A virus definition update published by Microsoft earlier this week breaks down Security Essentials and Windows Defender on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, based on reports.

By the looks of products, the culprit may be the virus definition update to version 1.289.1521.0, with several users confirming that whenever installing this release, real-time protection is turned off and also the security apps issue warnings that malware definitions are out of date.

Managing a manual scan on the affected computers fails with error 0x800106ba because of the botched update, so neither Microsoft Security Essentials nor Windows Defender can detect and take away malware on the Windows device.

According to Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet, Windows 10 isn't affected, and Windows Defender is running correctly on this version of the operating system.

"Issue already fixed"

In a statement provided earlier today, Microsoft acknowledged the issue and said a brand new update was pushed to devices in order to correct it. However, the software giant claimed only Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 were affected, even though there will also be reports that Windows 8.1 devices no longer benefit from native anti-malware protection either.

"We've resolved this problem, which has been restricted to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008," a company spokesperson was quoted as saying by the cited source.

The software giant hasn't specifically mentioned the virus definition update that corrects the issue, but according to this official listing, the brand new version is 1.289.1588.0. In other words, this is actually the virus definition update that you must install in order to restore the full functionality of Security Essentials and Windows Defender on Windows 7 and 8.1.

Windows Defender is provided as built-in anti-malware protection on Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, while Microsoft Security Essentials must be manually placed on Windows 7 devices. However, both are provided with regular virus definition updates and offer users real-time protection and a manual scanning engine.

Microsoft has recently acknowledged the 5th issue in Windows 10 cumulative update KB4489899 for version 1809 (October 2018 Update).

KB4489899 was published included in the Patch Tuesday cycle on March 12 and originally included just two different known bugs.

According to the updated KB page, installing KB4489899 could break up the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) on Windows 10. Microsoft explains the following:

"After installing this update, there might be issues while using Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) to start a tool from the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) server configured to make use of Variable Window Extension. This may cause the bond towards the WDS server to terminate prematurely while downloading the look. This problem has no effect on clients or devices that aren't using Variable Window Extension."

"A fix is on its way"

As the company says it's already working on a fix, which may be contained in a future release, Microsoft also recommended users to disable the Variable Window Extension on WDS server. There are many techniques to do this, and you can check them in full around the update KB article.

There aren't any specifics regarding when a fix could be published, but Microsoft is anticipated to release new cumulative updates for Windows 10 later this month. However, since no details were shared, I believe there are bigger chances with this bug to be resolved with the cumulative updates coming the next Patch Tuesday, that takes put on April 9.

The bug has also been confirmed in the other Windows 10 cumulative updates published this month, including in KB4489868 for Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update).

Obviously, this bug won't affect consumers, therefore if you're a home user, you should check the other known issues that happen to be acknowledged in this month's cumulative updates.

Microsoft has recently released another update to the latest Windows 10 preview build within the Slow ring, making some people already dreaming about the RTM build of 19H1.

Beginning today, Windows 10 insiders in the Slow ring can download build 18351.8 with update KB4492310, and based on Microsoft, this era "improves the way we service builds."

No other specifics were provided, but insiders can download this build from Windows Update right now. After installation, the Windows 10 version should be increased to 18351.8.

This is actually the second update each week for Slow ring insiders, after Microsoft originally published build 18351.7 (KB4492310) having a single fix for gaming issues on Chinese versions from the operating-system.

Both updates are available in addition to Windows 10 preview build 18351, which was shipped to Fast ring insiders on March 5.

"Getting closer to RTM"

Since we're already within an advanced development stage for Windows 10 19H1, also known as version 1903 or April 2019 Update, many see these new updates to the Slow ring as a sign that Microsoft is close to signing off the RTM build.

According to Microsoft's release schedule, the RTM build should be ready after the month after which released to insiders in most rings. Several updates would follow next to be able to ship last-minute fixes prior to the public rollout eventually starts in April.

Windows 10 19H1 will be shipped to devices around the globe in phases, just like the previous versions, as Microsoft really wants to be able to detect potential issues and connect them before they hit more computers. Hopefully, this approach works more proficiently than in the situation from the October 2018 Update, which was eventually pulled after Microsoft discovered a critical bug potentially causing the removal of user files stored in libraries.

