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Have you ever needed to change the boot order to install a new operating system, enable virtualization for an emulator, or troubleshoot a hardware issue? All these tasks require accessing a special setup menu on your computer called the BIOS or UEFI firmware. On an HP laptop, getting into this menu isn’t always as simple as pressing a single key, as the method can vary depending on your specific model and its age.

It might feel a bit confusing at first, but once you know the common methods, it becomes a straightforward process. Let’s walk through the most reliable ways to access the BIOS on your HP laptop, whether it’s a newer model running Windows 11 or an older machine.

The Most Common Key for HP Laptops

For the vast majority of HP laptops, the key you need to press is the F10 key. As soon as you press the power button to turn on your laptop, immediately begin tapping the F10 key repeatedly until the BIOS setup utility screen appears. Timing is important here—you need to press the key before the Windows logo shows up on the screen.

Other Keys to Try If F10 Doesn’t Work

If tapping F10 doesn’t bring up the BIOS menu, don’t worry. HP has used a few other keys over the years. The Esc key is another very common one. Tapping Esc right after powering on often brings up a startup menu, where you can then press F10 to enter BIOS setup. Other keys to try include F2, F1, and F6. The best approach is to try F10 first, then Esc, and then the others if needed.

Using Windows Settings to Access BIOS

If you’re using a newer HP laptop with Windows 10 or 11 and the key-pressing method is too fast, there’s a much easier and more reliable way. You can boot directly into the UEFI firmware from within Windows itself. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Advanced startup, click ‘Restart now’. When your laptop restarts to a blue menu, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. This will restart your computer directly into the BIOS.

A Quick Tip for a Smoother Experience

Many modern laptops use a feature called ‘Fast Startup’. This is great for booting quickly, but it can make pressing the BIOS key in time nearly impossible. If you’re having trouble, you can turn off Fast Startup. Go to Control Panel > Power Options and click ‘Choose what the power buttons do’ on the left. Click ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’ and then uncheck ‘Turn on fast startup’.

Accessing the BIOS on your HP laptop is a simple skill that opens up a world of configuration options for your machine. Whether you use the trusty F10 key or the built-in Windows method, you now have the knowledge to get in and make the changes you need.

Have you ever seen something on your HP laptop screen that you wanted to save or share immediately? Maybe it’s a funny meme, a confirmation number for a flight, or an error message you need to show tech support. The quickest way to capture that exact image is by using the Print Screen function. It’s a built-in tool that takes a snapshot of your entire display, ready for you to use.

While the concept is simple, the method can vary depending on your specific HP laptop model and keyboard layout. Don’t worry if you’ve pressed the Print Screen key before and nothing seemed to happen—the image was likely copied to your clipboard, waiting for you to paste it. Let’s look at the different ways you can capture your screen.

The Basic Print Screen Method

The most straightforward way is to find the key on your keyboard labeled PrtSc, PrtScn, or Print Screen. It’s usually in the top-right section, near the function keys. Pressing this key once captures an image of your entire screen. To see it, you’ll need to open an application like Microsoft Paint, Word, or your email, and paste it using Ctrl + V. This method gives you a full-screen capture that you can then crop or edit as needed.

Capturing Just the Active Window

If you only want a picture of the specific program you’re using, like a browser window or a dialog box, there’s a handy shortcut. Simply click on the window you want to capture to make sure it’s the active one. Then, press Alt + PrtScn together. This copies only that window to your clipboard, saving you the step of cropping out your taskbar and other desktop clutter.

Using the Windows Snipping Tool

For even more control, your HP laptop comes with a fantastic built-in program called the Snipping Tool. You can find it by typing “Snipping Tool” into the Windows search bar. This tool allows you to capture a specific, custom-shaped area of your screen. You can choose a rectangular snip, a free-form snip, or even capture a specific window. It opens directly in a simple editor where you can draw on the image or save it immediately as a file.

A Quick Guide for Modern Shortcuts

If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, try pressing the Windows logo key + Shift + S. This keyboard shortcut activates a modern screen capture bar that lets you select a portion of your screen. After you select an area, a notification will appear; clicking on it opens the image in the Snipping Tool app for further editing or saving.

With these methods at your fingertips, you’re well-equipped to capture anything on your HP laptop screen. Whether you need a full-page snapshot or a precise snippet, the right tool is just a keystroke away.

