Rainbow Computer Systems

Windows 11 May Be Encrypting Your Drives Without You Realizing It

We all know Windows Update.

Some people hate it. Some people barely notice it. Either way, it is a permanent part of Windows and something worth watching closely.

Here is one reason why.

A recent client needed a small off-lease refurbished computer. Nothing unusual. We ordered the system, installed the extra parts it needed, set up Windows, and added the requested software.

We were nearly finished.

During our final checks, we inspected the client’s old backup and data drive, which had been installed inside the refurbished computer as a secondary drive.

It reported BitLocker encryption.

A closer inspection showed that the new Windows boot drive was being encrypted too.

We had never opened the BitLocker settings or deliberately turned it on.

Why does that matter?

BitLocker encrypts the contents of a drive so they cannot easily be accessed without authorization.

For a stolen business laptop or a computer carrying private records, that can be a major benefit.

For a home user who does not know encryption is enabled—or does not know where the recovery key is stored—it can become a serious data-recovery problem.

That drive might contain:

* Decades of genealogy research
* Thousands of family photos
* Personal writing, business records, or irreplaceable memories

If the computer fails and BitLocker demands its 48-digit recovery key, the data may be inaccessible until that key is supplied.

Without the correct key, even a professional repair or recovery shop may be unable to retrieve the files.

That is why we normally disable BitLocker on home systems we configure unless the client specifically wants encryption or has a clear recovery and backup plan.

What changed?

Starting with Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft expanded the range of systems eligible for automatic Device Encryption.

On a compatible computer, encryption can be prepared during Windows setup and activated when the user completes setup and signs in with a Microsoft account, such as an Outlook or Hotmail address.

This may affect the main Windows drive and other internally installed fixed drives.

That last part matters.

An old data or backup drive installed inside the computer may be treated as another fixed drive. In our client’s case, Windows had begun encrypting both the fresh Windows drive and the older secondary drive without us deliberately enabling BitLocker.

The average user may never realize this has happened.

Windows normally unlocks the drive automatically during everyday use, so there may be no obvious password prompt or warning. The recovery key is commonly stored in the Microsoft account used during setup.

The problem appears later—perhaps after a motherboard failure, firmware change, security-chip problem, or another event that causes Windows to demand the recovery key.

At that point, the owner needs to know:

* Which Microsoft account was used
* The password for that account
* Where the correct recovery key is stored
* Which key belongs to which computer or drive

If that information cannot be found, the files may remain permanently locked.

Encryption should be a decision, not a surprise

We are not saying BitLocker is always bad.

Encryption can provide valuable protection if a laptop is stolen or if the computer contains private financial, medical, business, or customer information.

But it should be enabled knowingly.

The owner should understand what is being encrypted, where the recovery key is stored, and how the files will be recovered if the computer fails.

Most importantly, encryption is not a replacement for a proper backup.

Important files should still exist somewhere else—on an external drive, another computer, or a trusted backup service. Ideally, there should be more than one backup copy.

New-computer setup is no longer “next, next, finish”

Whether you buy a new computer from a big-box store or bring an off-lease system into your home office, do not assume the default Windows setup is automatically right for you.

After setup, check:

* Whether Device Encryption or BitLocker is enabled
* Which drives are being encrypted
* Which Microsoft account holds the recovery key
* Whether another copy of the key has been stored safely
* Whether your important files are backed up separately

At Rainbow Computers, we inspect these settings before a system leaves our bench.

We configure home systems according to the client’s needs rather than blindly accepting every Windows default. If encryption is wanted, we help make sure it is intentional and recoverable. If it is not wanted, we disable it before it creates a future surprise.

Do not let an unnoticed encryption setting lock you out of your digital life.

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Where Did My SSD Space Go?
Make Room for Windows Updates Before You Need It

“My computer has a 512 GB SSD.”

That’s something we hear almost every week at Rainbow Computers.

Then we open Settings → System → Storage together and discover exactly where all that space is being used.

“This PC” might tell you how much free space you have on your drive, but it doesn’t tell you what’s actually using it.

Fortunately, Windows 10 and Windows 11 include excellent built-in tools to help answer that question.

You may be surprised to discover that Windows isn’t the biggest space user on your computer.
Let’s investigate.

