It’s a very common problem. Many people are only used to seeing photos on their phones or computer screens and don’t think about the actual size of the file behind them.

So, if a photo looks sharp on screen, it’s easy to assume it will look just as good on paper.

And sometimes that’s true. Especially if it was taken with a modern device on high resolution, or if you’re looking for a small postcard-size print. However, this isn’t always the case.

Maybe the photo was taken with an older phone, saved at a lower quality to use less storage space, or compressed for sending via a messaging app.

Whatever the reason, if the original file is too small for the print size you want, the final result will be blurry or pixelated rather than something you can proudly frame and hang on your wall.

The good news is that fixing this is super easy. In this article, I’ll show you how to upscale a photo in just a few clicks using Photoshop online – no software installation or advanced editing skills required.

And if you want to understand a little more about why photos look low quality when enlarged, plus a few simple settings that can improve your prints, you’ll find that in here as well.

So, let’s get started.

Why Do Small Photos Look Bad When Printed?

A photo that looks perfectly good on your phone or a social media feed may appear blurry or pixelated when you print it.

This is because digital images are made out of small squares called pixels – hence the adjective, pixelated.

When an image is small, it doesn’t have many pixels, but this isn’t a problem on a small screen or even when printing, as long as the print is small enough to keep those pixels packed tightly together.

However, once you try to print it at a larger size, the same number of pixels needs to cover a larger area, and that’s when the pixels become noticeable, edges become jagged instead of smooth, textures lose detail, etc.

To fix this problem, you can upscale your photos using Photoshop. In other words, you get the software to make up new information so that the bigger image has more pixels instead of simply stretching the ones it already has.

Modern upscaling tools use generative AI to create these new pixels, achieving natural-looking results.

AI analyses the entire scene, considering shapes, textures, lighting, color, etc., unlike traditional methods that only consider the surrounding pixels.

Adobe Photoshop offers various tools to upscale your photos, but the fastest and handiest way to do it is to use Photoshop online. This allows you to work on any computer without installing Photoshop.

In the next section, I’ll show you how easy it is to make small photos big enough to print using Generative Upscale.

Having said this, let me clarify that using Photoshop on your desktop also has Generative Upscale, and it won’t cost you any credits. Also, you have another handy tool called Super Zoom.

So, you may prefer the desktop version of Photoshop if you’re working on your own computer.

How to Make a Small Photo Bigger Using Photoshop Online?

Photoshop is a robust photo-editing software that can seem daunting because of its steep learning curve, even if you’re only looking to do a simple task like upscaling an image.

This is where Photoshop online comes in. This is a lighter, beginner-friendly version of Photoshop that delivers the same high-quality results.

That’s why I consider Photoshop online one of the easiest options if you’re looking to enlarge small images for printing without losing quality.

Since it runs directly in your browser, you can upscale images on any computer without worrying about storage space, system requirements, or other constraints.

Also, Photoshop online is much easier to navigate. So you don’t need to spend time finding the right tool or learning advanced editing techniques.

This is how to upscale images in Photoshop online so you can print them in high quality.

Step 1

Start by opening Photoshop online and signing in. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create a free one and get complimentary credits to try the AI features.

Step 2

Next, drag and drop your photo into the editor, or use the New button to browse your hard drive and upload your photo. If you choose the latter, you’ll find the New button on the top left – it’s marked with a plus icon.

Once the image loads, you can edit it.

Step 3

To resize your image, open the Generative tools on the toolbar at the left side of the screen. Locate Generative Upscale and click on it.

Choose between a 2x and a 4x upscale. The right option depends on how much bigger you’ll need your image – try not to upscale more than necessary.

Then, select the AI model you want. By default, it will be set to Firefly, which is developed by Adobe and uses fewer credits.

If you choose partner models, you’ll get more credits deducted from your account. However, you’ll have more features at your disposal, such as Face Recovery or a Creativity slider.

When you hover over the Upscale button, you’ll see how many credits your preferences cost. If you’re OK with it, click the button to start the process.

Step 4

That’s it! Once the image is bigger, you can download it to your phone or computer and send it out to print with your preferred photo service.

You can repeat the process if you need the image to be even larger.

Best Settings for Printing Enlarged Photos

If you’re upscaling your photo to print, a few simple settings can make a huge difference in how clean and sharp it looks on paper. Here are some basic things to keep in mind.

Don’t overdo it

I know that generative AI makes you think that everything is possible. However, every technology has its limitations.

Remember that using Generative Upscale, you’re asking the system to generate information that isn’t there. The more you do it, the more likely your image will look less natural. So, don’t upscale more than it’s necessary.

Consider the aspect ratio

Not all digital photos match the size of standard printing papers. For example, smartphones often take photos in a 9:16 aspect ratio, which doesn’t naturally fit an 8X10 print.

