State of Decay 3 Development Update: Progress Confirmed, Release Date Still Unknown Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan confirmed in January that he has made multiple visits to Undead Labs over the past six to eight months and has personally played State of Decay 3 with the development team on repeated occasions, describing progress as coming along "really well," GamingBolt reported. For a game first revealed in 2020 and last seen publicly in a mid-2024 trailer, that's a more significant data point than it might appear. Regular executive playthroughs typically indicate a project has moved past early-stage prototyping toward something stable enough to demonstrate internally. Context makes that meaningful here. A 2022 investigation drew on multiple employee accounts describing a project announced before the team had a clear direction, with one source saying flatly: "We didn't want to announce the game because we didn't even know what it was at that point," IGN...more

PowerShell 7.6 New Features, Breaking Changes, and Upgrade Guide PowerShell 7.6 reached general availability on March 18, 2026, and the most honest thing you can say about it is that Microsoft built it to be trusted, not talked about. As the next Long-Term Support release, it carries three years of guaranteed support and becomes the recommended version for production automation environments, per the Microsoft PowerShell Team DevBlog (March 18, 2026). The throughline of this PowerShell 7.6 release is deliberate sequencing of risk. Microsoft used the preview cycle to fix long-standing bugs, modernize the packaging and delivery infrastructure underneath the shell, and graduate stable experimental features to mainstream, while explicitly deferring anything with breaking-change complexity into 7.7. Preview releases focused on "consistency, fixing long-standing issues, and refining behavior across platforms," the team stated at launch. Built on .NET 10 LTS, it also aligns...more

Can You Restore a System Image to a New Hard Drive: Full Guide Yes, you can restore a system image to a blank drive. The bare drive itself is not the obstacle. What determines success is whether three prerequisites are in place before you start: a system image saved to an accessible external drive, a bootable recovery USB that exists separately from that image, and a replacement drive that meets the size and firmware requirements of the original. If all three are satisfied, restoring a Windows system image to a bare drive through native Windows tools is straightforward. If any one is missing, the process either won't start or won't produce a working system. Be clear about what you're restoring, though. A system image is a point-in-time snapshot capturing Windows, installed applications, settings, and personal files exactly as they existed when the backup was made, partition layout included, as Microsoft Q&A explains (mid-2025). Restoring it delivers that system as it was on that...more

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1797 Canary Channel Split Explained Editor's note: Build 29558 referenced in the original announcement could not be confirmed from available sources at publication time. This article covers what is confirmed: the 28020.1797 release on the default track and the 29550.1000 release on the optional 29500 series. The Windows Insider Blog is the authoritative reference for any 29558 changelog. Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1797 (KB 5079490) to the Canary Channel yesterday, March 30. Taken alone, it's the sixth in a steady series of weekly updates. What gives it significance is the track it's running alongside. On March 13, Microsoft simultaneously shipped Build 29550.1000 to Canary under a separate "optional 29500 build series," a distinct track that requires Insiders to actively opt in, per the Windows Insider Blog. That same day, the default 28020.1737 also shipped. Two builds, one channel, two different...more

How to Fix Taskbar App Icon Underline After Closing in Windows 11 There are two completely different taskbar indicator problems in Windows 11, and most troubleshooting guides treat them as one. This guide helps you identify whether the underline or dot beneath a taskbar icon is normal Windows behavior, a preference you can't change, or the documented 24H2 bug that causes the underline to persist after an app has fully closed and tells you exactly what to do in each case. Start with the diagnosis step. The core distinction: Windows 11 uses a short gray dot to show apps that are open but not currently in focus. That's intentional. A separate bug in Windows 24H2 causes the underline to remain beneath an icon even after the app has been fully closed and no longer appears in Task Manager. Those are different problems. Here's what the indicators actually mean, per Microsoft Support (February 2025), with additional detail from community contributors at ElevenForum (January 2023): A wider...more