Even though the February Patch Tuesday was delayed, Microsoft presented non-security Office updates this week, targeting both Office 2013 and Office 2016 having a total of 17 patches.

But what's more interesting is this fact week, the company also re-released two patches that were previously associated with telemetry data collection in Windows 7 and Windows 8.1

First and foremost, the Office patches. Microsoft shipped 5 different updates for Office 2013, with dedicated patches for OneDrive, Project, and Visio. Then, there's Office 2016, that is getting not only general patches but also updates which are specifically targeted at Access, OneDrive for Business, PowerPoint, Project, Publisher, and Visio, bringing the total count to 12 updates.

"Telemetry patches"

In addition to these Office updates, Microsoft can also be re-releasing KB2952664 and KB2976978 for Windows 7 and 8.1, respectively, for any reason that's not yet known.

As Woody Leonhard of InfoWorld notes, these updates came out up at a time when everyone was can not deal with the infamous Get Windows 10 (GWX) app, though Microsoft specifically mentions that they are not associated with this application in any way.

Their official KB pages indeed indicate that both updates were re-released on March 7, while their descriptions point out that just users who're area of the Windows Consumer Experience Improvement Program is deserving of them.

"This update performs diagnostics around the Windows systems that have fun playing the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program. The diagnostics evaluate the compatibility status from the Windows ecosystem, and help Microsoft to make sure application and device compatibility for all updates to Windows. There isn't any GWX or upgrade functionality contained in this update," the description reads.

It's not yet clear what these new updates are meant to do, but since they're more or less linked to telemetry activity, some users are kind of reluctant with regards to setting them up. We've asked Microsoft to provide more information about these patches and we'll update the content when and if an answer is supplied.

Are you fed up with botched update this month? We're too, but through the looks of things, there's a lot more to set of this front.

The most recent broken update discovered which time confirmed by Microsoft is KB4011730, which seems to be causing difficulties with DOCX documents when launched with Microsoft Word 2016.

First things first. As Microsoft itself explains, KB4011730 is a security update for Microsoft Office 2016 that comes to deal with "vulnerabilities that could allow remote code execution if your user opens an exclusively crafted Office file."

And while the update was originally designed to repair and allow you to open DOCX documents with no security risk involved, it appears as though it actually addresses the issue by not allowing you to open DOCX files at all in Microsoft Word 2016.

Microsoft itself has confirmed the bug and says that "after you install this security update, you may be unable to open or save a Word document."

"How to fix the bug"

The workaround, according to the software giant itself, is to install the March 6, 2018 update for Office 2016 (KB4018295), which ironically, was released before the March 13 Word 2016 update. So to fix a bug introduced by a brand new patch you have to install an old patch.

The issue is discussed at length on TechNet where users confirm that removing KB4011730 completely also restores the DOCX document functionality in Microsoft Word 2016.

"We have a similar issue in our organization with this particular same KB and removing the patch resolves it right away. Unfortunately since MS automatically installs it, we must use the hide updates tool to block it temporarily," one user says.

A Microsoft engineer said in a reply posted towards the linked discussion that the clients are investigating the problem and can provide further information when it's ready. Meanwhile, you are able to install the patch mentioned above to utilize DOCX documents in Word 2016.

Microsoft is rethinking its mobile strategy in a fashion that will work better on the long-term, and also, since its phone platform bit the dust, the company can also be changing the main focus of countless projects.

One of these is Office Mobile for Windows 10, some apps that allowed users to run the productivity suite on devices like Windows 10 Mobile phones.

Launched as UWP apps, Office Mobile apps for Windows 10 also supported tablets powered by Microsoft's operating-system.

However, because of the current state of Windows phones and also the existing adoption of Windows 10 on tablets, Microsoft is likely to give up on Office Mobile, choosing instead to concentrate on Android and iOS versions of the productivity suite.

