UP

Productivity

What does it mean to use technology productively? Which apps and gadgets make your work easier? How to personalize the computers and other gadgets you’re using?

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If you appreciate our work, become our sponsor and donate!

We don’t know how you feel about what’s going on with Google’s AI Overviews and their latest AI Mode, but to us at Digital Citizen, it definitely feels like Google’s bent on destroying small independent publishers. Unfortunately, their AI products use the content we create to provide answers to people all over the world, without sending us any more traffic. This means we can
tutorial How to add or remove desktop icons (shortcuts) in Windows 11

How to add or remove desktop icons (shortcuts) in Windows 11

Desktop shortcuts remain one of the easiest and fastest ways to open your favorite apps, files, or system locations. However, Windows 11 tries to keep your screen as minimal as possible, so you’re not the only one wondering where icons like This PC or Network went. If you’re trying to add icons back or simply want to clean things up by removing icons from
tutorial The Windows 11 Widgets: All you need to know

The Windows 11 Widgets: All you need to know

The widgets in Windows 11 are Microsoft’s attempt to provide quick snippets of information and news. You can use the Windows 11 Widgets to see the data you need, whether it’s the latest weather forecast, your calendar, sports updates, or traffic info. However, the Windows Widgets board looks spammy and crowded, so the majority of users are wondering how to turn off the widgets
tutorial How to add or remove desktop icons (shortcuts) in Windows 10

How to add or remove desktop icons (shortcuts) in Windows 10

Shortcuts are useful, but they can also pile up quickly and clutter your desktop. That’s why it helps to know both how to add and how to remove shortcuts from the desktop in Windows 10. While only one icon is shown by default, Windows 10 gives you full control to display more icons or clean things up entirely. In this guide, I’ll show you
review ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ review: Small size, beautiful design, good performance

ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ review: Small size, beautiful design, good performance

I’ve always liked the idea of a powerful PC that doesn’t take up half the desk. That’s exactly what the ASUS NUC 15 Pro Plus aims to be: a compact, quiet system that still has the power required for demanding work. It keeps a low profile, fits any desk, and promises performance levels you’d usually expect from a computer that’s much larger. I’ve been
review Kingston FURY Renegade G5 SSD review: Fast and surprisingly cool!

Kingston FURY Renegade G5 SSD review: Fast and surprisingly cool!

Kingston has built a solid reputation in the storage world by delivering high-performance SSDs that do what they promise. With the FURY Renegade G5, Kingston steps into the new generation of PCI Express Gen5 storage, offering speeds that push the limits yet still keep temperatures under control. This drive is not just about headline numbers. It’s designed for gamers, content creators, and professionals who
article 5 things you can't do with the Windows 11 Start Menu

5 things you can't do with the Windows 11 Start Menu

Windows 11 offers a new, fresh-looking Start Menu whose modern design holds a lot of promise. By default, it’s centered on the desktop and much simpler compared to its iterations from previous Windows operating systems. However, while it does feel cleaner, the Windows 11 Start Menu lacks some key features and improvements that users have requested for years. Here’s a look at five important
tutorial How to restart Windows 11 (in 9 easy ways)

How to restart Windows 11 (in 9 easy ways)

Are you wondering how to restart Windows 11? Maybe the computer just installed updates, an app froze, or a quick reboot is needed to fix a small glitch. Whatever the reason, knowing how to reboot Windows 11 quickly can save you from both frustration and wasted time. The good news is that Windows 11 offers many easy ways to restart the PC, from simple
tutorial How to sign out of Windows 11

How to sign out of Windows 11

Are you wondering how to sign out of Windows 11? Logging out of Windows is useful when you need to sign in with another user, apply various settings, and even troubleshoot applications. As opposed to switching users, this action completely shuts down all processes associated with the current user, freeing up resources and preparing Windows 11 for a new sign-in. This guide shows eight
tutorial How to boot from a USB drive (4 methods)

How to boot from a USB drive (4 methods)

There are plenty of situations where you might need to boot your computer from a USB drive. Maybe you’re installing a fresh version of Windows. Maybe you’re troubleshooting a stubborn problem or just experimenting with Linux. Whatever the case, learning how to boot from USB is one of those things every PC user should do. So if you’ve ever wondered how to boot from
article Support for Windows 10 ends in October 2026. What choices do I have?

Support for Windows 10 ends in October 2026. What choices do I have?

Recently, Windows 10 has been in the spotlight of tech news again, with various headlines that induce a false sense of security. Some are speculating that Microsoft might change its mind about the end of the support date for this operating system, or that things won’t actually be as bad as they initially seemed, as we’ll get support for apps like those included in
tutorial 7 ways to customize the Windows 11 Start Menu

7 ways to customize the Windows 11 Start Menu

Are you tired of the same Windows 11 Start Menu whenever you boot up your PC? Whether you’re wondering how to move the Start Menu in Windows 11 to the left or want to organize it better, there are plenty of built-in options. You can change the Windows 11 Start Menu and personalize everything from pinned apps and folders to what shows up in
tutorial How to sync Samsung Notes with your Windows devices

How to sync Samsung Notes with your Windows devices

Samsung Notes has quietly become one of the best apps for typed and handwritten notes, sketches, and quick to-do lists, especially if you’re using a Galaxy smartphone or tablet. Until recently, however, the answer to the question “Can I view Samsung Notes on my PC?” was usually no. Well, unless you had a Samsung Galaxy Book laptop. That’s finally changing, and with its latest
article 13 things you can do in the Microsoft Store from Windows

13 things you can do in the Microsoft Store from Windows

The Microsoft Store keeps getting better as Windows evolves. Whether you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10, it’s the go-to place for downloading apps, installing games, watching movies, subscribing to services, and even buying devices like laptops or Xbox consoles. When you sign in with your Microsoft account, everything you get from the Microsoft Store is saved to your account and available on all
review ASUS NUC 15 Pro review: Desktop-level performance in a compact format

ASUS NUC 15 Pro review: Desktop-level performance in a compact format

Small PCs have come a long way, and the ASUS NUC 15 Pro is proof that you don’t need a big desktop computer to get high performance. Designed for those who want a clean, clutter-free desk, as well as speed and some flexibility, this mini computer fits easily into any work environment. But don’t take my word for it, and check out this review
article Windows 11 doesn’t require a product key to install and use

Windows 11 doesn’t require a product key to install and use

Yes, you read that correctly: you can install Windows 11 without a key and use it without ever activating it. Microsoft no longer forces you to provide a license during its setup, which means you can install Windows 11 without a product key and still access most of its features. However, what does this actually mean for you, and what are the consequences of
tutorial How to manage Windows 11 notifications

How to manage Windows 11 notifications

The Windows 11 notifications are designed to keep you informed - whether it’s an email alert, a meeting reminder, or a system update. But when unmanaged, they can quickly become a source of distraction. To restore order to what can easily become notification chaos, you must know how to manage the notifications in Windows 11. This tutorial provides all the information you need to
tutorial How to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware

How to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than any previous version of the operating system. Features like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, a supported CPU, and at least 4 GB of RAM are officially mandatory. That means many older PCs are locked out, at least on paper. But if you’re determined to run Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, there are safe and effective ways to bypass
tutorial How to use the Windows 11 Start Menu

How to use the Windows 11 Start Menu

Whether you’re new to Windows or upgrading from a previous version, understanding the Start Menu in Windows 11 and how to use it is key to getting things done effectively. Redesigned for simplicity and speed, the Windows 11 Start Menu offers a clean look and easy access to your apps, files, and system tools. However, it also has some annoying features like its promotion