Auto Shutdown in Windows 11 – How can it be helpful?

Several ways can make the Auto Shutdown Feature or the Scheduled Shutdown Feature in Windows 11 really helpful.

• Auto Shutdown prevents computers from running unnecessarily, saving electricity and reducing energy costs, especially in large organizations or households.
• It ensures systems are powered off after updates or maintenance tasks, avoiding unnecessary running time and potential issues from prolonged uptime.
• It enhances security by ensuring that unattended computers are not left running, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
• It helps prevent overheating in environments where computers might be left running for extended periods, especially in areas with inadequate cooling.
• Parents can manage the amount of time children spend on computers by scheduling shutdowns at specific times, such as bedtime.
• Setting up an automatic shutdown in Windows 11 helps reduce your Carbon Footprint by minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Set up Auto Shutdown in Windows 11 using Task Scheduler

Without any further delay, let’s dive into the steps.

• Open the Run command and execute the following command. taskschd.msc

• Task Scheduler will open now.
• From the Right Pane, Click on Create Basic Task.

• Create Basic Task Wizard will open now.
• In the name field, please enter Auto Shutdown or a name that is convenient for you. The Description field is optional. You can describe this task in detail. Click Next.

• Under Triggers, specify when you want to start the task. You can choose the Trigger for Daily, Weekly, Monthly, One time when the computer starts, When I log on, or When a specific event is logged. Choose the trigger as per your requirement. For explanatory purposes, I will choose Daily. Click Next.

• The next step is to specify the date and time. Specify the start date and the time when the Trigger has to be triggered. Since I am looking to schedule auto shutdown every day, I kept 1 in the Recur every day. The “Synchronize across time zones” option in Task Scheduler ensures that the scheduled task runs at the same local time, regardless of the time zone the computer is in. This can be beneficial for traveling users, cross-time zone coordination, and global operations. Click Next.

• Choose Start a Program as Action.

• In the Program/Script field, enter the following path. C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe
• Add Arguments is an optional field. Choose your arguments as per your requirements. It is recommended to add /s

In the "Add arguments (optional)" field, type /s /f /t 0. This command forces a shutdown immediately (/s for shutdown, /f for force close applications, and /t 0 for zero seconds delay).

• Eventually, click Finish to complete the process. If you want to make any changes to the Triggers and actions, you can click Back.

• Once you click Finish, the new task will be created and added to your Windows 11 Schedule.
• Click on the Refresh option from the right pane to update the Task Scheduler.

• Under the Task Scheduler Library, you can find the task created. That is it! We have now successfully set up Auto Shutdown in Windows 11.

Test the Auto Shutdown Process in Windows 11:

In this section, we will check out the steps to test the task that we have created in the Task Scheduler.

• Right-click on the Auto Shutdown Task that we have created, and click Run.

IMPORTANT: Running the above Task will shutdown the computer and hence, please make sure to save all your tasks to avoid data loss.

• The system will shut down if it is configured correctly. If not, please check the Arguments and Trigger values for corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take away:

Task Scheduler in Windows is a powerful tool that allows users to automate various tasks on their computers. It enables the scheduling of programs, scripts, or commands to run at specific times or events. This includes tasks like system maintenance, software updates, backups, and more. Auto Shutdown in Windows 11 with Task Scheduler helps save energy, improve security, and solve the purpose as per your needs.

Have Queries?

We hope you are satisfied with our article, and if you have any queries, kindly let us know in the comments. Stay tuned to Winsides.com. Happy Windows 11! Peace out!

Multiple Ways to Run Computer Management as Admin on Windows 11

• Use the Start Menu and access Computer Management as Admin.
• Open Computer Management as Administrator using the Run Command.
• Create a new task to Open Compmgmt.msc as Administrator using the Task Manager.
• Always Open Computer Management as Administrator by creating a Desktop Shortcut.
• Run CMD or PowerShell with Elevated Privileges, and open Computer Management.

IMPORTANT: Running applications as an administrator grants elevated privileges that can significantly affect your system. Please use caution when doing so, as it can lead to Unintended System Modifications, Security Vulnerabilities, Accidental Data Loss, Unauthorized Access, Irreversible Changes, etc.

How to Open Computer Management as Administrator using the Start menu?

• Go to the Start menu and search for Computer Management. Once you find the app, right-click on it and click “Run as Administrator“.

• The User Account Control will prompt for your confirmation and open Computer Management (compmgmt.msc) with Administrative Privileges.

Open Computer Management as Administrator using the Run Command on Windows 11

• Go to The Run Command. You can either use the Start menu or just press WinKey + R.
• In the Run Command, type the following command compmgmt.msc and press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER.

• Now, Computer Management will open with Administrative Privileges on Windows 11.

Create New Task using Task Manager to Open Computer Management with Elevated Privileges

• Right-click on the Taskbar and click Task Manager. You can also use the shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + ESC. This combination will open Task Manager directly.

• In the Task Manager, under Processes, click on Run New Task. The Create New Task dialog will pop up now.

