Microsoft

Windows 11 Upgrade Hardware Compatibility Guide – Tips & Tricks

Microsoft requires a PC with a TPM 2.0 device to upgrade to Windows 11. New Registry listings, on the other hand, have been found that allow you to evade the TPM necessity as well as the least memory and secure boot demands. In this guide, we will cover Windows 11 Upgrade Hardware Compatibility Guide. We will share with you the best tips and tricks you should know! 

Microsoft established additional primary demand with Windows 11, requiring all gadgets to have a TPM 2.0 security engine to use some of the working system’s safety features.

Windows earlier Reported that TPM 2.0 is required for Measuring Boot, Endpoint Encryption, WD Security Guard, System Wellness Attestation, TPM Interface Crypto Service Key Management, and TPM in Hyper-V.

What’s Next?

A hardware encryption TPM is integrated through most CPUs made in the last 5-6 years and may be activated in the BIOS for most users.

Just boot your laptop into BIOS and activate the Intel Platform Trust Technology (Intel PTT) or AMD Security Solutions, based on your CPU, to activate the TPM.

If your motherboard doesn’t contain this function, you might be able to install a separate TPM 2.0 processor. However, if your operating system is old enough to lack a built-in TPM, your motherboard’s component will almost certainly be TPM 1.2, which is incompatible with Windows 11.

This restriction is inconvenient for users using Windows 10 on outdated hardware because they must acquire the latest hardware to install Windows 11.

Windows 11 Upgrade Hardware Guide

Microsoft’s next operating system, Windows 11, is expected to become the next main OS around the board. Since you’re not clear what an operating system is, the most fundamental point to remember is that it’s what the device does when you switch it on. 

The user experience allows you to perform running programs, browsing the internet, and storing data. Since the mid-1980s, Microsoft has just been building Exe files, and it is currently the world’s most famous operating system. Windows 11 is the OS’s eleventh big release, and it will include several significant functionality and relevant analysis.

The vital characteristic of Windows 11?

Windows 11 offers a new design, faster productivity, better gaming efficiency, Android app integration, and much more to Windows users. It will have a fresh, simple, transparent look and a redesigned start menu, nicknamed the Docks. It is optimized for multi-touch on the newest technology. 

Customers will be able to reorganize windows into novel formations, such as a 4×4 grid. That may then be saved as a Snapshot Group and retrieved. Microsoft Widgets, an AI-powered stream of data based on hobbies and daily tasks, will be installed on the device. It will include scheduled maintenance updates, transportation, weather, athletics, and much more.

The operating system has integrated Microsoft Teams connectivity for productivity. According to Microsoft, the addition of Teams capabilities to the start button and taskbar would make it much easier to communicate with friends and coworkers among devices. 

In addition, when you are using Windows on a computer with an output device, Windows 11 remembers the location of window frames on that screen when it’s unplugged and restores them when you connect it back in.

Straight Storage allows the GPU to get files directly from an expanded SSD, reducing loading times in games. Auto HDR uses machine learning to offer a high dimensionality to games that don’t have it natively.

Integration for Android apps is yet another remarkable aspect of the new OS. These will be available for free download through the Windows Store and, once downloaded, should function similarly to other Windows programs. 

You can also use Snap Templates to attach them to a specific region of your display, so you don’t have to search for your phone. It’s worth noting that Microsoft is collaborating with Amazon rather than Google to provide this feature. 

As a result, Windows Store Android apps will use the Amazon marketplace rather than the Google Play Store, restricting the total number of options. Being outside the app store, it appears to be able to implement or load apps.

How to get around Windows 11’s TPM necessity

It’s possible that you don’t have a TPM 2.0 loaded or activated if you try to install Windows 11 and get a notice saying, “This PC can’t run Windows 11.”

The great news is that Microsoft has included a new ‘LabConfig’ configuration file. This file adjusts settings to disable TPM 2.0, 4GB memory, and Protect Boot.