This means you’ll need to decide whether to crop the image to fill the paper or keep the full photo and leave white borders on the sides. It’s always best to choose for yourself and set it up beforehand, rather than letting the printer decide and be disappointed.

Mind the resolution

Resolution is a complex concept that can refer to both how many pixels an image has and how closely they’re spaced.

So, make sure your photo is the right size and has a 300 dpi resolution for a high-quality print. If this isn’t possible, many printing services require at least 150 dpi.

Don’t forget about the file format

To preserve the quality of your photo, save the file as a PNG to avoid compression.

If the printing service you’re using doesn’t support this file format, then save the photo as JPEG, but make sure you keep the highest quality.

The post How to Make Small Photos Big Enough to Print (Without Losing Quality) appeared first on Tech Junkie.

Free Alternatives to Microsoft OneNote

Let’s take a look (and in no particular order) at some of the best no-cost alternatives to OneNote and their unique features:

Zoho Notebook

A big name in the note-taking world, Zoho’s reputation is well deserved. Zoho Notebook offers a free tier with a respectable range of features, and a paid Pro plan for those who need more, including document scanning and Face ID security. Zoho Notebook is very similar in design to OneNote, allowing syncing across various devices. What’s more, if you have a team using Zoho, they will be able to share, view, and collaborate on notes.

It might not be the most flexible app in terms of formatting and integrations, but it is reliable.

Obsidian

If you’re looking for a note-taking app that keeps things local first and foremost, Obsidian is an excellent choice. The app stores notes as plain Markdown files on your device, meaning you will always have your notes, even if the app were to shut down.

Obsidian also offers users hundreds of ways to customize their data, with a wide range of community plugins and templates to help you along. This can be overwhelming to beginners, but it’s also very flexible. A unique Graph view also shows how all ideas are interconnected through internal links.

Obsidian is free to use locally. You can sync notes across devices for free using third-party services like iCloud or Google Drive, or pay for Obsidian’s own sync service

Joplin

It doesn’t get freer than open source. Joplin, though, is much more than just a no-cost note-taker. The biggest feature of this tool is its focus on privacy. The notes are stored locally in an open format and kept safe by end-to-end encryption, meaning you stay in control of your data. What’s more, you can choose the apps you want to integrate with or the APIs you want to use for scripts and plugins.

It makes online note-taking easy by integrating with Firefox and Chrome’s web clipper tools. It’s also open to collaboration with other users.

Simplenote

It’s in the name. You might be looking for a no-frills notetaker that keeps things minimalist and runs on any OS. Simplenote fulfills both these desires. The simple white layout lets you know that things won’t get fancy. Don’t worry, core features like tagging, sharing with friends, and searching all work wonderfully.

And another wonderful aspect of Simplenote is its lack of a freemium model. You get everything at no cost simply by creating an account. It’s a great way to keep things simple.

Google Keep

If you’re already into the Google ecosystem, Google Keep is a solid and simple alternative. We say simple because the tool doesn’t have many of the advanced features that OneNote does, but it is accessible from a browser or the app.

For quick notes, bulleted lists, reminders, and integration with the Google Workspace, though, the simple pared-down note-taker should be more than enough for your needs.

The post The Best Free Alternatives to OneNote  appeared first on Tech Junkie.

How to Prevent Edge From Opening on Startup

Along with Windows 10, the ways to prevent Edge from opening (Windows 11) are very similar. We’ve got a few troubleshooting steps below to stop Edge from starting up:

Disable Edge via Task Manager

A nice, quick fix is to ensure that Edge is not one of the apps allowed to start on startup. You can do this via the Task Manager and the “Startup apps” tab. Here’s how:

Step 1. Hit (Ctrl + Alt + Esc) to open Task Manager.

Step 2. In the sidebar, click the “Startup apps” tab.

Step 3. Search for Microsoft Edge. If you see it in the list, right-click it and choose “Disable.”

Step 4. Restart your PC to confirm Edge no longer launches automatically at startup.

Remove From the Startup Menu

If you can’t find Edge in the Startup apps section of Task Manager, you can also search for and remove it from the “Startup” folder in Windows Explorer. Here’s how:

Step 1. Open the Run Dialog (Win + R) and type “shell:startup” before clicking “Enter.”

Step 2. The Startup apps should appear in an Explorer window. If you see Edge here, click it and click (Del) to remove it.

Disable Startup Boost

If you can’t find Edge either in Explorer or Task Manager, then don’t worry. The culprit may be Startup Boost, a feature in Edge that helps it open faster when your PC starts up. Disabling this can keep Edge from opening every time. Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Open Edge, if it isn’t open already.

Step 2. Click the ellipses menu (three dots) and click “Settings” from the dropdown menu.

Step 3. In Settings, click on “System and performance” in the sidebar.

Step 4. Click the “Startup boost” button, and then disable the toggle next to “Startup boost.”

Step 5. Restart your machine and see if the issue has been resolved.

