How to Boot to UEFI BIOS Firmware Settings in Windows 11

UEFI BIOS firmware settings allow you to configure low-level settings on your PC, such as boot order, system security, and hardware configurations. In Windows 11, you can boot directly into UEFI BIOS settings without needing to press any keys during startup. Here's a detailed guide on how to access UEFI BIOS settings in Windows 11.

Method 1: Boot to UEFI BIOS via Settings

You can easily access UEFI BIOS settings through the Windows 11 Settings app.

Step 1: Open the Settings App

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on System.

Step 2: Access the Recovery Options

1. Scroll down and select Recovery from the list of options.
2. Under the Recovery options section, locate the Advanced startup option.
3. Click the Restart now button next to Advanced startup.

Quote:Note: You will be prompted to confirm the restart. Click Restart now, and your system will reboot into the Advanced Startup menu.

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How to Change Lid Close Action in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to customize what happens when they close their laptop lid, such as putting the laptop to sleep, shutting it down, or doing nothing. This guide will show you how to change the lid close action based on your preferences.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel

1. Press Windows + S to open the search bar and type Control Panel.
2. Select Control Panel from the search results to open it.

Step 2: Access Power Options

1. In the Control Panel window, click on Hardware and Sound.
2. Under the Power Options section, click on Change what closing the lid does.

Step 3: Customize Lid Close Action

1. In the Define power buttons and turn on password protection window, find the section labeled When I close the lid.
2. You will see two options:
  - On battery: Defines the action when the laptop is running on battery power.
  - Plugged in: Defines the action when the laptop is connected to a power source.
 
3. Use the drop-down menus to select what happens when you close the lid:
  - Do nothing: The laptop continues running even if the lid is closed.
  - Sleep: The laptop goes into sleep mode.
  - Hibernate: The laptop enters hibernation, saving your session to the hard drive and powering down.
  - Shut down: The laptop shuts down completely when the lid is closed.

4. After selecting your preferred action, click Save changes to apply the settings.

Step 4: Test the New Settings

After making changes to the lid close action, you can test them by closing your laptop's lid. Based on the settings you chose, the system should perform the specified action (e.g., sleep, hibernate, or shut down).

Additional Tips

1. You can quickly access Power Options by right-clicking the battery icon in the taskbar and selecting Power Options.
2. If you're using a docking station or external monitor, you may want to set the lid close action to Do nothing so that your laptop continues to run even when the lid is closed.
3. To revert to the default settings, repeat the steps above and set the lid close action back to Sleep or another desired option.

Conclusion

Changing the lid close action in Windows 11 is a useful way to control how your laptop behaves when you're not using it. Whether you prefer your laptop to sleep, shut down, or continue running with the lid closed, these steps will help you customize the behavior to suit your workflow.

How to Create New Environment Variables in Windows 11

Environment variables in Windows 11 are system-wide or user-specific settings that affect how processes and applications run. These variables can be used to store paths, directories, or any other system configuration details. This guide will walk you through the process of creating new environment variables in Windows 11.

Step 1: Open the System Properties Window

1. Press Windows + S to open the search bar and type Environment Variables.
2. Select the option labeled Edit the system environment variables from the search results. This will open the System Properties window.

Step 2: Access Environment Variables

1. In the System Properties window, click on the Advanced tab.
2. At the bottom of this tab, click the Environment Variables button. This will open the Environment Variables window, where you can view and edit existing variables or create new ones.

Step 3: Create a New User or System Variable

In the Environment Variables window, you have the option to create new environment variables for either the current user or the entire system.

1. Under the User variables section (for the current user) or System variables section (for all users), click the New button.

2. In the New User Variable or New System Variable dialog box, you will need to provide two pieces of information:
  - Variable name: The name of the environment variable.
  - Variable value: The value that this variable should hold. For example, this could be a file path, a folder, or a specific configuration setting.

3. After entering the variable name and value, click OK.

Example: Creating a Path Variable

1. To add a new directory to your system's path, follow these steps:
  - Under the System variables section, scroll down and select the Path variable.
  - Click Edit, then in the Edit Environment Variable window, click New.
  - Enter the full path to the directory you want to add (for example, `C:\Program Files\MyApplication`).
  - Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Verify the New Environment Variable

After creating a new environment variable, you can verify that it was added successfully:

1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows + R, typing cmd, and pressing Enter.
2. In the Command Prompt, type the following command to display the value of the variable you created:

 

How to Run Storage Sense Now in Windows 11

Storage Sense is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that helps free up disk space by automatically deleting unnecessary files such as temporary files, recycle bin contents, and previous Windows installations. While it runs automatically based on your settings, you can also manually trigger it to run at any time. This guide will show you how to run Storage Sense immediately in Windows 11.

