Tag Archives: microsoft

The Shake Feature on Windows OS

This handy feature is called Aero Shake.

If your display is cluttered with windows, remove the clutter by grasping the top of the window you want and “shaking” it on the screen to collapse all the others. You may use Aero Shake to reduce other windows on your PC by shaking the one you want to fixate on. Here’s how to turn it on, since by default, Aero Shake is turned off:

  1. Open Settings, and click on System.
  2. Click on Multitasking on the left.
  3. Turn On or Off Title bar window shake for what you want.

Just FYI: When you use Aero Shake to reduce all unnecessary windows, you lose access to the other windows. They will reappear on your screen after you utilize Aero Shake to bring them back into view. Want to bring them back? Shake it again, and the windows will return.


For inquiries with Windows OS features, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

How to Control Background Apps

In Windows 10, certain apps have the ability to run in the background so you don’t have to worry about them. This feature was put into place by Microsoft to allow notifications and app updates to users. However, there’s a large downside: battery consumption and possible data drainage. Thankfully, there is a way to control your background apps, if you prefer.

Here’s how to get there:
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click on Privacy
  3. Scroll down and click on Background apps

From here you can choose to turn on or off your option to allowing apps run in the background. Or, you can choose which apps you would rather not run in the background. This works well for those who need certain apps continuing to function.

If you have any Windows 10 issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Plano Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Plano, TX please call the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Will Windows 11 Be Better Overall?

While the major focus has been shown to be the overhaul of the taskbar, along with upgrading icons and adding functionality, there is more to Windows 11 than meets the eye.

According to preliminary testing, performance increases from Windows 11 might range between 2% and 11% on computers using hybrid CPUs such as Intel’s Lakefield chip. This is compared to Windows 10.

Long story short, it’s not projected to be substantially quicker than the current operating system. However, it is intended to provide a somewhat better overall experience.

According to Microsoft, there are several tweaks under the hood that help make Windows 11 a better performing operating system. There are some pretty substantial changes to the way it system handles apps and processes. Windows 11 will favor the programs in the foreground, making sure they’re allotted enough resources.

Source: How To Geek

Microsoft also stated that sleep mode will be terminated relatively instantly on computers equipped with 8th-generation CPUs and newer. This performance enhancement will allow computers to wake up from sleep mode quicker.

Microsoft will finally deliver Windows 11 to supported PCs on October 5th, after its announcement late in June this year. If you plan to grab this revamped update, check your computer. The next OS will only be supported if it has the appropriate compatible hardware.


If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

When Is Windows 11 Releasing?

Microsoft will finally deliver Windows 11 to supported PCs on October 5th, after its announcement late in June this year.

If you plan to grab this revamped update, check your computer. The next OS will only be supported if it has the appropriate compatible hardware.

Microsoft’s stance on Windows 11 requirements remains unchanged. They said unequivocally that the new operating system will only be available for compatible devices. Unfortunately, an incompatible operating system may raise the chance of BSOD (black screen of death) or other technical problems.

Source: Windows Blog

“Since the Insider build was released, there’s been many more updates for the dev channel, where it brings back the search bar to the start menu, more refinements to the new design across the menus, alongside better multi-monitor support for the taskbar, alongside many fixes.”

Source: TechRadar

This upcoming update will be available as a free upgrade to existing Windows users. To download, install, and activate Home editions, you must be connected to the internet. Also, you must have a Microsoft account when installing or updating your PC or tablet.


If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

Unsupported Windows 11 Could Spell Trouble

Microsoft recommends you not download Windows 11 early

If you plan on updating your operating system to Windows 11 this fall, you will want to check your computer. The reasoning behind this is the upcoming OS will only be supported if it has the correct supported hardware.


  • Unsupported devices have 52% more kernel mode crashes (Blue Screen of Death errors). On the other hand, compatible devices provide a 99.8% crash-free experience.
  • On unsupported devices, app hangs are 17% more likely. For first-party apps, Microsoft observed 43% more crashes. -Source: Microsoft

If your computer does not have the right hardware, it will have limited support, or won’t be supported at all. Microsoft maintains its stance on Windows 11 requirements. They stated clearly that only supported devices will receive the new operating system. An unsupported operating system could, unfortunately, increase the risk of BSOD (black screen of death) or other technical errors.

If you ignore Microsoft’s advice and run the officially unsupported operating system on your device, you may not receive any quality updates via Windows Update. Microsoft officials have said that they couldn’t guarantee these devices would get monthly updates like cumulative or optional updates.

Source: WindowsLatest

If you are experiencing hardware issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Riverview Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Riverview, FL, please call the local office at (813) 400-2865.

Windows 10 Expiration Scams Are a Thing

You may have received a warning pop-up.

Microsoft’s Windows 10 is one of cyber hackers’ favorite OS to imitate. With a large number of users, the chance of someone falling for one of their scams is quite high. Many of the viruses look legit, as hackers tend to use brand logos.