How to Perform an Internet Speed Test in Windows 11: 2 Methods Windows 11 now has a speed test option built directly into the taskbar. Added this month as part of the March 2026 cumulative update, it gives you a one-click path to check your internet speed on Windows 11 without hunting for a website. That said, knowing how to perform an internet speed test in Windows 11 also means understanding what the feature actually is: it's a browser shortcut to Bing, not a native network diagnostic tool. The Ookla engine behind it is solid, but the results are only as useful as the conditions you test under. This guide covers two working methods for running a Windows 11 internet speed test, what to do when the taskbar option doesn't appear, and how to read the three numbers you get, including which metric matters for which problem. Before you start: setup, caveats, and whether the taskbar option will appear A few things to check before running any test. First, confirm the PC is actually...more

Windows 11 Inspired Windows 10 Hero Wallpaper: Download Guide A fan has remade the Windows 10 Hero wallpaper in the visual style of Windows 11, and you can download this Windows 11 inspired Windows 10 Hero wallpaper right now for free. One hard constraint before clicking anything: the file is 1920×1080 only. If your monitor runs above 1080p and resolution fidelity matters to you, skip this file entirely. The official Hero variants go up to 4K and are already stored locally at %SystemRoot%\Web\Wallpaper\4K on any Windows 10 machine, according to the Windows Wallpaper Wiki (November 2025). No download required. For 1080p users, it is a clean fit: the same composition most Windows users will recognize on sight, reinterpreted through the softer, lighter palette of Windows 11. Two things to note up front: a free DeviantArt account is required to get the actual file rather than the compressed preview, and this is unofficial fan art intended for personal desktop use only. No redistribution....more

Disable Snap Layouts When Dragging to Top of Screen in Windows 11 One checkbox fixes this. Go to Settings > System > Multitasking, expand the Snap windows section, and uncheck "Show snap layouts when I drag a window to the top of my screen." The change takes effect immediately. No restart, no registry edits, fully reversible. That's the fix. Everything below explains the context, walks through the steps in detail, and covers what to do if unchecking the box doesn't work. What this setting actually does and what it doesn't Before touching anything, it's worth being precise about the scope of this change. Disabling the drag-to-top trigger stops exactly one behavior: the layout-picker overlay that drops down when a window is dragged toward the top edge of the screen. Everything else stays intact: Win + Z still opens the Snap layout picker via keyboard Win + Left / Right / Up / Down still snaps windows to halves, corners, or restores positions Hovering over a window's...more

How to Create a Multiboot USB Drive with Ventoy, Windows 11 & MemTest86 This guide walks through building a single USB drive that boots Windows 11, runs MemTest86 for memory diagnostics, and holds additional tools all without ever reformatting. By the end, you'll have a drive you update by copying files, not rebuilding from scratch. Choose the right tool before you start One USB drive. Multiple bootable images. No rebuilds. That's the goal, and it's why Ventoy is the right tool here rather than Rufus or YUMI. Rufus is designed to create a single bootable USB quickly and reliably. It does that job well. A side-by-side test by an4t.com (October 2025) clocked Rufus at roughly two minutes versus Ventoy's three-minute initial setup plus file copy time for a 5 GB Windows 11 ISO. For a one-off task, that gap matters. For a drive built to last, it doesn't. Ventoy solves the multiboot problem by separating the bootloader from the images. Install it once, then treat the drive's data...more

Dispatch Xbox Release Date: Summer 2026, Pricing and Play Anywhere Details AdHoc Studio's Dispatch is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, supported gaming handhelds, and Xbox Cloud this summer as a full Xbox Play Anywhere title, Xbox Wire confirmed today. The Dispatch Xbox release date is summer 2026, though no specific date within that window has been announced. One purchase covers both console and PC, with save progress shared across devices. Four months ago, Xbox players had no confirmed path to the game. GoNintendo reported in November 2025 that AdHoc was only "looking into other platforms" beyond its PC and PS5 launch. By December, OpenCritic was describing Xbox players as "left out in the cold." That changes today. What follows covers what Dispatch is, what the Xbox version costs, what Play Anywhere means in practice for buyers, and why this particular port arrives with more commercial weight behind it than most late platform additions. What we know...more

