Windows 11’s New Start App Views: Find Any App In Two Clicks Or Less

Windows 11’s New Start App Views: Find Any App In Two Clicks Or Less

The Windows 11 Start menu just learned a few new tricks that quietly fix years of everyday annoyances. If you have too many apps and not enough patience, the new Start app views might be the most useful change you see all year.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 6, 2026

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How many times a day do you open the Start menu, stare at a wall of icons, and still not find the app you need? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Check the New Start Menu.

Windows 11’s refreshed Start menu in versions 24H2 and 25H2 tackles that exact problem by turning the old, split layout into a single, smarter app launcher with multiple ways to browse.

Instead of bouncing between Pinned, All apps, and Recommended, you now get one continuous surface with new Category, Grid, and List views for your apps. 

The result feels more like a modern phone launcher: scroll, tap, done.

Stop Losing Tabs: How Microsoft Edge Tab Search Keeps You On Track

Stop Losing Tabs: How Microsoft Edge Tab Search Keeps You On Track

Find any open or recently closed tab in seconds and rescue your focus from tab overload. If you live with dozens of tabs, this feature can feel like a superpower.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 29, 2026

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How many tabs do you have open right now, and how many can you actually find? 

For most people, the browser has become a cluttered desk where important pages hide behind a wall of tiny icons.

Microsoft Edge’s Tab Search feature solves that problem. 

Instead of scanning multiple windows or guessing where a page went, you type a keyword, see every matching tab, and jump straight back to work. 

It is a small feature that delivers a surprising productivity boost.

Freeform Rotate Comes To Windows Paint: A Tiny Button With Big Creative Power

Freeform Rotate Comes To Windows Paint: A Tiny Button With Big Creative Power

Freeform Rotate is finally arriving in the classic Windows Paint app, and it quietly fixes a decades-old annoyance. If you sketch, annotate screenshots, or mock up ideas in Paint, this one control can save you time and make your work look more polished.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 10, 2026

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Have you ever tried to tilt a logo or straighten a pasted screenshot in Paint, only to give up because it only rotated in 90-degree chunks? 

That friction has been part of Windows life for years.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Rotate Objects in Microsoft Paint.

Microsoft is rolling out a Freeform Rotate feature in Paint that lets you rotate shapes, text, and selections to any angle. 

It is a small change that makes Paint feel less like a toy and more like a lightweight layout tool for everyday work.

Windows 11 Adds a One Click Internet Speed Test in the Taskbar

Windows 11 Adds a One Click Internet Speed Test in the Taskbar

Windows 11 now includes a built-in shortcut that lets you check your internet speed directly from the taskbar. It is a small change that saves time when troubleshooting slow connections.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor  

March 4, 2026

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Slow Wi-Fi can ruin a video call or stall a download at the worst possible moment. 

Most people jump to a browser and search for a speed test, but that takes extra steps when you are already frustrated. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Internet Speed Test in the Taskbar.

Microsoft quietly added a new shortcut in Windows 11 that puts a speed test one click away. 

It is simple, fast, and surprisingly useful for both home users and busy professionals.

Extract Text from Any Image with the Windows Photos App

Extract Text from Any Image with the Windows Photos App

Windows 11 hides a powerful OCR tool inside the Photos app that instantly pulls text from images. If you take screenshots, snap whiteboards, or store receipts as photos, this feature can save you hours of retyping.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 25, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a screenshot and thought, “I just need that one paragraph”? 

Maybe it was a Wi-Fi password, a quote from a PDF, or handwritten notes from a meeting. 

Traditionally, that meant retyping everything or installing a third-party OCR tool.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Windows Photos App to Extract Text.

Windows 11 now includes built-in text recognition inside the Photos app. 

It works quietly in the background and makes text selectable and copyable directly from your images. 

No subscription. 

No browser extension. 

No scanning app required.

For business users, and home users alike, this is one of those practical upgrades that removes friction from daily work.

Feature Explanation

What it is:

• The Windows Photos app in Windows 11 includes optical character recognition, or OCR, that detects text inside images and allows you to copy it.