• Type the command compmgmt.msc and enable the checkbox “Create this Task with Administrative Privileges“. Finally, click OK. Now, Computer Management will open with Elevated Permissions.

Always open Computer Management as Administrator by creating a Dedicated Desktop Shortcut

If you are a user who uses Computer Management frequently with Elevated Privileges, then a dedicated Desktop Shortcut can be convenient. Here are the steps.

• Right-click on the Empty space of the Desktop, and click New > Shortcut.

• The Create Shortcut dialog box will open now. In “Type the Location of the Item“, enter the command C:\WINDOWS\system32\compmgmt.msc and click Next.

• The system will assign the shortcut name compmgmt. Kindly change it to Computer Management. Finally, click Finish.

• Computer Management Desktop Shortcut will be created.

• Right-click on the Shortcut and click on Properties.

• Computer Management Properties will open now. Click Advanced.

• In Advanced Properties, make sure to enable the checkbox “Run as Administrator“. Finally, click OK, and then Apply.

• This option allows you to run this shortcut as an administrator while protecting your computer from unauthorized activity.

Open CMD or PowerShell with Administrative Privileges and Run Compmgmt.msc

For explanation, we will use the Command Prompt.

• Go to the Start menu and open Command Prompt as Administrator.

• In the Command Prompt, execute the following command. compmgmt.msc

• The system will now open Computer Management with Elevated Permissions.

Kindly be Cautious while Running an App as Administrator

Running Computer Management as Administrator on Windows 11 grants it elevated privileges, which can potentially bypass system security restrictions. Please proceed with care and only run trusted applications in this mode. At Winsides.com, we advise our users to use Administrator privileges only when absolutely necessary to perform tasks requiring elevated rights. Misuse of administrative privileges may lead to System Vulnerabilities, Data Loss, System Instability, Security Concerns, Irreversible Changes, etc.

Access Various Windows System Services using the Computer Management

Using Computer Management, you can access various Windows System Services such as Task Scheduler, Event Viewer, Shared Folders, Performance Monitor, Device Manager, Disk Management, various Services, and Applications such as IIS, WMI Control, etc.

Take away

Opening Computer Management as an administrator is important for managing critical system settings and configurations in Windows 11. Whether you prefer using the Start Menu, Run dialog box, or creating a dedicated shortcut, there are multiple ways to access this powerful tool with elevated permissions.

Have Queries?

If you have any questions, kindly let us know in the comments. For more interesting articles, stay tuned to Winsides.com.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to run the Group Policy Editor with administrative privileges on Windows 11.

Multiple ways to open the Group Policy Editor with Elevated Privileges on Windows 11

Before getting into the ways, I would like to inform you that this service is available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education Systems. By default, the Group Policy Editor is not enabled on Windows 11 Home Edition. If you are a Windows 11 User, we have a detailed article explaining how to enable Group Policy Editor on Windows 11 Home Edition, and if you cannot find gpedit.msc on your Windows and then read the following tutorial to fix this issue. Fix: Windows cannot find GPEDIT.MSC in Windows 11.

1. Open the Group Policy Editor as Administrator on Windows 11 using the Start menu.
2. Access the Group Policy Editor with Administrative Privileges using the Run Command.
3. Use Task Manager and Create New Task to open gpedit.msc with Elevated Privileges.
4. Always run the Group Policy Editor as Administrator by creating a Dedicated Shortcut.

IMPORTANT: Running applications as an administrator grants elevated privileges that can significantly affect your system. Please use caution when doing so, as it can lead to Unintended System Modifications, Security Vulnerabilities, Accidental Data Loss, Unauthorized Access, Irreversible Changes, etc.

1. How to Open Group Policy Editor as Administrator using the Start menu?

This is the simplest method.

• Go to the Start menu. You can also use the key combination WinKey + S to access the Start menu.
• In the Start menu, search for gpedit.msc. When the system shows the app under Microsoft Common Console Document, right-click on that and click “Run as Administrator“.

• The system will open the Local Group Policy Editor on your Windows 11 Professional Edition.

2. Launch Group Policy Editor as Administrator using the Run Command

• Go to the Run Command. You can use the shortcut WinKey + R.
• In the Run Command, type the command gpedit.msc and press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER.

• UAC will prompt your confirmation and then open Local Group Policy Editor with Administrative Privileges.

3. Create a new task to open gpedit.msc with Administrative Privileges using the Task Manager

• Go to the Task Manager. You can either use the key combo CTRL+ ALT + Delete, or you can just right-click on the taskbar and click Task Manager.
• Under Processes, click on Run new task. The Create New Task dialog will open now.

• Enter the command gpedit.msc and click on the checkbox “Create this task with administrative privileges“. Click OK.

• Now, User Account Control (UAC) will prompt for your confirmation and then open gpedit.msc.

4. Always open the Group Policy Editor with Administrative Privileges on Windows 11 Professional Editions

• Right-click on the empty space of the Desktop and go to New > Shortcut.

