.

Disk Cleanup

The Disk Cleanup program inside of Windows 11

Disk Cleanup has been inside Windows for some time now and has far more options for cleaning up Windows 11. And there are two (2) ways to run Disk Cleanup, which I refer to as Standard and Advanced.

Disk Cleanup can clean up user and system files, ranging from the Recycle Bin and temporary Internet files for users to Windows Update and thumbnails for the system.

The Standard way to run Disk Cleanup

  1. Left-click on the Start button Windows logo to bring up the Start menu.
  2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
  3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
  4. Left-click on Disk Cleanup.

or

  1. Open File Explorer using one of the following:
    • Left-click on the File Explorer icon (manilla folder) on the Taskbar.
    • Press the Windows logo key Windows logo + E at the same time.
    • Use the Power User menu by right-clicking on the Start Windows logo button and selecting File Explorer.
  2. In the left-side column, left-click on This PC.
  3. In the right-side column, right-click on the drive you want to optimize and select Properties.
  4. On the General tab, left-click on the Disk Cleanup button.

If you started Disk Cleanup from the Windows Tools shortcut and have more than one (1) drive inside your computer, you may be prompted for which drive you want to clean up.

From the dialog box that appears, you will see a list of user files that can be deleted. If you are looking to clean up your user profile, select the files you want to delete and left-click on the OK button.

If you want to clean up system files, then left-click on the Clean up system files button. If this is the drive with Windows installed on it, you will have several more file options to choose from. Select the files you want to clean up and left-click on the OK button.

The Advanced way to run Disk Cleanup

Using the advanced way of starting Disk Cleanup will give you all of the user and system settings options. And you can also use Task Scheduler to run the advanced Disk Cleanup settings on a schedule you set.

The first thing you need to do is open a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges. Note: The full name of Disk Cleanup is cleanmgr.exe, but you only need to use cleanmgr in the Admin Command Prompt.

How to open a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges in Windows 11

In the Admin Command Prompt, type the following and then press Enter.

cleanmgr

This will start Disk Cleanup, just like starting it from the Windows Tools shortcut. But you can use command-line switches to get all of the options (user and system). You can use several different command-line switches with cleanmgr, but you will only need to use two: /sageset:n and /sagerun:n.

cleanmgr /sageset:n

/sageset:n - This switch displays the Disk Cleanup settings dialog box and creates a registry key to store your selected settings. The n value is stored in the registry and allows you to specify different tasks for Disk Cleanup to run. The n value can be any integer value from 0 to 65535. To get all the available options when using the /sageset switch, you may need to specify the drive letter that contains the Windows installation.

cleanmgr /sagerun:n

/sagerun:n - This switch runs the specified tasks assigned to the n value using the /sageset switch. All drives in the computer will be enumerated, and the selected profile will be run against each drive.

How to create a Scheduled Task to run Disk Cleanup

First, you will need to have created a preset configuration using the /sageset:n switch. Then open Task Scheduler and create a new task.

  1. Left-click on the Start button Windows logo to bring up the Start menu.
  2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
  3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
  4. Left-click on Task Scheduler.
  5. In the right column labeled Actions, select Create Basic Task. The Create a Basic Task Wizard will appear.
  6. Give the task a name and description, and then select Next.
  7. Select when you want it to run (trigger).
  8. When prompted for what task you want to perform, select Start a program, then select Next.
  9. When prompted for a program/script to start, select Browse and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\ and select cleanmgr.exe.
  10. In the Add arguments section, type /sagerun:n and then select Next.
  11. Then select Finish, and you're all set.

You can also create a shortcut with the cleamgr /sagerun:n command, that way, you can run it manually whenever you want.

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