Windows: Buying Advice, Tips, and News

Microsoft quietly extended free security updates for Windows 10 through 2027, giving millions of aging PCs another lease on life—and possibly setting the stage for an even longer reprieve.

Windows 11 is packed with powerful features and hidden settings that many users overlook. Discover these lesser-known tools and tweaks to customize your experience, boost performance, and strengthen your PC's security.

Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 is now available through October 2027. If you're still on the older OS, you have three options, two of which are free.

Dragging your feet on an OS upgrade? Microsoft is giving you more time with Windows 10, but here are some easy ways to check out Windows 11.

Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) were supposed to end in October, but Microsoft now says the program will end on Oct. 12, 2027.

Windows 11 26H2 is shaping up to be less about flashy features and more about fixing everyday annoyances users have complained about for years.

The update can also better interpret your typos and partial-word searches.

Apple is working overtime to add AI throughout macOS, while Microsoft is committing to improve Windows 11 for everyday use.

OpenClaw AI agents were a big hit with the Build crowd, and Microsoft is making Windows increasingly friendly to non-human users.

We attended Microsoft's annual Build Conference this week to see the biggest announcements and demos firsthand, including a streamlined Windows experience, an RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra, and personalized OpenClaw agents.

Behind the AI hype, Microsoft unveiled a developer-first vision for Windows 11—one centered on performance, customization, and fixing long-standing user frustrations.

At a Windows Insider meetup in San Francisco, Microsoft previewed a few upcoming enhancements to the OS, including a way to shut off web search from the main search function.

Microsoft's developer-focused Build conference is usually heavy on technical details, but it's still the best way to get a sneak peek into what the company has in store for your Windows PC. I'll be on the ground in San Francisco to cover everything as it happens.

iCloud Photos is Apple's preferred way for iPhone users to sync their photos, but if you use a Windows PC, I strongly suggest Microsoft's OneDrive for backups and syncing.

From quick keyboard shortcuts to AI-powered OCR and GIF creation, Windows 11 includes far more screenshot tools than most people realize.

You don't have to wait for the next big update—these Windows 11 changes are already being tested in Insider builds right now.

The update is optional, but it should increase load times for key Windows features like the Start menu, search, or Action Center.

I installed Microsoft's free PC Manager tool to see if a single click could actually make a difference on a sluggish computer.

The Messages app is built into macOS, but what about Windows? With Microsoft's Phone Link app, you can respond to texts right from your computer as you work.

SMS-based authentication is convenient, but it's also a leading source of fraud, Microsoft says.