Established on the title of the registry key, it’s probable that Microsoft or OEMs use it to build up a “lab” environment to evaluate Windows 11 on existing devices or evaluate the latest features.

Follow these procedures to avoid the TPM 2.0 prerequisites when upgrading To a new 11:

  • Download Windows 11 from an ISO file or through the Windows Insider Program. If your machine does not fulfill the hardware necessary for Windows 11, you will receive a notice. “This PC can’t run Windows 11.”
  • The installation of Windows 11 has been halted due to a lack of hardware requirements.

If you see the following message, simultaneously hit Shift+F10 on your keyboard to open the run command. To open the Windows Registry Editor, write Regedit and hit enter at this command line.

  • Type LabConfig and hit enter when requested to define the keys.

Create a variable named BypassTPMCheck and fix its content to 1 by right-clicking on the LabConfig key and selecting New > DWORD (32-bit) value.

  • Shut the Registry Editor after configuring the three values underneath the LabConfig key. Then press exit accompanied by a key to stop the Command Prompt window.
  • You’ll now get a warning claiming that the PC is unable to dash Windows 11. In the Windows Setup dialogue, press the back button.
  • You’ll be taken back to the computer, where you can choose the category of Windows 11 you want to install. You could now proceed with the installation without worrying about the hardware requirements, enabling you to install Windows 11.

Windows 11 Upgrade Hardware- Conclusion

It’s crucial to note that deactivating certain functions may have an impact on Windows 11’s efficiency or security; therefore, only use them on a virtual device or trial box if you’re comfortable working in a prohibited environment.

Moreover, by removing the TPM 2.0 standard, you are lowering Windows 11’s safety. Lastly, we do not recommend using Windows 11 on less than 4GB of RAM will not provide a better outcome.

Being a leading IT company, we provide fully managed IT services and consulting. We help business owners to find solutions and solve their IT problems. If you encounter any errors relating to TPM, Protected Boot, or Windows 11 setup process we are here for you. Eyes Everywhere will make every effort to assist you.


Top 10 Issues with Windows 10 and How to Solve Them

Windows 10, despite its ups and downs, is still the most popular operating system in the world. But many organizations are still struggling with it and IT support team is working hard to fix those issues. In this guide we’ll try to look at all the challenges that Windows 10 currently faces and how you can work around them.

Learn how to solve common Windows 10 issues

Increase your productivity and efficiency

Windows 10

Back on July 29th 2015, when Microsoft released its latest operating system into the wild, it was expected to come with fewer issues and to ultimately make life easier for its users. However, what the world noticed was entirely on the contrary. Users, who took Windows 10 for a spin in its early days helped Microsoft discover a lot of problems in Microsoft Edge (the new web browser to replace Internet Explorer and Finally compete with Chrome and Firefox) and other areas of the system. This brought about frenzied  subsequent updates that each came with a fair share of additional challenges.

Four years down the line, the latest version of the Windows Operating System still brings pain to users on various fronts. While some of these issues are brand new others have been carried down from the previous versions, a solution to each of these issues, ranging from the start page to Office 365, is sought after.

Here we show you some quick tips and tricks to solve some common problems.

 

Windows 10 Tips and Tricks

Here are a few problems that you must be aware of before you click the install button for installing Windows 10 on your system.

1. Space need for installing updates

While Windows 10 is out of the world in looks and feels, the installation part is where most of us have a hard time. While this may not seem like an issue at all to users with newer PCs, the guys with old desktops see bugs and issues in the installation of the updates.

Inside a Computer

If you don’t have a ton of money to spend on new systems with enhances disk space, here’s what you can do: You can use an external cleaner app that is at times more efficient and brings you more free space when compared to the inbuilt disk cleanup tool. Here is the guidebook to follow for cleaning up space on your hard drive.

 

2. Slow loading (slow boot time)

People have been reporting issues of slow boot time on their Windows 10 PCs, and some have even claimed it to be so slow that they literally prepared a cup of coffee and came back to their desks. Well, there’s nothing to be surprised at! 