• The Create Shortcut dialog box will open now. In Type the location of the item, enter the command gpedit.msc and then click Next.

• The system will name the shortcut as gpedit. Finally, click Finish.

• Right-click on the gpedit.msc shortcut and click Properties.

• gpedit Properties will open now. Click Advanced.

• In Advanced Properties, enable the checkbox to Run as Administrator.

• UAC will confirm and open Group Policy Editor as Administrator on your Windows 11 Professional Editions.

Kindly be Cautious while Running an App as Administrator

Running Device Manager as Administrator on Windows 11 grants it elevated privileges, which can potentially bypass system security restrictions. Please proceed with care and only run trusted applications in this mode. At Winsides.com, we advise our users to use Administrator privileges only when absolutely necessary to perform tasks requiring elevated rights. Misuse of administrative privileges may lead to System Vulnerabilities, Data Loss, System Instability, Security Concerns, Irreversible Changes, etc.

Why Run Group Policy Editor as Administrator?

Running the Group Policy Editor with elevated rights will ensure that you have full control over all policy settings and configurations. By default, even if you open gpedit.msc as a standard user, certain permissions or settings may be restricted. For example:

• You may be unable to modify computer configuration policies.
• Some administrative templates and settings might appear grayed out or inaccessible.
• Changes made without elevated permissions might not apply to all user accounts or the entire system.

Therefore, running Group Policy Editor as an administrator ensures that all settings are fully accessible, and the changes made are successfully applied system-wide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take away

Running the Group Policy Editor as an administrator in Windows 11 is essential for making system-wide policy changes and gaining unrestricted access to all settings. Whether you are troubleshooting issues, configuring security policies, or optimizing user access, elevated admin permissions ensure that changes are applied effectively.

Have Queries?

The above methods are tested and working perfectly, and so I will recommend using any one of the above methods as per your convenience. If you have any issues related to the above topic, and then comment below, and we will reply soon. Find more tutorials on Winsides.com.

Out of curiosity, I looked into different ways to adjust brightness and found that there are more than 8+ methods to change brightness on Windows 11. Let’s dive into these methods, and I recommend that you find the Windows Features.

Quick Steps:

• Open Settings app using keyboard shortcut Winkey + I.
• You need to select the System from the left menu.
• Then click the Display option from the list on the right side.
• Now, you need to adjust the slider to increase or decrease the brightness of your screen.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcut Function Keys:

This is the easiest way to adjust the brightness on your Windows 11 screen. Look for the brightness icons on your keyboard, one for increasing and one for decreasing brightness. By pressing the Function (Fn) key along with the brightness buttons, you can easily change the brightness of your screen.

As you can see in the image above, the brightness increase/decrease buttons are combined with the arrow keys. In this case, you have to press Fn + Up arrow to increase the brightness and Fn + Down arrow to decrease the brightness. This setup may be different depending on the brand of your computer. If you are using a desktop keyboard, the location of these buttons can also vary between different brands.

Method 2: Using Action Center Menu:

• You need to use the keyboard shortcut Winkey + A to launch the Action Center Menu.
• Now, you need to adjust the scrollbar to change the brightness of your device screen.

This is one of the easiest and quickest methods to change your device’s brightness.

Method 3: Using Mobility Center to Change Brightness:

The Mobility Center is a quick access window that gives you control over settings like display brightness, audio output, battery status, multiple displays, and synchronization options.

• Use the Winkey keyboard shortcut to launch the Start Menu on your device.
• I want you to enter the text Mobility Center to display the mobility center and its options.

• Under the Display Brightness menu, you need to adjust or change the scroll bar to increase or decrease the screen brightness, as shown in the image below.

Method 4: Using Settings App to Alter Brightness of your Screen:

This is one of the official and quickest ways to adjust the screen brightness on your Windows 11 device.

• To open the Settings app, you can either use the keyboard shortcut WinKey + I Or open the Settings app by searching for it in the Start menu.

• Click on the System from the left side menu to expand its options.
• Now, you need to choose the option Display from the list.

• Use the Brightness slider under the “Brightness and Color” section to adjust the brightness.

Method 5: Automatic Screen Brightness Adjustment by Windows:

With the recent update of Windows 11, you can now automatically adjust your device’s screen brightness! Follow the instructions below to do this.

• Open the Settings app, and you can use the keyboard shortcut WinKey + I

• Click on the System from the left side menu to expand its options.
• Now, you need to choose the option Display from the list.

• Now, expand the Brightness section by clicking the arrow next to it. Then, check the box for Change brightness automatically when lighting changes.

Note: This method is only available for laptops with sensors. If your device doesn’t have them, you won’t see the checkbox in your Settings app.

Method 6: Using Command Prompt:

• Click the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt
• You need to choose the “Run as Administrator” option to launch the command prompt in admin mode.

