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Articles about Windows
Microsoft rolls out Edge 90, with new history search, Kids Mode, to mainstream users
Microsoft's Edge 90 is available to the 'Stable Channel,' meaning mainstream users, on April 15. Here's what's new.
Better than the best password: How to use 2FA to improve your security
Want to avoid having your online accounts hacked? Enable two-factor authentication, a crucial security measure that requires an extra step when signing in to high-value services. In this post, I explain how to set up 2FA and which accounts to focus on first.
Windows 10: Microsoft restricts uploads to Timeline in latest preview
What is Microsoft planning for the Windows 10 Timeline? Build 21359 for the Dev Channel offers a clue.
New Windows 10 builds arrive with April 2021 Patch Tuesday updates
As expected with Patch Tuesday, Microsoft has released new Windows 10 builds and 21H1 preview builds.
Microsoft makes MSIX App Attach, a key Windows Virtual Desktop feature, generally available
Microsoft finally is rolling out a key promised component of its Windows Virtual Desktop service which it first showed off back in 2018.
The best Surface? See which Microsoft Surface PC is right for you
Microsoft's ever-expanding lineup of Surface PCs now covers a wide range of hardware factors and price points. Here's a field guide for sorting out which Surface PC should be on your shortlist.
Windows 10 is finally getting a 64-bit version of Microsoft's OneDrive syncing app
But it warns Surface Pro X users with an Arm processor to stick with the 32-bit version of OneDrive.
The best budget laptops for under $350: Top expert picks
Sometimes a simple, affordable laptop is all you need. Check out these top picks of the best budget laptops and convertibles for $350 or less.
The cure for Apple envy? How to connect your Android phone to Windows 10
Android and Windows 10 work well enough together, but pairing a new Samsung Galaxy phone (or a Surface Duo) with a Windows 10 PC unlocks a set of additional features that rival the integration between a Mac and an iPhone.
Windows and Mac software: My 11 essential apps and services
Here's a list of the apps and services I use day in and day out. It's an eclectic mix of desktop apps and browser-based tools, with some essential media players thrown in for good measure.
It's official: Microsoft Build will be May 25 to 27
Microsoft's annual developer conference will be a virtual event again and is happening at the end of May 2021.
Microsoft's 'Project Reunion' hits the 0.5 milestone
Microsoft took another step toward its planned goal of bridging the Win32-UWP app divide, with its 0.5 release of its 'Project Reunion' Windows 10 developer toolset.
Windows 10: 20H2 preview removes old Edge, 21H1 gets the buggy printer fix
Microsoft has released a preview update for Windows 10 versions 20H2 and 1909, a fix for the printer bug in 21H1, and an update to the Windows Feature Experience Pack.
PC and Mac backup: How to protect your data from disaster
First, choose your preferred backup strategy from our three options, based on your own personal preference and practicality. Then follow our step-by-step guide to achieving peace of mind. What do you have to lose?
New Windows 10 test build makes sandbox changes
Microsoft is continuing to make icon updates and some under-the-covers tech changes with the latest Windows 10 Dev Channel test build, No. 21343.
YubiKey 5C NFC: The world’s first security key to feature dual USB-C and NFC connections
The YubiKey 5C NFC can be used across a broad range of platforms -- iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux -- and on any mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer that supports USB-C ports or NFC.
Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NXC
The new Aegis Secure Key 3NXC builds on Apricorn's Secure Key 3z and Aegis Secure Key 3NX, taking the same proven form-factor and physical keypad, and adding something that users have been asking for -- USB-C support.
Lauco 8-in-1 world's smallest 100W USB-C wireless charging hub
Need a USB-C hub that can turn a single port into a multitude of ports? Want the hub to wirelessly charge your gadgets? Want it to be small?
Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C hub
If you need a portable USB-C hub with an Ethernet port, this is for you.
Parallels Toolbox 4 for Windows and Mac
New features include Break Time, Unit Convertor, and Enhanced Search.
Dynabook 10th-gen Intel Core processor Portégé X Series laptops
These laptops conform to Microsoft’s Windows 10 Secured-core PC requirements and have been tested to meet or exceed MIL-STD-810G standards.
MSI Creator 17 laptop
The world’s first laptop with a Mini LED display.
