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Category: Windows 11

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How to Password Protect RAR Files on Windows 11

RAR files can be password protected to keep the files inside them safe and secure and prevent unauthorized access. We have already shared a detailed guide on password-protecting ZIP files; today, let’s know the same for the RAR file format.

1. Create a Password Protected RAR File

This method will use the WinRAR application to create a password-protected RAR file. To do so, follow the simple steps we have shared below.

1. Download & install WinRAR on your Windows 11 computer.

2. Once installed, navigate to the file or folder you want to compress. Right-click the file or folder and select the Add to Archive option.

3. Now, on the archive name and parameters window, select ‘RAR‘ in the Archive format.

4. Click the Set password button under the archiving options.

5. On the Enter password prompt, enter and reenter your password. Click on the OK button.

6. Click the OK button on the Archiving with password Window.

7. This will create a password-protected RAR file. You will be asked to enter the password if you try to extract the RAR file.

2. How to Set Password on existing RAR archive?

You can use WinRAR to password-protect existing RAR archives as well. You need to follow some of the simple steps we have shared below. Here’s how to password protect the existing WinRAR archive in simple steps.

1. Right click on the RAR file you want to password protect and select Open with WinRAR

2. Click on the Tools > Convert Archives option.

3. On the Convert Archive prompt, click the Compression button in the Conversion options section.

4. On the Set default compression options prompt, click the Set password button.

5. Next, enter the password and click on the OK button.

6. Click the OK button on the archiving with a password prompt.

7. Click the OK button on the Convert archives prompt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you encrypt a RAR file

Encryption is a process of password protecting a file. If it’s a RAR file that you want to encrypt, you need to use third-party tools like WinRAR.

Can I put the password in a .RAR file?

Yes, you can use WinRAR to add a password to any .RAR file. The method we have shared in the article shows how to use WinRAR to password protect RAR file.

Is it safe to use WinRAR?

Yes! WinRAR is 100% free and safe to download & use. However, download the tool from trusted sources or its official website.

Can WinRAR unlock password protected files?

To unlock a password protected RAR file, you will have to know the password. WinRAR will ask you to enter the password if the RAR file is password-protected.

How safe are RAR files?

RAR file format is generally safe, but several files could contain malware or harmful viruses. So, you must pay attention to the source from which you’re downloading the RAR file.

Also Read: How to Crack WinRAR Password Protected Files

This guide is about creating a password protected RAR file on Windows 11. We have also shared steps for setting a password for existing RAR archives. If you need more help password-protecting RAR files on Windows 11, let us know in the comments.

The post How to Password Protect RAR Files on Windows 11 appeared first on TechViral.

April 16, 2025
4 Best Ways to Format a USB Drive on Windows 11
Formatting USB drives may be easy for many, but those who have recently purchased a laptop or PC may find it hard to find the right option. On Windows, there are multiple ways to format USB drives.

Why Format a USB Drive?

Formatting a USB drive can have many benefits; it all depends on your needs. Some may want to format their USB drive to change the file system, while others can format to free up all storage mess.

Generally, users format a USB drive to free up space and prevent the hassle of manually deleting the files. Formatting not only deletes all files but also un-indexes them, which means the space those files occupy is considered unused.

Many users also feel that formatting USB drives increases the read/write speed, but it’s not entirely true. The upgrade in performance is more prominent only when a significant storage space is cleared.

Note: If you plan to format a USB drive to change its file system, you should know the advantages & disadvantages of each file system. You can check our guide exFAT vs. NTFS vs. FAT32 to know more about the preferred file system for USB drives.

1. Format USB Flash Drives on Windows 11 from the File Explorer

You don’t need to use any third-party tool to format your USB drive. Like every other version of Windows, Windows 11 also allows you to format any connected drive right from the File Explorer. Here’s how to format a Pendrive in Windows 11 using File Explorer.

1. Connect the USB drive you want to format to your Windows 11 computer.

2. Now open the This PC (File Explorer) of Windows 11.

3. Right click on the connected USB drive and select Format.

4. On the File System, select NTFS or FAT32, and check the Quick Format option.

5. Once done, click on the Start button.

6. On the Format confirmation prompt, click on the OK button.

7. This will format your USB drive. You will see a confirmation prompt.

2. Format USB Drive on Windows 11 Using the Settings App

Windows 11 includes a separate storage management feature. You can use it to format a USB drive or any connected drive on your Windows 11 computer. Here’s how to format a USB drive using the Settings app on Windows 11.

