#windows 11 performance guide

[river-taxbird]

Have YOU got an old Windows PC Microsoft has told you can't run Windows 11? It's time to give it a new life!

How to install Windows 11 on unsupported PC Hardware using Rufus. You can also disable some other Windows 11 bullshit like data harvesting and needing a Microsoft account.

It has been in the news a lot lately that Windows 11 isn't allowed to be installed on PCs without certain requirements, including the TPM 2.0, a chip that was only included in PCs made in 2018 or later. This means that once Windows 10 stops receiving security updates, those PCs will not be able to (officially) run a safe, updated version of Windows anymore. This has led to an estimated 240 million PCs bound for the landfill. Thanks Microsoft! I get you don't want to be seen as the insecure one, but creating this much waste can't be the solution.

(I know nerds, Linux is a thing. I love you but we are not having that conversation. If you want to use Linux on an old PC you are already doing it and you don't need to tell me about it. People need Windows for all sorts of reasons that Linux won't cut.)

So lately I have been helping some under privileged teens get set up with PCs. Their school was giving away their old lab computers, and these kids would usually have no chance to afford even a basic computer. They had their hard drives pulled so I have been setting them up with SSDs, but the question was, what to do about the operating system? So I looked into it and I found out there IS actually a way to bypass Microsoft's system requirement and put Windows 11 on PCs as old as 2010.

You will need: Rufus: An open source ISO burning tool.

A Windows 11 ISO: Available from Microsoft.

A USB Flash Drive, at least 16GB.

A working PC to make the ISO, and a PC from 2018 or older you want to install Windows 11 on.

Here is the guide I used, but I will put it in my own words as well.

Download your Windows 11 ISO, and plug in your USB drive. It will be erased, so don't have anything valuable on it. Run Rufus, select your USB drive in the Device window, and select your Windows 11 ISO with the Select button. (There is supposed to be a feature in Rufus to download your ISO but I couldn't get it to work.?

Choose standard windows installation, and follow the screenshot for your settings. Once you are done that, press Start, and then the magic happens. Another window pops up allowing you to remove the system requirements, the need for a microsoft account, and turn off data collecting. Just click the options you want, and press ok to write your iso to a drive.

From there you just need to use the USB drive to install windows. I won't go into details here, but here are some resources if you don't know how to do it.

Boot your PC from a USB Drive

Install Windows 11 from USB Drive

If you had a licensed copy of Windows 10, Windows 11 will already be licensed. If you don't, then perhaps you can use some kind of... Activation Scripts for Microsoft software, that will allow you to activate them. Of course I cannot link such tools here. So there you go, now you can save a PC made from before 2018 from the landfill, and maybe give it to a deserving teen in the process. The more we can extend the lives of technology and keep it out of the trash, the better.

Additional note: This removes the requirement for having 4GB Minimum of RAM, but I think that requirement should honestly be higher. Windows 11 will be unusable slow on any system with below 8GB of RAM. 8GB is the minimum I think you should have before trying this but it still really not enough for modern use outside of light web and office work. I wouldn't recommend trying this on anything with 4GB or less. I am honestly shocked they are still selling brand new Windows 11 PCs with 4GB of ram. If you're not sure how much RAM you have, you can find out in the performance tab of Task Manager in Windows, if you click the More Details icon on the bottom right. If you don't have enough, RAM for old systems is super cheap and widely available so it would definitely be worth upgrading if you have a ram starved machine you'd like to give a new life.

[liquidcrystalsky]

btw when windows 10 goes out of service, move to windows 11 or linux. by staying on an OS which doesn't get security updates, your computer is much more at risk for attacks.

also yes everyone hates windows updates it makes you restart ur computer or whatever but please do them for security reasons. it is also a good idea in general to restart your computer once every few days regardless.

Windows 11 is perfectly fine for me as long as you:

DO NOT link a microsoft account to it

Remove all the copilot and ai crap and revert a few things like the right click menu. you can do it registry tweaks but winaero tweaker is a much easier GUI option. it works for windows 10 as well i would recommend it

i cannot stress this enough (assuming those two things), other than some UI stuff it is literally the same exact operating system and i got used to the change almost instantly

The settings app is a lot better on windows 11, and the control panel is still there and still the same

It's not any better or worse performing for games or productivity.

Nothing that i previously used on windows 10 broke, and there wasnt any huge annoyances or issues that windows 10 didn't also have.

I AM AWARE of the TPM 2.0 chip requirement. TPM 2.0 has been standardized for 10 years now, if your computer's motherboard was made in that time, it very likely has it. Windows might say you dont have a tpm 2.0 chip, you probably do, it's just not enabled, mess around in your bios, look up guides and stuff.

if you actually don't as your computer is quite old, i would try out linux honestly it is much nicer towards older hardware and can run much better on it (basically any hardware actually).

[theskywithin]

✴︎ Celestial Weather Report: May 6–11, 2025 ✴︎ - and what it means for you

This week, the sky speaks in low tones. The kind that move through root systems and water tables. Venus sits beside Pluto. She traces her fingers across the bones he’s unearthed, whispering, “What still lives in you that you haven’t yet loved?” He doesn’t answer. He never does. But something in her gaze breaks a seal. Then Mercury steps into Taurus. He folds his wings. He stops trying to keep up. He begins to listen to the pulse in the ground. And beneath them all, Pluto is reversing through Aquarius, slow, unflinching, ghost-walking the blueprint of a world we don’t yet understand. There’s no great storm this week. But there’s depth. And choice. And an invitation to meet yourself not where you were but where you are becoming.

🜁 A Note on Timing 🜁 This week marks the beginning of deeper currents, not a conclusion, but an initiation. These themes will unfold slowly, over weeks and months, deepening, reshaping, revealing more as they go. Let this week be a doorway, not a deadline. The sky is still unfolding. So are you.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU (RISING SIGN)

Aries Rising Your mind is full of questions this week, but none of them want answers. They want sensation. Proof that the thoughts you’ve carried are still alive in your mouth, your hands, your feet. You’re noticing the small patterns, how your voice changes when you speak to certain people, how your pace shifts in familiar spaces. Something is being rewired in the way you name and navigate your world. Not rebranded, re-rooted. There’s a soft pressure on the outer edges of your community. Certain connections feel hollow where they used to feel warm. Others, unexpectedly intimate. You are learning to sort what was once called friendship into finer categories: Who hears me? Who holds me? Who drains me? And deeper still, the question of worth begins to stir. What is your time worth when no one is watching? What does your energy buy when you spend it on yourself first? This week asks for presence, not performance. Intimacy, not explanation. Speak gently. Move slower. The answers will arrive through your body long before your thoughts catch up.