"OneNote UWP to survive"

The loss isn't as dramatic because it sounds. Windows 10 Mobile has already been close to extinction, and also the platform only receives security updates in maintenance mode until it eventually goes dark completely in mid-2019. On PC, users who wish to run Office have the desktop version of the suite, which comes having a more complex feature package anyway.

Microsoft switching the main focus to Android and iOS isn't by any means surprising, especially because these two platforms have become the company's priority in terms of the mobile push.

The software giant makes it clear it wants its users to be able to access its services whatever the operating system and device they will use, and purchasing the Android and iOS ecosystem may be the only way to go given that Windows 10 Mobile is already dead.

The UWP version of Onenote will be the just one to outlive, as it'll be contained in the Office 2019 suite around the desktop. Onenote UWP replaces Onenote 2016 for that desktop, becoming the default offering in Office 2019 on Windows 10. Furthermore, Office 2019 is a Windows 10-exclusive product and no other form of Windows is supported.

When it comes to mobile, Microsoft is about apps and services for Android and iOS, as the company decided to give up on Windows 10 Mobile and no longer invest in new hardware and software with this platform.

While Windows 10 Mobile is awaiting its end-of-support date in 2019, Microsoft is working very hard on improving its app arsenal on rival mobile platforms.

This means it shouldn't be a large surprise that updates for Android and iOS apps are presented on a regular basis, sometimes even daily, as Microsoft wants to provide its customers with a smooth experience no matter the platform they embrace.

Until now, it just looks like this method is in working order, as Microsoft includes a large assortment of apps on Android and iOS, each with countless users. And also the company sees no reason to prevent here, so not only that it's working on improving the existing portfolio of apps, but it also wants to release more new apps to devices worldwide.

At this time, I rely on several Microsoft apps on my main Android phone, and these are my top three:

Outlook

There's no doubt this is actually the best email app on both Android and iOS. Period. In line with the client of a company called Acompli and purchased by Microsoft, Outlook not just that sports a super-clean interface, it comes exactly with the right feature package to provide emails on time, without any delays or any other issues whatsoever.

Within my time with Outlook I barely found anything to complain about, and I'm truly happy with the way it works. I additionally used Outlook on my small iPhone to exchange the built-in Apple Mail app, and even though there are plenty of other capable email apps out there, the built-in support for Exchange and also the clean UI is exactly what keeps me on Outlook.

OneDrive

Since I'm committed to the Microsoft ecosystem, there's not a way I'm able to use a different cloud service. And because a lot of my files are kept in OneDrive, I'm obviously using the OneDrive app on my Android phones too.

Just to be clear, I haven't configured my devices to automatically upload your camera roll to OneDrive, and so i manage my files manually.

But the application loads fast, again has a clean UI, which is something which Microsoft does with many of its app on Android, and works pretty smoothly, with files, like photos, rendered quickly even on a data connection.

Microsoft Office

I don't do a large amount of document editing on my small mobile devices, but when I actually do, Microsoft Office is actually the answer I select.

Among the most advanced productivity suites on cellular devices, Microsoft Office has a super-rich feature package, and the app I use the most is Word. Most of the time, I'm only making small edits, but I also use Word to view PDF documents, like bills that are delivered to my mail account.

Along with these three apps, which I experience a frequent basis, I've also installed a bunch of other Microsoft apps, including Skype, Microsoft Authenticator, and Microsoft Launcher.

However, I personally use Skype on my mobile device very rarely, mostly since the main messaging app here's WhatsApp, that provides both text messaging and video call support. With regards to video calls which are related to my job, I prefer to stick with Skype on my small laptop.

In terms of Microsoft Authenticator, I simply need to use it to handle access to my accounts. Because I'm a freak with regards to passwords, and I typically use super-complex combinations with numbers, letters, and symbols, Microsoft Authenticator is the easiest way to sign in to my accounts.

And last but not least, I was, up to now, a huge Microsoft Launcher fan. But as I said not a long time ago, I made a decision to steer clear of the Launcher for a while and stick to the default launcher that comes on my cell phone.

What are your preferred apps on Android? Tell me within the box following the jump.

Windows has an endless way to obtain little tips and tricks that will help help make your use of the system more effective. The greater you learn, the closer you set your self on the road to becoming a power user.