• Now, you need to execute the following command:
• PowerShell (Get-WmiObject -Namespace root/WMI -Class WmiMonitorBrightnessMethods).WmiSetBrightness(1, 100)

In the above command, the lowest brightness value is 1, and the highest is 100. You can change the numbers to adjust your screen brightness using the Command Prompt.

As you can see in the above GIF, before running the command, the brightness was set to 100%, as shown in the Action Center. After executing the command, the screen brightness was reduced to 40%, which can also be seen in the Action Center.

Method 7: Using PowerShell Method:

• Click the Start Menu and search for PowerShell
• You need to choose the “Run as Administrator” option to launch PowerShell in admin mode.

• Now, copy the following command and execute it in your PowerShell window:
• (Get-WmiObject -Namespace root/wmi -Class WmiMonitorBrightnessMethods).WmiSetBrightness(1,100)

In the above command, the lowest brightness value is 1, and the highest is 100. You can change the numbers to adjust your screen brightness using PowerShell.

As you can see in the above GIF, before running the command in PowerShell, the brightness was set to 100%, as shown in the Action Center. After executing the command, the screen brightness was reduced to 50%, which can also be seen in the Action Center.

Method 8: Using Twinkle Tray 3rd Party Apps:

There are many third-party apps available to adjust brightness, but Twinkle Tray is authorized by Microsoft and regularly updated by its developer on GitHub and the Microsoft Store. That’s why I recommend this app.

• Firstly, you need to download the application from the official website. https://twinkletray.com/
• Install the exe file if you choose to download the standalone installer.
• Once the installation is completed, you can see the star-shaped twinkling icon in the tray menu.
• Click on the icon to explore its options and use the scroll bar to change the screen brightness.

Features of the Twinkle Tray App:

Twinkle Tray offers a range of options and features to suit your needs, and it’s completely free.

• Blends seamlessly with Windows 10 & Windows 11.
• Works with most laptops and DDC/CI-enabled monitors.
• Set hotkeys to adjust the brightness of specific displays or all displays.
• Control DDC/CI features like contrast, volume, and power state.
• Adjust brightness based on the time of day or when idle.
• Supports command-line arguments for custom scripting.
• Normalize the backlight across different monitors.
• Available in over 20 languages.
• Starts automatically with Windows.

You can find more essential information on their official website.

Method 9: Using Graphics Card Control Panels:

• Right-click on the desktop and choose NVIDIA Control Panel if your device uses NVIDIA. Otherwise, select the control panel for your graphics card.
• Once the application opens, go to Display and select Adjust desktop color settings.
• Use the scroll bar to adjust the screen brightness.
• When you’re done, you can close the application by clicking the Exit button.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, adjusting the brightness on your Windows 11 device is essential for a comfortable and productive work environment, especially during late-night sessions. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the Settings app, or third-party tools like Twinkle Tray, there are plenty of methods available to suit your needs. By exploring and customizing these options, you can find the best way to control your screen brightness and reduce strain on your eyes. I highly recommend exploring these features and tools to make your nighttime work more comfortable and headache-free.

Have Queries?

If you have any questions, kindly let us know in the comments. For more interesting articles, stay tuned to Winsides.com. Happy Computing! Peace out!

Read more:

• How to Check the Installed Windows 11 Edition?
• Reset Network Settings in Windows 11 – Quick Ways
• How to Adjust Mouse Pointer Speed in Windows 11?

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2) availability on various Windows Editions

Easy way to Enable WSL 2 via the Command Prompt (CMD)

This section will provide a step-by-step explanation on how to enable this feature using the CMD.

• Go to the Start menu, or use the shortcut Win Key + S, then search for Command Prompt. Make sure to run the Command Prompt as Administrator. User Account Control will prompt for your confirmation. Click Yes to continue.

• You can now paste the following command in the CMD and then click Enter. dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

• The above command will enable Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 and also ensure that the System does not restart on its own during the process.

• When you get the message “The Operation Completed Successfully“, then WSL 2 is now enabled.

• The Virtual Machine Platform is a crucial component required for running WSL 2 on Windows 11. It provides the underlying virtualization layer needed to run Linux distributions in a more efficient and isolated environment.
• To enable the Virtual Machine Platform via the Command Prompt, kindly execute the following command in the CMD. dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

• The system will now enable this feature on Windows 11. Kindly wait for the “The operation completed successfully” message.

• It is highly recommended to do a restart after this process. You can then install your desired Linux Distribution from the Microsoft Store as a WSL App.

Decoding WSL 2 CMD Command

Quick Way to Enable WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) using Windows PowerShell

In this section, we will check out How to Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 via Windows PowerShell.

• Open Windows PowerShell using the Start menu, and Run Windows PowerShell as Administrator.

• In PowerShell, enter the following command. Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux -All -NoRestart

• The system will now enable Windows Subsystem for Linux. The Online status “True” indicates that WSL 2 is now enabled. As we are using the NoRestart tag, the system will not restart automatically.

• Next, enter the command to enable Virtual Machine Platform. Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform -All -NoRestart

• The system will enable Virtual Machine Platform now.

