FAQ: TOSHIBA Laptop Utilities and Features (How to enable/disable and use these applications and features)
- Information
FAQ: Toshiba Features and Utilities (How to enable/disable and use these applications and features).
Your TOSHIBA computer comes equipped with many useful features. The following information lists these features as well as describes the features function and ability as well as show where to go for information for enabling and/or disabling the feature. Not all laptops are equipped with each feature. Refer to your Owner's Manual for specifications and capabilities.
This list also contains help on some of the more common Windows functions.
Windows 7
Most of the utilities are located using the search feature located in the START menu. These items can also be found using a drill-down method under START > ALL PROGRAMS in the TOSHIBA folder.
Windows 8
Most of the utilities are located using the search feature located in the Charms bar.
If the utility is not installed on your computer, you can verify if it is available for your specific model under "Downloads" on the TOSHIBA support web site (support.toshiba.com). Not all utilities are available for every model. When installing the utilities, install the TOSHIBA Value Added Package first.
Click on the links below to be taken directly to information for the listed utility.
The TOSHIBA Value Added Package (TVAP) provides a number of important utilities such as:
- The TOSHIBA Common Driver provides an essential link to system resources required by several TOSHIBA original program components for access to BIOS functions etc.
- TOSHIBA eco Utility provides extended power control options to our customers over devices in Toshiba notebooks. Reduction in power consumption by switching to optimum power settings based on plugged-in or on battery power machine status, or remaining battery power percentage. For more information refer to eco Utility.
- TOSHIBA HWSetup lets you customize your hardware settings according to the way that you work with your computer and the peripherals you use. For more information refer to HW Setup.
- TOSHIBA Password Utility lets you set and maintain password security that restricts access to the computer. For more information refer to Password Utility.
- TOSHIBA Flash Cards provides additional Hotkey (Function Fn keys) functionality to Toshiba notebooks and includes an intelligent user interface (UI) in the form of a graphical drop-down invoked by hotkey operation. This improves the user experience by allowing them to visually identify current status and available options at time of selection, saving them time spent blindly moving between the hot-key options to find the one they need. For more information refer to Flash Cards.
- TOSHIBA PC Diagnostic Tool can display the basic information of a computer and diagnose simple issues using Windows built-in toolset. For more information refer to PC Diagnostic Tool.
If TVAP is not installed on your computer, you can verify if it is available for your specific model under "Downloads" on the TOSHIBA support web site (support.toshiba.com). Prior to installing other utilities, install TVAP.
Select TOSHIBA laptops offer up to four convenient USB Sleep-and-Charge ports and the TOSHIBA Sleep Utility allowing charging of USB devices such as a cell phone, camera or media player (*1) with the computer in sleep mode or even shut down. The computer does not have to be connected to power to charge devices (*2)(*3) (without AC adapter connected).
Verify the computer is equipped with Sleep and Charge
- Look at the USB ports for a lightning bolt next to one or more of the USB ports.
- The Sleep Utility window opens when you connect a device to the USB port with the lightning bolt.
Verify the device to be charged can do so through its power cable using a USB port. Each USB device may have its own specific charging specification. To charge your device in Standby/Sleep Mode, Hibernation Mode, or shutdown state, the suitable mode for your device has to be selected. Auto Mode (Default) is suitable for a wide range of digital audio players. However, determining which mode is suitable for your USB device is unknown without trying. Try each mode, use the procedure in the video, from Auto Mode to Alternate Mode (*4) to find the suitable mode for your USB device to charge. (*5)
Click here to view Sleep and Charge video to enable / disable.
*1. The device must support USB charging. However, the "USB Sleep and Charge function" may not work with certain external devices even if they are compliant with the USB specification. In those cases, power on the computer to charge the device.
*2. Embedded battery power is depleted.
*3. [Enable under Battery Mode] feature is not supported by a computer which does not have a battery.
*4. Some computers may not support all modes.
*5. Some devices may not be supported in any of the modes.
Refer to your Owner's Manual for complete instructions for enabling / disabling Sleep and Charge.
By connecting the audio cable to the Microphone and Line in Jack, devices, such as digital audio players, are able to play sound with the computer's built-in speaker, even when the computer is in Standby/Sleep Mode, Hibernation Mode or shutdown state. "The Sleep and Music" (*1) function is also available when using the embedded battery pack (*2) (without AC adpater connected).
To use "Sleep and Music", enable the function in the TOSHIBA Sleep Utility and connect an audio cable from the audio output of an audio player, to the Line-in/Mic jack with the "zzzz (musical note)" icon on the PC. Please use the controls on the audio player to control the volume and operate play, stop, etc.
*1. When an audio cable is connected to the line-in/Mic jack during the time "Sleep and Music" is enabled, the sound circuit is active and consumes electric power even if the audio player is not currently playing. If the AC adapter is not connected, the remaining battery is decreased. Please disconnect the audio cable from your PC when you are not using it to play sound.
*2 [Enable under Battery Mode] feature is not supported by a computer which does not have a battery.
CLICK HERE and refer to your Owner's Manual for complete instructions for enabling / disabling Sleep and Music.
This application allows your computer to automatically search for TOSHIBA software updates or other alerts from TOSHIBA that are specific to your computer system and its programs. When enabled, this application periodically transmits to our servers a limited amount of system information required to perform these updates or alerts. This feature is enabled by default.
To open Service Station:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Service Station" into the search field.
- Click "Service Station" in the search results.
- Service Station will open.
To enable / disable Service Station:
- Click the "View Program Access Information" link located under "Last Update" in the lower Left corner.
- Toshiba Service Station Access Information window will open.
- To disable this application (not recommended) click the disable button. To continue using this application click the enable button.
APPLICATION AND DRIVER INSTALLER
Toshiba Application and Driver Installer gives you a way to install drivers and application onto your system.
Install applications and drivers allows you to select an application or a driver to install. You may want to use this function to install an application or a driver that has been uninstalled, re-install software that is not operating correctly or add software that was not part of the default pre-install.
To open and use the Toshiba Application and Driver Installer:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Application" into the search field.
- Click "Toshiba Application Installer" in the search results.
- Toshiba Application Installer will open.
- Select "Next".
- The screen will change. Select the application you want to install and select "Install" (we will use Bluetooth Monitor in this example).
- A new window will open prompting you to select "Start" to install the selected application.
- Select "Start" to install, or "Exit" to quit without installing.
Refer to your Owner's Manual for additional information for the Toshiba Application Installer.
A recovery image of your computer is stored on the hard drive. You can create recovery media from the image using TOSHIBA Recovery Media Creator. If you create recovery media in advance, you can recover the system from the recovery media even if you cannot recover the system from the hard drive.
NOTE: You need to have administrator authority to use this program.
To perform the following types of operation, you have to log on as a user having administrator authority:
- Installing this program
- Uninstalling this program
- Executing this program
- The type of media that can be used to create a recovery media with this program depends on the model.
With a model that has a DVD write function, recordable DVD other than DVD-RAM can be used to create a recovery DVD.
With a model that has a CD write function, recordable CD can be used to create a recovery CD. When recording data to a CD, use a 650 MB or 700 MB CD.
With a model that does not have an internal ODD drive, USB flash memory can be used to create a recovery media.
If two or more recovery medias are created, use media of the same standards.CLICK HERE for instructions on creating or purchasing recovery media.
Living the mobile life is great. Until the unexpected happens. One fall off a table, one sharp jolt on a cramped cross-country flight or crowded classroom and all your precious files, media and other data stored on your laptop could be in jeopardy. Fortunately, Toshiba has you covered.
Get the drop on unexpected falls
You can thank Toshiba innovation for your first line of defense against unforeseen knocks, dings and drops. It's called the Hard Drive Impact Sensor―a complex system of hardware and software designed to detect sudden movements (as when your laptop starts to fall off the table) and "park" the heads of your hard drive before damage occurs. It works faster than you can blink to help protect your laptop and all-important data.
Dial in just the protection you need
Because everyone uses a laptop differently, we made sure you can customize the Hard Drive Impact Sensor to suit your situation. Safely docking your laptop on a desk for awhile? It's okay to "tune" the sensor to its lowest sensitivity level. Taking your laptop around town? Putting it on a school desk or dining table? Better crank up the setting to help keep the unexpected from ruining your work.
For information on changine Hard Drive Impact Sensor settings, go to HDD PROTECTION.
Using the acceleration sensor built in the PC, HDD Protection detects vibration, shocks and similar signs in the PC, and automatically moves the HDD head to a safe position to reduce the risk of damage that could be caused by head-to-disk contact.
To open HDD Protection properties:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "HDD" into the search field.
- Click "HDD Protection" in the search results.
