How to Create Compressed Folders and Archives in Windows 11 (Including 7-Zip and TAR Files)

How to Create Compressed Folders and Archives in Windows 11 (Including 7-Zip and TAR Files) 

Windows 11 now supports ZIP, TAR, 7-Zip, and other archive formats natively, no third-party software required. Learn how to compress files using built-in tools and advanced options like 7-Zip, plus discover real-world use cases, pros and cons, and expert tips to streamline your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 30, 2025

Ever tried emailing a folder only to be blocked by size limits or file types? 

Or maybe you’ve downloaded a .TAR file and wondered why Windows just stared blankly at it. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Windows 11 to Compress and Unpack Archive Formats.

Windows now understands a wide range of archive formats.

Whether you're zipping up a project or unpacking a mystery file, compression just got easier—and smarter.

How to Set Up iCloud on Windows

How to Set Up iCloud on Windows

Finally, you can access your iCloud files, photos, contacts, and even passwords from your Windows PC.  Here’s how to set up iCloud for Windows for a seamless synced access to iCloud content.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 23, 2025

Ever feel like your PC is the odd one out in your Apple ecosystem? 

You snap a photo on your iPhone and still have to dig through email or upload it manually to your Windows computer. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Connect iCloud to Windows.

With iCloud for Windows, everything, photos, documents, contacts, becomes instantly available in File Explorer. It's like training a cat to fetch: surprising at first, but you won’t know how you lived without it.

What You'll Gain

• Universal photo access: view iPhone pictures on your PC without cables.
• Password autofill: use your iCloud passwords in Chrome or Edge browsers.
• File collaboration: share and organize iCloud Drive files seamlessly.

Skip the USB: How Windows Nearby Sharing Streamlines File Transfers

Skip the USB: How Windows Nearby Sharing Streamlines File Transfers

Share files, links, and photos instantly between Windows devices with no cables, cloud uploads, or email attachments required.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 16, 2025

Ever emailed yourself a file just to move it across the room?

If so, you're not alone. 

Despite all our tech, file sharing between nearby devices still feels clunky. 

USB drives, cloud uploads, email attachments, all work, but they’re slow, messy, and often overkill. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Windows Nearby Sharing.

Windows Nearby Sharing is a built-in feature that quietly solves this problem with surprising elegance.

Think of it as Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s AirDrop, except it’s baked into Windows 10 and 11, and it works over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. 

No pairing. No passwords. Just click, share, and go.

Microsoft Says Goodbye to the Blue Screen of Death

Microsoft Says Goodbye to the Blue Screen of Death

Microsoft is retiring its iconic Blue Screen of Death and replacing it with a black crash screen in Windows 11, promising a more modern look but raising questions for IT pros. Here’s what you need to know.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 2, 2025

Picture this: It’s 3 a.m. and you’re on a deadline. 

Suddenly, your screen turns blue, your stomach drops, and your heart pounds. 

The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). 

If you’ve worked in tech for more than five minutes, you’ve seen it and probably learned to fear it. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft is retiring the Blue Screen of Death.

Microsoft is pulling the plug on this iconic error screen, swapping its familiar blue for a modern black. 

Is this change cosmetic or a sign of something deeper?

Free Windows 10 Security Updates Through 2026? Yes, But With a Catch.

Free Windows 10 Security Updates Through 2026? Yes, But With a Catch.

Microsoft just gave Windows 10 users a lifeline: one extra year of free security updates, extending support into 2026. But there’s a twist—only certain users qualify, and it’s not quite the free lunch it sounds like.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 25, 2025

Still on Windows 10? 

Microsoft Isn’t Done With You… Yet

Let’s be honest—Windows 10 has aged well. 

It’s familiar, stable, and still runs on over half of all Windows PCs. 

But with official support ending on October 14, 2025, many users were bracing for the upgrade hammer. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft has extended the deadline.

You can get one more year of free critical security updates—until October 13, 2026.

The catch? 

You’ll need to opt into Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program—and that means jumping through a few hoops.

Notepad Gets a Brain: How Microsoft's AI-Powered Feature Supercharges Your Text Editing

Notepad Gets a Brain: How Microsoft's AI-Powered Feature Supercharges Your Text Editing

Microsoft's classic Notepad app just got a major upgrade—AI now helps you rewrite and summarize text with ease. Here's how to make it work for you.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 28, 2025

Ever wished you could quickly rephrase a paragraph without opening another app? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot AI in Windows Notepad.

Microsoft's latest AI integration into Notepad transforms the humble text editor into a smart writing assistant.

