Help Desk Geek https://helpdeskgeek.com Tech Tips from Trusted Tech Experts Mon, 31 Jul 2023 03:52:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.3 How to Apply Small Caps in Microsoft Word https://helpdeskgeek.com/office-tips/how-to-apply-small-caps-in-microsoft-word/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/office-tips/how-to-apply-small-caps-in-microsoft-word/#disqus_thread Sandy Writtenhouse]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72647

If you want to subtly emphasize a word or phrase in your Microsoft Word document, you can apply “small caps” to the text. This formats the font with all capital […]]]>
If you want to subtly emphasize a word or phrase in your Microsoft Word document, you can apply “small caps” to the text. This formats the font with all capital letters while slightly reducing the size.

You can use small caps in Word on Windows and Mac easily. The feature isn’t currently available in Word for the web or the Word mobile app; however, there is a workaround you can use if you like. Let’s take a look.

Apply Small Caps in Word on Windows

To format a word, phrase, sentence, or paragraph as small caps in Word on Windows, follow these simple steps.

  1. Select the text. You can do this by double-clicking a word, triple-clicking a paragraph, or dragging your cursor through the entire string.
  2. Right-click and choose Font or open the Font launcher by clicking the arrow in the bottom right corner of the Font group on the Home tab.
  1. In the Font dialog box that appears, make sure the Font tab is selected. Then, check the box for Small caps in the Effects section. Select OK to apply the formatting.

You’ll then see your existing text update to small caps.

Tip: For a quick way to apply small caps, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + K.

Apply Small Caps in Word on Mac

You can format your text as small caps in Word for Mac as easily as Word on Windows, just slightly differently.

  1. Select the text you want to format by double- or triple-clicking or dragging your cursor through it.
  2. Right-click and choose Font or select Format > Font from the menu bar.
  1. In the Font window, confirm you’re on the Font tab and mark the Small caps checkbox in the Effects section. Select the OK button to apply the formatting.

You can then see that your selected text is displayed in small caps.

Tip: For a fast way to do small caps, use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + K.

Apply Small Caps in Word on the Web

As mentioned, the small caps effect isn’t available in Word on the web. One way to mimic this is by changing the text case and then decreasing the font size.

  1. Select the text you want to format by double- or triple-clicking or dragging your cursor through it.
  2. Go to the Home tab and open the Change Case drop-down menu in the Font section. Select UPPER CASE.
  1. With your text still selected, use the Font Size drop-down box in the same Font section to choose a smaller size.

You’ll then see your text appear in a small caps format. While maybe not the ideal solution, it works.

Apply Small Caps in Word on Mobile

Like Word on the web, the mobile app for Android and iPhone doesn’t offer the small caps option. However, you can use the same workaround to apply all caps and reduce the font size.

  1. Select the text you want to format by tapping to highlight a word and then dragging the blue circle or indicator to select any remaining words.
  2. On Android, tap Edit in the toolbar or on iPhone, tap the Format button at the top.
  3. When the menu displays at the bottom, confirm you’re in the Home section and pick More Formatting.
  1. Select Change Case and choose UPPERCASE. Use the arrow on the top left of the bottom pop-up screen to return.
  1. Tap the Font Size option and use the slider, minus button, or list to pick a smaller font size.

Swipe to close the bottom screen, and your text will be updated to resemble the small caps formatting.

Stop Yelling, Emphasize Subtly

By formatting your text with a small caps font in Word, you can add emphasis to words or other text without making those words jump off the page as if you’re yelling at the reader.

With any luck, Microsoft will bring the official small caps feature to Word on the web and the mobile app. Until then, hopefully the workaround described here helps you accomplish what you need.

For more Microsoft Office tutorials, look at how to vertically align text in Word.