Step 1: Open the Settings App

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on System.
3. Scroll down and select Storage.

Step 2: Access Storage Sense Settings

1. In the Storage section, you will see an option labeled Storage Sense.
2. Ensure the toggle next to Automatic User content cleanup is switched On. This enables Storage Sense to run based on your configured schedule.
3. Click on the Storage Sense option or the arrow to the right to access the detailed settings.

Step 3: Run Storage Sense Manually

1. Once you're in the Storage Sense settings, scroll down to the section labeled Run Storage Sense now.
2. Click the Run Storage Sense now button to immediately start the cleanup process.

Quote:Note: Storage Sense will begin scanning and deleting unnecessary files based on your current settings. This may take a few minutes depending on how much data it needs to clean up.

How to Enable or Disable Snap Layouts on Top of Screen in Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces Snap Layouts, a productivity feature that allows you to quickly arrange your open windows into different layouts. By hovering over the maximize button or dragging a window to the top of the screen, you can easily organize your workspace. This guide will show you how to enable or disable Snap Layouts on top of the screen in Windows 11.

Step 1: Open the Settings App

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on System.
3. Scroll down and select Multitasking.

Step 2: Access Snap Layouts Settings

1. In the Multitasking section, you will see the option for Snap windows.
2. Ensure that the toggle switch for Snap windows is turned on. This allows you to use Snap Layouts in Windows 11.

Step 3: Enable or Disable Snap Layouts on Top of the Screen

1. Once Snap windows is enabled, click on the arrow next to the Snap windows toggle to expand additional options.
2. Find the option labeled When I drag a window, let me snap it without dragging all the way to the screen edge.
3. Check or uncheck this option depending on whether you want to enable or disable Snap Layouts when dragging windows to the top of the screen:

  - To Enable Snap Layouts on Top of the Screen: Make sure the checkbox is checked.
  - To Disable Snap Layouts on Top of the Screen: Uncheck the checkbox.

Step 4: Customize Additional Snap Layout Options (Optional)

1. Below the main Snap Layouts options, you will see additional settings you can configure:
 
  - Show snap layouts when I hover over a window's maximize button: This option enables or disables the Snap Layouts popup when you hover over the maximize button.
  - When I snap a window, show what I can snap next to it: This option allows you to select windows to snap next to the current window.

2. Customize these options based on your preference.

Step 5: Test Snap Layouts

Once you have enabled or disabled Snap Layouts on the top of the screen, you can test the feature:

1. Click and drag any window to the top edge of your screen.
2. If Snap Layouts is enabled, you should see available layouts appear at the top. Release the window in the desired layout section to snap it into place.
3. If Snap Layouts is disabled, dragging the window to the top of the screen will not trigger any snap layout options.

Conclusion

Snap Layouts is a handy feature that allows for quick window management and multitasking in Windows 11. You can easily enable or disable Snap Layouts when dragging a window to the top of the screen by following this guide. Customize the feature to fit your workflow and improve your productivity on Windows 11.

How to Use System File Checker (SFC) to Repair System Files in Windows 11

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool in Windows 11 that allows you to scan and repair corrupted or missing system files. This can help resolve various issues like system crashes, errors, or performance problems. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use SFC to repair system files in Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

To run the System File Checker, you'll need to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

1. Press Windows + S to open the search bar, and type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt from the search results and select Run as administrator.
3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the Command Prompt to run with elevated permissions.

Step 2: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Command

Once you have Command Prompt open with administrative privileges, follow these steps:

1. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

 

How to Boot to Advanced Startup (WinRE) in Windows 11

Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is an essential tool for troubleshooting issues and repairing your Windows 11 installation. The following steps will guide you on how to access the Advanced Startup options.

Method 1: Using the Settings Menu

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on System.
3. Scroll down and select Recovery.
4. Under the Recovery options section, locate the Advanced startup option.
5. Click the Restart now button next to it.

Quote:Note: You will be prompted to confirm restarting your PC to access the recovery environment. Click Restart now.

• Continue – Boot into Windows normally.
  
• Use a device – Boot from an external device such as a USB drive or DVD.
  
• Troubleshoot – Access recovery tools, reset the PC, or restore it from a system image.
  
• Startup Settings – Change Windows startup behavior, including Safe Mode.
  
• Startup Repair – Automatically fix startup issues.
  
• Command Prompt – Open a command line interface for advanced troubleshooting.
  
• System Restore – Restore your PC to a previous working state using system restore points.
  
