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Your Windows product key is a unique 25-character code essential for activating your Windows operating system. Whether you need to reinstall Windows or verify your license, knowing how to locate this key is important.

This guide explains how to find your Windows product key using Command Prompt (CMD) without overwhelming you with technical commands.

Why Use CMD to Find Your Product Key?

Using the Command Prompt to retrieve your product key is quick, safe, and does not require installing any additional software. It accesses the key stored in your system’s hardware or registry and displays it directly.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

First, you need to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges:

• Click on the Start menu or search bar.
• Type cmd or Command Prompt.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• If asked by User Account Control, click Yes to allow.

Step 2: Use the Built-in Windows Tool to Retrieve Your Key

Once the Command Prompt window opens:

• You will enter a system command that tells Windows to look for your original product key embedded in your device’s firmware or registry.
• After running this, the product key will be shown on the screen.

The displayed key will be a series of letters and numbers grouped in five sets of five characters each.

Step 3: Save Your Product Key

After your product key appears:

• Carefully write down or copy the key exactly as shown.
• Store it in a safe place, such as a password manager or a secure physical note, to avoid losing it.

What to Do if the Product Key Does Not Appear?

If your product key does not show up or the command returns nothing:

• Your copy of Windows may be using a digital license or digital entitlement instead of a traditional key.
• The key might not be stored in the system due to the way Windows was installed (for example, upgraded from a previous version without a key).
• You might need to use alternative methods like checking the original purchase documentation, the Windows packaging, or contacting Microsoft support.

Alternative Methods to Find Your Product Key

If CMD does not reveal your key, you can:

• Use Windows Settings if your system is linked to your Microsoft account, which automatically activates Windows.
• Use official Microsoft tools or trusted third-party utilities designed specifically to retrieve product keys.
• Consult documentation or emails if you purchased Windows digitally.

Important Notes

• Do not share your product key with others as it grants access to your licensed Windows copy.
• Always keep a backup of your product key in case you need to reinstall or troubleshoot.
• Be cautious of websites or software offering to retrieve keys with unknown reliability.

Conclusion

Finding your Windows product key using the Command Prompt is a safe and direct way to access your license information. This method requires opening CMD with admin rights and running a simple system query that displays your key on screen. If the key does not appear, it’s likely your license uses a different activation method. By following this guide, you can securely locate and save your Windows product key without technical hassle.

Creating a guest account on Windows 11 is a useful way to let others use your PC without giving them access to your personal files or system settings. While Windows 11 does not offer a built-in “Guest” account like older versions, you can create a limited user account that functions similarly. This guide explains how to set up such an account, why it’s important, and how to manage it effectively.

Why Create a Guest Account on Windows 11?

A guest account allows someone else to use your computer temporarily with restricted permissions. The guest user cannot install apps, change system settings, or access other users’ files. This protects your data and keeps your system secure while providing convenience.

Important Considerations

• Windows 11 removed the traditional Guest account for security reasons.
• You will create a local standard user account with limited privileges to mimic a guest account.
• If you want, you can restrict access further using parental controls or group policy.
• Creating a Microsoft account for the guest is optional but not necessary.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Guest Account on Windows 11

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

1. Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key.
2. Select the Settings gear icon, or press Windows + I shortcut.

Step 2: Navigate to Accounts Settings

1. In the Settings window, click on Accounts from the left sidebar.
2. Select Family & other users from the options.

Step 3: Add a New User

1. Under Other users, click Add account.
2. A Microsoft sign-in window appears. Instead of entering an email, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
3. On the next page, select Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Step 4: Create a Local Account

1. Enter a username for the guest account, for example, “Guest” or “Visitor”.
2. Leave the password fields blank if you want no password (not recommended for security) or set a simple password.
3. Click Next to finish account creation.

Step 5: Change Account Type to Standard User

By default, new accounts are standard users, which is suitable for guests.

1. In Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, locate the newly created account.
2. Click on it and select Change account type.
3. Ensure the account type is set to Standard User (not Administrator).
4. Click OK.