Disable Startup via the Registry

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, then you can disable things via the Registry. Just be sure not to tinker with anything else; it can make unwanted changes to your system:

Step 1. Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and type “regedit”, then press (Ctrl + Shift + Enter) to run Registry Editor as administrator.

Step 2. In the Registry, enter the following path in the Top Bar: “Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\Clients\{56EB18F8-B008-4CBD-B6D2-8C97FE7E9062}\Commands\on-logon-autolaunch”

Step 3. To create the option (if it doesn’t exist), right-click the main window, select “New” and “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”

Step 4. Once the value is created, rename it to “AutoRunOnLogon.” The value should be “0.” If so, Edge won’t start when your PC boots or restarts.

Change Your User Account Options

If you were using Edge in your last session, your user account might be restarting it, along with any other apps running. If this is the case, you can adjust these settings like so:

Step 1. Open Settings (Win + I) and click on “Accounts” in the sidebar.

Step 2. Click “Sign-in options.”

Step 3. Navigate down to the “Additional settings” subsection and toggle off “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in.”

The post How to Prevent Edge From Opening on Every Restart appeared first on Tech Junkie.

If so, this is the article for you.

Photobombers are almost impossible to avoid, especially in busy tourist spots, concerts, beaches, etc. Most of the places where you’d like to take a picture.

The good news is that, thanks to generative AI, you no longer have to take the perfect photo. Instead, you can turn it into the perfect picture later, without needing advanced photo-editing skills.

Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to remove unwanted people from your photos in seconds with just a few clicks. Photoshop online makes the process accessible for everyone while maintaining the quality standards Adobe has always been known for.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to remove photobombers in Photoshop online, achieving a natural, smooth result. All without installing any software or trusting your personal photos to random websites you know nothing about.

Keep reading to learn how to rescue your best shots and make your vacation memories stranger-free.

What is Photoshop Online?

For a long time, Photoshop had a reputation for being only for professionals with advanced editing skills. While it remains the industry-standard software and allows you to do pixel-precision editing like no other, it also has a beginner-friendly side.

Over the last few years, Adobe has changed the way people can approach Photoshop. First in the mobile app and now in Photoshop online (officially called Photoshop on the web), the company has included editing tools accessible to everyday users.

Photoshop online is a lighter, browser-based version of Photoshop that lets you edit your photos on any computer without downloading or installing anything.

Instead of overwhelming you with advanced editing tools, Photoshop on the web focuses on the features most people need regularly, from fixing the colors to removing a photo bomber.

You’ll also have access to some of the more advanced tools that have made Photoshop famous, such as layer editing. However, what makes it so easy to use and most fitting for the task we’re tackling here are the generative AI tools.

You’re probably thinking that there are a million generative AI tools online, so why use Photoshop online?

Well, first of all, even though it’s the lighter version, it still carries the power of Adobe’s long-standing experience and years of developing industry-leading tools that consistently deliver high-quality results.

Secondly, because it uses Firefly AI models, you can be certain that your photos won’t end up elsewhere or be used to train the AI. This ensures data safety, which is extremely important for personal photos, especially if your vacation photos feature your kids.

So, if you’re looking to remove photo bombers from your photos, Photoshop online is one of the safest, easiest, and fastest ways to do it.

How to Remove Photobombers in Seconds Using Photoshop Online?

Whether it’s a stranger at the beach, other guests at a wedding, or a friend pranking you, here’s how to delete people from your most precious photos.

Step 1. Log in to Photoshop or create an Adobe account

Go to the Adobe website, click Photoshop at the top to access Photoshop online, and sign in. While there are many things you can do in Photoshop Web to edit your photos without an account, using generative AI tools is not one of them.

So, if you already have an Adobe account, simply sign in. Otherwise, start by creating the account. Don’t worry, creating an Adobe account is free, and you’ll get 10 generative credits. Each time you use this method to erase photobombers, you’ll use 1 credit.

So, don’t worry, you can remove photo bombers for free in up to 10 photos.

Step 2. Upload your photo

Once logged in, upload your photo to Photoshop. You don’t have to worry about safety; the images are stored in your Adobe Cloud storage and aren’t shared with third parties.

This means you’ll have access to your photos on any device, which is quite handy.

To upload a photo, simply click the plus sign on the left side. You can import images from your computer, your phone, Lightroom and Google Drive.

Another perk of using Photoshop on the web is that it supports raw files, unlike many other online photo editors. Of course, you can also remove photo bombers from JPEGs.

Step 3. Generative Fill tool

When your image opens in Photoshop, you’ll see the toolbar on the left side, the Layers panel on the right, and a floating bar at the bottom.

You’ll want to go to the toolbar, open the generative tools, and select Generative Fill.

Step 4. Make a selection

In the Generative Fill panel, you’ll find a menu with different selection tools. You can choose between Brush, Lasso, Rectangular Marquee, and Elliptical Marquee.

