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Tag: Windows

Windows QR Code Scanning Made Simple: Step-by-Step

Scanning QR codes on your Windows computer is a straightforward process that doesn’t require a smartphone. Windows provides multiple options, including using the native Camera app for live scanning and external services for image-based QR code recognition. Additionally, dedicated apps like Codex offer a user-friendly experience for both live camera scanning and extracting QR codes from existing images. This guide simplifies the methods, making QR code scanning accessible to users on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Using the Windows Camera App
– Click the magnifying icon on the taskbar or press Win + S to open the search menu.
– Type “camera” and choose the first result.
– Click on the arrows to reveal the Barcode button.
– Place your QR code in front of the computer’s camera, and it will be scanned automatically.

2. Scanning QR Codes from an Image
– Use an online QR code scanning service like ScanQR.
– Visit the ScanQR website and click Drag & Drop or Browse.
– Select the image with the QR code, and the website will scan it, showing the result in the Scanned Data box.

3. Using the Codex App
– Download and install the Codex app on your PC.
– Open the app and click the Scan QR Code button.
– Choose the Camera option and allow camera permissions.
– Place the QR code in front of the camera for automatic scanning.

If you want to scan a QR code from an existing image
– Open Codex, select Scan QR Code, and choose File.
– Click Select Image, locate the image with the QR code, and open it.

Now, let’s break down each method:

Using the Windows Camera App
Microsoft has added a QR code scanner to the native camera app on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can easily access it by searching for “camera” in the taskbar. Once open, click on the Barcode button and position your QR code in front of the camera. The app will scan it automatically.

Scanning QR Codes from an Image
While the Windows Camera app is handy, it can’t scan QR codes from existing images. To do this, use an online service like ScanQR. Visit their website, upload the image with the QR code, and let the website scan it for you. Copy the result from the Scanned Data box if needed.

Using the Codex App
Codex is an app available on the Microsoft Store for scanning QR codes. Download and install it, then open the app and click on Scan QR Code. Choose the Camera option, grant camera permissions, and place the QR code in front of the camera for scanning. If you want to scan a QR code from an image, follow the steps provided within the app.

January 13, 2024
Enhancing Security in Windows 11: A Guide to Enabling LSA Protection

Microsoft’s Windows operating system is widely used globally, making it a common target for security threats. To enhance security, Microsoft has incorporated various features into the operating system, and one such feature is the Local Security Authority (LSA). LSA plays a crucial role in verifying a user’s identity during the sign-in process on a local computer, managing password changes, login attempts, and performing other authentication and authorization tasks in Windows.

Securing the Local Security Authority subsystem adds an extra layer of protection to your system and accounts against potential threats. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to enable Local Security Authority Protection (LSA Protection) using the Settings app in a Windows 11-powered computer.

How to Easily Enable LSA Protection in Windows 11

Step 1: Open the Windows Security application on your computer. You can do this by accessing the Start Menu, searching for the application, and clicking on it in the search results.

Step 2: Once the app is open, navigate to the “Device Security” tab.

Step 3: In the “Device Security” tab, locate and click on “Core isolation details” under the Core Isolation section.

Step 4: Turn on the toggle switch for the “Local Security Authority Protection” option.

Following these easy steps on your Windows 11 computer enables Local Security Authority Protection (LSA Protection). Keep in mind that you will need to restart your computer for the system to activate this feature. Securing your system with LSA Protection adds an additional security layer to your Windows 11 operating system, contributing to a safer computing experience.

January 9, 2024
Bliss: The Journey of an Iconic Windows Wallpaper!

Have you ever turned on a computer and seen a picture of wavy green grass with a wide blue sky? It’s a picture we’ve all seen before. This image used to be the default wallpaper on the most popular version of Microsoft Windows, the XP edition. Many people wondered if this place was real. Well, it turns out it is!

This beautiful scene is located in Wake Valley, California, USA. A photographer named Charles took this picture in November 1996. Charles was working as a freelance photographer after leaving his job at National Geographic. During his regular visits from California to San Francisco to see his girlfriend, something caught his eye on the side of the highway.