What Is the New AI Feature in Notepad?

Microsoft has introduced new AI-powered features in Notepad for Windows 11. 

This tool allows users to rewrite content and summarize lengthy passages—all within the Notepad application.

How to Check Screen Time on Windows 11

How to Check Screen Time on Windows 11

Want to track your screen time on Windows 11? Whether you're monitoring productivity, managing digital habits, or simply curious about your device usage, Windows 11 provides built-in tools to check your screen-on time. This Cool Tip guides you through the process step by step.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 21, 2025

Why Tracking Screen Time Matters

In today’s digital world, screen time awareness is more important than ever. 

For business professionals, understanding time spent on tasks can help optimize workflow. 

Educators managing online learning sessions can monitor engagement, while productivity enthusiasts can assess habits and set intentional screen breaks. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Check Your Screen Time on Windows 11.

Windows 11 makes it easy to check how long your display has been active.

What You'll Gain

• Better time management: Gain insights into your daily PC usage. 
• Improved productivity: Identify distractions and optimize work sessions. 
• Health benefits: Encourage screen breaks to reduce eye strain.

Hear Everything, Miss Nothing: Master Windows 11 Live Captions

Hear Everything, Miss Nothing: Master Windows 11 Live Captions

Windows 11's Live Captions feature brings real-time, on-device transcription to all audio sources, enhancing accessibility and productivity for users across various scenarios.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 7, 2025

Have you ever struggled to catch every word in a video, webinar, or live meeting? 

Or wished you could follow along with audio content in a noisy environment? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Windows 11 Live Captions.

Windows 11's Live Captions feature addresses these challenges by providing real-time, on-screen captions for any audio source on your PC. 

This tool is not just for those with hearing impairments; it's a game-changer for anyone seeking to enhance their comprehension and productivity.

What Are Windows 11 Live Captions?

How to Master Symbols in Windows 11

How to Master Symbols in Windows 11

Unlock the full potential of your Windows 11 keyboard with this expert guide to entering symbols. Learn how to access hidden characters, use shortcuts, and boost your productivity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 23, 2025

Ever struggled to find the copyright symbol or an em-dash while typing? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use these tips to insert symbols.

Windows 11 brings a wealth of tools to simplify entering special characters and symbols. 

From quick shortcuts to easy-to-use panels, these features can save you time and add precision to your work. 

Ready to master them?

Exploring Windows 11 Symbol Tools

Windows 11 offers three key methods for inserting symbols: Alt codes, the Character Map, and the Emoji Panel. 

These tools cater to users ranging from professionals needing technical precision to casual users enhancing creativity. 

By streamlining access to symbols, Windows 11 empowers efficient workflows.

Here's How to Do It.

Method 1: Using Alt Codes

1. Ensure your keyboard has a numeric keypad.
2. Turn on the Num Lock key.
3. Hold down the Alt key while typing the corresponding four-digit code on the numeric keypad.
4. Example: To type the degree symbol (º), press Alt + 0176.

fig. 1 - Use ALT Codes to Insert Symbols in Windows 11

Method 2: Accessing the Character Map

1. Press Windows + S and search for "Character Map."
2. Open the Character Map application.
3. Choose your desired font, select a symbol, and click "Copy."
4. Paste the symbol into your document.

fig. 2 - Use Character Map to Insert Symbols in Windows 11

Method 3: Using the Emoji Panel

1. Press Windows + . (period) or Windows + ; (semicolon).
2. Browse through the symbols, emojis, and kaomoji.
3. Click on the desired symbol to insert it directly into your text.

fig. 3 - Use Emoji Panel to Insert Symbols in Windows 11

Pros and Cons

These intuitive tools simplify symbol insertion and work across most applications and devices.

However, Alt codes must be memorized and a Numeric keypad is required to use them.

Key Takeaways

Windows 11 delivers robust and accessible methods for entering symbols, catering to diverse user needs. Mastering these features will undoubtedly enhance productivity and efficiency.

Try It Yourself

Explore these features and transform how you type. 

Share your thoughts in the comments below, subscribe for more expert tips, and spread the word by sharing this article on social media!

READ MORE

• Don't Delete That Inetpub Folder in Windows 11! Here's Why You Should Keep It
  
• How Microsoft Edge's Copilot Vision is Redefining Web Browsing
  
• Unlock the Power of Microsoft Windows Storage Sense

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Don't Delete That Inetpub Folder in Windows 11! Here's Why You Should Keep It

Don't Delete That Inetpub Folder in Windows 11! Here's Why You Should Keep It

That mysterious 'Inetpub' folder appearing in Windows 11 is more than just clutter—it plays a key role in your system's security. Discover its purpose and learn how to restore it if you've accidentally deleted it.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 16, 2025

Have you recently stumbled upon a new folder called 'Inetpub' on your Windows 11 system drive? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Don't Delete It!