- TOSHIBA HDD Protection Properties will open.
- From here you can change settings for your HDD protection. It is NOT recommended to turn OFF HDD Protection.
- Click "Setup Detail" for additional settings.
- Click "Apply" to save any settings or "Cancel" to exit without saving.
CLICK HERE and refer to your Owner's Manual for additional information for HDD Protection.
The TOSHIBA PC Health Monitor proactively monitors a number of system functions such as power consumption, battery health and system cooling, informing you of significant system conditions.
To open HDD Protection properties to allow enabling / disabling (not recommended):
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Health" into the search field.
- Click "PC Health Monitor" in the search results.
- TOSHIBA PC Health Monitor will open displaying overall health of your computer.
- Clicking on the images will open a new window displaying status of for that function. Clicking on "Hard Disk Drive 3D Sensor" will open the HDD Protection properties described above.
CLICK HERE and refer to your Owner's Manual for additional information for the PC Health Monitor.
Between theft, spills and jolts, prying eyes and lost wireless connections, the real world can be a real challenge, no matter how careful or smart you are with your laptop. So be prepared-with Toshiba EasyGuard® Technology*. Built into all our Tecra® and Portégé® laptop models, it’s like an added blanket of protection and convenience to help you go mobile with confidence. (Just what you’d expect from the world’s laptop experts.)
CLICK HERE to view detailed EasyGuard information.
TOSHIBA Media Controller allows you to control your music, pictures and videos by streaming content to any compatible device in your home. Playing media on a compatible device is easy. Just drag and drop a media file or playlist onto the icon for the rendering device. For example, if you want to play a slideshow of your favorite pictures on a TV that supports the Digital Media Renderer (DMR) functions, simply drag the pictures onto the TV icon found in the DMR list.
Network Configuration
To stream your media, you need the following hardware and software:
- A wired or wireless private network.
- Your PC needs to be connected via a broadband router.
- Your devices must be on the same subnet as your computer.
- The network location must be set to Home network.
- Either another computer on your network or a device known as a Digital Media Renderer (DMR) must be present. DMR are hardware devices connected to your wired or wireless network that you can control using your computer.
To open Media Controller to allow enabling / disabling (not recommended):
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Controller" into the search field.
- Click "Media Controller" in the search results.
- TOSHIBA Media Controller will open allowing you to setup sharing options.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to set up file sharing.
- For more information about setting up devices on your network, CLICK HERE for online help for Microsoft® Windows® 7 Operating System.
CLICK HERE for additional TOSHIBA Media Controller information as well as a demo.
Also refer to the Users' Manual for the specific Digital Media Renderer devices manufacturer.
TOSHIBA's 3D laptops are top-notch entertainment machines with big screens, fast processors, powerful graphics cards, large hard drives, 6GB of memory, and Blu-ray Disc™ drives. What makes them capable of displaying 3D along with standard 2D imagery? These cutting-edge laptop PCs come with a specially manufactured screen, specialized software, active shutter glasses, and a few other features such as a button that lets you switch between 2D and 3D viewing. With the glasses-free F750 laptop series, you don’t even need the specs.
CLICK HERE for detailed information about 3D laptops and technology.
TOSHIBA Face Recognition is software that enables users to easily logon to Windows without entering a password, using a face verification library. The face verification library is used to capture and register the face of users and verify the user logon using that face data.
To open Face Recognition:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Face" into the search field.
- Click "Face Recognition" in the search results.
- TOSHIBA Face Recognition will open.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to register.
CLICK HERE and refer to your Owner's Manual for additional information for Face Recognition.
TOSHIBA Flash Cards is a utility using a card type design. It replaces the "Hot Key Utility" which is a conventional utility for Windows. Pressing a specific key together with the Fn key executes the function assigned to the key (hot key function). When a hot key is pressed or the mouse cursor is moved to the end of the screen, the cards are displayed in a row at the end of the screen.
When a key to which a hot key was assigned is pressed or when one of the cards lined up at the end of the screen is selected, the card is displayed. The functions that the user can select from this card are presented with the subitems displayed with the card. When the user selects a subitem, the function of the selected item is executed. A hot key or mouse can be used to select an item when it is displayed.
To open the Flash Cards utility settings:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Flash" into the search field.
- Click "Flash Cards" in the search results.
- Setting for Flash Cards will open.
- Make changes as desired and click "apply" to set or "Cancel" to exit without changing settings.
To Disable/Enable Flash Cards (Fn Key) functions
- Disable - Place a checkmark in the "Disable all function keys" box. Click "Apply."
- Enable - Ensure there is no checkmark in the "Disable all function keys" box. Click "Apply."
Selecting an item using the keyboard
While pressing down the Fn key, press the hot key repeatedly to move along the subitems that can be selected. The function of the subitem that is selected when the user releases the Fn key is executed.
- When [F6/F7] is pressed, only selecting a subitem without releasing the Fn key executes the corresponding function.
Selecting an item with the mouse
Moving the mouse cursor can move along the subitems that can be selected. The function of the subitem that is selected when the left mouse button is clicked.
- When [F6/F7] is pressed, moving the slider executes the function.
Additional Information
For additional information on available features and settings of Flash Cards, click "Help" at the bottom of the "Setting for Flash Cards" Utility.
You may also review the following Knowledge Base articles:
- TOSHIBA Flash Cards (AKA Hot Keys, Fn Keys) Operation
- Changing display output using TOSHIBA Flash Cards (AKA Hot Keys, Fn Keys)
This utility can display the basic information of a computer and diagnose its built-in devices. However, assume that the diagnostic is for reference only. This product performs a diagnostic based on "Diagnostic Method for Main Components and Its Results." Therefore, hardware that is diagnosed as normal still may not actually be usable. When using this product, use the computer on which it is preinstalled or to which it is attached.
To open the PC Diagnostic Tool utility:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Diagnostic" into the search field.
- Click "PC Diagnostic Tool" in the search results.
- The PC Diagnostic Tool will open showing basic computer information.
- Click the "Diagnostic Tool" tab to open the diagnostic portion of the utility.
- Select the items you want to run diagnostics for and click "Start Diagnostic".
- The PC Diagnostic Tool will run checks on the selected components and report back.
The TOSHIBA Web Camera Application provides you with convenient operations and easy access to:
- Preview the video that the Web camera is currently capturing, at the same time
- Support 2D mode, Shutter Glasses 3D mode and Red-Cyan Glasses 3D mode
- Capture still images
- Record videos
To open the Web Cam:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Camera" into the search field.
- Click "Web Camera Application" in the search results.
- The Web Cam will open and live video from the camera will be displayed.
- When you place your cursor over the web cam video window a row of icons appear at the bottom.
- You can take a picture by clicking the camera icon.
- You can record video by clicking the movie camera icon.
- View the web cam album by clicking the picture icon.
- Change web cam settings by clicking the gears icon.
To view complete Web Cam information, features and capabilities:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Camera" into the search field.
- Click "Web Camera Application Help" in the search results.
- The Web Cam Introduction will open in your browser showing all Web Cam information, features and capabilities.
Refer to your Owner's Manual for additional information for the Web Cam.
Because our apps are cloud based, you don’t need to download them to your computer. Instead you access them through the Internet. They save your valuable hard drive space; you always have the latest, most up-to-date software version. Your apps are virtually always available to you, anytime, from anywhere.
To make it easier, we’ve grouped our apps onto four main packages specially designed to work for you and your Toshiba laptop.
- Road Warrior - All your things with you wherever you are.
- Family CEO - Your household organized, Your memories kept.
- The Essentials - The essential apps that make any device complete.
- Student life 101 - Balancing your busy student life.
To open TOSHIBA App Place:
Click on the Blue App Place icon in the task bar (if present).
OR
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "App" into the search field.
- Click "Toshiba App Place" in the search results.
- Toshiba App Place web page will open. Sign in using your existing account or create a new account in the upper Right corner.
- To learn more about Toshiba App Place, CLICK HERE.
Book Place offers a completely interactive experience that not only brings books to life with sound, color and video, but gives you ReadAloud, integrated web search, hyperlinks, text-to-speech capabilities, exportable notes and much more. Just imagine reading your child a bedtime story where characters talk, images come alive, and each word is highlighted to give your child an unrivaled way to learn.
Students can turn textbooks into an interactive classroom by taking notes and highlighting text, and lifestyle titles like cookbooks and travel books let you download recipes or explore distant lands. In addition to today’s best-sellers, this rich content is also available for purchase at Book Place. Now digital books come to life, at Book Place.
To open TOSHIBA Book Place:
Click on the Red Book Place icon in the task bar (if present).
OR
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Book" into the search field.
- Click "Toshiba Book Place" in the search results.