If you need to change the boot order, enable virtualization, or troubleshoot a hardware issue on your ASUS laptop, you’ll need to know how to get into the BIOS. This essential system software is the control center for your computer’s most fundamental operations. While it might seem a bit technical, accessing it is usually a simple matter of pressing the right key at the perfect moment.

Over the years, the method has evolved slightly, especially with the introduction of Windows 10 and 11, which feature faster startup times. This can sometimes make the traditional key-press method a little tricky, but don’t worry, there are reliable ways to get there.

The Go-To Method: Using the F2 Key

For the vast majority of ASUS laptops, the key you need is F2. To use it, you’ll want to completely shut down your laptop. Don’t just restart it. Once it’s off, press the power button to turn it back on. Immediately after you press the power button, begin tapping the F2 key repeatedly. Keep tapping it about once per second until you see the BIOS screen appear. This blue or grey screen with various text-based menus is your confirmation that you’ve succeeded.

An Alternative Route: The Advanced Startup Menu

If tapping F2 isn’t working, perhaps because your laptop boots up too quickly, Windows itself can help you get into the BIOS. This is a foolproof method for Windows 10 and 11 users. Go to your Start Menu, click the power button, and then hold down the Shift key while you click “Restart.” Your laptop will restart into a blue menu screen. From here, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. Click “Restart,” and your laptop will boot directly into the BIOS.

What If the F2 Key Doesn’t Work?

While F2 is the standard, a few older or specific ASUS models might use a different key. The most common alternative is the Delete key. If neither F2 nor the Advanced Startup method works, you can try the ESC key during startup. This often brings up a boot menu where you can see an option to enter “Setup,” which is another name for the BIOS.

A Few Helpful Tips for Success

If you’re having trouble, try disconnecting any unnecessary USB devices, as they can sometimes interfere with the boot process. Also, if your laptop uses a fingerprint reader to log in, be sure to use the physical power button to shut it down completely before attempting the F2 method. The fast startup feature in Windows can also be a hurdle; disabling it in your power settings can give you more time to press the key.

With these methods, you should be able to confidently access the BIOS on your ASUS laptop whenever you need to make an important system change. It’s a handy skill that puts you in full control of your device’s configuration.

Taking a screenshot is one of those handy computer skills that feels like a secret superpower once you know how. Whether you need to capture an error message for tech support, save a memorable conversation, or keep a copy of an online receipt, knowing how to grab what’s on your HP laptop screen is incredibly useful. The process is straightforward, and you have a few different methods to choose from, depending on what you need to capture.

The Quickest Way: Using the Print Screen Key

Look at the top-right corner of your HP laptop’s keyboard. You’ll find a key labeled Prt Sc, PrtScn, or something similar. Pressing this key once captures an image of your entire screen and copies it to your clipboard. It’s like taking a photo, but nothing seems to happen yet. To see your screenshot, you need to paste it somewhere. Open an application like Microsoft Paint, Word, or your email, and press Ctrl + V. Your screenshot will appear, ready to be saved or shared.

Capturing Just One Window

If you only need a picture of the specific program or window you’re using, there’s a faster method. Simply click on the window’s title bar to make sure it’s active. Then, hold down the Alt key and press the Prt Sc key. This captures only that single window, ignoring everything else on your desktop. Again, paste it into another program using Ctrl + V to save it. This is perfect for when you have multiple programs open and want a clean, focused image.

Saving a Screenshot Instantly as a File

For the ultimate convenience, you can skip the clipboard entirely. Press the Windows logo key + Prt Sc at the same time. Your screen will dim briefly, confirming the action. The screenshot is automatically saved as a PNG image file in a folder called “Screenshots,” which is located inside your “Pictures” library. This method is fantastic because it creates a permanent file without any extra steps.

Using the Snipping Tool for More Control

When you need precision, the Snipping Tool (or the newer Snip & Sketch) is your best friend. Search for it in your Windows Start Menu. This tool lets you capture a custom-shaped area, a specific rectangle, or a single window. You can even set a timer. Once you take the snip, it opens in a small editor where you can annotate it with a pen or highlighter before saving it. It offers the most flexibility for your screenshots.

With these simple methods, you’re now equipped to capture anything on your HP laptop screen. Whether you prefer the speed of a keyboard shortcut or the precision of the Snipping Tool, you can easily save and share what you see.