The "Ask Copilot" context menu entry has become a familiar sight for Windows users, appearing when you right-click in various applications and desktop areas. This AI assistant integration represents Microsoft's push to weave artificial intelligence deeper into the Windows experience, but not every user wants this feature cluttering their workflow. Whether you're concerned about privacy, prefer a cleaner interface, or simply don't use Copilot's services, you have several options to remove this menu item from your system. Recent changes to the Copilot app have made this context menu entry more prominent, leading many users to seek removal methods. The timing couldn't be better for understanding your options—from simple Settings adjustments to more advanced Registry modifications. Let's break down the most effective approaches for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users who want to reclaim control over their right-click experience. Quick Settings method: The easiest path...more

The security landscape around Windows boot processes has evolved significantly, and understanding your system's Secure Boot certificate status isn't just for IT professionals anymore. With the 2023 BlackLotus bootkit demonstrating how attackers can exploit certificate vulnerabilities, knowing whether your certificates are current has become a practical necessity for anyone serious about system security. Let's break down what Secure Boot certificates actually do and why keeping them updated matters for your daily computing experience. These digital certificates work behind the scenes during your computer's startup process, creating a chain of trust that validates each piece of software before it loads. When certificates become outdated or revocation lists aren't current, your system might miss critical security patches that protect against sophisticated boot-level attacks like the BootHole vulnerability (CVE-2020-10713) that affected millions of devices. Here's what you need to know:...more

The gaming world loves a good rumor, especially when it involves high-profile executives. Recently, speculation erupted about Phil Spencer potentially stepping down from his role as Microsoft Gaming CEO—but here's what's actually happening: Microsoft has firmly denied these claims, with Xbox communications head Kari Perez stating that Spencer has no plans to retire in the near future, according to The Verge. The speculation emerged from a Call of Duty leaker who suggested Spencer would depart after the next-generation Xbox console launches, as reported by TechPowerUp. Microsoft's Chief Communications Officer Frank X. Shaw went further, directly dismissing portions of the rumor as fabricated, according to Thurrott.com. This controversy arrives at a particularly sensitive moment, as Microsoft simultaneously implements substantial workforce reductions across its gaming division—a juxtaposition that reveals deeper tensions in Microsoft's gaming strategy beyond one executive's career...more

Spotify has been quietly working on something that audiophiles have been requesting for years. The streaming giant recently introduced Exclusive Mode to its Windows beta app, marking a significant shift in how the platform handles audio output. This development addresses a long-standing limitation where the Windows app routes audio through the system mixer, potentially altering the signal through resampling and volume adjustments. For users who've invested in quality DACs and headphones, this update represents a fundamental change in how Spotify delivers audio to their hardware. The timing couldn't be better, as Spotify Premium now offers lossless streaming, making it crucial to unlock its full potential for Windows users. What Exclusive Mode actually does for your audio When you enable Exclusive Mode, you're fundamentally changing how your audio travels from Spotify to your speakers or headphones. Instead of sharing the audio pathway with other applications, Exclusive mode output...more

Microsoft's official end-of-support timeline for Windows 10 creates a compelling deadline that makes those tempting budget laptop deals far riskier than they appear. While the bargain prices on used Windows 10 machines might seem attractive, the hidden costs and security implications tell a different story entirely. The clock is ticking faster than most buyers realize, and understanding these timing constraints becomes crucial for anyone considering a pre-owned Windows device. Smart purchasing decisions require looking beyond the initial price tag to evaluate the total cost of ownership, especially when factoring in Microsoft's support lifecycle and the practical limitations these older machines face. The ticking clock: Why Windows 10's end-of-life changes everything Here's the thing that most budget laptop shoppers don't fully grasp: Microsoft has drawn a hard line in the sand with their October 14, 2025 deadline for Windows 10 support. After that date hits, it's game over for...more