- Toshiba Book Place will open. Sign in using your existing account or create a new account.
- To learn more about Toshiba Book Place, click "Take The Tour".
Bulletin Board is a convenient place to pin things to visually organize in a fun and creative way. Simply drag-and-drop your favorite pictures, files, or notes to pin them on the Board. Easily accessible from your desktop - use it to create thumbnail shortcuts, reminders, to-do lists, etc., according to your personal style.
Toshiba Bulletin Board is like a customized mini homepage that keeps you on top of your busy life. Just drag, drop and pin your important pictures, files, notes, letters and links onto your board. No more searching endlessly through folders. It’s all right there in front of you. Then, just as easily “unpin” and remove them when the job’s done, or you want a different look.
From the Toshiba board, you can quickly access key utilities, programs and special offers. Get alert messages for product updates and special offers. Or instantly enter our support center when you need help. Because your time is precious, it’s time you started using Toshiba Bulletin Board.
To open TOSHIBA Bulletin Board:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Bulletin" into the search field.
- Click "Bulletin Board" in the search results.
- The TOSHIBA Board will open.
- Two screens will be available. One displaying computer and program information (shown above), the second is the screen you can pin tasks, files, etc... as described above.
- To learn more about Toshiba Bulletin Board, click the question mark icon in the upper Right of the screen.
CLICK HERE for additional information about Toshiba Bulletin Board.
Toshiba ReelTime™ is a graphical history/indexing tool that enables you to view recently accessed files in a fun and easy-to-use format. View and scroll through your history of opened or imported files via thumbnails in an intuitive user interface. Your ReelTime display can be customized to suit your user preferences.
Toshiba ReelTime™ replaces the old fashioned “hunt-and-click” method of finding your files with an visual timeline or “reel,” Now, instead of questions like, “Where is it?” you simply ask “When did I use it?” You’ll spend less time searching, more time doing and enjoying, and keep your day in high gear. Toshiba ReelTime™ shows a row of your most recent files as graphic previews at the bottom of your display, making it easy to see at a glance what’s there. Flick through your reel to find the file you need. Then, keep it handy by dragging and docking it nearby. A brush of your finger or mouse is all it takes. ReelTime simplifies searching by automatically tracking and indexing the documents and programs you open. It groups them and presents them as visual thumbnails so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
Toshiba ReelTime™ also lets you cut through the clutter by filtering out the files you don’t want, and honing in on the ones you do. Group your photos, files and clips by type or by program to look at last month’s book reports, queue up video clips for posting, or to prep for building another great photo album. For all the things you want to do, Toshiba ReelTime™ saves you serious time.
To open TOSHIBA Reel Time:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Reel" into the search field.
- Click "Reel Time" in the search results.
- The TOSHIBA Reel Time will open. By default "Everything" is selected, showing all of your files in chronological order. You can then choose to view documents, photos, videos, as well as other items.
- To learn more about TOSHIBA Reel Time, click the question mark icon in the lower Right corner of the screen.
CLICK HERE for additional information about TOSHIBA Reel Time.
TOSHIBA Resolution+ is a Plug-in For Windows Media Player. This software is a Windows ® -based software which upconverts wmv and mp4 videos on Windows Media Player. What’s behind Toshiba’s Resolution+? Our exclusive upscaling algorithm designed to deliver contrast and color enhancements in real-time. Utilizing the advanced graphics processing capabilities of your laptop, standard definition video is converted from a low to a higher resolution so you can enjoy your DVD movies with sharper image clarity and contrast on your HD display. CLICK HERE for additional information about Resolution+.
The main features of the application are:
- Upscaling
- Contrast tuning
- Color Enhancement
To install the Resolution+ Plug-in For Windows Media Player (if not already installed):
- Go to "Downloads" at support.toshiba.com for your specific model.
- Locate "Toshiba Resolution+ Plug-in for Windows Media Player" (or similar wording) and open the link with the newest date (as older versions may also be listed).
- Click on the .exe file or the "Download Now" button and install the Plug-In when prompted.
- Verify the Plug-In has installed successfully by opening Windows Media Player.
- Under "Tools" or "Organize" select "Options".
- Under the "Plug-ins" tab, select "Video DSP" and TOSHIBA Resolution+ will be displayed with a checkmark indicating it has been installed.
- If it has not installed, try rebooting your computer and reverify.
The TOSHIBA Video Player is a Windows-based software application that lets you view DVD movies, or video content recorded using home video camcorders. You can play DVD-Video, DVD-VR, and video files. Furthermore, you can convert 2D home videos and other 2D content you create into 3D and enjoy them in 3D. Use the on-screen control panel to operate the TOSHIBA VIDEO PLAYER. The video player also includes Resolution+.
To open the TOSHIBA Video Player:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Player" into the search field.
- Click "TOSHIBA Video Player" in the search results.
- The TOSHIBA Video Player will open allowing you to playback DVD-Video, DVD-VR, and video files as well as other options described above.
- To learn more about the TOSHIBA Video Player, click the question mark icon on the controls panel.
With TOSHIBA Disc Creator, you can create original audio CDs, data CDs and DVDs, and backup discs of CDs and DVDs. When creating audio CDs, you can collect only your favorite music from multiple music CDs, and a "MyBest" or "Favorites" CD can be created. Moreover, an Audio CD can be created from audio files collected on the hard disk of your personal computer, such as MP3 and WMA files.
When creating data CDs or DVDs, you can save your important multimedia and/or document files from your hard disk drive to CDs or DVDs. When using "Disc Backup", you can create backup discs of your CDs and DVDs, or duplicate DVD-Videos that you have created by yourself.
More advanced functions, such as image file creating from CDs/DVDs, creation of CDs/DVDs from an image file, and creation of bootable CDs and DVDs, is also supported.
To open TOSHIBA Disc Creator:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Creator" into the search field.
- Click "TOSHIBA Disc Creator" in the search results.
- The TOSHIBA Disc Creator will open allowing you to create media as described above.
- Select "Advance Menu" for additional options.
The TOSHIBA DVD-RAM Utility allows you to perform the following:
- Physically formatting a DVD-RAM disc in the current drive.
- Enables or disables the Write-Protect feature of the DVD-RAM disc in the current drive.
To open the TOSHIBA DVD-RAM Utility:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Ram" into the search field.
- Click "DVD-RAM Utility" in the search results.
- The DVD-RAM Utility will open allowing you to format or modify the Write-Protect feature of a DVD-RAM disc as described above.
- Ensure DVD-RAM media is installed in the correct drive before performing any actions.
Use Fn-StickyKey if you want to create Fn key combinations by pressing one key at a time. When enabled
To open TOSHIBA Accessibility:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Accessibility" into the search field.
- Click "Accessibility" in the search results.
- The TOSHIBA Accessibility Utility will open allowing you to enable it and set preferences.
Refer to your Owner's Manual for additional information on the TOSHIBA Accessibility utility.
You can update and assign other applications to the function buttons using the TOSHIBA Button Support utility.
To open the TOSHIBA Button Support utility:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Button" into the search field.
- Click "Button Support" in the search results.
- The TOSHIBA Button Support utility will open allowing you to enable it and set preferences.
Refer to your Owner's Manual for additional information on the TOSHIBA Button Support utility.
Use Fn-StickyKey if you want to create Fn key combinations by pressing one key at a time. When enabled
To open TOSHIBA Accessibility:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Accessibility" into the search field.
- Click "Accessibility" in the search results.
- The TOSHIBA Accessibility Utility will open allowing you to enable it and set preferences.
Refer to your Owner's Manual for additional information on the TOSHIBA Accessibility utility.
Microsoft provides useful information on how to enable and disable sleep and hibernation mode and power plan options at:
Sleep and Hibernate Mode
Windows 7 options
Windows 8 optionsFor power plan options click here
Windows 7 and Windows 8 come with power plan options that allow you to configure the way you PC uses power when using the battery or plugged into the AC wall outlet. These options include:
- Putting the computer to sleep
- Requiring a password on wakeup
- Choosing what the power buttons do
- Choosing what closing the lid does
- Choosing when to turn off the display
- Changing when the computer sleeps
These options can be found in the Power Optiosn setting within Windows. To access the Power Options click on the battery icon in the system tray and select more power options. You can also view the following links from Microsoft for additional help.
Windows 7 Power Plan options
Windows 8 Power Plan options
Some laptops are equipped with "eco mode". This mode slightly lowers performance of some devices to reduce electric power consumption. You can realize measurable power savings by using it continuously. TOSHIBA eco Utility helps you monitor your power savings by showing approximate real time power consumption. Furthermore, it shows approximate accumulated power consumption and approximate accumulated power savings when using eco mode daily, weekly, and monthly. The utility also shows the approximate accumulated CO2 emission and savings while using eco mode. You can track power savings by using eco mode continuously.
eco Mode sets the conditions described below. If you deviate from these settings, e.g., if you turn up the monitor brightness or turn on the LED illumination (*1), it will no longer be eco mode.
eco power plan is used for eco Mode. It has the following settings by default. These settings are in addition to the standard Power saver plan settings of Windows.