• Kindly Restart your System. You can now install your favorite Linux Distro using the WSL App.

Information on the Go! If you want to use WSL 2, which offers a full Linux kernel and better performance, you can use the following command in PowerShell. wsl --set-default-version 2

Let’s Decode WSL2 Enable PowerShell Command

Video Walkthrough to Enable WSL 2 on Windows 11 using Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell

Take away

With WSL 2 enabled on Windows 11, you can execute Linux commands, use the package managers like APT and YUM, and even run Linux applications directly in Windows without the need for virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware. Additionally, setting WSL 2 as the default version ensures that you get the most optimized performance from your Linux distributions in a Windows environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Queries?

If you have any queries, kindly let us know in the comments. For more interesting articles, stay tuned to Winsides.com. Happy Computing! Peace out!

In this article, I will share easy and effective methods to run Device Manager as an administrator on a Windows 11 PC.

Different Methods to Open and Run Device Manager with Administrative Privileges

There are several ways available to run Device Manager with Elevated Privileges on Windows 11.

1. Run Device Manager as Administrator via the Start menu.
2. Open Device Manager as Admin using the Run Command.
3. Create a new task to run Device Manager with Administrative Privileges using the Task Manager.
4. Always open Device Manager as Administrator by creating a Desktop Shortcut.
5. Run Control Panel as Admin and Launch devmgmt.msc with Elevated Permissions.

IMPORTANT: Running applications as an administrator grants elevated privileges that can significantly affect your system. Please use caution when doing so, as it can lead to Unintended System Modifications, Security Vulnerabilities, Accidental Data Loss, Unauthorized Access, Irreversible Changes, etc.

1. How to Run Device Manager as Administrator via the Start menu?

• Open Start menu. You can also use the shortcut WinKey + S to access the Start menu.

• In the Start menu, search for devmgmt.msc. When the system shows the app under Microsoft Common Console Document, right-click on that and click “Run as Administrator“.

• Now, Device Manager will open with Administrative Privileges on Windows 11.

2. Open Device Manager on Windows 11 with Administrative Privileges using Run Command

• Open Run Command. You can use the shortcut WinKey + R.
• In the Run Command, type the command chkdsk and press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER.

• User Account Control will prompt your confirmation to open Device Manager as Administrator. Click accordingly.
• Now, Device Manager will open as Administrator.

3. Use Task Manager to create a new task to run Device Manager with Administrative Privileges

• Open Task Manager. You can either use the key combo CTRL+ ALT + Delete, or you can just right-click on the taskbar and click Task Manager.
• Under Processes, click on Run new task. The Create New Task dialog will open now.

• Enter the command devmgmt.msc and click on the checkbox “Create this task with administrative privileges“. Click OK.

• UAC will prompt for your confirmation and open Device Manager with Elevated Privileges.

4. Always open Device Manager as Administrator by Creating a Dedicated Shortcut

This method is beneficial for users, administrators, and developers who use Device Manager frequently and looking to use them as an administrator all the time.

• On the empty space of the Desktop, right-click and hover on New and then on Shortcut.

• The Create Shortcut dialog box will open now. In Type the location of the item, enter the command devmgmt.msc and then click Next.

• The system will assign the name of the shortcut as devmgmt. You can change it as per your convenience. Finally, click Finish.

• The system will create the Device Manager Shortcut on the Desktop.

• Right-click on the Shortcut and click Properties.

• Device Manager Shortcut Properties will open. Click Advanced.

• The Advanced Properties will pop up now.
• Make sure to enable the checkbox “Run as administrator“. This option allows you to run this shortcut as an administrator while protecting your computer from unauthorized activity. Finally, click OK, and then Apply.

• This will set the shortcut to open as Administrator every time you run this application on Windows 11.

5. Open the Control Panel as Administrator & Launch Device Manager with Elevated Privileges

This is an indirect method. However, this will open the entire Control Panel itself as Administrator. By that way, you can access Device Manager with Elevated Permissions. The following are the steps.

• Go to the Run Command.
• Type the command control and press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER.

• UAC will confirm and open devmgmt.msc as Admin.

In this way, you can access all the Control Panel items with Elevated Permissions.

Attention: Running an App as Administrator on Windows 11

Running Device Manager as Administrator on Windows 11 grants it elevated privileges, which can potentially bypass system security restrictions. Please proceed with care and only run trusted applications in this mode. At Winsides.com, we advise our users to use Administrator privileges only when absolutely necessary to perform tasks requiring elevated rights. Misuse of administrative privileges may lead to System Vulnerabilities, Data Loss, System Instability, Security Concerns, Irreversible Changes, etc.

Take away

Whether you use the Start Menu, Run command, or a custom shortcut, the methods shared in this tutorial ensure you can easily access Device Manager with elevated admin permissions & rights. By doing so, you can perform driver updates, troubleshoot hardware issues, and configure devices without facing any kind of permission errors!

Have Queries?