]]>
https://helpdeskgeek.com/office-tips/how-to-apply-small-caps-in-microsoft-word/feed/ 0
How to Find a Lost or Stolen Chromebook https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-find-a-lost-or-stolen-chromebook/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-find-a-lost-or-stolen-chromebook/#disqus_thread Paula Beaton]]> Sat, 29 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72610

One of the best things about Chromebooks is their portability. Unfortunately, if you’re always on the go with your Chromebook, whether in your home town or abroad, there’s an increased […]]]>
One of the best things about Chromebooks is their portability. Unfortunately, if you’re always on the go with your Chromebook, whether in your home town or abroad, there’s an increased risk of it being lost or stolen. If the worst happens and you’ve left your Chromebook somewhere but can’t remember where — or if somebody has stolen it — don’t panic!

There’s a quick and easy way to find your missing device using the handy Find My Chromebook feature from Google. You can even set up remote access to connect remotely to your Chromebook from another computer. If you can’t find your Chromebook, you can easily log out remotely to prevent anybody from accessing your Google account or personal data.

How to Use Find My Chromebook to Find a Lost or Stolen Chromebook

The Find My Chromebook feature is designed to help you track down a missing Chromebook, whether it has been lost or stolen.

Using Find My Chromebook With Your Google Account

Here’s how to get started using the feature if the worst has happened and you can’t find your Chromebook.

Note: In order for Find My Chromebook to locate your missing device, it must be online.

  1. On another device, such as a computer or laptop, sign in to your Google account.
  2. Select Security from the left panel.
  3. Scroll down to Your Devices, and you’ll see a list of all the devices that have recently signed in to your Google account.
  4. Choose Manage All Devices.
  5. Select your Chromebook from the list.
  6. On the device page, you should see your Chromebook’s current status. You should also be able to see its most recent location under Recent Activity.
  1. If you can’t locate your Chromebook using Find My Chromebook, you can log out of your Google account to protect your data.
  2. If you manage to find your device, you might want to powerwash (factory reset) your Chromebook to ensure nothing unwanted has been installed on it.

How to Log Out of Your Google Account on a Lost or Stolen Chromebook

If you’ve been unable to find your missing device using Find My Chromebook, you might be worried somebody else could access your Google account and your personal data. Luckily, it’s easy to log out of your Google account remotely to protect your data and prevent anybody else from accessing it. Here’s how to do that:

  1. On another device, such as a computer or laptop, sign in to your Google account.
  2. Select Security from the left panel.
  3. Scroll down to Your Devices, and you’ll see a list of all the devices that have recently signed in to your Google account.
  4. Choose Manage All Devices.
  5. Select your missing Chromebook from the list of devices.
  6. Under your device name, click the Sign Out button to sign out of your Google account on your missing Chromebook.
  1. Your account will be signed out so anybody using your Chromebook will need your password to log into your Google account.

Setting up Remote Access on Your Chromebook

If you know you’re traveling to an area where there’s a particularly high risk your Chromebook may be lost or stolen, you might want to set up remote access in advance, so you can access it from another computer. This is a great feature, but you will need to set it up using your Chromebook in advance every time you plan to use it.

  1. On your Windows PC (the one you want to access your Chromebook from), launch Chrome and go to the Google Chrome Remote Desktop site.
  2. Select Remote Access from the left-hand menu.
  3. In the Set Up Remote Access box, click the blue triangle (it’s pointing down) to open a Chrome Web Store tab.
  1. Select Add to Chrome to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension, then select Add Extension to confirm.
  2. In the Ready to Install box, choose Accept and Install, then select Yes to confirm.
  3. Once the installer package has downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
  1. Name your host computer and select Next.
  2. Enter a PIN then choose Start.
  1. To share the screen with another computer, select the Chrome Remote Desktop extension from the Chrome toolbar.
  2. Then, on your Chromebook, go to the Google Chrome Remote Desktop site and select Access My Computer > Remote Access.
  3. Choose the computer you already set up remote access on, then enter the PIN you set up earlier.
  4. Select the arrow to connect.

There’s nothing worse than losing your Chromebook on your travels — other than having it stolen, that is. If this has happened to you, you don’t need to worry. The Find My Chromebook feature should make it easy for you to track down your lost or stolen Chromebook in just a few clicks — and it’s just one of the many cool things you can do with a Chromebook.