On AC adaptor plugged in:
It changes the display brightness to Level-4, changes the dimmed display brightness to Level-1 (*4), turns off the LED illumination (*1) and the keyboard backlight (*2), changes the time before dim the monitor to 2 minute (*4), changes the time before the monitor turns off to 5 minutes, changes the time before the hard disk turns off to 5 minutes, and changes the time before the system enters sleep to 10 minutes.
On Battery:
It changes the display brightness to Level-3, changes the dimmed display brightness to Level-1 (*4), turns off the LED illumination (*1) and the keyboard backlight (*2), changes the time before dim the monitor to 1 minute (*4), changes the time before the monitor turns off to 3 minutes (2 minutes, if models with Windows 7 installed), changes the time before the hard disk drive turns off to 3 minutes, and changes the time before the system enters into sleep mode to 5 minutes."
If you change the power plan to "eco", your PC is on eco mode.*1: Only on models that support LED illumination
*2: Only on models that support Keyboard backlight
*3: Only on models that include the eco Button
*4: Only on models with Windows7 installedTo open the TOSHIBA eco utility:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "eco" into the search field.
- Click "eco Utility" in the search results.
- Please read the information in the first box, select "Agee" and click "OK".
- The TOSHIBA eco Utility will open allowing you monitor power consumption and set preferences.
- To learn more about the TOSHIBA eco Utility, click "Help" at the bottom of the screen
CLICK HERE and Refer to your Owner's Manual for additional information on the TOSHIBA eco Utility.
The TOSHIBA Eco Charge Mode increases the battery life cycles by not charging to full capacity. This mode is recommended for users who most often use the PC with the AC adapter. The battery life per full charge is shorter in this mode. This mode is enabled/disabled through "Battery Manager".
NOTE: If you use your PC with the battery often, it may change from eco charge mode to the normal charging method to allow for longer battery life per charge. In that case, a notify message that it has changed from “eco charge mode” to a normal charge method will appear.
If you enable this mode, you need to discharge the battery to approximately 50% at least once without plugging in the AC adapter. Failure to do so will result in eco charge mode not being enabled, and the battery life cycles will not increase.
If one of the following occurs, the eco charge mode may be cancelled:
- When the battery pack and AC adapter are removed while the system is Off.
- When plugging in the AC adaptor after the battery is completely drained while the system is Off.
NOTE: Not all computers are equipped with this feature. Check the User's Guide for additional information.
Enabling / Disabling Eco Charge Mode
Windows 7
- Click the "Start" button.
- In the search field type "Battery".
- Click on the "Battery Manager" search return to open.
- When the "TOSHIBA Battery Manager" window opens, select "eco charge mode" (default is "normal charge mode").
- "Eco Charge Mode" is now enabled.
In the battery manager window you will be instructed to discharge the battery to approximately 50% at least once without plugging in the AC adapter. Failure to do so will result in eco charge mode not being enabled, and the battery life cycles will not increase.
Windows 8
- On the Start screen, press the "Windows + C" keys to open the charms bar.
- Select "Search" from the charms bar.
- In the search field type "eco".
- Under "Apps" select "eco Utility" to open.
- When the "eco Utility" window opens, select "Battery Life Cycle" tab on the left.
- Turn eco Charge Mode ON or OFF as desired (default is "Off").
- Select "Close" to set the option selected and close the eco Utility.
- After selecting "Close" you will be instructed to discharge the battery to approximately 50% at least once without plugging in the AC adapter. Failure to do so will result in eco charge mode not being enabled, and the battery life cycles will not increase.
The TOSHIBA HWSetup program is a tool that allows you to configure your computer.
To open the TOSHIBA HWSetup program:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "HWSetup" into the search field.
- Click "HWSetup" in the search results.
- The TOSHIBA HWSetup program will open allowing you to personalize certain settings on your computer. Before making any changes, read the information contained in your Owner's Manual about the HWSetup program.
TOSHIBA Assist provides quick access to computer functions and allows you to customize a range of computer settings.
Available categories of options are:
- Connect - Computer connections
- Secure - Passwords and security options
- Protect & Fix - Diagnostic functions
- Optimize - Utilities
To open TOSHIBA Assist:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Assist" into the search field.
- Click "TOSHIBA Assist" in the search results.
- TOSHIBA Assist will open allowing you customize settings. For detailed information explaining TOSHIBA Assist and it's abilities, refer to your Owner's Manual.
Bluetooth Assistant is a function that assists in the registration of devices. It will automatically search for Bluetooth devices on your computer. If a Bluetooth device is on and detected (keyboard, mouse, etc...), a notification window will open and guide you through the registration process.
Before the Bluetooth Assistant will automatically detect devices, you must open the Bluetooth Assistant and allow the driver to be installed.
To open the Bluetooth Assistant:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Bluetooth" into the search field.
- Click "Bluetooth Assistant" in the search results.
- The Bluetooth Assistant will open and install the Bluetooth driver (if not already done).
- The Bluetooth Assistant will look for Blutooth devices (such as a mouse or keyboard) and automatically register them (if they are turned on and within range).
To change Bluetooth Assistant settings, click "Settings" when prompted to turn your device on.
The "Options" window will open allowing you to make changes.
Bluetooth Settings
You can also access Bluetooth settings directly.
To open Bluetooth Settings:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Settings" into the search field.
- Click "Bluetooth Settings" in the search results.
- Bluetooth Settings will open.
- Under "Bluetooth" menu item, select "Options".
- The "Options" window will open.
Bluetooth User Guide
For detailed information explaining Bluetooth Assistant and the computer's Bluetooth abilities, refer to the Bluetooth User's Guide located on your computer.
To access the Bluetooth User's Guide:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Bluetooth" into the search field.
- Click "Bluetooth User Guide" in the search results.
- The guide will open.
The Fingerprint Utility aims to identify users by scanning their fingerprints instead of entering a password. Using the following operations, a user can scan their fingerprints on the sensor, and then use this method of authentication for the following processes, instead of entering a password with the keyboard.
In order to use the TOSHIBA Fingerprint Utility, you first need to create a Windows account password. If the current account has no Windows password, you can create one by going to START > CONTROL PANEL > USER ACCOUNTS.
To make sure the utility works in the case of a finger injury, please enroll two or more fingers per user. A total of 20 fingerprints can be enrolled using the fingerprint sensor, so if the PC is used with multiple User accounts, make sure that you can divide the 20 entries among all users.To open the Fingerprint Utility and enroll:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Fingerprint" into the search field.
- Click "Fingerprint Utility" in the search results.
- The Fingerprint Utility will open.
- Enter your Windows password to begin.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enroll. Refer to your Owner's Manual for complete enrollment instructions.
ConfigFree® is a set of utilities that makes it easy to control communication devices and network connections. ConfigFree also lets you identify communication problems and create profiles for easy switching between locations and communication networks.
To access ConfigFree go to START > ALL PROGRAMS > TOSHIBA > NETWORK & CONNECTIVITY > CONFIG FREE.
ConfigFree allows you to perform the following:
- Use Connectivity Doctor to quickly fix any network connection problems.
- Create ConfigFree profiles for automatic switching between preset network settings and devices, even if there is a change in the network environment.
- Automatic switching between several wireless LAN environments.
- Automatic switching to a wireless LAN if the cable is disconnected when using both a wired and wireless LAN.
- You can also easily switch LAN environments manually.
You may have to add the ConfigFree gadget to your computer to allow you to use ConfigFree features.
To add the ConfigFree gadget:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Configfree" into the search field.
- Click "Add ConfigFree Gadgets" in the search results.
- The Add ConfigFree Gadgets window will open.
- Add the desired gadget and click "Add".
- If Add Windows Sidebar Gadget is selected, the gadget will display on your desktop.
- The dots on the gadget are available connection points. If you are connected to one, a line will connect the center of the gadget to one of the dots.
- The wrench opens the settings and allows you to choose the refresh rate of the displayed connections.
Features
To view features of the ConfigFree gadget:
- Double-click the ConfigFree Gadgets on the desktop.
- A larger version of the gadget will open showing all available connections as well as additional options in the center of the display.
- Your connection(s) is shown with a line from the computer in the center to your connection point. In this example, the computer is connected to a LAN connection as well as a Wi-Fi connection.
- Hover over the connections to view properties.
