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How to upgrade the SSD in the Asus ROG Ally
If you picked up a shiny new Asus ROG Ally and you want to install a new SSD in it, it's a lot easier than you think.
The Asus ROG Ally is a high-end video game handheld powered by Windows, and the highest-end device you can get has 512GB of storage. That's a decent amount of storage, but installing a game like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will take up nearly 20% of that right away. Couple that with other games that are all getting close to the 100GB mark, and all of a sudden, your storage has run out. Upgrading your device's storage is a great remedy to that, and thankfully, Asus makes it really easy. In fact, I would argue that it's an easier process than installing Windows on a normal PC.
When setting your fan speeds, you should strike the perfect balance between cooling and noise level. Most operating systems, including Windows 11, allow you to set a fan profile using BIOS settings, OEM software, or third-party apps.
Explaining the Windows Insider Program channels for Windows 11 betas
Microsoft's Windows Insider Program can be confusing if you're new, so here's everything you need to know for testing the Windows 11 beta.
It's been a few years since Windows 11 first launched, and just like Windows 10 before it, the operating system is always evolving. Microsoft has committed to updating Windows 11 every so often with "Moment" updates, which are basically feature drops every few months. The most recent one was the Moment 3 update, with delivered features like seconds on the clock in the Taskbar, as well as tweaks to the widgets experience.
Windows 11 update tracker: Download and install the latest update
Now that Microsoft has released Windows 11 via stable channel, we're tracking all the updates
Keeping Windows up to date will ensure that you’ve got the least buggy version of the OS. When it comes to Windows 11, Microsoft has opted for the "one single annual update per year" formula, albeit the company will continue to make available regular patches and fixes throughout the year to address the known issues. New feature sets, such as the "Moment 3" release, are also being seeded through the Windows Update framework.
Here's how to install Play Store and other Google apps on Windows Subsystem for Android
WSAGAScript is a tool that lets you easily patch the Windows Subsystem for Android to install the Google Play Store.
Windows Subsystem for Android is finally here. What's more interesting is that you can unofficially try it right now — even if you're not enrolled in the Beta channel of Windows 11. In case you're not happy with the mandatory Amazon Appstore integration, you should be happy to hear that the app sideloading process isn't difficult either. It is also possible to install a third-party Google Play Store client, but the lack of Google services in the Windows Subsystem for Android makes it a bit hard to use apps that are dependent on them, as we noted in our hands-on.
How to replace the SSD in the Steam Deck
Although the Steam Deck's higher-end models come with SSDs, they're pretty expensive. Here's how to install your own for less.
Although you can get a Steam Deck for as little as $400, the base model only comes with 64GB of storage. Even the top-end model only comes with a 512GB SSD, which can be a problem considering many modern games are 50GB or larger. Thankfully, the Steam Deck is easy to break into, and there are plenty of gaming-focused SSDs that'll fit into this handheld PC. Installing an SSD into the Steam Deck isn't too difficult, and here's how you do it.
How to change or tweak keyboard layouts in Windows 11
The Windows 11 settings app makes it easy to change your keyboard layout in just a few clicks.
Just like macOS, iOS, and even Android, Windows 11 is an operating system that's friendly to many languages. While you already can go into the Windows 11 settings app and add a new language to your operating system, you also can change and tweak keyboard layouts, too. This might be useful if you have an external or internal keyboard that uses a different layout from the standard QWERTY style that's popular in Western and English-speaking countries. And all it takes is a few simple clicks.
How to replace the battery on the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 4
Is your Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 4's battery draining quickly? Check out how to replace it with a new one.
When choosing a business laptop, you should match your performance needs with the budget constraints, all while keeping an eye on the laptop’s repairability. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 is a solid business laptop lineup powered by the latest CPUs from Intel and AMD. Best of all, the ThinkPad X13 models provide high upgradability and repairability by allowing you to swap out many of their components, including the battery.
How to add album art or metadata to a track in ChromeOS
ChromeOS doesn't let you edit album art or metadata. Instead, you have to use a third-party website to upload and then download the track again.
The best Chromebooks can be really efficient for web browsing, running great Android apps from the Google Play Store, and even sideloading Android apps. Yet one thing that ChromeOS struggles with compared to Windows 11 and macOS is playing music and MP3 files. While most people tend to stream music these days through services like Spotify or YouTube music, those who still download MP3s might be let down by the way ChromeOS treats these files.
How to show hidden icons in Windows 11
Desktop or taskbar looking bare? You can add back the classic Windows icons in a few clicks.
Windows 11 brings plenty of cool features. You can enjoy Snap Layouts to multitask with efficiency, play with Android apps on your PC, and even link your iPhone to your laptop. One thing that's missing from Windows 11, however, is desktop icons. You might have noticed that desktop icons for some classic system features are missing. Even in the taskbar, some icons might be missing for your favorite apps. There's no icon for My PC, for example. Well, it's super easy to bring these hidden icons back.