Frustrated by a sudden "access denied" error when trying to open your C: drive on Windows 11? You're not alone in this maddening experience. This particular issue has been cropping up more frequently, especially on systems running Samsung software after recent Windows updates. The problem typically manifests as a complete lockout from your primary drive, leaving you staring at an error message instead of accessing your files and programs. Understanding what triggers this access denial is crucial for both fixing the immediate problem and preventing future occurrences. The issue often stems from permission conflicts between Windows 11's security protocols and Samsung's software components, particularly after system updates that can disrupt established access rights. Let's break down exactly what's happening and walk through the most effective solutions to get your system back to normal operation. What's actually causing this Samsung-Windows conflict? Here's the thing about...more

The sudden inability to access Gmail through Outlook 2024 on Windows 11 has caught many users off guard, transforming what should be a routine email check into a frustrating authentication maze. This isn't just another minor glitch—it's a symptom of broader changes happening behind the scenes with how major email providers handle security and authentication protocols. When your email client suddenly stops working with a service you've used for years, it's rarely about a simple password mix-up. The reality is that both Microsoft and Google have been quietly tightening their security requirements, often leaving users scrambling to understand why their previously reliable setup has stopped functioning. Let's break down what's actually happening and, more importantly, how to get your email flowing again. Why your Gmail suddenly stopped playing nice with Outlook Here's what you need to know: the core issue stems from authentication protocol changes that major email providers implement to...more

Gaming on Windows has always felt like a compromise—powerful, yes, but never quite as seamless as dedicated gaming consoles. Microsoft's upcoming "Xbox mode" for Windows 11 promises to change that fundamental reality, potentially transforming how millions of PC gamers interact with their systems. This isn't just another Windows update; it's a strategic pivot that could reshape the entire PC gaming landscape. The concept builds on years of Microsoft's ecosystem integration efforts, from Xbox Game Pass expansion to cross-platform play initiatives. Early indicators suggest this mode will offer a controller-first interface optimized for gaming scenarios, potentially rivaling the user experience that has made Steam Deck and other handheld PCs increasingly popular. Picture this: you're settling in for a gaming session, but first you need to close seventeen browser tabs, disable notifications, check if Windows Update is lurking in the background, and pray that your antivirus...more

The dreaded visual glitch when opening windows—you know the one. That split-second stutter, flicker, or distortion that makes your screen look like it's having a minor seizure every time you launch an application. If you're running Windows 11 with a dual high-refresh-rate monitor setup and an NVIDIA GPU, you're probably not alone in this frustration. This particular combination of hardware and software seems to create the perfect storm for window-opening visual anomalies. What makes it especially maddening is the inconsistency—your work PC might run flawlessly with similar specs, while your home setup acts up constantly. The good news? There's a systematic way to track down and eliminate these glitches. Why dual high-refresh monitors create visual chaos Here's what's really happening behind the scenes: high-refresh-rate monitors operating at different frequencies can confuse Windows 11's Desktop Window Manager (DWM). When you have one monitor running at 144Hz and another at 165Hz,...more

Notepad's Markdown Feature Opens Door to Remote Code Execution When Microsoft added Markdown support to Notepad last spring, the move sparked heated debate among Windows users—some welcomed the upgrade, while others argued the classic text editor should remain untouched. Now, security researchers have discovered that this feature expansion came with an unintended side effect: a critical vulnerability that transforms one of Windows' most trusted apps into a potential attack vector. The flaw, designated CVE-2026-20841 and patched in Microsoft's February 2026 security update, allows attackers to execute malicious code remotely by convincing users to open a weaponized Markdown file and click an embedded link. With Notepad installed by default on virtually every Windows PC, this vulnerability affects a massive user base, and while Microsoft reports no active exploitation yet, the attack's simplicity makes it an attractive target for phishing campaigns. Here's what you need to know about...more