Taurus Rising Something in you is waking up mid-sentence. A part you forgot was still here, quietly breathing under the routines, under the roles, waiting for your permission to lead. You may feel more visible this week, not in the spotlight, but in your own skin. As if your body has something to say before your mouth does. There’s a new rhythm forming at the base of your selfhood, slower, but not smaller. A deeper yes. A quieter no. And with them, a clearer sense of who you're becoming when you stop carrying what you were never meant to prove. Underneath the surface, your sense of value is shifting. The way you spend, give, hold, and ask. Money, time, energy, all of it is being filtered through a more sacred lens. Not what do I have? but what do I deserve to keep? Even your goals may feel different now. The mountain hasn’t moved, but the path you're choosing feels less like climbing, more like carving. This week isn’t about working harder. It’s about becoming undeniable to yourself.

Gemini Rising This week feels like catching your own reflection in a window you didn’t mean to look into. You’re visible to yourself again, newly, strangely. As if a part of you that’s always been performing finally steps offstage, and asks: Do I still believe this version of me? There’s a quiet undoing happening behind the scenes. A soft unraveling of thoughts that were once gospel. A surrender not to weakness, but to rest. You are not being erased. You are being rewritten by your own soul in its native tongue. Even the ideas that used to guide you may feel outdated now. This week doesn’t ask you to renounce what you’ve learned , only to ask where it came from. Who handed you the rulebook? And do they still speak for you? Let stillness teach you. Let belief become a mirror. Let yourself become new, without apology, and without the need to explain.

Cancer Rising Some part of you is disappearing this week, and no one can see it but you. Not in a tragic way. Not even in a lonely way. Just in the way leaves let go when the tree doesn’t need them anymore. Something inside is ready to fall off gently. You’re entering the rooms behind your emotions, the ones where your feelings were stored before they had words. You may find yourself revisiting old fears, quiet obsessions, stories you thought were resolved but still echo in your inner walls. This is not a relapse. It’s a retrieval. You’re reclaiming what was hidden under survival. Meanwhile, your trust is being tested, not in others, but in your ability to stay soft while holding the truth. There is power in naming what you once kept quiet. There is healing in the confrontation you never thought you’d have the courage to allow. And in the wider field, your vision of community shifts. Not everyone will walk with you into the next chapter. But someone will meet you there, someone who sees the real weight you’ve carried, and doesn’t ask you to carry it alone.

Leo Rising Some dreams you used to chase are now slowing to a halt, not because they failed, but because you’ve outgrown the story they came from. This week, the horizon looks different. Wider in some ways. Sharper in others. You’re seeing more clearly what kind of future your soul is still saying yes to and what never really belonged to you. The way you connect is shifting. You might feel the fault lines in certain friendships, the stretch marks in your alliances. Some people may start to feel like past lives wrapped in living skin. This isn’t an ending. It’s a sorting. The truth of your presence is asking for new company. There’s also something stirring in your relationships, not just romance, but devotion. The kind of connection that asks what do we build together, and how honest are we willing to be while doing it? This week, you might feel seen in a deeper way. Or not seen at all. Either will teach you something about what you’re actually here to offer and what no longer deserves your shine.

Virgo Rising You’ve carried so much without complaint that even the people closest to you forget how much you hold. This week brings that quiet weight into focus, not to crush you, but to show you where the load can finally be put down. The shape of your work is changing. Maybe not visibly yet, but you can feel it: the slow erosion of effort that no longer feeds you, the hollow echo of tasks you complete without believing in them. This isn’t burnout. It’s a shift in purpose. You’re not meant to serve what drains you. You may also find yourself reevaluating what you’ve been aiming toward. That high shelf you’ve been reaching for, who put it there? Was it yours? Was it ever? This week asks you to reconsider what success looks like when you’re no longer proving anything. When contribution comes not from obligation, but alignment. Let your definition of meaning update. Let your devotion become more honest. Let the daily become sacred again.

Libra Rising This week, connection stirs like a remembered song. Something about the way you’ve been meeting others, your closeness, your compromise, your ache for real resonance, is reaching a deeper octave. You may notice how much of your heart you’ve been translating. How often you offer beauty instead of truth. Now, there’s a new hunger forming behind the smile. A desire not just to be seen, but felt. And there’s risk in that, the kind that opens fifth-dimensional doors in fifth house shadows. Creativity, desire, memory, romance , they’re all being touched by something older and deeper than language. The conversations this week don’t stay on the surface. They ripple. They pull. They ask you to answer without ornaments. This is not about losing your grace. It’s about letting someone meet the version of you that never needed to earn it.

Scorpio Rising The shape of closeness is shifting this week. Not in a dramatic collapse, more like a subtle rearrangement, the way the body adjusts in sleep to find a better position. What used to feel safe might now feel tight. What used to feel distant might be calling you closer. You’re being invited into a new language of connection. Not through words, through presence. Through silence that holds weight. Through the unspoken truth that lives between breath and eye contact. There’s also something stirring beneath your foundation. Old emotional patterns might rise like steam through the cracks. Memories that smell like childhood, or endings. You are not regressing. You are remembering. And you’re learning to let the past move through without having to carry it. Meanwhile, intimacy deepens, not in romance alone, but in how you surrender to truth. This week asks: Can you stay when it gets raw? Can you soften when it gets real? Not every bond will survive your honesty. But the ones that do will stretch roots through stone.

Sagittarius Rising You’re being pulled back into your body, into the unglamorous, necessary rituals that hold your life together. The way you wake. The way you move through errands and inboxes and hunger. This week brings the sacred into the small, not to shrink you, but to root you. You’ve been so focused on the big picture, the next step, the long arc of becoming, that you may have missed the ache that lives inside your habits. Something wants adjusting. Not everything needs to be optimized, but something wants to be tended to with more truth. Your thoughts are looping differently now. You may find yourself returning to old conversations in your mind, trying to name something that never got the right words. The lesson isn’t in rewriting it. It’s in how you speak to yourself about it now. And under all this, the presence of someone else. A relationship (past or present) may ask for your full presence. Not a gesture. Not a role. But the kind of honesty that stops performing and starts revealing.

Capricorn Rising Joy is changing its texture this week. Not disappearing, just becoming harder to fake. The things you once did to feel alive may feel flat now. Or worse, obligatory. This isn’t a loss of spark, it’s the beginning of real flame. You’re being asked to stop performing your passion and start embodying it. To create because something in you aches to be known, not praised. And that requires a kind of courage that doesn’t clap for itself. Meanwhile, the way you relate to security is shifting. The old trade-off between pleasure and responsibility is no longer serving you. Why should worth always cost you something? Why must every sweetness be justified? And beneath it all, something intimate is softening. You’re allowing someone, or something, to get closer to the real you. Not just the competent one. Not just the careful one. But the one who still believes love can be simple when it’s honest.

Aquarius Rising The house inside you creaks a little this week. Something in your inner walls is shifting. A sound, a scent, a feeling you can’t quite place pulls you back to where it all began. But this is not about the past. It’s about who you’ve become in spite of it. The deeper question now isn’t what happened? It’s what part of me still lives there? You are allowed to revisit the old rooms without staying in them. You’re allowed to open the windows. There’s also something rising in your presence. A shedding of armor. A quieter kind of confidence. Not the version of you who wants to be seen, the version who no longer needs to explain. And in the background, a spark flickers. Not quite love. Not yet art. But the start of something playful, messy, and true. This is the beginning of your next joy, the one that doesn’t come with rules.