In the worst-case scenario, should you be unable to locate your missing device, you can easily disable your Chromebook to protect your Google account and data. You can also set up remote access in advance if you think your Chromebook will be at risk while you’re traveling. Before you go, why not check out these 12 Chromebook tips and tricks?

]]>
https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-find-a-lost-or-stolen-chromebook/feed/ 0
How to Download and Install HP Printer Drivers for Windows 11 https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-11/how-to-download-and-install-hp-printer-drivers-for-windows-11/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-11/how-to-download-and-install-hp-printer-drivers-for-windows-11/#disqus_thread Marshall Gunnell]]> Fri, 28 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72620

You may find yourself in a situation where you need to configure your HP printer, without becoming ensnared in a web of complex technical issues. HP has a user-centric process […]]]>
You may find yourself in a situation where you need to configure your HP printer, without becoming ensnared in a web of complex technical issues.

HP has a user-centric process for downloading and installing printer drivers, helping you set up and customize it to your workflow.

Download and Install Drivers Using Windows Update

You can quickly download and install HP printer drivers in Windows 11 with its Windows Update feature.

  1. In the Windows Search bar, type Windows Update and then select Windows Update settings from the search results.
  1. At the top of this page, click Check for updates. By default, Windows automatically checks for updates on a regular basis. In that case, the Check for updates option won’t appear, so you can skip this step.
  2. After Windows finishes checking for updates, scroll down and select Advanced options.
  1. Scroll down to the Additional options section and select the Optional updates option.
  1. If there are any drivers available for download, you’ll see a Driver updates option. Click it to expand it.
  1. Check the box next to the relevant printer driver if one is available, and then click Download & install.

Once the download is complete, the installation will begin automatically. You can follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the process. Make sure your HP printer is connected to your computer during this process, either through a USB cable or your local network

Download and Install Drivers From the Manufacturer’s Website

If you’re not seeing the appropriate driver for your HP printer from Windows Update, the next source you’ll want to check is the HP Customer Support website.

  1. Access the Software and Driver Download page from the official HP customer support website.
  2. Next, search for your product name in the search box to locate your printer. To the right of the search box, HP provides some examples of where you can find the product name on your printer. Or, you can select your printer name from the list of printers.
  1. After finding your printer, find the driver you’d like to install and click Download.

Once the driver is downloaded, you’ll need to install it. Click the file to open it, and the wizard will lead you through the process. The installation process may take a few minutes depending on your system and the size of the file. Don’t close the installation window during the process.

Reinstall the Printer

In most modern devices, printer drivers are downloaded and installed automatically. If you’re having trouble with your current drivers and aren’t sure what to do, a fresh start may be the best bet to make sure you have the most up-to-date drivers available.

To do this, go to Printers & Scanners and select Remove next to the printer. From there, select Add device and go through the setup process again. The drivers will then reinstall.

Simplifying HP Printer Driver Installation on Windows 11

Downloading and installing HP printer drivers on a Windows 11 computer is a straightforward process, provided you follow the right steps. Whether you use Windows Update to automatically fetch and install the drivers or download them manually from the HP Customer Support website, both methods are efficient and user-friendly. Remember, using up-to-date drivers is essential for maintaining the optimal performance and functionality of your HP printer.

Occasionally, you may also face issues that necessitate reinstalling the printer entirely. Always ensure your printer is correctly installed and configured for your specific needs. If you encounter any complications, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from HP Customer Support. After all, the goal is to have a smoothly functioning printer that facilitates your productivity, not hinders it.

]]>
https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-11/how-to-download-and-install-hp-printer-drivers-for-windows-11/feed/ 0
What Is “CTF Loader” in Windows? https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-xp-tips/what-is-ctf-loader-in-windows/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-xp-tips/what-is-ctf-loader-in-windows/#disqus_thread Jake Harfield]]> Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72599

Many Windows users report that a process called CTF Loader is consuming a significant amount of system resources, slowing down their PCs dramatically. But what is CTF Loader? And can […]]]>
Many Windows users report that a process called CTF Loader is consuming a significant amount of system resources, slowing down their PCs dramatically. But what is CTF Loader? And can you prevent it from slowing your system down so much?