Have you ever seen something on your laptop screen that you wanted to save or share instantly? Maybe it’s a funny meme, an important confirmation number, or an error message you need to show tech support. The quickest way to capture exactly what you see is by using the Print Screen function. It’s a built-in tool that acts like a camera for your screen, and it’s much simpler to use than you might think.

The Simplest Way to Capture Your Entire Screen

The most straightforward method is to press the PrtScn key on your keyboard. This key, often located in the top-right row, takes a snapshot of everything currently displayed on your monitor. When you press it, it might seem like nothing happened, but the image is quietly copied to your computer’s clipboard. To see or save it, you just need to open a program like Microsoft Paint, Word, or even your email, and paste the image using Ctrl+V. It’s a universal method that works on most laptops.

Capturing Just One Window at a Time

What if you only want a picture of a single application, like your browser window, without the taskbar or other distractions? There’s a handy shortcut for that. Simply click on the window you want to capture to make sure it’s active. Then, press Alt + PrtScn. This command copies only the active window to your clipboard. From there, you can paste it into any application that accepts images, giving you a clean, focused screenshot.

Using the Snipping Tool for More Control

For the most flexibility, Windows offers the Snipping Tool. You can find it by searching for it in your Start Menu. This tool lets you capture a specific, custom-shaped area of your screen. You can choose a free-form snip, a rectangular snip, or even capture a specific window. Once you take the snip, it opens in a small editor where you can annotate it with a pen or highlighter before saving it directly as an image file. It’s perfect for when you need to highlight a particular detail.

The Modern Snip & Sketch Shortcut

On newer versions of Windows, an even faster method is available. Pressing Windows Key + Shift + S will dim your screen and bring up a small menu at the top, allowing you to select a rectangular area, a freeform shape, or a full window. After you select the area, a notification will appear—clicking on it opens the Snip & Sketch app where you can annotate, crop, and save your screenshot. This method skips the clipboard and gives you immediate editing options.

Mastering these few simple keystrokes can save you time and make sharing information from your screen effortless. Whether you use the basic PrtScn key or the more advanced Snipping Tool, you now have the power to capture anything on your display with ease.

Choosing a new laptop can feel overwhelming with so many options available. One of the most fundamental decisions you’ll make is selecting the right screen size. This choice impacts not just how you view content, but also the laptop’s portability, keyboard comfort, and overall usability. Getting the size right means finding the perfect balance for your daily routine.

What Screen Size Measurement Actually Means

Laptop size is almost always referred to by its screen size, measured diagonally from corner to corner. This measurement is in inches. It’s important to know that this number describes the screen itself, not the entire laptop’s dimensions. The bezel (the frame around the screen) and the chassis will add extra width and depth, so a 13-inch laptop will naturally be larger than a 13-inch screen.

Finding Your Perfect Fit: Portability vs. Screen Real Estate

The most common laptop sizes fall into a few key categories. Ultraportables (13 to 14 inches) are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for students or frequent travelers. Their compact size, however, can mean a smaller keyboard and less screen space for multitasking.

All-Purpose Laptops (15 to 16 inches) offer a great middle ground. This is the most popular size for a reason, providing a comfortable screen for work and entertainment and a full-sized keyboard, while still being manageable to move from room to room.

Desktop Replacements (17 inches and larger) are powerhouses. They offer immense, immersive screens perfect for gaming, video editing, and detailed design work. The trade-off is significant weight and limited battery life, making them less suited for life on the go.

Don’t Forget About Weight and Dimensions

While screen size is the primary guide, always check the laptop’s physical weight and dimensions before you buy. Two laptops with the same screen size can have very different footprints and heft. If you plan to carry your laptop in a backpack all day, even a half-pound difference can be noticeable. Look up the product specifications for the exact measurements to ensure it meets your portability needs.

Consider Your Primary Tasks

Think about what you do most often. If your laptop is mainly for browsing, emails, and writing on the couch, a smaller, lighter model is a fantastic choice. If you frequently have multiple windows open side-by-side for research or coding, or if you use it for media consumption, the extra space on a 15 or 16-inch model will be a welcome luxury. For intensive creative work or immersive gaming, the largest screens provide the detail and space necessary to work and play effectively.