Pisces Rising This week, your thoughts have tides. You might catch yourself drifting mid-sentence, mid-silence, into memories that don’t belong to this moment, but still carry weight. Not everything that returns is here to be relived. Some things revisit you just to be released more gently. There’s a softness rising in your mind, but it comes with sharp edges. Old phrases echo louder than usual. The way you speak to yourself, the way you explain your needs, your story, your silence, is under quiet revision. It’s not about getting the words right. It’s about meaning what you say when no one else is listening. Your inner world is full this week. Dream-heavy. Thought-thick. But beneath it all, there’s a subtle ache for home. Not four walls, a feeling. The place where your nervous system can unclench. You may not find it yet. But you’re circling it now. And with each breath, you get closer.

[belladovah]

A Complete Guide on how to Fix & Optimize The Sims 2 on Windows 10/11

I've made a video tutorial and written guide on everything you need to know on how to Fix & Optimize The Sims 2 on Windows 10/11, with Performance, Stability, and Graphics Enhancements.

Watch the Video Tutorial on YouTube:

Read the Written Guide on my Website

[chriscranky]

How to Play The Sims 1 on Windows 11

Recently, I've been rebuilding my collections of The Sims 2 and The Sims 3. I used to have the discs when I was a kid, but I lost them, and now I don’t have a computer that can read DVDs. After acquiring The Sims 2 Complete Collection and gradually adding to my Sims 3 collection through Steam, I started thinking about The Sims 1.

The last time I played The Sims 1 was when I was 6 years old. When I tried to download the game again to relive my childhood nostalgia, I was using a Windows 10 machine. Unfortunately, that experience was a complete disaster, as the game wouldn't even let me select a household! It was bugged and unplayable. Now that I'm trying it again on a Windows 11 computer, I approached it with low expectations—until I stumbled upon something magical.

I discovered a GitHub repository that provides an all-in-one installation of The Sims 1, eliminating the need to install patches or edit graphics files. With that in mind, let me guide you through the process of installing The Sims 1 on a Windows 11 computer. To install The Sims 1 on a Windows machine in 2024, simply follow these straightforward steps. You won’t need to enter any keys, edit scripts, or perform any manual tasks.

Please know that this is how I installed The Sims 1 on my computer. I've gotten no crashes or bugs from this method, and my game runs smoothly. My computer specs are:

System Model: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 Laptop

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4800H with Radeon Graphics, 2900 MHz, 8 Cores, 16 Logical Processors

RAM: 32 GB

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060

Step 1: Download Installer

Download the The Sims 1 Starter Pack Web Installer. Alternative link can be found here.

Step 2: Run Installation

Run the TS1StarterPack-WebInstaller.exe and follow the instructions. If you get a Windows protection notification, select the option to "Run Anyway". Windows does this to protect us from unknown executables, but this one is fine.

Enable all of the components. This includes all the patches you will need to make your game full-screen and compatible with your system.

Select the folder you want to install it in.

Wait for the installation to finish.

Step 3: Run The WideScreen Patch

During your installation, a popup will display asking you to choose your resolution. If this popup hasn't shown, you can find it in your E:\The Sims 1 Starter Pack directory as Sims1WidescreenPatcher.exe.

From this, choose your screen's aspect ratio and resolution, and set the “Wrapper” dropdown to DDrawCompat.

Click “Patch.”

If asked to enable “Borderless Fullscreen” mode, click Yes.

Close the patcher once it has finished patching the game.

Step 4: Run The Game & Have Fun!

And that is IT. Now you can run the Sims.exe program and the game should run.

If your screen size is weird, just run the patcher again.

Now you can start playing the game and rediscover that old-school nostalgia of having fun!

Conclusion

I hope this guide has been helpful! If it has, feel free to let me know in the comments below. Additionally, I have a blog where I detail the mods I use for The Sims, including instructions on where to place them. If you're interested, you can check that out here.

[babyhatesreality]

The Sinner and the Saint Ch 12

Pairing: Mob!Boss Bucky x f!reader

Warnings: NSFW, f!reader, language, reader is referred to by her stage name of Angel, pet names, playful banter, Bucky is a lovable menace (and y'know, a mob boss), everybody has secrets, reader is insecure and self deprecating, reader is an extremely flexible exotic dancer, implied smut.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN MEDIA CONSUMPTION. MINORS DNI. THIS IS AN 18+ STORY ONLY AND IS NS/FW. I DO NOT CONSENT FOR ANY OF MY WORKS TO BE COPIED, REPRINTED, OR TRANSLATED ONTO ANY PLATFORM EXCEPT MY OWN. Likes, comments and reblogs deeply appreciated.

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

"C'mon. Let's get you back to your place."

You wished that the sudden, racing thoughts that invaded your mind at his simple sentence weren't there, but well, fuck, they were. You had an amazing night with this man, followed by an amazing morning and the best damn blueberry scone you'd ever eaten in your life, and as you were leaving the breakfast place, he said THAT. To any logical person, it would be a statement from someone who cared about your well-being, knowing that you had work later on and could probably use a few hours sleep from what you lost last night.

But you weren't logical. Or at least your brain wasn't.

As Bucky gently took your elbow and rested one hand on the small of your back guiding you, you bit your lip. He was trying to get rid of you. Of course he was. You hadn't pleased him...or you hadn't shown someone of his caliber the proper respect...or he just didn't find you as attractive in the daylight. A million self-deprecating thoughts invaded your head as you tried to keep tears from forming.

He turned the street corner, and there was the huge black SUV. You couldn't see through the tinted windows, but you knew that Steve was at the wheel. Keeping your head low so the "man who saw everything" didn't see your emotions, you silently let Bucky guide you into the backseat.

And of course, Bucky noticed the sudden tension in your body. He noticed everything about you.

The second the door was shut and the car was moving, Bucky reached across the backseat, hooking his metal hand around your thigh, and effortlessly slid you across the plush leather towards him. Before you could do more than squeak in surprise, you found yourself seated comfortably on his lap. "So. When can I see you again?" the gangster asked. Your jaw dropped. He chuckled low. "Seems like I have a lot of work to do if you're going to start this hating-on-yourself bullshit after the last 16 hours. I'd like to get the jump on it." A slow, shit-eating grin spread across his face. "Well, actually I'd like to get the jump on YOU right now, but you need sleep, and if I took you back to my place..." he sighed overly dramatically, "...well, you definitely wouldn't be getting any rest."

You giggled, relieved that he still wanted you, and turned your full gaze to him. His grin widened. That was when you saw it. The tiniest crinkle in the corner of his left eye smoothed out when you looked at him. He relaxed. He looked happy.

When he looked at you, Bucky saw peace. That hit you like a bullet.

