What are /r/WindowsHelp's favorite Products & Services?

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Some google thing still running somewhere - perhaps you have Chrome set to run apps in the background when the browser is closed? Check the Task Manager for google things running, check the Task Scheduler for any google tasks, check all the installed apps in Settings > Apps, run Everything, type google in the search bar to see where all the google things are in Program Data and AppData folders.
Also - by deleted, do you mean you uninstalled it properly? Probably the best thing to do is to reinstall Google Drive for PC, and then uninstall it properly by going to Settings > Apps and uninstalling it again.

https://lockhunter.com/

It will show you what is locking the folder and preventing you from deleting it. There are several options to deal with it. Great little app and it's free.

You may want to look at Winaero for customizing the Explorer UI. Will it do what you want? IDK. Explorer had always been pretty hard to get just right (and stay that way.)

I don't have W11. But WinAeroTweaker, winaero.com, has been updated to work with 11. There is a section for the context menu.

When it installs it detects which os version you're using and installs tweaks for it. Since I don't have 11 I can't tell you what's available.

It's free and one of the first things I install on a new pc or fresh os install.

I know there are registry settings that you can probably change, but I prefer having the settings all together. You can export your settings to easily put them on another pc. You can reset Windows to it's defaults.

If you haven’t BitLockered your drive, and you have access to a bootable Windows Installation Media (or the means to create one), you can follow the guide linked below to reset local user passwords.

https://winaero.com/blog/reset-windows-10-password-without-using-third-party-tools/

No.
Snipping Tool is not gonna be around much longer. Pin it to your taskbar if you're still using it a lot. Windows key + Shift + S offers instant screen capture, btw.
You might also consider using ShareX if you take a lot of screenshots - it's free, fast, and has a much better editor that can open automatically after a capture.
https://i.imgur.com/vWdtuux.png

If you have another PC you can create yourself a Repair USB-Stick that is much better than Windows Tools. They can also change MBR-Installs to GPT-Installs.
My Favourite Tools for that Problems are:

Use Macrium Reflect to create a Boot Repair Stick

Use Lazesoft Recovery Suite to create a Boot Repair Stick

You only need the Free Versions of that tools!

With Lazesoft you can also recover files if you cannot recover the whole install - but 99% works

Transfer only Windows? Nope. Are all of you files only on your HDD? If your HDD fails, do you have a backup of your files? What?!? You're not backing up your stuff? This is very, very bad, my friend. Back up your files to some kind of external drive (Mr. Bezos sells them for $50-$60), take your HDD out of the computer, install Windows on the SSD (I recommend using Patch My PC to reinstall 3rd-party programs quickly), put the HDD back into the computer and format it, then copy your personal files back to the HDD. You can then use FreeFileSync to keep your files backed up and updated between your internal and external hard drives so you won't lose all your shit when your 5 year-old HDD dies.

Windows 10 backup is old and not updated anymore. Use Macrium Reflect Free to image your entire drive to the Seagate, and/or use FreeeFileSync to back up individual folders

It happened with a number of cameras, and I connect them through the USB port. The original camera that worked for years that prompted me to buy new ones, is a JVC GZ-MG 130U. The others were like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093GXP1JF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I tried it on 3 computers: MSI Laptop with Win 11 (this my main), Lenovo Laptop with Win 10 and an ACER Laptop with Win 10. Same results, Laptops make sound when plugged into USB and then when I turn the camera on another sound and in the past when that happened File Explorer would open, and the camera had a drive assigned to it and I could get to the video files on 2 of them; never had the need to try it on the Acer, but now it just makes the sounds.

Thanks!

Hey hopefully this helps, but on my new build I gave up about halfway through because of how long it was taking and just installed a fresh copy of windows to a new drive. The latter is what I'd recommend, but I know it doesn't exactly answer your question.

Ninite is a fantastic tool to get you up to speed with all the programs you might want if you decide to just go for a fresh install instead.

I think ur pc isnt powerful enough, take these examples: If u need ur pc for work take this one. If u need it for gaming, take that one. These might come with freedos or etc., so probably u can install new windows on it ;)

I'm thinking if you used an external adapter you'd be fine. Something similar to this one? Even if you don't buy this specific one I'm just linking it as an example;

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-SM2NGFFMBU33-M-2-SATA-Enclosure/dp/B00T8F298Y

I mean you're just looking to recover data off it before you go formatting the thing and doing a fresh windows install, yeah? You can use an external device although you'd restrict its transfer speed down to USB 3.0. But I'd probably go that route just for it being the easiest way to get the files on the drive.

My thoughts are you are going to need a new laptop that does not need a dock to run two monitors.

I know for a fact this one will work fine: https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GE76-i7-1180H-Titanium-11UE-046/dp/B097NHS4P1/ref=sr_1_16?crid=1RF6PS2Y9OL5O&keywords=gaming+laptop&qid=1664298381&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI4LjkwIiwicXNhIjoiOC40OCIsInFzcCI6IjcuMzIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=gaming+laptop%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-16

Hi,

This is the current hard drive I have.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KQPKJXH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Would it be good for transferring the 200 - 250 gb folder at once? Or should I do it bit by bit?