A few days before, there had been heavy rain, and the lighting conditions were just right for a perfect photo. Charles, with his trusty medium format camera, captured the stunning image that would later become the default wallpaper for Windows XP.

In 1998, Microsoft noticed Charles’ photograph and decided it was the perfect image for their operating system. They wanted to buy the copyright for this beautiful picture, and it is said that it cost around 1 million dollars. Some people had previously thought this picture was taken in France or Germany, while others believed it was created using software like Photoshop. However, the truth is, this captivating scene is nestled in Wake Valley, California.

As time passed, this Windows XP wallpaper became incredibly popular. People from all around the world admired the simplicity and beauty of the green grass and blue sky combination. Even after Windows XP support was discontinued in 2014, no other picture has gained the same level of popularity.

The story behind this iconic image adds to its charm. Charles, with his keen eye for beauty, captured a moment of nature’s splendor during his journey. It reminds us that sometimes, the most captivating scenes are right in front of us, waiting to be noticed.

The picture’s fame grew, and many people tried to find out where this picturesque landscape existed. They were surprised to learn that it was not in a distant European country but right here in the United States, in Wake Valley, California. The wavy edges of green grass against the backdrop of a wide blue sky, with hints of blue peeking through white clouds – a simple yet timeless image that graced millions of computer screens.

Microsoft’s decision to choose this photograph as the default wallpaper for Windows XP was a smart one. It brought a touch of nature and serenity to computer screens around the world. The popularity of this image also sparked curiosity about its origins and whether it was a real place.

December 2, 2023
Seamless Remote Work: ThinkPhone Users Can Stream Windows 365 Desktop

Microsoft and Motorola have joined forces to bring exciting updates to the ThinkPhone in August. This collaboration enhances the phone’s capabilities with more Microsoft business features. Notably, the red side key now doubles as a push-to-talk button in Microsoft Teams, offering seamless communication through the business chat platform.

Users of the ThinkPhone can take advantage of this new feature by following a few simple steps. First, ensure you have a Microsoft Teams account and a ThinkPhone. Then, open the Settings app and navigate to the Gestures section. Here, you’ll find the option for Red key shortcuts. Once Teams is installed and configured, you’ll see the new walkie-talkie function available for selection.

Furthermore, Microsoft 365 is expanding opportunities for remote work with the ThinkPhone. For those with an active Microsoft 365 account and a Windows 365 subscription, a novel feature allows you to stream a cloud-based Windows desktop directly onto your phone. This can be accomplished using a basic USB-C cable.

To fully embrace this “work from anywhere” concept, pair your ThinkPhone with a top-tier Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. This transforms your ThinkPhone into a portable computer that can be utilized wherever you desire. The process is straightforward: connect the USB-C cable to a supported display and access Windows 365 from the ReadyFor interface on the screen. Log in with your Microsoft 365 credentials, and you’re all set.

Motorola’s business-focused ThinkPhone has evolved with these enhancements, stemming from a robust partnership with Microsoft. The integration between the phone and PCs was already commendable, and now it’s becoming even more versatile. These advancements mark the beginning of an exciting growth journey.

ThinkPhone users can now employ the red side key as a walkie-talkie in Microsoft Teams, making communication smoother and quicker. Additionally, the integration of Microsoft Windows and the ThinkPhone allows users with a Microsoft 365 account and Windows 365 subscription to stream a cloud-based Windows desktop to their phone using a USB-C cable. This aligns perfectly with the “work from anywhere” principle, especially when paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. The ThinkPhone’s evolution showcases the dynamic partnership between Motorola and Microsoft, and these updates signify a promising direction for the device’s future.

August 12, 2023
Windows 11 brings innovation in customization and design

Windows 11 brings a range of new features and customization options aimed at enticing users to upgrade from older versions of Windows. Let’s explore some of the innovations and customization options available in Windows 11.