Slow loading timer

This slow boot time can be due to many reasons, out of which the main reasons are an outdated Windows version, less space in the hard drive, or if your system is attacked with malware. Now, you can replace the HDD with an SSD as the safest way to deal with the situation. Ivan Jenic has prepared a whole list of other solutions to get quick boot times.

 

3. File association – files opening with the wrong app

If you are running into issues with files trying to open with a completely different application, then you are in the right place. Well, you can always open it with the best app on clicking “open with” option on right-click, but we want to prevent you from doing that every time you want to open something.

You can easily change this from the default apps section in the settings of your PC. Once and for all, this will be a solution for a lifetime. In the default section, you can change the default search engine or the default music player and others.

 

4. Data use – uses 4G data when you don’t want it to

Even in times when you can’t have the benefit of getting access to 4G data, Windows 10 tends to use 4G data and eat all of it in the background without you even knowing it. You can set up the connection as metered and use your hotspot without any worries about the data being eaten up.

Follow the steps below:

  • Click on the Start menu and then Settings.
  • Find the Network & Internet option there and then select Wi-Fi.
  • Next, find your network name and set it to a metered connection, and Windows will take care of the rest.

IT Support and Consulting

5. Too many notifications

Although Windows provided with the feature to view at all notifications in the Action Center, sometimes these notifications can eat our head when they are in bulk. Atop this, most of these are useless. And yes, there’s a way to banish all these unnecessary notifications.

Open Settings from the Start button. Open the System section and then go to Notifications & Actions. From here, you can remove any links from where you don’t need notifications every time.

6. Privacy settings not optimum for most businesses

The privacy of a business in the 21st century becomes of the utmost importance with leaks and piracy happening now and then. Windows has a dedicated Privacy screen in the Setting panel from where you can set your privacy according to the needs of your business. Here’s a full guide to check your Windows 10 privacy settings right now.

Network Infrastructure

7. Where did system restore go?

A manual intervention to ensure recovery from problems in necessary at times. However, in Windows 10, some people may find difficulty in finding the System Restore button, which may come as one of the biggest problems with Windows 10 at times.

  • Type “system restore” after clicking on the Start button.
  • Select “create a restore point.”
  • Next, click on the System Protection tab.
  • Select the C drive and press Configure.
  • Turn On the system protection.

8. Printer issues

Printers have always been problematic on certain Windows versions, and it is the same with Windows 10 too. Well, here’s a quick way to fix any printer issues on Windows 10.

9. Is your PC powerful enough to support Windows 10?

It’s a dream of every computer owner to run the latest versions of the Operating system on their desktops. However, with Windows 10, there are specific criteria from Windows, which you need to follow to ensure that Windows 10 works fine on your PC. 

10. How to manage and schedule software updates, so they don’t get in your way

Windows 10 comes with exclusive and necessary updates now and then. For users, it becomes essential to schedule the updates so that they don’t get n the way. You can set the Update to Automatic from the Services option, after which Windows will take care of the updates every time you are connected to the Wi-Fi.

Conclusion: The features on board with Windows 10 are amazing but being aware of all the issues that you may face and how to come out of these issues becomes essential. The problems stated above are all understandable, and you don’t have to panic in any such situation. For IT support or consulting regarding Windows 10 issues and more, please contact us. We are always happy to help.


Planning for Windows 7 End of Life

Windows 7 end of life

Get fully transitioned to Windows 10, avoiding Windows 7 end of life.

Keep your business safe with the latest security patches.

Microsoft Windows 7 end of life is coming and you need to be prepared! Critical security updates will stop on January 14th 2020. We can help manage the transition and deal with the nuances of Windows 10 to help keep your business running smoothly.

Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness/end-of-windows-7-support

Contents

  • When is Windows 7 no longer supported?
  • What happens when Windows 7 support ends?
  • Will Windows 7 support be extended?
  • Why is Microsoft ending support for Windows 7?
  • What happens if I continue to use it?
  • How can I upgrade without a lot of disruption?
  • How do I deal with Windows 10 issues?
  • Cost comparison and considerations of Windows 7 vs Windows 10

When is Windows 7 no longer supported?