Knowing what you now knew, this moment would forever stick in your mind.

*******************************************************

The next two months were insane in the best possible way.

That night, after you had capitulated and taken a much-needed nap before work, you'd performed this song at the club that night. Of course it was secretly only for him, but it was still a damn good song to perform to, especially after your morning activities left you feeling happy and a little daring. You couldn't help but catch his eye towards the end of your number, and the lust radiating off him in waves nearly made you stumble under the lights. Within 27 seconds of you stepping offstage, you and he were in the back of his car going at it like two horny teens on prom night as Steve sped towards Bucky's place.

Well let's just say you didn't need to go to the gym for like three days after that.

The intense passion and connection between the two of you seemed to take over everything. It permeated every aspect of your life, it was all you could think about, the only thing you wanted to think about, but only internally. You had both agreed to keep your relationship under wraps. Only Steve and Natasha knew. You didn't need Nebula, your customers, or any of the other girls getting mad or feeling like you were getting special treatment- which you weren't. You had all but stomped your foot insisting, and Bucky had graciously, if not grumpily, agreed.

As for Gamora, the only person who knew you'd gone on a date with Bucky, you'd told her that you both had a fantastic night with great food and a great discussion, and you left it at that. You patiently endured her shock, disbelief, and enraged pressings for more details with a simple smile. Once she finally realized she wasn't going to get shit further out of you, she collapsed into a chair, laughed and laughed, and gave you the biggest hug. "Yeah, yeah, fine you bitch," she teased you playfully. "Keep your secrets. You are the worst." You both ended up in tears of laughter, and she never pressed you again. She was a true friend.

Unbeknowst to you (although you made a pretty good educated guess), Bucky's reasons for wanting to keep your relationship on the down low were wildly different than yours. You kept those thoughts at bay as best you could. The longer you stayed in his arms, the safer you felt, even knowing...what you knew.

Bucky had mentioned you moving into his place nearly instantly. You had kept enough of a head on your shoulders to tell him it was too soon. When he pouted and grumbled that he had held off for an entire four days from your first date before asking, you giggled and distracted him simply by running your tongue around the shell of his left ear. That ended that conversation in a rather pleasing way. He would still bring it up nearly every time he saw you, but you diverted him. You weren't sure how long you could keep him at bay though...and you weren't entirely sure you wanted to.

Especially after what happened on THAT night...

Chapter 13

[letmesleepwhileiwork]

Drawing/Writing Ideas for Dafpork

These are for me and anyone who comes across it as well- it helps to write out ideas! Keeps my brain going at max efficiency (no I cannot use this for schoolwork dafpork only).

Ahem, here we go:

1. Daffy trying to be sneaky with disguises but every time he’s found out by Porky, and Porky doesn’t have the heart to tell him his lisp is way too obvious even when he pitches it differently

2. Porky uses Daffy’s arm as an umbrella because water slides off the feathers, Daffy pretends to huff about it but he secretly enjoys helping out

3. Actor AU Daffy is nervous about his first performance ever because of his big ol’ celebrity crush on Porky

4. Actor AU other way around, Porky is trying to guide a new actor and can’t help but be a little gay fool cuz the new actor is a cutie pie

5. Daffy can’t find anything in his size at the mall so porky tailors something for him that fits perfectly and it’s adorable or something

6. Daffy can’t keep his hands to himself and Porky admonishes him for being grabby but then he realizes he does it to Daffy too and is embarrassed

7. Daffy tells Bugs to pretend to hit him in front of Porky as a prank, Bugs says he doesn’t want to die, Daffy flippantly tells him Porky wouldn’t hurt a fly so Bugs goes through with it then regrets it because he’s getting a death stare and many silent threats now

8. Porky helps Daffy stay warm when he has to stay behind in the winter against his instincts and nature- SUPER FLUFFY.

9. Bugs realizes that Porky gives Daffy special treatment when he tries to wheedle an extra break out of him like he saw the duck do earlier and fails miserably

10. Porky injures himself on set and the person responsible mysteriously finds themselves with bad luck and a significant target on their back for pranks

11. Daffy sheds his flight feathers and confesses the vulnerability it makes him feel to Porky- fluffy fluffy idea.. I wrote a fic like this before but I’m not v happy with it cuz I was 13 but I’m going to revisit it with a new lens!

12. Porky proposes to Daffy or vice versa, they have a goofy little wedding and they love each other and it’s great

13. Porky has a sense for Daffy’s trouble and automatically sets precautions for his tomfoolery without even realizing it. Close that window, use this fire extinguisher now, 🦆 your head here.. etc etc.

14. Someone flirts with either of the sillies and they just rant about their husband until they give up

15. Cadet finds Dodgers has been kidnapped by space pirates and a crew of Martians and finds out he’ll do anything to get his captain back! And realizes why that is along the way.. (this one’s definitely a fic idea as opposed to a drawing)

16. TLTS (not a huge fan but I do like it if I just add some tweaks to porky’s personality cause they made him too much of a pushover) Daffy doesn’t stop therapy and Porky can finally pursue something genuine with him as he learns to be a better person

17. NLT/Wabbit, Daffy admits the reason he’s been chasing after Porky and annoying him this whole time is because he likes him and doesn’t know how to ask him to hang out like a normal ass person

18. NLT/Wabbit, Cupid daffy (partially inspired by Eliza’s AU but also the episode itself) tries to relentlessly chase porky down with the love arrows but his aim is terrible and porky just feels bad for him and agrees to a date without the arrows’ help - pleasantly surprised they uhhh become boyfriends and live happily ever after :)

Ok that’s enough for today ima work on the fic I already have going on now

[eroselless]

4: the experiment

[charles leclerc x reader] | masterlist

warnings: emotional distress, description of violence, allusions to sex

series summary: in a world turned to ice, warmth is a risk. love is a weapon. and survival comes at the cost of everything human. [2.5]

Every hallway you walk through feels softer today. The lights are low, tinted gold. The same way a sunrise would feel like.  The air smells faintly of coconuts and some synthetic musk that clings to your clothes the longer you move through it.

Someone tells you at breakfast—in a tone that’s way too cheerful—that today is Connection Day.

There’s a schedule written on a wall panel near the dining area entrance, looping in gentle cursive:

❧ 10:00 AM – Partner Massage Practice (Trust & Release) ❧ 11:30 AM – Group Yoga (Heart Center Opening) ❧ 1:00 PM – Guided Emotional Mapping (Paired) ❧ 2:30 PM – Free Exploration Time (Suggested: “The Chill Lounge”) ❧ 4:00 PM – “Speak Freely”: Deep Listening Circles

Nothing seems too out of the ordinary. Soft. Calming. But it almost feels like someone is trying very hard to make you feel that way.

You haven't seen Charles since last night. He hadn’t said goodbye—not exactly, anyway. Just a quiet glance at your door, followed by the smallest of nods and a brief pause. Like he wanted to say more. Then he disappeared down the hallway without another sound.