Thanks.

I use TunnelBear. I went poking around in the help section of their website and determined that they support OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Wireguard. Afterwards I confirmed that I can manually change the protocol in their window on my computer. I still don’t understand the decision to show the VPN protocol as a separate network in the UI but I have my answer. I appreciate your help. Thank you!

I dunno, but try reversing the registry and unlock the taskbar etc. Reinstalling windows may help. Go get maybe a new monitor: like this one. Or try doing something in the settings.

I dunno how to solve that problem.

hey friend! i think i've got the fix for you!

however long ago, when i updated to Windows 11, I had that same issue. No matter what i did, and I did A LOT, it would keep stuttering.

what worked for me was buying a USB Bluetooth Adapter, installing it's driver, and disabling Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator, which can be found under Device Manager > Bluetooth. not sure if the last thing (disabling MBtE) really did anything, but I'm not risking extra Windows nonsense.

just today, it started all over again. I forgot about the whole process, so i've been spending the last couple hours raging about how I fixed it last time, since its been a whilet. Finally, I noticed an "Unrecognized BT Device" and reconfigured that, which turned out to be the BT adapter I bought. Issue was fixed right away.

Hope this helps! If you ended up paying someone to fix the issue, and it worked, would love to hear how they solved it.

lastly, like you said, fuck Windows 11

Because I didn't think that just the built-in storage was going to be enough for apps, I bought the previously mentioned micro SD card just to put some software on. I assumed I'd be able to just keep the OS on the built in memory but I guess that's pretty much out the window now.

Is there any reason a thumb drive like you linked is better for me, or is the micro SD card I bought just as good for this use case?

You can run Windows applications on Linux using wine if that's what's needed Other than that I recommend getting a small thumb drive with the storage and putting the operating system on there

By thumbdrive I mean something like this but with a lot more storage capacity (if you only need the 32gb then I recommend formatting the computers drive and running it off the usb) THUMBDRIVE

I have a portable air conditioner.

Similar to this one

Just turn it on and point it to your CPU. I suppose your CPU has some small holes to let the air flow, point the air conditioner to those small holes so the air goes in.

My AC even has a water deposit to make the air cooler. I can even put ice on the top to make it even cooler.

But in my case the water is not necessary. Just the flow of air at full speed is enough to cool my CPU down.

I just looked up specs. Theyre not to bad assuming you have the same as a top result of google.
2.8 GHz Intel Core i5-8400 Six-Core 8GB DDR4
1TB 7200 rpm HDD NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB GDDR5)

The only thing I think sucks is the hard drive, that pc would definitely benefit from an ssd. A 128gb would do the job. A 250gb would be preferable though.
Assuming you are in USA $50 will get a good one on amazon. Better deals likely elsewhere:
https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-MX500-250GB-NAND-Internal/dp/B0781VSXBP

As stated, remove the HDD and connect it to a USB device so that you can read it on another PC. The manufacturer's website will have a manual you can use that explains how to remove the hard drive (some laptops back then had a compartment on the bottom with 1 screw that allowed for quick access to it)

I use an adapter like this https://www.amazon.com/Inateck-External-Reader-Applicable-SA03001/dp/B08BNPXSJ9/ref=asc_df_B08BNPXSJ9

Also, using a bootable USB stick for a Linux operating system would work but this, to me, requires so much more learning because of the way Linux and Windows differ in even some simple file access methods.

use an app like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stealthcopter.portdroid&hl=en_US&gl=US and enter your PCs ip address. It will scan the address and give you info on the status of common ports

A common cause is that you may have too many devices connected. Between phones, game consoles, smart TVs and computers, not everything can get an IP V4 IP address. I've seen that all the time. The average cable modem will only give out about 8 addresses, and the leases don't time out for days. Short term fix: Turn unneeded devices off then restart your cable modem and/or router. Long term fix, get a 2nd router like this and plug it into a port of the existing modem/router. Before buying anything, try turning off devices though and restart your modem and/or router to see if I'm right.

So it appears as though your setup is completely normal and nothing is misallocated. If you have suddenly run out of storage space, I would suggest two things:

1. There is a form of virtual memory called a paging file, which might have been what you referenced to earlier. If set too large, this can hog your hard drive space. To check this, right click This PC > Properties > Advanced System Settings > Performance > Advanced > Virtual Memory. This is usually only a few gigabytes but can reach up to four times the size of your physical memory. I highly doubt this would be the cause unless you have specifically set this yourself.

2. You may just have some unwanted files taking up space. First action would be to go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary Files and clean them up. If your own personal files are hogging space, this can be easily identified with WinDirStat which displays everything in a graphical tree format.

Hello

Download HD-Sentinel Portable please:

[https://www.hdsentinel.com/hdsentinel\\\_pro\\\_portable.zip\](https://www.hdsentinel.com/hdsentinel\_pro\_portable.zip)

Unzip it and then run the **HDSentinel.exe**.

Then post pictures from the Overview and S.M.A.R.T results from your drive.

Before doing this, enlarge the window of the S.M.A.R.T values so that you can see them all.

Upload the pictures on imgur.com and share the link here.