Before We Start…
Not all SSDs give you the same room to grow.
● 128 GB SSD: Even one major Windows feature update or a vacation’s worth of photos and videos can consume a surprising amount of your available space.
● 256 GB SSD: Better, but storage still disappears quickly once photos, cloud synchronization, applications, and Windows updates begin to accumulate. An external drive can be an excellent companion for storing photos, videos, and other large files, helping reserve your SSD for Windows, applications, and your current work.
● 512 GB SSD: A comfortable starting point for many home users, but it still benefits from occasional housekeeping. If you’re a self-confessed data hoarder, pairing it with an external drive for long-term storage can provide plenty of room to grow while helping reserve your SSD for Windows, applications, and your current work.
● 1 TB or larger: Much more breathing room—but every drive eventually fills if nothing is ever cleaned up.

The important number isn’t how big your SSD was when you bought it.
It’s how much free space it has today.
Windows updates, recovery features, temporary files, and SSD performance all benefit from having room to breathe.

Step 1: Let Windows Show You the Evidence
Open:
Settings → System → Storage
Give Windows a few moments to scan your drive.
You’ll usually see categories such as:
● Applications
● Temporary Files
● Documents
● Pictures
● Videos
● Downloads
● Other
This is your starting point.
Rather than guessing what’s using your storage, Windows does much of the detective work for you.

Step 2: Temporary Files
One of the safest places to reclaim storage is Temporary Files.
Windows may offer to remove:
● Temporary Windows files
● Windows Update cleanup
● Delivery Optimization files
● Error reporting files
● Recycle Bin contents
Many computers recover anywhere from a few gigabytes to well over 20 GB with just this step.

Step 3: Don’t Forget Downloads
The Downloads folder is one of the biggest surprises we see.
Old printer drivers.
ZIP archives.
Software installers.
Windows ISO files.
PDF manuals.
Many of these files were only needed once—but they remain for years.
We’ve seen Downloads folders exceeding 100 GB on perfectly ordinary home computers.

Step 4: Look for Large Applications
Games, video editing software, older Office installations, unused utilities, and trial software can quietly consume tens—or even hundreds—of gigabytes.
If you haven’t used a program in months, ask yourself whether you still need it.

Step 5: Photos and Videos Add Up Fast
Today’s phones and digital cameras capture amazing photos and 4K video.
Those memories often end up on your computer too.
Maybe it’s Mom, Grandma, or another family member who’s always snapping photos at birthdays, holidays, graduations, sporting events, and family get-togethers. Before long, your computer has become the family’s digital photo album.
Whether you copy them manually or back them up automatically, years of family photos and videos can quietly consume hundreds of gigabytes.
One vacation alone can easily add 10–50 GB of photos and videos before you realize it.

Step 6: Cloud Sync and Phone Sync
Many people connect their phone to Windows using apps such as Phone Link, OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, or other synchronization services.
These services are incredibly convenient—but they may keep local copies of your files, depending on how they’re configured, so they’re available even without an Internet connection.
That means the same photo could exist:
● On your phone.
● In the cloud.
● On your PC.
Rainbow Computers Tip
Before deleting photos or buying a larger SSD, check how your synchronization software is configured.
You may be able to recover tens—or even hundreds—of gigabytes simply by changing how files are stored locally, without deleting the originals from your phone or cloud account.

Step 7: Turn On Storage Sense
Storage Sense is one of the most useful—but overlooked—features built into Windows.
It can automatically:
● Remove temporary files.
● Empty the Recycle Bin after a chosen period.
● Help prevent your drive from gradually filling up again.
For most home users, it’s worth enabling.

Rainbow Computers Tip
I’ll admit it—I tend to be a bit of a data hoarder myself.
Old photos. Software installers. Downloads. Project files. “Just in case” folders. They all have a habit of sticking around.
That’s why it pays to keep an eye on how much free space you have and what’s actually using it. A quick look every month or two can prevent surprises when Windows needs room for a feature update, restore point, or temporary files.

Based on our experience at Rainbow Computers, we recommend trying to keep 40–50% of your SSD free whenever practical.
About 20% free space is our practical minimum.
Can Windows still run with only 10% free space?

Quite possibly.

Some people happily—if somewhat unwisely—run drives that are over 90% full.

The problem isn’t whether Windows will start.
The problem is that Windows has far less room for feature updates, restore points, temporary files, and the background housekeeping that helps keep your computer healthy.
A little free space today can prevent a lot of frustration tomorrow.

Final Thoughts
Before buying a larger SSD, spend five minutes looking at where your storage has actually gone.
You might discover that Windows is simply holding onto temporary files, forgotten downloads, or local copies created by cloud synchronization.