Now, as you pass rooms in the halls, they’re filled with people stretching, hugging, breathing in sync with strangers. You walk by a common room where two girls are lying on a floor mat, fingers intertwined, whispering what sound like affirmations to each other. A smiling staff member takes notes from a corner.

Everywhere you turn, people are being observed. Not obviously—always in subtle, quiet ways—but always there. Hidden tablets, a nod between staff members when someone laughs a little too hard or looks like they’re about to cry.

You keep walking.

When you open the door labeled THE CHILL LOUNGE, the temperature drops immediately. Cold air rushes past your cheeks and seeps through your thin clothes, making your skin prickle as you wander in quietly.

The walls are pale, almost steel blue, with glass windows—faintly frosted, making it look like the inside of a freezer. A light blinks overhead, coating the room in a bluish hue. The room is quiet except for the occasional click of a chess piece.

Pairs of people sit at glass tables with chess boards glowing between them. The couple sitting closest to you aren’t speaking. Just staring at each other between moves, long, deliberate pauses. The young man is sweating, drops beading at his hairline despite the cool room. The woman is calm, her fingers lingering a little too long on each piece. Her lips are slightly parted, watching.

The game doesn’t feel like a game. It feels like a twisted kind of foreplay. The way she runs her finger along the top of the pawn before making her move. The way he swallows hard, flicking his gaze to her exposed neckline before looking back at the board. The tension between them is palpable—not just psychological. It's physical, performative. Sensual.

Yet, there’s something that feels deeply wrong. Behind the frosted glass, you notice a panel—dark and almost invisible unless you’re looking for it. Someone’s watching from the other side. Recording reactions. Expressions. Timing.

You blink, a flutter of unease igniting in your stomach. You step back to leave—your body telling you that you’re somewhere you shouldn’t be.

“Don’t,” a voice says behind you. “They’ll think you’re not participating.”

You turn. Charles is standing in the doorway, his arms crossed, eyes flickered around the room. His expression is unreadable.

“How long have you been standing there?” He shrugs. “Long enough.” Your eyes flick back to the players.

“They’re watching all of them.” “They’re watching all of us.”

You pause, machinery whirring in the back of your mind. 

“The more I think about it, it’s starting to feel like they didn’t just rescue us.”

Charles’s lips are pressed into a thin line. He doesn’t blink.

“It feels like we're rats in their experiments.” The words hang in the cold air like a breath.

Your eyes wander over his frame. He looks tired, the bags under his eyes dark as if he hasn’t been sleeping. His stubble is darker, and his voice has a roughness that wasn’t there yesterday. He squirms under your gaze, his own falling to the floor in front of him, eyes empty.

“I lost someone here,” he adds, almost under his breath. You want to ask. But you don’t. You can already see it—in the look on his face, a slight shine in his eyes. Not just grief, but guilt.

Behind you, a soft tone chimes. A voice echoes through the room from the intercom above: “Sector C participants, please proceed to your matched activity stations. You will find your name on the wall panel. Touch to confirm.”

You and Charles glance back into the hallway. Your names glow orange on a digital panel. Next to yours: Hydrotherapy Room 2A – Partner Sensory Mapping. A lump grows in your throat. You look over at Charles, who’s already dismissing the location where he’s supposed to be.

“What does that mean?”

He doesn’t answer, just looks blankly at you for a second. But something in his expression hardens.

“Just be careful,” he mutters before turning away.

Blinking, you walk away.

Eventually, you make your way to Hydrotherapy Room 2A. Before you can enter, a staff member—expressionless and serene—greets you.

She leads you into a small chamber, bathrobes and swimsuits folded on a bench in front of you. It’s dimly lit, clean, and warm. A single bathing suit sits on the bench—black, sleek, minimal.

“Change into this and you can proceed into the pool room. No underlayers permitted. You can leave your clothing in the locker. Your partner is waiting for you,” she says, her voice monotonous.

She leaves, closing the door behind her.

You’re left standing alone, the hum echoing quietly around you. The bathing suit feels too odd in your hands. Too personal, too intimate almost. You hesitate, putting it back down. You touch the hem of your shirt, feeling the fabric between your fingers. Then slowly, you pull it off—layer by layer.

Your skin prickles as you slip into the suit. Not from the cold. Not from being unprepared. But from the thought that they might be watching you, even now. You leave your clothes folded neatly in a locker, shove your shoes in too, and make your way in.

The room is blanketed in a soft orange and yellow light, like a sunset. The room is coated in a thin veil of mist, a gentle cool fog seemingly draping over every inch of it. You see your name on the wall, glowing again, next to another one and POD 07.

You make your way over and see him. He’s about your age, a year or two older. His bathing suit matches yours—black, sleek, and fitted around his hips. He’s already standing in the pool of warm water, droplets clinging to his tanned skin. His curls are slightly damp, eyes already on you. He smiles a nervous smile when he meets your eyes, taking a sharp breath. There’s something about the way he smiles—slow, coaxing—that makes your stomach twist.

He nods toward the spot beside him. He whispers his name to you as you slide in, the water rising to just above your navel. Lando.

The floor is warm and textured beneath your feet. Though the water is just right, you can't help the shiver that runs up your spine as you move in front of Lando. You smile at him nervously, suddenly flustered at what awaits you.

“Partners, please take your place,” a voice purrs through the speaker above—low, velvety, and indulgent. “This is a sacred hour of mirrored energy. You are here to witness. To touch. To awaken.”

Lando watches you the entire time, his eyes not knowing where to land. He examines your every move. The rise and fall of your chest. The hesitance in your steps, the tremble in your fingers. He watches it all. 

There’s an electric vibration that feels like it's being fed into the water, urging you to reach out to each other.

You don’t stop your eyes from wandering, taking in the way droplets trace down the expanse of his smooth chest. How his blue-green eyes seem to glow in the dim light, drawing you in. His skin glistens, water rippling as he shifts in place. A scar on his shoulder that almost looks like  it's perfectly placed. You blink quickly, forcing your gaze away from the water that continues to cascade down his arms, tracing a path you almost want to follow.

“Align your breathing,” the instructor’s voice purrs. “Let your bodies become mirrors. Stand close enough to feel the warmth from each other. Hands at your sides. Let the tension be acknowledged.”

You both shift closer, Lando’s chest almost brushing yours. You can feel the heat of his skin even through the humid air. Your hands stay at your sides, wading in the water.

“Are you ok?” he asks, his voice threaded with curiosity. You nod. “Yeah. Just… different.”

He nods too, a faint smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. You notice the hint of confusion in his eyes. “Yeah. Different.”

“Now, close your eyes, reach forward. Let your hands find their place on your partner’s body. Where they land naturally. Do not overthink it. Let instinct guide you.”

You swallow hard as your shaky hands lift almost on their own. One lands on his shoulder, the other at his ribcage. His hands mirror yours, palms pressed gently against your bare skin. His touch is firm but not rough—gentle yet purposeful.

