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Is your ASUS laptop feeling sluggish, plagued by software glitches, or are you preparing to pass it on to someone else? A factory reset can often feel like a fresh start, wiping the slate clean and restoring your device to its original out-of-the-box condition. It’s a powerful troubleshooting step that can resolve many common issues and give your laptop a new lease on life.

Before You Begin: Safeguard Your Files

This is the most crucial step. A factory reset will erase all your personal files, applications, and settings. Be sure to back up everything you want to keep—documents, photos, music, and any other important data—to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service. Once you’re confident your files are safe, you can proceed with peace of mind.

Resetting from Within Windows

If you can still sign into your laptop, this is the easiest method. Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery. You should see an option labeled “Reset this PC.” Click the “Get started” button. You will typically have two choices: “Keep my files” (which removes apps and settings but keeps personal data) or “Remove everything” (a full, clean wipe). For a true factory reset, choose “Remove everything” to ensure a completely fresh start.

Using the ASUS Recovery Partition

If your laptop won’t boot into Windows, don’t worry. ASUS laptops include a built-in recovery partition. To access it, completely power down the laptop. Then, hold down the F9 key as you press the power button to turn it on. Keep holding F9 until you see the ASUS logo or the recovery screen appear. This will launch the Windows Recovery Environment, where you can follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall Windows and restore the factory settings.

A Few Helpful Tips for a Smooth Process

Make sure your laptop is plugged into a power source throughout the entire reset process; you don’t want it to shut down midway. The reset can take an hour or more, so be patient. Afterwards, you’ll go through the initial Windows setup again, just like when you first bought the laptop.

By following these steps, you can confidently restore your ASUS laptop to its factory condition, helping it run smoothly once again. It’s a straightforward process that can make a world of difference for your device’s performance.

Have you ever found yourself wishing for just one more screen? Maybe your main monitor is occupied, or you’re working from a location that isn’t your main desk. In these situations, you might look at your closed laptop and wonder if it can pull double duty. The good news is that using your laptop as a secondary display is often possible, but it depends entirely on the method you choose.

Using Built-in Software Solutions

For many users, the simplest way to use a laptop as a monitor is through built-in software. If both your primary computer and your laptop run Windows 10 or 11, you’re in luck. Head to Settings > System > Projecting to this PC. Here, you can adjust the settings to allow another device to project to your laptop. On the primary computer, press the Windows Key + P and select “Connect to a wireless display.” Your laptop should appear as an available screen. This method works over Wi-Fi, making it a cable-free solution for extending your desktop.

Connecting with a Physical Cable

While it seems logical, you typically cannot connect another computer to your laptop’s video input port because most laptops only have video output ports, like HDMI-out. They are not designed to receive a video signal. However, if you have a Mac and an iPad, Apple’s Sidecar feature is a fantastic exception. Using a cable or wirelessly, you can seamlessly turn your iPad into a second monitor for your Mac, which is a similar concept and incredibly useful for a portable workstation.

Third-Party Applications to the Rescue

When built-in options aren’t available or don’t meet your needs, third-party software is your best friend. Applications like Spacedesk, Parsec, or TeamViewer can create a virtual display over your local network or even the internet. You install the software on both machines, and one computer can then broadcast its screen to the other. These tools are particularly helpful for cross-platform setups, like connecting a desktop PC to a MacBook, and often provide a very responsive experience for general tasks.

While your laptop might not have a dedicated video-in port, modern software has created clever workarounds. Whether you use a native feature in Windows or a flexible third-party app, you can give your productivity a nice boost by turning that laptop into a functional second screen.

It can be incredibly frustrating when your laptop’s keyboard suddenly stops responding. One moment you’re typing away, and the next, your keys are doing nothing. Before you worry about a costly repair, take a deep breath. This is a common issue, and the solution is often simpler than you might think.

Is It a Simple Software Glitch?

Often, the problem isn’t the physical keyboard but a temporary software hiccup. The easiest first step is to simply restart your laptop. This clears the system’s memory and can resolve many minor glitches. If a full restart doesn’t help, try checking for an update to your operating system, as outdated software can sometimes cause conflicts with hardware like your keyboard.

Could a Program Be Interfering?

