Windows 11’s latest features demand a solid foundation. However, simply upgrading from an older version of Windows can drag old problems into a new system. Starting fresh with a clean installation may be better, and there are several compelling reasons why you should.

Security should be a top priority on Windows PCs, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. This article outlines 10 practical ways to protect your devices from common threats, ensuring robust protection across the board.

Use stronger passwords

Passwords are often the first and easiest target for cybercriminals.

The global CrowdStrike outage in July 2024 served as a stark reminder of the fragility of our digital infrastructure. In response, Microsoft is undertaking a fundamental reinvention of its operating system with the Windows Resiliency Initiative. It’s a strategic overhaul designed to make sure Windows can withstand crises of similar scale and impact in the future.

Using Windows might feel intuitive and routine, but over time, many users unknowingly develop bad habits that can negatively impact their experience. From skipping updates to ignoring backups, we’ll show you the top 10 things to stop doing and the smarter habits to adopt instead.

Is your Windows PC slowing your work down? The root cause might not be your computer, but your habits. By breaking free from a few inefficient practices, you can speed up your tasks and streamline your everyday PC use. Here’s a breakdown of 10 common habits that can drag down your Windows experience, and how you can refine them for better speed and efficiency.

Nothing tests your patience quite like the “Checking for updates…” screen on a Windows PC — unless it ends with a failed update message, just to add insult to injury. Windows Update issues are a common headache for many users, interrupting workflow and potentially leaving systems vulnerable.

Windows 11 may be optimized for modern devices, but even newer PCs can experience slowdowns. If your system feels sluggish, don’t worry — there are simple adjustments you can make to boost performance.

Disable unnecessary startup programs

Many programs are set to launch automatically when Windows starts.

Microsoft will officially cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the most widely used operating systems. But there’s no need to worry just yet, you still have plenty of time to prepare. To help you navigate this transition, we’ve put together a straightforward guide to explore your next steps.

Microsoft has revamped PowerToys, its collection of free utilities designed to supercharge your Windows experience. Whether you need to resize images, manage multiple desktops, or streamline workflows, PowerToys has something to make your daily tasks easier.

Microsoft and other tech companies have been integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their products to make tasks easier and more efficient for users. For example, Microsoft’s Copilot is now a central feature of Windows, and Google’s search engine often displays AI-generated answers.