Although the official end of life date is January 14th, 2020, Microsoft will continue to support Windows 7 through a Windows 7 end of life extended support service agreement. This is a paid monthly fee for maintaining and extend support for Windows 7.

This is a possible option.

  1. How long will Windows 7 be supported?
  1. Until January 14th, 2020

 

  1. When is Windows 7 no longer supported?
  2. January 14th, 2020

The Windows 7 end of life countdown is on. When Microsoft introduced Windows 7 in 2009, the Windows 7 end of life countdown clock was set at ten years. The company committed to supporting the product for a decade. They stated that once this period was over, the product would be discontinued so that the company could focus on supporting newer technologies and great experiences. That time has come, and businesses need to put provisions in place so that they are not negatively impacted. 

What happens when Windows 7 support ends?

Windows 7 is supported by Microsoft until the date mentioned, but you can still continue to use Windows. There is nothing stopping you. The question is should you continue to use it?

  1. Can I still use Windows 7 after 2020?
  1. Yes, you can, but it is not recommended. Why not? Well, there is not going to be any support for the product. So, if something goes wrong, there is nothing you can do about it. Plus, this means that security patches and updates won’t be released, which could put you at risk of a cyber attack. 

  1. Is Windows 7 still updated by Microsoft?
  1. Until January 14th, 2020, it will be. After this date, there will not be any updates. 

 

Microsoft will still likely provide some critical patches, after all, they recently provided a patch for Windows XP, which has long since been unsupported. However, your business can’t rely on that. Some patches will come, but many won’t and you will be vulnerable every day that you don’t update to the latest supported version of the Microsoft operating system.

 

Will Windows 7 support be extended?

Yes, Microsoft will be ending support for Windows 7. However, they are offering an extended support package, which will run until January 2023. Nevertheless, this comes at an added cost and it won’t last forever, so the sooner you upgrade your system, the better.

 

Why is Microsoft ending support for Windows 7?

Microsoft releases new operating systems and updates with a cyclic schedule to keep pace with technology development and implement new features enabled by improved hardware and industry trends. The useful life of a PC with windows is typically 5-7 years although a 3-year cycle is more appropriate to keep your hardware updated in step with technology advancements.

 

What happens if I continue to use it?

You won’t get feature updates or security updates, you will essentially be running a vulnerable unsupported windows operating system. Basically, you lose mainstream support and are at risk. It will still continue to operate just fine for a period. We can look to the history of Windows XP, now not allowed in many organizations due to the many unpatched security holes that exist.

 

How can I upgrade without a lot of disruption?

The best thing to do is to use the assistance of a specialist IT company who can manage this upgrade for you. That is where we come in. You need to upgrade your computers while ensuring all of your data is backed up, security is at an optimal level, and you’re not offline to your customers. You cannot afford to cut corners. An experienced company will be able to navigate this for you. 

 

How do I deal with Windows 10 issues?

Windows 10 is distinctly different from running Windows 7. Windows 7 users will need to understand the key differences so they can learn how to make the most of this platform. The good news is that Windows 10 brought back the feel and look of Windows 7; it is not as radically different as Windows 8 was. The difference being, of course, the new added features and the enhanced performance. Windows 10 saw the return of the start menu where you can access everything from Microsoft Edge to Microsoft Word, just like Windows 7, yet it brings the live tiles from Windows 8, which are featured to the right of the main menu.  

 

One of the biggest changes to the Windows operating system, when Windows 10 was introduced, was Microsoft Edge. This was the company’s update to Internet Explorer. It represents the first time the browser has been rebranded since 1995. Not only did it bring a new interface but plenty of new features too. This may take a little bit of time for your business to get used to but with the help of experts who can configure it to suit your company, it will be a lot easier.

 

Cost comparison and considerations of Windows 7 vs Windows 10

 

There are some savings to be had by buying a new computer with Windows 10 already on it (to the tune of $100 or so).  