It sounds daunting, but really an electrical user is simply someone who's used Windows long enough with enough interest to amass a mental library of tips, tricks, and problem-solving steps.

If you have always wanted to be a power user but weren't sure how to start. Here are six tips to keep.

Start-x (Windows 7, 8.1, and 10)

With all of form of Windows (except Windows 8), the beginning menu is the go-to place for opening apps and accessing system utilities. Are you aware that you can access most of the important system utilities without having to open the beginning menu?

All you do is hover within the Start button and right-click to create up a secret right-click context menu. From here you can quickly open the task manager, control panel, the run dialog, device manager, an order prompt, along with other important functions. You will find a quick choice to turn off or reboot your PC.

If you would rather use a keyboard shortcut to open the hidden menu tap the Windows logo key + x, which is in which the Start-x name comes from.

An enormous send to menu... (Windows 7 and up)

Do you ever use the Send to right-click menu choice for files and folders? As its name suggests, it's a fast and simple method to move files around the body to specific folders or apps.

Picking a choices for the Send to menu is limited--unless you know how to get Windows to inform you more options, that's. Before you right-click on the file or folder hold on the Shift button on your keyboard.

Now, right-click and hover over the Send to option in the context menu. A massive list will show up with pretty much every major folder on your PC. You will not find sub-folders such as Documents > My great folder, but when you have to quickly send a film for your videos folder or OneDrive, the Send to option plus Shift could possibly get it done.

Add more clocks (Windows 7 and up)

Automatically Windows teaches you the present time on the far right of the taskbar. That's ideal for monitoring the neighborhood time, but may you need to keep track of several time zones at once for business or keeping in contact with family.

Adding multiple clocks towards the taskbar is simple. The instructions listed here are for Windows 10, but the process is comparable for other versions of Windows. Right-click the beginning button and select Control Panel in the context menu.

Once the Control Panel opens, ensure the View by option in the upper right corner is placed to the Category option. Now select Clock, Language, and Region > Add clocks for various timezones.

In the new window that opens select the Additional Clocks tab. Now click the checkbox next to one of the "Show this clock" options. Next, select your time zone in the drop-down menu, and provide the clock a reputation within the text entry box labeled "Enter display name."?

Once that's done click Apply then OK. To see if the brand new clock is appearing either hover within the time in your taskbar to obtain a pop-up with multiple clocks, or click the time to see the full version.
The amount Mixer (Windows 7 or more)

Most of the time when you want to reduce the volume, you just click the volume icon in your body tray (far right from the taskbar) or hit a unique key around the keyboard. But when you open the amount Mixer you get far more treatments for your system's sound levels together with a special setting for system alerts.

If you're tired of all those ding and pings smacking you in the eardrum here's how you repair it. For Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, right-click the volume icon and select Open Volume Mixer. On Windows 7 click on the volume icon after which click on Mixer right below the general volume control.

On Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 lower the setting called System Sounds to a more comfortable level--on Windows 7 the setting may also be called Windows Sounds.

Pin your preferred folders to file for Explorer (Windows 7 or more)

Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 have the ability to a method to place the folders you utilize usually in a special spot in File Explorer (Windows Explorer in Windows 7). In Windows 8.1 and 10 that location is called Quick Access, while Windows 7 calls it favorites. Regardless, both sections are in the same spot at the very top from the navigation pane within the File Explorer/Windows Explorer window.

To include a folder for this location you may either drag-and-drop it right onto the section, or right-click the folder you need to add, and choose Pin to Quick Access/Add current place to Favorites.

Alter the lock screen image (Windows 10)

Windows 10 enables you to personalize the lock screen image on your PC instead of using the generic pictures Microsoft supplies automatically. Get started by visiting Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

Now click on the drop-down menu under Background and select Picture. Next, under "Choose your picture" click the Browse button to find the image in your system that you would like to make use of. Once you've selected the picture it may take a couple of seconds to show up at the top of the Settings window under Preview. Once it's there, you can close the Settings app. To test if you've got the right picture tap the Windows logo key + L to view the lock screen.