The Inetpub folder is included in the April 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for all Windows 11 users. 

While it may seem like uninvited clutter, this folder is tied to crucial security updates aimed at protecting your PC from harmful vulnerabilities. 

What Is the Inetpub Folder and Why Is It Important?

Inetpub has traditionally been associated with Microsoft's Internet Information Services (IIS), commonly used to host websites. 

However, in this context, its role extends beyond web hosting. 

The folder is part of a security update released to address a critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-21204. 

This flaw involves the improper handling of symbolic links, which could enable malicious actors to access or modify sensitive system files. 

By implementing this folder, Microsoft reinforces your system’s defenses.

How Microsoft Edge's Copilot Vision is Redefining Web Browsing

How Microsoft Edge's Copilot Vision is Redefining Web Browsing

Discover how Microsoft’s Copilot Vision in Edge transforms web browsing into an interactive, AI-driven experience. Learn about its features, benefits, and step-by-step instructions for seamless integration across devices.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 9, 2025

Imagine having an AI companion that not only understands the content of the webpage you're viewing but also interacts with it to provide real-time insights and assistance. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot Vision in Microsoft Edge.

What is Copilot Vision?

Copilot Vision is Microsoft’s latest innovation, designed to enhance the browsing experience by allowing users to interact with web pages in real-time. 

This feature, integrated into Microsoft Edge, enables Copilot to “see” what’s on your screen, analyze it, and provide personalized responses. 

Whether you’re researching, shopping, or navigating complex tasks, Copilot Vision simplifies the process.

Unlock the Power of Microsoft Windows Storage Sense

Unlock the Power of Microsoft Windows Storage Sense

Discover how Microsoft Windows Storage Sense can revolutionize the way you manage drive space. Learn its key features, benefits, and step-by-step instructions to optimize your storage effortlessly.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

April 2, 2025

Ever wondered why your computer slows down or runs out of space at the most inconvenient times?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Turn on Windows Storage Sense.

Microsoft Windows Storage Sense acts as your silent assistant, automatically freeing up drive space and ensuring your device runs smoothly. 

But how does it work, and why should you care? Let’s explore.

What is Storage Sense?

Storage Sense is a feature designed to optimize your system’s storage by automatically removing unnecessary files, such as temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin. 

It works exclusively on your system drive (usually labeled as C:) and can be customized to suit your needs.

Metadata: How to Edit File Properties in Windows 11

Metadata: How to Edit File Properties in Windows 11

Editing file metadata in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that enhances file organization and accessibility. This article walks you through the steps, benefits, and practical use cases for mastering metadata management.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

March 26, 2025

Have you ever struggled to keep your digital files organized? 

With hundreds—if not thousands—of files stored across devices, locating specific items can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. 

But what if there was a simple solution to make your files easier to manage and identify? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Edit File Metadata!

Editing file metadata in Windows 11 allows users to add valuable context to their documents, images, and videos—making organization effortless and more intuitive.

Metadata refers to the information embedded in a file that describes its properties, such as title, author, tags, and more. 

In Windows 11, users can edit file metadata directly from File Explorer to ensure files are easily searchable and sortable. 

This feature is particularly useful for professionals managing large amounts of data, creatives organizing projects, and everyday users tidying their digital space.

Here's how to do it.

Top 5 Best New Windows 11 Features: Your Guide to a Seamless Upgrade

Top 5 Best New Windows 11 Features: Your Guide to a Seamless Upgrade

Explore the top 5 best new features in Windows 11 that make it a must-have upgrade for productivity, gaming, and everyday tasks. Perfect for new users and those upgrading from previous versions.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

March 5, 2025

Windows 11 is here, and it’s more than just a visual overhaul! 

Packed with innovative features designed to enhance productivity, gaming, and user experience, this operating system promises a new era in computing. 

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of Windows 11?

How to Use the Xbox Game Bar in Windows 11 for Everyday Tasks

How to Use the Xbox Game Bar in Windows 11 for Everyday Tasks

Discover how to harness the versatile Xbox Game Bar in Windows 11 for productivity, creativity, and everyday tasks beyond gaming. This Cool Tip unveils the hidden potential of this powerful toolset for all users.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

February 26, 2025

Have you ever wished you could record a tutorial without downloading additional software? 