Download HD-Sentinel Portable:

https://www.hdsentinel.com/hdsentinel_pro_portable.zip

Unzip it and then run the HDSentinel.exe.

Then post pictures from the Overview and S.M.A.R.T results from your drive.

Before doing this, enlarge the window of the S.M.A.R.T values so that you can see them all.

Upload the pictures on imgur.com and share the link here.

If you can open terminal or powershell, then try these steps before going into the safe mode with networking

https://winaero.com/how-to-repair-windows-11-with-sfc-and-dism/

​

If you can open terminal or PowerShell, then try these steps before going into the safe mode with networking

This is the link I used. Can't guarantee it's completely legit but I haven't had any problems.

https://winaero.com/install-windows-subsystem-for-android-in-windows-11/#:\~:text=Open%20Windows%20Terminal%20as%20Administrator%20with%20PowerShell%20to,package%20name%20and%20its%20path%20and%20hit%20Enter.

If the system is restarting after the manufacturer's logo, then its likely a corrupted OS.

Before the system reboots, do you see the OS logo? At what stage does it restart?

Ideally, after the 4th or some stage, on rebooting there should be a screen to get into the OS troubleshooter - Windows 10 and 11 can detect something has gone bad and give you the option to load the troubleshooter. If that does come up, try to load into advanced, then startup settings and reboot. Then you should see the options for safe mode. If that comes, get to safe mode command prompt. I'd avoid any other modes for now.

This site has saved my system from a fresh install many times

https://winaero.com/how-to-repair-windows-11-with-sfc-and-dism/

The key here is to use the sfc and dism for command prompts, and not the PowerShell options.

Run these:

sfc /scannow

diskpart

list volume

(check the name of your primary drive - disk 0 or 1 or 2 and the drive letter. More details on the site)

exit

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=<recovery boot partition drive letter&gt;:\ /offwindir=<Windows
system partition letter&gt;:\Windows

&#x200B;

After these, if the system can boot into the OS, great but not out of the woods.

Run a dism command in the powershell as admin

Repair-WindowsImage -Online -RestoreHealth

&#x200B;

Avoid running any updates for now as the issue can happen again. If you do not have a fresh windows installation USB, best to try to create one from the windows media creation tool. If you have another system, try to have that done while trying the steps above.

Check out DisplayFusion it is worth the money

https://www.displayfusion.com/Discussions/View/automatically-saving-and-restoring-window-positions-on-dockundock/?ID=5540c67a-5e2b-4f41-b88c-de4d9c2fa354

Windows 11 has this type of feature now so you wont need a 3rd party app, I don't have multiple monitors any longer, replaced them with an ultrawide, so I haven't tested it. I have read that it works pretty well but going to Windows 11 right now isn't for everybody.

When I did have a multi-monitor setup DisplayFusion is what I used.

Why do you want to loose your files? If you decide to use BitLocker make sure to backup the key!!!

If you want to encrypt partitions, consider using https://www.veracrypt.fr/en/Home.html

Sometimes while using the dev channel it may be necessary to reinstall Windows from scratch. This isn't often but can happen, I've had to in the past and will likely have to in the future. Though I always make a back-up before updating to the latest release so I can rollback myself as the built-in one isn't reliable (as you've found).

I use a tool called Macrium Reflect Free, you can setup a schedule so you have something to fallback on if needed.

For now, try opening a command prompt as admin and run these 2 commands

sfc /scannow

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

they look for and repair corrupted system files, you can also try an in-place install of the version you have running now. It does kinda the same thing but overwrites all the windows files while not touching your personal files.

I'd try to see if a fresh install makes any difference. Use a tool like Macrium Reflect Free (scroll down to Back up at Home) to make an image file of your disk to another drive (it creates a file so it doesn't need to erase that drive). Also create a rescue USB in Macrium so you can boot from it and restore your system drive back to its current state if there is no difference. I use this tool before any Windows update instead of the rollback feature, it has saved me a few times but I've also used it just for this purpose of testing a clean install for "fixing" off the wall things, which are often remedied by a fresh install unfortunately.

This way you can run a test, see how it runs with just Windows setup. If it runs correctly, then be cognizant of before and after each program / driver install to see if/when it happens again.

Agreed, definitely odd. I'd try to see if a fresh install makes any difference. Use a tool like Macrium Reflect Free (scroll down to Back up at Home) to make an image file of your disk to another drive (it creates a file so it doesn't need to erase that drive). Also create a rescue USB in Macrium so you can boot from it and restore your system drive back to its current state if there is no difference. I use this tool before any Windows update instead of the rollback feature, it has saved me a few times but I've also used it just for this purpose of testing a clean install for "fixing" off the wall things, which are often remedied by a fresh install unfortunately.

This way you can run a test, see how it runs with just Windows setup. If it runs correctly, then be cognizant of before and after each program / driver install to see if/when it happens again.

Are we talking about a single drive, or your old drive + new NMVe drive?

There shouldn't have been any unused space to begin with. Windows setup by default will use 100% of your drive, unless you mess around with a manual partition scheming. Perhaps post a photo of your Disk Management page.

You cannot separate the operating system from Program Files, Users, etc. Those folders are essential components of the operating system itself and will always be in the same root directory as your Windows folder.