Furthermore, the expected lifetime for computers is 5-6 years (not in terms of failures only, but at the point where they become too slow to continue using them at a business, due to lost productivity).  

Most computers with Windows 7 still on them are close to that age, so it doesn’t make sense to throw more money at them by upgrading the operating system (since they’ll be thrown out soon), but rather to upgrade the whole machine (and get the OS already installed on, and at a discount).

Windows 10 Life Cycle

Finally, you will want to know about the Windows 10 life cycle. After all, with Windows 7 ending, you may be concerned about the same happening to Windows 10 in the near future. The truth is that all Windows products have a life cycle. By knowing the key dates, you will be able to make the best decisions regarding when to upgrade and update your software. At the moment Windows 10 will be updated twice every year. First in March and then again in September. Updates are cumulative, meaning each update is built on the one that preceded it. 

Read more about Windows 10 IT support


App Blocking by Microsoft

Strengthening IT System Security: Analyzing Microsoft’s App Blocking Feature

The rapid evolution of IT systems and the increasing number of cyber-attacks have made it critical for technology companies to ensure the security of their products. This post will discuss the benefits of Microsoft’s app blocking feature and how it is likely to improve the security of its IT system.

Microsoft is a giant in the technology field and leads the way in development of new innovative software programs designed to make every aspect of life easier.

Because it manufactures so many popular applications, Microsoft software programs have become a lucrative target for computer hackers who target Microsoft users in order to gain access to millions of computers (unbeknownst to computer users worldwide) that hold a plethora of valuable personal and confidential information.

In an effort to curb the nefarious hacking that has plagued Microsoft users worldwide and in an attempt to get customers to use options offered in its “Windows Store” more often, Microsoft is currently evaluating an innovative function for Windows 10 that prevents installation of desktop apps unless they come directly from the official Microsoft Windows Store.

The move by Microsoft to evaluate and implement a new feature for Windows 10 that prevents the installation of desktop apps unless they come from the official Microsoft Windows Store is a significant step towards improving IT system security.

When enabled this option will prevent computer users from installing classic Win32 applications, which include many popularly used programs like Google Chrome and Adobe Photoshop. Win32 is the programming interface used for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Operating Systems, starting with Windows 95.

Enhancing App Security: Microsoft’s New Feature for Windows 10

This new feature limits the scope of apps users can install and may be very useful to newbies since they are much less likely to install malware on their electronic devices. The Windows Store offers apps to meet most of their needs and newbies can also get a variety of Win32 apps from the Windows Store using Microsoft’s Desktop App Converter.

The new feature is disabled by default in Windows 10, but users can easily enable it if they choose by going to the Apps and Features category and selecting Settings. Users will have the option of allowing or blocking installation of Win32 apps altogether as well as an alternative that gives priority to apps from the Windows Store without blocking standard desktop applications (which will result in a prompt asking for approval of the installation anytime you run a non-Windows Store app).

Users who enable the feature and then attempt to install a Win32 app will get a warning in the form of a dialog box that reminds them that the Windows Store is the only “safe and reliable” place to obtain software.

Microsoft is expected to release the Windows 10 Update in April, 2017 which will include a variety of other new features for use in Windows 10.

Microsoft is also developing an update for its IT system, specifically for Windows 10, which aims to create a truly universal operating system for electronic devices by prohibiting users from installing any Win32 apps. The move is aimed at improving the security of its IT system by restricting access to potentially harmful software that could compromise the system’s integrity.


Microsoft Windows 10 Tips & Tricks

 

Introduction to Windows 10 and Windows history

Before Microsoft introduced its Windows Operating System operators had to access data on computers using Microsoft MS-DOS which was a “command-line” operating system that required knowledge of multiple codes and was very different from and much more complicated than the latest icon laden operating system known as Windows 10.