- Additional options are as follow:
- You can drag the connection line to another connection and attempt to connect if you have the proper login information. Or you can right-click on the connection and select "connect".
- The "X" will exit the gadget.
- The icon on the far Left of the "X" will open the Connectivity Doctor (looks like a doctor).
- The icon below and to the Left of the computer allows you to connect to a WPS connection point.
- The icon below and to the Right of the computer refreshes the connections.
Connectivity Doctor
The Connectivity Doctor lets you analyze your network connections and fix network connection problems. Using Connectivity Doctor, you can view detailed network information by simply moving the mouse pointer. For complete information, refer to your Owner's Manual.
Wireless LAN Indicator indicates a list of available WiFi access points and status on the logon screen. When PC resumes from sleep state, Wireless LAN status will be indicated immediately on the Wireless LAN Indicator.
The settings for the Wireless LAN Indicator can be changed. To access the settings:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Wireless" into the search field.
- Click "Wireless LAN Indicator - Settings" in the search results.
- The Wireless LAN Indicator - Settings window will open allowing you to make changes.
The TOSHIBA HDD/SSD Alert includes wizard functions to monitor the Disk Drive operating status and execute system backup. TOSHIBA HDD/SSD Alert has the following features:
- Notification of disk drive status - Disk Drive has the SMART Predict Failure function which monitors the Disk Drive operating status. TOSHIBA HDD/SSD Alert supervises this status and if a failure is predicted, it shows the alert message and recommends you backup data in the drive.
NOTE: Please note that SSD technology only allows for a certain number of rewrite cycles. During the lifetime of your computer you may be required to exchange the SSD. - Disk Drive status - You can check current drive status by opening the TOSHIBA HDD/SSD Alert form the start menu.
- System backup wizard function - This function executes Windows Complete PC backup.
NOTE: For more information about the Windows Complete PC backup and recovery, please refer to "Backup and Recovery Center" in the "Maintenance" section.
IMPORTANT:
(1) The SMART function of disk drive can not predict all failures. It is recommended that you periodically back-up your Disk Drive data to external media.
(2) The administrator privilege is required for setup.
(3) The administrator privilege is required for system backup.
(4) The HDD recovery area does not get backed up. It is recommended that you create recovery discs using TOSHIBA Recovery Media Creator.
(5) Windows Complete PC backup does not support backup of a second drive. The data of a second drive can be backed up by copying to an external drive etc. using Windows Explorer.*Windows Complete PC backup is supported only by Windows7,Windows Vista Ultimate/Enterprise/Business. You may backup using a 3rd party's backup software if you use WindowsXP,Windows Vista Home premium or Home Basic.
To open the HDD/SSD Alert current status:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "HDD" into the search field.
- Click "HDD SSD Alert" in the search results.
- The HDD SSD Alert status will open and display the current status of your drive.
For complete information on the HDD SSD Alert, click the "Help" button after entering the HDD SSD Alert.
The TOSHIBA Password utility adds additional password security to your Toshiba computer. After registering a user password, you will be required to input it when booting the computer or starting the Password Utility. Refer to your Owner's Manual for complete details.
To open the Password Utility:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Password" into the search field.
- Click "Password Utility" in the search results.
- The Password Utility will open allowing you to set, delete or change the password.
- Set password will regsiter a user password with the computer.
- Delete allows you to delete the regsitered user password.
- Change allows you to change the regsitered user password.
When setting a password, you can apply it to the HDD. For information about this feature, click on "Learn More...".
The TOSHIBA Supervisor Password utility adds additional password security to your Toshiba computer equipped with Windows 8 pre-installed. This allows you to control the user passwords and access. Refer to your Owner's Manual for complete details.
If this utility or feature is not installed on your computer, you can verify if it is available for your specific model under "Downloads" on the TOSHIBA support web site (support.toshiba.com). Not all utilities are available for every model and operating system. When installing any utilities, install the TOSHIBA Value Added Package first.
To open the Supervisor Password Utility:
- On eht Start screen press Windows+C" to open the charms bar.
- Type "Password" into the search field.
- Click "Supervisor Password" App in the search results.
- The Password Utility will open.
- Click on the "Supervisor Password" tab.
- Set password will regsiter a user or supervisor password with the computer.
- Delete allows you to delete the regsitered user or supervisor password.
- Change allows you to change the regsitered user or supervisor password.
- Set under supervisor allows you to set user permisions.
The TOSHIBA Security Assist Utility acts as a “command center” where you can set up various passwords or other security features, and see how these features can be used with each other to increase security even further, or to simplify the ways that you protect your system. For detailed information about TOSHIBA Security Assist Utility, refer to your Owner's Manual.
To open Security Assist:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Security" into the search field.
- Click "Security Assist" in the search results.
- Security Assist will open.
From the main window, you can select a category that shows the type of passwords or other security features that can be used in that scenario.
The available categories are:- Boot Setting - Select this category to set up security features that will prevent an unauthorized user from even starting up your machine.
- Log on Settings - Select this category to set up security options that protect individual user accounts.
- Resume Setting - Select this category to configure which security options you want to use when your system resumes from Sleep or Hibernation.
- TPM Settings - Select this category to set up the Trusted Platform Module (available on certain models).
- Others - Select this category to check the status of other security features.
- Advanced - Select this category to check advanced security options (not shown - available on certain models).
Laptop Checkup will check for:
- Issues that may be slowing down your laptop.
- Data, photos and music files that need backup.
- Viruses, spyware, malware and other threats.
To open Laptop Checkup:
- Click the Start menu.
- Enter "Laptop" into the search field.
- Click "Toshiba Laptop Checkup" in the search results.
- If this utility has not been used, it will automatically launch and install.
- Laptop Checkup will open allowing you to perform maintenance functions on your laptop to keep it running at peak performance.
Personalize your PC with a picture password:in Windows 8
Microsoft supplies quick and easy tutorials on how to personalize your PC with a picture password at: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/personalize-pc-tutorial
The TOSHIBA Clickpad with Gesture control can be activated and deactivated to allow finger gestures to be used on the laptop clickpad. This feature may also be refered to as Touchpad with Gesture Control.
NOTE: Available gestures depend on laptop model.
Accessing the Gesture Control Settings
Windows 7
- Click the Start button.
- Enter "Mouse" into the search field.
- Click "Mouse" under the search results to open the "Mouse Properties" window. The look of the "Mouse Properties" window will vary depending on the laptop. See the examples below and match to your laptop.
Windows 8
- Press the "Windows+C" keys to view the Charms bar.
- Select "Search".
- Enter "Mouse" into the search field.
- Click "Settings" under the search field.
- Click "Mouse" under "Settings" in the search results to open the "Mouse Properties" window. The look of the "Mouse Properties" window will vary depending on the laptop. See the examples below and match to your laptop.
Mouse Properties Window - Example 1
If the "Mouse Properties" window looks like the example below, select the "Device Settings" tab. Then click the "Settings..." button.
The "Properties for Synaptics Touchpad" window will open.
You can select available gestures to enable or disable depening on preference by selecting the gesture on the Left and placing checkmarks in the corresponding boxes in the upper Right. Descriptions of the gestures are displayed in the window on the lower Right.
NOTE: Pinch Zoom is shown in this example.
Click "Apply" to apply the changes.
To set defaults, click the "Defaults" button in the lower Left.
Mouse Properties Window - Example 2
If the "Mouse Properties" window looks like the example below, select the "Advanced" tab. Then click the "Advanced feature settings..." button.
The "Advanced feature settings" window will open. Under the "Gestures" tab you can select available gestures to enable or disable depening on preference.
Click "Apply" to apply the changes.
To set defaults, click the "Default" button in the lower Right.
Mouse Properties Window - Example 3
If the "Mouse Properties" window looks like the example below, select the "Device Settings" tab. Then click the "Settings..." button.
The "Properties for Synaptics Clickpad" window will open. Examples of the gestures will stream in the window on the Right.
NOTE: Double-click the video window to open in full-screen. Double-click again to exit full-screen.
You can select available gestures to enable or disable depening on preference by placing checkmarks in the corresponding boxes on the Left.
Click "Apply" to apply the changes.
To set defaults, click the "Defaults" button in the lower Left.
TOSHIBA Desktop Assist utility is installed on computers with Windows 8 (factory installed and upgrade). The Desktop Assist utility is designed to give users easy access to their programs, control panel, as well as files and folders, similar to the Start Menu in previous versions of Windows. Click on it for quick and easy access to a suite of handy help and service utilities, including PC Diagnostics.
Accessing Desktop Assist
There are mutiple ways to access the Desktop Assist utility.
- From the Start screen, click on the desktop tile to view the desktop. You'll find the Toshiba Assist icon located on your desktop.