1. Press the Windows Key + I button to open the Settings app.

2. When the Settings app opens, switch to the System > Storage.

3. On the Storage screen, click on the Advanced Storage Settings.

4. Next, click on the Disks & volumes.

5. Now click on the drop-down icon beside your connected USB Drive.

6. Click on the Properties.

7. On the Properties, click on the Format button.

8. Enter the Label, File System, and click the Format button.

3. Format USB drive Using the Disk Management Utility

Like every other version of Windows, you can use the Disk Management utility on Windows 11 to format a USB drive. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Right-click the Windows 11 Start button and select Disk Management.

2. When the Disk Management utility opens, find your connected USB Drive.

3. Right click on the removable drive and select Format.

4. On the format prompt, set the Volume Label, File System. Check the Perform a quick format and click on OK.

5. On the Format confirmation prompt, click on the OK button.

4. Format a Pendrive using CMD

If you’re comfortable handling the command line utility of Windows, you can follow these method to format a Pendrive.

1. Type CMD on the Windows 11 search. Right click on the Command Prompt app and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, type diskpart and press Enter.

3. Now execute the list disk command in the CMD.

4. Execute the command: select disk + number (Replace the number with the actual number displayed beside your USB drive). For example, select disk 2

5. Type in list volume and press Enter.

6. The above command will list all volumes available on your PC and their number. Note down the volume number of your USB Drive and execute the command: select volume number

Important: Replace the number with the actual number of your volume.

7. The volume will be selected; execute this command:
```
format fs=ntfs quick
```
8. This will format your USB drive. Type exit on the command prompt to close the utility.

These are the best methods for formatting a USB Drive on a Windows 11 computer. All these methods work on older versions of Windows, like Windows 10, Windows 7, etc. Let us know if you need more help formatting a USB drive or pendrive on a Windows 11 computer.

The post 4 Best Ways to Format a USB Drive on Windows 11 appeared first on TechViral.
April 15, 2025
7 Best Ways to Open Disk Management on Windows 11

Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 11, has the Disk Management utility, but it’s hidden in the settings. Hence, if you want to access Disk Management on Windows 11, here’s what you can do.

1. Access Disk Management from Windows 11 search

You can simply search for Disk Management on the Windows 11 Search to have access to it instantly. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Click on the Windows 11 search and type in Disk Management.

2. Click on the Create and Format hard disk partitions option from the list of options.

3. This will open the Disk Management tool on Windows 11.

2. Using the Windows 11 Power Menu

Windows 11 includes a secondary Start menu known as the Power Menu. You can use the Power Menu to access the Disk Management utility directly. To access the Power Menu in Windows 11, press the Windows Key + X button.

Alternatively, you can right-click the Windows 11 Start button to open the Power Menu. Click on Disk Management on the Power Menu to open the tool.

3. Access Disk Management via the Computer Management Menu

Another easy way to access Disk Management is through the Computer Management tool. The Computer Management tool on Windows 11 provides you access to various tools in one place. Here’s how you can access disk management via the computer management menu.

1. Click on the Windows 11 Search and type in Computer Management. Next, open the Computer Management tool from the list.

2. On the right, expand the Storage section and click on Disk Management.

4. Access Disk Management via the RUN command

In this method, we will use the RUN dialog box to access the Disk Management utility. Here are some of the simple steps you need to follow.

1. Press the Windows Key + R button to open the RUN dialog box.

2. On the RUN dialog box, type in diskmgmt.msc and hit the Enter button.

3. This will open the Disk Management utility on Windows 11.

5. Access Disk Management via Command Prompt

Like the RUN menu, you can also utilize the Command Prompt utility to access the Disk Management tool. Here are some of the simple steps you need to follow.

1. Open the Windows 11 search and type in Command Prompt. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. On the Command Prompt window, enter diskmgmt.msc and hit the Enter button.

6. Create & open Disk Management from Desktop

If you find all methods complicated, there’s an easier option available for accessing the Disk Management tool. You can create a Disk Management shortcut on your desktop and access it whenever possible. Here’s how to create a disk management shortcut on a desktop.

