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Windows 11

Windows 11

Latest Stories

Not Loving Windows? Microsoft's CEO Wants to Win You Back

As more consumers embrace alternatives like Linux or pick up a MacBook Neo, Satya Nadella says Microsoft is 'focused on fundamentals, prioritizing quality and serving our core users better.'

By Michael Kan
Microsoft CEO

Microsoft Will Finally Give You More Control Over Windows Updates

Windows will now allow you to pause updates almost indefinitely, restart without mandatory updates, and will try to condense non-essential updates into one monthly restart.

By Will McCurdy
Windows 11 Cropped

Microsoft Is Finally Fixing the 4 Worst Things About the Windows 11 Insider Program

You can soon say goodbye to unnecessary OS reinstalls, confusing release channels, and more.

By Chris Hoffman
Microsoft's old NinjaCat Insider mascot on a Windows 11 desktop background

Microsoft: Built-In Windows 11 Antivirus Is Enough Protection for Most Users

Defender is 'usually sufficient,' it says in a blog post that might rile up the antivirus industry.

By Michael Kan
win defender

Microsoft Courts Students With Xbox Freebies for Windows 11 PC Buyers

Facing competition from the MacBook Neo, Redmond is pushing an 'ultimate college bundle.'

By Jon Martindale
Windows laptop with logos.

31 Hidden Windows 11 Features You Need to Try Right Now

Windows 11 packs a ton of easy-to-miss features. We show you how to download some unique extras, maximize Copilot, tweak the Start menu, upgrade your security, and much more.

A light bulb inside a doorway on a Windows desktop background

Attention, Early Adopters. Microsoft Just Simplified the Windows Insider Program

Microsoft trims the number of Insider channels and makes it easier to switch between beta and stable versions of Windows.

By James Peckham
The Windows logo on a smartphone on top of a laptop

Copilot Takes a Backseat in Microsoft's Latest Windows 11 Update

Microsoft removes the Copilot button in Notepad and drops all AI from its Snipping Tool.

By James Peckham
The Copilot logo on a hoarding behind someone on the phone

Is Your Windows 11 Start Menu Search Broken? Microsoft Is Rolling Out a Fix

PCs are returning blank results, among other issues, when searching through the Start menu.

By James Peckham
The Windows logo on a smartphone on top of a laptop

These 5 Windows 11 Features Drive Me Nuts, But I Figured Out How to Fix Them

You don't have to put up with Windows 11's worst features. Here's how I replaced the Start menu, taskbar, widget panel, and more.

By Lance Whitney
Replace the Start Menu

Microsoft Is Finally Fixing Windows 11's Web App Problem. It's About Time

Windows 11 is full of web apps that make your PC slower and less enjoyable to use, so I'm excited about the prospect of a team dedicated to "100% native" apps.

By Chris Hoffman
A stylized Start menu on a Windows 11 desktop.

Windows Secure Boot Certificates Expire in June. How to Verify Your PC Is Updated

Microsoft is also updating the Windows Security app with a status indicator that will let users know whether their Windows 10 and 11 installations have the latest Secure Boot certificates.

By Michael Kan
Windows update

I Gave Up on Windows 11. Linux Mint Is Simply Better in 7 Big Ways

Linux Mint isn't perfect, but it has some clear advantages over Windows 11. Here's what stood out after I made the move.

By Michael Muchmore
Switch from Windows to Linux Mint

Windows Update Hype vs. Reality: Why I'm Skeptical

Microsoft's splashy announcement ignores some of the biggest problems with Windows 11, and I've heard similar pledges too many times before.

By Chris Hoffman
Construction workers examining a Windows logo

Is It Time for a New Laptop Battery? This Secret Windows Report Will Let You Know

A simple line of code can help you monitor usage data, capacity history, and life estimates.

By Jason Cohen
computer with a charging battery graphic over it

Microsoft Aims to Supercharge Windows Performance and Cut RAM Waste in 2026

Perhaps this would help return some of the goodwill it lost in 2025.

By Jon Martindale
Windows taskbar in different locations.

The Ultimate OS Showdown: Windows vs. macOS vs. Linux vs. ChromeOS

Not sure which desktop operating system is best for you? We help you choose by comparing the top options based on app compatibility, ease of use, hardware availability, interface design, gaming support, and other key factors.

Best Operating Systems

Less AI? Microsoft Pledges to Focus on Windows 11 Updates You Actually Want

A Microsoft VP promises to reduce 'unnecessary Copilot entry points' and teases improvements to File Explorer, the Windows 11 taskbar, and overall OS performance.

By Michael Kan
Win 11

Hey Microsoft, Stop Ignoring These 5 Big Windows 11 Flaws

Windows 11 isn't sitting still in 2026, but Microsoft needs to balance new features with fixes to long-standing problems that make using the OS less than ideal.

By Chris Hoffman
Windows 11 logo with people working on it

This Windows 11 Feature Can Fill Your OneDrive Storage Without You Realizing

From surprise folder syncing to constant storage warnings, Windows 11's OneDrive integration can feel more aggressive than helpful.

By Chris Hoffman
OneDrive logo surrounded by mines with a person in front of a welcome mat