- From the Start screen press "Windows+C" keys to open the charms bar and select "Search". Type "Desktop" into the search field. Click on "Desktop Assist" from the search returns.
Once the Desktop Assist utility is open, you can access programs, tools, utilities and files under the categories shown on the left.
At the lower left you can access the Computer, My Documents and the Control Panel. These links will open seperate windows when selected.
Faced with a growing collection of personal and professional files, blossoming photo albums, and a raft of home movies from the ever-trusty camcorder, many have begun using a 3-1/2” external hard drive to ease the strain on their laptop. But if only they could transfer those files faster. Well, with the introduction of high-speed eSATA USB ports on new Toshiba laptops, now they can. You can connect either a standatrd USB cable or an eSATA cable.
Enjoy a stellar storage solution
Sad but true - all that digital “footage” of your darling new puppy comes at a cost. Typical home video files can range up to 1GB or more. Add thousands of pix, humongous amounts of music plus millions of miscellaneous files and even the biggest hard drive can feel the pinch. But with external storage and an eSATA port on your Toshiba laptop you can offload those files and transfer them faster than via a standard USB port. What a relief!
Fast-forward your movie-making
If you enjoy making movies on your notebook you know how quickly precious hard drive space can vanish. But with an external hard drive and an eSATA port on your Toshiba laptop you quickly gain access to tons of high-speed storage. What’s more, you also get a fast way to move around those chunks of video while making a saga of your big summer party.
Kick up your back-ups
Use an external hard drive to back-up your data? That’s a very smart solution. But with an eSATA port it quickly becomes an absolutely brilliant one. You can transfer your files up to 5 times faster than via a standard USB port. So you’ll be done in a flash and back enjoying the million or so things you can do on your Toshiba laptop.
The TOSHIBA System Settings program released with pre-installed Windows 8 is a tool that allows you to configure your computer - similar to TOSHIBA HWSetup on earlier models. Computers upgraded to Windows 8 from an earlier version use HWSetup.
If this utility or feature is not installed on your computer, you can verify if it is available for your specific model under "Downloads" on the TOSHIBA support web site (support.toshiba.com). Not all utilities are available for every model and operating system. When installing any utilities, install the TOSHIBA Value Added Package first is applicable.
To open the TOSHIBA SystemSettings program:
- At the Start start screen type "System".
- Click "System Settings" in the search results under Apps.
- The TOSHIBA System Settings will open allowing you to personalize certain settings on your computer. Before making any changes, read the information contained in your Owner's Manual about the System Settings program.
INTEL® WIRELESS DISPLAY (WiDi)
Now enjoy all of your personal and online content on your big screen by simply wirelessly connecting your Toshiba laptop to your HDTV. Available on select Satellite® and Portégé® laptops featuring Intel® Core™ processors; Intel® Wireless Display (1) combined with an adapter enables you to project personal content, online TV shows, home movies, videos and more, all with great image clarity up to 1080p. No more crowding around the laptop - now you can gather around the TV to enjoy your PC content.
Get a front row seat every time
It’s time to stop crowding around your laptop screen to enjoy vivid pictures, video and other content. Intel® Wireless Display makes the show so much more enjoyable, letting you easily stream videos, photos and music from your hard drive, home network, or the internet straight to your HDTV - easily and wirelessly.
Press once to connect
The Intel® Wireless Display feature on your Toshiba laptop is all about easy. Simply connect the PUSH2TV adapter to your TV, follow a few simple steps, then sit back and enjoy. You set it up once. And, after that, sharing your screen is quick as pushing a button.
Forget about cables
One of the best things about Intel® Wireless Display is how it lets you cut down on clutter. You don’t need to scramble for special cabling, or litter your living room, to connect your laptop to a home entertainment center and reap all the benefits.
*1 - (WiDi) Requires an Intel® Wireless Display enabled PC, TV Adapter, and compatible television. Available on select Intel® Core™ processors. Does not support Blu-Ray or other protected content playback.
Additional Information
For more information about Intel® Wireless Display as well as what adapters work with your devices, go to www.intel.com/go/wirelessdisplay.
Always at the forefront of innovation, Toshiba laptops are always designed to power your mobile lifestyle to the fullest, while minding the environment with high energy efficiency. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, available on any of our laptops with Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 processors, automatically adapts to whatever you are doing on your PC, providing extra speed when you need it and increasing energy efficiency when you don’t.
Discover performance at your command
Whether you’re using your notebook to catch up on e-mails, editing photos, or working on spreadsheets, the processor on your Toshiba PC automatically kicks into warp speed with Intel Turbo Boost Technology when needed then scales back down when the job’s done. Now that’s smart.
Punch up your older apps
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology can even breathe new life into older software written for single-core processors. How? By automatically speeding up your processor when your laptop needs extra performance.
Enjoy smart power, and energy-wise computing
Because Intel® Turbo Boost technology delivers extra performance automatically, that helps make your Toshiba laptop more energy efficient overall. And that should make you feel better knowing you’re doing your part to help our planet.
Once you had to choose: either great performance for gaming and other graphics-heavy tasks, or great battery life rating to keep you e-mailing, browsing and studying longer unplugged. Not anymore. NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology gives you the best of both worlds—automatically. And it’s now available on select Toshiba laptop computers.
Keep plugging away, without plugging in
Other laptops make you sacrifice graphics performance for battery power. But with the energy-smart benefits of Optimus™ technology in some of our laptops you can do more, enjoy more of the vibrant multimedia you want, and go longer between recharges. So get in some gaming during late nights on campus. Or sneak in a movie on that cross-country business flight. With Optimus™ technology the power is there.
Curb or increase power, seamlessly and effortlessly
The beauty of Optimus™ technology is that it automatically shifts from battery-saving integrated graphics to discrete graphics power depending on what you want to do. You can be writing a letter and sipping energy one minute, then maxing out your favorite game the next. No manual switching. No flickering. No shutting down and re-opening apps. You move back and forth with ease.
Get award-winning performance with game-changing gear
With Optimus™ technology you get what you crave: acclaimed NVIDIA® performance to make laptop computing the visual delight it should be. Play today’s top games. Edit movies. Or enjoy the graphics-based benefits of Windows 8, like drag-and-drop video transfers. You’ll still get power-saving sensibilities on less demanding tasks.
NVIDIA® 3D VISION™ TECHNOLOGY 2 WITH LIGHTBOOST™
Tired of two-dimensional viewing? Now you can enjoy a fully immersive stereoscopic 3D experience with a PC featuring NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ 2 with LightBoost™. Combining high-tech wireless glasses and advanced software, the kit that comes with these PCs transforms hundreds of games, 3D movies, and photographs into an eye popping interactive experience. Just slip on the stylish lenses, gaze into the 3D screen, and you’ll see characters and environments come to life before your very eyes.
Dive deep into the action
Love pictures? Live to game? NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ 2 with LightBoost™ lets you start living “inside” them, by transforming your favorite standard titles into stereoscopic 3D. Now it’s easier than ever to plunge into the action, or make the drama more true to life. Because this technology automatically converts more than 550 games without the need for special patches.
See more with “spectacular” specs
Along with the special 120Hz screen on our 3D laptops, these high-tech active shutter glasses are an integral part of the NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ 2 with LightBoost™ experience. Designed with top-of-the-line optics, they deliver great quality stereoscopic 3D visuals. Compared to passive glasses, you’ll rave over 2X the resolution per eye and ultra-wide viewing angles.
Game on-unwired and off the hook
NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ 2 with LightBoost™ glasses work through high-power wireless infrared (IR) communication, offering free range of motion and up to 15 feet of wireless 3D viewing. Plus, more than one player can use the same IR receiver (built-in) for a multi-user experience.
TOSHIBA created the world's first laptop capable of displaying glasses-free 3D and 2D content at the same time on one screen (1).
To achieve a 3D viewpoint without the aid of special glasses, certain TOSHIBA 3D laptops use the latest in auto-stereoscopic display technology. Equipped with a brilliant full HD TruBrite® display with Active Lens technology, the double parallax image display is able to project two sets of images at the same time, splitting them between the left and right eyes to create the 3D effect. Toshiba's intuitive Face Tracking technology then taps into the laptop's built-in webcam to further perfect the projection of the image by reacting to the motion and position of the viewer, delivering a broad viewing zone from which to view 3D content. The end result for consumers is the ability to view and enjoy real 3D, no glasses needed.
1 - 3D Viewing: Important Safety Information. Due to the possible impact on vision development, viewers of 3D video images should be age 6 or above. Children and teenagers may be more susceptible to health issues associated with viewing in 3D and should be closely supervised to avoid prolonged viewing without rest. Some viewers may experience a seizure or blackout when exposed to certain flashing images or lights contained in certain 3D television pictures or video games. Anyone who has had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition, or has a family history of epilepsy, should contact a health care provider before using the 3D function. See 3D Viewing: Important Safety Information Legal Footnote at www.info.toshiba.com.