How it works:

• When you open an image in Photos, the app analyzes the image for recognizable characters. If text is detected, a “Copy text” or “Scan text” option appears. You can select specific lines or copy all detected text.

Why it matters:

• Screenshots, scanned contracts, printed forms, whiteboards, and even photographed documents become searchable and editable. This eliminates retyping and reduces errors.

Windows 11’s Microsoft Store CLI: Install and Update Apps Without Opening the Store

Windows 11’s Microsoft Store CLI: Install and Update Apps Without Opening the Store

If you live in Windows Terminal, Microsoft just gave you a faster way to manage Store apps. The new Microsoft Store command line tool lets you browse, install, and update Microsoft Store apps with a few simple commands, no GUI required.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 18, 2026

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Ever set up a new PC and thought, “Why am I clicking through the Store again?” 

Or needed to update one specific app and got dragged into a sea of tiles, banners, and “recommended” content? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Microsoft Store Command Line Interface (CLI).

Microsoft’s new Store CLI is a small change that quietly removes a lot of friction for anyone who prefers fast, repeatable workflows.

A New Emoji Icon Lands in the Windows 11 Taskbar

A New Emoji Icon Lands in the Windows 11 Taskbar

Windows 11 now includes a small emoji icon in the system tray that gives you faster access to expressive typing. It is rolling out slowly to certain groups, so availability may vary.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor  

February 11, 2026

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Most people know the keyboard shortcut for emojis only after someone shows them. 

Windows key plus period is easy to remember, but millions of users never discover it. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Enable the Emoji Panel in the System Tray.

Microsoft has decided to fix that by placing a small emoji icon directly in the Windows 11 taskbar. 

It is a tiny change that solves a surprisingly common problem. 

If you spend your day in Teams, Outlook, Slack, or social apps, this new icon might save you more time than you expect.

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11: Your Safety Net For Boot Failures

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11: Your Safety Net For Boot Failures

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11 uses Microsoft’s cloud services to repair certain widespread boot issues with minimal user effort. Learn what it does, how to configure it, and how to be ready before disaster strikes.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 4, 2026

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You press the power button, wait for Windows to appear, and instead you get a spinning circle that never ends. 

For many users, that moment means panic, lost work, and a frantic search for recovery media.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11.

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11 aims to change that story. 

Instead of leaving you alone in a broken boot loop, Windows can detect certain widespread issues, enter the Windows Recovery Environment, connect to Microsoft’s cloud, and automatically apply a targeted fix if one exists. 

It is not magic, and it will not solve every problem, but when it works, it can turn a potential outage into a short coffee break.

Most Popular Windows 11 Cool Tips of 2025

Most Popular Windows 11 Cool Tips of 2025

Windows 11 gained plenty of flashy AI headlines in 2025, but the real productivity boosts came from small, practical features. These are the underrated tricks that quietly save you time, battery, and frustration every single day.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor  

December 31, 2025

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How often do you think, “I know that file exists, but where did I put it?” 

Or stare at a spinning cursor while one misbehaving app hogs your CPU during a meeting? Meanwhile, your laptop battery drains faster than your patience.

The most popular Windows 11 Cool Tips of 2025 are not gimmicks. 

Editing file metadata for instant search, taming apps with Task Manager’s Efficiency Mode, and mastering Airplane Mode for battery and network sanity are simple habits that pay off all year long.

“Hey Copilot” on Windows 11: Hands-Free Help That Actually Saves Time

 “Hey Copilot” on Windows 11: Hands-Free Help That Actually Saves Time

Get quick answers, launch apps, and draft content by saying “Hey Copilot.” Here’s how to turn it on and use it well.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 10, 2025

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Have you ever wished you could ask your PC to do something while your hands are busy? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Enable and Use "Hey Copilot" in Windows 11.

“Hey Copilot” brings voice wake-up to Windows 11 so you can summon Copilot without clicking. 

If you’ve been waiting for a faster way to get help, this hands-free trigger is a small feature with big productivity impact.