MSI GS66 Stealth
A gaming laptop with a premium sandblasted core black chassis.
MSI GE66 Raider
The new 15.6-inch GE66 Raider features the latest CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER graphics and an ultrafast 300Hz display powered by a massive 99.9 Whr battery.
Windows 7 concerns, spear-phishing attacks, a blockchain skills drought and more: Research round-up
All the facts and figures that matter to you and your business from the past month in technology news.
How Microsoft lost its monopoly in web browsers
At the dawn of the Internet age, Microsoft used every trick it knew to dominate the World Wide Web. That strategy worked for a few years, but aggressive antitrust enforcement and equally aggressive competitors crushed the company's onetime dominance. Here's a quarter-century of history that explains just what happened.
How to perform a clean install of Windows 10: Here's a step-by-step checklist
A clean install is the perfect way to get a fresh start with a Windows PC. Use this checklist to make sure you take care of the small details that make a big difference in productivity
Linux survival guide: These 21 applications let you move easily between Linux and Windows
If you need to navigate regularly between Linux and the Windows world, there are many applications that can make your job easier. We spotlight 21 quality applications that will pave the way.
Windows 10 apps: Which are worth keeping? Which ones should you dump?
Every installation of Windows 10 includes a huge collection of built-in apps. Some are Universal apps that are updated from the Microsoft Store. Others are legacy apps that hang around because other programs expect them to be there. If you prefer a tidy system, many (but not all) of these apps can be uninstalled, especially if you prefer a third-party alternative. This gallery offers a comprehensive look at how to unclutter your copy of Windows 10.
Windows 10 May 2019 Update: The new features that matter most
Windows 10 version 1903, which will be officially dubbed the May 2019 Update, begins rolling out soon. Here are some of the new capabilities you can expect in yet another feature-packed semi-annual release. (This gallery is based on a near-final Insider Preview release.)
Which Microsoft Surface PC is right for you?
Ed Bott breaks down the six key members of the Surface family to help you decide which features are most important, and which is the best fit for your budget. Read more: https://zd.net/3uYCLt9
The best laptops 2021: Best overall, convertible, rugged, and more
Looking for your next laptop but aren't sure where to start? ZDNet has you covered. We break down the best laptops for various jobs and uses. Read more: https://zd.net/3cX2axf
Do you have a backup plan for your Windows PC or Mac?
Ed Bott shares his four steps for assembling a program to make sure your most valuable data files are protected from disaster. Read more: https://zd.net/3wmUzQe
Which desktop PC alternative is right for you?
Are you thinking of replacing your big old tower PC? Ed Bott suggests maybe you can get everything you want in a smaller package. Read more: https://zd.net/3aeq1qI
ZDNet guides you through the maze of Windows 10 updates
Whether you are responsible for a single Windows 10 PC or thousands of enterprise PCs, your challenges for managing updates are the same. Your goals are to install security updates promptly, manage feature updates intelligently, and prevent unexpected restarts from cutting into productivity.
Securing Windows 10 PCs: What to watch out for
How do you configure Windows 10 PCs to avoid common security problems? There's no software magic bullet, unfortunately, and the tools are different for small businesses and enterprises.
Understanding Microsoft Azure: A business guide
Second only to AWS among cloud providers, Microsoft Azure is an ever-expanding set of cloud-based computing services available to businesses, developers, government agencies, and anyone who wants to build an app or run an enterprise without having to manage hardware.
Microsoft Teams: New features for the upcoming school year
These new features fix remote classroom shortcomings.
Windows 10X: The (unofficial) news about the upcoming rollout
Microsoft has plans for single-screen Windows 10X rollout in spring 2021and for dual-screen in spring 2022.
Arm-based Macs: Smart move for Apple, but unlikely to influence the world of Windows PCs
An influential Apple pundit says Apple’s new Macs are going to usher in a “a new era of PCs.” Ed Bott says, “I don’t think so.” Read more: https://zd.net/2WLlaGz
Microsofts's new KDP tech blocks malware from corrupting the OS memory
New KDP security feature is currently being tested with Windows 10 Insider builds.
Deleted something you badly need? Windows 10 has an incredibly helpful tool for you
Microsoft's new command-line app can help advanced Windows users recover deleted files and photos.
