Windows

Since 1985, the evolution of Microsoft's flagship operating system has both driven and reflected the development of personal computing.

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Latest

Winamp is not going open source. Here's what it is doing - and why
15 hours ago by Steven Vaughan-Nichols
If you've had VPN problems since the April Windows update, here's your ...
23 hours ago by Lance Whitney
What ever happened to the free Windows 10 upgrade offer?
2 days ago by Ed Bott
VMware's Fusion Pro and Workstation Pro are now free for personal use ...
2 days ago by Jason Perlow
How to screen record in Windows 10 or 11
3 days ago by Lance Whitney

Can you still get a Windows 10 upgrade for free?

Microsoft kept giving away free upgrades to Windows 10 on old hardware for more than eight years. The upgrades officially ended in 2023, but I've seen scattered reports that it still works for some people. So, do you feel lucky?

My top 5 tools to beat distractions and get more writing done - or any work, really

To avoid distractions, I enlist a particular set of tools. Whatever your writing platform - Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, or iOS - help is here.

April 16, 2024 by Jack Wallen in Productivity

Microsoft may try to block third-party customization apps in Windows 11 24H2

So far, at least two customization apps won't install or run in the current beta for this year's major Windows 11 update.

April 8, 2024 by Lance Whitney in Windows 11

Learn how to automate system administrator tasks with Windows PowerShell for just $16

IT pros and system administrators can significantly increase their productivity with the skills taught in the 2024 Windows PowerShell Certification Bundle.

April 4, 2024 by StackCommerce in Education

Want to keep getting Windows 10 updates next year? Here's what it will cost

The official price list for the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program is out. For businesses, it's shockingly expensive. For educators, it's just a few bucks. Here's how it works.

April 3, 2024 by Ed Bott in Windows

Windows 12 FAQ: Is it coming in 2024? (Plus some surprising predictions)

Microsoft isn't talking, but I've collected rumors, speculation, and wild-ass guesses about the next version of Windows in this FAQ to help you get ready.

April 1, 2024 by Ed Bott in Windows

What is an AI PC? (And should you buy one?)

How does a computer powered up to handle artificial intelligence tasks differ from a regular PC? Who's making them? And where does Windows 12 fit in? We answer all your burning questions.

March 28, 2024 by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes in PCs

Google just launched a faster, more efficient Chrome browser for Windows, but there's a catch

The latest version of the Chrome browser is optimized for existing ARM-based Windows PCs and several new models coming later this year.

March 26, 2024 by Jack Wallen in Laptops

What graphics card do I have? How to check your GPU and drivers

Here's how to identify your Windows PC or laptop's graphics card (or graphics subsystem) and make sure everything is up-to-date.

March 13, 2024 by David Gewirtz in Windows 11

How to use Windows Backup to restore key files and settings onto a new PC

With the Windows Backup tool, you can restore a backup of one PC to another.

March 12, 2024 by Lance Whitney in Windows

Microsoft to pull the plug on Amazon's Android app store for Windows 11

On March 5, 2025, you'll no longer be able to download, install, or use Android apps from Amazon's app store in Windows 11.

March 6, 2024 by Lance Whitney in Windows 11

Is Windows Update annoying you? Take back control in 3 easy steps

Want to eliminate unpleasant update surprises? You can force Windows to follow your update schedule. Here's how.

March 1, 2024 by Ed Bott in Windows

Windows 11's big new update is full of AI and rolling out today - here's what's in it

Microsoft is preparing another major update to its flagship operating system, with new AI tools that will allow it to begin monetizing its Copilot for Windows 11 feature more quickly.

February 29, 2024 by Ed Bott in Windows 11

How you (and Elon Musk) can set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account

Even tech billionaires have trouble installing Windows 11 without being locked into Microsoft's network, including its Copilot AI program.

February 27, 2024 by Steven Vaughan-Nichols in Windows 11

11 Windows touchpad tricks to help you work faster and smarter

You know how to point, click, and tap with your touchpad, but that versatile pointing device can do so much more, once you learn a few easy gestures.

February 26, 2024 by Ed Bott in Windows 11

How to upgrade Windows Home edition to Pro

You've got a new PC running Windows 11 Home. You want to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Here's how to make that upgrade happen.

February 18, 2024 by Ed Bott in Windows 11