Choose the one you like best, and select the photobomber. If you’re using the Brush, you can change its size and hardness.

You don’t have to be super precise as if you were doing a cut-out. However, it’s best not to include much of the area that should remain untouched.

To that end, you can switch to Select Less and fine-tune the selection if you made a mistake.

Step 5. Let Photoshop work its magic

Once you have your selection, just click the Fill button on the floating bar beneath the image. If you want something specific to replace the photo bomber, you can type a prompt describing it.

However, if you only want to remove the person and have a clean background, leave the prompt space empty.

To erase a photobomber without a prompt, you’ll only have the Firefly models available; partner models require a prompt to become available.

However, Firefly works perfectly well for this task, and it’s a standard feature. This means that it will deduct one generative credit, while partner models may cost more.

In any case, you just need to hover over the Fill button to see whether this feature is available on your plan and how many credits it costs.

Now, all you have to do is click Fill and wait a few seconds. You’ll receive three variations to choose from, and they appear on a separate layer from your original, so the process is non-destructive.

Step 6. Download or share your photo

Once you’re satisfied with your clean background, you can share or download the resulting image. These options are on the top right of the screen.

Most commonly, you’ll want to download your photo. To do so, just click the Download button and choose whether to download it to your computer or your phone.

If you’re not ready to download the photo because it needs more editing, you can share it with someone to continue working on it, or send it to other Creative Cloud apps to keep working on it there.

How to Remove Photobombers Using Photoshop Online: Tips and Tricks

• Use high-resolution photos.
• Remove one person at a time.
• Include the shadow and/or reflection.
• Zoom in for precision.
• Use a smaller brush size around the edges.
• Retry if the first result doesn’t look natural.
• Use other editing tools to fine-tune the result.

Other Ways to Remove Photobombers Within the Adobe Ecosystem

Using Photoshop online to remove photo bombers is easy and available on any computer, but it’s certainly not the only way. Here’s a quick overview of what else you can do.

Photoshop desktop. If you have Photoshop installed on your computer, you have plenty more tools to remove photo bombers. The one I find most useful is the Remove People and Distractions feature. Another plus is that you won’t consume any of your generative credits this way.

Photoshop mobile app. You can also access the Generative Fill tool on your phone. Simply launch the app and find Remove Objects on the Generative AI section of the home screen. Then paint over the photobomber with your finger and click Remove.

Firefly. If you prefer to use Firefly, you can also remove photobombers, whether you’re accessing it on your phone or in a browser on your computer. Remember that the generative AI tools you find in Photoshop are powered by Firefly.

Lightroom. Lightroom also has a Remove tool, which you can use with or without generative AI. It also has a Detect Objects feature to speed up the process.

Adobe Express. If you’re working with images on an Adobe Express project, you’ll also find a Remove Objects tool to edit your images and remove photobombers in seconds.

How to Remove Photobombers in Photoshop Online: FAQs

Can I remove multiple people at once?

Yes, you can select multiple people and remove them with a single click. However, the results are often better if you focus on one at a time.

Is Photoshop online free?

Yes, Photoshop online is free and doesn’t require a login for basic photo editing. To unlock more tools, you can use a free Adobe account and a paid one to access them all.

However, you’ll get complimentary credits to try the generative AI tools for free, and there’s a free trial period if you get a Photoshop membership.

Can I remove objects from my photos online?

Yes, you can use one of the many Creative Cloud apps available online to remove objects from photos online. In this article, you’ll find the step-by-step guide to removing objects using Photoshop on the web, but you can also do it with Firefly or Adobe Express.

Is Photoshop online beginner-friendly?

Yes, online Photoshop doesn’t have a daunting learning curve. The interface is clear and easy to navigate, there are plenty of learning messages that guide you through, and it’s packed with beginner-friendly editing solutions.

What is the easiest way to remove people from photos?

The easiest way to remove people from photos is by using generative AI. Tools like Generative Fill in Photoshop online make the process fast and easy.

Does removing photo bombers reduce image quality?

No, a good generative AI tool like the one in Photoshop will generate pixels that cover the photobomber and blend seamlessly with the background. The size and resolution remain the same.

Does Photoshop online work on mobile browsers?

No, to use Photoshop online, you should open your browser on a computer. If you want to work on your phone, you need to download the app.

The post How to Remove Photobombers in Seconds Using Photoshop Online appeared first on Tech Junkie.

Why Bookmarks Have Always Been a Privacy Weak Spot

Chrome saves your bookmarks to a file simply called “Bookmarks” in your local profile folder. On Windows, that sits at “%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default.” It has no extension lock, no password, and no encryption, so you could open it in Notepad and see every URL, folder name, and date added sitting there in plain text. This is unlike saved passwords, which require operating system access (and PIN or password).

