Windows 11 introduces an array of features and tools intended to enhance user experience, including its storage management capabilities. As digital storage continues to grow in size and complexity, effectively managing this resource is crucial for ensuring optimal system performance. In this article, we will delve into some essential tips for optimizing storage in Windows 11.

Before diving into optimization strategies, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the built-in storage features of Windows 11. The operating system comes equipped with a redesigned Storage menu, making it easier to view and manage your storage resources.

How to get the Storage menu

1. Left-click on the Start 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. In the right-hand column, left-click on Storage.

Here, you'll find a comprehensive overview of your storage usage, including system and reserved files, installed apps, temporary files, and other categories.

Analyze storage usage

The first step in optimizing storage is understanding what is consuming space. In the Storage settings, Windows 11 presents a breakdown of your storage utilization. By selecting different categories (like Installed apps, Temporary files, and others), you can identify large files or applications that may no longer be necessary.

Another way of understanding what is consuming your drive space is using a graphic visualization tool that uses blocks in a treemap to display the contents of a drive. This way, you can see what folders and files are taking up the most space.

See what your drive contains with Space Sniffer

Uninstall unused applications

Once you’ve identified space-hogging applications, consider uninstalling those that are no longer needed. You can do this from the same Storage settings or through the Installed apps menu.

How to get the Installed apps menu

1. Left-click on the Start 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 Apps.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Installed apps.

Look for programs that you rarely use and uninstall them to clear up significant amounts of space.

Clean up temporary files

Temporary files can accumulate rapidly and take up valuable storage space. Windows 11 provides a straightforward method to remove these files through the Storage settings. Click on Temporary files, and you will see what can be safely removed, including system-created files, browser caches, and old downloads. Cleaning these up can free up substantial storage.

Use Storage Sense

Windows 11 offers a feature called Storage Sense that automates the process of managing storage. You can enable it in the Storage settings. Storage Sense can automatically delete temporary files, old Windows installation files, and empty the Recycle Bin on a schedule that you specify.

How to get to Storage Sense

1. Left-click on the Start 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. In the right-hand column, left-click on Storage.
5. In the right-hand column, left-click on Storage Sense.

This feature is particularly helpful for users who may forget to perform regular cleanups manually.

Offload files to the cloud

Utilizing cloud storage is an excellent way to free up space on your local drive. Windows 11 is integrated with OneDrive, allowing you to back up your Desktop, Documents, and Photos seamlessly. By storing files in the cloud, you can access them from any device and share them easily. Windows 11 also has a feature called Files On-Demand, which lets you see files in your OneDrive without downloading them, thereby saving local storage.

Manage downloads and media files

Over time, downloaded files, photos, and videos can take up significant space. Regularly go through your Downloads folder and delete files you no longer need. Additionally, consider transferring media files (like photos and videos) to an external storage device or cloud service.

Utilize external storage solutions

For users with extensive data needs, maintaining an external storage solution can alleviate the burden on internal drives. External drives provide an excellent way to store large files, backups, or even entire libraries of media content. Using external storage not only extends your overall storage capacity but also improves system performance by reducing the load on primary drives.

Optimize your hard drive

If you're using a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD), periodic defragmentation can help improve performance. Windows 11 includes a built-in utility to defragment and optimize your drives.

How to get to Defragment and Optimize Drives

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

For Solid State Drives (SSDs), Windows 11 handles optimization automatically via a different process called TRIM, so no manual defragmentation is necessary. For more information on the advanced features of Defragment and Optimize Drives, check out the link below.

How to defragment and optimize your drive in Windows 11

Manage System Restore points

System Restore can consume a significant amount of disk space, especially if multiple restore points are created. To manage this, you can adjust the amount of disk space allocated for system restore points, delete older restore points that you no longer need, and customize your restore settings.

How to get to System Restore

1. Left-click on the Start 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 About.
5. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on the System protection link.

Regular maintenance

Finally, the key to efficient storage management is consistency. Set a reminder to review your storage usage periodically and implement the strategies mentioned above. By regularly checking for unnecessary files, app usage, and cleaning up temporary items, you can maintain an optimized storage environment in Windows 11.

