What is AppData, and what are Local, LocalLow, and Roaming?

If you have a Windows PC, then you’ve probably heard of AppData. It’s a folder that contains three subfolders: Local, LocalLow, and Roaming. Understanding the different types of AppData folders and their uses can be helpful for troubleshooting, managing storage space, and more. If you’ve ever wondered what these folders are for and why they’re so important, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between the three main types of AppData folders and what types of information are typically stored in each.

What is AppData?

The one that everyone knows

AppDataFeatureImage-Watermarked© Provided by XDA Developers

When you install a program on Windows, it will typically be installed in either C:\Program Files or, in the case of a 32-bit program, to C:\Program Files (x86). The application will be installed for all users on the machine and require administrator access to write to. Any application settings stored in this folder will also propagate for all users.

That’s where AppData comes in. It’s a hidden folder that resides under each user folder. It’s located in C:\Users\\AppData and contains program-specific information that may not relate to the program’s ability to run, such as user configurations. In your AppData folder, you will find files like:

• User-specific installations
• App configuration files
• Cached files

If you’ve ever installed a program that asked you whether you wanted to install it for all users or not, it was basically asking you if you wanted to install it into Program Files or AppData. Python is one such program that does this. Additionally, there are three subfolders in AppData, and their differences are important to note.

What is Local?

The Local folder is for storing files that can’t move from your user profile and also often contains files that may be too large to synchronize with a server. For example, it might house some files that are needed for a video game to run or your web browser cache, which are files that may be too large or wouldn’t make sense to transfer anywhere else. A developer might also use Local to store information that pertains to file paths on this particular machine. Moving these configuration files to another machine might cause programs to stop working, as the file paths would not match up.

What is LocalLow?

LocalLow is very similar to Local, but the “low” in the name refers to a lower level of access granted to the application. For example, a browser in incognito mode may be limited to only accessing the LocalLow folder to prevent it from being able to access the normal user data stored in Local.

What is Roaming?

If you use a Windows machine on a domain (that is, a network of computers with a central domain controller that handles your login), then you might be familiar with the Roaming folder. Files in this folder are synced to other devices if you log in on the same domain since they’re considered important for using your device. This could be your web browser favorites and bookmarks, important application settings, and more.

It’s recommended to use this folder when the data being stored can be moved from device to device without any problems. For example, Minecraft stores its world files, screenshots, and more in the Roaming folder because these files can all be taken and migrated to a new device, where it’s expected to work.

How to find AppData on Windows

It’s pretty easy

Finding AppData on any default installation on Windows is pretty simple, though you shouldn’t mess around with it unless you know what you’re doing.

1. Press the Windows key + R at the same time.
2. Type “%appdata%” or “%localappdata%” depending on whether you want to go to your Roaming folder or your Local folder.
3. Press Enter.

The percentage signs around the words tell the run prompt to look at your local system variables to find where the AppData and LocalAppData folders are. Because these locations change per-user, it can’t be a system variable that manages these, so they’re created with every new user account.

appdata-hidden-items-watermarked© Provided by XDA Developers

On Windows 10, make sure you can see hidden folders by clicking View at the top and making sure that Hidden items is ticked. On Windows 11, click View at the top, hover over Show, and click Hidden items.

Windows-11-Hidden-Files© Provided by XDA Developers

Alternatively, you can navigate to C:\Users\\AppData in Windows Explorer.

You should now be able to find your AppData, whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11. It’s hidden by default, and in most cases, you shouldn’t have to access it, and doing so might mess up how your computer functions. But if you need to, you’ll now know where to find it.

Window with light shining through and Windows 11 text© Provided by XDA Developers

32-Bit Vs 64-Bit Operating Systems Explained

32-bit versus 64-bit graphic© FrankHH/Shutterstock

Operating systems (OS) are the intermediary between computer hardware and software, an essential piece of any digital device. Much like an orchestra conductor, they ensure harmonious communication between a myriad of components, facilitating the smooth functioning of computers. These advanced software systems control a computer’s resources, manage memory, schedule tasks, and handle input/output for devices, paving the way for seamless interaction between user and machine.

These crucial entities exist in various types and versions, so whether you use Mac or Windows, you interact with an OS each time you boot up your computer. Like your RAM, processor, or other hardware components, an operating system’s designs and capabilities fundamentally influence the computer’s performance, security, and versatility. As such, it’s critical to understand the distinctions between them. Among these distinctions, one factor that often raises questions among novice and experienced users alike is whether to get a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.