This could become a danger in a few scenarios:

• Malware that targets browser profile folders, which is a standard tactic in info-stealer attacks designed to harvest browsing data without triggering obvious alarms
• Anyone with physical access to your machine while it is left unlocked – or on a shared workspace computer where users share a single, generic Windows guest login – can easily access your local profile folder
• Any other application or script that reads your file system, since the file is not restricted to Chrome’s own process

What the New Google Chrome Bookmark Encryption Feature Does

The “Bookmarks Encryption” flag that appears in Chrome Canary uses os_crypt, the same system-level encryption Chrome already applies to saved passwords and other sensitive local data. The feature rolls out in three stages:

• Stage 1 and Stage 2: The existing plain-text Bookmarks file stays in place, but Chrome begins writing encrypted data alongside it. These transitional stages allow Chrome to migrate data without breaking anything.
• Stage 3: The plain text file disappears from the profile directory entirely. What replaces it is an encrypted one that can’t be opened or read by anything outside of Chrome itself.

From your perspective as the user, nothing should change. The bookmarks bar, the bookmark manager, sync behavior, and search all work exactly the same. The only difference is that the underlying data becomes unreadable outside of Chrome.

What It Doesn’t Protect Against

Local encryption is tied to the operating system and your user account. It makes the file unreadable outside Chrome, but won’t:

• Prevent Google from seeing your bookmarks when sync is enabled — your data still travels to and is stored on Google’s servers, under Google’s encryption keys
• Protect bookmarks in transit without a separate sync passphrase (covered in the next section)
• Guard against malicious Chrome extensions that have been granted broad permissions, since those run inside Chrome’s own context.

What About Chrome’s Existing Sync Encryption?

Chrome already has a separate encryption option for synced data: a custom sync passphrase that encrypts your bookmarks, history, passwords, and other data before they leave your device. That’s a different feature from what’s being added here, and the two address different problems.

The custom passphrase protects data on Google’s servers. While it’s enabled, even Google can’t read the synced content because the encryption key never leaves your device. Without it, Google holds the keys, and your synced data is readable on their end.

But the custom passphrase has never protected the local file on your device. The new bookmark encryption fills that gap: it locks the copy sitting on disk, regardless of whether sync is on or off, and regardless of whether you have a passphrase set.

If you want both layers — local file protection and protection from Google’s servers — you’d need both features active. The sync passphrase is available now under Chrome’s sync settings. The local encryption is coming once the Canary flag graduates to stable.

When Google Chrome Bookmark Encryption Become Available?

The bookmark encryption is for now available only behind an experimental build in Chrome Canary, where Google tests new functionality before it reaches regular users. There is no confirmed release date for stable Chrome.

If you want to try it early, Chrome Canary can be installed alongside your regular Chrome installation. You can then enable the flag by typing “chrome://flags” in the address bar and searching for “Bookmarks Encryption.” Keep in mind that Canary builds are intentionally unstable and aren’t recommended as a daily browser.

The post What Does Google Chrome’s New Bookmark Encryption Mean for Privacy appeared first on Tech Junkie.

Option 1 – How to Change the Color of Your OneNote Notebook

The color block to the left of a notebook’s name in the sidebar isn’t just decorative. It can be changed independently for each notebook, which makes it much easier to tell them apart at a glance. Here’s how:

Step 1. Right-click the notebook name in the left sidebar.

Step 2. Select “Properties” from the context menu.

Step 3. In the Properties window, click on the color swatch next to “Notebook color,” then use a color from the palette.

Step 4. Click on “OK” to apply the changes.

This changes the notebook’s icon in the sidebar and in the section tab header bar. Note that OneNote gives you a fixed palette of 20 colors only.

Option 2 – Change a Section Tab’s Color

Section tabs run across the top of the page area and can each have their own color.

Step 1. Right-click the section tab at the top of the notebook or on the sidebar (depending on where you’re accessing OneNote).

Step 2. Hover over “Section color” and choose an option.

You can assign the same color to multiple sections if you want to group related ones visually, or give every section a unique color for maximum contrast.

To remove a color, go back to the same menu and select “None” at the bottom.

Option 3 – Change the Page Background Color

The page area itself defaults to plain white. You can swap it out for any color OneNote offers through the View tab, which is one of the ways you can learn how to fill color in OneNote.

Step 1. Open the page you want to recolor.

Step 2. Go to the View tab in the ribbon.

Step 3. Click on “Page Color” in the Page Setup group.

Step 4. Select a color from the palette.

You can use “More Colors” to get a more comprehensive palette at your disposal.

The color applies only to the page you have open. If you want to apply it to multiple pages, you’ll need to set it on each one individually. There’s no way to set a default page color for all new pages, but a template page will apply.

Option 4 – Add Colored Rule Lines or a Grid

You can change the color of the lines themselves, which gives you a bit more control over the visual tone of the page.

Step 1. Go to the View tab.

Step 2. Click on “Rule Lines” in the Page Setup group.