1. Right-click on a blank space on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.

2. On the Type the location of the item field, enter diskmgmt.msc and click Next.

3. On the type a name for the shortcut prompt, name the shortcut anything you want, such as Disk Management, and click on the Finish button.

4. The shortcut will be added to your desktop screen. Whenever you want to access the Disk Management tool, double-click on the shortcut you’ve created.

7. Open Disk Management From Settings

Another great way to open Disk Manager on Windows 11 is from the Settings app. Here’s how to open the Disk Management utility from the Windows 11 Settings app.

1. Click on the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.

2. When the Settings app opens, type Disk Management on the Search Field.

3. On the list of options, select Create and format hard disk partitions.

This will open the Disk Management utility on your Windows 11 PC.

There are various ways to access the Disk Management utility on Windows 11. I hope this article helped you! Please share it with your friends also. If you have any doubts, let us know in the comment box below.

The post 7 Best Ways to Open Disk Management on Windows 11 appeared first on TechViral.

April 15, 2025
How to Activate Tamper Protection in Windows 11
Windows Security is a powerful tool that protects your PC from threats like viruses, malware, PUPs, etc. It even includes a ransomware protection feature to protect your personal files.

While the security tool is good, some malware or spyware can attempt to disable it to avoid detection. To counter this, Microsoft introduced the Tamper Protection feature.

What is Tamper Protection?

Tamper Protection is a Windows Security feature that prevents malicious apps from changing Microsoft Defender settings.

The feature blocks malicious apps from disabling Windows Security, including real-time and cloud-delivered protection.

If you use the latest Windows 11 build, the Tamper protection feature might be enabled by default. However, if it’s disabled, you will see a yellow warning in the Windows Security app under Virus & Threat Protection.

If your PC has recently been infected, chances are that a malicious program might disable the feature. So, it’s best to turn on the feature manually.

Tamper Protection On or Off?

This is one of the most important questions to ask before you try any new feature. Since Tamper Protection is a part of Windows Security, there’s no harm in keeping the feature enabled.

When you turn on Tamper Protection, the Windows Security app can block malicious apps from disabling the Windows Security. In the latest Windows 11 builds, the security feature is already enabled.

However, if this feature is disabled, you should run a full antivirus or antimalware scan and enable the Tamper Protection feature.

If you use third-party antimalware tools like Malwarebytes, Norton, etc., you can choose to disable the Tamper Protection feature. However, disabling tamper protection is never recommended, especially if you download & install files from the internet.

This feature is important for preventing your computer from malicious apps.

How to Activate Tamper Protection in Windows 11

Tamper protection is a feature that every Windows 10/11 user should enable. This article will share a step-by-step guide on enabling it in Windows 11. Let’s check it out.

1. Click on the Windows 11 search and type in Windows Security.

2. On Windows Security, click on the Virus & Threat Protection option.

3. Now click Manage Settings under the Virus & Threat Protection settings.

4. On the Next page, find the Tamper Protection option. You need to change the Tamper Protection setting to On.

Tamper Protection Not Turning On?

If Tamper Protection isn’t turned on, some of the Windows Security or system files may be corrupt. Here’s what you can do to fix the inability to activate the Tamper protection feature.

1. Fix Corrupted System Files

Replacing the corrupt system files will fix the Tamper Protection not turning on feature. Here’s how to fix corrupted system files on Windows 11.

1. Type CMD in Windows 11 Search. Next, right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, execute these commands one by one.
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
3. After executing these commands, execute this command and press Enter.
```
sfc /scannow
```
Once the scan is complete, restart your Windows 11 PC.

2. Reset the Windows Security App

If you still can’t enable the tamper protection, it’s time to reset the Windows Security app. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Launch the Settings app on your Windows 11.

2. Next, switch to the Apps at the left pane.

3. On the right side, click on Installed Apps.

4. Find Windows Security and click on the three dots next to it. On the menu that appears, select Advanced Options.

5. On the next screen, click Reset.

After the process is done, restart your Windows 11 PC.

Enabling or disabling the Tamper Protection is easy, especially on the Windows 11 operating system. I hope this article helped you! Please share it with your friends also. If you have any doubts, let us know in the comment box below.