If you truly want a convoluted split-scheme, it is possible to create a symbolic link on your OS partition which links to a physical location on the D partition. But given they're already on the same the drive it makes absolutely no sense to do this and can lead to serious problems with Windows.

Based on what I've heard, your Disk Management probably looks like this:

EFI System Partition | (C:) | Recovery Partition | (D:)

If so, C: and D: cannot be joined unless they are adjacent. Recovery is in the way. There's no simple way to shift Recovery to the end other than reinstalling Windows and setting up the partitions properly. To do it while preserving your existing setup, you'll need to boot into Gparted Live where you can very easily shift the Recovery partition to the end, making the empty space adjacent to C: and available to be extended into.

Sorry if the above is overwhelming, but I really need a photo, or description, of what your setup looks like in Disk Management.

For Linux, boot-repair is your friend. This has saved my dual boot many times. Depending on how you have things set up, you may need to wipe and recreate your EFI and/or MSR partitions. The MSR partition is extremely tempermental has caused me tons of grief when installing/uninstalling operating systems but if you fully wipe it then recreate it then run bootrec via Windows recovery media, that tends to fix most problems.

You need a third party wallpaper manager to do that. Many of them have this feature. I use John’s Background Switcher. It can set a different wallpaper on each monitor, randomized from your collection.

Download HD-Sentinel Portable:

https://www.hdsentinel.com/hdsentinel_pro_portable.zip

Unzip it and then run the HDSentinel.exe.

Then post a pictures from the Overview and S.M.A.R.T results from your drive.

Before doing this, enlarge the window of the S.M.A.R.T values so that you can see them all.

Upload the pictures on imgur.com and share the link here.

The verification will likely fail with an error code.

Let me know with which one.

————————————

Download HD-Sentinel Portable:

https://www.hdsentinel.com/hdsentinel_pro_portable.zip

Unzip it and then run the HDSentinel.exe.

Then post a pictures from the Overview and S.M.A.R.T results from your drives.

Before doing this, enlarge the window of the S.M.A.R.T values so that you can see them all.

Upload the pictures on imgur.com and share the link here.

Download HD-Sentinel Portable:

https://www.hdsentinel.com/hdsentinel_pro_portable.zip

Unzip it and then run the HDSentinel.exe.

Change the Language to English - Configuration - Preferences.

Then post a picture from the Overview and S.M.A.R.T results from your System Drive.

Before doing this, enlarge the window of the S.M.A.R.T values so that you can see them all.

You have much to learn grasshopper. I never suggested your start menu needed anything done to it.

Those are the default paths that control your start up apps. Your user apps and system wide apps. Did you bother to follow the paths and look at what's contained in them?

I use the old msconfig (I got it from WinAero.com). I prefer using it for which apps start up.

Would this by chance be on an AMD system?

This happened at random on my Dad's AMD Ryzen 5 laptop.

I was nearly at a full delete, reinstallation of the OS instead of a reset but found that the system restore was still functional and had a restore point which was a few days old. I got to it via the troubleshooting/recovery screen, not in safe mode or in normal windows as it was not stable.

Anyhow, whether that works or not, in recovery troubleshooter, get to command prompt and try these steps on the site with SFC and later with DISM when in normal desktop

https://winaero.com/how-to-repair-windows-11-with-sfc-and-dism/

I was able to get the task manager to load and get powershell loaded with admin rights to run the image recovery and it did work. Your mileage may vary here, depending on how much has gone bad.

If everything gets back to normal, reboot the system a few times to see if it is working well and create a system restore point. Its funny how a Win ME tool is still a great option today.

Look at getting into the system troubleshooting screen - safe mode with command prompt.

https://winaero.com/how-to-repair-windows-11-with-sfc-and-dism/

This has a section to run diskpart tool and then a SFC command with some additional command lines.

Once back into the normal desktop, open a powershell or command prompt with admin rights and run the dism commands given on the site, especially Repair-WindowsImage -Online -CheckHealth and Repair-WindowsImage -Online -RestoreHealth

&#x200B;

Before resetting the PC, back in the troubleshooting screen, under advanced, you can navigate to a system restore. If there are restore points, they may actually work to get you back to a usable desktop to run the DISM commands. It worked for me and now, when there is an update, I create a restore point. Old Win ME tool actually came in handy for once.

If it's attached to the quick access, you should just be able to right click and remove it. If you added it to "My PC" can use Winaero Tweaker (https://winaero.com/winaero-tweaker/) to adjust the folders (File Explorer > Customize This PC Folders). Else, please share a screenshot that shows where exactly you added the Google Drive folder.

It's either corrupted storage or an issue with the boot files.

This site has info to help out with but first try to boot to the safe mode command prompt.

https://winaero.com/how-to-repair-windows-11-with-sfc-and-dism/

There, you can try starting with

chkdsk

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=<recovery boot partition drive letter>:\ /offwindir=<Windows 10 system partition C>:\Windows

&#x200B;

Substitute Windows 10 with Windows 11 if that's the OS

&#x200B;

Next, try dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

May not work if the command needs network connectivity. This can be attempted in safe mode with networking but the system needs a LAN connection and won't work with wifi.