Fundamentally it comes down to the processor on your computer that will determine which version of an OS to get. While a 64-bit processor can run a 32-bit operating system, the reverse is not true. If your computer has a 32-bit processor, the decision has already been made for you. Still, there are some key differences between the two that are worth mentioning.

What Is A 32-Bit Operating System?

windows 95 disk© Roland Magnusson/Shutterstock

A 32-bit label on an operating system refers to the way the system handles information. It designates the size of data units that the processor can handle. Each piece of data is 1 bit. In a 32-bit operating system, the CPU processes data and memory addresses in 32-bit chunks of characters. This attribute impacts the system’s speed, capability, and the maximum memory it can effectively utilize, maxing out at around 4 gigabytes.

his architecture evolved from its predecessor, the 16-bit system, to boost performance and meet the escalating demands of sophisticated software. The need for a more powerful, faster system became evident as software became increasingly complex. Moving from 16-bit to 32-bit systems allowed computers to handle larger data chunks simultaneously, enhancing processing power and efficiency. Several operating systems that have become household names adopted the 32-bit architecture.

For instance, Windows 95, released in 1995, was among the first widely used 32-bit systems. Its successors, Windows 98, Windows XP, and Windows 7, all offered 32-bit versions. Mac OS X Leopard and earlier versions used a 32-bit structure on the Apple side. While 32-bit systems are becoming increasingly rare due to the rise of 64-bit architecture, they remain a fundamental part of computer history, marking an era of transformative progress in processing power and capabilities.

What Is A 64-Bit Operating System?

windows 10 boot disk© Nor Gal/Shutterstock

A significant leap from the 32-bit architecture, 64-bit systems provide better processing power and memory utilization, catering to modern software’s increasing complexity and resource demand. The transition was pivotal, underpinning advances in computational speed, multi-tasking, and the capability to handle large data sets. In computing, a 64-bit processor (and operating system) can simultaneously manipulate data and memory addresses using 64 bits.

This trait directly influences the operating system’s power, speed, and the maximum memory it can harness — theoretically reaching an astronomical 18.4 million terabytes. Renowned examples of 64-bit operating systems abound in the digital landscape. Microsoft’s Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11 all primarily come in 64-bit versions, reflecting the industry’s shift toward more powerful systems. Apple fully transitioned to 64-bit with the Mac OS X Snow Leopard release, and all subsequent macOS versions have been 64-bit.

Numerous Linux distributions have also embraced this change, offering 64-bit versions to cater to the needs of tech-savvy users. The rise of 64-bit operating systems is a testament to the constant quest for incredible speed and efficiency in technology. With its profound impact on computational capabilities and resource handling, the 64-bit architecture has become the new standard, powering the computers that shape the digital age.

Which System Is Best For You?

woman working on laptop desk© Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Choosing between a 32-bit and 64-bit operating system often boils down to an individual’s professional requirements, the complexity of tasks, and the intensity of resource utilization. First and foremost is cost. Due to the popularity of 64-bit computers, 32-bit operating systems might save you a little money as power expectations are greatly reduced. Professionals engaged in high-performance tasks such as data analysis, video editing, graphic design, 3D modeling, and high-end gaming often gravitate toward 64-bit systems.

Such tasks demand more memory and faster processing, something that 64-bit systems provide with their ability to handle larger data sets simultaneously and support more than 4GB of RAM. Scientific research, machine learning, and artificial intelligence professionals also benefit significantly from 64-bit systems because they can work with large data volumes and efficiently conduct complex computations.

On the other hand, 32-bit systems may be sufficient for individuals or professions with less resource-intensive tasks. For example, basic office applications, web browsing, email, and simple graphic editing can run smoothly on a 32-bit system. People working in roles such as administrative assistants, educators, writers, or professionals who predominantly use their computers for communication, word processing, and internet-based research might find a 32-bit system adequate. However, the trend in technology is toward more advanced and resource-hungry software applications, making 64-bit systems the safer bet for future-proofing one’s digital workspace.

The end is near for Windows 10 21H2

The end is nigh for Windows 10 21H2© Provided by The Register

Time for 22H2, the LTSC version, or perhaps something completely different?

Microsoft is warning customers still clinging to Windows 10 21H2 that mere weeks of servicing remain for enterprise and education users.…

Windows 10 21H2 arrived in 2021 as part of the November 2021 update, and support ended in 2023 for Home, Pro, and Pro for Workstation editions. In June 2024, the support plug will be pulled for enterprise, education, and IoT enterprise editions, leaving the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) versions to carry the torch until 2027.