The post How to Activate Tamper Protection in Windows 11 appeared first on TechViral.
April 14, 2025
How to Fix PFN List Corrupt BSOD Error on Windows 11
BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors are common for Windows 11 users. BSOD errors are of different types, but recently, the PFN List Corrupt error has been affecting users.

Why does the PFN List Corrupt BSOD Appear?

The PFN List Corrupt BSOD error usually appears due to RAM problems. The PFN List is a database that the operating system maintains to track the Physical memory.

If the PFN List database is corrupted, your computer can’t use the RAM properly, leading to a BSOD. Other reasons for this occurrence are corrupted system files, faulty hard drives, hardware problems, etc.

Even though the PFN List Corrupt error is difficult to understand, troubleshooting it is fairly easy. Here’s how to resolve the PFN List Corrupt error on Windows 11.

1. Update your Windows 11

One of the simplest ways to fix this error is to update Windows 11 to the latest version.

It’s a good practice to keep the operating system up to date because you get to enjoy the latest security patches, better stability, and new features.

To update Windows 11, navigate to the Settings > Windows Update. On the right side, click on the Check for Updates button.

2. Uninstall the Security Programs

If you’re using third-party security programs, such as a VPN or antivirus, simply disable or uninstall them.

Uninstalling the security softwares has helped many Windows 11 users fix PFN list corrupt BSOD errors.

Navigate to the Control Panel on Windows 11 and uninstall all security programs you’ve recently installed. Once uninstalled, restart your PC and check whether you are still getting the error.

3. Update Your Windows 11 Drivers

Outdated device drivers can also trigger various problems, including BSODs. Hence, it’s crucial to keep the Windows Device Drivers up to date.

1. Type Device Manager in the Windows 11 Search. Click on the Device Manager app.

2. On the device manager, click the arrow next to each device to expand it.

3. Right click on the problematic device and select Update driver.

4. On the Prompt that appears next, select Search automatically for drivers.

After updating the driver, make sure to restart your Windows 11 PC.

4. Run the SFC/DISM Commands

To rule out the possibility of system file corruption, you need to run the System File Checker utility. If the utility returns with an error, you should run the DISM commands. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Type CMD in the Windows 11 Search. Right-click on CMD and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, execute this command:
```
sfc /scannow
```
3. If the above command returns with an error, execute this command:
```
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
```
4. After executing these two commands, restart your Windows 11 PC.

5. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic App

Memory related problems are known to trigger the PFN List corrupt BSOD error. You can run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to fix memory problems.

1. Type Windows Memory Diagnostic on the Windows 11 Search. Next, open the Windows Memory Diagnostic app from the list of best match results.

2. When the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool opens, click Restart Now and check for problems (recommended).

3. Your PC will restart, and the tool will scan your RAM.

If the tool detects any problem, you can try cleaning or reseating your RAM.

6. Run the Check Disk Utility

Like the RAM problems, you must also rule out the possibility of drive errors. You can use the Check Disk Utility to rule out issues with your hard drive. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Open File Explorer, right click on the drive where Windows 11 is installed and select Properties.

2. On the Properties, switch to the Tools tab.

3. Next, click the Check button in the Error Checking section.

4. On the confirmation prompt, click Scan Drive.

This will run the Check Disk Utility. The tool will find and fix problems with your hard drive.

7. Run the BSOD troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a hidden BSOD troubleshooter that asks you a series of questions to understand the issue and then helps you resolve it. While this isn’t a very effective solution, running it is no harm.

1. Type Get Help on the Windows 11 Search. Next, open the Get Help app from the list of best match results.

2. Next, type Troubleshoot BSOD error in the Search field and press Enter.

3. This will trigger the BSOD troubleshooter. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

8. Disable the RAM Overclocking

If the Windows Memory Diagnostic tools find errors, it’s probably not a driver issue.

The most likely culprit is the bad RAM or RAR that has been overclocked beyond the maximum limit.

You can try disabling the XMP profile applied to the RAM and see if it helps. If you’re using any software to overclock or underclock the hardware, it’s best to revert the changes.

These are a few simple methods to fix the PFN List Corrupt BSOD error on Windows 11. Let us know if you need more help on this topic in the comments. Also, if you find this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends.