If you have any doubts related to the above topic, feel free to comment below. I’ll reply to your queries. Find more interesting tutorials on Winsides.com

Different Methods to Access System Information in Windows 11:

• System Information Tool using Run Dialog
• Windows Settings to access System Information
• Open System Information using Windows Terminal

Using System Information Tool:

1. Open the Run Dialog box using the shortcut Win Key + R.
2. Type the following command in the Run Dialog. msinfo32

Some of the essential information available in this window is OS Name, OS Version, Process, BIOS Version/Date, Embedded Controller Version, BIOS Mode, Secure Boot State, Baseboard Manufacturer, Version, Kernel DMA Version, Time Zone, Physical Memory, Virtual Memory, Page File, and more. Among the various methods to check system information in Windows 11, the System Information tool (msinfo32) provides the most comprehensive and detailed view of your system’s hardware and software configuration. It is widely used by developers and IT professionals for its extensive and organized data presentation.

Open System Information using Windows Settings:

1. Go to Windows Settings using the shortcut Win Key + I.
2. From the left pane, click on System.

This section provides limited information about your system.

You can also use the This PC option to access this option in Windows 11. Right-click on the empty space of “This PC“, then click Show more options, and then click Properties.

System Information using Windows Terminal:

Windows Terminal is a modern, powerful terminal application developed by Microsoft for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It combines multiple command-line tools and shells like Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) into a single interface. Let’s use Windows Terminal to open System Information in Windows 11.

• Use the keyboard combination Win Key + X and click on Terminal (Admin).

• Now, you can find all the System Information listed in the Windows Terminal itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take away:

Windows 11 provides multiple ways to access and check system information in Windows 11, catering to both basic and advanced users. Whether you use the System Information tool, Settings app, Windows Terminal, or other methods, you can easily find the information you need to manage and optimize your device.

Have Queries?

Understanding your system’s specifications is essential for troubleshooting, upgrading, performance monitoring, software requirements, and ensuring your computer runs smoothly. If you have any questions, kindly let us know in the comments. Stay tuned to Winsides.com. Happy Coding! Peace out!

Key Points to Lock Your Screen In Windows 11

• On your keyboard, use the shortcut Winkey + L
• It will instantly lock your screen & take you out to the login screen.

Method 1: Using Start Menu:

This is one of the old, unique, and straightforward methods to lock your screen on your Windows 11 device. However, this method is suitable for those who prefer using the GUI and a mouse.

• Step 1: Click the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.

• Step 2: Now you need to click on your profile icon at the top of the Start menu.
• Step 3: From the dropdown menu, select Lock. It will instantly lock your screen.

This is the fast & simple method to lock your screen. You can secure your device in just a few clicks.

Method 2: Using CTRL + ALT + Del:

This method is one of the classic ways to lock your screen. Those who are familiar with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10 definitely know this method to lock the screen.

• Step 1: You need to press Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys on your keyboard simultaneously.
• Step 2: From the screen that appears, click on Lock. It will bring you to the lock screen.

Method 3: Using Power User Menu:

• Step 1: Firstly, you need to right-click the Start button or simply use the keyboard shortcut Winkey + X.
• Step 2: In the list of options, you need to click the option Shut down or sign out >.
• Step 3: Now simply click the Lock button to lock your screen instantly.

Method 4: Using Run Command:

This is one of the unique methods to lock your screen using the Run Dialog box. This is mostly suitable for tech-savvy people.

• Firstly, you need to open the Run window using the keyboard shortcut Winkey + R
• Now, enter the following command rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
• Hit the Enter button or click the OK button to lock your screen.

Method 5: Using Screensaver (Automated Lock Screen):

This is one of the unique methods, and it is a kind of automation process. All you have to do is set a screensaver and a timeout for a minute or longer.

• Step 1: Firstly, you need to right-click on the desktop and choose Personalize.

• Step 2: Now, go to Lock screen settings.

• Step 3: Scroll down and click on Screen saver settings.

• Step 4: Once you click the option, the Screensaver Settings window will be displayed on your screen.
• Step 5: Here, I choose the 3D Text option as a screensaver and set the time to 1 minute. Check the option “On resume, display logon screen,” which will ask you to re-enter the login password to sign in.
• Step 6: Once you have done all the settings, click the Apply and OK buttons.

• After a minute, your computer will launch the screensaver on your device by locking your screen automatically, as shown in the image below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take Away:

Locking my screen in Windows 11 is essential for maintaining security and privacy, especially when I need to step away from my computer. I’ve found that there are multiple ways to do this, each offering convenience and reliability.

Have Queries?

Whether I use the Start menu, the classic Ctrl + Alt + Delete method, or even set up an automatic lock through screen saver settings, I have several options to choose from. By using these methods, I can ensure that my personal information and work remain secure. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments. Find more informative tutorials on our Blog WinSides.com

Key Steps:

• The most important step is to install WSL and set WSL 2 as the default version.
• Once the WSL is installed, choose your Distro and install it.
• Alongside, Install VcXsrv from the setup file and confgure it.
• Setup the Environment variable in the WSL.
• Finally, run a Linux Based GUI Application, you can find it running in the Graphical Interface in the Windows 11.