Sometimes, a specific program can take exclusive control of your keyboard. If your keyboard works in some apps but not others, this could be the culprit. Try closing programs one by one to see if the keyboard starts working again. A particularly common issue is the Filter Keys feature in Windows, which is designed to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes. You can check this by going to your system’s Accessibility or Ease of Access settings and making sure Filter Keys is turned off.

When to Check Your Physical Hardware

If the software checks don’t solve the problem, it’s time to look at the hardware. First, inspect the keyboard for any obvious debris or sticky residue. Carefully turn the laptop upside down and gently tap it to dislodge any crumbs. If you’re comfortable, you can also use a can of compressed air to clean between the keys. It’s also worth checking if an external keyboard or mouse is plugged in, as this can sometimes cause the built-in keyboard to be disabled.

What If It’s a Driver Issue?

Your laptop uses small software pieces called drivers to communicate with its hardware. If the keyboard driver is corrupted or outdated, the keyboard may not work. You can check this in your Device Manager. Look for the “Keyboards” section, and if you see a yellow exclamation mark next to your keyboard device, that indicates a driver problem. You can usually right-click and select “Update driver” to fix it.

While a completely broken keyboard might need professional replacement, many typing issues can be resolved with these straightforward steps. Starting with a simple restart and moving through these checks will often get you back to typing in no time.

You’re standing over your open suitcase, your laptop in hand, wondering where it should go. It’s a common last-minute travel dilemma. While it might seem convenient to tuck it away with your clothes to lighten your carry-on, this is one decision where convenience should not win. The simple, straightforward answer from airlines and security experts is a resounding no.

Packing expensive electronics like your laptop in checked baggage is a risk you don’t want to take. Beyond the official rules, the reasons are all about protecting your device, your data, and your peace of mind from the moment you hand your bag over until you reclaim it at your destination.

Why Your Laptop Belongs in Your Carry-On

The most immediate reason is airline policy. Most major airlines around the world explicitly prohibit lithium-ion batteries, which power nearly all modern laptops, in checked luggage. This is primarily a safety concern; if a battery short-circuits and overheats in the cargo hold, it can create a severe fire risk that is difficult to contain. Furthermore, checked baggage is handled with significantly less care than the items you keep with you. Your suitcase can be tossed, stacked under heavy items, or even lost, any of which could easily damage a fragile laptop.

The Risks of Checking Your Laptop

Beyond physical damage, there’s a serious risk of theft. Valuable electronics are prime targets for theft from checked luggage. Once you surrender your bag, you have no control over who handles it or what happens to it. Losing your laptop means more than just replacing a costly piece of hardware; it could mean losing irreplaceable photos, important work documents, and sensitive personal information.

How to Pack Your Laptop Safely for a Flight

Always keep your laptop and other large electronics in your personal item or carry-on bag. For security screening, you will need to place your laptop in a separate bin by itself. To make this process smoother, use a bag with a dedicated, easily accessible laptop compartment. Consider using a protective sleeve or case for an extra layer of cushioning against bumps in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Making the choice to carry your laptop with you is a simple step that can prevent a major travel headache. It ensures your device stays safe, secure, and within your sight, allowing you to relax and focus on your journey ahead.

You’re staring at your laptop, and it’s decided to stop cooperating. Maybe the screen is flickering, it won’t turn on at all, or a key has popped off. Your first thought might be, “Can I just take this to Best Buy?” It’s a convenient option, and you’re probably wondering if they can actually fix the problem.

The short answer is yes, Best Buy does repair laptops. Through their Geek Squad services, they offer a range of solutions for many common laptop issues. Whether it’s a hardware malfunction or a software glitch, they have technicians who can diagnose and often resolve the problem.

What Kind of Laptop Repairs Does Geek Squad Handle?

Geek Squad provides a wide array of repair services. For hardware, they can often address issues with screens, batteries, keyboards, and internal components. On the software side, they are well-equipped to handle virus removal, operating system repairs, data recovery, and performance optimization. They work on many major brands, making them a versatile choice for most people.

The Benefits of Choosing Best Buy for Your Repair

One of the biggest advantages is convenience. With numerous stores across the country, you can often drop off your device without an appointment. Their technicians are certified, providing a level of trust. Furthermore, if your laptop is still under a manufacturer’s warranty or you have a Geek Squad Protection Plan, the repair might even be covered, saving you money.