The best time to free up space isn’t when Windows says you’re almost out—it’s while you still have plenty to work with.
Sometimes the easiest upgrade isn’t buying new hardware.
It’s making better use of the hardware you already have.

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www.rainbowcomputers.info

Helping Ontario home users and small businesses get more from their technology—one tip at a time.

5 Windows 11 Features That Could Save You Time, Files, and Frustration

Windows 11 no longer waits for one big update each year. Microsoft now rolls out new features throughout the year, often quietly. The latest feature rollout (Build 26200.8737 / KB5095093) includes several improvements that could make your home or small office PC easier to recover, easier to manage, and a little less frustrating.

Here are the five changes we think are worth your attention.

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1. Point-in-Time Restore Could Save Your Computer

If you’ve ever installed a Windows update, a new driver, or software only to have your computer suddenly misbehave, you’ll appreciate this one.

Microsoft is introducing Point-in-Time Restore, a much more capable recovery system. It is designed to restore far more than traditional System Restore, including your system state, installed applications, settings, and other eligible data from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) if something goes wrong.

Rainbow Computers Take

This could become one of the most useful recovery features Microsoft has introduced in years. It isn’t a replacement for a proper backup, but it may save hours of frustration after a failed update or driver installation.

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2. Free Space Matters More Than Ever

There’s one catch.

Recovery features like Point-in-Time Restore need working room on your SSD. Microsoft enables the feature only on systems that meet its storage requirements, and restore points consume additional space over time.

Rainbow Computers Tip

One of the most common surprises we see is customers discovering that their “512 GB drive” or even their “1 TB drive” has far less free space than they expected.

Someone buys a new camera, downloads a few games, backs up their phone, or finally copies over years of family photos—and suddenly Windows reports they’re running out of space.

It’s surprising how quickly Windows updates, downloaded files, cloud synchronization, applications, photos, and videos quietly add up over time.

Based on our experience at Rainbow Computers, we recommend trying to keep roughly 40–50% of an SSD available whenever practical. It gives Windows plenty of room for feature updates, recovery features, temporary files, and future growth.

About 20% free space is our practical minimum. Below that, Windows has far less room to perform many of the background tasks that help keep the operating system healthy.

Will your computer still work with only 10% or even 5% free space? Quite possibly. Somewhere, someone is probably running a drive that’s 90% full and getting along just fine—if unwisely. That doesn’t mean it’s a good long-term strategy. Leaving your SSD that full gives Windows far less room for updates, restore points, temporary files, and the day-to-day housekeeping that helps keep your computer running smoothly.

A larger SSD isn’t just about storing more files—it’s also about giving Windows room to look after itself.

Five minutes once a month can prevent hours of frustration later.

Open Settings → System → Storage and see how much free space you actually have. Most people are surprised by what they find.

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3. Finally… More Control Over Windows Updates

Windows Update has frustrated users for years.

The latest update introduces a much easier way to pause updates using a calendar instead of repeatedly selecting one-week pauses.

That means fewer unexpected restarts before an online meeting, while you’re working from home, or halfway through preparing an important document.

Rainbow Computers Take

It’s a small change—but one we’ve wanted Microsoft to make for a long time.

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4. Accessibility Improvements That Benefit Everyone

Microsoft continues improving Windows accessibility with updates to Magnifier, Screen Tint, Voice Access, and other tools.

Even if you don’t consider yourself an accessibility user, features like Screen Tint can make long hours in front of the computer easier on your eyes.

Rainbow Computers Take

Sometimes the best new features aren’t the flashy ones—they’re the ones that quietly make your computer more comfortable to use every day.

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5. Lots of Small Improvements You’ll Appreciate Over Time

This update also includes improvements to:

* File Explorer
* Bluetooth reliability
* Printer support
* Widgets
* General system stability

None of these changes are revolutionary on their own, but together they make Windows feel a little more polished and reliable.

Rainbow Computers Take

The best updates are often the ones you never notice—because everything simply works a little better.

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Final Thoughts

Not every Windows update deserves attention, but this one introduces several practical improvements for home users and small businesses.

Microsoft now delivers new Windows features throughout the year. We’ll continue testing them on our own service and bench systems, then explain what they actually mean in plain English—without the technical jargon. More importantly, we’ll let you know which features genuinely improve your day-to-day computing and which ones you can safely ignore.

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www.rainbowcomputers.info

Helping Ontario home users and small businesses get more from their technology—one tip at a time.