Why do we need X Server in Windows 11?

Well, there is a popular and interesting feature available in the Windows operating system, the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which allows users to run a Linux distribution directly on their Windows machine without needing a virtual machine or dual-boot setup. Here is where the purpose of X Server pops in. An X Server allows Windows to display graphical applications that run on Unix-like operating systems such as Linux on your Windows desktop. This article will navigate through the detailed steps of How to install and effectively use X Server in Windows 11 OS. Let’s get started!

• The first step of the process is to enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux. To do so, we have a detailed article on How to Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux in Windows 11. Please refer to it.

• We have enabled Windows Subsystem for Linux. You can either enable WSL in Windows 11 using the Windows Features or directly using a command in PowerShell. The choice is yours. To install WSL via PowerShell, open PowerShell, run as Administrator, and then execute the following command. wsl --install

• The next step is to ensure that we are running the WSL 2, the latest version. This version uses a real Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine, providing better performance and full compatibility with Linux system calls. Run the following command in PowerShell. wsl --update
• It’s time to restart the PC.
• After the restart, let’s set the default WSL version as WSL 2 using the following command in PowerShell. wsl --set-default-version 2

• Once the Windows Subsystem for Linux is installed, you will be presented with a list of Distros.

You can always run Windows Subsystem for Linux using the following command in the Windows Terminal. wsl

• Choose your Distro accordingly. I am going with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, as long-term support versions are more stable. Run the following command in PowerShell. wsl --install -d Ubuntu-24.04

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will now be installed.

• The OS will open in the Windows Terminal. You have to set up your Unix username and root password. Please make sure to remember this information.

• Let’s keep this aside. Now, we will install a third-party X Server Application. The X Server runs on your computer and manages the display, handling input from the mouse, keyboard, and other peripherals. When you run Linux applications with a graphical interface (like a text editor or a file manager) on a Linux environment within Windows, the X Server on Windows handles the display of these applications. Without an X Server, you can only run command-line (CLI) applications in WSL. You can find X Server software for Windows from several sources, including the official websites of popular X Server tools. Some of the most commonly used are

1. Xming
2. VcXsrv
3. MobaXterm
4. Cygwin/X

Each of these software has its strengths, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs based on factors like ease of use, additional features, and your specific use case.

VcXsrv:

If you’re looking for a balance between ease of use, configuration, and performance, I would recommend VcXsrv. It is an open-source X Server that seamlessly connects with WSL, making it a popular choice among the Developer communities. It is actively maintained and offers a good level of customization for advanced users. Let’s download VcXsrv via its SourceForge page.

• It’s time to install VcXsrv. Install the downloaded setup file.

• Once installed, you can find the application shortcut on the Desktop. Open the Application.
• Choose Multiple Windows as Default Settings and then click Next.

• In the Client Startup, by default, “Start no Client” would be selected. This option will just start the X Server. You will be able to start local clients later. Click Next.

• In the Extra Settings, leave the default options and proceed with Next.

• Finally, click Finish to complete the VcXsrv setup.

• You can find the application running in the background in the system tray.

• Let’s get back to the PowerShell where the WSL is installed. We now have WSL and X Server configured.
• To set up the Display Environment Variable, run the following command. This command will ensure that WSL displays GUI Applications. You can add this line to your .bashrc or .zshrc to run it automatically when you open a terminal. export DISPLAY=$(grep -oP "(?<=nameserver ).+" /etc/resolv.conf):0.0

• Finally, it is time to test our setup. Let’s install a Linux GUI Application, say, Gedit, and run it. The following command will install Gedit on your WSL environment in the Windows Terminal
  sudo apt update
sudo apt install gedit

• Simply execute the command gedit to run the application.

• You can find the gedit application opening in the GUI inside your WSL Environment on Windows 11 OS. That’s all, Folks! We did it!

Information on the Go! WSLg (Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI) is an extension of WSL 2 that allows you to run Linux GUI (Graphical User Interface) applications directly on Windows 10 and 11, without the need for a third-party X Server like VcXsrv and any additional configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take away:

While Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI (WSLg) is sufficient and preferred for running Linux GUI apps on Windows due to its tight integration, ease of use, and performance benefits, these third-party X Servers offer customization, compatibility, or advanced configurations. Setting up and running an X Server on Windows 11 opens possibilities for users looking to run Linux GUI applications natively within the Windows environment. By enabling WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) and using tools like VcXsrv, you can seamlessly integrate Linux graphical applications into your workflow without the need for a full virtual machine or dual boot.

Have Queries?

This setup not only enhances productivity but also bridges the gap between Windows and Linux, giving you the best of both operating systems. If you have any questions, kindly let us know in the comments. Stay tuned to Winsides.com. Happy Dual Computing! Peace out!

