Even seasoned Windows users miss powerful built‑in tools until a single moment of discovery changes how they work—this MakeUseOf roundup highlights eight such features that are easy to overlook but which repay the time spent learning them with measurable productivity gains.
Background
Windows...
Upgrading to a new PC or moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a digital cliff edge: there are multiple, practical ways to move your documents, photos, and settings safely and with minimal fuss. This feature pulls together step‑by‑step methods — from Microsoft’s built‑in...
bitlocker
cloud backup
data migration
enterprise migration
external drive
file history
file transfer
it deployment
license keys
nearbysharing
onedrive
pcmover
robocopy
usmt
windows 10 end of support
windows 11 migration
windows backup
If you’re planning the move from a Windows 10 PC to a new Windows 11 machine, this is the moment to get it right: files, photos, game saves, and app data are all portable — but not all at once, and not always in the way you might expect. This practical, step‑by‑step feature explains every viable...
app licensing
cloud sync
data backup
data migration
disk cloning
enterprise migration
external storage
insider preview
migration tools
nearbysharing
onedrive
pc migration
security
system imaging
third-party tools
usmt
windows 10
windows 10 end of support
windows 11
windows backup
CVE-2025-54114 (Cdpsvc) — What you need to know now
Author: Senior Security Writer, WindowsForum.com
Date: September 9, 2025
TL;DR — There’s confusion about the CVE number you provided. Microsoft’s Security Update Guide entry for the Connected Devices Platform Service (Cdpsvc) DoS is widely...
Use Nearby Sharing in Windows 10/11 to Quickly Transfer Files Between PCs
Difficulty: Beginner | Time Required: 10 minutes
Nearby Sharing is a fast, built-in way to send files, photos, and links between nearby Windows PCs without setting up email, a USB drive, or cloud storage. It works over...
bluetooth
everyone nearby
file explorer sharing
file transfer
my devices only
nearbysharing
network discovery
private network
save files location
security privacy
troubleshooting
wi-fi
wi-fi direct
windows 10
windows 11
You probably use Windows every day without realizing it already comes with dozens of tiny productivity and security features that feel like magic once you know they exist—features such as dictation that types your words for you, OCR that pulls text straight out of images, a cloud-backed...
accessibility
clipboard history
dynamic lock
end task
insider builds
microsoft support
nearbysharing
ocr
photos app
privacy
productivity
security
snipping tool
touchpad gestures
virtual desktops
voice typing
volume control
windows 10
windows 11
winx menu
Windows 11’s out-of-box experience (OOBE) still spends too much time selling users on apps and features while hiding the handful of settings that actually shape day‑one comfort, privacy, and productivity — and that needs to change now. The common-sense fix is simple: replace promotional screens...
accessibility
clipboard history
dark mode
enterprise
microsoft account
nearbysharing
night light
onboarding
oobe
partial restore
personalization
privacy
settings
setup
start menu
taskbar
theme
uiux
windows 11
Windows 11 ships with more than glossy icons and a refreshed Start menu; it quietly tucks away a toolkit of genuinely useful, deeply integrated apps that can save time, reduce clutter, and streamline support. While many of us rush to install third‑party utilities, nine built‑ins—Sticky Notes...
automation
built-in apps
clipboard history
clipchamp
focus sessions
nearbysharing
power user
productivity
quick assist
sticky notes
storage sense
task scheduler
virtual desktops
windows 11
windows tips
Windows 11 ships with more than a fresh coat of paint; it hides a toolkit of genuinely useful apps that can streamline work, tame clutter, and eliminate a surprising amount of friction from daily computing. While some preinstalled apps deserve the “bloat” label, nine standouts—Sticky Notes...
automation
built-in apps
clipboard history
clipchamp
do not disturb
focus sessions
home office
nearbysharing
productivity
quick assist
remote support
sticky notes
storage sense
system utilities
task scheduler
tips and tricks
virtual desktops
windows 11
workflow
Managing multiple Windows PCs at home is an ever-growing reality for many tech enthusiasts, families, and remote professionals alike. Whether it’s reviewing laptops for work, equipping each family member with a dedicated system, or orchestrating a network of machines for content creation and...
data synchronization
file transfer
home network setup
household tech
kvm software
microsoft ecosystem
multi-pc productivity
nearbysharing
network optimization
onedrive settings
package managers
pc organization
remote desktop
tech optimization
windows 11 tips
windows automation
windows backup
windows home setup
windows tips
windowspc management
Transferring data from an old PC to a new one has traditionally been a cumbersome process, often involving external storage devices, cloud services, or complex manual configurations. Recognizing this challenge, Microsoft is reportedly developing a new feature within the Windows 11 Backup app...
backup app
data backup
data migration
file transfer
microsoft windows
migration solutions
nearbysharing
pc migration tool
pc transition
settings transfer
software development
system upgrade
tech innovation
tech news
windows 11
windows features
windows tips
windows update
wireless connectivity
wireless data transfer
Microsoft appears to be quietly working on a feature that could transform the often tedious process of transferring your data from an old PC to a new one. Recent clues unearthed in a Windows 11 preview build hint at a built-in “Migration” app—a tool tucked away in the Backup app that would let...
Let’s face it—sharing files and links has often been an unnecessarily tedious affair, especially when hauling data between devices and fumbling with flash drives or cloud links. Enter Nearby Sharing—Microsoft’s built-in solution for Windows users to tap into their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth...
Does your digital life feel like it's swirling in a spaghetti of files and folders? Sharing files within Windows might seem like trying to untangle a ball of yarn, but Microsoft has smartly embedded multiple ways to make this both efficient and simple. Whether you’re collaborating with a...
Nearby sharing in Windows is a nifty feature that allows users to seamlessly share files, documents, photos, and even links through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi with other nearby Windows devices. However, just like any other tech wonder, it might not always behave as expected. This article delves into the...
As we continue to integrate technology further into our lives, the average laptop user often becomes accustomed to certain functionalities, overlooking the hidden capabilities that can significantly enhance our computing experience. Windows operating systems are known for their plethora of...
In a significant advancement for cross-device functionality, Microsoft has introduced a seamless file transfer feature between Windows PCs and Android devices, utilizing the Phone Link app. This new feature aims to enhance user experience by enabling quick and easy file sharing without the need...
Hello WindowsForum.com members! Microsoft has just rolled out the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 22621.575 and 22622.575 (KB5016694) to the Beta Channel. These updates bring exciting new features and critical fixes that enhance the overall user experience.
Key Highlights
Build...
I'm trying to use Nearby Sharing for the first time with my Android phone. Although I'm signed into my Windows account as an administrator, the Nearby Sharing page demands that I sign into an old work account that I've not had access to in years. How do I change that to be my Windows account?
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) Hello WindowsForum.com members! Microsoft has just released Windows 11 Build 22621.675 (KB5019509) to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, bringing a suite of exciting...