Function key enables functions when pressing specific keys or combination with Fn. Some functions show the "Toast" notification at the Right edge of the screen as shown below for Cursor and Numeric Overlay.
To access Function Key settings:
- At the Start screen press "Windows+C" keys to open the charms bar.
- Select "Search".
- In the search field type "Function".
- Click on the "Function Key" App to open the settings to turn on/off the "Toast" notifications.
COOLING PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL
The TOSHIBA Cooling Performance Diagnostic Tool is designed to test the cooling performance of the fan on your laptop which may be affected by the operating environment and frequenbcy of use.
If not pre-installed, the Cooling Performance Diagnostic Tool may be able to be downloaded and installed for your laptop model at support.toshiba.com. Links to the Cooling Performance Diagnostic Tool may be located through TOSHIBA Desktop Assist under "Support & Recovery" or directly on the Start screen.
NOTE: Not all models support this feature so it may not be availble for download when searching.
Opening the Cooling Performance Diagnostic Tool
Windows 7 (Windows 8 upgraded from an earlier version of Windows)
- Click on the Start menu.
- Type "Cooling" into the search field.
- Under the search returns, select "Cooling Checker".
- The "Cooling Performance Diagnostic Tool" will open.
NOTE: Windows 7 and Windows 8 (upgraded from an earlier version of Windows) Cooling Performance Diagnostic Tool windows look similar and function the same.
Windows 8 pre-installed
- From the home screen, press the "Windows+C" keys to open the charms bar.
- Tap "Search".
- Type "Cooling" into the search field.
- Under "Apps" search returns, select "Cooling Checker".
- The "Cooling Performance Diagnostic Tool" will open.
Running the Cooling Performance Diagnostic Tool
NOTE: Operation of the Cooling Performance Diagnostic Tool between Windows 7 and Windows 8 are similar. Windows 8 screens are shown in this procedure.
- Select the "Diagnosis" button.
- In the next window read the information provided explaining the operation and procautions while operating the tool, select the "Next" button.
- Read the confirmation in the next window and select "Start" to begin diagnosis.
- The diagnosis will begin. This may take a while to run. While the diagnosis is running, please adhere to the following:
- DO NOT remove the AC adapter
- DO NOT close the display
- DO NOT remove the battery
- DO NOT touch the mouse or the keyboard
- Once the diagnosis is complete, a new window will appear indicating if there are problems or not.
- Selecting "Save Result" allows you to save a log file detailing the results of the diagnostic check.
- To exit the tool, select the "Close" button.
When the room's dim or the lights go down, you can keep right on typing thanks to a LED-backlit keyboard on your Toshiba Satellite® laptop. Great for working on planes or in poorly lit cafes; it not only looks cool, but helps make the laptop more energy efficient too.
Not all models are equipped with the feature. If your laptop is equipped with the LED Backlit Keyboard feature, the "Z" key will have a Gray keyboard icon on it.
To enable/disable the LED Backlit Keyboard, press and hold the "Fn" key while pressing the "Z" key.
- Depending on operating system, the Keyboard Backlight flash cards may display. Click Here for additional information on Flash Cards.
- Depending on operating system, If notifications are turned on in the Function Keys utility, on-screen notification will display. Click Here for additional informaiton about Function Keys.
When enabled, the Ambient Light Sensor adjusts screen brightness based on ambient light levels. Not all models are equipped with the feature.
To enable/diable Ambient Light Sensor:
- At the Start screen, press the "Windows+C" keys to open the charms bar.
- Select "Settings".
- Click on "Change PC Settings" at the bottom to open "PC Settings".
- Under the "General" setting, locate "Screen" and select the desired function (OFF/ON).
You’ve heard about, and maybe seen, the amazing quality of Blu-ray™ movies. So why wait till you get home before savoring those beautiful crystal-clear images, immersive soundtracks and cool bonus features? We offer a wide choice of laptops that come with a built-in Blu-ray™ player - for uncompromising entertainment wherever the day takes you.
To see if your laptop is equipped with a Blu-ray player, look for the "Blu-ray Disc" logo on the DVD drive itself or check the specifications for your specific laptop in your User's Guide located on support.toshiba.com.
Watch movies in High Def
If you’ve never seen the difference between a regular and Blu-ray™ movie, you’re in for a treat. Fire up your PC and thrill to stunning native 1080p Full HD video (Qosmio® X870 laptops), and awesome soundtracks thanks to Dolby® True HD and DTS HD. You’ll see what sets Blu-ray™ apart with BD-Live™ 2.0, going online right from the movie to view filmmaker chats, deleted scenes, short clips and more. Plus, you’ll be able to view additional onscreen content and enjoy PiP (picture-in-picture) functionality.
Connecting to your TV
When nothing but the biggest and best will do, turn to one of our trusty Blu-ray™ equipped PCs. Plug it into a home theater with an HDMI® cable, and get ready to be blown away. You’ll experience bigscreen 1080p full HD visuals and up to 7.1 channel surround sound blasted through a multi-speaker system. Don’t bother driving to the cinema. You’re there.
Store more with rewriteable Blu-Ray™ (BD-RE)
Some of our PCs even come with rewriteable Blu-ray™ (BD-RE) drives, which open the door to huge amounts of storage - 25 to 50GB worth on a single disc, far more than you’d get with a standard rewriteable DVD. That makes these drives great for doing all-important PC back-ups, or archiving home movies.
Watching 3D
Bring the magic of 3D with you wherever you go, and watch it on the brilliant screen of your Qosmio® X870 laptop. Or use the HDMI® 1.4 connection on your PC to enjoy 3D movies and gaming on one of our 3D HDTVs. It’s a perfect way to discover the incredible depth 3D has to offer.
On certain TOSHIBA laptop models, the display is composed of Light Emitting Diodes with light emanating from the back, as opposed to the sides. The advantage is a backlit display will be brighter since the light is direct. LEDs use less energy as well, resulting in less power consumption.
The Panel Open Power On function will power up the laptop (when shut down) when the laptop lid is opened. This function must be manually enabled through the Power Options.
To Enable / Disable Panel Open Power On:
Windows 7
- Click on the Start menu.
- Select "Control Panel".
- Locate and open "Hardware and Sound" settings.
- Click "Power Options".
- In the Left navigation pane select "Panel Open - Power On".
- HWSetup will open with the "Boot Setting" tab selected.
- Locate the "Panel Open - Power On" setting and choose "Enable" or "Disable".
- Click the "Apply" button to set.
Windows 8
- At the Start screen, press the "Windows+C" keys to open the charms bar.
- Select "Search" in the charms bar.
- Type "Control Panel" into the search field.
- Select "Control Panel" from the Apps returns.
- Locate and open "Hardware and Sound" settings.
- Click "Power Options".
- In the Left navigation pane select "Panel Open - Power On".
- System Settings will open with the "Boot" tab selected.
- Locate the "Panel Open - Power On" setting and choose "Enable" or "Disable".
- Click the "Apply" button to set.
SRS Premium Sound™ 3D offers the richest and most immersive audio experience in any listening environment using technologies from SRS Labs, the world leader in post-audio processing. It includes the popular SRS TruSurround® HD processing found in a variety of consumer electronics such as television sets, as well as SRS Circle Surround Headphone™ for amazing sound through headphones. SRS TruSurround HD can offer a rich immersive experience and virtual surround sound for your music, movies, and games over only 2 speakers. SRS CS Headphone uses SRS Circle Surround® decoding to deliver accurate virtual surround sound for movie and game content when users listen on headphones.
What is SRS Premium Sound 3D?
SRS Premium Sound 3D combines several SRS Technologies into one application. Based upon the source content and the speaker configuration, the appropriate technologies are automatically engaged for the best possible audio experience. SRS engineers have worked closely with PC manufacturers to fine tune the performance of Premium Sound for each model.
NOTE: Not all models are available or compatible with SRS Premium Sound™ 3D. Refer to your User's Guide for details located at support.toshiba.com.
Opening the Control Panel
Windows 7
- Click the "Start Button".
- In the search field type "SRS".
- Select "SRS Premium Sound 3D" from the search results.
- The "SRS Premium Sound 3D" control panel will open.
Windows 8
- On the Start screen press the "Windows+C" keys to open the charms bar.
- Select "Search" from the charms bar.
- In the search field type "SRS".
- Select "SRS Premium Sound 3D" from the Apps search results.
- The "SRS Premium Sound 3D" control panel will open.
