Windows How-To: 6 Quick Guides You Can Trust
Use these step-by-step guides to fix common Windows tasks fast. All steps work on Windows 11 (and one list for Windows 10 recording apps).
1) How To Increase Font Size in Windows 11
What it does: Makes text larger across apps, menus, and the system UI.
Steps (Settings app):
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Accessibility > Text size.
- Drag the Text size slider to the right.
- Click Apply. Windows will resize text.
Alternative (Scale the whole UI):
- Settings > System > Display.
- Under Scale, pick 125% or 150% to enlarge text and UI elements.
Tips:
- If an app looks blurry after scaling, sign out/in.
- On multi-monitor setups, set scale per monitor.
Admin note (Intune/GPO):
- Intune: Settings Catalog > Display > Display: Turn off auto-scaling (if you must lock it down).
- GPO path: User > Admin Templates > Control Panel > Display.
2) How To Reset Network Settings on Windows 11
What it does: Rebuilds network adapters and resets Winsock/TCP/IP. Fixes many Wi-Fi or Ethernet issues.
Quick reset (GUI):
- Press Win + I > Network & internet.
- Click Advanced network settings.
- Click Network reset > Reset now > Yes.
- PC will restart. Reconnect to Wi-Fi after reboot.
Targeted fixes (PowerShell/CMD):
Run these in Windows Terminal (Admin):
textnetsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
Then reboot.
Tips:
- Have your Wi-Fi password ready.
- VPN or virtual adapters will be removed; reinstall as needed.
Admin note:
- Intune device scripts can automate this sequence.
- Avoid on always-on VPN endpoints without a maintenance window.
3) Top Free Recording Software for Windows 10
Built-in options (no install):
- Xbox Game Bar (Win + G): Quick screen or game capture with mic.
- PowerPoint (if installed): Insert > Screen Recording for simple tutorials.
Free third-party tools:
- OBS Studio: Pro-level screen + webcam + audio mixing.
- ShareX: Lightweight screen recording and GIF creation.
- VLC: Basic screen recording or stream conversion.
- Audacity: Audio-only recorder and editor.
Tips:
- Use a headset mic to reduce echo.
- Record at 1080p, 30fps for clarity and smaller files.
- Check mic input levels; stay in the green range.
Admin note:
- Deploy OBS or ShareX via Intune as Win32 apps.
- Restrict high-bitrate profiles on low-spec devices.
4) How To Scan in Windows 11 (Beginners)
Using Windows Scan app:
- Connect the scanner (USB or same Wi-Fi).
- Open Microsoft Store → search Windows Scan (by Microsoft).
- Open it and pick your scanner.
- Choose file type (PDF/JPG), color, and resolution.
- Click Preview, adjust area, then Scan.
- Save to your chosen folder.
Using Windows Fax and Scan:
- Press Win, type “Windows Fax and Scan.”
- Click New Scan, select scanner, then Scan and Save As.
Tips:
- Use PDF for multi-page scans.
- Install vendor drivers if the device isn’t detected.
Admin note:
- Deploy Windows Scan via Intune (Store app (new)).
- Use signed vendor drivers only if driver policies apply.
5) How To Change Power Button Settings in Windows 11
Goal: Decide what happens when you press your PC’s power button.
Control Panel:
- Press Win + R, type control, and hit Enter.
- Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Pick Sleep, Hibernate, Shut down, or Do nothing.
- Click Save changes.
Shortcut method:
Press Alt + F4 on the desktop for quick shutdown options.
Tips:
- Laptops can have separate options for battery and plugged-in mode.
- If settings are greyed out, click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Admin note:
- Intune Settings Catalog > Power policies to standardize behavior.
- For kiosks or servers, use Do nothing to avoid accidental shutdowns.
6) How To Clear Print Queue on Windows 11
Using Services:
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and choose Stop.
- Go to
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. - Delete all files there.
- Restart the Print Spooler service.
Command method (Admin):
textnet stop spooler
del /q /f %systemroot%\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*.*
net start spooler
If jobs keep returning:
- Remove and re-add the printer.
- Update or reinstall the printer driver.
- Check folder permissions.
Admin note:
- Use Intune Remediations to detect and clear spool files.
- On shared PCs, assign user-level printers and reset on sign-out.
Extras for Power Users
- Open Settings: Win + I
- Open Windows Terminal (Admin): Win + X → Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Search any setting: Win → type the setting name
- Emergency restart: Ctrl + Alt + Del → hold Ctrl and click Power
