Category: How To Guides

Categories
Windows 10

How to Fix Slow Boot Times Without Using Tools Provided by Third Parties

How to Fix Slow Boot Times Without Using Tools Provided by Third Parties

How to Fix Slow Boot Times Without Using Tools Provided by Third Parties

It is possible for even a powerful computer to seem out of date if it starts up slowly. When you have to wait for your computer to load for several minutes before you can begin working, it may be quite stressful. Although many people resort to using third-party optimization software, Windows already offers built-in solutions that are efficient, secure, and free of charge. Increasing the speed at which your system boots up may be accomplished without the need of additional applications if you make a few tweaks.

1. Disable any startup programs that are non-essential.

When you start Windows, many apps will automatically start running, which could add valuable seconds or even minutes to the amount of time it takes for your computer to boot up.

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl, Shift, and Esc simultaneously.

Proceed to the tab labeled “Startup.”

Go through the list and turn off any programs that aren’t required to run when the computer starts up. This includes chat applications, updaters, and auxiliary utilities.

The primary focus should be on deactivating components that are not needed; nevertheless, system operations and security software should remain active.

2. Allow for a Quick Start-Up

Microsoft Windows has a function called Fast Startup that combines hibernation with shutdown, making it possible for your computer to start up more rapidly.

To access the Power Options, open the Control Panel and go to the Hardware and Sound section.

Simply choose the power buttons that you want to use.

Currently unavailable options may be changed by selecting the Change option.

For the option to turn on rapid startup, check the box.

This works best for users who have solid-state drives (SSDs), although users who have hard disk drives (HDDs) could also see an improvement.

3. Ensure that Windows is always up to date

Slow booting might be caused by software or drivers that are out of date. Performance enhancements are often included in regular updates.

Navigate to the Settings menu, then choose Update & Security, and finally select Windows Update.

Click the Check for updates button, and then install any fixes that are available.

4. Remove Temporary Files from System

When the system disk is crowded, it might slow down the boot process. There are tools built into Windows that may delete unneeded files.

Put Windows and R together to open the Run dialog.

After typing cleanmgr, hit the Enter key.

Please choose your system drive, which is often C:.

Verify that the deletion has been confirmed after checking choices such as Temporary files, System cache, and the Recycle Bin.

5. Improve the overall background services

It’s possible that some background services won’t be necessary for the startup.

After pressing Windows and R, type msconfig and then click Enter.

Go to the tab labeled “Services.”

Be sure to check the box labeled “Hide all Microsoft services” to prevent disabled key processes.

Delete any services that aren’t essential after reviewing the list.

6. Check for errors and the health of the disk.

Delays in starting might be caused by a failing hard disk or data that are corrupted. Diagnostic tools are part of Windows’s default installation.

Launch the Command Prompt in the Administrator mode.

After typing chkdsk /f, hit the Enter key.

To enable the scan to run, you will need to restart your computer.

You should seriously consider switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) if you are currently utilizing a hard disk drive (HDD).

7. Modify the settings for the virtual memory

It is possible to increase speed by modifying the virtual memory settings, even though Windows controls it automatically.

To access the system, go to the Control Panel, then choose System and Security, and finally select System.

Choose the Advanced options for the system.

To access the advanced settings, go to the Performance section and click on Settings.

Make the necessary adjustments to the parameters of the virtual memory so that Windows can handle it, or choose a size that is specific to your RAM.

8. Defragment the hard disk drive (only) or optimize the drives.

The process of starting up might be slowed down by fragmentation if you are using a conventional hard disk.

Within the Start menu, look for the option to defragment and optimize drives.

Choose your hard disk drive, and then choose the Optimize option.

When it comes to solid-state drives (SSD), Windows automatically optimizes SSDs, which eliminates the need for manual defragmentation.

9. Reducing the Visual Effects

Not only can animations and fancy effects seem beautiful, but they may also slow down older computers.

To access the advanced system options, open the Control Panel and go to the System menu.

Under Performance, choose Settings from the menu.

You may choose to deactivate visual effects manually or adjust the settings for optimal efficiency.

You can substantially reduce the amount of time it takes for your computer to start up and make it seem quicker by fine-tuning the settings that are built into Windows. This can be done without installing any additional software. Upgrade to a solid-state drive (SSD) continues to be the most effective choice for making the most significant improvement, particularly on older PCs. However, even if you do not make any modifications to your computer’s hardware, following these instructions may help your computer start up more quickly and without any hiccups.

Categories
Photoshop

Understanding Content-Aware Fill for Easy Editing

Understanding Content-Aware Fill for Easy Editing

Understanding Content-Aware Fill for Easy Editing

When you work with photos, there will always be times when you need to get rid of things you don’t want, distractions, or even whole backgrounds. The Content-Aware Fill tool in Photoshop is one of the best tools for making clean, natural-looking changes without having to spend hours cloning or patching by hand. By looking at the pixels around the image and automatically filling in any gaps that are found, this program lets you fix or change photos with an amazing level of accuracy.