In this article you will learn the following tips

  • Signing in with a Local Account
  • Revert to the Classic “Start” Menu
  • Pin Internet Explorer to your “Start” Menu or Task Bar
  • Unpin Microsoft Edge from Start Menu and Task Bar
  • Make Internet Explorer Your Default Web Browser
  • Have File Explorer Open to Your Personal Computer
  • Disable Cortana
  • Removing Cortana from the Task Bar
  • Removing the Task View Option from the Task Bar
  • Removing the Action Center Option from the Task Bar
  • Changing the Color of Title Bars

 

MS-DOS contained no graphics or windows and users would see a “DOS prompt” when they booted up their computers. You had to know the commands necessary to launch certain computer programs or run utilities that were built into the system.

This complicated operating system required various commands for operating the computer that included typing “A:” at the prompt to switch between a floppy drive and drive “A.” To change directories you would use the “CD” command; to view files in a directory you would use the “DIR” command and to run a particular computer program you would have to type in the name of the program’s “executable file” at the prompt.

MS-DOS did only one thing at a time so that multitasking with which we are so familiar today was impossible. If you were in a program and wanted to use another, you’d have to close the current program and enter the command to open the other program. If you wanted to add a new program from a floppy disk, you would have to insert the floppy disk into your computer’s “floppy” drive and wait for the computer to read the contents on the disk. Then you would have to follow a series of commands to actually be able to access and use the new program.

The old DOS system didn’t support electronic hardware devices that are needed to run various programs. For example if you purchased and installed a new game onto your computer, that game had to include options for supporting every type of sound card that computer users may use and you would have to use a SETUP program to configure settings for every computer program you added to your computer.

Thankfully, Microsoft developed its Windows technology that simplified computer use and increased the demand for personal computers. Multiple software applications have been developed to accommodate every computer user and provide software solutions for basically everything you need to accomplish.

Microsoft continually upgraded its Windows Operating System and is currently on Version 10. Windows 7.0 has proven to be the most popular version of the operating system and many people prefer it over Windows 10. However, if you purchase a new computer the upgraded Windows 10 is the only option available.

Many computer operators would like to incorporate some of the features of the older 7.0 version into the newer 10.0 and, if you are one of those people currently using Windows 10 but would like to make it seem more like 7, the following is a list of things you can do to accomplish that.

 

Signing in with a Local Account

Of course Windows 10 prefers you sign in using your Microsoft account but you can do a few things to enable signing in with a local account instead following these steps:

  1. Click on the “Start” button.
  2. Click on the “Settings” button which resembles a gear.
  3. Click on “Accounts.”
  4. Click on “Sign on with a Different Account.”
  5. Type the password used to access your Microsoft account.
  6. Click on “Next.”
  7. Type a “User Name.” You can also create a “Password” but it’s not required.
  8. Click on “Next.”
  9. Lastly click on “Sign Out and Finish.”

Revert to the Classic “Start” Menu

Windows 10’s “Start” menu is very different than the menu in 7 and you can revert back to that 7 menu if you prefer using the following steps:

  1. Use the “Start” menu, task bar or desktop to launch your preferred browser.
  2. Navigate to “www.classicshell.net.”
  3. Click on “Download.”
  4. After the file finishes downloading, click on “Run.”
  5. Click on “Next.”
  6. Click on the box next to “I accept the terms….”
  7. Click on “Next.”
  8. Click on “Next” again.
  9. Click on “Install” and then “Finish.
  10. Click on the “Start” which brings up the “Settings” menu.
  11. Click on “Windows Style 7.”
  12. Click on “Select Skin.”
  13. Click on the down drop arrow next to “Skin.”
  14. Select and click on a “Skin.”
  15. Click on “Okay,” which will make your “Start” menu look like Word 7.

Pin Internet Explorer to your “Start” Menu or Task Bar

Newer personal computers are already equipped with Windows 10 which uses “Edge”
as its web browser but you can use the following steps to use Internet Explorer instead.
These actions will remove the IE browser from storage, display it on your “Start” menu
or task bar and you can then begin using it as your browser instead of Edge.