Recently, some Windows 10 users have received pop-ups on their computers. These raise warnings, stating that their Windows 10 license is expiring and that they should address the issue by calling a toll-free number.

What should you do?

First off, Windows 10 licenses that are normally pre-loaded onto the computer itself, never expire. Second, Windows wouldn’t share a toll-free number for you to call to buy a new license. Third, check the spelling. Always check the spelling. The majority of scams or viruses include a variety of spelling errors.

Windows Phone Scams

In addition to this information, Windows phone scams have started to spread to take advantage of users. So if you have a Windows phone, keep an eye out. According to AZCentral:

The scammers are trying leverage the news of Windows 7’s upcoming end of life in January and hope consumers running Windows 10 get confused when they call pretending to be a concerned Microsoft support person offering to help.

The scam is designed to convince you that you need to purchase a license renewal so that your computer won’t stop working. If you get this call, just hang up on them or feel free to have some fun with them and waste their time.


If you have any questions regarding Windows 10, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Hollywood Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Hollywood, FL please call our local office at (754) 241-1655.

How To: Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode

If you’re needing to troubleshoot Windows to understand the reasoning behind your PC not functioning properly, use Safe Mode. This allows Windows to load when the operating system won’t start up. And it only uses the bare minimum necessities, like uninstalling updates, running system restore, and malware scans.

Here’s how to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode:
  1. Hold the Shift button and then press Restart
  2. The blue screen will show up, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart > Press #4 from the list
  3. The computer will restart and you’ll be in Safe Mode
If you have Windows 8 or earlier, try these steps:
  • Windows 7 and earlier: Press the F8 key while the computer is booting (after the initial BIOS screen, but before the Windows loading screen), and then select Safe Mode in the menu that appears.
  • Windows 8Hold Shift while clicking Restart on the Power menu on either the login screen or through the Charms bar menu to begin the process.

When you get into safe mode, you’ll have the ability to run any troubleshooting tasks available to get the job done.


For help with Safe Mode on Windows 10, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Update to Microsoft Paint

Windows 11 will be arriving within a few short months, and including a plethora of features. Revamping the whole operating system, the update will enhance the Microsoft’s long standing Paint app.

The old, but still kicking, app has been around since November of 1985. Microsoft announced back in 2017 that Paint may have been getting the boot. However, that wasn’t the case. It continued receiving updates throughout the last few years.

Paint app has been updated with new icons, rounded corners, support for Windows 11’s new dark theme and redesigned context menu. You’ll be able to change MS Paint’s theme directly from Windows 11’s Settings app. Of course, Paint will automatically respect the system-wide theme.

Source: WindowsLatest

Users seem to be intrigued by this particular enhancement to the new Windows 11 operating system. We’ll have to see if it bodes well for Microsoft.

Source: WindowsLatest

If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

System Restore on Windows 10

Too often, PC’s software falter or crash. Windows 10 offers solutions to remedy that problem.

On their Microsoft Support page, they constructed a list for both Windows 10 and Windows 8.1. Windows 11’s list will not show up until after its release.

If your computer is having any of the following issues, Microsoft Support can guide you through a remedy:

  • PC isn’t starting up properly
  • Installed an update, and PC is not working right
  • Installed an app, and PC is crashing
  • Uninstall update
source: Microsoft

Tom’s Guide shares, “If your PC won’t boot properly to allow you to run System Restore, or crashes almost immediately, you can run the tool from Windows 10’s “Advanced startup options.””

To get to this setting, simply restart your PC and hold down the Shift button and F11 button. The blue screen will pop up for you to troubleshoot the issue.


If you are having issues with your PC, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Plano Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Plano, TX please call the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Fraud Warning: Buying Licenses for Cheap

When buying licenses for your PC, make sure your purchase is legitimate. Too often, online stores claim to save you money by buying Windows and Office licenses through them. But the truth of the matter is, they’re fraudulent. You pay and get a non-working license code.

Sometimes, you will find non-existent licenses, according to Microsoft.

We often see products for sale with descriptions that mislead the buyer. Some examples are: Office 365 lifetime, Office 365 2019. None of these descriptions correspond to a real product. For clarification:

  • Windows: One-time purchase. The only licenses for sale now are Windows 10 licenses all previous versions of Windows are not available, nor there are higher versions of Windows. If you are offered the chance to purchase a Windows 7, 8, 8.1 license, you are being cheated.
  • Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365): Annual subscription, it can be paid monthly or annually. There is no version of 365 that is lifelong, (paid only once). Anyone who chooses this model will be entitled to updates for as long as they keep the Office subscription active.
  • Office 2019: One-time purchase. You will not receive updates with new features or new versions. There are no licenses for previous versions of Office for sale (2016, 2013, etc.), if you are offered an earlier version, you are being cheated.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Buy licenses on the Microsoft website, if possible. And report any companies selling false licenses to ensure they don’t affect any other buyers.


If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.