In this article, we’ll explain what the CTF Loader process is and why it’s important. Then, we’ll explain how you can reduce its high CPU usage.

What Is the CTF Loader Process?

CTF Loader, or ctfmon.exe, stands for Collaborative Translation Framework Loader. It’s an important Windows process that ensures that Windows components can communicate together and work effectively.

For example, Windows uses the CTF Loader to activate different languages in Microsoft Office’s Language Bar. It also enables speech recognition, keyboard translation, and text support for different input languages.

In other words, the CTF Loader process is integral to the Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems and is required for various components to work correctly.

However, it can often drain system resources, having a particularly noticeable effect on your CPU usage. And while CTF Loader is a completely benign and official Windows program, malware can be installed on your system that mimics the process.

If you’ve noticed that the CTF Loader is slowing down your computer significantly, here’s what you can do to fix the situation.

1. Make Sure CTF Loader is Authentic

Hackers often design their malware and viruses to masquerade as common, essential Windows processes so that they go unnoticed. Unfortunately, CTF Loader is one of the common targets for this practice.

So, before trying to fix the CTF Loader error, it’s worth making sure that the file is a legitimate executable and not malicious software.

To do so:

  1. Right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
  2. Right-click CTF Loader and select Properties.
  1. Copy the file path next to “Location.”
  1. Open the File Explorer and paste the file path into the search bar, then press Enter.
  1. Right-click Ctfmon.exe and select Properties.
  1. Select the Details tab.
  2. Make sure that next to “Copyright”, it says “© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved“.

If something else is written here, it’s very likely that you have malware on your hands.

Another way to tell whether or not the CTF Loader is legitimate is by checking its file path. It should only be installed in two locations:

  1. C:\Windows\System32
  2. C:\Windows\SysWOW64

If it’s installed anywhere else, it’s likely malware or spyware. In this case, you should use your antivirus program or Windows Defender (via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security) to scan your computer and remove all traces of it.

2. Download Windows Updates

Pending or currently downloading Windows updates can occasionally cause the CTF Loader to go haywire. Download and install any currently pending Windows updates and check whether the CTF Loader stops using so much of your system resources.

To do so:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  1. Select Check for updates.
  1. Download any available updates.

3. Disable the Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service

If disabling the Text Input Management Service didn’t work, you can try disabling a related service known as the Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service. To do so:

  1. Press Ctrl + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  1. Scroll down and double-click Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Services.
  1. Set the Startup type drop-down menu to Disabled.
  1. Press OK.

4. Prevent the CTF Loader From Running

You can disable CTF Loader completely in a last-ditch effort to cut down its CPU usage. However, this can have a negative effect on Microsoft Office programs and other word processors — so proceed with caution!

To prevent CTF Loader from running:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
  2. Type taskschd.msc and press Enter.
  1. On the left side, double-click the Task Scheduler Library.
  2. Navigate to Microsoft then Windows.
  1. Double-click TextServicesFramework.
  1. Right-click MsCtfMonitor and select Disable.

5. Check Whether Windows is Corrupted

Windows 10 and 11 provide a program known as the System File Checker which can scan and repair corrupt files. To use the SFC program:

  1. Press Windows key to open the Start Menu.
  2. Search for “Command Prompt.”
  3. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  1. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Wait for the utility to search and fix any potential issues in your system, then check whether the CTF Loader issue has gone away.

Get Your PC Up to Speed

There’s nothing worse than when your PC is bricked by a random process going haywire. But hopefully, this troubleshooting guide has helped you fix CTF Loader’s high usage of CPU resources. If not, your last resort is to perform a clean boot of your system.

]]>
https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-xp-tips/what-is-ctf-loader-in-windows/feed/ 0
Microsoft Edge Shortcut Keep Appearing on Your Desktop? 5 Fixes to Try https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/microsoft-edge-shortcut-keep-appearing-on-your-desktop-5-fixes-to-try/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/microsoft-edge-shortcut-keep-appearing-on-your-desktop-5-fixes-to-try/#disqus_thread Jake Harfield]]> Thu, 27 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72579

While Microsoft Edge has made great strides in recent years, many users still prefer other browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox. However, Microsoft forces Edge onto its users in many […]]]>
While Microsoft Edge has made great strides in recent years, many users still prefer other browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox. However, Microsoft forces Edge onto its users in many ways, including by placing its shortcut on your Desktop — even after you’ve tried to delete it.