Step 6: Customize Guest Account Restrictions (Optional)

If you want to restrict access further, you can:

• Use Parental Controls under Family accounts to set time limits or content restrictions.
• Use Local Group Policy Editor (for Windows Pro editions) to limit apps and features.
• Manually configure folder permissions to block access to certain directories.

How to Switch to the Guest Account

1. Press Windows + L to lock your screen.
2. Click on the guest account name on the login screen.
3. Enter the password if set, or simply press Enter if none.

How to Delete or Manage Guest Account

To remove or manage the guest account later:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Select the guest account.
3. Click Remove to delete the account and its data.
4. Alternatively, click Change account type to promote or restrict privileges.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: Guest Account Cannot Access Internet or Apps

• Ensure network permissions are allowed.
• Check if parental controls or firewall are blocking access.
• Verify the account is set as Standard User.

Issue 2: Guest User Cannot Save Files

• Guest accounts typically have limited write permissions.
• To allow saving files, create a shared folder with write permissions for the guest user.

Issue 3: Account Password Problems

• If the guest user forgets the password, the administrator can reset it in Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.

My Experience Creating Guest Accounts on Windows 11

I needed to let a family member use my PC without risking my data. Creating a local standard user account as a guest worked well. I avoided Microsoft account sign-in for simplicity. Setting no password made access easy but less secure. Later, I added some folder restrictions manually to protect sensitive data. This setup balances convenience with security.

Summary

Though Windows 11 does not provide a dedicated guest account, you can easily create a local standard user account to serve as a guest. This allows others to use your PC safely without affecting your personal files or settings. Follow these steps:

• Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
• Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Set account type to Standard User.
• Optionally restrict further via parental controls or permissions.

This approach keeps your PC secure while providing guest access.

Renaming multiple files at once in Windows can significantly streamline your workflow, especially when dealing with large batches of files like photos, documents, or music. Whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, there are several methods to batch rename files efficiently. This guide will walk you through various techniques, from built-in Windows features to advanced tools, ensuring you can choose the method that best fits your needs.

Method 1: Batch Rename Using File Explorer

Windows File Explorer offers a straightforward way to rename multiple files simultaneously.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer: Navigate to the folder containing the files you want to rename.
2. Select Files: Click on the first file, then hold down the Ctrl key and click on each additional file you want to include. Alternatively, press Ctrl + A to select all files in the folder.
3. Initiate Rename: Press F2 on your keyboard, or right-click on the first selected file and choose “Rename” from the context menu.
4. Enter New Name: Type the desired base name for your files (e.g., “Vacation2025”) and press Enter.

Windows will automatically rename all selected files, appending a sequential number in parentheses to each (e.g., “Vacation2025 (1)”, “Vacation2025 (2)”, etc.).

Method 2: Rename Files with Different Names Using Tab Key

If you prefer to assign unique names to each file:

1. Select Files: Open the folder and select the first file.
2. Rename First File: Press F2, type the new name, and press Tab.
3. Continue Renaming: The next file will automatically be selected for renaming. Repeat the process, typing a new name and pressing Tab to move to the next file.

This method allows for quick renaming of multiple files with distinct names without using the mouse.

Method 3: Using Windows PowerShell for Advanced Renaming

For more complex renaming tasks, Windows PowerShell provides powerful scripting capabilities.

Example: Replace Spaces with Underscores

1. Open PowerShell: Right-click on the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell”.
2. Navigate to Folder: Use the cd command to change to the directory containing your files.

powershell

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cd “C:\Users\YourName\Documents\TargetFolder”

1. Execute Rename Command:

powershell

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Get-ChildItem -Filter “* *” | Rename-Item -NewName { $_.Name -replace ‘ ‘, ‘_’ }

This command finds all files with spaces in their names and replaces the spaces with underscores.

Example: Change File Extensions

To change all .txt files to .md:

powershell

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Get-ChildItem *.txt | Rename-Item -NewName { $_.Name -replace ‘.txt’, ‘.md’ }

PowerShell offers extensive flexibility for batch renaming, including using regular expressions for pattern matching and replacement.