When Microsoft shares case studies about companies saving tens of millions with AI deployment, there's an unspoken irony in the presentation. The tech giant is simultaneously closing its own employee library and cutting subscription services—moves that feel almost symbolic of the broader AI transformation happening across corporate America. You might be wondering how a company reporting massive AI-driven savings of $500 million in call center costs can justify eliminating traditional workplace resources that employees have relied on for decades. Here's what makes this particularly revealing: Microsoft isn't just selling AI transformation to other companies—they're demonstrating what complete organizational commitment to algorithmic efficiency actually looks like. The company has eliminated 15,000 positions across multiple rounds of layoffs, while simultaneously proving that AI tools enhanced productivity across sales, customer service, and engineering teams. It's a fascinating case...more

Reviewed by: Y. GarciaMicrosoft's AI assistant is about to make a major leap into the world of e-commerce, and it's happening sooner than you might think. Microsoft announced and is rolling out in-chat checkout with 'Buy' buttons in Copilot (Copilot Checkout). This represents a significant shift from traditional AI assistants that simply provide information to ones that can actually complete transactions on your behalf. The integration reflects Microsoft's broader strategy to transform Copilot into what they call a "true AI companion" that goes beyond answering questions to actively helping users accomplish real-world tasks. How buy buttons will transform the shopping experienceHere's where things get really interesting. The integration of purchase functionality directly into Copilot represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with AI assistants. Instead of the traditional process of researching products, comparing options, and then navigating to separate websites to make...more

Microsoft's latest holiday advertisement for Copilot promises a world where AI seamlessly handles your daily tasks, but the reality behind these glossy marketing claims tells a very different story. The tech giant's festive campaign showcases all the classic hallmarks of AI hype: slick demonstrations, bold productivity promises, and that unmistakable air of "trust us, it just works." The problem? Anyone who's actually tried using these tools knows the reality is far messier than the polished ads suggest. The timing of this holiday marketing blitz is particularly striking given Microsoft's recent struggles with AI adoption. Reports indicate that Microsoft is reportedly scaling back internal AI sales targets after Copilot adoption lagged expectations, highlighting a fundamental disconnect between corporate ambitions and user reality. The company's move to reduce these targets reveals that customer adoption of Copilot-style assistants has been slower or more selective than anticipated....more

Here's what you need to know about Microsoft's latest Xbox mobile update—it's the comprehensive store experience that Xbox users have been requesting for years. The company is now rolling out full storefront functionality and wishlist support directly within the Android app, representing a fundamental shift in how Microsoft approaches mobile gaming commerce rather than just another incremental feature addition. Microsoft is currently testing these features through the Xbox Beta app on Android, with broader availability expected soon. This development comes at a pivotal moment as mobile gaming increasingly becomes the primary touchpoint for discovering and purchasing games—a trend Microsoft couldn't afford to ignore any longer. For context, Microsoft did enable basic purchasing capabilities within the Xbox app earlier this year, but those features required web redirects that completely disrupted the user experience. You'd start shopping in the app, get bounced to a web page, complete...more

When Dell COO Jeffrey Clarke told investors that approximately 500 million computers are avoiding the Windows 11 transition, he wasn't just sharing quarterly numbers—he was documenting what might be the most significant operating system adoption crisis Microsoft has faced in decades. With Windows 10 support ending in less than a year and roughly half the PC market still resistant to change, we're witnessing a fundamental shift in how enterprises and users respond to forced technology transitions. The numbers Dell shared during their Q3 earnings call reveal a fascinating dichotomy in the resistance patterns. Clarke noted that while 500 million PCs can't run Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, an equal number didn't need an upgrade to handle Microsoft's latest desktop OS but simply haven't made the switch. This split represents a paradigm shift from previous Windows transitions, where hardware limitations were typically the primary barrier. Now, we're seeing active user choice and...more