In this tutorial, we’ll explain what to do if Microsoft Edge keeps adding its shortcut to the Desktop.

5 Ways to Stop Microsoft Edge Shortcut Appearing on Desktop

Here’s what to do if Microsoft Edge keeps appearing on your Desktop. These fixes should work for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Use the Windows Registry Editor

You can use the Registry Editor to prevent Windows from adding the Microsoft Edge shortcut to your Desktop. Here’s how:

  1. Right-click on the Desktop and select New > Text Document.
  1. Paste the following command into the text document:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate]

“CreateDesktopShortcutDefault”=dword:00000000

“RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault”=dword:00000001

  1. Select File > Save As.
  2. Select the Save as type drop-down menu and choose All files.
  3. Name the file “edge.reg” and save the file to your Desktop.
  1. Double-click on your newly created file to add the new registry key. When the pop-up appears, select Yes.

Note: Before making changes to your registry files, we recommend making a backup in case anything goes wrong.

2. Disable Microsoft Edge Startup Processes

If you disable the Edge startup process, you can effectively prevent the application from adding its Desktop icon shortcut. To do so:

  1. Right-click your Taskbar and select Task Manager. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  1. On Windows 10, select Startup. On Windows 11, select Startup apps from the left-hand menu.
  2. Scroll down and find Microsoft Edge or msedge.exe. Select it, then select Disable in the top-right corner. On Windows 10, right-click the process and select Disable.

3. Remove Microsoft Edge as Default Browser

If you set the Microsoft Edge browser as your default, you grant it several permissions that allow it to do things like add a Desktop shortcut. By making another browser your default, you remove these permissions.

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Select Apps.
  1. Select Default apps.
  1. On Windows 11, search for the browser you’d like to use, then select it. Choose Set default in the top-right corner of the window. On Windows 10, select your default web browser, then choose the app you’d like to set as default.

4. Change the Group Policy

If you own Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro Edition, you can access the Group Policy Editor and prevent Edge from running on its own or reinstalling after a Windows update.

  1. Open the Start Menu and search for “gpedit.”
  2. Select Edit group policy.
  1. Expand Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components.
  2. In Windows Components, find Microsoft Edge and select it.
  3. In the right-hand pane, find “Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup, when the system is idle, and each time Microsoft Edge is closed.”
  1. Double-click this option and select Disabled.
  1. Select Apply.
  2. Do the same for “Allow Microsoft Edge to start and load the Start and New Tab page at Windows startup and each time Microsoft Edge is closed.”

You can also use the Group Policy Editor to prevent other users from adding Edge to the Desktop:

  1. Navigate to Configuration > Administrative Tools > Control Panel > Customization.
  2. Select Personalization, then disable “Prevent desktop icons from changing.”
  3. Select Apply.

Note: This option may not be available on Windows 10.

5. Turn Off Scheduled Tasks

Microsoft Edge runs several scheduled tasks in the background after you start up your PC. For example, it might check for updates (or add its shortcut to the desktop). To prevent this:

  1. Open the Start Menu and search for “task scheduler.” Select the first option.
  1. Double-click Task Scheduler Library to expand the menu.
  2. Right-click MicrosoftEdgeUpdateTaskMachineCore in the center pane.
  3. Select Disable.
  1. Do the same for MicrosoftEdgeUpdateTaskMachineUA.

Organize Your Desktop

There’s no doubt that the Chromium-based Edge browser is an improvement on Internet Explorer. But constantly seeing the Microsoft Edge icon return to your Desktop can be frustrating, especially if you don’t even use the Edge web browser.

Hopefully, this tutorial has helped you stop Edge from creating Desktop shortcuts so that you can keep everything nice and organized.

]]>
https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/microsoft-edge-shortcut-keep-appearing-on-your-desktop-5-fixes-to-try/feed/ 0