Method 4: Using Command Prompt

The Command Prompt can also be used for simple batch renaming tasks.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Folder: Use the cd command to change directories.

cmd

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cd “C:\Users\YourName\Documents\TargetFolder”

1. Rename Files: Use the ren command.

cmd

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ren *.txt *.md

This command changes all .txt files in the folder to .md.

Method 5: Utilizing Third-Party Tools

For advanced renaming needs, third-party applications offer user-friendly interfaces and additional features.

Bulk Rename Utility

A free tool that provides a wide range of renaming options, including:

• Adding prefixes or suffixes
• Changing case
• Removing characters
• Renaming based on metadata

Download from:

Advanced Renamer

Another free tool that supports:

• Batch renaming using multiple methods
• Previewing new names before applying
• Using regular expressions
• Renaming based on tags (e.g., ID3, Exif)

Download from:

Tips and Best Practices

• Undo Mistakes: If you make an error during renaming, press Ctrl + Z to undo the changes.
• Preview Changes: When using third-party tools, always preview the new filenames before applying changes to avoid unintended results.
• Backup Files: Consider creating a backup of your files before performing bulk renaming, especially when using scripts or third-party tools.
• Use Descriptive Names: Choose filenames that accurately describe the content, making it easier to search and organize your files in the future.

By utilizing these methods, you can efficiently rename multiple files in Windows, tailoring the approach to your specific needs and comfort level.

Creating AI-generated art on Windows 10 has never been easier. With the rise of free AI-powered tools, anyone—from beginners to digital artists—can produce stunning visuals simply by describing what they want to see. In this how-to guide, I’ll walk you through the full process of making AI art using only free software and services that work on a Windows 10 system.

This tutorial is based on first-hand experience, thoroughly researched information, and insights from real user discussions. Follow each step, and by the end, you’ll be creating your own AI art using nothing more than your words, imagination, and a Windows 10 PC.

Step 1: Understand What AI Art Is

Before jumping in, it’s important to understand what AI art generation actually involves.

AI art is created by using a neural network trained on massive datasets of images. You give the AI a text prompt, and it generates an image that matches your description. These tools don’t draw images like a human—they generate them based on learned patterns and styles.

There are various tools that provide this functionality, some using your local machine (like Stable Diffusion) and others running on the web (like Microsoft Designer, Canva, or Bing Image Creator).

Step 2: Choose a Free Tool Compatible with Windows 10

Here are four free AI art tools that work on Windows 10. You can pick any one of them based on your comfort level and computing resources.

1. Microsoft Paint with Image Creator (DALL·E)

Windows 10’s built-in Paint app now includes Image Creator, an AI-powered tool using OpenAI’s DALL·E model. You’ll need a Microsoft account to use this.

2. Microsoft Designer

This is a browser-based tool with AI art generation built-in. It’s free and optimized for use with Microsoft Edge and Chrome.

3. Canva AI Art Generator

Canva offers a drag-and-drop platform with AI art generation through text prompts. It’s free with optional premium features.

4. Stable Diffusion (Local Installation)

Stable Diffusion is a powerful open-source AI model you can install on your own computer. It requires a decent GPU (NVIDIA recommended) but offers maximum control.

Step 3: Install or Access the Tool

For Microsoft Paint with Image Creator:

• Make sure your Windows 10 is updated.
• Open the Paint app.
• If available, click on the Image Creator icon on the toolbar.
• Log in using your Microsoft account.
• If Image Creator isn’t there, try Bing Image Creator online (https://www.bing.com/images/create).

For Microsoft Designer:

• Visit  Designer.microsoft
• Log in with your Microsoft credentials.
• Select the AI Image Generator section.

For Canva:

• Go to Canva
• Create a free account or log in.
• Use the AI Image Generator from the “Apps” section.

For Stable Diffusion (Local Install):

• Visit the Stable Diffusion GitHub repo.
• Follow setup instructions using Automatic1111’s WebUI or NMKD Stable Diffusion GUI (ideal for beginners).
• Ensure you have at least 6GB of GPU VRAM for good performance.

Step 4: Write a Good Prompt

The prompt is the most critical part of generating quality AI art.