Windows 10 documentation frustration
Looking for technical information about Windows 10? Ed Bott says good luck navigating through Microsoft’s documentation, which is great for developers and IT pros but a big mess for everyone else. Read more: https://zd.net/2YxUt9s
Bug alert: Windows 10 2004 and Windows Server 2004 come with a glitch
Windows 10 users find a new glitch with certain configurations, missed by Microsoft in testing the latest feature update.
Microsoft Defender ATP gets new set of firmware-level tools
Microsoft brings malware scanning to firmware on Windows 10 PCs.
Windows 10 Technical Preview for Enterprise: Key features yet to appear
The technical preview of Windows 10 is heavy on tools for the power desktop user that businesses will want to evaluate, but the most important features will be visible later in the preview cycle.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 review: Impressive hybrid tablet, but keyboard should be bundled
If you need a Windows 8.1 computer that's flexible enough to be a tablet, a laptop (if you add the optional keyboard) and even (if you add the optional docking station) a desktop PC, then the Surface Pro 3 manages the trade-offs as well as anything on the market.
Acer Iconia W4 review: Affordable 8-inch Atom-based Windows tablet
This affordable 8-inch Atom-based (Bay Trail) Windows 8.1 tablet has a nice IPS screen and delivers all-day battery life under light usage modes. Limited screen size, internal storage and processing power will prevent it from being more than a companion device for mobile professionals though.
Asus Transformer Book T100 review: A netbook in hybrid tablet disguise
The 10.1-inch Transformer Book T100 is a well made and attractively priced hybrid Windows 8.1 tablet. However, its moderate specification and small size make it difficult to recommend as your primary Windows device.
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 review: Better, but too heavy and too expensive
The Haswell-based Surface Pro 2 delivers improved performance and battery life, and its dual-angle kickstand is also welcome. However, the Pro 2's unchanged chassis design feels bulkier and heavier than ever, and it becomes very expensive when fully accessorised.
Nokia Lumia 1020 review: A photographer's smartphone
The Lumia 1020 has a truly impressive 41-megapixel camera and a high-quality 4.5-inch AMOLED screen, but many Windows Phone fans might do better with the 920 and a good dedicated camera.
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix review: high-quality tablet/ultrabook
This excellent Windows 8 tablet/ultrabook hybrid has a well-designed keyboard docking mechanism, typically solid build quality and a specification well suited to mainstream business use. It has a hefty price tag, though, and the lack of SD-based storage expansion is perplexing.
Nokia Lumia 925 review
The Lumia 925 is a slimmer and lighter Windows Phone 8 handset than its 920 predecessor, with a neater and more ergonomic design. It lacks integrated wireless charging but supports LTE and NFC, and has an excellent 4.5in. AMOLED screen.
HP ElitePad 900 review
Although it's well built and delivers decent battery life, the ElitePad 900's combination of a basic Atom-based tablet and a range of optional extras is an expensive way to build a work-ready system.
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 review
The chunky Toughpad FZ-G1 has a high-resolution outdoor-visible screen, is moderately rugged, and delivers decent performance and middling battery life with the standard battery. The biggest drawback, however, is the price.
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 review
Although it's expensive for a moderate-performing Atom-based Windows 8 tablet, the ThinkPad Tablet 2's design and build quality are excellent, while pen support is a real bonus.
Dell Latitude 10 review
The Atom-based Latitude 10 is short on performance, but delivers excellent battery life — especially with the optional 4-cell battery. Although some aspects of the industrial design and build quality could be better, this is a decent business-class Windows 8 tablet.
Top Stories
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![Windows 10 apps: Which are worth keeping? Which ones should you dump?]()
Windows 10
Windows 10 apps: Which are worth keeping? Which ones should you dump?
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![The best Surface? See which Microsoft Surface PC is right for you]()
Hardware
The best Surface? See which Microsoft Surface PC is right for you
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![Windows 10: My five favorite free utilities]()
Productivity
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![This free Windows 10 upgrade offer still works. Here's why -- and how to get it]()
Windows 10
This free Windows 10 upgrade offer still works. Here's why -- and how to get it
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![Microsoft makes MSIX App Attach, a key Windows Virtual Desktop feature, generally available]()
Virtualization
Microsoft makes MSIX App Attach, a key Windows Virtual Desktop feature, generally available