In the case of the IoT Enterprise LTSC version, the extended end date for support will be January 13, 2032.

The last security update for affected devices is due in June 2024. Microsoft said: “To help keep you protected and productive, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 10 business devices not managed by IT departments when these are nearing end of servicing.”

The cut-off date for Windows 10 version 22H2 remains October 14, 2025, although several LTSC editions will remain in support for a few years past that date. The Windows 10 LTSC 2019 edition will remain in extended support until January 9, 2029, while Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 is set to end mainstream support on January 12, 2027.

So what to do? For many Windows 10 users, an update to 22H2 will already have happened. However, never one to pass up a chance to encourage users to migrate to the latest version of its flagship operating system, Microsoft said: “As always, we recommend that you upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11.”

Those Windows 11 market share statistics aren’t going to improve by themselves, are they?

While users with hardware that meets Microsoft’s demands have likely already made the jump to Windows 11, the warning from the tech giant highlights the ticking clock for Windows 10 support.

Hopes that the company might yet throw a lifeline to users faced with either replacing hardware or jumping to a different platform have taken yet another knock as Microsoft moves forward with its plans to put Windows 10 out to pasture once and for all. ®

Microsoft Edge is getting yet another AI tool.

• Microsoft Edge is adding AI-generated themes, allowing users to create unique browser themes based on text prompts.
• Admins can toggle the AI theme generator feature off, but individuals will soon be able to customize their Edge themes.
• The AI theme generator feature is expected to roll out in June 2024, offering users the chance to create personalized Edge themes.

Microsoft has been full bore on adding AI features to its browser, Edge. Recently, the browser got some advanced image-editing tools and the ability to tweak the browser’s settings using AI. Now, the browser is getting yet another one, and it seems like a fun way to make your version of Edge truly unique.

Microsoft Copilot banner© Provided by XDA Developers

Microsoft Edge is getting AI-generated themes

As posted on the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the Redmond giant is planning to add AI-generated themes to Edge. As the company puts it:

Microsoft Edge will include an AI theme generator, that allows users to input a text prompt and generate a series of images to preview as browser themes. Applying the theme includes setting the generated image on the Edge new tab page, and applying the image’s dominant color to the browser frame.

If you’re expecting to get a flashy new theme for your PC at work, you may be a little disappointed. The company will allow admins to toggle this feature off if they please, meaning some people may be stuck with Edge’s default themes. However, if you’re on your own PC (or you have a chill manager), you should soon be able to tell Edge what you want as a theme and have it use AI to create the perfect result.

The feature isn’t being rolled out just yet, but you won’t have to wait long. The roadmap entry states that the company is hoping to roll the feature out in June 2024, and there’s a good chance we’ll see it arrive on the Edge Beta branch a week or so before its release. And given how Microsoft has a powerful AI image generator under its belt with Designer, it may utilize the tools it already has to deliver some great results. We’ll just have to wait and see how good the feature is when it drops in a month.

Microsoft Word: How to write macros to eliminate repetitive tasks and supercharge your document

Word macros are one-click marvels that automate repetitive tasks in Microsoft Word. If you are tired of going through the same routine while drafting documents, create macros and finish your tasks quickly. Word macros save mouse clicks and keyboard strokes in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). It may sound complex at a glance, but it isn’t. Microsoft made it easy to write macros without any programming knowledge.

You can record Word macros using the desktop apps only. The feature isn’t available in Word for iPhone and Android users. Here’s how to write Word macros and streamline tedious and time-consuming tasks.

Stylized image with the Excel logo on top of a blurred Excel spreadsheet© Provided by Android Police

Tips to plan for effective macros

Before you record a macro in Word, plan it in advance. You need a clear idea of which actions you want to record in a macro.

A macro recorder captures everything. A single mishap can ruin your outcome. Instead of deleting and starting a macro again, practice it several times. For instance, if you insert the wrong picture, remove it and add the correct one again. Word records it and performs the same when you run a macro. Here are the things to consider before writing a macro.

• Plan your action and memorize steps before recording a macro.
• Memorize keyboard shortcuts for popular text editing features. Word doesn’t record your mouse for navigation in a document area. It should create a smooth macro.
• Trim the number of steps in a macro to keep it efficient.
• Test your macro a couple of times to get your output as expected.