Step 3. Choose from the list of line styles (College Ruled, Wide Ruled, Small Grid, and so on).

Step 4. Click on “Rule Line Color” at the bottom of the same dropdown menu, then choose a color.

You also have a fixed selection of choices here, but they should provide enough contrast with the basic background colors.

Option 5 – Highlight Text with Color

Text highlighting in OneNote works the same way it does in Word.

Step 1. Select the text you want to highlight.

Step 2. Go to the “Home” tab in the ribbon.

Step 3. Click the dropdown arrow next to the “Text Highlight Color” button (the marker icon in the Basic Text group), then choose a color.

If you want to apply the same highlight repeatedly without reopening the dropdown, click the main body of the button (not the arrow) after you’ve selected a color. It will keep applying the last-used color until you click elsewhere or press “Escape.”

To remove highlighting, select the text and choose “No Color” from the highlight dropdown.

Option 6 – Switch to Dark Mode

You can have Office follow your recommended system settings or choose the Dark Mode manually.

Step 1. Go to “File” and select “Account.”

Step 2. Under “Office Theme,” select “Black” or “Use system settings” for true Dark Mode.

This applies the dark theme across all Office apps.

The post How to Add More Color to Your OneNote appeared first on Tech Junkie.

In this article, we’ll be showing you a few fixes to try to resolve a OneDrive Personal Vault not up to date.

That Syncing Feeling

Errors with OneDrive are commonly linked to syncing issues. The Personal Vault is no exception. However, the cause is a little different. The Personal Drive, storing such important information, will lock down after some time spent inactive to add yet another layer of protection to the files inside. When this happens, OneDrive on your PC won’t be able to sync automatically with the Vault.

Fixing OneDrive Personal Vault Not Up to Date

We’re going to show a few fixes to try to fix this error with your OneDrive Personal Vault, but the most likely cause and fix we’ll put at the top.

Unlock Your OneDrive

Seeing as the OneDrive Personal Vault locks after a period of inactivity, unlocking it is the primary fix and your first stop. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1. Open OneDrive settings on your PC and sign in with your account login details if needed.

Step 2. Head to “My files” in the sidebar.

Step 3. You should see your “Personal Vault” as an icon in the main menu. Give that a right-click.

Step 4. Select “Unlock” from the context menu that pops up.

Step 5. You’ll be required to confirm your choice through a confirmation email or another two-factor method.

Step 6. You may also need to unlock the Personal Vault on your PC to complete the syncing process. To do this, open an Explorer window (Win + E) and click the OneDrive shortcut in the side panel.

Step 7. Click on the Personal Vault and complete any security checks or questions required.

Relock and Reauthenticate the Personal Vault

If you’re used to accessing your OneDrive Personal Vault through a shortcut on your Desktop, then relock things manually.

What you need to do is right-click the OneDrive icon in your system tray and select “Lock Personal Vault.” Give the sync a moment to refresh, then reopen the vault and complete the two-factor authentication (2FA) process. This’ll refresh the encryption token and allow the sync engine to resume processing your files.

Check File Name Length

It’s a well-known limitation that OneDrive caps its file name lengths at 255 characters in addition to the regular exclusion of certain symbols that can’t be in file names (# % & * : < > ?, etc.). Just because it hasn’t warned you, doesn’t mean that you’re good to go. Check your Personal Vault’s contents to ensure that none of your file names go over the limit or include forbidden characters.

Check File Size

While we’re on limitations, OneDrive also prevents any file bigger than 250GB from being uploaded. While it’s probably unlikely you have anything of that size in your Personal Vault, just confirm to be sure.

Reset OneDrive

If you suspect the issue is caused by OneDrive on your PC, you can try resetting things from that side. Here’s how:

Step 1. Open the Run Dialog (Win + R) and type “%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset” before hitting “Enter” to run the process.

Step 2. Once OneDrive is reset, restart your machine and sign in to OneDrive again, checking if you can access your Personal Vault.

The post How to Fix an Out-of-Date Personal Vault in OneDrive appeared first on Tech Junkie.

Fix 1 – Check That the Network Adapter Is Enabled for the Virtual Machine Not Showing Network Adapter

The import process can leave the adapter disabled in its configuration settings. This is the simplest thing to check first if you get a “VM missing network adapter” message.

Step 1. Open your virtualization software and select the imported virtual machine without starting it.

Step 2. Open the VM’s settings. In VMware Workstation, this is under “Settings.”

Step 3. Find the Network Adapter entry and make sure the adapter is enabled. For VMware, you need to confirm that “Connect at power on” and “Connected” are both checked. In VirtualBox, the “Enable Network Adapter” checkbox needs to be ticked.

Step 4. Apply the changes, then restart the virtual machine.