Or monitor your system performance in real time while working on a crucial project?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Xbox Game Bar in Windows 11.

While the Xbox Game Bar in Windows 11 is primarily designed for gamers, its versatile features can be utilized for much more than just gaming. 

From screen recording to system monitoring and even social media management, the Game Bar can be a game-changer for professionals, students, and casual users alike.

Microsoft's New Sign-In Changes: What You Need to Know

Microsoft's New Sign-In Changes: What You Need to Know

Starting February 2025, Microsoft will automatically keep users signed in to their accounts unless they explicitly sign out or use private browsing. This change aims to enhance user convenience but raises security considerations for those accessing accounts on shared or public devices.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 16, 2025

Imagine accessing your Microsoft account without the repetitive hassle of signing in each time. 

While this seamless experience enhances convenience, it also introduces potential security concerns, especially on shared or public devices. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Be Sure To Log Out of Microsoft Accounts on Public or Shared Computers.

As of February 2025, Microsoft has implemented a significant change to its sign-in process that every user should understand.

In an effort to streamline user experience, Microsoft has updated its authentication process. 

Previously, upon signing in, users were prompted with an option to stay signed in. 

How to Show or Hide Windows 11 Desktop Icons

How to Show or Hide Windows 11 Desktop Icons

Discover the step-by-step guide to managing Windows 11 desktop icons, enhancing your user experience with customizable visibility options for a clutter-free workspace.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

February 12, 2025

Do you ever find yourself squinting through a sea of icons on your desktop, struggling to locate a specific file or shortcut? 

Or perhaps your desktop is so clean you wonder if it's the epitome of minimalism. Managing desktop icons on Windows 11 can significantly impact your productivity and visual comfort. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Show or Hide Windows 11 Desktop Icons.

Whether you need a clutter-free workspace or quick access to essential tools, Windows 11's feature for showing or hiding desktop icons can be your new best friend.

Desktop icons serve as shortcuts to your frequently used applications, files, and system settings. 

But when your desktop becomes overwhelmed with icons, it can hinder your efficiency and make navigation cumbersome. 

How to Use Windows 11 Task Manager's Efficiency Mode

How to Use Windows 11 Task Manager's Efficiency Mode

Discover how Windows 11's Efficiency Mode in Task Manager can enhance your computer’s performance by optimizing resource usage, resulting in smoother multitasking and prolonged battery life.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

January 29, 2025

Ever wondered how to squeeze the most out of your computer’s performance without resorting to hardware upgrades? 

Or perhaps you’ve been frustrated by sluggish response times while multitasking? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Windows 11's Efficiency Mode.

Windows 11’s Efficiency Mode is a game-changer for anyone looking to optimize system performance.

Efficiency Mode allows you to manually lower the priority of a running process. 

This reduces its CPU usage, improves overall system performance, and potentially extends battery life by preventing excessive resource consumption from specific applications.

Efficiency Mode helps users maintain a responsive system even when running resource-intensive applications. 

Share Wi-Fi Passwords Instantly with QR Codes on Windows 11

Share Wi-Fi Passwords Instantly with QR Codes on Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces an easy and secure method to share Wi-Fi passwords using QR codes, eliminating the hassle of manual entry. Learn how to leverage this feature to streamline your connectivity experience.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 22, 2025

Have you ever scrambled to share your Wi-Fi password with a friend or guest, only to realize it’s a complicated string of letters and numbers? 

Windows 11 now solves this common frustration with a simple, yet ingenious solution: QR code Wi-Fi sharing. 

Whether you’re managing a home network or hosting a gathering, this feature can save time and improve security. But how does it work, and why should you use it? Let’s explore.

What is Windows 11 QR Code Wi-Fi Sharing?

This feature allows users to generate a QR code for their Wi-Fi network directly from the operating system. 

Update Third-Party Apps with the Microsoft Store

Update Third-Party Apps with the Microsoft Store

Discover how to effortlessly manage and update third-party applications using the Microsoft Store, ensuring your software is always up-to-date and secure.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 15, 2025

Have you ever wondered if there's an easier way to manage and update all your third-party applications on Windows 11? 

You're not alone. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Update Your Windows 11 Apps with the Microsoft Store.

The Microsoft Store now offers a seamless solution to keep both your Microsoft and non-Microsoft apps in check.

The Microsoft Store's new feature allows users to update third-party apps directly through the store, making it a central hub for software management. 

This functionality ensures that all your applications, including those not originally downloaded from the Microsoft Store, receive the latest updates automatically.