Common examples of Word macros

Are you still confused about using macros in Microsoft Word? Check out some of the usual use cases for Word macros.

• Enter common text: Insert usual text like a company address, terms and conditions, disclaimers, and more with a macro.
• Check grammar and spell check: Run a grammar check with a single click.
• Remove the clutter from the document: Fix formatting issues, spaces, line breaks, and more.
• Insert tables with a specific format: Insert tables with specific headers in one go.
• Generate Table of Contents: Create and update a table of contents.

These are some of the examples of using a macro. Your preferences may vary.

Record Word macros

In the example below, we create a Word macro to insert a table and write a legal disclaimer in a document.

1. Launch Microsoft Word and create a new document.
2. Go to the View tab and select Macros.
3. Select Record Macro.

   

   record macro in Microsoft Word© Provided by Android Police

4. Give a macro a name and a description so it’s easy to remember.

   

   Enter macro name and assign a button© Provided by Android Police

5. Assign a button or a keyboard shortcut to a macro. When you choose the former, Word offers an option to add a macro to the Quick Access toolbar at the top. As with keyboard shortcuts, you can specify a keyboard sequence to run the macro.

   

   keyboard shortcut for a macro© Provided by Android Police

6. Keep the macro to a specific document or make it available for all Word documents. Click OK.

   

   assign a button for a Word macro© Provided by Android Police

7. Add relevant content with your keyboard and mouse click, and select Stop Recording from the Macros menu.

   

   Store macro recording in Word© Provided by Android Police

8. Microsoft Word stores your macro. It’s ready to use from the same menu.

You can use the assigned button or keyboard shortcut or open View > Macros > View macros, select a macro, and click Run. Then, run it to confirm your desired output with a newly created macro.

If you are a developer and familiar with VBA, press Alt + F11 to open Visual Basic. Then, write a new macro from the Insert > Module menu.

Advantages of writing Word macros

Here are the top benefits of using a Word macro.

• Reduces errors in a document.
• Speed up repetitive tasks.
• Creates consistency in documents.
• Endless possibilities.
• Saves time and improves productivity for complex tasks in a document.

Macros require a learning curve. We recommend spending time with them to create useful macros for your routine tasks.

Manage Word macros

When you click Stop recording under the Macros menu, Word saves the recording automatically. You can’t test and save it manually. If you want to edit or delete an existing macro, use the steps below.

1. Launch Microsoft Word and head to View > Macros > View Macros.

   

   View macros in Word© Provided by Android Police

2. Identify a macro and select Edit. It opens the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window with your auto-generated script code. Editing an existing macro requires some coding language.

   

   edit a Word macro© Provided by Android Police

3. If you don’t want to dig through code, delete a macro from the same menu and record it again.

   

   Edit a Word macro in Visual Basic© Provided by Android Police

Enjoy a productivity boost with Word macros

If recording macros is complicated, import one from the web. When you download a document containing macros from the web and open it on your computer, Word blocks macros due to security concerns. If you trust the document source, head to Word settings and enable macros.

OpenOffice: 10 simple tips and tricks for new users

OpenOffice: 10 simple tips and tricks for new users© Provided by Android Police

OpenOffice is a suite of free productivity tools that replaces most of the functionality of Microsoft’s Office platform and adds additional features (though you can’t track stock prices the way you can on Google Sheets). It also works across multiple operating systems, even on the best Chromebooks, and it plays well with existing MS Office documents and spreadsheets.

Many of its best features aren’t immediately apparent to new users. We compiled a list of our favorite OpenOffice tips and tricks to help you take advantage of OpenOffice’s versatile offerings.

Customize your toolbars

OpenOffice has one of the most broadly customizable interfaces of any software of its kind. You can customize the existing headers and add functions to make them accessible with a single click.

1. Click View on the toolbar.
2. Select Toolbars.
3. Go to the Toolbars drop-down menu to toggle toolbars on or off, or select Customize to alter the content of existing toolbars.

Add extensions for more features

OpenOffice comes with an impressive number of tools. One advantage of its open platform is that you can add third-party extensions to fill gaps that exist.

1. Select Tools from the toolbar.
2. Click Extension Manager in the drop-down menu.
3. In the Extension Manager window, select Get more extensions online.
4. This opens a browser page where you can search for extensions or browse by categories like operating system or application.

Extensions give you access to dictionaries in other languages, allow you to import and edit PDFs, add new template options, and other useful functions.