No need to mess with task scheduler or especially the registry.
Download or create the .wav files you want to use, make a folder named whatever (Custom Windows Sounds?) to put them in, put the folder somewhere. Then Windows key + R > mmsys.cpl > Sounds tab > select the sound you want to change and Browse... to the folder you created.
The easiest and safest way to change the startup sound is with Winaero Tweaker.

Its likely a corruption in the image copied or a storage driver not working well.

This has happened when I tried a similar thing with another free tool that came with my nvme drive. With elevated privileges, run run chkdsk /f /r -

As suggested by u/jd31068, schedule it on the next reboot if any issues.

Next, sfc /scannow in an elevated environment followed by DISM in CMD

dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Or in Powershell,

Repair-WindowsImage -Online -CheckHealth

If errors are reported, then run this

dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

OR in Powershell

Repair-WindowsImage -Online -RestoreHealth

&#x200B;

These have saved my system a few times with dodgy OS updates or when MS have pushed a new build with one too many bugs.

Save this site link in your bookmarks as well.

https://winaero.com/how-to-repair-windows-11-with-sfc-and-dism/

No, it stays there. Now there are some utilities that can remove it. The most popular is Universal Watermark Disabler. I've been using insider builds since their inception in Oct 2014. The watermark would disappear as Windows got closer to release but the dev branch no longer works that way as things tested in dev may or may not make it to beta never mind released or even the next dev release.

I'm having a similar issue. I discovered something that might help you (although it didn't help me).

For some inexplicable reason, Microsoft has implemented an additional sleep setting, but has hidden it from view by default. The setting in question is called System Unattended Sleep Timeout, and it's documented at this Microsoft page.

In order to access it, do either of the following:

(a) Via registry - use Regedit to access this registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\238C9FA8-0AAD-41ED-83F4-97BE242C8F20\7bc4a2f9-d8fc-4469-b07b-33eb785aaca0

...and change the value of the Attributes key to 1.

(b) Via Powershell - run this command in an administrative PowerShell session:

powercfg -attributes SUB_SLEEP 7bc4a2f9-d8fc-4469-b07b-33eb785aaca0 -ATTRIB_HIDE

Either option will unhide the setting, which will appear in Power Options. Set the value to 0 to disable the unattended sleep setting.

You have to delete the downloaded updates. See the 2nd answer here - https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-delete-downloaded-but-not-installed-updates/d30d1e1e-bac9-4d9d-9607-070c0ee57852
You can also run a batch file - https://winaero.com/delete-downloaded-windows-update-files-in-windows-10/

Since I already have Win 11 updated, I can't recreate this to give you an exact answer. I'm just expecting there is a Windows update trying to install and should show up in task manager. If there is you right click on it to "end task".

Have you paused updates? I've googled this and am shocked to see every link wants you to use group policy editor and make registry edits to block it. I wouldn't do this myself. It's too hard to find the settings and undo those changes when you want to start getting updates again.

That's why I prefer using WinAeroTweaker. Less steps to remember. Let it do the heavy lifting for you.

Use WinAeroTweaker, winaero.com, it's free, if you need to pause/stop updates longer than a week. I've used it for many years. It does let you turn off updates. And you can go back when you're ready to get updates again and change that setting.

It lets you undo any and all changes and reset the OS back to it's defaults.

You might check out WinAeroTweaker, winaero.com. It's free and just an awesome piece of software. There is a section for Win 11. Not sure there is a setting to fix this, but it has many settings to change things. There are context menu and taskbar tweaks.

You can export/backup your settings if you have another pc you want to set up the same way and if you don't like your changes you can go back to the os defaults.

WinAeroTweaker, winaero.com has a section for Windows 11 tweaks. If you aren't wanting to have the old context menu, just get rid of that one thing, there is a whole section for the context menu.

It's free, you can export/backup your settings if you have another pc you want to use those setting on. And if you're not happy with the changes you can reset the OS back to it's default settings.

It's just the best. It's one of the first things I install on a new laptop or fresh OS install. Don't ever want to be without it.

I use a free 3rd party software that lets you change the width of the borders, winaerotweaker, winaero.com.

For me it's to get rid of the borders.

It has many tweaks for you Windows os. You can reset Windows back to the defaults if you make changes you're not happy with.

And I always recommend setting a restore point before making changes.

https://winaero.com/how-to-repair-windows-11-with-sfc-and-dism/

Instructions to do what jd31068 told you to do. Just in case you need them.

I found it difficult to get done myself. If you don't mind using a 3rd part (free) software I have one I can recommend that will take care of Defender for you.

WinAeroTweaker, winaero.com. I'm almost certain Defender is perfectly fine, but I found it a pain in the butt to use. I have a security suite I've used for years and it's easy to use.

If you don't mind using a 3rd party (free) software you can use WindowsTweaker, windowstweaker.com. It lets you auto login. You provide your username and password and it will do it for you.

Might not be exactly what you wanted, but it might work for you.

If you download windowstweaker and get an error message when you install it, try again. I don't know why it does that, but I usually have to do it twice and it works the 2nd time.