His thumb brushes over your rib, sliding just beneath the swell of your breast, just once. You shiver.

“Bring your foreheads together. Let breath meet breath. Keep your eyes open. See your partner. Acknowledge the vulnerability. Hold each other. Do not resist the impulse to lean in.”

You raise your hands, and he does the same, finding purchase at your hips. Your hand ghosts over his chest as he guides you closer.

The intimacy of the touch is overwhelming. You can feel the tension pulled taut between you, your breaths beginning to mingle. Your skin feels sticky as he presses his forehead against yours.

His hands glide up your sides, leaving trails of warmth. 

From the corner of his eye, Lando watches as the strap of your swimsuit slips down one shoulder. 

He pulls his face from yours, his lips parting as his fingers brush over the now-exposed skin. They trace over the muscle, tempted to pinch it. Water drips from his digits over your chest, forcing a sharp breath from you. There’s a look in his eyes, something you couldn’t quite identify. 

“Is this okay?” he murmurs. You swallow, nodding. “Yeah.”

It’s not okay.

If what Charles said yesterday is true, even the slightest touch could trigger what happened in the hallway. It could happen to anyone.

And yet, for some reason… you don’t want it to stop.

It's something in the air, something in the water. Something growing in the pit of your stomach that sends signals down between your legs. 

His grip tightens, fingers moving to the back of your neck, thumb moving under your jaw and gently angling your face a bit higher. You can feel his chest rising and falling as it now presses against yours. His breath is hot against your cheek as he presses his nose against yours. His lips are so close you can feel the heat radiating from them, your own breath shallow and uneven.

And just as his mouth ghosts over yours— The alarm tears through the hydrotherapy room, shrill and jarring.You both flinch apart, hands falling away. Your pulse pounds in your ears.

The water feels colder, the warmth from just moments ago now missing. A red light flashes beneath the mirrored wall. An automated voice hums:

“EMERGENCY SYSTEMS CHECK. All participants report to Recovery Wing C.”

Your hand shakes as you pull the strap back up, avoiding Lando’s eyes.

But when you glance toward the mirrored glass, you see him.

Charles.

Still. Watching. Unmoving.

･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ

For a moment, Charles tries to convince himself that what he’s seeing isn’t real. That Lando isn’t actually there—alive and right in front of him. The sight almost knocks the air from his lungs as he watches his friend pull you in close. 

He remembers the moment it happened—the very first time he witnessed the virus up close. Carlos had invited the both of them, along with Alexandra to his summer home on the coast of Spain. It had been over winter break, just after the season had ended. They’d been having dinner together, reminiscing about their time as teammates, catching up.

It had been a quiet evening. All of them around the table, when Reyes had walked in, a gush of cold air rushed through the open doorway. Then, in the blink of an eye, everything changed. Carlos lunged across the kitchen, a crazed look in his eyes as he sank his teeth into his former teammate’s shoulder. Charles stood up on instinct, an arm stretched out in front of his Alex.  She and Rebecca shrieked, the latter rushing at her boyfriend, trying to yank him off of the smaller man. He tried to shuffle his way out the door, arms shielding Alex as much as he could. He hadn’t seen Carlos Sr appearing, the same wild look in his eye as he ripped Alex away. 

It was months ago, back when the sickness had only been whispered about in the smallest towns of Europe.

Charles had been frozen in place, helpless as Alexandra wailed in pain, trying to pry herself away from Carlos’s grip before eventually going still. Rebecca was gone, lying on the ground next to a bleeding out Lando, his eyes glazed over. The change happened in just a few seconds—the same vacant, rabid look overtaking Lando’s eyes. He’d taken a single look at Charles, before the older man ran out, the neighbourhood descending into chaos. He somehow managed to escape and get help, grief gnawing at his gut. He lost many people that day. 

Now, as Charles watches Lando move closer to you, he can’t help the feelings brewing in his chest. It’s confusing, disorienting—he can’t make sense of it. The shock of seeing his friend alive collides with the unsettling memory of his transformation, and he doesn’t know whether to feel relief, anger, or something else entirely.

And just when the tension between them thickens—just when Lando’s mouth is about to meet yours—the alarm blares.

Charles doesn’t move. His heart races, but he stays rooted in place, eyes still on the two of you. He watches as you jerk apart, their bodies tense, chest heaving, as if a spell was shattered. He can’t help but feel the bitter irony of it. Just when he thought he had finally accepted everything that happened—Lando, Alexandra, Carlos, Rebecca, the chaos that followed—here he is, standing in the same room, like he never left.

[scotianostra]

July 13th 1900 saw the birth of Elizabeth “Bessie” Watson in Edinburgh.

Born just off the Grassmarket, at 11 The Vennel to Agnes Newton and Horatio Watson, Bessie did not take long to make her mark in the world, at the tender age of 9 she combined her two greatest loves: bagpiping and woman’s suffrage, the latter makes her arguably the youngest in Scotland, if not the world.

When she turned seven, Bessie’s aunt Margaret contracted tuberculosis – an incident which would change the youngster’s life forever. Margaret lived with the family, and Bessie’s parents, worried that she might fall ill to the contagious disease, encouraged her to take up the bagpipes in a bid to strengthen her weak lungs. Her first set of pipes was specially-produced according to her diminutive stature as she was too small to properly inflate an adult-sized bag. The half-sized set of pipes was purchased from Robertson’s pipe makers at 58 Grove Street. “I hurried home from school and carried it, in a brown paper parcel down to my (music) teacher”, Bessie recalled. As one of the very few female bagpipe players in the world at that time – not to mention one of the youngest – Bessie took to her new instrument with great enthusiasm.

Bessie had more than her bag pipe playing to make her worthy of a post here, while walking with her mother through the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland, Bessie stopped to look at the window of the Women’s Social and Political Union office. Bessie became excited about the idea of women receiving the right to vote, even though she wouldn’t be able to vote for many years.

Bessie realized that her talents could help promote votes for women. She would run from school each day to play her bagpipes outside of the Calton Jail in Edinburgh for fellow suffragettes in prison.

At the first suffrage pageant she performed at, she wore a sash with the words “Votes for Women” as she performed with her bagpipes. At the height of the suffragette movement, Bessie was playing at major demonstrations and parades for the Women’s Social and Political Union, including the famous procession through Edinburgh on 9th October 1909. On that day a large crowd watched as hundreds of banner-laden ladies, wearing the suffragist colours of purple, white and green, marched down Princes Street before congregating at Waverley Market for a rally led by Emmeline Pankhurst. Watson rode on a float beside a woman dressed as Isabella Duff, Countess of Buchan in her cage! Isabella is famed for crowning Robert the Bruce at Scone when he seized the Scottish crown, she was later captured with the Bruce family and held prisoner in a cage in the open air at Berwick for four years.