Turn on writing assists

OpenOffice has several modules to help you draft clean, grammatically valid text documents. You can activate automatic spellchecking, access a thesaurus, or add non-standard dictionaries.

1. Click Tools in the toolbar and select Options.
2. In the Options window, open Language Settings and choose Writing Aids.
3. Choose the language modules and dictionaries you want to activate and the live spelling and grammatical tools you want to use.

Add a table of contents to your document

Add a table of contents to documents with several subsections or longer documents you want to break into digestible sections for easier navigation.

1. A table of contents requires headers. To create a header, click Format, then select Styles and Formatting.
2. Select a header style, click the document where you’d like to place it, and enter the header text.
3. To create a table of contents, click Insert in the toolbar. Then, choose Indexes and Tables and select Indexes and Tables from the sub-menu.
4. In the Insert index/table window, enter a title for your table of contents or leave it as default, and select the Table of Contents option in the Type drop-down menu.
5. If you only want the table of contents to include a certain number of headers, choose Chapter in the Create index/table for drop-down and set the number of headers you want in the Evaluate up to level box.
6. To alter the format and style of your table of contents, click Additional styles and then select the ellipsis (…) to the right of it.
7. Click OK to add the table of contents to your document.

Quickly search the web for keywords in your document

OpenOffice allows you to quickly search the text in your documents on popular search engines like Google, Yahoo, and others. Add this functionality to your toolbar for easy access.

1. Click View from the toolbar, choose Toolbars, and then toggle on the Hyperlink Bar option.
2. To search the web for text in your document, highlight it, click the binoculars icon, and choose which search engine to use from the drop-down menu.

Create a bibliography to cite your sources

OpenOffice offers a built-in tool for citing sources in formal or academic documents.

1. To cite a reference, click Insert on the toolbar, choose Indexes and tables, and choose Bibliography entry.
2. Select From document content and then click New.
3. Enter your reference information, choose its Type, click OK, and select Insert. This inserts the reference into the text in square brackets.
4. After creating your references, you’re ready to collate a bibliography. Choose Insert, select Indexes and tables, select Indexes and tables again, and select Bibliography.

Quickly get a word count

OpenOffice displays the word count in a selected block of text or in the entire document. For the former, select the text you want to count and click Word Count under the Tools menu in the toolbar. To see word and character count in the document, as well as supplementary information, navigate to File > Properties > Statistics.

Precisely position text

OpenOffice has a Direct cursor feature that allows you to drop text almost anywhere in a document. This feature is especially handy for formatting presentations.

1. Go to Tools on the toolbar and select Options.
2. Open the OpenOffice Writer sub-menu and choose Formatting Aids in the drop-down menu.
3. Check the Direct cursor box. You can also choose how you want OpenOffice to determine the position of the Direct cursor.
4. To change the color of the Direct cursor, open the OpenOffice sub-menu in the Options window and select Appearance. Then scroll down to Direct cursor, and choose the color you want from the Color setting menu.

Email your document

OpenOffice lets you skip the process of manually attaching a document to an email. Instead, you can send it from the program.

1. Choose File, and then select Send.
2. Select Document as Email.
3. OpenOffice opens your default email client, and the document appears as an attachment.

You can email a document in other formats, like PDF. However, the send document as email feature doesn’t work with web-based email clients like Gmail. To take advantage of it, install a mail program and add your email account to it.

OpenOffice Calc spreadsheet tips

Calc is OpenOffice’s equivalent of Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets and lets you build and manage spreadsheets. Here are some quick tips to use some of its most powerful features:

• Quickly create charts by clicking Menu > Insert > Chart and choosing the type of chart you want to build.
• Access over 100 functions by clicking Menu > Insert > Functions.
• Take advantage of standard and automatic filters to parse data by clicking Menu > Data > Filter and choosing Auto or Standard Filter. You can also create an advanced filter and add conditions within the spreadsheet.
• Quickly add a hyperlink by choosing Insert > Hyperlink, and then customize the link text or insert it inside a frame.
• Save a range of cells and assign a name to them so that you can re-select them later through Menu > Data > Define Range.

Become an OpenOffice Jedi

Like some of the best software, OpenOffice becomes more powerful and intuitive the more you use it. Start with the above as a cheatsheet, and soon you’ll be creating, formatting, and exporting docs and spreadsheets like a champion.