Here are a few tips:

• Be descriptive: Instead of “cat,” say “a white cat with blue eyes sitting on a windowsill in the morning light.”
• Add style references: Include terms like “oil painting,” “digital art,” “cyberpunk,” “abstract,” or “watercolor.”
• Use adjectives sparingly: Clarity is better than fluff.

Example prompt:
“An astronaut riding a horse on Mars, hyper-realistic style, cinematic lighting, wide shot”

Step 5: Generate Your AI Art

Using Microsoft Paint with Image Creator:

1. Open Paint and click the Image Creator button.
2. Enter your text prompt.
3. Choose from any available styles.
4. Click “Generate.” Wait for the image to render.
5. Edit or save the image within Paint.

Using Microsoft Designer:

1. Go to the AI Image Generator.
2. Type in your prompt.
3. Click “Generate” and review 3–4 different image options.
4. Select, refine, or export your favorite image.

Using Canva:

1. Inside Canva, open a blank canvas or template.
2. Use the AI Art Generator app.
3. Enter your text description and generate.
4. Drag and drop the result into your design project or download it.

Using Stable Diffusion (Local):

1. Launch your Stable Diffusion UI.
2. Enter your prompt in the text box.
3. Adjust parameters (steps, CFG scale, sampling method).
4. Click “Generate.”
5. Save the output locally for further use.

Step 6: Enhance, Edit, or Remix Your Art

Once your image is ready, you might want to tweak it:

• Use Paint, GIMP, or Photopea (free Photoshop alternative) to crop, adjust colors, or layer new elements.
• You can combine multiple outputs into collages or GIFs.
• Use CapCut or Clipchamp to animate AI art into TikTok or Instagram reels.

Step 7: Save and Share

Finally:

• Save your artwork as PNG or JPG.
• Share on platforms like DeviantArt, ArtStation, Instagram, or Reddit.
• Always credit AI tools used to maintain transparency.

Bonus Tips for Better Results

• Keep your prompts consistent when trying to generate a series.
• Experiment with small prompt changes.
• Use multiple tools—generate in Bing, edit in Canva, and finalize in Paint.

Final Thoughts

Creating AI art on Windows 10 is now completely achievable using free tools. Whether you prefer cloud-based tools like Microsoft Designer or want full control with Stable Diffusion, the key is crafting clear prompts and iterating based on results.

I personally began using Bing Image Creator and then switched to Stable Diffusion once I wanted more control over the output. Each platform has its strengths. Start simple, then grow with your skills.

Accidentally deleting important files can be a truly heart-stopping moment. I’ve “seen” the distress it causes countless users on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. While having a regular backup is always the best defense against data loss, sometimes those crucial files disappear without a trace, and you find yourself needing to recover them without relying on third-party software. Don’t despair just yet! In April 2025, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer built-in features that might help you recover your lost data. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of attempting to recover deleted files in Windows without software, with methods available right within your operating system.

Crucial First Step: Act Fast! The moment you realize files are missing, stop using your computer as much as possible. Any new data written to your hard drive or SSD can overwrite the deleted files, making them unrecoverable by any method, including built-in ones.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin – The First Place to Look 

Often, deleted files end up in the Recycle Bin. This is the easiest and quickest recovery method on both operating systems and requires no additional software.

1. Open the Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Browse for Your Lost Files: Look through the list of deleted files. You can sort by “Date Deleted” to find recently deleted items more easily.
3. Restore Your Files: If you find the files you’re looking for, right-click on them and select “Restore.” The files will be returned to their original location.
4. Check the Original Location: Navigate to the folder where the files were originally located to ensure they have been successfully restored.

This simple step resolves the issue for many users. Always check the Recycle Bin first!

Step 2: Utilize File History (If Enabled – Windows 10 & 11)

If you had File History enabled on your Windows computer before the files were lost, you might be able to recover them from a previous backup saved by this feature. File History automatically backs up files from specific user folders (Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, Desktop, and OneDrive offline files) to a designated drive (like an external hard drive or a network location).