Fix 2 – Fix a Faulty Network Adapter by Setting the Correct Network Mode

Even if you find the virtual machine network adapter is enabled, having it set to the wrong mode will prevent connectivity. Host-only mode, for instance, gives the VM no access to the internet at all, and a Bridged adapter that points to a non-existent host interface will also fail silently.

Step 1. Go back into the VM’s network settings.

Step 2. Change the network mode. “NAT” is the most reliable option, while “Bridged” gives the VM its own address on your LAN, which is better if you need other devices to reach the VM. However, the latter also requires you to select the correct host network interface from the dropdown.

Step 3. Save and restart the VM.

Fix 3 – Remove and Re-Add the Network Adapter

If the adapter is tied to a specific virtual switch that doesn’t exist on the new machine, the cleanest fix is to remove it entirely and add a fresh one.

Step 1. Shut down the virtual machine completely.

Step 2. Open the VM settings and navigate to the network adapter section.

Step 3. Remove the existing network adapter.

Step 4. Add a new network adapter using the “Add” button.

Step 5. Set the new adapter, click on “Apply,” then start the VM.

Fix 4 – Install or Update VM Guest Tools

The virtual operating system also needs the right drivers to communicate with the virtual hardware. Otherwise, the network adapter may show up in Device Manager with a driver error or not show up at all.

• In VMware, go to “Install VMware Tools” from the menu bar. This mounts an ISO inside the VM that you then run to install the drivers.

• In VirtualBox, go to “Devices” and then to “Insert Guest Additions CD Image” from the menu bar, then run the installer.

• In Hyper-V, integration services are handled through the virtual version of Windows Update. Open the VM, check for updates, and let it install updates.

Restart the VM after installation completes.

Fix 5 – Reset the Network Adapter on the Host

Sometimes the virtual machine network adapter not working isn’t the issue, but rather it’s been configured incorrectly on the host device (the program running the virtual machine).

Step 1. In VMware Workstation, go to “Edit,” then to “Virtual Network Editor.”

Step 2. Click “Restore Defaults” at the bottom-right. If the button is grayed out, click “Change Settings” first, then run the virtual machine with admin privileges.

For VirtualBox, you need to go to “File,” then to “Tools,” and then “Network Manager.” From here, you can remove and recreate the adapter settings.

Step 3. Restart the VM and check connectivity again.

Fix 6 – Check the Adapter Status Inside the VM

Even when the virtual hardware is configured correctly, the network adapter inside the guest operating system may be disabled or have a driver issue. This is worth checking directly inside the VM.

Step 1. Start the VM and hit “Win + X,” then select “Device Manager.”

Step 2. Expand the “Network adapters” section. Look for any entry with a yellow warning icon, a red X, or one that’s described as an unknown device.

Step 3. If the adapter is disabled, right-click it and select “Enable device.”

Step 4. If there’s a driver error, right-click the adapter and select “Update driver,” then choose “Search automatically for drivers.”

Fix 7 – Renew the IP Address for the Adapter

After an import, the VM may have an IP configuration that doesn’t match the new virtual network.

Step 1. Inside the VM, open the Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 2. Use the command “ipconfig /release” and hit “Enter.” Wait for the command to complete.

Step 3. Use the command “ipconfig /renew” and wait for the process to complete.

Step 4. Run “ipconfig” to confirm the VM now has a valid IP address in the expected range (this is typically 192.168.x.x).

The post How to Fix a Faulty Network Adapter in an Imported Virtual Machine appeared first on Tech Junkie.

Part 1 – Check the Version and Enable Markdown in Notepad

Using Markdown requires Notepad version 11.2504.52.0 or newer. You can update it through the Microsoft Store if needed. Once you have a compatible version, the feature needs to be enabled first.

Step 1. Open Notepad.

Step 2. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings.

Step 3. In the “Text Formatting” section, turn on the “Formatting” toggle.

A formatting toolbar will be added to the menu bar. If you disable it later, it stays off until you turn it back on manually. The feature works with both .txt and .md files.

Part 2 – Create a New Markdown File in Notepad

You can open a Markdown file either through the File menu or by saving an existing tab with the .md extension.

For the first option, all you have to do is click “File” in the menu bar and select “New Markdown tab.” This opens a fresh tab already set to Markdown mode.

Alternatively, if you’re working in an existing tab, you can save it as a Markdown file.

Step 1. Click “File” and select “Save as.”

Step 2. Name the file with a “.md” extension (for example, notes.md) and click “Save.”

Either method puts you in Markdown mode with the full formatting toolbar active. In some cases, Notepad will even suggest to save in .md format if Formatting is enabled.