MSI is quick to adopt Intel’s new settings to prevent Core i9 CPUs from being unstable and crashing

MSI is quick to adopt Intel’s new settings to prevent Core i9 CPUs from being unstable and crashing© Future / John Loeffler

MSI has now adopted Intel’s new default settings for its line of Z790 motherboards in the hope of bringing stability to Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh Core i9 processors.

As spotted by Wccftech, MSI has implemented the new BIOS settings following Intel’s guidelines with two power limits at 125W and 253W. This move has been made to try and ensure that 13th and 14th-gen Core i9 CPUs will perform without crashing when gaming (or indeed failing to boot Windows at all in some reported cases).

It’s a bold move which sees the new BIOS settings effectively replace MSI’s existing ‘Baseline Defaults,’ and the cost of this greater stability could be reduced gaming performance. The BIOS will also warn you against using the ‘Tower Air Cooler’ or ‘Water Cooler’ over the new ‘Default Settings’ as the former two have decreased stability. Intel strongly recommends consumers use these new settings.

There’s an important distinction between the power draw of the new Default Settings compared to the two previous performance modes. At 125W and 253W for PL1 and PL2 (power consumption limits) respectively, as noted you may experience reduced performance compared to the previous limits of the performance modes. (These are 288W for ‘Tower Air Cooler,’ and 4096W – meaning effectively unlimited, or as fast as the chip will go – for the ‘Water Cooler’ mode).

If you’re running an MSI motherboard and experiencing crashing then you can now download the new BIOS settings directly from MSI. Just know that you could see frame rate drops, perhaps to the tune of 10-15% in CPU-bound games and software, as the cost of keeping the chip working as intended.

The problems with Intel Core i9 CPUs continue

Over the past couple of months, we’ve noticed more reports of Intel Core i9-13900K and 14900K CPUs experiencing problems with no dedicated solution on the horizon. Initially, Intel blamed motherboard makers before conducting its internal investigation as the problem became more widespread.

Considering the price tag associated with the best processors from Team Blue, it’s disheartening that the only real fix involves hindering your Core i9’s peak performance. That’s far from ideal, especially if you’ve opted for a near-$700 14900KS. We recommend using the new ‘Default Settings’ for now, as per Intel’s advice, until a better solution is found (indeed if that happens).

Curiously, MSI makes no mention of Intel’s caveats around high-end motherboards – and how these may be fine away from the default settings – and the hardware maker appears to be taking a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach here.

How to delete a user account on Windows 11

Quick Links

• How to delete a user account using the Settings app

• How to delete a user account using Control Panel

• How to delete a user account using Windows Terminal (Windows PowerShell)

• How to delete a user account using Command Prompt

• How to delete a user account using Computer Management

• How to delete a user account using the User Accounts dialog

Windows 11, much like prior versions of the operating system, lets you use multiple accounts on the same computer, so if you share a computer with multiple people, each one has their own profile. But if you eventually decide that you no longer need different accounts, you can also delete an account.

It’s worth noting that we’re talking about user accounts here, not Microsoft accounts. Deleting a Microsoft account isn’t related to Windows itself, so don’t get them confused. You can unlink your Microsoft account from your PC, though.

Windows 11 (option 1)© Provided by XDA Developers

Related

Can I run Windows 11 without a Microsoft account?

Want to use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account? You can use the new OS with a local account, but some trickery may be required.

How to delete a user account using the Settings app

The preferred method for deleting a user account on Windows 11 is through the Settings app since that’s the interface that’s more actively maintained. The process may actually seem a bit confusing these days because of the many options related to Microsoft accounts, but here’s what you need to do.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. On the left-side pane, click Accounts.

   

   Screenshot of the Windows 11 Settings home page with the Accounts section highlighted on the menu© Provided by XDA Developers

3. Click Other users to see a list of other user accounts on your PC.

   

   Screenshots of Accounts section in Windows 11 Settings with the Other Users button highlighted© Provided by XDA Developers

4. Click on the account you want to delete, then click the Remove button next to Account and data.

   

   Screenshot of the Other users screen in Windows 11 Settings with the Remove button highlighted© Provided by XDA Developers

5. Confirm that you want to delete the account, and all the associated data will be removed.

   

   Screwenshot of a dialog asking the user to confirm the deletion of a user account in Windows 11© Provided by XDA Developers

Settings app in Windows 11© Provided by XDA Developers

Related

How to use the Settings app on Windows 11

The new Settings app on WIndows 11 houses a ton of options. Here’s everything you can find inside it and what it does.