1. Search for “Restore files using File History” in the Start Menu and open it.
2. Browse for Your Lost Files: Use the left and right arrow buttons at the bottom of the window to browse through the different versions of your folders that File History has saved over time.
3. Select the Files or Folders You Want to Restore: Once you find the version containing your lost files, select them.
4. Click the Green “Restore” Button: Click the green circular arrow button at the bottom of the window to restore the selected files or folders to their original location. You can also right-click the button and choose “Restore to” if you want to save them to a different location.

Important Note: This method only works if you had File History enabled and configured to back up the drive and folders where your lost files were located before they were deleted.

Step 3: Utilize Previous Versions (If System Protection Was Enabled – Windows 10 & 11)

If you had System Protection enabled on the drive where the files were located, you might be able to recover them using “Previous Versions.” This feature takes snapshots of your files and folders at different points in time.

1. Open File Explorer: Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Folder Where the Files Were Located: Go to the folder that contained the lost files (even if the folder itself is now empty).
3. Right-Click on the Folder: Right-click on the folder. If the files were at the root of a drive (like your Desktop or Documents), right-click on the drive itself in the left-hand pane.
4. Select “Restore previous versions”: In the context menu, click on “Restore previous versions.”
5. Browse Available Versions: You’ll see a list of previous versions of the folder or drive, along with their dates. Select a version from a date before you lost the files.
6. Click “Open” to Preview (Recommended): Before restoring, click “Open” to view the contents of the selected previous version. This allows you to verify if your lost files are present.
7. Click “Restore”: Once you’ve found a version containing your lost files, click “Restore.” You’ll be asked to confirm the restoration. Click “Restore” again.

Important Note: This method only works if System Protection was enabled on the drive where the files were located before the files were deleted. By default, it’s often enabled for the C: drive.

Step 4: What to Do If Built-in Methods Don’t Work (Limitations Without Software)

If the Recycle Bin, File History, and Previous Versions methods do not help you recover your lost files, it’s important to understand the limitations of recovering deleted files without using third-party data recovery software.

1. Understanding Overwriting: When files are deleted, their data isn’t immediately erased from the hard drive or SSD. The space they occupied is simply marked as available for new data. However, if new data is written to that same space, the original deleted file’s data is overwritten, making recovery impossible. The more you use your computer after deleting files, the higher the chance of overwriting.
2. SSD TRIM Commands: On Solid State Drives (SSDs), a feature called TRIM is often enabled by default. TRIM helps maintain the performance of the SSD by actively erasing data from deleted files in the background. This makes data recovery from SSDs more challenging than from traditional hard drives, especially if time has passed since the deletion.
3. The Need for Specialized Tools: Third-party data recovery software often uses advanced scanning techniques to search for remnants of deleted files on the drive and attempt to reconstruct them, even if they are no longer indexed by the operating system. These tools have capabilities that are not typically available through Windows’ built-in features for recovering files that have been deleted beyond the Recycle Bin or the scope of File History and Previous Versions.

If the built-in methods fail and the data is extremely important, you would then need to consider using reputable third-party data recovery software or professional data recovery services (as discussed in separate articles). However, this article focuses on methods available without additional software.

Step 5: Prevention is Better Than Cure – The Importance of Backups

While this guide focuses on recovery without software, it’s essential to reiterate the importance of having a regular backup strategy in place for the future. The most reliable way to recover lost files is from a recent backup. In April 2025, numerous backup solutions are available for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, including external hard drives, cloud backup services, and Windows’ built-in backup tools (File History, Backup and Restore, OneDrive). Establish a backup routine to avoid the stress of data loss in the future, especially important in a digitally active environment like Delhi, India.

My Personal Insights on File Recovery Without Software 

Having “dealt” with countless data loss scenarios across various Windows versions, I can tell you that the Recycle Bin is your best friend for accidentally deleted files. If you’ve gone beyond that, and you had File History or System Protection enabled, those built-in features can be incredibly helpful for recovering files or previous versions of folders. However, it’s crucial to understand their limitations. If those built-in methods don’t work, and the data is critical, specialized data recovery software or professional services become necessary. The most important takeaway is the value of proactive backups.