Optimizing storage in Windows 11 doesn't have to be a daunting task. By utilizing the built-in tools and applying the strategies outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage your digital resources, improve system performance, and ensure that your device runs smoothly. A proactive approach to storage management will enhance your overall experience with Windows 11 and keep your device operating at its best.

In an age where cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, creating a secure environment to test applications or run risky software is essential. Windows Sandbox provides a lightweight virtual machine that allows you to run untrusted applications in isolation. In this article we will show you how to create a secure environment with Windows Sandbox.

Before diving into the setup process, it's important to understand what Windows Sandbox is. Essentially, it is a temporary, lightweight, and isolated desktop environment that allows you to run software without fear of affecting your primary operating system.

Windows Sandbox is designed for testing, not for running mission-critical apps or for long-term use. The changes made in the Windows Sandbox environment are discarded once the sandbox is closed, ensuring that your primary system remains unaffected.

System requirements

To use Windows Sandbox, ensure your system meets the following prerequisites:

• Windows version: Professional or Enterprise versions of Windows (10/11). The Home version is not supported.
• Virtualization support: Your PC needs to have virtualization enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Most modern CPUs support this feature (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
• RAM: At least 4 GB of RAM is required, but 8 GB is recommended for performance.
• CPU: A minimum of two (2) cores is needed, with a 64-bit processor.
• Disk space: At least 1 GB of free disk space is required.

Enabling Windows Sandbox

To get started, you need to enable Windows Sandbox on your system using the Control Panel:

1. Open a Run dialog box by pressing the Windows logo key + R, type Control, and then left-click on OK to bring up the Control Panel.
2. Left-click on either Programs (category view) and then Programs and Features or Programs and Features (large/small icons view).
3. In the left column, left-click on Turn Windows features on or off.
4. The Windows Features dialog box will appear. Scroll down the list, place a check mark next to Windows Sandbox,
   
   and then left-click OK. Windows will then install the required files for Windows Sandbox.

You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Launching Windows Sandbox

Once the installation is complete, you can launch Windows Sandbox:

1. Left-click on the Start button 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 Sandbox.

After a brief loading period, you will see a clean Windows desktop, similar to your primary system but in a contained environment.

Customizing Windows Sandbox

While Windows Sandbox operates perfectly out of the box, there are ways to customize it to fit your needs. You can create a configuration file that enables features such as clipboard sharing, folder sharing, and more.

1. Create a configuration file: Use a simple text editor to create a configuration file with the extension .wsb. Here’s a sample XML configuration file:
   <Configuration>
<Networking>enable</Networking>
<Clipboard>enable</Clipboard>
<MappedFolders>
<MappedFolder>
<HostFolder>C:\Users\YourUsername\Folder</HostFolder>
<SandboxFolder>C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop\Folder</SandboxFolder>
<ReadOnly>true</ReadOnly>
</MappedFolder>
</MappedFolders>
</Configuration>
2. Save the file: Save it with a .wsb extension so you can double-click it to launch the Windows Sandbox with your desired settings.

For more detailed information on configuring Windows Sandbox, please refer to the following article.

Use and configure Windows Sandbox

Using Windows Sandbox securely

• Transfer Files: You can transfer files to the sandbox by copying them from your primary system. If you have set up folder mappings, this process becomes easier.
• Testing Applications: Download or install the software you wish to test. Since the environment is isolated, any malware or viruses will not affect your primary OS.
• Internet Access: Windows Sandbox has internet access by default, allowing you to test various online applications safely.

Closing Windows Sandbox

When you are finished, simply close the Windows Sandbox window. All data, applications, and changes made during the session will be discarded, ensuring your primary operating system remains untarnished.

Benefits of Using Windows Sandbox

• Isolation: Applications run in a completely isolated environment, preventing them from interacting with the host OS.
• No permanent changes: All changes made in the Windows Sandbox are temporary and discarded when the sandbox is closed.
• Easy setup: It’s easy to enable and use without needing complex configurations.
• Cost-effective: It eliminates the need for third-party virtual machines or additional software.