In most instances, the very first user account in Windows 7 is the Administrator account. This account has got the permission to modify anything and everything in Windows 7.

If you plan to share your Windows 7 computer with another member of the family or specifically your kids, it may be a good idea to create separate Standard user accounts for each to guarantee the integrity of the Windows 7 computer.

In this guide, become familiar with how you can create new user accounts in Windows 7 so you can better manage multiple users on a single computer.

01
What is a User Account?

A user account is a assortment of information that tells Windows which files and folders you are able to access, what changes you can make to the computer, as well as your requirements, just like your desktop background or screen saver. User accounts let you share a computer with multiple people while having your personal files and settings. Each person accesses their user account having a username and password.

Windows 7 Account Types

Windows 7 has various levels of permissions and account types that determine those permissions, but for the sake of simplicity, we will discuss the three main account types visible to many Windows users that use Manage Accounts to manage user accounts in Windows 7.

Standard User: Standard account users may use most software and alter system settings that do not affect other users or even the security from the computer.
Administrator: Administrators have total access to the computer and can make any desired changes. Based on notification settings, administrators might be asked to provide their password or confirmation before making changes affecting other users.
Guest Accounts: Guest accounts are meant primarily for people who need temporary use of a pc.

So if you are creating an account for someone who isn't very versed in Windows and may cause more harm than good while browsing the web, you might want to designate these users as Standard users.

This can ensure that harmful software attempting to install itself on a Standard user account will require administrative rights before installing.

The Administrator account should be reserved for users who have knowledge about Windows and can spot viruses and malignant sites and/or applications before they make it to the pc.

Click on the Windows Orb to open the beginning Menu after which click User interface in the list.

02
Open User Accounts and Family

Once the Control Panel opens click Add or remove user accounts under User Accounts and Family Safety.

03
Click Create New Account Under Account Management

When the Manage Accounts page appears you will notice that you have the option to modify existing accounts and the ability to create new accounts.

To produce a new account, click on the Create a new account link.

04
Name the Account and Choose Account Type

The next phase within the account creation process mandates that you name the account and that you select a merchant account type (see Account Types in Step 1).

Enter the name you intend to assign towards the account.

Once you have entered a reputation for that account, select the account type you wish to use for the account. Click Continue to proceed.

When you're done, the account should come in the account list in the User interface. To use the brand new account you've two options;

Option 1: Log out of the existing account and choose the new account around the Welcome screen.

Option 2: Switch users to quickly access the account without signing out from the existing account:

You've successfully created a new user account in Windows 7.

The Command Prompt in Windows 7 provides access to a lot more than 230 commands. The commands obtainable in Windows 7 are utilized to automate processes, create batch files, and perform troubleshooting and diagnostic tasks.

Many Windows 7 Command Prompt commands are similar to classic MS-DOS commands. However, the Command Prompt is not MS-DOS and also the commands aren't MS-DOS commands

Here is a complete listing of commands, sometimes called CMD commands, offered by the Command Prompt in Windows 7:

When Microsoft unveiled Windows 10, they took the chance to sweep Internet Explorer under the rug in support of Edge. The newer browser includes a different feel and look, and while Microsoft reports that Edge is quicker and more secure, a lot of users still prefer the old, familiar browser they've been using for many years.

If you like to make use of Internet Explorer 11, that's still an option. Actually, Ie 11 is actually included with Windows 10 by default, so you don't even have to install anything extra. You only need to know where you can look.

How to Open Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10

Edge may be the default browser in Windows 10, so if you want to use Ie 11 instead, you have to locate and open it up.

Here's the easiest way to launch Internet Explorer 11 in Windows 10:

Move your mouse to the taskbar and click where it says Type here to look. Note: You may also press the Windows key instead.
Type Internet Explorer.
Click on the internet Explorer when it appears.

Opening Ie 11 in Windows 10 is really that simple.

How to Open Ie 11 with Cortana

For those who have Cortana enabled, there's an easier still method to launch Internet Explorer in Windows 10.

Say Hey, Cortana.
Say Open Ie.