Buying a Budget PC in Summer 2026: Don’t Pay for Features You’ll Never Use

The cheapest computer in the store can become the most expensive one you ever buy.

Shopping for a new computer in 2026 can feel like learning a new language. Every box promises AI, Copilot+, Ultra Processors, and Next-Gen Performance. It all sounds impressive—but if your computer is mainly for email, web browsing, Microsoft 365, banking, and streaming, most of those buzzwords won’t make your experience any better.

Here’s what actually matters when you’re shopping on a budget.

Focus on These Three Things

1. RAM (Memory)

Think of RAM as your computer’s workspace. The more you have, the easier it is to juggle browser tabs, documents, and video calls.

Buy: 16 GB

Avoid: 8 GB if you plan to keep the computer for several years.

2. Storage

Look for a 512 GB SSD. An SSD makes Windows start faster, programs open quicker, and the whole computer feels more responsive.

Don’t worry about technical labels or marketing names. For everyday computing, a quality SSD is what matters.

Avoid eMMC storage.

3. Windows 11

Buy a computer that comes with Windows 11. It helps ensure you’ll continue receiving security updates and support for years to come.

Features Most Budget Buyers Don’t Need

If your computer is mainly for email, web browsing, Microsoft 365, online banking, and streaming, don’t pay extra for AI branding, premium displays, or the latest connectivity features unless you know you’ll use them.

Don’t Buy a Disposable Computer

This is where many budget buyers get caught.

Some inexpensive laptops save money by using eMMC storage or permanently soldering the RAM to the motherboard. That often means little or no opportunity to upgrade or repair the computer later.

Before buying, ask these questions:

* Does it have a 512 GB SSD, or just eMMC storage?
* Can the RAM be upgraded?
* Can the SSD be replaced?
* Can the battery, SSD, or memory be replaced without replacing the motherboard?

If the salesperson can’t answer these questions, that’s worth investigating before you buy.

A repairable computer usually has a longer useful life because worn parts or storage can often be replaced instead of replacing the entire computer.

Red Flags

Think twice if you see:

* 64 GB or 128 GB eMMC storage
* 8 GB of non-upgradeable RAM
* “Flash Storage” with no mention of an SSD
* No information about upgrades or repairability

A low purchase price isn’t always the lowest long-term cost.

The 2026 Sweet Spot

For most Canadian households, the best value today looks like this:

* 16 GB RAM
* 512 GB SSD
* Windows 11
* A current-generation Intel or AMD processor

That combination will comfortably handle email, web browsing, Microsoft 365, streaming, video calls, and online banking for years without paying extra for features you’ll probably never use.

Final Thought

Manufacturers want you to shop by stickers. Smart buyers shop by specifications.

A computer isn’t obsolete because it’s slow. It’s obsolete because it can’t be upgraded or economically repaired.

Spend your money on memory, storage, and repairability—not on marketing.

Questions? Call or message us!
705.434.4154

Travel Tech Basics

March Break Tech Part 2: The Border Crossing Reality Check

Crossing the U.S. border this March Break?

Whether you’re driving across the Ambassador Bridge or clearing customs at Pearson Airport, your digital privacy rules change the moment you enter the inspection zone.

Both U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) have legal authority to examine electronic devices at the border.

This isn’t unusual.

It’s simply the modern reality of crossing international borders in a digital world.

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The Dangerous Myth

“My phone is password protected.
They only care about business laptops.”

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The Reality

Border officers can ask you to unlock:

• your phone
• your laptop
• your tablet
• even your child’s iPad

Refusing doesn’t automatically mean trouble.

But it can lead to long delays, device seizure, or denied entry.

For families heading south on vacation, that’s not the way anyone wants to start the trip.

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1. The “Family Device” Surprise

The biggest issue at the border often isn’t the traveller.

It’s the device sitting in the back seat.

Teen tablets full of memes, group chats, pirated movies, or questionable humour can lead to awkward questions.

Nothing illegal.

Just unnecessary conversations with a border officer.

Before travelling, it’s worth doing a quick cleanup across all family devices.

Remember: the device an officer asks about is rarely the one you expected.

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2. Passwords vs. Biometrics

Most modern phones unlock using Face ID or fingerprint scans.

Convenient — but not always ideal at a border crossing.

A passcode is something you know.

Biometrics are something you are.

In some jurisdictions, those can be treated differently.