Back to oor Bessie, who just a ten year-old she travelled to London to play her bagpipes in a women’s march on June 17th, 1911. J ust a few weeks later, for George’s state visit to Edinburgh, Bessie, leading the 2nd Edinburgh Company of the Girl Guides, received recognition from the king himself as she raised her salute. Having secured regal acknowledgement in time for her 11th birthday, Scotland’s youngest female piper continued in her quest to support women’s rights, accompanying inmates bound for Holloway Prison to Waverley Station and playing the pipes as their trains departed.

For the part she played in Edinburgh’s historic women’s rights pageant of 1909, young Bessie received a special gift from one very prominent individual. Christabel Pankhurst (daughter of Emmeline) came to Edinburgh to address a meeting at the King’s Theatre and Bessie was invited to attend. During the evening she was presented with a brooch representing Queen Boadicea (Boudica) in her chariot, as a token of gratitude for her help in the pageant.

During WWI, Bessie was just a teenager and used her talents to make a difference in other ways. She began helping the Scots Guard to recruit army volunteers by playing her bagpipes

In 1926 Bessie moved with her parents to a new house on Clark Road, Trinity where she would remain for the rest of her days. Following her marriage to electrical contractor John Somerville at the end of the Second World War, Bessie devoted her life to teaching music and foreign languages. Former neighbours recall that, even into her late eighties, Bessie continued to play her bagpipes at 11am every morning. It was something she had always done.

Bessie died in 1992, two and a half weeks short of her 92nd birthday. Over the course of her long life she had experienced almost a century of social progression and upheaval, and had played her part in changing the world for the better.

A pictorial tribute was unveiled at The Vennel in Edinburgh on August 1st 2019 in memory of Bessie, the University of Edinburgh also have a lecture room named in her honour.

[digitaldetoxworld]

Building Your Own Operating System: A Beginner’s Guide

An operating system (OS) is an essential component of computer systems, serving as an interface between hardware and software. It manages system resources, provides services to users and applications, and ensures efficient execution of processes. Without an OS, users would have to manually manage hardware resources, making computing impractical for everyday use.

Lightweight operating system for old laptops

Functions of an Operating System

Operating systems perform several crucial functions to maintain system stability and usability. These functions include:

1. Process Management

 The OS allocates resources to processes and ensures fair execution while preventing conflicts. It employs algorithms like First-Come-First-Serve (FCFS), Round Robin, and Shortest Job Next (SJN) to optimize CPU utilization and maintain system responsiveness.

2. Memory Management

The OS tracks memory usage and prevents memory leaks by implementing techniques such as paging, segmentation, and virtual memory. These mechanisms enable multitasking and improve overall system performance.

3. File System Management

It provides mechanisms for reading, writing, and deleting files while maintaining security through permissions and access control. File systems such as NTFS, FAT32, and ext4 are widely used across different operating systems.

4. Device Management

 The OS provides device drivers to facilitate interaction with hardware components like printers, keyboards, and network adapters. It ensures smooth data exchange and resource allocation for input/output (I/O) operations.

5. Security and Access Control

 It enforces authentication, authorization, and encryption mechanisms to protect user data and system integrity. Modern OSs incorporate features like firewalls, anti-malware tools, and secure boot processes to prevent unauthorized access and cyber threats.

6. User Interface

 CLI-based systems, such as Linux terminals, provide direct access to system commands, while GUI-based systems, such as Windows and macOS, offer intuitive navigation through icons and menus.

Types of Operating Systems

Operating systems come in various forms, each designed to cater to specific computing needs. Some common types include:

1. Batch Operating System

These systems were widely used in early computing environments for tasks like payroll processing and scientific computations.

2. Multi-User Operating System

 It ensures fair resource allocation and prevents conflicts between users. Examples include UNIX and Windows Server.

3. Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)

RTOS is designed for time-sensitive applications, where processing must occur within strict deadlines. It is used in embedded systems, medical devices, and industrial automation. Examples include VxWorks and FreeRTOS.

4  Mobile Operating System

Mobile OSs are tailored for smartphones and tablets, offering touchscreen interfaces and app ecosystems. 

5  Distributed Operating System

Distributed OS manages multiple computers as a single system, enabling resource sharing and parallel processing. It is used in cloud computing and supercomputing environments. Examples include Google’s Fuchsia and Amoeba.

Popular Operating Systems

Several operating systems dominate the computing landscape, each catering to specific user needs and hardware platforms.

1. Microsoft Windows

 It is popular among home users, businesses, and gamers. Windows 10 and 11 are the latest versions, offering improved performance, security, and compatibility.

2. macOS

macOS is Apple’s proprietary OS designed for Mac computers. It provides a seamless experience with Apple hardware and software, featuring robust security and high-end multimedia capabilities.

3. Linux

Linux is an open-source OS favored by developers, system administrators, and security professionals. It offers various distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian, each catering to different user preferences.

4. Android

It is based on the Linux kernel and supports a vast ecosystem of applications.

5. iOS

iOS is Apple’s mobile OS, known for its smooth performance, security, and exclusive app ecosystem. It powers iPhones and iPads, offering seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Future of Operating Systems

The future of operating systems is shaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and edge computing. Some key trends include:

1. AI-Driven OS Enhancements

AI-powered features, such as voice assistants and predictive automation, are becoming integral to modern OSs. AI helps optimize performance, enhance security, and personalize user experiences.

2. Cloud-Based Operating Systems

Cloud OSs enable users to access applications and data remotely. Chrome OS is an example of a cloud-centric OS that relies on internet connectivity for most functions.

3. Edge Computing Integration

With the rise of IoT devices, edge computing is gaining importance. Future OSs will focus on decentralized computing, reducing latency and improving real-time processing.

4. Increased Focus on Security

Cyber threats continue to evolve, prompting OS developers to implement advanced security measures such as zero-trust architectures, multi-factor authentication, and blockchain-based security.

[manglastubh]

If your Windows 11 computer is running slow, How to Fix Slow Performance in Windows 11, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to boost performance. Follow this detailed, step-by-step guide.

[global-newz]

Ruben Amorim: "Now or Never" Decision on Manchester United Move

Ruben Amorim, who has established himself as one of Europe’s brightest coaching talents, will soon lead Manchester United as their new head coach. The 39-year-old Sporting Lisbon manager explained that he originally intended to finish the current season in Portugal but had to accept the move mid-season when told it was “now or never.”

Mid-Season Move to Old Trafford

Amorim was officially announced as United’s head coach on Friday, and his transition to Manchester will be complete by November 11. After Sporting’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Estrela da Amadora, Amorim shared his struggle in making the decision. "For three days, I insisted on staying until the season's end, but the opportunity was urgent, and I had to decide quickly," he said. The urgency arose as Manchester United sought an immediate successor following the sacking of Erik ten Hag earlier this week.

Despite the bittersweet emotions among Sporting supporters, Amorim emphasized his commitment to ending his time at the club on a high note. “It was tougher for me than any fan,” he confessed. He added, “I had other lucrative offers, but Manchester was the only one I wanted.”

