Latest Windows News
SEE WINDOWS STORIES BY CATEGORY
News
Windows Backup app debuts, alongside a begged-for taskbar upgrade
Microsoft is testing a new Windows Backup app alongside the much-requested taskbar "never combined" mode.Feature
5 reasons to switch to Windows 11 (and 5 reasons not to)
We can't help but think that it's time to switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11. But, to be fair, there are still compelling reasons to hold back.News
Microsoft PowerToys adds Mouse Without Borders for multi-PC control
Microsoft's PowerToys utilities collection has added Mouse Without Borders, allowing you to mouse over to multiple PCs, as well as the Peek file preview app.News
Adios, WinRAR: Windows 11 is getting native RAR archive support
So long, WinRAR 30-day trial memes. Windows 11 is getting native RAR, 7-Zip, and GZ file compression support.News
Hallelujah! Windows 11 is finally introducing RGB lighting standards
Microsoft is adding controls to manage RGB lighting features within Windows, known as Dynamic Lighting.Updated
Windows 11’s widgets will finally become useful
Microsoft is disclosing new features that will be rolling out in Windows over the next few weeks, heading into June, including improved Widgets, a better Taskbar, and privacy features.Updated
Windows Copilot will bring AI inside Windows 11
Microsoft announces Windows Copilot for Windows 11, the spiritual successor to Cortana, as an AI assistant for Windows.News
Microsoft is making migrating to a new PC much easier
Microsoft is beefing up the process of migrating your data from an old to a new PC, adding a feature that preserves the layout (including the taskbar) on your new PC.Feature
How to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro (and why you’d want to)
Windows 11 Home suits most people, but if you’re a power user (or will be helped by one), Windows 11 Pro’s benefits are handy. We explain how to upgrade.Feature
Setting up a local account in Windows 11 is tricky. Here's how to do it
Turns out Microsoft didn’t truly kill off local accounts in Windows 11—and thank goodness, because you’d otherwise be out of luck if you have no internet.News
New Windows test build signals key changes are coming for your PC
Windows 11's latest Release Preview build signals a number of changes heading to your PC, from display brightness that adjusts according to the content, a Widgets picker, Print Screen and Alt-Tab changes, and more.News
Stardock's awesome Groupy 2 lets you treat apps like browser tabs
Stardock launches Groupy 2, which can place multiple Windows programs within a single window using a browser-like tabbed interface.News
Microsoft continues pushing pesky Windows ads, now in Settings
Microsoft is now pushing ads for you to sign up for a Microsoft account in the Settings menu of Windows 11—though just in early test builds, thankfully.News
Windows 11 is getting a Facebook widget and other modern features
The latest Windows Insider build also includes new File Explorer and Windows Spotlight improvements.Feature
Steam now allows you to copy games over your local network. Here's how to do it
Steam finally allows you to transfer games from PC to PC by "downloading" them over your local network — a feature that Microsoft built into Windows, but doesn't work.
News
The best Windows Photos feature is finally coming back
Microsoft has released an update to the Windows 11 Photos app that finally reinstates a critical feature that was quietly chopped: Spot Fix.News
Microsoft is pushing Edge with dirty tricks, again
"Can't you see, you're not making Edge better, you're just making Windows worse!"Feature
Why does the Steam Deck run Linux? Blame Windows
The Steam Deck and its Linux-based software are the culmination of a decade-long "hedging strategy" by Valve after the Windows 8 disaster.News
Windows 10 won't receive any more feature updates
Microsoft has issued a roadmap update that says that Windows 10 22H2 will be the last feature update for Windows 10 before it goes out of support.Updated
Microsoft Designer’s superb, free AI art tools open to everyone
Microsoft has opened its AI art visual design tool, Microsoft Designer, adding tools designed to help create and edit art and captions for Instagram and Facebook — even from within Microsoft Edge.News
Windows 11 PCs can now manage iPhone texts and calls (with caveats)
Windows 11's Phone Link app can now manage iPhone calls, texts, and more,, with a few unfortunate messaging restrictions.Feature
8 Microsoft Windows tweaks that help ease eye strain
These Windows tips can make Windows easier to use for anyone who wears glasses or contacts, has trouble distinguishing colors, or simply wants to reduce eye strain and fatigue.Feature
Bring back Windows 11's missing features with this awesome free app
Explorer Patcher: Free app brings back taskbar labels, Windows 10 context menu, and moreNews
Microsoft tests Windows taskbar tweaks you'll actually care about
Microsoft has released two new Windows Insider builds for Windows 11, where testers have discovered new taskbar tweaks that are finally more in line with what Windows 10 offers.Opinion
I paid for Microsoft Windows. Why does it push ads on me?