Also, WinAeroTweaker (also free), winaero.com, has some different options for logging in. You might check it out as well.

Both great programs. Some of the 1st software I put on a new laptop or fresh install of the OS.

WindowsTweaker, windowstweaker.com and WinAeroTweaker, winaero.com, are free 3rd party software that have slightly different settings to change the way Windows gives you updates. Including turning them off completely. Which I would never recommend to anyone.

I get notified there are updates available and I get to decide when I want to install them.

I've used them both for many years. They get installed fist on a new pc or fresh OS install.

I know there are other ways to change this, but I like simple and easy. And WinAero lets you export your changes so you can use them on other pc's and you can reset the OS back to it's defaults if you're not happy with your changes.

I don't like changing the registry. Trying to go back and find that key and change it back is a pain. This way the tweaks are all together in one place.

If you don't mind a free 3rd party software, try download and installing WinAeroTweaker, winaero.com, and it can create an admin account for you. Maybe, if you can install it without admin privileges.

I've never tried it without being the admin.

WinAeroTweaker (winaero.com), a free 3rd party software, might help you. It has a section that lets you pick your accent colors.

Never used it on a non-activated os before, so not sure if it has limitations because of that.

It has lots of tweaks for your os. Make sure you create a restore point. WinAero has a setting to let you put Windows back to it's defaults if you're not happy with what you've changed.

Or, you might check your restore points to see if there is one available before you started messing around. Windows does automatically create restore points. It just doesn't create enough of them on its own to suit me. I create 1 every morning when I wake up my laptop. If it's working and running like it's supposed to, I want a restore point to return to.

Open Settings > type: lock screen > select > lock screen settings > towards the bottom click on: screen saver settings > receive the pop-up and uncheck: on resume, display logon screen.

Or, for me, an easier way to do this is to use a free 3rd party software: WinAeroTweaker (winaero.com). Lots of tweaks for Windows. There is a search bar, just type in lock screen or go to the boot and logon settings. You'll find lots of settings you might want to change. There is also an option to reset Windows back to it's defaults if you're not happy with the changes you've made.

And as always, create a restore point before tweaking Windows settings.

Lock screen was really for tablets and I just hate it!

And if you like WinAeroTweaker, I also recommend WindowsTweaker (windowstweaker.com). There are some different settings. I especially like their options for handling Windows Updates.

win key + r > msconfig > selective start up

I use the old msconfig that I got from winaero.com, and I use the old task manager, too. I don't like the current ones.

Un-check everything you don't want starting at boot up.

And after an update (my Adobe stuff comes to mind) I'll find things are checked to start at bootup again. At least I think that's what causes it. So, I uncheck them again.

And you can go through your services and see if there are things you can set to automatic (delayed start), manual or disable. Set a restore point!!!!!!! Do some research before getting too carried away. You can mess things up, and there are things Windows doesn't want you to change.

If you don't mind using a free 3rd party software, I have 2 I can recommend. WindowsTweaker (windowstweaker.com) and WinAeroTweaker (winaero.com). They share many of the same settings, but there are some differences. I think WindowsTweaker has the better settings for Windows updates.

I get notified there are updates available, I decided when to install them.

I know there are other ways to do this, but I prefer easy and simple. And if I don't like what I've changed, it's easy to find it again. And WinAeroTweaker has a setting to let you set Windows back to it's defaults.

And as always, create a restore point!

I have a simple and easy way to deactivate it. I know it's not what you asked, but it might help.

WinAeroTweaker (winaero.com). Type photo in the search and it will take you to that setting. And you can select deactivate it.

If it's on the taskbar, can't you just place the mouse over it to get the pop-up to preview it?

I use this when I'm searching through my design files and I need to reference back to the one I'm working on that's open in Illustrator. I've increased the size of the pop-up. I used WinAeroTweaker (winaero.com) to increase the size. I know there are registry edits to do it, but WinAero is easier.

Maybe this isn't what you're looking for. I like to keep things simple and easy.

There's the usual way and an easy way to take control of files and folders here - https://winaero.com/how-to-take-ownership-and-get-full-access-to-files-and-folders-in-windows-10/
DO NOT do this with root C: or the Windows folder. You have been warned.

I find it much easier to use either WindowsTweaker (windowstweaker.com) or WinAeroTweaker (winaero.com). They are both free, have many of the same settings, but there are some differences. For my personal preference, WindowsTweaker has the better options for changing Windows updates.

The regedit method is what I use. It has worked for me 99% of the time. I’ll link below an article that goes through it step-by-step with pictures. Note though that these methods only work if BitLocker isn’t enabled or your hard drive isn’t otherwise encrypted.

https://winaero.com/blog/reset-windows-10-password-without-using-third-party-tools/

You might also want to check if your PC components are overheating. Download an app called Hardware Info to check the temps. PCs will shut down to protect itself from killing components.

Check out a few videos on cleaning the PC, if it hasn't been cleaned dust and such can choke off the airflow. Also, the thermal paste on the CPU might be dried to the point that it isn't transferring the heat from the CPU to the CPU cooler. Same for the video card.