That's literally what is needed. As long as Cortana is set up correctly, and may comprehend the command, Internet Explorer will launch once you ask.
Pinning Internet Explorer to the Taskbar for Easy Access

While opening Ie 11 in Windows 10 isn't difficult, pinning it to the taskbar may be beneficial if you are considering utilizing it regularly. This can permit you to launch this program any time you want simply by clicking a symbol on the taskbar.

Move your mouse to the taskbar and click on where it says Type here to look. Note: You can also press the Windows key instead.
Type Ie.
Right click on Ie if this appears.
Click on Pin to taskbar. Note: You are able to click Pin to Start too if you'd like to have an Internet Explorer icon inside your Start menu.

Since you don't need to uninstall Edge to make use of Internet Explorer, you could go back to Edge if you change your mind. Actually, there's actually not a way to uninstall either Edge or Internet Explorer 11.

It is possible, however, to change the default browser from Edge to another thing.

Should you choose want to change the default browser, you can opt for Internet Explorer, but installing another browser, like Firefox or Chrome, is also a choice. However, unlike Ie 11 and Edge, these other browsers aren't included with Windows 10 by default.

Windows 10 is easily the most fully featured operating-system Microsoft has ever released, but to find everything in it it's easy to need its powerful search tool. When Windows 10's file search stops working, though, it can be really problematic. Fortunately, setting it up back on its feet isn't as difficult as you might think.

Exactly why is Windows 10 Search No longer working?

Updating towards the newest version of Windows can occasionally cause a trouble with search. Sometimes Cortana, the smart-assistant that powers much of Windows' search functionality can bug out, causing trouble for the entire search tool.

You can end up facing poor search engine results, and maybe even an empty results page entirely, making Windows' search tool completely redundant.

After each one of the following suggestions, make an effort to search again. Whether it still doesn't work, proceed to the next tip.

How to Fix Windows 10 Search Problems

There's no shame in needing a helping hand to help fix your Windows file search problems. If you are pleased to continue some suggestions and tricks yourself, continue reading below, but if you'd rather ask someone knowledgable, check out our guide how Do I Get My Computer Fixed? to learn more.

Restart your device. It's basic advice, but there's grounds it's the first the avenue for call for most Windows errors - many times, it works wonders. If you haven't tried restarting your device, achieve this now, as a simple reboot of the system can deal with a myriad of problems. It's better to perform a restart than turn off too, as shutdowns can occasionally send your Windows 10 PC into hibernation mode, rather than completely turning them back and on again.

Turn Cortana off and on again. Since Cortana is really entwined with Windows 10's search function, turning it off and on again can do wonders for fixing Windows 10's file search problems.

To do so:

Right-click your taskbar, or tap and hold on a tablet, and select Task Manager from the drop-down list.
When the Task Manager window appears, make sure you're looking at the expanded options and choose the Processes tab, if not already highlighted.
Select Additional information if your Task Manager looks a lot less detailed than the screenshot above.
Sort the processes by Name by selecting the appropriate tab.
Scroll with the list before you find the Cortana process.
Right-click Cortana, then select End task in the menu that appears.

Windows Troubleshooter. Microsoft's Windows troubleshooter may not be in a position to fix every problem it comes down across, however it can frequently send you within the right direction to learn more or at best pinpoint exactly what the actual problem may be. You have to issues with the Windows 10 search bar not working.

Open the Windows 10 Settings menu by pressing Ctrl+I on your keyboard, or select the Start button, then select the cog icon.
Select Update and security from inside the Settings menu.
Select Troubleshoot in the left-hand menu.
Scroll with the listing of options and select Search and indexing.
Select the Run the troubleshooter button.
A new window will appear asking you exactly what the particular search problem you're facing is. Stick to the on-screen instructions and tell it what it really needs to know before selecting Next. The troubleshooter will make an effort to repair the problem(s) you have been facing.

Ensure the Search services are running. It's always possible the Windows Search service itself has been disabled for whatever reason.

To re-enable it, or at best confirm it's still running:

Press Windows key+R to create up the Run window, then type "Services.msc" before pressing Enter.
When the Services window appears, scroll down the list of services to find Windows Search. If it's already running, right-click it or tap and hold, then select Restart. Alternatively, if it's disabled or includes a blank Status, right-click or tap and hold, then select Start.