Part 3 – How to Use Markdown in Notepad

The toolbar offers the most accessible way of using Markdown in Notepad, especially if you’re not familiar with the syntax yet. It includes seven options:

• Style dropdown – choose from Title, Subtitle, and various types of Headings (note that this will apply the style to the entire box, regardless of what you select)
• Bold – wraps selected text in **double asterisks**
• Italic – wraps selected text in *single asterisks*
• Link – opens a dialog to insert a URL; inserts [text](url) syntax
• Bulleted list – adds a dash (-) at the start of each line
• Numbered list – starts the line with 1.
• Clear formatting – strips Markdown characters from selected text

If you can’t see the toolbar and Formatting is enabled, go to “View,” then select “Markdown” and click “Formatted.” The “Syntax” option allows you to manually add the aforementioned formatting to text.

When you apply the styles, Notepad inserts the Markdown characters into the file. What you’re seeing in formatted view is the rendered preview, while the underlying file is always plain text with syntax (which is visible in “Syntax” view).

For links specifically, select the link text first, then click the link button. A small dialog will appear asking for the URL. Enter it and click “Insert.”

One of the few manual options that you’ll need to do is create the title and subheader styles. These are

• # followed by a space for H1 headings (title)
• ## for H2 (subtitle), ### for H3, #### for H4, ##### for H5 (subsequent listed styles)

How to Remove Markdown from Notepad

If you want to remove Markdown formatting from a section of text without deleting the words themselves, Notepad has a dedicated option for it.

Step 1. Select the text you want to clean up.

Step 2. Go to “Edit” in the menu bar and select “Clear All Formatting.”

This removes only the Markdown characters (the asterisks, pound signs, dashes, and so on) while leaving the actual text intact.

What Markdown in Notepad Doesn’t Support

Notepad’s Markdown support is intentionally limited. For example, fenced code blocks using triple backticks are not highlighted and may trigger an “Unsupported Syntax Detected” message. Strikethrough, footnotes, task lists, and heading anchors are also not rendered.

The primary intent behind the feature is to support developers working with .md files like README documents and changelogs, and to give users a built-in way to preview that content without needing a third-party app. If you need full Markdown support with live preview or export options, a dedicated editor is still the better choice.

The post How to Use Markdown in Notepad on appeared first on Tech Junkie.

Option 1 – Change Thumbnail Borders Windows 11 Explorer Shows by Default

Windows 11 comes with three (technically four) “stock” thumbnail border styles: borderless, shadow border, and the “video reel” border. By default, the shadow is applied to most files, the reel is for videos, and themes use the borderless look to ensure clarity.

However, all of these border styles are stored in the same place and can be applied to any file type by modifying the Windows Registry.

Step 1. Open the Run dialog with “Win + R” then type in “regedit” and click “Enter.” This opens the Registry Editor. You can also search for the Registry Editor and open it as administrator (this is helpful if you get an error).

Step 2. From here on out, you’ll need to go to a different address based on what you want to change:

• To change image thumbnails for all users, go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image.
• To change image thumbnails for only the current user, you’ll need to create the folder “image” in the following address: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\SystemFileAssociations.
• Alternatively, you can modify specific thumbnails based on file extension in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\SystemFileAssociations (for example .png, .jpg, and .jpeg will cover most images).
• For video thumbnails for all users, go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\video.
• For video thumbnails for the current user, make a “video” folder in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\SystemFileAssociations.
• For themes files (for all users), go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\themefile.

Step 3. Open or create the “Treatment” DWORD value on the right panel, then change its value. The values here are:

• Values 0 and 1 remove the border (the differences are minimal).
• Value 2 is the “shadow” border.
• Value 3 is the “video reel” border.

Step 4. Make changes as you see fit based on the borders you want, then close the Registry Editor. This automatically applies any changes.

Step 5. Go to Task Manager, then restart the “explorer.exe” process (or Windows Explorer). This will reload Explorer and allow you to view the new thumbnail borders. Here’s an example when the image border was changed to include the “reel” effect.

To revert changes, edit the Registry again.

Option 2 – Third-Party Programs

In general, not only will most third-party programs show you how to change thumbnails, Windows 11 will do it by default. The most comprehensive such option is arguably WindowBlinds, which applies “skins” to the entire Windows theme and changes its broader look that remains cohesive (mostly).

The program is $29.99, but it comes with a free 30-day trial so you can test it out.

Step 1. Download WindowBlinds from the official page.

Step 2. Install the program and follow the Setup Wizard, then open WindowBlinds.

Step 3. Register for a free trial account with your email (you will be prompted to enter one the first time you open it). You’ll receive a confirmation email that activates the account.

Step 4. Go to the “Styles” section and choose a theme, then click on “Apply style to desktop.”

Step 5. Alternatively, you can go to “Download more styles” to choose custom styles. Once downloaded, you’ll get a prompt in the notification bar to apply it.

Step 6. Restart Windows Explorer in the Task Manager if the taskbar or window backgrounds don’t change.

Some of the themes change the thumbnail selector or background, but most leave them as the default. You can still try various options before the trial runs out to see which one works best for you.

The post Ready for a Glow Up? How to Change Thumbnail Borders in appeared first on Tech Junkie.