Good luck, I hope you can find it. I would recommend not playing any games until you've tracked this down. The last thing you want is to burn up something these days, especially a video card.

First of, thanks a lot for the information, I really appreciate your explanation. I know my sid since it's my first account it ends with a 1001, right now i'm on the 500 one with administrator.

"Even if you knew what was the SID of the old account, it would be almost impossible to add new account then assign it the old SID's (you would probably need to make a ton of regedit changes, even then it it's not a guarantee that it will work)."

I actually did that (backed up all the changes i did, i learn from my mistakes haha) and it didn't work like you said (i legit went through each regedit key replacing new to old sid and didnt work).

I can still check my hkey_user through cmd "reg load HKU\Fancy C:\Users\<myname>\ntuser.dat" and it shows up. Also ismy sid is still under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList with the right imagePath and everything. So what you're saying is it only deleted my profile in the SAM registry? But nowhere else?

I actually do have acces to the SAM (in regedit) through psexec from sysinternals if that's what you mean? I'll add a screenshot to show what i can acces; https://snipboard.io/wetWZm.jpg

Windows key + PrtScr key saves to Screenshots folder in Pictures.
FYI - if you take a lot of screen captures, ShareX can execute multiple actions simultaneously. It is excellent.
https://i.imgur.com/Ii1onoL.jpg

Recently went thru the search to find a solution for this exact problem. Thought I'd drop my solution in this post after finding it.

What worked for me was mpv with a specific launch argument.

https://mpv.io/

-lavfi-complex="[aid1] [aid2] amix [ao]"

For a Windows setup, I recommend creating a shortcut and adding those launch arguments to the shortcut. You can then play the videos with the mpv instance started from the shortcut.

Check Settings > Apps to uninstall what you don't want.
Run AdwCleaner.
Run an offline scan with Defender.

Yep, they removed the ability to get rid of the prompt for security reasons. Anyone leaving their computer unattended could have their passwords stolen by a passerby.
I highly recommend using Bitwarden as a password manager instead of any browser's password manager. It is more secure and free, and it is cross-platform so you can sync your passwords on any device. It will import your passwords from Chrome, and then you have the option to not require your master password every time you use your computer.
https://bitwarden.com/products/

Check out https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree in the Backup at Home section. You can schedule imagining of your C: drive to a image file saved on your larger drive. You can then, if needed, restore that image (it is an exact duplicate of each bit so a clone but in a file).

Looks like they are gone, they used to be on /public/Operating Systems/Microsoft Official/.

https://web.archive.org/web/20201121042629/https://the-eye.eu/public/Operating%20Systems/Microsoft%20Official/

There's a app called ClassicShell that can give Windows 8 the Windows 7-like start menu.

https://www.fosshub.com/Classic-Shell.html?dwl=ClassicShellSetup\_4\_3\_1.exe

And there are security issues that can arise with Windows 7, even if she doesn't do anything.

I would be really, really careful if you're going to go with Windows 7.

That's very weird. I'd be assuming it's a malfunctioning Graphics driver, but you're talking about a Windows Feature Update...

Although I can't imagine how a Windows Feature Update would make such a bug. It may also be something specific with your specific software settings/configuration.

If you need that laptop functioning without taking time reinstalling the latest version of Windows with clean drivers or so, you could rollback Windows again & pause Updates for up to 3 Weeks in the Settings.

There are also several to disable Automatic Updates entirely.

If you have Windows Pro, you can use the Group Policy Editor to disable Auto-Updates. Or you can use O&O ShutUp10. It's a program that can disable some tracking stuff from Windows, but also Auto-Updates.

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Get Chocolatey and then download Sudo using cinst sudo- then you can run directly as admin using the sudo command - And chocolatey is also an excellent package manager for windows anyway 😁

I suggest, if the Windows 11 update that is pushed to your computer via cloud isn't working, to utilize the Windows 11 Installer and run the update through there. The OS might have also downloaded onto a different drive depending on how many you have, and how your drives are partitioned. I know it said update ready but sometimes the system can still be incompatible. I recommend running the PC Health Checkup App from Microsoft's site and seeing if that says any different about your eligibility.

What 2011 , how it meets Windows 11 requirements , you know you will need a cpu wich was released after 6-7 years before your device , that video card is the last concern about the requirements ...

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications read this one more time

Run the PC Health Check App at the bottom of this site: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11 It will give all information you are looking for. You may have to turn on Secure boot in your BIOS. The APP gives you links to instructions. Also, I read on another site that even if your CPU is incompatible (according to Microsoft), that Win 11 will run on most recent processors. A person posted that he installed it in Beta version under a Microsoft Insider Program.

You do realize that Windows 7 was completely end-of-lifed a year and a half ago, right? As in, no more support whatsoever from Microsoft? Check out this Microsoft page for info.

Windows 10 has been out, it was a free upgrade, since July 2015. And Windows 11 is now rumored to be released in about two months (this article on Forbes).

I do not know of any solutions, but if you read the taskbar section of the deprecations and removals log, it seems that you may be out of luck.