Manchester United’s Expectations

Amorim has agreed to a contract through June 2027 and will become United's sixth permanent manager since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. The Red Devils, currently in 14th place in the Premier League, are in dire need of rejuvenation. Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as interim manager until Amorim officially takes over, guiding the team through two league matches and a Europa League fixture.

Amorim also confirmed plans to bring his entire technical staff to Manchester. “My staff has been with me since Casa Pia,” he said, highlighting the loyalty and synergy he shares with his coaching team. He also ruled out targeting Sporting players during the January transfer window, despite Viktor Gyokeres’ incredible four-goal performance. “Gyokeres costs 100 million, and I’m not planning to take any Sporting players,” he clarified.

Lisbon's Farewell and Premier League Reaction

BBC Sport journalist Olga Monteiro reported from Lisbon, describing the emotional farewell. Fans gathered in a sea of green, some celebrating Amorim’s achievements and others voicing disappointment at his departure. Nonetheless, Amorim received a standing ovation, reflecting his lasting impact on the club.

In the Premier League, Amorim’s appointment has sparked interest. Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, a former United coach, wished Amorim success, while Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca expressed faith in United’s decision. Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou, whose Spurs defeated United 3-0 earlier this season, looked forward to meeting Amorim, noting, “He will have his feet firmly under the desk by then.”

Amorim’s Manchester United journey begins with high stakes and immense expectations, but the Portuguese coach is ready to embrace this new challenge, confident in the support of his trusted staff and the club's belief in his vision.

[fitlifefuel]

How to Free Up Space on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

As your Windows 10 system accumulates more files and applications, it can start to slow down and become less efficient. Freeing up space not only improves your system’s performance but also extends its lifespan. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to free up space on Windows 10, going beyond the basics to ensure you have a well-optimized system.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding Disk Space Usage

Utilizing Built-in Windows Tools

Disk Cleanup

Storage Sense

Uninstalling Unnecessary Applications

Managing Temporary and Cached Files

Cleaning Up System Files

Windows Update Cleanup

System Restore and Shadow Copies

Using Third-Party Disk Cleaners

Handling Large Files and Folders

Moving Data to External Storage

Using Cloud Storage Solutions

Conclusion

1. Introduction

As modern software and files grow larger, managing disk space effectively becomes crucial. This guide offers practical steps and tips to reclaim disk space on your Windows 10 computer, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.

2. Understanding Disk Space Usage

Before freeing up space, it’s essential to understand how your disk space is being used. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage to view a detailed breakdown. This will help identify which areas need attention.

3. Utilizing Built-in Windows Tools

Disk Cleanup

Windows 10 features a built-in Disk Cleanup tool designed to delete unnecessary files. To access it:

Type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar and select the app.

Choose the drive you want to clean.

Select the file types to delete (e.g., temporary files, system cache).

Storage Sense

Storage Sense automates disk cleanup. To enable it:

Go to Settings > System > Storage.

Toggle on Storage Sense and configure settings to regularly delete temporary files.

4. Uninstalling Unnecessary Applications

Unused applications take up significant space. To uninstall them:

Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

Review the list and uninstall non-essential programs.

5. Managing Temporary and Cached Files

Temporary files can quickly accumulate and consume disk space. Use Disk Cleanup or third-party tools to regularly clear these files. Browsers also store cached data, which can be cleared from the browser settings.

6. Cleaning Up System Files

Windows Update Cleanup

Old update files can take up substantial space. Disk Cleanup includes an option to remove these:

Open Disk Cleanup and select Clean up system files.

Choose Windows Update Cleanup.

System Restore and Shadow Copies

System Restore points and shadow copies can consume significant disk space. Manage these by:

Typing “System Protection” in the search bar.

Selecting the drive and clicking Configure.

Adjusting the Max Usage slider to limit space usage.

7. Using Third-Party Disk Cleaners

Third-party tools like CCleaner provide more comprehensive cleaning options. They can remove junk files, clean registries, and manage startup programs to free up space.

8. Handling Large Files and Folders

Identifying and managing large files is crucial. Use tools like WinDirStat to find large files and folders. Consider moving non-essential large files to external storage.

9. Moving Data to External Storage

Free up space by moving data such as videos, photos, and documents to external hard drives or USB sticks. Ensure you regularly back up important data to avoid loss.

10. Using Cloud Storage Solutions

Cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox offer substantial space. Move infrequently accessed files to the cloud to save local disk space.

11. Conclusion

Regular maintenance and mindful storage practices can keep your Windows 10 system running efficiently. Use the tips and tools outlined in this guide to manage and optimize your disk space effectively.

External Authoritative Sources

Microsoft Support: Free up drive space in Windows

CCleaner Official Website

How-To Geek: The Ultimate Guide to Freeing Up Space on Your Windows PC

By following these detailed steps, you can efficiently manage and optimize your disk space on Windows 10, ensuring your system remains fast and reliable.

[batteryhome]

Gamers are finally flocking to Windows 11 after 3 years

Windows 11 is getting a lot more popular lately. In the latest Steam hardware survey, Valve clocked that 51.97% of its user base is now using Windows 11, which is a 4.28% increase compared to last month and the highest share the operating system has ever seen, despite being readily available for over three years.

Windows 10, the second-most popular operating system on Steam, fell by 2.71%, and now makes up 45.95% of the users Valve surveyed. Just a couple of months ago, when Valve released its August survey results, Windows 11 overtook Windows 10 for the first time in the hardware survey. The gap is only widening now, with the share lost by Windows 10 going almost directly to Windows 11. Earlier this year, Windows 11 adoption was actually down on the Steam hardware survey, with some claiming that Windows 10 offered better gaming performance.

It’s not exactly surprising that gamers are migrating. Microsoft is retiring Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, just shy of a year from now. From there, Microsoft is offering an extra year of security updates, but only for users who pay $30. By now, most PCs can install Windows 11 for free, including years of security updates, so it makes sense to jump ship before Windows 10 is officially retired.

There’s no doubt that Windows 11 is better than Windows 10 now, but the operating system still has its problems, especially for PC gamers. Just recently, AMD’s Ryzen 9000 CPUs showed surprisingly poor performance at launch, which was largely the result of Windows 11. The newest 24H2 update fixed the issues, but these types of bugs and oddities are common with Windows 11 and PC gaming hardware, even three years after release.

Although the Steam hardware survey isn’t always the most accurate source of data month-to-month, we’ve seen a consistent trend toward Windows 11 since the middle of this year. Elsewhere in the survey, the results are a bit strange. For instance, the RTX 3060 saw a 1.53% increase over last month, now representing 7.24% of Valve’s user base. That doesn’t make a ton of sense given that the RTX 3060 isn’t one of the best graphics cards you can buy anymore, and the newer RTX 4060 offers better performance for around the same price.

If you’re a recent convert to Windows 11, make sure to check out our guide on how to optimize Windows 11 for gaming. Compared to Windows 10, the newer OS has a ton of additional features for PC gamers, including the latest Xbox Game Bar — which is important for CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D — and DirectStorage.