How to Delete Windows Clipboard Contents

How to Delete Windows Clipboard Contents

Learn how to clear your Windows clipboard contents efficiently using several methods to ensure your data remains secure and your system operates smoothly.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 26, 2025 (originally published November 27, 2024)

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Ever copied sensitive information only to worry later about it sitting in your clipboard? 

Whether it's passwords, private messages, or important data, keeping your clipboard clean is crucial for maintaining security and efficiency. 

The clipboard is a handy tool for temporarily storing information you copy or cut, but leaving sensitive data in the clipboard can pose a security risk. 

Moreover, an overloaded clipboard can slow down your system's performance. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Delete Your Clipboard Contents on a regular basis.

What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends and What You Should Do Next

What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends and What You Should Do Next

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ends free updates and support for Windows 10. Here’s what that means for your computer, your security, and the steps you should take to stay protected.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 8, 2025

If you still rely on Windows 10, time is running short. In less than a year, Microsoft will stop issuing updates or security patches. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Explore Your Windows 10 Options.

Your system will continue to run, but the company will no longer fix newly discovered threats.

For many, this deadline feels abstract. 

Yet October 15 will arrive quietly, and millions of PCs will instantly become easier targets for hackers. 

Updates have always worked silently in the background. Their absence, however, will be loudly felt when a threat emerges.

How to Enable or Disable Airplane Mode on Windows 11 and Windows 10

How to Enable or Disable Airplane Mode on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Airplane Mode on Windows is more than just a travel feature. It’s a quick toggle that can save battery, fix connectivity issues, and help you control wireless radios. Learn how to use it efficiently in both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 3, 2025

Have you ever tried to connect to Wi-Fi on a flight only to be told to “switch to Airplane Mode”? 

Most of us think of this setting as something we toggle once the plane door closes, but Airplane Mode has a bigger role on your laptop than you might expect. 

Whether you’re conserving battery at a coffee shop, troubleshooting a stubborn Bluetooth mouse, or just wanting quiet time without pings, this setting can be surprisingly useful.

What is Airplane Mode in Windows?

Airplane Mode instantly disables all wireless communications on your device: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular (if available). 

It’s designed to prevent interference with aircraft systems, but its utility extends far beyond airports.

When you turn it off, Windows automatically reconnects to your previously used Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.

Throwback: Stop Apps from Scrolling in Windows Task Manager with This Cool Tip

Stop Apps from Scrolling in Windows Task Manager with This Cool Tip

To stop the automatic scrolling of apps in the Windows Task Manager, you can hold down the Control key. This allows you to view a static list of processes, which is useful for troubleshooting.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 19, 2025 (Originally published August 19, 2023)

Are you tired of apps scrolling automatically in the Windows Task Manager? 

This can be a frustrating problem, especially if you're trying to troubleshoot a performance issue.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Control Key.

The Windows Task Manager is a system monitor utility that allows you to manage all the processes running on your computer. 

The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

When your Windows PC locks up and nothing responds, there's a little-known feature that can force a clean reboot without pulling the plug. Here's how to use Emergency Restart and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 13, 2025

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Have you ever had your PC Freeze at the Worst Possible Moment?

You’re deep into a project. 

Then, out of nowhere, your system stops responding. 

No mouse movement.  No keyboard input.  Just a frozen screen and rising panic.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Windows Emergency Restart.

Snap Smarter: Windows 11's Update Makes Multitasking More Effortless

Snap Smarter: Windows 11's Update Makes Multitasking More Effortless

Windows 11’s Snap Assist just got a major usability boost in the June 2025 update, making it easier than ever to organize your workspace with intuitive tips, smarter layouts, and seamless snapping.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 6, 2025

Have you ever dragged a window to the top of your screen and wondered what just happened? 

Snap Assist has long been one of Windows 11’s most underrated productivity tools. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New and Improved Snap Assist.

In June 2025, Microsoft quietly gave it a thoughtful upgrade that makes snapping windows feel less like a guessing game and more like second nature.

Whether you're juggling spreadsheets, video calls, or browser tabs, the new Snap Assist improvements are designed to help you work faster with fewer clicks and more clarity.

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?