Control Panel Functions
The control panel of the application allows you to change the behavior of SRS Premium Sound 3D.
- Power Button - This will enable and disable processing.
- Options - This brings up a menu...
- Help - opens this help documentation.
- About... - opens the about box containing version and contact information
- Move - allows you to move the window without using the mouse.
- Minimize/Close - returns the window to the task tray. To exit completely, right-click the tray icon and select "Exit".
- Content/What are you listening to? - This will adjust the technology for the best performance selected.
- Output - choose from Headphone, External Speakers, or Notebook. This will adjust the technology for the best performance.
NOTE: In some versions of the control panel, the speaker mode is selected automatically by the hardware and cannot be changed. (Some speakers selections may not be available on all models.) - Output Meters - these meters indicate audio signals leaving the SRS process.
- ? button - brings up this help documentation.
Advanced Controls
The Advanced Controls are accessed by clicking on the Advanced tab located at the bottom of the window. Based upon the content and output settings, all or a subset of these controls will appear.
- SRS® 3D Center Level - determine the amount of center present in the stereo field.
- SRS® 3D Space Level - choose the width of the stereo field.
- SRS TruBass® Level - regulate the amount of perceptual bass effect added to the output.
- SRS FOCUS™ Level - control the elevation of the stereo image.
- SRS® Definition Level - change the amount of high frequency contouring to further improve perception and acoustic space.
- SRS Dialog Clarity™ Level - control audio separation between the movie sound track and the dialog to provide clarity to speaking voices.
- SRS TruBass® Speaker Size - set the slider to the left for small speakers, in the middle for medium speakers, and to the right for large speakers.
- SRS TruVolume™ - Provides a level and consistent volume when playing media files.
- Default Settings - restore the settings to the factory-installed defaults.
Most smart devices including tablets and laptops are equipped with an accelerometer and gyroscope. Accelerometers measure linear motion AND gravity at the same time. The gyroscope measures rotational motion, not linear acceleration. If you were to slowly turn your body, the accelerometer would not catch it. However, the gyroscope could tell you exactly how far you turned and where you turned, from your initial position. What’s more, the gyroscope is immune to the effect of gravity, so exact changes can be read directly regardless of position. In a word, the gyroscope fits the way the human body works.
When installed in a tablet or laptop, the gyroscope can assist with the following features:
- Device Control- Playing a game such as a flight simulator requiring movement of the device for control.
- Image Stabilization- When taking a picture, touching the device to activate the shutter causes movement. A gyroscope can record the exact rotational motions (like a shaky hand) and can be used to remove the motion from the picture resulting in a consistently better picture.
- GPS Location - When using navigation, your device may intermittently lose GPS signal. However once you have a direction locked in, the gyroscope can keep you on track to the target. A gyroscope used in conjunction with other components can to take you through a multiple turn destination from a known location without a GPS signal (after location has been determined by connecting to GPS prior to losing signal), something a compass could not manage.
The TOSHIBA Split Screen Utility enables you to create multiple display zones on a screen and to fit the active windows within those zones.
Not all laptop models are equipped with the TOSHIBA Split Screen Utility. For complete information about using the Split Screen Utility as well as functionality and available options, refer to the "Utilities" section of the User's Guide for your model located at support.toshiba.com.
Opening the Split Screen Utility Settings
Windows 7
- Click on the Start menu.
- Type "Split" into the search field.
- Under the search returns, select "Split Screen Utility".
- The "TOSHIBA Split Screen Utility" will open.
Windows 8
- From the home screen, press the "Windows+C" keys to open the charms bar.
- Tap "Search".
- Type "Split" into the search field.
- Under "Apps" search returns, select "Split Screen Utility".
- The "TOSHIBA Split Screen Utility" will open.
To turn split screen on, select "ON" under "Enable Split Screen".
You can then select the desired layout from the displayed templates.
Advanced Settings
Advanced settings allow you to select which pre-installed templates to use as well as the option to create your own template for your needs.
Being wired to wireless hotspots is over – thanks to new Toshiba advancements like the 4G WiMAX ready laptops (available in select Satellite® models) powered by Intel® Core™ processor technology. It extends your freedom well beyond Wi-Fi because 4G WiMAX lets you take your home internet experience with you when you leave your home.
Blazing fast mobile internet™
Mobile internet powered by 4G WiMAX technology is 4 times faster1 than the internet you get on a 3G network. 4G allows you to get the same internet experience on-the-go as you do at home. So you can always stay connected to your email, find friends on your favorite social media sites while at the soccer fields, catch up on work from a café or stream last night’s TV show on the bus. With 4G WiMAX, you get internet over areas much, much larger than Wi-Fi. We’re talking miles, not feet. So, forget about finding a hotspot… get 4G WiMAX which is like a hotspot the size of a city. Service available from CLEAR, Sprint and Time Warner Cable.
What Toshiba and 4G WiMAX do for you
Put you in touch from point to point
Use your Toshiba notebook to e-mail, IM and chat live with family and friends, or update your social networking sites. On the run? 4G WiMAX makes sure you’re always around.
Bring fun along for the ride
Dive into multi-player 3D games. Post videos and pictures. Find the nearest restaurant. Or stream movies and radio. With 4G WiMAX, entertainment is never off the menu, even when you’re on the move.
Keep you working while you’re out
Pause and videoconference in a park. Grab important files off your network while carpooling. Or send that proposal from the train. 4G WiMAX means you’re never “out of pocket.”
Prepare you for what’s next
Exciting new location-based services and apps are just around the corner. And your 4G WiMAX-equipped Toshiba PC can put you at the head of the line.
Why you won’t say goodbye to Wi-Fi®
Another benefit of 4G WiMAX is that it works with (not instead of) Wi-Fi® networks, broadening coverage over a far greater area and “filling in the gaps” between hotspots. Together, 4G WiMAX and Wi-Fi® on your Toshiba PC make sure you have the best coverage available. So you can always connect with the people, places and content that enrich your mobile life.
TOSHIBA Sync Utility can help you synchronize files and Office Outlook® emails.
With this utility, you can:
- Synchronize files between two PCs or between a PC and a removable storage device.
- Synchronize files and emails with different synchronization directions.
More than one task can be performed with a one-time operation. You can also customize the settings and view the synchronization results. For complete information about how to use the TOSHIBA Sync Utility, click on the "HELP" button at the lower Right of the Sync Utility window.
NOTE: Not all laptops are equipped with TOSHIBA Sync Utility. Refer to your User's Guide for details.
Launching the Sync Utility
Links to the TOSHIBA Sync Utility can be found in TOSHIBA Assist and TOSHIBA Desktop Assist utilities.
TOSHIBA Assist
TOSHIBA Desktop Assist
The following procedures detail accessisng the Sync Utility directly.
Windows 7
- Click on the Start menu button.
- In the search field, type "Sync Utility".
- Click on "Sync Utility" from the search returns to open.
Windows 8
- From the Windows Start screen press the "Windows + C" keys to open the charms bar.
- Select "Search" from the charms bar.
- In the search field, type "Sync Utility".
- Click on "Sync Utility" under "Apps" to open.
Performing a Task
This procedure applies to Windows 7 and Windows 8 computers.
- To perform a synchronization task, click on the "HELP" button on the lower Left of the Sync Utility window.
- Click on "Basic Operation" then "Main Windows" in the Left navigation to view the available options and how to perform them. Click on each task to learn more.
- Click the "Add Task" button on the lower Left of the Sync Utility window and perform the desired task.
TOSHIBA Hi-Speed start allows for faster boot times. This feature can be anabled and disabled.
NOTE: Not all laptops are available with this feature. Refer to the User's Gude for the specific laptop for details.
Enable / Disable Hi-Speed Start
Windows 7
- Click on the Start menu button.
- In the search field type "HWSetup".
- Click on "HWSetup" in the search returns to open the HWSetup Utility.
- Select the "Boot Setting" tab.
- Under "Boot Speed" select "Fast" or "Normal".
- Selct "Apply" to set.
- You will be prompted to select to reboot now or make changes on next reboot.
Windows 8
NOTE: On machines upgraded from Windows 7 or earlier, search for "HWSetup" and follow the procedures above.
- From the Windows Start screen, press the "Windows + C" keys to open the charms bar.
- Select "Search" from the charms bar.
- In the search field type "System Settings".
- Click on "System Settings" in the Apps search returns to open System Settings.
- Select the "Boot" tab.
- Under "Boot Speed" select "Fast" or "Normal".
- Selct "Apply" to set.
- Export Control and EULA
- Use of any software made available for download from this system constitutes your acceptance of the Export Control Terms and the terms in the Dynabook end-user license agreement both of which you can view before downloading any such software.