The post How to Fix PFN List Corrupt BSOD Error on Windows 11 appeared first on TechViral.
April 14, 2025
4 Different Ways to Clear Windows Update Cache
Windows 11 updates can sometimes take as much as 15GB of storage space on your device. The update tool downloads the updates and stores the files in a specific location for installation.

If you choose to install the updates, Windows 11 will still keep the old files for rollback. Such things can quickly use up your disk space; hence, it’s recommended to periodically clear the update cache on Windows 11.

1. Clear Update Cache Manually

Manually clearing the update cache is the easiest option, especially if you don’t feel comfortable using tools or the command line. Here’s how to do it.

1. Press the Windows Key + R button on your keyboard. On the RUN dialog box, type services.msc and press Enter.

2. Find Windows Update Service and double click on it.

3. On the Windows Update Properties, click Stop.

4. Press the Windows Key + R button again to open the RUN dialog box.

5. This time, copy & paste this path and click OK.

C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionDownload

6. On the SoftwareDistribution folder, press CTRL + A button to select all files. Once selected, right click and select Delete.

7. After deleting the files, empty the recycle bin.

8. Press Windows Key + R to open the RUN dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter.

9. Find the Windows Update service and double click on it. On the Service Status, click Start.

2. Clear Update Cache on Windows 11 With Disk Cleanup Tool

The Disk Cleanup tool on Windows 11 can clear the update cache. Here’s how to use it.

1. Type Disk Cleanup in the Windows 11 Search and open it.

2. On the Disk Cleanup, click Clean up system files.

3. Uncheck all selected options first and then check the ‘Windows Update Cleanup’

4. Once done, click on OK.

5. On the Confirmation prompt, select Delete Files.

3. Clear Windows Update Cache Using Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable operating the command line tools, you can use the Command Prompt to clear the Windows Update Cache. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Type CMD in the Windows 11 Search. Right-click on CMD and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, execute these two commands to stop the Windows Update Service.
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop bits
3. After executing the two commands, run this command.
```
cd %windir%SoftwareDistribution
```
4. Once done, execute this command to delete the Windows Update Cache.
```
del /f /s /q *.*
```
5. After deleting the Windows Update cache, you need to start the Windows Update Services again. To do so, execute these two commands one by one.
- net start wuauserv
- net start bits
4. Create a Script to Clear Windows Update Cache

There’s also an option to create a batch file out of commands. Once you create the batch file, whenever you want to clear the update cache, just double click on it.

1. Open Notepad on your Windows 11 PC.

2. Copy the script shared below and paste it into Notepad.
```
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
cd %windir%SoftwareDistribution
del /f /s /q *.*
net start wuauserv
net start bits
```
3. Select File > Save from the Menu bar.

4. On the Save As Window, select Desktop. Enter a name of your choice in the File name field, then append .bat to the end of the file name. On the Save as type drop-down, select All Files and click Save.

5. The batch file will be created on your desktop. When you want to run it, right-click the Batch File and select Run as administrator.

These are a few simple ways to clear your update cache on Windows 11. If you need more help clearing your update cache, let us know in the comments. Also, if you find this guide helpful, share it with others.

The post 4 Different Ways to Clear Windows Update Cache appeared first on TechViral.
April 13, 2025
4 Ways to Install Missing Drivers on Windows 11

While Windows 11 updates itself automatically, sometimes the update process gets stuck, resulting in missing drivers. If the system doesn’t recognize the new device, it won’t install the necessary drivers required for it to function properly.

If so, you must manually find and install the missing drivers on Windows 11. We have mentioned four different ways to do this.

1. Download & Install Missing Drivers via Windows Updates

One of the easiest ways to install missing drivers on Windows 11 is by utilizing the Windows Update. Follow the simple steps we have shared.

1. Click on the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.

2. When the Settings app opens, switch to the Windows Update tab on the left pane.

3. On the right side, click on the Advanced Options.

4. Scroll down to the Additional options and click on Optional Updates.

5. If a driver update is available, the update will appear under the Driver Updates.

6. Click the Download & install button to install the missing driver.

2. Install Missing Drivers on Windows 11 via Device Manager

From the Device Manager, you can easily install/uninstall existing drivers, roll back drivers to the previous version, or uninstall a device.

The Device Manager of Windows 11 can also install the missing drivers. To do that, follow these steps.