What Does It Mean to Fill with Content?

Material-Aware Fill is a feature in Adobe Photoshop that uses AI-driven algorithms to look at the parts of a picture that are nearby and then create new material to replace the parts that have been chosen. It also uses textures, colors, and lighting to make sure the change looks smooth. This is different from just copying pixels.

When to Use Content-Aware Fill

Here are some situations where this tool is very helpful:

  • taking people or things out of backgrounds that are already full
  • getting rid of any signs, wires, or flaws that aren’t wanted
  • Making backdrops bigger so they can be cropped or used in a design
  • Fixing broken photos by adding back features that are missing
  • Getting rid of any distractions that might be in landscape or product photography

How to Use the Content-Aware Fill: A Guide

You can turn on the functionality by doing a few simple things:

  • Choose: You can use tools like the Lasso Tool, the Marquee Tool, or the Quick Selection tool to highlight the area or item you want to get rid of.
  • To start, open the Fill Menu. To get to Content-Aware Fill, click on Edit in the top menu bar.
  • When you choose the Refine in the Workspace option, Photoshop will open the Content-Aware Fill workspace. You can look at the results and change the sample area in this workspace.
  • When you’re happy with the area you’ve chosen, click the OK button, and Photoshop will fill it in with the new material.

Learning about the Content-Aware Workspace

You can change the quality of the edit in a number of ways in the workspace, such as:

  • The Sampling Brush Tool lets you add or remove areas from the area that Photoshop uses as a reference.
  • The Color Adaptation feature changes the tones so that filled areas blend in better with the pixels around them.
  • Rotation adaptation is a useful technique for patterns or textures that change direction.
  • You can choose whether the result should be applied to the current layer, a new layer, or a copy of the current layer in the output settings.

Easy Suggestions for Changes

To get the most out of Content-Aware Fill, think about the following tips:

  • Work with Clean Selections: A selection that is exact will lead to results that are more accurate.
  • Use a new layer: Output to a new layer so you can make changes later that won’t hurt anything.
  • Use with the Clone Stamp Tool: Sometimes, Content-Aware Fill will get you 90% of the way there, and the Clone Stamp will fix the rest.
  • Pay Close Attention to the Details: Even small distractions can ruin an otherwise good edit, so make sure to go over your work carefully.
  • Try out different sampling areas; it’s common for the final result to get better when you take away or add reference zones.

How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes

Content-Aware Fill is strong, but it does have some problems. Be careful of these possible problems:

  • Too much use of the tool on complicated backgrounds with patterns that repeat, like brick walls
  • If you forget to polish the edges, you might leave seams that are hard to see or clear.
  • The use of fills on low-resolution photos can make textures that don’t match or that are blurry.

Uses That Go Beyond Getting Rid of Things

Content-Aware Fill is useful for more than just fixing up photos; it can also help you be creative:

  • For a design, do you want more sky or background? Canvases that are bigger might help. Use Content-Aware Fill when you want to make the scene bigger in a natural way.
  • You can make weird edits or composite effects by taking parts of things out of them through the process of photo manipulation.
  • When you restore old images, you put back together parts that are missing or broken.

Once you know how to use Content-Aware Fill, you’ll be able to edit much faster and come up with a lot of new creative ideas. This tool makes sure that your edits look clean and professional, whether you’re fixing up portraits, editing pictures of products, or trying out creative collages.

As you keep using Photoshop, you’ll get better at predicting how it will react to your choices. This will turn what might be a long process into a solution that is so perfect that it almost seems magical.

Categories
Windows 10

Hidden Features of Windows 11 That You Most Likely Have Not Yet Experimented With

Hidden Features of Windows 11 That You Most Likely Have Not Yet Experimented With

Hidden Features of Windows 11 That You Most Likely Have Not Yet Experimented With

In addition to having rounded edges and a taskbar that is centered, Windows 11 is much more than simply a cosmetic makeover. In spite of its streamlined appearance, Microsoft has included a number of functions that are often overlooked by users in their day-to-day lives. Your entire computer experience may be improved, your productivity can be increased, and your security can be strengthened by using these hidden tools and settings.

In the event that you are using Windows 11 on a regular basis but feel as if you have just scratched the surface, the following are some features that are less well-known and that you have probably not yet explored.

1. Layouts and Groups that can be Snapped

With snap layouts, multitasking is elevated to a whole new level. When you hover over the maximize button of a window, you have the ability to rapidly organize your applications into a variety of alternative layouts, including two side-by-side, three columns, or even a four-grid orientation.

Due to the fact that Snap Groups remember these combinations, you may easily bring them back with a single click in the event that you minimize or switch jobs.