The Savvy Move

Before approaching the customs booth:

• temporarily disable Face ID or fingerprint unlock
• ensure your device uses a strong passcode
• optionally power the device off

When a device powers back on, it requires the full passcode before biometrics work again.

That simple step adds a little extra control over your privacy without slowing down the crossing.

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3. Social Media Can Create Delays

This is something travellers rarely think about.

If questions arise during inspection, border officers may review publicly accessible information or social media activity.

Old posts.

Sarcastic jokes.

Political comments.

None of it illegal.

But in the wrong context, it can turn a quick inspection into a much longer conversation.

Before travelling internationally, consider:

• logging out of social media apps
• removing unused accounts
• avoiding carrying unnecessary personal data

Not because you’re hiding anything.

Because less clutter means fewer misunderstandings.

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4. The Rail & Marine Roaming Trap

If you cross the border by train or ferry, there’s another issue travellers overlook.

Phones constantly search for the strongest signal.

Along the Great Lakes or border rail lines, your phone may connect to U.S. towers while you are still in Canadian territory.

That can trigger roaming charges instantly.

Before leaving port or the station, turn data roaming off.

Your telecom bill will thank you later.

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The Bottom Line

The border is a grey zone for digital privacy.

Travel with the data you actually need.

Clean up family devices before leaving.

Disable biometrics and power devices off if possible.

And avoid carrying anything you wouldn’t want to explain to a customs officer after a long day of travel.

A smooth crossing is always better than a long one.

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Travelling for Work?

If you regularly cross the border for business, we can help set up:

• full-disk encryption
• secure travel profiles
• clean travel devices

So you can cross with confidence.

Rainbow Computers
📞 705-434-4154
Convenient hours. Local service.

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Travel Tech Basics

March Break Tech Part 1: Surviving Airport Security (Without Losing Your Gear)

Flying out of Pearson this March Break?

If you pack your tech wrong, airport security won’t just delay your family.

They may confiscate your gear.

Every year we see clients replacing perfectly good hardware because they didn’t know the travel rules.

Not because the device broke.

Because it was packed wrong.

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The Dangerous Myth

“I’ll just pack my spare laptop battery or power bank in my checked luggage so I don’t have to carry it.”

Seems logical.

Until the X-ray machine flags it as a fire hazard.

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The Expensive Reality

Lithium batteries in checked luggage are a major aviation risk.

If security finds one in a suitcase, they will open the bag, remove the battery, and dispose of it.

You’ll usually find a small notice explaining why it was removed.

But your $80–$200 battery is already gone.

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1. The Power Bank Rule (100Wh Limit)

Lithium-ion batteries must stay in carry-on baggage or a personal item.

No exceptions.

Most airlines and security agencies limit these batteries to 100 watt-hours (Wh) without special approval.

For common brands like Anker or UGREEN, that equals roughly 27,000 mAh.

Anything larger — such as “camping” power stations or oversized power banks — may exceed airline limits entirely and won’t be allowed on the aircraft.

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2. Airline Rules Can Vary

Government agencies such as CATSA set the baseline safety rules.

Airlines still control what boards their aircraft.

Air Canada and WestJet may allow slightly different configurations compared to discount carriers like Flair or Sunwing.

Before packing your gear, check the restricted items page for your airline.

It takes two minutes.

And it can save you hundreds of dollars.

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3. Never Check Your Laptop

Technically, you can check a laptop if it is completely powered off.

But the straight truth?

You shouldn’t.

Cargo holds can reach colder temperatures at altitude, and baggage handling can be rough.

Between freezing conditions and impact damage, a checked laptop has very poor odds of arriving intact.

If the device matters to you, keep it in your carry-on.

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4. Track Your Luggage (And the Kids)

Lost luggage is one of the fastest ways to ruin a vacation.

A small tracker such as an Apple AirTag, Samsung SmartTag, or Tile can tell you exactly where your bag is.

Even when the airline’s tracking app says “Location Unknown.”

Many parents also clip a tracker into a child’s backpack when visiting busy theme parks or tourist areas.

For about $40, it buys a lot of peace of mind.

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The Bottom Line

Treat your tech the same way you treat your passport.

Keep lithium batteries in your carry-on.

Never check your laptop.

Track anything important.

A little preparation at home saves a lot of stress at airport security.

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Need a Pre-Flight Device Check?

If your laptop needs a quick tune-up
or your tablet isn’t charging properly,

bring it in before you pack your bags.

Convenient hours.
Local service.

Rainbow Computers
📞 705-434-4154

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