The Start menu in Windows 11 introduces a change by adding an additional menu to display the full list of installed apps. Instead of immediately seeing the app list upon opening the Start menu, users now need to click the ‘All Apps’ button in the pinned section to access the list. This allows for easier browsing or searching for specific apps. Live tiles, which were first introduced in Windows 8, have been replaced with a simpler Start menu where apps can be easily pinned and unpinned.

In Windows 10, the Settings button appears above the Start button when clicked. However, in Windows 11, this button is not visible by default. Nevertheless, users can easily add it back by navigating to ‘Settings > Personalization > Start > Folder’. Here, common folders like File Explorer and network icons can be added for quick access.

Setting default apps in Windows 11 is slightly more complex compared to Windows 10, as users need to specify a default app for each file type. To do this, open the Settings app, go to the Apps section in the left menu, and select “Default apps”. From there, you can choose the app you want to set as the default for a specific file type.

Windows 11 offers various customization options, allowing users to personalize their experience. You can customize the background theme, sounds, cursors, and colors to suit your preferences. Additionally, new themes can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, expanding the range of options available. Dark Mode is also available in Windows 11, providing a visually appealing and battery-saving alternative.

Windows 11 provides a comprehensive overview of battery usage for your device. Users can easily view the amount of battery consumed in the past few hours and identify which apps have consumed the most battery power. This feature helps users monitor and manage their battery usage effectively.

With these innovative features and customization options, Windows 11 aims to provide an enhanced and personalized user experience, enticing users to upgrade to the latest version of Windows.

May 30, 2023
Consider Facts When Buying a Laptop in 2023

Whether you’re faithful to Windows or Apple Mac Book, There’s more to consider when buying a laptop. Does it have the screen you need? Are there ports that back your peripherals? Can it play games at 1080p – or higher? There are numerous choices accessible to you for both Windows 11 and Chrome OS, though Apple limits its Mac Books to a constrained number of arrangements.

Windows-based PCs are an unimaginably different category. Handfuls of producers make them, and the quality and estimating can change significantly depending on which demonstrate and brand you select. The speediest models will outperform Macs in terms of execution, and numerous companies tailor their Windows PCs to a particular reason, such as gaming or business. Windows PCs come in an assortment of shapes and sizes.

Unlike Apple’s more limited lineup of hardware, there is plenty of choice in the Windows laptop space. Whether you opt for a major manufacturer like Lenovo, Dell, or one of Microsoft’s own devices, you have a ton of options.

Apple has always been fiercely protective of its brand, releasing items in small batches. Any Apple product will adhere to the company’s requirements, however, any manufacturer can create a Windows or Chrome OS-based PC with custom specifications. As a result, Macs are extremely easy to use and maintain. Because they are part of the same ecosystem, Apple’s extensive support network can quickly assist with any issues that emerge.

One of the distinguishing features of a Mac is its excellent design. They are designed to look fantastic, feel graceful, and have incredible screens, resulting in a substantially higher price tag than many of their Windows and Chrome OS rivals, especially when equipped with plenty of storage. Apple computers aren’t recognized for their affordability.

Macs use fast technology, but they rarely have the most powerful graphics chips found in Windows-based PCs — and unlike many PCs, upgrading components is nearly difficult, so you’re locked with the specs you buy on day one. Those who desire a reliable computer but don’t know much about hardware can rest certain that their Mac will perform admirably in ordinary situations.

Apple’s hardware advanced dramatically in late 2020 and 2021 when the company shifted to its own in-house M1 chips, which performed admirably in Mac Books and related devices. The Mac Book Pro is now the quickest laptop available for creative professionals.

Apple’s stringent design standards are carried over to the operating system, MacOS, which is simple and easy to use. Unlike Windows, the platform comes with a suite of proprietary office and media-editing applications, each of which is well-suited to its intended use. It’s no wonder that designers and photographers prefer Apple (though models like Microsoft’s Studio Laptop Studio are putting up stiff competition thanks to unique designs and support for digital pens).

Finally, while Macs lack touchscreens, Apple’s Sidecar mode allows you to use an iPad as a second wireless screen with touch capabilities.

May 27, 2023