Limitations

While Windows Sandbox is powerful, it does have some limitations. It does not support running 32-bit applications on 64-bit Windows, and you cannot run multiple instances concurrently. Additionally, it is not intended for long-term usage or permanent installations of applications.

In conclusion, Windows Sandbox is an effective tool for creating a secure environment on Windows. By following the steps outlined, you can safely test applications and explore various software without compromising your primary system’s integrity. This feature exemplifies built-in security measures that make Windows not just a powerful operating system but also a secure one for both personal and professional use.

Windows 11 introduces a sleek new interface and a range of features designed to enhance the user experience. However, for many gamers and creative professionals, optimizing graphics performance is critical. In this article, we will show you how to optimize the graphics in Windows 11.

Optimizing graphics in Windows 11 is crucial for improving performance, particularly for gaming and other graphics-intensive applications. By following the procedures outlined below, users can achieve a more responsive and visually appealing experience on their Windows 11 devices.

Update graphics drivers

One of the first steps in optimizing graphics performance is ensuring that your graphics drivers are up to date. Manufacturers like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel frequently release updates that enhance performance, add new features, and resolve bugs. There are two (2) ways of updating your graphics drivers: Download from the manufacturer's website or use Device Manager. To obtain the latest drivers, refer to the manufacturer's website first, and then use Device Manager as a secondary source.

Via the manufacturer’s website

You can download the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website for more control over installation options. Keep in mind that manufacturers may release updated drivers after Microsoft releases its monthly updates.

Via Device Manager

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

Adjust Windows graphics settings

Windows 11 includes various graphics settings allowing users to optimize performance for specific applications. To configure these settings:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Display.
5. In the right-hand column, left-click on Graphics.

Depending on whether your computer has only one (1) graphics card or multiple, the custom settings for individual apps will vary. If you have only one graphics card, your option for each app will be Power saving or High performance. With multiple graphics cards, you can choose which one to use for each app. Assign High performance or the highest performing GPU to applications that demand more resources, like games or design software.

Optimize display settings

Sometimes, the resolution and refresh rate settings can significantly impact performance. Here’s how to optimize your display settings:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
2. Under Scale and layout, ensure your display is set to the recommended resolution.
3. Scroll down to Advanced display settings and ensure the refresh rate is set to the highest option available for your monitor.

Enable HDR support

Windows 11 provides enhanced support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) displays, enabling users to enjoy richer and more vibrant visuals. This feature enables brighter highlights and deeper shadows, significantly enhancing the overall color accuracy and detail in supported content, such as games, videos, and photos. To enable HDR (if your display supports HDR):

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Display.
5. In the right-hand column, left-click on HDR.

Here, you can toggle HDR on or off, adjust the HDR brightness, and toggle Auto HDR on or off.

Enable hardware-accelerated graphics

Recent advancements in hardware and software enable more efficient use of the GPU for tasks traditionally handled by the CPU. You can enable hardware acceleration in various applications, including web browsers and creative software. To do this generally:

1. Open the application you wish to configure.
2. Navigate to the settings menu (often found under ‘Advanced’ or ‘Performance’ settings).
3. Look for an option labeled Use hardware acceleration when available and enable it.

Use Game Mode and Game Bar

Windows 11 features a Game Mode that prioritizes system resources for gaming. To enable Game Mode:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Gaming.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Game Mode. Toggle Game Mode to On.

To utilize Game Bar for quick access to performance metrics, press the Windows logo key + G while in-game. You can record gameplay, check performance data, and manage other settings through this interface.

Optimize visual effects

Windows 11 comes packed with effects that enhance visual appearance but can impact performance, especially on lower-end PCs. To adjust these settings:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
4. In the right-hand column, scroll down and left-click on About.
5. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on Advanced system settings.
6. The Advanced tab should be active. If not, left-click on it to bring it up.
7. In the Performance section, left-click on Settings.
8. Under the Visual Effects tab, choose Adjust for best performance. Alternatively, you can select Custom and turn on or off specific effects like animations and shadows.

Consider upgrading hardware

If your current graphics performance still doesn't meet your expectations, you may want to consider upgrading your graphics card or other hardware components. Investing in a better GPU or increasing your RAM can significantly improve performance, especially if you are involved in intensive gaming or graphic design work.

