Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2026NOV03
Table of Contents / Source:
I tried Windows 11’s customizable right-click menu – and it’s a much-needed change
- The new customizable right-click menu is now available for testing.
- You can add and remove entries in the menu to reduce the clutter.
- The new menu could officially debut before the end of the year.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
Reliability Monitor has been in Windows since Vista, and it explains crashes better than Event Viewer ever will
- System Stability at a Glance: Provides a visual timeline of important events like app crashes, failed updates, and service failures, highlighting critical issues with red crosses and warnings with danger signs.
- Stability Index: Assigns your system a score from 1 to 10, helping you quickly identify days with more hardware or software problems without digging through logs.
- Efficient Troubleshooting: Serves as a starting point before Event Viewer, showing key events clearly and allowing deeper investigation only when necessary, saving time and effort.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
I didn’t realize Windows could tell me this much about my SSD
The built-in SSD health checker only works with NVMe SSDs. If you're using a SATA SSD or an HDD, you'll need to rely on a third-party monitoring tool to get similar health information.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
Essential free Windows software to maximize your computer performance
Tech pro ThioJoe shares his top recommendations for no-cost utility programs that can significantly boost your PC's speed and overall capabilities.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
Discover the powerful Gmail tool hidden in your inbox
Tech pro ThioJoe reveals a lesser-known feature within Google Email that can help users unlock advanced functionality directly from their account.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
Windows built-in ransomware shield switch is off by default, and I figured out why
Windows has a ransomware shield most people never notice because it's off by default. It's called Controlled folder access, and it blocks apps from changing files in the folders you protect unless Windows trusts them or you allow them. It's one of the stronger Defender protections that Windows leaves to your discretion.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
What to Do When Your Printer Won't Print: Try These 10 Troubleshooting Tips
If your printer is throwing you an error (or just ignoring your demands entirely), there can be any number of reasons. Unfortunately, just figuring out the problem can be half the battle. The other half is coming up with a solution that will get the printer working again. If you're having trouble figuring things out, here's how to troubleshoot the problem so you can get back to work.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
Readers’ Choice 2026: The Top-Ranked Photo and Video Editors Aren’t the Ones You’d Guess
Thanks to our smartphones, we're all creators these days. When it comes to polishing up all those photos and video footage, our readers have opinions about the best (and worst) tools for the job.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
PCMag’s First-Ever Gift of the Year Awards: Our Experts Select the Best Tech for Everyone on Your List
We put hundreds of products through their paces every year. These 12 stand out as the gadget gifts we’d most like to give and to get.
Further reading:
- Need a new laptop for work? These are the best (and worst) PC brands according to IT buyers - pcmag.com
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
How to use your TV as a computer monitor – before you buy a new one
Your TV can be a monitor for your Mac, Windows, or Linux laptop with gear you already have. Here's how to set it up.
