Latest Windows News
Feature
Spyware can listen in. This is the Windows setting I always change
This trick also improves day-to-day PC use, too.
Feature
Microsoft promised a better Windows 11. Here’s its 6-month report card
Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 26H2 to the masses, months after it promised to fix Windows in major overhaul. Did it deliver? Here's our report card.
Feature
I doubled my laptop's battery life in a single click. Here's how
Microsoft Windows makes available ten "energy recommendations" that extend your laptop's battery life by hours — and they can all be launched with just a single click.
News
Windows 11 26H2 update has known issues. You might want to wait
Windows 11 26H2 has three known issues carried over from earlier versions. Here's why you might want to wait to update.
News
Windows 11 26H2 is here earlier than expected. Here's how to get it
The Windows 11 26H2 enablement package is live, but not everyone has it yet. Here's how to get it sooner than later.
News
Windows 11 can keep traces of deleted photos. Here's what you can do
Windows 11 may retain thumbnail previews of photos even after you delete the original files. Here's how it works and how to clear the thumbnail cache.
News
When is Windows 11 26H2 coming? Here's what the pattern says
Microsoft hasn't confirmed a release date for Windows 11 26H2 yet, but the pattern of past fall updates points to October 6th, 2026.
News
Microsoft Office suddenly needs to reactivate? A bad update might be why
An optional Microsoft 365 update meant to fix outdated Office installs instead broke some of them. Microsoft has stopped the rollout for now.
News
Windows 10 is more stable than Windows 11 in 2026, data shows
A new analysis shows Windows 11's monthly updates keep breaking things while Windows 10 runs into far fewer problems month to month.
News
Microsoft is quietly killing its Copilot+ PC brand
Microsoft's new Surface Pro and Laptop meet Copilot+ PC specs but skip the badge. Two execs cast doubt on the label's future.
News
Microsoft Copilot wants to automate your work. Do you trust it?
Microsoft is giving Copilot a major update with Today views, vibe-coded apps and dashboards, and autonomous "Autopilot" agents.
News
Is Windows 11 good enough yet?
After a viewer checks in on the state of Windows 11 in the latest episode of The Full Nerd, I'm forced to ask: has Microsoft done enough to improve Windows 11 in the last five years?
News
Microsoft is killing its 'Companion' taskbar mini-apps in December
Microsoft's People, Files, and Calendar companion apps are being retired. Recommended replacements include Outlook, Teams, and Copilot.
Feature
These hidden Windows 11 tools can save your PC — and your workday
Running into an unexpected problem within Windows can stop you in your tracks. Solving it just takes a little knowhow and a knowledge of what tools you have at your disposal.
Updated
Windows 11's File History bug is fixed, but it won't install on its own
Microsoft's optional KB5124010 and KB5124006 updates fix Windows 11's broken File History feature, but you'll need to install manually.
News
Windows 11's optional September update tries to fix Bluetooth again
Windows 11's September optional update improves File Explorer previews, fixes File History, and targets Bluetooth connectivity bugs.Latest Windows Tips and How Tos
How-To
Windows 11's ads are way too pushy. These 9 settings fix the worst
Tired of Microsoft pushing ads throughout Windows 11? Here are the settings you can tweak to turn them off and reclaim some privacy.
How-To
Want more PC storage space? This free duplicate-file finder is the key
CCleaner's free Duplicate Finder tool can locate copies of the same file across your PC in minutes, no manual searching required.
Tip
Hate your keyboard's Copilot key? Remap it to any app you want
You can turn your keyboard's Copilot key into a search shortcut, or use PowerToys to launch any app you want instead.
Tip
Lock down your Windows 11 taskbar so no one else can change it
Here’s how to lock Windows 11 taskbar settings using the Registry or Group Policy.
Tip
Microsoft Defender is causing slow VLC startups. Here's the fix
A bad Microsoft Defender update is quarantining VLC's cache, causing severe startup delays. Here's how to fix it.
Tip
This free Windows app makes file conversion ridiculously easy
File Converter turns images, videos, audio, and documents into new formats without having to open another app.
Tip
This free PowerToys command bar replaces several Windows search features
Microsoft's PowerToys includes a Command Palette that lets you search Windows settings, install apps via Winget, and open the registry.
Tip
The Windows dictation tool every writer should try
Voice Typing lets you write with your microphone and even handles punctuation commands. Open it with Win + H to dictate emails, notes, rough drafts, and more.
Tip
Windows 11 can auto-adjust your monitor's refresh rate to save power
Windows 11's Dynamic Refresh Rate saves energy by lowering your screen's refresh rate when you're not gaming. Here's how to enable it.
Tip
Never defragment your SSD. Do this instead to keep it in tip-top shape
Unlike HDDs, SSDs can be harmed by defragmentation. Here's what to do instead to keep your drive running well.
Tip
This Windows security trick auto-locks your PC when you leave
Dynamic Lock watches for your phone to leave Bluetooth range, then locks Windows. It provides a useful safety net when you forget to lock your PC.
Tip
Windows could lock you out of your PC. Save your recovery key now!
If you lose your BitLocker recovery key, Windows can lock you out of your files permanently. Here's how to check and save yours now.
Tip
Whatever happened to Minesweeper and 3D Pinball on Windows?
Windows used to ship with a bunch of iconic games that you could play straight after installation. Here's why they're gone and what happened.
Tip
Don't like your Windows network name? Here's how to change it
Give your Windows network profiles better names with these 3 simple methods.
Tip
Windows 11 quietly backs up your files to OneDrive. How to stop it
Windows 11's default OneDrive backup gives Microsoft access to your files. Here's how to disable it and back up locally instead.
Tip