How to delete a user account using Control Panel

If you still like using the old Control Panel, Microsoft still hasn’t removed the option to do it this way. Here’s how:

1. Open the Start menu and search for Control Panel, then select the first option.
2. Click User accounts.

   

   Screenshot of Control Panel with the User Accounts link highlighted© Provided by XDA Developers

3. Click Remove user accounts.

   

   Screenshot of Control Panel with the option to delete user accounts highlighted© Provided by XDA Developers

4. You’ll see a list of all the accounts on your PC. Click the one you want to remove, then choose Delete the account on the next page.

   

   Screenshot of account management in Control panel with the Delete the account button hjighlighted© Provided by XDA Developers

5. You’ll be asked whether you want to keep the files associated with the account. Choose Delete files to remove everything or Keep files to save them on the desktop of the current user.

   

   Screenshot of a Control panel dialog asking the user whether they want to keep or delete the files associated with a user account to be deleted© Provided by XDA Developers

6. Click Delete account to confirm the deletion.

A big benefit of this method is that it gives you the option to keep the files associated with a user account, which the Settings app doesn’t do.

How to delete a user account using Windows Terminal (Windows PowerShell)

If you prefer a command line interface for using Windows, you can remove a user account using Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal. Windows Terminal is the newest terminal that ships as part of Windows, and by default, it opens the Windows PowerShell profile, though it can also function as the classic Command Prompt (which we’ll cover later). To delete a user account with Windows Terminal / PowerShell, follow these steps:

1. Launch Windows Terminal as an administrator. You can right-click the Start menu (or press Windows + X) and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) to do this.
   • Note: This option may also show up as Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. To see all the user accounts on your PC, type Get-LocalUser, then press Enter.
3. Once you know what account to delete, enter the command below, replacing USERNAME with the name of the account you want to delete (in this case, it’s Test). Remove-LocalUser -Name “USERNAME”

   

   Screenshot of Windows Terminal displaying a list of users on a computer and a command to delete one of the users© Provided by XDA Developers

4. The account will be deleted, but files from it will be kept in the Users folder.

How to delete a user account using Command Prompt

The classic Command Prompt can also be used to delete a user account on Windows 11, and it’s pretty similar to using Windows Terminal. In fact, you can use Command Prompt inside Windows Terminal if you want. If you prefer doing it this way, here’s how:

1. Open the Start menu and search for Command Prompt.
2. Choose Run as administrator under the first result.

   

   Screenshot of Windows Search showing Command Prompt and the run as administrator option highlighted© Provided by XDA Developers

3. To see user accounts on your PC, type net user and press Enter.
4. To delete a user account, type the command below, replacing USERNAME with the name of the account you want to remove. net user USERNAME /delete

   

   Screenshot of Command Prompt showing a list of users on a computer and a command to delete one of them© Provided by XDA Developers

5. Similar to the PowerShell method, this will delete the account but not the associated files.

How to delete a user account using Computer Management

The methods above should be more than enough for most people, but there are still a couple of extra ways to delete a user account if you want to take a different route. These options also keep the files from the deleted user by default. One of them is using Computer Management, though this option is not available in Home editions of Windows. Still, if you have Windows 11 Pro or higher, you can follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Start menu icon and choose Computer Management.

   

   Screenshot of Windows 11 menu showing the Computer management option highlighted© Provided by XDA Developers

2. On the left-side pane, select Local Users & Groups, then open the Users folder inside.

   

   Screenshot of Computer management showing the steps for opening the Users folder© Provided by XDA Developers

3. Right-click the account you want to remove and choose Delete.

   

   Screenshot of Computer Management showing the delete option for a user account© Provided by XDA Developers

4. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

The user account will be removed from your PC, but the files associated with it will be kept.

How to delete a user account using the User Accounts dialog

The last method you can use to delete a user account on Windows 11 is the User Accounts dialog, though this one is actually a bit hard to find unless you know specifically what you’re looking for. If you want to use it, here’s what you need to do:

1. Open the Start menu and search for netplwiz then press Enter to open the User Accounts dialog.

   

   Screenshot of Windows Search showing results for netplwiz© Provided by XDA Developers

2. Click the account you want to delete on the list, then click Remove.

   

   Screenshot of the User Accounts dialog with the remove button highlighted© Provided by XDA Developers

3. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt, then click OK in the User Accounts window to confirm your changes.

Just like the method above, this one also keeps the user’s files on the PC.

