Help & How-to

Updated: 6 hours ago

In Short

New Windows Phone, Surface Pro 3, or Xbox? We're here to help you get the most out of your Microsoft device. Here's where you'll find helpful guides and how-tos for your stuff. We'll show you simple things like how to take a screenshot on Windows Phone and offer more advanced guides for things like moving your contacts from Gmail to Outlook.com

Don't see a help guide or how-to on our site? Just ask us, and we'll make it for you! Otherwise, you can always ask our resource community forums yourself!

How to fix taskbar search not working in Windows 10

How Windows got her search back

Get your Windows 10 taskbar search working again with one of these fixes

6 hours ago 19 By Cale Hunt Once in awhile, Windows 10 decides it doesn’t want to search from the taskbar anymore.There are several solutions to this problem — the best idea is to start at the easiest one and move down the list if the problem persists. Let’s see if we can fix your taskbar search in Windows 10.

Battery replacement

How to remove and replace the Surface Pen's battery

27 June 2017 17 By Zac Bowden Got a Surface Pen that's running low on battery? Here's a handy guide on how to replace the battery.

Help us help you

Got questions about your new Surface? The Windows Central forums can help.

26 June 2017 By Al Sacco The Windows Central forums are a perfect place to ask questions, troubleshoot problems, and share wisdom on Microsoft’s Surface hardware.

5 good reasons why you might want to use an online backup service

Safe habits

Considering an online backup plan? We can help you decide.

26 June 2017 1 By Cale Hunt Online backup services take a lot of the tedious aspects out of creating safe havens for your important data. Still not convinced? Here are five reasons to consider grabbing a plan.

Network settings

Setting up network discovery on Windows 10

26 June 2017 5 By Mauro Huculak In this guide, we'll show you the easy steps to change the network profile settings on Windows 10 to make your device hidden or discoverable on a local network.

Big update

All the changes found in Windows 10 build 16226 for PC

23 June 2017 25 By Mauro Huculak In this guide, we dive deep into the latest Windows Insider Fast ring preview build and detail more new features and improvements that will be coming to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update later this year.

Stream on!

Tips for better quality Xbox One game streams

23 June 2017 18 By Richard Devine Get the most from your Xbox One game streaming experience with these tips for getting better quality streams.

What's the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3?

Fistful of cables

Beginner's guide to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3

22 June 2017 43 By Cale Hunt Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C are becoming more common, and some people might be wondering exactly what, if any, is the difference. Our beginner's guides should have the answers you're looking for.

Don't be an easy target

7 tips to protect your Windows PC against malware

22 June 2017 17 By Mauro Huculak In this guide, we'll share seven tips you should know to keep your PC protected against all sort of malware, including viruses, spyware, worms, and ransomware, whether you're running Windows 10 or an older version of the OS.