Optimizing graphics performance on Windows 11 can enhance not only your gaming experience but also the overall responsiveness of creative applications. By following these steps, from updating drivers to managing visual effects, you can ensure that your system makes the most of the advanced capabilities Windows 11 has to offer. Whether you’re a casual user or a seasoned professional, these tweaks can make all the difference in achieving the smoothest graphical performance possible.

Windows 11 is the latest and greatest operating system from Microsoft, but like any operating system, it can still suffer from memory-related issues. Optimizing memory usage is essential for ensuring your system runs smoothly, particularly for resource-intensive applications and tasks. In this article, I will show you how to optimize the memory in your Windows 11 computer.

Before diving into optimization techniques, it's essential to understand how memory works in Windows 11. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile memory that temporarily stores data for quick access by the various components. When your system runs low on RAM, it uses a portion of your computer's drive for what is called the Page File (commonly known as Virtual Memory), which is considerably slower than RAM. Therefore, optimizing RAM usage can significantly enhance your PC's performance.

Monitor your memory usage

The first step in optimization is to monitor how your memory is being utilized. Windows 11 provides a built-in Task Manager, which allows you to see which applications are consuming the most memory.

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Task Manager or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. In Task Manager, go to the Processes tab. Here, you can see the memory usage of each application. Look for any apps that are using an amount of memory that seems excessive.

Close background apps

Often, numerous applications and processes run in the background, consuming valuable memory. You can close unnecessary applications to free up resources.

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Task Manager or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. In Task Manager, go to the Processes tab. Here, you can identify applications that are not needed, highlight them, and click End Task to close them. Be careful not to close essential system processes.

Disable Startup programs

Several applications start automatically with Windows 11, which can lead to increased memory usage right from boot. Disabling these unnecessary startup programs can free up memory.

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Task Manager or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. In Task Manager, go to the Startup tab. Here, you can see all programs that automatically launch when your computer starts.
3. Right-click on the applications you don't need at startup and select Disable.

Adjust Virtual Memory settings

When your system runs low on RAM, it can use disk space as Virtual Memory. Adjusting these settings can lead to improved performance.

Go to Settings > System > About, and left-click on Advanced system settings. Under the Performance section, click Settings.

On the Performance Options dialog box, go to the Advanced tab and left-click on Change under Virtual Memory. You can either let Windows manage the size automatically or set a custom size. A good rule of thumb for a custom size is to set the Initial size to 1.5 times the amount of your physical RAM and the Maximum size to 3 times the Initial size.

For more information on Windows 11 Virtual Memory, check out our article How to manage Windows 11 Virtual Memory.

Verify Memory Compression

Windows 11 includes a feature called Memory Compression, which enables the OS to store more data in RAM by compressing unused memory pages. This feature is usually enabled by default, but it's worth verifying. To verify that Memory Compression is in use:

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Task Manager or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. In the left-hand column, left-click on the Performance tab.
3. In the Performance tab, left-click on the Memory section.
4. On the Memory section, look for In use (Compressed). If a value is shown, Memory Compression is active.

You can also check the status of Memory Compression and turn it on or off via PowerShell commands. To use the PowerShell commands, you will need to open PowerShell with admin privileges. The easiest way to do this is with Terminal.

Right-click on the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) from the context menu. By default, Terminal should open to a PowerShell prompt. At the PowerShell prompt, type or cut & paste the following commands and then press Enter.

This command returns the current status.

Get-MMAgent

This command disables Memory Compression.

Disable-MMAgent -mc

This command enables Memory Compression.

Enable-MMAgent -mc

Remember that you have to restart your computer for any of the changes made by the PowerShell commands to take effect.

Upgrade your RAM

If you find that your PC continually struggles with memory-related issues, it may be time to consider a hardware upgrade. Adding more RAM is one of the most effective ways to improve performance, especially for power users or gamers. Before purchasing new RAM:

• Check compatibility - Ensure the RAM you buy is compatible with your motherboard.
• Consider usage - For intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, or multitasking, upgrading to a minimum of 32GB or 64GB may be beneficial.