• System Image Recovery – Recover Windows from a specific system image file.
  

Quote:We're all done! You should find the output already zipped as SysnativeFileCollectionApp.zip in the C:\Users\Username\Desktop directory.
-  Click the 'Attach files' button at the bottom of the editor window.
-  Navigate to the directory of the SysnativeFileCollectionApp.zip and then click Ok.
-  Repeat for any more files, then close the 'File Upload' window.
-  Once you have finished with editing your post, then please click the 'Post reply' button.

• System Manufacturer
  
• Exact Model Number (If you have a laptop check the label on the bottom of it.)
  
• Operating System - Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, or Vista | If you have Windows 10 or 11, please include the version number as well as the build number. To obtain this hit the Windows key (Windows Logo Key), then type in "winver" and hit enter.
  
• Operating System Architecture - x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) | To obtain this hit the Windows key (Windows Logo Key), then type in "System Information" and hit enter. The information needed will be listed as "System Type".
  
• What was the original operating system installed on the computer?
  
• Is the operating system an OEM (That came pre-installed when the computer was purchased.) or a retail version you purchased and installed.
  
• Age of the computer as well as the age of any changes/upgrades to hardware.
  
• Is the computer a Laptop or a Desktop?
  
• CPU 
  
• Video Card
  
• If Desktop: Motherboard & Power Supply (Brand & Wattage)
  

Preparation Guide: What to Do Before Requesting Help


Welcome to the WildlandsTech Malware Removal Forum! If you've found your way to this article, it's likely you're seeking a solution to a potential malware infection on your computer. We're here to help. To assist us in analyzing your computer's configuration, we kindly ask that you follow the detailed steps outlined below.
While these instructions may seem lengthy or complex at first glance, rest assured that the process is straightforward. We've broken it down into several steps to ensure clarity and precision, so you can easily follow along.

Before you begin, we recommend checking to see if there is a self-help guide available for your specific infection. You can find those resources here: Malware Removal Guides.
By carefully following the steps, you'll provide us with the information needed to effectively diagnose and address the issue.

If a self-help guide is available, you may want to try following it first. If you believe your computer is still infected afterward, you can proceed with the steps outlined here.


1.) Backup your data!

Whether or not your computer is currently infected with malware, regularly backing up your data is an essential habit for every computer user. Hard drive failures or malware infections can render your computer unusable, and losing important files, photos, emails, or music can be devastating.

Before proceeding with the malware removal process, we highly recommend that you back up your data to a secure location. This could be an external hard drive, a burnable DVD, or even another computer. Below, we've listed free backup software options that can help you get started:

https://www.aomeitech.com/ab/standard.html
https://www.perfect-backup.com/


2.)  - Create a free account

To submit a malware removal log, you must be logged into the forums with a registered account. Registration is free and helps us identify individual users. To create your account, simply click the link below:

Create a Free Account Link

After clicking the link, you’ll be directed to a registration page where you’ll need to fill in some basic details. Please provide a login name, a display name (which will be your public nickname), a password, and a valid email address that you check regularly. It's important to use a valid email address since you'll receive notifications when someone replies to your posts.

You may also provide optional information if you wish. Once you've completed all the required fields, enter the security code from the image and click the Submit my registration button.

After submitting, you’ll receive an email containing a validation link. Clicking this link completes your registration. Once validated, you’ll be able to post in all WildlandsTech forums.

 
3.) - Download and Run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST) which will create a log of various information from your computer.

Download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST) from this link: FRST Download Link

After clicking the link, you will be directed to the download page. Select either Download Now 32-bit version or Download Now 64-bit version, depending on your Windows version. If you're unsure which version you have, refer to this guide: [How to Tell if You're Running Windows 32-bit or 64-bit Link].

Once you've clicked the correct download button, the download will start automatically. If prompted with the option to Run or Save the file, choose Save and save it to your desktop.                                                                                               

Your browser will now download FRST. When it is done downloading you will need to navigate to your downloads folder and find FRST.exe or FRST64.exe depending on which version your system requires. 

Either copy and paste FRST to your desktop or drag FRST onto your desktop screen and you will find an icon on your desktop that looks like below.

1. Do not attempt to fix any issues you find within the logs yourself. Doing so could potentially harm your computer's configuration. Helpers in this forum are trained to interpret these logs, and removing entries based on incorrect information found online could result in removing legitimate programs.
   
2. Do not seek help from another site for the same problem unless you have asked us to close your topic here. If we discover that you've requested help elsewhere for the same issue, we will need to close your topic to avoid conflicting advice from different sources, which can complicate the process.