How to see how much data you've used in Windows 11
Are you on a limited data connection? You can check to see how much data Windows 11 is using up by going to your settings app
Browsing the internet on a Windows 11 PC can be similar to browsing the internet on a phone in that not all internet connections have unlimited data. If you have a great 5G laptop, for example, you might be on a limited data plan. Or, if you're on a more affordable home internet plan, you might have a certain amount of data each month before your connection speeds are throttled. So, if you're concerned about how much data Windows 11 is using, the Settings make it easy to find out which apps are using the most data.
How to enable Windows Copilot in Windows 11 previews
Windows Copilot, a new AI assistant for Windows 11, is now up for testing in the Dev channel of the Windows Insider program. Here's how to enable it.
There's a new feature up for testing if you're a Windows Insider running the Dev channel version of Windows 11. It's Windows Copilot. A bit like Clippy from the good old days, this is a new AI assistant, designed to help make your PC even easier to use. It has a chat-based UI that currently integrates with some Windows features like taking screenshots, enabling dark mode, and even access things from Bing Chat from it.
Can I play Minecraft on a Chromebook? Which editions work?
In this article we discuss the available options for playing Minecraft on a Chromebook or other Chrome OS device.
Mojang's Minecraft is the quintessential example of a game that is greater than the sum of its parts. It's not just about mining and crafting, but about exploring and building a world as you see fit. But before you get to all the creativity, the adventuring, and the friends you'll make along the way (we're serious here), you have to install the game. If you own a Chromebook, here's how to do just that.
How to use Apple TV as an external monitor for your Mac
You can use your existing Apple TV as a wireless, external monitor for your Mac. Here's how to take advantage of this Apple ecosystem feature.
Despite being an Apple OS, tvOS is an independent operating system, which means you get to download apps on your Apple TV and run them natively, without needing an iPhone. You can also install tvOS beta builds to try new Apple TV features before the public release.
How to set up voice access on Windows 11
Voice access makes it easier to use your Windows 11 PC using just your voice. Here's how to set up this feature.
Technology is getting more accessible as time goes on, and Microsoft has made accessibility a big point of many of its products. Products like the Xbox Adaptive Controller or the Surface Adaptive Kit help all kinds of users make the most of their devices. And on the software front, Microsoft recently added a big feature to Windows 11: voice access, which made its debut with Windows 11 version 22H2.
How to enable night light on Windows 11
A step-by-step guide to help you enable night light on your Windows 11 system.
Windows 11 retains plenty of accessibility from Windows 10, with night light being one of them. It was first introduced in Windows 10 in 2017 to lower the amount of blue light on your computer screen, which can cause eye strain if you use your system for hours in dark surroundings. It can even disrupt your circadian rhythm and sleep cycle by lowering the amount of melatonin produced by your body.
How to play The Sims 4 on a Chromebook
It's not possible to play The Sims 4 locally on a Chromebook, but you can stream the game to play it over the internet.
The best Chromebooks and ChromeOS tablets are now more useful for gaming. Thanks to Google's new partnership with Steam, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and services like Nvidia GeForce now, you can now enjoy games on your Chromebook like never before. Some games you can play locally, like through Steam, but the other services require an internet connection.
How to upgrade the storage in the HP EliteBook 840 G10
Like most business laptops, the HP EliteBook 840 G10 lets you upgrade the included storage. Here's how to do it yourself.
Business laptops are known for many things, but one of the most important is their serviceability and upgradability. Businesses want laptops to last as long as possible with lower costs, so being able to upgrade specific parts of a laptop without buying a whole new one is a big deal. The HP EliteBook 840 G10 is no exception, and it's a great example of a laptop that, despite being compact, gives you room for upgrades down the line, with both the RAM and storage being upgradeable.
How to add a web app to your Mac's Dock on macOS Sonoma
macOS Sonoma allows users to easily add web apps to their Macs' Docks for quicker access.
A web app is a decent alternative for when a native one is unavailable. For many years now, iOS users have been able to easily add web apps to their iPhones' Home Screens and Docks, which makes them more accessible. That's not to mention that users can also receive push notifications from them and take advantage of a cleaner user interface. Finally, Macs have now followed suit, as macOS Sonoma allows users to easily add web apps to their Docks and utilize the smoother UI. To do so, follow the steps we've detailed below.
How to add and use a printer on a Chromebook
If you have to have it on paper, we'll show you how to navigate ChromeOS to make that happen.
Sometimes, you just gotta have it on paper. From sign-up sheets to important contracts, there's always a time to bust out the printer and scanner. But how do you get your document from here to there using your Chromebook? We'll show you how.