  1. Right click on the “Start” button.
  2. Click on “Search.”
  3. Type “Internet Explorer.”
  4. Right click on “Internet Explorer.”
  5. Click on “Pin to Start” or “Pin to Task Bar” or both, if you want.

Unpin Microsoft Edge from Start Menu and Task Bar

If you want to get rid of the “Edge” icon you can follow these steps to remove it from your Start menu and Task Bar:

  1. Right click on the “Edge” button in your task bar.
  2. Click on “Unpin from task bar.”
  3. Click on the “Start” button.
  4. Right click on the “Edge” tile.
  5. Click on “Unpin from Start.”

Make Internet Explorer Your Default Web Browser

Computer users can make Internet Explorer their default web browser in Windows 10 by using the following steps:

  1. Click on the “Start” button.
  2. Click on the “Settings” button which looks like a gear.
  3. Click on “System.”
  4. Click on “Default Apps.”
  5. Click on “Microsoft Edge” or whatever is your default web browser.
  6. Click on “Internet Explorer.”
  7. Click on “Switch Anyway.”

Have File Explorer Open to Your Personal Computer

When you open “File Explorer” in Windows 10 you are automatically directed to a “Quick Access” section where frequently used files and folders are stored. Use the following steps to make File Explorer open those files and folders on your computer instead of Quick Access.

  1. From your “Start” menu, desk top or task bar, launch “File Explorer.”
  2. Right click on “Quick Access.”
  3. Click on “Options.”
  4. Click on the drop down arrow next to “Open File Explorer.”
  5. Click on “This PC.”
  6. Click on “Apply.”
  7. Click on “Okay.”

Disable Cortana

Cortana is a digital assistant included in Microsoft Windows 10 which can be helpful as well as annoying. Cortana could previously be disabled with the click of one button, but that is no longer an option. Options included for those using Cortana are: “Hey Cortana” which will make the digital assistant respond; “Lock Screen” allows Cortana to work when your electronic device is locked; “Taskbar Tidbits” allows Cortana to interject occasionally while you are in the “search” field; “Send Notifications Between Devices” allows Cortana to provide updates about any additional electronic devices that are connected to Windows; “History View” is self-explanatory in that it shows your history in the home screen of Cortana; and “My Device History” is the means by which your history is collected from all devices.

Although the one click option for disabling Cortana is no longer available you can adjust some settings to make it at least seem like you got rid of it by following these steps:

  1. Right click on the “Start” button.
  2. Click on “Search.”
  3. Click on the “Settings” button which, again, looks like a gear.
  4. Click on the switch that appears beneath “Settings” options to turn it off.

Removing Cortana from the Task Bar

Although having a “search” option on your task bar might be convenient, it doesn’t resemble the one in Windows 7 and many people would like to remove it which can be achieved by following these steps:

  1. Right click on a blank spot on your computer’s task bar.
  2. Click on “Cortana.”
  3. Click on “Hidden.”

Removing the Task View Option from the Task Bar

The “Task View” button on your computer’s task bar was designed for electronic hand held tablets. When you click on that button, a screen appears that shows all of your open windows (basically the same function as the Alt + Tab shortcut). You can remove it from your task bar by using these steps:

  1. Right click on a blank spot on your task bar.
  2. Click on “Show Task View Button” so the checkmark disappears.

Removing the Action Center Option from the Task Bar

Using the following steps will remove the “Action Center” option from your computer’s task bar:

  1. Right click on a blank spot on the task bar.
  2. Click on “Settings.”
  3. Scroll down to and click on “Turn System Icons On or Off.”
  4. Click on the “Switch” option next to “Action Center” to turn it off.

Changing the Color of Title Bars

In Windows 7 the title bars on open windows is blue but Windows 10 uses white as its default bar color. You can change the color of title bars following these steps:

  1. Click on the “Start” button.
  2. Click on the “Settings” button.
  3. Click on “Personalization.”
  4. Click on “Colors.”
  5. Click on whatever color you want to use.
  6. Turn it on by clicking on “Switch” under “Show Color on the Title Bar.”