Step-by-step fixes for the software you use every day
Each DeskHowTo guide solves one specific problem: a quick answer at the top, numbered steps you can follow with the app open, and fixes for when it doesn't work. Guides note which versions they apply to (for example Excel for Microsoft 365, Outlook, Google Sheets or Windows 11).
Version-specific stepsQuick answer at the topFixes when it does not work
Excel
How to merge cells in Excel (and unmerge them)Merge cells in Excel with Merge & Center, merge without losing data, unmerge, and use Center Across Selection instead. Steps and shortcut Alt H M C.How to use VLOOKUP in Excel (with XLOOKUP examples)Learn the VLOOKUP formula with a worked example, fix #N/A errors, and see why XLOOKUP is easier in Excel 365. Copy-ready formulas included.How to freeze rows and columns in ExcelKeep headers visible while you scroll: freeze the top row, first column or several rows and columns in Excel, and unfreeze panes. Windows, Mac and web.How to remove duplicates in Excel (3 ways)Delete duplicate rows with Data > Remove Duplicates, highlight duplicates first with conditional formatting, or use the UNIQUE function in Excel 365.How to create a drop-down list in ExcelAdd a drop-down list to Excel cells with Data Validation, make it update automatically from a table, edit or remove it. Windows, Mac and web steps.How to lock cells in Excel to protect formulasLock specific cells in Excel while letting people edit the rest: unlock input cells, protect the sheet with a password, and unprotect it later.
Windows
How to take a screenshot on Windows 11 (6 ways)Every way to screenshot on Windows 11: Win+Shift+S, Print Screen, Win+PrtScn, Alt+PrtScn, Snipping Tool and Game Bar - plus where screenshots are saved.How to uninstall programs in Windows 11Remove apps in Windows 11 from Settings, the Start menu, Control Panel or the command line, and what to do when a program won't uninstall.No sound on Windows 11? 9 fixes that workFix no audio on Windows 11: check the output device and volume mixer, run the audio troubleshooter, restart Windows Audio, and reinstall or roll back the driver.How to find your saved Wi-Fi password on Windows 11See the password of the Wi-Fi you're connected to or any network you've used before, using Settings, Control Panel or a netsh command in Windows 11.How to split your screen in Windows 11 (Snap layouts)Put two or more windows side by side in Windows 11 with drag-to-snap, Win + arrow keys, Snap layouts (Win+Z) and snap groups, and fix snap if it's turned off.How to change the default browser in Windows 11Make Chrome, Firefox or another browser the default in Windows 11 with one click in Settings > Default apps, and set links and PDFs to open in it.
Chrome
How to clear the cache in Google ChromeClear cached images and files in Chrome with Ctrl+Shift+Delete, keep your passwords and cookies, clear cache for one site only, or hard refresh a page.How to update Google Chrome (and check your version)Update Chrome on Windows and Mac from About Google Chrome, update it on Android and iPhone, check your version, and fix Chrome updates that fail.How to allow pop-ups in Chrome for one siteTurn off Chrome's pop-up blocker for a specific website, for all sites, or on Android and iPhone - and how to block pop-ups again afterward.How to fix "Aw, Snap!" errors in Google ChromeFix Chrome's Aw, Snap! page crash: reload, close tabs, test Incognito, disable extensions, clear cache, turn off hardware acceleration and update Chrome.How to reset Google Chrome settings to defaultReset Google Chrome to default settings in a few clicks. Bookmarks and passwords stay; search engine, startup pages, extensions and cookies are reset.
Zoom
How to change your background in Zoom (or blur it)Set a virtual background or blur in Zoom on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android, upload your own image, and fix the option when it's missing.How to share your screen on Zoom (with sound)Share your whole screen, one window or computer audio in Zoom on desktop and mobile, let participants share, and fix screen sharing that doesn't work.How to record a Zoom meeting (local and cloud)Record Zoom meetings on your computer or to the cloud, find the recording files, get permission as a participant, and record on iPhone and Android.
Word
How to add page numbers in Word (and start on page 2)Insert page numbers in Microsoft Word, skip the cover page, start numbering from any page, and use Page X of Y. Windows, Mac and Word for the web.How to delete a blank page in Word (even at the end)Delete an empty page in Microsoft Word by removing hidden paragraph marks, page breaks and section breaks - including the stubborn last page after a table.How to insert and update a table of contents in WordAdd an automatic table of contents in Word with Heading styles, update it after edits, change its look, and fix missing headings or wrong page numbers.
Outlook
How to turn on Out of Office in OutlookSet Automatic Replies in Outlook desktop, Outlook on the web and the Outlook mobile app, including different inside/outside organization messages.How to recall an email in OutlookUse Recall This Message in Outlook for Exchange/Microsoft 365 when both sides are on the same org. See limits and better alternatives.How to add an email signature in OutlookCreate and set default signatures for new messages and replies in Outlook desktop and Outlook on the web.How to create inbox rules in OutlookCreate rules to move messages to folders, flag VIPs and filter newsletters in Outlook desktop and Outlook on the web.
Google Sheets
How to use VLOOKUP in Google SheetsWrite VLOOKUP in Google Sheets with a worked example, lock ranges with $, and see when to use XLOOKUP instead.How to share and protect a Google SheetShare a Google Sheet with view/comment/edit access, set general access links, and protect sheets or ranges so others cannot overwrite formulas.How to use filter views in Google SheetsCreate filter views so you can sort/filter a shared Google Sheet without changing what collaborators see.
Android
How to take a screenshot on AndroidCapture Android screenshots with Power+Volume Down, gesture navigation, Google Assistant, and scrolling screenshots where supported.How to clear app cache on AndroidClear an app's cache from Android Settings to fix crashes and login loops without uninstalling. Know when to clear storage too.How to force stop an app on AndroidForce stop a frozen Android app from Settings, then reopen it. When to clear cache next and when to uninstall.
Mac
How to free up disk space on a MacFree up storage on your Mac: check Storage in System Settings, turn on Store in iCloud and Optimize Storage, delete large files and empty the Trash.How to force quit an app on a MacForce quit a frozen app on Mac with Option-Command-Esc or Apple menu > Force Quit, use Activity Monitor, relaunch Finder, and restart if it won't close.
How to merge PDF files (free and built-in options)Combine PDFs using Microsoft Edge, Adobe Acrobat, or Google tools. Keep originals backed up before merging.How to compress a PDF to reduce file sizeReduce PDF size with Acrobat compression, print-to-PDF settings, or trusted online compressors. Tips to keep text readable.
How we write these guides
Every tutorial is written by following the steps in the current version of the app. When menus differ between Windows, Mac, web and mobile, we list each separately. If something has moved in a newer update, let us know and we'll fix it.