By weighing your need for portability against your desire for a comfortable viewing experience, you can confidently narrow down your choices. The right laptop size is the one that feels like a natural extension of your lifestyle, supporting your work and hobbies without getting in the way.

You’ve just settled in with your new PlayStation 5, ready for a gaming session, but the main TV is occupied. You glance over at your laptop and wonder, “Can I just plug my PS5 into that?” It’s a common question, and the answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let’s walk through what you need to know to make it work.

The HDMI Input Challenge on Laptops

Here’s the most important thing to know right away: the vast majority of laptops have an HDMI output port, not an input. This means they are designed to send a signal to a monitor or TV, not receive one from a console like your PS5. Trying to connect them with a standard HDMI cable will not work. However, there is a reliable workaround that can turn your laptop screen into a display for your gaming.

Using a Capture Card as Your Solution

The key to making this connection is a device called a capture card. This handy tool acts as a bridge. You connect your PS5’s HDMI output to the capture card’s input, and then the capture card connects to your laptop via USB. The laptop sees the capture card as a video source, which you can then view using accompanying software. While these are popular with streamers for recording gameplay, they work perfectly for simply using your laptop as a monitor.

Step-by-Step Connection Guide

Once you have a capture card, the setup is straightforward. First, connect your PS5 to the “HDMI In” port on the capture card using one HDMI cable. Next, use a second HDMI cable to connect the “HDMI Out” on the capture card to a TV or monitor if you want a secondary display; this is often called a passthrough and ensures you get the best performance without lag. Then, plug the capture card into your laptop’s USB port. Finally, install any necessary software on your laptop that came with the capture card to see your PS5’s screen.

Adjusting Your PS5’s Display Settings

After everything is connected, you might need to tweak a few settings on your PS5. If the image doesn’t appear correctly, you can start the PS5 in Safe Mode by turning it off completely, then holding down the power button until you hear a second beep. From there, you can select option number 2, “Change Video Output,” to adjust the resolution to a setting that works well with your laptop’s screen and the capture card.

While it requires an extra piece of hardware, using a capture card is a fantastic and reliable method to game on your PS5 using your laptop screen. It opens up a world of flexibility, allowing you to play your favorite games anywhere you have your laptop setup.

It can be a bit confusing when your HP laptop’s touchpad suddenly stops responding. You might find yourself reaching for an external mouse, wondering what went wrong. Don’t worry, this is a common issue, and it’s usually a simple setting that needs adjusting. Let’s walk through the most effective ways to get your cursor moving again with just a swipe of your finger.

Check for a Simple Touchpad Toggle Key

The quickest solution is often the easiest one. Many HP laptops have a dedicated touchpad key, usually located in the function key row at the top of the keyboard. Look for a key with an icon that looks like a touchpad, often with a small light on it. You typically need to press the Fn key and that function key simultaneously to toggle the touchpad on and off. If the light is on, it might indicate the touchpad is disabled, so try pressing the combination to see if it resolves the issue.

Adjust Your Touchpad Settings in Windows

If the toggle key doesn’t work, the next place to check is within Windows itself. Go to your Start Menu and open Settings, then select Devices and click on Touchpad on the left-hand menu. Here, you will find the main switch to turn your touchpad on or off. Make sure it is set to “On.” This menu also allows you to customize your touchpad sensitivity and other gestures, which is helpful for fine-tuning its behavior to your preference.

Update Your Touchpad Driver

Sometimes, an outdated or corrupted driver can cause your touchpad to malfunction. To check this, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices category. Right-click on your touchpad device (it might be listed as a Synaptics or ELAN device) and select “Update driver.” You can choose to search automatically for updated driver software. If Windows finds a new driver, it will install it, and you may need to restart your laptop for the changes to take effect.

What to Do If Your Touchpad Still Isn’t Working

If you’ve tried all these steps and the problem continues, there are a couple of other things to consider. A recent Windows update can occasionally interfere with settings, so checking for new updates might provide a fix. You can also visit the official HP support website, enter your specific laptop model, and download the latest touchpad drivers directly from there. This ensures you have the correct software for your exact hardware.

With a bit of patience and by following these steps, you should be able to get your HP laptop’s touchpad working smoothly again. It’s almost always a simple software or settings issue that can be resolved quickly, letting you get back to navigating with ease.