Plenty of ways to delete an account

That covers a wide range of methods, so you can choose whatever you prefer when it comes to deleting a user account you don’t need anymore. If you want to learn more about other account features in Windows 11, check out how to create a child account with parental restrictions.

Microsoft wipes out evidence of real ads in Windows 11 Start menu

• Microsoft recently removed evidence of potential real ads in the Windows 11 Start menu.
• Initial concerns arose when the Word “ads” was included in a toggle for recommendations.
• Microsoft clarified that the mention of “ads” doesn’t indicate future ad plans.

There are lots of reasons many users don’t like the Windows 11 Start menu. But when evidence surfaced last month suggesting Microsoft could be working towards bringing real ads to the Start menu, it invited criticism even from people who don’t mind the flaws in the Start menu. Now, there is one more twist in the tale: the software giant has recently wiped out evidence suggesting real ads might be coming to the Windows 11 Start menu.

Windows 11 Settings app no longer mentions real ads for the Start menu

It all started when Microsoft changed the name of the toggle for showing recommendations for tips, shortcuts, and apps to include the word “ads” in Windows 11 Insider build 26200.5001 in the Canary Channel. Although there was no official announcement from Microsoft, that one small change led to people thinking that real ads in the Start menu are inevitable.

However, Microsoft has again changed the name of the toggle to what it was before the Insider build 26200.5001 rolled out last month. As spotted by @XenoPanther, the toggle now reads as Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more on the Settings app’s Start page in Windows Insider build 26212 for the Canary Channel. Simply put, you’ll no longer find any mention of real ads in the Windows 11 Start menu if you’re on the latest Windows Canary channel build.

Are real ads coming to the Windows 11 Start menu?

According to Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager on the Windows Insider Program Team at Microsoft, the change in the toggle for recommendations that happened in April was identified as “a super old text string”. Hence, it has now been renamed to exclude reference to real ads in build 26212. In other words, Microsoft is denying that what happened last month doesn’t mean real ads are coming to the Start menu.

However, even if Microsoft does introduce ads at some point in the future, you’ll likely be able to toggle off the ads option or download third-party Start menu apps to get rid of any kind of recommendations.

Windows 11 Start menu showing an expanded folder© Provided by XDA Developers

iTunes for Windows 11 gets a fresh update with a vital security fix, and it brings in support for new iPad Air and iPad Pro

Apple has released a new version of iTunes for Windows 11 (and Windows 10), which also includes support for the newly debuted iPad Air and iPad Pro models.

You can download iTunes version 12.13.2  for Windows from both the Microsoft Store and from Apple’s website.

iTunes has been phased out for macOS and is no longer present on Apple’s own desktop operating system. Apple still updates iTunes pretty regularly on Windows, though, and this new update follows a release that brought in security fixes back in December 2023.

This latest iTunes update also delivers a security fix, dealing with a vulnerability that could lead to the app unexpectedly shutting down, or a malicious party leveraging  “arbitrary code execution” (allowing an attacker to do nasty things to your PC, basically).

((Image credit: Shutterstock/fizkes))© Provided by TechRadar

Apple’s transition away from iTunes to more modern apps

In general, though, it does seem like Apple is trying to move away from iTunes in favor of its more modern media apps like Apple Music, Apple TV, and iCloud. These modern media apps are also available on Windows, and are optimized to match Windows 11’s own sleek contemporary aesthetics.

iTunes is more than a media app – it’s also a device manager that many users of Apple hardware are used to, allowing iPhone and iPad users to carry out tasks like backing up data and installing software. However, nowadays you can do that using the newer Apple Device app, which you get through the Microsoft Store as well.

There’s one caveat to consider – Apple’s new apps might not work as intended if you also have iTunes installed, as Neowin points out, so it’s advised that you pick one to use and uninstall the other.

((Image credit: Shutterstock/number-one))© Provided by TechRadar

iTunes: a timeless hub for Apple’s media

Apple’s legacy media manager is a classic and still has a lot of purpose as it’s a place to manage all the media you’ve purchased from Apple including music, movies, and TV shows, as well as Apple Music.

If you prefer to continue to use iTunes, of course, you’re still in luck, as you can grab this latest version from the Microsoft Store. This will work whether you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10, but not Windows 7. You can get older versions of iTunes from Apple’s website (but of course, you shouldn’t still be using Windows 7 for obvious reasons – the lack of security updates being the primary concern).

It’s good that Apple’s still looking out for users who might want to continue to use iTunes, and it also gives Apple a way in with customers who might prefer Windows as their PC’s operating system.