For more information on memory upgrades, check out our article How to upgrade or add more memory to your computer.

Optimizing memory usage in Windows 11 is essential for maintaining system performance and efficiency. By monitoring memory usage, closing unneeded applications, adjusting virtual memory settings, and making use of built-in tools and features, you can ensure your PC runs smoothly. If issues persist, consider upgrading your hardware. With these tips, you can enhance your user experience and maximize the capabilities of Windows 11.

Windows 11 provides users with a range of features designed to enhance accessibility and improve user experience. One of these features is the ability to zoom in on the screen, which can be particularly useful for individuals with visual impairments or anyone who needs a closer look at specific details on their display. In this article, we will show you the various ways you can zoom in on Windows 11.

Windows 11 offers a built-in Magnifier tool that lets users zoom in on content on their screens. This tool is versatile and easy to use, offering various zoom levels and viewing options that can adapt to different situations. Additionally, there are ways to zoom in using keyboard shortcuts, applications, and even web browsers.

Using Magnifier to zoom

The Magnifier tool is the primary method to zoom in on Windows 11. Here’s how to access and utilize it:

How to open Magnifier: Press the Windows logo key + + (plus) on your keyboard. This shortcut will launch Magnifier instantly. You can also type Magnifier in the search bar and select the app from the results.

Adjusting the zoom level: Once Magnifier is open, you can zoom in by pressing the Windows logo key + + (plus) continuously. Each press will increase the zoom level, allowing you to focus on finer details.

Using Magnifier modes: The Magnifier can operate in three (3) different modes:

• Lens Mode: This mode lets you move a magnifying lens around the screen. You’ll see a portion of the screen beneath the lens zoomed in.
• Docked Mode: In this mode, Magnifier will appear docked at the top of your screen, and it will display the magnified view of the area below.
• Full-Screen Mode: This option magnifies the entire screen. You can toggle between these modes by clicking on the settings icon within the Magnifier window and selecting your preferred option.

Panning: In Lens and Full-Screen modes, you can navigate around the screen by pressing and holding the Ctrl key and moving your mouse. This allows you to pan across different sections of the screen without losing the zoom functionality.

Using the on-screen controls: The Magnifier window provides sliders for adjusting the zoom level and settings for adjusting the view, including changing the color invert options to improve visibility.

Using Magnifier keyboard shortcuts to zoom

Windows 11 has several keyboard shortcuts for using Magnifier that come in handy for quickly zooming in or navigating.

• Zoom In: Press the Windows logo key + + (plus).
• Zoom Out: Press the Windows logo key + - (minus).
• Close Magnifier: Press the Windows logo key + Esc.

Using browser features to zoom

If you primarily need to zoom in while browsing the web, modern web browsers offer integrated zoom features:

Zoom inside Google Chrome: To quickly zoom in, press Ctrl + + (plus) to zoom in and Ctrl + - (minus) to zoom out. If you want a complete reset, you can press Ctrl + 0.

Zoom inside Microsoft Edge: Like Chrome, you can use Ctrl + + (plus) to zoom in and Ctrl + - (minus) to zoom out. The browser also allows you to access zoom settings through the menu in the top right corner of the browser.

Zoom inside Mozilla Firefox: Firefox users can apply the same shortcuts, Ctrl + + (plus) to zoom in and Ctrl + - (minus) to zoom out, or reset with Ctrl + 0.

Using app features to zoom

Many applications in Windows 11 also support zoom functionality. For example, in Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel, you can:

• Zoom in/out on the screen: Use the zoom slider located in the bottom right corner of the window. This slider lets you adjust your view dynamically.
• Using keyboard shortcuts: Many applications also support Ctrl + + (plus) and Ctrl + - (minus) for zooming in and out.

Zooming in on Windows 11 is both easy and highly customizable, thanks to features like Magnifier and built-in shortcuts. Whether working on documents, browsing the web, or interacting with complex graphics, these zooming options can enhance your productivity and overall experience. With these tools, you can adjust your viewing preferences and make Windows 11 work better, regardless of your visual needs.