FOUNDER & AUTHOR

Shantanu Kaushik

I write practical guides that help people understand technology, solve problems and make useful decisions. My work spans Windows, AI tools, modern software and everyday computing. I was a Microsoft MVP for 10 years, with a strong focus on Windows and troubleshooting.

How I approach a guide

Current guides use official documentation and primary sources where possible. Historical articles retain their original platform context. Source checks are distinct from hands-on tests: an article only claims testing when that work has actually been done.

About The Computer Next →

241 articles

Articles by Shantanu

AI guides

How to Build Interactive Tools, Docs, and Dashboards with Claude Artifacts

Claude Artifacts can turn a conversation into a reusable document, dashboard, design, small app, or interactive tool that you can edit and share.

27 Sept 2026

Troubleshooting

Internet Slow on One Device or the Whole House? Find Where the Problem Really Is

Diagnose slow Internet by separating ISP speed, modem/router, mesh backhaul, Wi-Fi signal, Ethernet, and one-device problems before changing DNS or buying new hardware.

26 Sept 2026

Windows guides

How to Enable Hyper-V and Create a Virtual Machine in Windows 11

Enable Hyper-V in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, verify hardware virtualization, and create your first virtual machine without third-party software.

25 Sept 2026

Troubleshooting

How to Use Point-in-Time Restore in Windows 11

Point-in-Time Restore can roll Windows 11 back to a recent full-system snapshot, including apps, settings, and personal files.

24 Sept 2026

Windows guides

How to Free Up Storage Space Safely in Windows 11

Running low on disk space in Windows 11? Use Storage settings, Cleanup recommendations, temporary files, and OneDrive Files On-Demand without deleting the wrong things.

22 Sept 2026

Troubleshooting

Fake Virus Alerts and Security Pop-Ups in Chrome: How to Tell Website Notifications from Malware

Learn whether a scary Chrome virus warning is a website notification, pop-up, malicious page, extension, or actual malware—and fix the right problem without calling scammers.

21 Sept 2026

Troubleshooting

How to Fix Windows 11 Update Stuck Downloading or Not Installing

Windows 11 update stuck at 0%, 100%, or failing to install? Work through these safe troubleshooting steps before resetting update components.

20 Sept 2026

Tech & reviews

Thunderbolt 5 vs USB4 80Gbps: What Those USB-C Ports Actually Mean

Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 can both use USB-C, but the connector alone tells you almost nothing. Here is what 80Gbps, 120Gbps, displays, PCIe, and charging really mean.

17 Sept 2026

Tech & reviews

Google Drive Stream vs Mirror: Which One Should You Use in 2026?

Google Drive for desktop can stream or mirror My Drive. Learn how each mode uses disk space, handles offline files, affects performance, and what to check before switching.

16 Sept 2026

Windows guides

How to Install and Use Windows Subsystem for Linux in Windows 11

Install WSL 2 in Windows 11 with one command, choose a Linux distribution, update WSL, and understand where to store Linux project files for best performance.

15 Sept 2026

Windows guides

How to Check Your Windows 11 Version, Build, and Support Status

Learn how to check your Windows 11 version and build number, then confirm whether your release is still supported by Microsoft.

14 Sept 2026

Windows guides

How to Check SSD Health and Temperature in Windows 11

Check SSD health, temperature, wear, and reliability data in Windows 11 using built-in storage information and PowerShell before installing third-party tools.

12 Sept 2026

Tech & reviews

Passkeys Explained Properly: Where They Are Stored, How They Sync, and How Not to Lock Yourself Out

Understand how passkeys work across Google Password Manager, Android, Chrome, Apple devices, Windows, and third-party managers—and how to plan recovery before losing a device.

11 Sept 2026

Troubleshooting

How to Fix Bluetooth Connected but No Sound in Windows 11

Bluetooth headphones connected but silent in Windows 11? Check the output device, volume, audio format, services, and Bluetooth audio driver.

10 Sept 2026

Tech & reviews

Wi-Fi 7 Is Finally Useful: What You Need Before Upgrading Your Router

Wi-Fi 7 promises multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency, but you need the right router, client hardware, Windows version, and Internet connection to benefit.

8 Sept 2026

Troubleshooting

Mesh Wi-Fi Still Has Dead Zones? How to Fix Node Placement, Backhaul, and Slow Satellites

Fix mesh Wi-Fi dead zones by improving node-to-node signal, placement, wired backhaul, router position, and device connections instead of simply adding more satellites.

7 Sept 2026

Windows guides

How to Use Nearby Sharing in Windows 11

Send files, photos, and links between nearby Windows PCs using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Learn how to configure visibility, faster Wi-Fi transfers, and received-file locations.

6 Sept 2026

Troubleshooting

How to Check the 2023 Secure Boot Certificate Status in Windows 11

Some PCs still use older Secure Boot certificates. Learn how to check the 2023 certificate status and what to do if Windows reports an incomplete update.

4 Sept 2026

Troubleshooting

How to Troubleshoot High Memory Usage in Windows 11

Windows 11 using most of your RAM? Learn how to identify memory-heavy apps, understand cached memory, find leaks, and decide whether more RAM is actually needed.

3 Sept 2026

Tech & reviews

Cloud Sync Is Not a Backup: How to Build a Practical 3-2-1 Backup for Your Home Data

Protect photos, documents, PCs, phones, and cloud files with a realistic 3-2-1 backup plan that survives accidental deletion, ransomware, hardware failure, and account loss.

2 Sept 2026