1. Type in Device Manager on the Windows 11 search. Open the Device Manager app from the list of best match results.

2. When the Device Manager opens, right-click on the device whose driver is missing.

3. On the context menu, select the Update driver option.

4. On the prompt that appears, select Search automatically for drivers. If you already have the missing driver, select the Browse My Computer for drivers option.

5. If you have selected the second option, you will be asked to select the drive containing the missing driver. Locate the folder and click on Next.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the missing device driver on Windows 11.

3. Download Missing Drivers from the Official Website

Let’s say, you just installed a new sound device on your PC, but it’s not working due to missing drivers.

The most effective way to fix this issue is to download and install the missing drivers directly from your sound device manufacturer’s official website

Similarly, if you want to install the missing GPU driver, you can visit your GPU manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of the available driver.

All you need to do is identify the make and model of the specific hardware for which you need drivers and search for it on Google. Then, open the official website and download the latest version of the drivers.

After downloading the drivers, you need to install them and restart your computer.

4. Use Third Party Driver Updater Tools

The remaining option to install all missing drivers on Windows 11 is to use third-party driver updater tools. Driver updater tools compatible with Windows 10 run fine on the latest Windows 11.

There are hundreds of driver updater tools for Windows available on the web. Almost all tools can be downloaded & used for free, but make sure to download the installer file from trusted sources.

On Techviral, we have already shared a list of the best driver updaters for Windows. You can check out that list to discover all available options.

These are the best ways to install missing drivers on Windows 11. Using these methods, you will be able to find and install all missing drivers that are crucial for your device’s proper functioning.

The post 4 Ways to Install Missing Drivers on Windows 11 appeared first on TechViral.

April 13, 2025
Windows 11’s controversial AI Recall feature is coming to your Copilot PC very soon

As AI strides on, it inevitably finds its way onto our personal devices, with tech giants announcing new features that rely on accessing our private information and media to serve us better. While some might find this useful, others are bound to find it creepy, and one such feature is Microsoft’s controversial AI Recall, which takes screenshots of everything you do on a Copilot PC so it’s easier to trace back your steps and find something specific later. After being announced last year, and then witnessing a few delays, Recall is finally rolling out to a broader group of Windows 11.

Microsoft recently announced Recall is coming to Windows 11 with the latest Release channel update with build 26100.3902 (KB5055627). The feature’s availability in the Windows 11 Release Preview channel, which succeeds the Beta channel in the Windows Insider program, means it is in the initial phases of being available to a wider audience of folks who own Copilot+ PC. This category of PCs currently includes a whole wide range of laptops with specialized hardware in the form of a neural processing unit (NPU) dedicatedly for running AI tasks, though we might see desktops joining the club soon.

Recall was originally set to go live in October last year, but was only limited to Insiders in Windows 11’s Developer Preview and Beta channels.

Most controversial Windows feature yet?

Microsoft describes Recall as a tool to utilize “AI capabilities of Copilot+ PCs” and enables you “to quickly find and get back to any app, website, image, or document just by describing its content.” It does so by collecting “snapshots” of your activities on the PC, which can be later referenced in the dedicated app for its feature. All of this information is presented on a timeline that you can scrub like a video track.

It easily tops other divisive features, be it Windows 8’s full-screen Start menu or switchover from Control Panel, we have witnessed over the last few generations of Windows.

While Microsoft says this is “done on your PC securely” and screenshots cannot be accessed without physical access to a laptop, there have been several concerns about the company snooping on its users. From initial unrest right after its announcement in the summer of ’24 to the UK’s data and privacy watchdog perking up its ears, Recall has led to several — warranted — concerns. More annoyingly, you can’t uninstall Recall on your Copilot+ PC, though you will have the option of not opting in to the snapshot functionality. If that’s any consolation, it won’t be available on desktops or older laptops that don’t quality for the Copilot+ badging.

Along with Recall, Microsoft is also bringing a “Click to Do” functionality, which lets you work with any text or media on the screen by offering an extra set of options, much like Google’s Circle-to-Search when using Windows + mouse-click together. Additionally, the update is bringing enhanced search for settings or files stored on your Windows PC by typing search queries remotely similar to what you need instead of having to using in the exact keyword.

While these features roll out to the Insider’s Release Preview channel, we have yet to learn of a more concrete timeline for the stable channels. We will share those details as soon as we learn then, just in case you are as eager to try the debatable Recall feature as Microsoft is to roll it out.