Windows 11 is doubling down on alerts that promote features and services it wants you to adopt. But it should buzz off.Opinion
I don’t want to live in Apple’s world, but I sure envy it
Windows and Android still have a lot of work ahead of them before they match Apple’s seamless ecosystem. It’s a bummer.Opinion
Every time I use Windows 11, I wish I was using Windows 10
Windows 11’s annoyances aren’t showstoppers, but they’re enough to make me sigh daily.News
Windows 11's Start menu prepares to pester you for using a local account
Even more Windows 11 Start Menu "notifications" (read: advertisements) are coming in future builds.News
Microsoft is changing how the Print Screen key works in Windows 11
Microsoft has released a beta build that changes how the traditional PrtScn or Print Screen key works, launching the Snipping Tool app instead. But you can fix it if you want, too.News
Windows Defender finally squashes Firefox bug that ate CPUs for 5 years
An issue with Windows Defender was causing Firefox to spike CPU usage for a lot of users.News
Android's AirDrop alternative, Nearby Share, now works on Windows
With an official Windows app, Google makes Nearby Share actually useful for most of its users.News
Windows 11's Search may let you download apps directly soon
Thanks to a recent update in the Windows 11 Insider Canary channel, you'll be able to download games and apps through Windows 11's search results.News
Microsoft tests adaptive brightness on more Windows 11 PCs – even desktops
Microsoft is testing content-based adaptive brightness on Windows 11 desktops and laptops that are plugged in.News
Windows 12 may be stripped down to enable frequent updates
A report claims that Windows 12 might be partitioned into modular components to enable more frequent updates and different features sets for different markets.News
Steam will stop working on Windows 7 and 8 next year
Steam is ending support for Windows 7 and 8 on January 1, 2024.News
Windows PCs reveal hidden 'Acropalypse' screenshot info, but a fast fix is coming
Newly-discovered vulnerabilities in the Windows Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch mean it's possible to view cropped-out parts of images.News
There's no stopping Windows 11's Start menu ads now
Microsoft plans on rolling out ads and notifications in Windows 11's Start menu.Opinion
Windows 11's tabbed File Explorer is profoundly disappointing
Browsers have set the standard, and Windows 11's new tabbed File Explorer ignores that.News
Needy Windows 11 apps will beg you to pin them to your taskbar
Microsoft announced plans to allow Windows apps to pop up notifications asking you to pin them to the taskbar, as well as make them your default apps.News
Windows 11 may be slowing down your SSD again
The latest patch to Windows 11 appears to be slowing down storage devices like SSDs, though Microsoft promises a fix is forthcoming.News
Microsoft is sending free USB drives to Windows 11's biggest fans
If you don't have a spare drive to install a new Windows 11 Insider Program Canary build, Microsoft might give you one for free.News
5 just-launched Windows 11 features you need to try pronto
An unscheduled Windows 11 'quality update' in March 2023 adds a stunning amount of new features, including iMessage support and Bing AI Chat. These are the five you should try first!Deal
Snag legit Windows licenses for up to 65% off in PCWorld's Software Store
You need Windows. You don't need to break the bank. PCWorld's Software Store is selling Windows 10 and 11 licenses for as little as $50!News
Microsoft's new Windows 11 features arrive next week
What Microsoft is now calling the March 14 update for Windows 11 arrives soon, though hopes for a major fall feature release look gloomy.News
Windows 11 might bring back the top taskbar
A preview build shows some basic — and currently broken — functionality for the top-pinned taskbar from older Windows versions.News
Windows 12 inbound? Microsoft paves way with Insider 'Canary' channel
Microsoft has launched a new Windows Insider channel, Canary, for cutting-edge Windows nerds who want to check out what might be Windows 12.Updated
Fixed: Windows Calendar app is crashing after the latest update
The Calendar app within Windows appears to be crashing repeatedly after the February update, but there's a workaround in place.News
Windows 11's lackluster volume mixer is getting a serious upgrade
A Windows Insider Build shows a vastly improved volume mixer in quick settings, with access to output devices and individual app volume.News
A pizza icon debuts today in Windows File Explorer
Microsoft launched a new Insider Dev Channel build of Windows 11 on Thursday, with a new audio mixer, Start badges, and… pizza?Updated