That little touchpad on your laptop is great for on-the-go work, but sometimes you just need the precision and comfort of a real mouse. Whether you’re tackling a detailed design project, trying to beat your high score in a game, or just tired of that dragging feeling, connecting a mouse is a simple upgrade that makes a world of difference. The good news is that it’s a surprisingly straightforward process, no matter what kind of mouse you have.

Getting Your Wired Mouse Working

If you have a traditional wired mouse, this is the easiest connection of all. Simply locate an available USB port on your laptop. It’s that rectangular slot on the side or back of your device. Take the USB plug from your mouse and insert it firmly into the port. Your laptop will automatically recognize the new device and install any necessary drivers. Within a few seconds, you should see your cursor on the screen, and you’re all set. It’s truly a plug-and-play experience.

The Simple Steps for a Wireless Bluetooth Mouse

For a Bluetooth mouse, the first step is to make sure it has power. Flip it over and insert the batteries, ensuring they are positioned correctly. Next, turn on your laptop’s Bluetooth. You can usually do this by clicking the network icon in your system tray and selecting the Bluetooth option, or by finding it in your system settings.

Now, put your mouse into pairing mode. This often involves holding down a small button on the bottom of the mouse until a light starts blinking. On your laptop, click “Add a Bluetooth or other device” and select “Bluetooth.” Your laptop will search for devices; when you see your mouse’s name appear in the list, click on it to pair. The blinking light on your mouse should become steady, confirming a successful connection.

Connecting a Wireless USB Receiver Mouse

Many wireless mice come with a tiny USB dongle. The process here is just as simple. First, insert the batteries into your mouse and turn it on. Then, take the small USB receiver and plug it into an available USB port on your laptop. In most cases, your operating system will handle the rest, and your mouse will be ready to use almost instantly. This method is often more reliable than Bluetooth, as it creates a direct, dedicated connection.

Troubleshooting a Connection That Won’t Stick

If your mouse isn’t working, don’t worry. Start with the basics: check the batteries and make sure the mouse is turned on. For a USB mouse, try a different port. For a Bluetooth mouse, go into your settings, remove the mouse from your list of devices, and then try the pairing process again from the beginning. Sometimes a quick restart of your laptop can also resolve any minor communication glitches.

Connecting a mouse to your laptop is one of the simplest ways to improve your daily computing comfort. With just a minute or two of setup, you can enjoy smoother navigation and give your wrist a much-needed break. Go ahead and make the switch; your workflow will thank you for it.

Finding yourself locked out of your own laptop can be a frustrating experience. Whether you forgot your password or purchased a used device, you might feel like you’re out of options. The good news is that you can often restore your computer to its original settings even without the login credentials. This process, known as a factory reset, gives you a fresh start.

Using Built-in Windows Recovery Options

For Windows 10 and 11 users, there’s a straightforward method accessible from the login screen. Look for the Power icon in the lower-right corner. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and, while keeping it held, click Restart. This will boot your laptop into the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. You will then be given a choice; select Remove everything to perform a full factory reset, which erases all your personal files, apps, and settings.

Creating a Fresh Start with Installation Media

If the first method doesn’t work, you can use a bootable USB drive with Windows installation files. You will need access to another working computer and a USB drive to create this tool using Microsoft’s media creation tool. Once created, insert the USB drive into your locked laptop and restart it. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI settings to start from the USB. From the Windows setup screen, click Install now and then Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). You can then delete all the existing partitions on your drive and proceed with a clean installation.

Resetting a Mac Without a Password

For Mac users, the process involves using macOS Recovery. Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) and R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This boots your Mac into recovery mode. From the utilities window, select Disk Utility to first erase your main hard drive (usually named “Macintosh HD”), then go back and choose Reinstall macOS to install a clean version of the operating system.

Important Considerations Before You Begin

Before you initiate a factory reset, it’s crucial to remember that this process is irreversible and will delete all your data. If you have any important files on the laptop, this method will erase them permanently. A factory reset is a powerful solution for gaining access, troubleshooting major software issues, or preparing a device for a new owner. It wipes the slate completely clean, giving you a brand-new system to set up from scratch.

While being locked out is stressful, these methods provide a reliable path to reclaim your device. By carefully following the steps for your specific operating system, you can successfully factory reset your laptop and start over.