What to Know Before You Go

Before you head to the store, it’s a good idea to back up your important files if you can. Be prepared for an initial diagnostic fee, which is typically applied to the total cost if you proceed with the repair. Always ask for a repair estimate upfront so there are no surprises. For complex or very old laptops, they might recommend a replacement if the repair cost is too high.

So, if your laptop is acting up, Best Buy’s Geek Squad is a reliable and accessible option to get it working again. Their combination of in-store convenience and certified technical support makes them a solid choice for many common laptop woes.

You’re standing over your open suitcase, laptop in hand, wondering where it should go. It’s a common travel dilemma. While it might seem convenient to tuck it away with your clothes to lighten your carry-on, the rules around this are very clear for important safety reasons.

The Official Rule: A Firm No

The short and direct answer is no, you should not pack a laptop in your checked baggage. Aviation authorities worldwide, including the TSA in the United States, prohibit laptops and other large personal electronic devices containing lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage. The primary reason is safety. These batteries can pose a fire risk if they are damaged, short-circuited, or overheated. In the cabin, a potential issue can be spotted and addressed immediately by the flight crew. In the cargo hold, this is not possible.

Why Your Laptop Belongs in Your Carry-On

Beyond the rules, keeping your laptop with you offers several key benefits. First and foremost is security. Checked bags can be lost, delayed, or mishandled. Your laptop is a valuable and sensitive item, both financially and for the data it holds. Having it with you ensures it arrives at your destination when you do. It also protects it from the rough handling that checked bags often endure. Furthermore, you’ll need to remove it from your bag at security screening, a process that is designed for your carry-on items.

Packing Your Laptop Safely for the Flight

Since your laptop will be your carry-on companion, packing it properly is key. A well-padded, dedicated laptop sleeve or a compartment in your backpack is ideal. This protects it from bumps and jostles during your journey. Make sure it’s easily accessible, as you will need to place it in a separate bin during the security screening process. It’s also a good practice to ensure your device is fully charged, as security personnel may ask you to turn it on to prove it’s a functional device.

While it might add a bit of weight to your shoulder, carrying your laptop onto the plane is the only safe, secure, and regulation-friendly choice. It gives you peace of mind, knowing your important device is safe with you throughout your journey.

Packing for a flight often comes with a long list of questions, and one of the most common for modern travelers is about their electronics. You’re likely wondering if you can bring your laptop along. The simple answer is a resounding yes. Your laptop is a perfectly acceptable item to bring on a plane, but there are some important rules about how and where you pack it that can make your journey through security much smoother.

Navigating Airport Security with Your Laptop

When you reach the security checkpoint, you’ll need to take your laptop out of your bag. TSA rules require you to place it in a separate bin for screening. This allows security personnel to get a clear, unobstructed X-ray image of the device. To make this process effortless, pack your laptop in an easy-to-access part of your carry-on luggage. Using a sleeve instead of a bulky case can also speed things up, as you won’t have to unzip multiple compartments.

Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage: Where to Pack

This is the most critical rule to remember: always keep your laptop in your carry-on bag. Storing expensive electronics like laptops in checked baggage is risky. They can be damaged during handling or, in rare cases, go missing. Furthermore, the lithium-ion batteries inside laptops are prohibited in checked luggage because they are a fire hazard in the cargo hold. Keeping it with you is safer and gives you peace of mind.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

A little preparation goes a long way. Before you leave for the airport, ensure your device is charged. Security officers may ask you to turn it on to prove it’s a functioning device. When you’re on the plane, be mindful of your fellow passengers. During takeoff and landing, you’ll need to stow your laptop in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Once the captain turns off the fasten seatbelt sign, you’re free to use it for work or entertainment.

With these guidelines in mind, you can confidently pack your laptop for your next trip. By keeping it in your carry-on and being prepared at security, you’ll ensure your essential device travels safely with you, ready for use wherever you go.

You’re heading off to school, and the laptop hunt is on. You see sleek, lightweight ultrabooks, but your eye keeps drifting towards those powerful, flashy gaming laptops. It’s a common dilemma. Can the machine that runs the latest blockbuster games also handle your academic workload? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, but understanding the trade-offs can help you make the right choice.

The Powerhouse Perks for Your Studies

Gaming laptops are, by nature, incredibly powerful. This raw performance is a huge benefit for certain school tasks. If you’re an engineering, architecture, or graphic design student, the robust processor and dedicated graphics card will handle demanding software like AutoCAD, Revit, or the Adobe Creative Suite with ease. Video editing for a class project becomes a smooth process rather than a frustrating slideshow. Even having dozens of browser tabs open for research while writing a paper is no problem for these machines.