Microsoft removed the PC Health Check - they may getting some fix or lower the requirements [as of 6/29/2021 @ 8:55am EST]
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11

Clean install Windows 10 from a flash drive. You'll need a flash drive with at least 8 GB capacity with nothing on it. Get Rufus, download Windows 10 21H2 build 19044.1288 with it, make bootable flash drive, shut down laptop, boot into BIOS, set laptop to boot from flash drive, reboot, install Windows 10.

STOP! You should first consider if you WANT and NEED TPM!

If not you can install Win11 without TPM aswell when using the RUFUS Tool!

All Infos you need in here!

If you really want TPM you have to activate it - its on top of your screenshot "AMD CPU fTPM"

Furthermore you need to disable CSM in the Boot Tab - after that Secure Boot option is showing up aswell. But there could be a Problem with you Graficcard where CSM will activate itself all the time - that could be fixed by a firmware update of your card wich i also mentioned in the linked thread.

Take a look into that thread where ive put all Infos together when installing it for myself.

I suggest to first try a WIN11 install on a secondary Harddrive instead updating your current system where much can go wrong and your data will be lost.
Since you already use a fresh install it may would work but when you can install win10 on a fresh ssd u can also do the same with 11 :D
The most easy way is to use the Rufus Tool

-For the full Feature List of what TPM is doing, look up the Conclusion of Microsoft about TPM.
Mostly for private purpose you want it off since it makes backup
easier. Except you want to play Valorant on Win11 - there you need to
have secure boot and TPM activated.T

You need to get into the BIOS, so not sure what the key is possibly DELETE or F12 or F1.

• Put the USB drive with the Windows Install into the flash drive
• Reboot - Wait for logo (not sure about your specific laptop) - Press DELETE and go into bios if DELETE does not work then go through all the functions keys F1,F2 etc.
• Once in BIOS check if there is an option for BOOT FROM LEGACY or something similar if it is disabled then ENABLE it
• Save and exit BIOS and then reboot (leave USB drive in)
• Look for BOOT ORDER/BOOT PRIORITY list - If it is booting straight to the internal SSD then that is probably set as BOOT DEVICE 1. Edit the boot order list, press ENTER on BOOT DEVICE 1 and see if the USB pendrive is available as an option.
• If it is NOT an option in the boot device list then there may be a problem with the Windows install on the pendrive - Download RUFUS and a Windows 10 ISO and then reinstall the Win10 ISO to the pendrive https://rufus.ie/en/
• Reboot with the new ISO on the pendrive and go into BIOS if it is still not an option in the boot order priority then it is an idea to site for 30 minutes and check for settings in the BIOS there may be some security/performance setting that is preventing the USB drive from being detected

Well, Id recommend you to get a USB drive that is at least 8 GB in size and download the media creation tool

And after downloading it, get Rufus too

Now, create the windows boot able media (note that this will download what ever version that is the latest version (ex. 21H1 is released, so 21H1 will be downloaded)

And sorry, downloading 20H1 or 20H2 is no longer available.

After creating, plug the USB into the PC you want to upgrade then go ahead and launch the Setup.exe file.

Go ahead with the setup and add a product key if your version ain't activated.

Then in maybe 10 min to 30 min, it will be done since this is not a full windows upgrade (windows 8.1 > 10)

This method will take time so if it's possible for you to copy the files that was removed from the USB to a server and use the network drive to update every single computer in your work.

Have you created the USB bootable? If not, instead of just copying the files to USB, use rufus.ieto create a bootable USB with the iso you have. While creating the bootable USB, make sure you have select partition scheme to "gpt" or "mbr" based on your system(you can find it in disk management tool of windows- select the harddrive-properties-volumes . you will see gpt or mbr.

How did you make the USB drive? Try using Rufus to make a bootable USB drive:

https://rufus.ie/en/

Try to use UEFI. And if your BIOS has a toggle to enable UEFI, enable it.

Why?

You can use a program called rufus to create a bootable windows 10 media instead to use the one Microsoft makes for you.

Just get a product key and that's it.

Here is the link to Download the ISO from Microsoft

Format the Disk. I assume there is nothing important from you on it. I would use https://rufus.ie/en_US/ to make a bootable Linux on a stick and then just delete all partitions on the target drive and boot the installer again.

When the drive is plugged in, right-click it in This PC > Properties > uncheck 'Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed...'
Or use Everything and sort by Path if the drive is connected all the time.

Check your startup folders to see if there's anything there. Run:
shell:startup
shell:common startup
Also check the task scheduler to see if there's an entry there.
If you named the batch file, use Everything to see if it's hiding anywhere on your system.

Install Everything to get a handle on exactly where everything is. You can sort by name, path, date and extension.
You can add 'Move to' and 'Copy to' to the context menu in Explorer, select batches of files in Everything, right-click and move them to the folder of your choice. Don't use the 'Move to' option with the OneDrive folders, though, as the files will then be removed from your cloud account(s) as well.

Look in Task Scheduler, see if there's a startup action for Ewniupdabhnzkueau, whatever the fuck that is. If there is, disable or delete it.
Also get Everything search - the portable version is fine if you don't want to install it - run it as administrator and search for Ewniupdabhnzkueau. If it's nothing you recognize, you may want to consider deleting it permanently.
I also suggest doing an offline scan with Defender.
Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.