The customers who are juggling many applications at the same time will find this functionality to be a time saver.

2. Virtual Desktops that allow for customized settings

Windows 11 gives you the ability to create numerous desktops, each of which may be used for a different purpose, such as work, study, or personal usage. New is the capability to do the following:

Each desktop should have a unique backdrop assigned to it.

The desktops may be rearranged by simply dragging them around.
Your ability to maintain an ordered and distraction-free digital life is facilitated as a result of this.

3. Concentrate with the use of the Clock app

The productivity tool known as Focus Sessions has been added to the Clock app. This function is meant to assist you in working in scheduled intervals.

Task management is made easier with the integration of Microsoft To-Do.

Connects to Spotify in order to play music in the background.

Contains reminders to take breaks in order to avoid burnout.
You may think of it as having a Pomodoro timer built right in, without having to rely on any other applications.

4. The History of Clipboard Images and Cloud Sync

Clipboard History is a tool that remembers everything you’ve copied, and it can be found by pressing the Windows key and the V key simultaneously.

The products that are used regularly may be pinned.

The clipboard may be synchronized across all of the devices that are logged in with the same Microsoft account.
People that often copy and paste, such as students, researchers, or professionals, will find this to be of tremendous use.

5. A Dynamic Refresh Rate to Ensure a Smooth Scrolling Experience

Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) is a new feature that Windows 11 brings to the table for laptops that are capable of higher refresh rates.

In response to the activities you are doing, it will automatically modify the refresh rate to either a lower or higher value.

Battery life is preserved while you continue to enjoy fluid animations when they are required.

6. Controls for Hidden Gestures on Touchpads for Number Six

Windows 11 introduces strong touchpad gestures for users of laptops, including the following:

Task View may be opened by swiping up with three fingers.

You may switch between desktops by swiping left and right with three fingers.

A tap with four fingers will open the notification center.
The navigating process may be substantially sped up by using these shortcuts, which are often overlooked.

7. Recommendations for Storage with Automatic Cleaning

Through the use of Storage Sense, Windows 11 is able to intelligently manage the space on your drive.

This deletes temporary files as well as the contents of the recycle bin.

You are also able to manage files on OneDrive by storing just the items that you need locally.
Your computer will function smoothly without the need for manual cleanups thanks to this.

8. Punctuation and Voice Typing

Simply enable Voice Typing by pressing the Windows key and the H key wherever you may type text.

The version of Windows 11 that is used for dictation automatically includes punctuation, in contrast to prior versions.

This tool does remarkably well when it comes to notes, emails, or short messages.

9. Remote File Transfers Using the Nearby Share

The Nearby Share feature, which is comparable to Apple’s AirDrop, enables users to transfer files between Windows 11 computers without the need for cables or cloud services.

It is compatible with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

It is possible to activate it using the fast settings window.

10. Integrated support for Android applications (via the Amazon Appstore)

With Windows 11, you are able to execute Android applications via the Amazon Appstore and Windows Subsystem for Android, despite the fact that this capability is still restricted.

Excellent for applications that improve productivity or for casual mobile gaming.

Even on their own computers, developers are able to test Android applications.

11. A Power User Menu That Is Hidden

By hitting Windows and X simultaneously or by right-clicking the Start button, you may access the Power User menu.

The Device Manager, Disk Management, Windows Terminal, and other applications may be accessed quickly using this feature.

A more expedient method of accessing system tools without having to go through settings.

12 Voice Access for Complete Control of the Computer

Voice Access, a more recent accessibility feature, gives you the ability to do all of your computer’s operations using voice commands.

Launch applications, initiate button clicks, and dictate text.

Even when you are not connected to the internet.
This is a revolutionary step forward in terms of accessibility and hands-free computing.

13. Secret Methods for Using File Explorer

The File Explorer has been revamped to incorporate settings that are undetectable yet helpful:

To facilitate easier access, the crowded ribbon has been replaced by a new command bar.

Changes to Quick Access provide you the ability to pin frequently used folders or files.

Refreshing the menu with a right click allows for better organized navigation, and the “Show more options” option brings back the previous menu when it is required.

14. Windows Sandbox for Risk-Free Testing and Evaluation

The Windows Sandbox feature, which is included in Windows 11 Pro, generates a secure and temporary environment in which users may test applications or surf the web.

As soon as you shut it, everything will be reset.

It is ideal for testing potentially malicious files without putting your primary system at danger.

A surprising amount of strong capabilities are concealed behind the sleek interface of Windows 11, which is a surprise. Snap Groups, Voice Typing, and Windows Sandbox are just some of the technologies that have the potential to make daily computing more streamlined, as well as quicker and more secure.

The exploration of these hidden treasures not only enables you to get more out of your personal computer, but it also guarantees that you are making the most of Windows 11’s capabilities.