My computer is filled with movies, images, games, and software files. Sometimes, it is very hard to maintain and organize them. My profession is content writing and video editing, so I have to manage numerous media files daily. However, I often spend a lot of time searching for video files among a mix of multiple file formats in a folder. To overcome this, I found some unique methods available in Windows 11 that help me find and sort video files using search keywords in File Explorer. In this guide, I will share with you multiple methods to search video files only in Windows 11.

Key Points to Search Video Files Only in Windows 11:

Use the File Explorer Search Box:

• Open File Explorer and navigate to the desired location.
• Method 1: Type kind:=video in the search box to filter results and show only video files.
• Method 2: Use specific file extensions to narrow down results, e.g., *.mp4 OR *.avi OR *.mov.
• Method 3: Search by File Size: Use kind:=video size:>500MB to find large video files.
• Method 4: Search by Date Modified: Use kind:=video datemodified:>01/01/2024 to locate recent videos.
• Method 5: Combine criteria like file size and date modified, e.g., kind:=video size:>500MB datemodified:>01/01/2024.
• After performing a search, click on “Search” in the File Explorer ribbon, then select “Save search” for quick access later.

Merits of Searching Video Files in Windows 11:

• It helps you manage your device’s storage space. Video files take up a lot of space, so finding and organizing them can free up valuable storage on your PC.
• It helps keep your device organized, making it easier to find and access your media.
• It helps you save time, allowing you to increase your productivity.

5 Methods to Search or Find Video Files Only:

• Firstly, you need to open the File Explorer to your desired location. In the keyboard, use the shortcut WinKey + E to open File Explorer on your PC.

• In my scenario, I’m opening ‘This PC‘ as the desired location where I need to perform my search.
• At the top right corner of File Explorer, you’ll see a search box. This is where you can enter search queries to filter your files.

Method 1: Search Query for Video Files:

To search specifically for video files, you need to enter the following command into the search box:

Search Query for Video Command: kind:=video

Simply copy the above command and paste it in the search box, and hit the Enter button, and it will bring you video files only from the list of media.

Method 2: Refine Your Search with Specific File Extensions:

If you’re looking for videos in specific formats, you can refine your search by using file extensions. You can use the following command:

Specific File Extensions Search Command: *.mp4 OR *.avi OR *.mov

Replace .mp4, .avi, and .mov with any other video file extensions (like .webm or .gif) you’re looking for. Simply copy the command above, paste it into the search box, hit the Enter button, and it will display only video format files from your list of media.

Method 3: Search by File Size:

This method is also known as Advanced Search Techniques in Windows 11. It gives you extra control over searching for video files from your list of media files. If you’re looking for large video files that may be taking up significant space on your hard drive, you can search by file size:

Search by File Size Command: kind:=video size:>500MB

This command will display only video files larger than 500MB. You can modify the value of the file size as needed to meet your requirements.

Method 4: Search by Date Modified:

To find videos based on when they were last modified. This can be particularly useful if you’re looking for recent downloads or edits. Use the following command:

Search by Date Modified Command: kind:=video datemodified:>01/01/2024

This command will display only video files that were modified or downloaded after January 1, 2024.

Method 5: Combining Multiple Search Criteria:

You can combine multiple search queries to narrow down your search and meet your specific requirements. Use the following command:

Combining Multiple Search Criteria Command: kind:=video size:>500MB datemodified:>01/01/2024

This command will display video files larger than 500MB that were modified after January 1, 2024. You can modify both the file size and the date modified to meet your needs. I hope these methods help you filter out the required video files from your PC.

Save Your Search Query For Future Use:

• Firstly, you need to perform your search query from one of the above methods.
• Once the search results are displayed, click on the “Search” tab in the File Explorer ribbon.
• Now, you need to select “Save search” from the options.

Your search will be saved and accessible from the navigation pane in File Explorer under “Searches.“

Some Common Search Issues in Windows 11:

With the above search methods, you might not always get the desired video files. Here is a list of some common search issues in Windows 11 and the steps to solve them.

File Explorer is Not Showing Any Results:

• Double-check your searching location. Sometimes, we may end up in the wrong location where no video files are located, and then this issue may occur.
• You need to double-check that you’ve entered the correct search terms, especially if you’re using Advanced Query Syntax as mentioned above.

File Types Not Recognized:

• You need to find which video file types aren’t being recognized by Windows 11, and you need to perform the correct search terms. Include these file extensions in your search query, e.g., .mkv, .flv, or any other relevant formats.

Search is Slow or Unresponsive:

• You need to focus your search on a specific folder or drive rather than the entire computer to speed up results.
• Then you need to close unnecessary programs or processes that might be slowing down the search function.

Conclusion:

By using the built-in search features of File Explorer, understanding Advanced Query Syntax, and following the optimization tips provided. I hope this guide has given you the knowledge and tools you need to become skilled at searching for video files in Windows 11. With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to manage your digital media library and keep your system running smoothly.

Have Queries?

If you have any queries, kindly let us know in the comments. For more tips, stay tuned to Winsides.com