Considering the Downsides on Campus

That power comes with some significant compromises. The most obvious is battery life. Gaming laptops are notorious for draining their batteries quickly, often lasting only a few hours unplugged. This can be a major issue if you’re moving between classes all day without reliable access to an outlet. They are also heavier and bulkier than standard laptops, adding weight to your backpack. Finally, their fans can become surprisingly loud during intensive tasks, which might not make you the most popular person in a quiet library.

Finding the Right Balance for Your Needs

So, is a gaming laptop good for school? It depends entirely on your major and lifestyle. If your coursework requires serious graphical or processing power, and you can manage the shorter battery life and weight, it can be a fantastic all-in-one solution. For most other students, a standard ultrabook or a laptop with a mid-range graphics card might be a more practical and portable option that still handles everyday tasks efficiently.

Think carefully about your daily routine and academic demands. Weighing the raw power against the practical compromises will guide you to the perfect laptop partner for your school journey.

Feeling a bit lost in the sea of laptop options? You’re not alone. With so many brands, specs, and features, figuring out which laptop to buy can feel overwhelming. It’s not about finding the “best” laptop overall, but the best one for you and how you plan to use it every day.

First, Consider Your Daily Routine

Before looking at any technical details, ask yourself what your primary tasks will be. Are you mainly browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos? This calls for a reliable, budget-friendly option. If your work involves complex spreadsheets, multitasking with dozens of browser tabs, or coding, you’ll need more power under the hood. For creative work like video editing or graphic design, a laptop with a strong processor and a dedicated graphics card is non-negotiable.

Key Features to Keep an Eye On

Once you know your purpose, you can focus on the specs that matter most. For most people, 8GB of RAM is a good starting point for smooth performance, while 16GB is better for heavier workloads. Storage is crucial; a Solid State Drive (SSD) will make your laptop feel significantly faster than an older hard drive. Also, pay close attention to the screen. A bright, clear display is easier on the eyes, and if you value portability, a 13 or 14-inch model is often the perfect balance of screen space and lightweight design.

Finding the Right Balance for Your Budget

It’s easy to get tempted by high-end models, but you often don’t need all that power. Chromebooks are excellent and affordable for simple, web-based tasks. Mainstream Windows laptops offer incredible versatility for a mid-range price. And if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, a MacBook Air provides fantastic performance and battery life. Set a realistic budget beforehand to help narrow your choices significantly.

Remember, the perfect laptop is the one that fits seamlessly into your life without straining your wallet. By thinking about your daily needs and knowing which features to prioritize, you can confidently find a laptop that feels like it was made just for you.

Has your MacBook Pro started to feel a little sluggish, or are you preparing to pass it on to a new owner? Sometimes, a fresh start is the best solution. Resetting your MacBook Pro isn’t as daunting as it might seem, but it does require a few important steps to ensure your data is safe and the process goes smoothly.

Your First Step: A Complete Backup

Before you do anything else, please back up your data. This is the most critical part of the entire process. Use Time Machine to create a full backup on an external hard drive. This simple step ensures all your photos, documents, and settings are safely stored, giving you peace of mind to proceed.

Signing Out of Everything Important

To prevent any issues later, you need to disconnect your MacBook from your Apple account and other services. Go to System Settings, click on your name, and choose Sign Out. Make sure to deauthorize your computer for any content you’ve purchased, like music or apps. Also, remember to sign out of iMessage and FaceTime from their respective apps in the Applications folder.

How to Wipe Your MacBook Pro Clean

Now for the main event. Restart your MacBook Pro and immediately hold down the Command and R keys until you see the Apple logo. This boots you into macOS Recovery. From the utilities window, select Disk Utility. Here, you will choose your main startup disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”) and click the “Erase” button. This will wipe the drive clean.

Reinstalling a Fresh macOS

Once the erase process is complete, exit Disk Utility. You will be back at the utilities window. Now, select “Reinstall macOS” and follow the on-screen instructions. Your MacBook Pro will download and install a clean, brand-new version of the operating system, just like it was when you first took it out of the box.

By following these steps, you can confidently reset your MacBook Pro. Whether you’re solving a persistent issue or preparing for a new chapter, this process gives your trusted device a clean slate.