April 11, 2025
Windows 11’s Copilot Vision wants to help you learn to use complicated apps

Some elements of Microsoft’s Copilot assistant in Windows 11 have felt like a solution in search of a problem—and it hasn’t helped that Microsoft has frequently changed Copilot’s capabilities, turning it from a native Windows app into a web app and back again.

But I find myself intrigued by a new addition to Copilot Vision that Microsoft began rolling out this week to testers in its Windows Insider program. Copilot Vision launched late last year as a feature that could look at pages in the Microsoft Edge browser and answer questions based on those pages’ contents. The new Vision update extends that capability to any app window, allowing you to ask Copilot not just about the contents of a document but also about the user interface of the app itself.

Microsoft’s Copilot Vision update can see the contents of any app window you share with it.
Credit:
Microsoft

Provided the app works as intended—not a given for any software, but especially for AI features—Copilot Vision could replace “frantic Googling” as a way to learn how to use a new app or how to do something new or obscure in complex PC apps like Word, Excel, or Photoshop. I recently switched from Photoshop to Affinity Photo, for example, and I’m still finding myself tripped up by small differences in workflows and UI between the two apps. Copilot Vision could, in theory, ease that sort of transition.

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April 9, 2025
How to Delete DirectX Shader Cache in Windows 11

You may know that Windows creates and stores cache files for apps and programs to speed up their load. Your graphics system on Windows 11 creates a DirectX Shader Cache file to speed up the application loading time.

What is DirectX Shader Cache?

DirectX Shader Cache consists of files created by your graphics system. The files were meant to speed up the application’s loading time and improve performance.

DirectX Shader Cache is also said to improve the responsiveness of Windows apps. Although it is considered important, you can delete it without worrying about system malfunction or file corruption.

It’s a good idea to delete the DirectX Shader Cache periodically on Windows 11 to ensure that the file doesn’t become too large or corrupted. Once deleted, the DirectX Shader Cache automatically regenerates when you use graphics-intensive apps or programs.

1. Delete DirectX Shader Cache via Settings

This method will use Windows 11’s Settings app to delete the DirectX Shader Cache files. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.

2. On the Settings app, click on the System tab below.

3. On the right side, click on the Storage option.

4. Now scroll down to the Storage Management section and click on Cleanup recommendations.

5. Click on the See advanced options link on the Cleanup recommendations.

6. Uncheck all options and select the DirectX Shader Cache.

7. Once done, scroll up and click the Remove Files button.

2. Delete DirectX Shader Cache via Disk Cleanup Utility

This method will use the Disk Cleanup utility to clear the DirectX Shader Cache on Windows 11. Follow some of the simple steps we have shared below.

1. Click on the Windows 11 Search and type Disk Cleanup. Open the Disk Cleanup utility from the list of matching results.

2. Select your system installation drive and click the OK button on the Disk Cleanup tool.

3. In the Files to delete section, check the ‘DirectX shader Cache‘ and click the OK button.

3. Delete DirectX Shader Cache via Storage Sense

Storage Sense is a built-in storage management tool that can help you free up storage space. You can also use Storage Sense to delete the DirectX Shader Cache file. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.

2. On the Settings app, click on the System tab as shown below.

3. On the right side, scroll down and click on the Storage option.

4. Enable the Storage Sense option. Enabling the Storage Sense will automatically clean the DirectX Shader Cache.

5. Or else, click the Storage Sense option and the ‘Run Storage Sense now‘ button.

Will deleting DirectX Shader Cache do any harm?

Not exactly, but deleting the DirectX Shader Cache can somewhat improve the performance of your game. So, there’s no harm in deleting the DirectX Shader Cache in Windows.

Another thing you should keep in mind is that deleting the Shader cache doesn’t always lead to better gaming performance, as several things depend on it, such as the hardware specs, the game’s compatibility with your OS, etc.

Also read: Download & Install the Latest Version of DirectX on Windows 11

These are the three best ways to delete the DirectX Shader Cache in Windows 11. If you are experiencing problems while running games and apps on your device, you can try deleting the DirectX Shader Cache.

The post How to Delete DirectX Shader Cache in Windows 11 appeared first on TechViral.

April 9, 2025