If the fixes the issue, you'll need to make sure the service will automatically run when Windows starts. To do so:

Right-click it again or tap and hold, then select Properties.
From the General tab, select the drop-down menu alongside Startup type.
Select Automatic.

Rebuild the Windows 10 search indexing options. It may be that Windows 10 has simply forgotten where certain files and folders are. To assist it remember, rebuild its indexing options by pressing Windows key+R and typing "Control Panel," prior to you buying OK.

Within the Control Panel, using the View by option within the top-right, select Large Icon in the drop-down menu.
Select Indexing Options from the main menu icons.
Select the Advanced button. If prompted, give administrator approval to continue.
Select Rebuild, then select OK. The rebuilding process may take a short while to accomplish depending on the size of your drive and just how full it's.

Windows 10 Start Menus Search Not Working, Still? If no above tips helped get the Windows 10 search bar working again, good suggestions will be to try some of our more complex Cortana help tips or choose a full Windows reset.

Windows 10 is the newest member of the Microsoft Windows based pc line.

Windows 10 introduces an up-to-date Start Menu, new login methods, a better taskbar, a notification center, support for virtual desktops, the Edge browser and a host of other usability updates.

Cortana, Microsoft's mobile personal assistant, is now a part of Windows 10, even on personal computers.

Windows 10 was initially code-named Threshold and was assumed to then be named Windows 9 but Microsoft decided to skip that number altogether. See What Happened to Windows 9? for more with that.

Windows 10 Release Date

The final version of Windows 10 was released to the public on July 29, 2015. Windows 10 was initially released as a preview on October 1, 2014.

Windows 10 was famously a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 owners but that just lasted for just one year, through July 29, 2016. See How can i Download Windows 10? to learn more.

Windows 10 succeeds Windows 8 and is currently the most recent form of Windows available.

Windows 10 Editions

Two versions of Windows 10 are available:

Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Home

Windows 10 can be purchased from Microsoft or via retailers like Amazon.com.

Several additional editions of Windows 10 are also available although not directly to consumers. Some of these include Windows 10 Mobile, Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Enterprise Mobile, and Windows 10 Education.

Additionally, unless otherwise marked, all versions of Windows 10 that you purchase include both 32-bit and 64-bit editions.

Windows 10 Minimum System Requirements

The minimum hardware required to run Windows 10 is similar to what was necessary for the last few versions of Windows:

CPU: 1 GHz with NX, PAE, and SSE2 support (CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF support for 64-bit versions)
RAM: 1 GB (2 GB for 64-bit versions)
Hard Drive: 16 GB free space (20 GB free for 64-bit versions)
Graphics: A GPU that supports a minimum of DirectX 9 having a WDDM driver

If you are upgrading from Windows 8 or Windows 7, make sure you've applied all the updates readily available for that form of Windows before starting the upgrade. This is done through Windows Update.

More About Windows 10

The Start Menu in Windows 8 was a lot to cope with for several people. Instead of a menu such as the one observed in prior versions of Windows, the beginning Menu in Windows 8 is full-screen and features live tiles. Windows 10 reverted to a Windows 7-style Start Menu but also includes smaller tiles - the perfect mixture of both.

Partnering using the Ubuntu Linux organization Canonical, Microsoft included the Windows Subsystem for Linux in Windows 10, the command-line utility found on Linux os's (sometimes inaccurately called the Bash shell). This features allows some Linux software to operate within Windows 10.

Another new feature in Windows 10 may be the ability to pin an application to any or all from the virtual desktops you have set up. This technique is wonderful for apps that you know you would like easy access to in each virtual desktop.

Windows 10 makes it easy to quickly call at your calendar tasks by just clicking or tapping on the time and date on the task bar. It's directly integrated with the main Calendar app in Windows 10.

Gleam central notification center in Windows 10, like the notification center common on cellular devices along with other os's like macOS and Ubuntu.

Overall, there are also a lot of apps that support Windows 10. Be sure to check out the Ten best we've found.