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia Windows 11 is getting its biggest shakeup since launch, a pivot to what Microsoft calls an "agentic OS." This is not a sprinkle of AI features; it is a rethink of how you use a PC day to day. The idea is simple and bold. AI agents become partners in your computing life. Instead of juggling apps and repeating the same clicks, you hand off workflows to intelligent assistants that run autonomously while you focus on what matters. Why were we clicking through menus for years? Microsoft is positioning Windows as a platform designed for intelligence and governance at scale, where AI agents can work on your behalf while you do something else. The change runs deeper than surface features; it reads like a new philosophy for how an operating system should behave. A measured approach to transformationMicrosoft is not rushing the change, and that is wise. New agentic features will debut as preview experiences for Windows Insiders, with broader rollout likely not happening...more

We're witnessing something pretty remarkable here. Microsoft is fundamentally rethinking what an operating system should be. Windows is shifting from a place you launch apps to what the company calls an "agentic OS," where AI agents sit inside the system and work alongside you. Now here's the thing: this is not just another AI feature bolted onto Windows. According to Microsoft's official blog, the company is pitching the shift as the future of computing, with Windows as the foundation where humans and AI work side by side. In practice, your PC starts to participate in your work, understanding context, anticipating needs, and taking autonomous action to move things forward. The most visible sign is that AI agents get a dedicated spot in the taskbar, complete with status indicators and a workspace of their own. What exactly is an "agentic OS"?Think of an agentic operating system as a break from the old model where you tell the computer what to do, and it waits. Microsoft is evolving...more

You know what’s been happening quietly in the background of PC gaming? Microsoft’s Xbox app has been undergoing a fascinating transformation. What started as a simple game launcher has evolved into something far more ambitious, a comprehensive gaming hub that aggregates titles from multiple storefronts, including Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. This isn’t just another launcher trying to compete with Steam; it is Microsoft taking a completely different approach by embracing the entire PC gaming ecosystem. Here’s why that matters: Microsoft is betting on openness rather than exclusivity. The news that Fortnite is coming to the Xbox PC store validates the strategy, showing how an inclusive approach pulls in major publishers who see value in a unified ecosystem. Curious what that unlocks for players and studios alike? What makes this aggregated gaming hub so compelling?The new Xbox PC app goes well beyond simple game discovery. Microsoft has engineered a...more

Reviewed by: Ysa Garcia Microsoft just dropped some game-changing news that's reshaping cross-platform gaming. Fortnite is landing on the Xbox PC app starting November 18th, and this is more than just another platform addition. It's Microsoft's boldest swing at a truly unified gaming ecosystem, one that could set the standard for the industry. What makes this announcement particularly compelling is Fortnite's integration with Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning your game progress and purchases will sync across all Xbox devices, including consoles and supported gaming handhelds. The kicker for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers is simple: Epic's Fortnite Crew subscription comes bundled with their membership starting the same day, which could save players hundreds of dollars each year. Why Xbox Play Anywhere changes everythingLet's get into why this is such a big shift for competitive play. Xbox Play Anywhere is not just Microsoft's cross-platform initiative; it's quickly becoming the...more

When Microsoft revealed its Q1 earnings for fiscal year 2025, the numbers told a story that Xbox fans probably didn't want to hear. Xbox hardware revenue dropped by 30 percent year-over-year for the quarter ending September 30, according to Yahoo News. Now here's the thing: the slide says more about Xbox's position than a bad quarter ever could. Timing makes it sting. The drop landed before Microsoft's Game Pass price hikes kicked in, which points to demand erosion, not sticker shock. Microsoft raised the price for Game Pass Ultimate from $20 to $30 monthly starting in October, the same source reported. In other words, Xbox lost traction even without new pricing pressure. Looking ahead, Microsoft faces an extended lull with no new console expected until at least 2027, Gizmodo indicated. Three open years where PlayStation can lock in dominance while Xbox watches from behind. No hardware bump means services must somehow sprint off a shrinking base. Microsoft keeps stressing a move away...more

When Microsoft pushed out its October 28 preview update for Windows 11, users expected the usual mix of improvements, a redesigned Start menu, new battery icons, and various under the hood fixes. What they didn't expect was for Task Manager, the very tool designed to help manage system processes, to start multiplying like digital rabbits every time they tried to close it. The optional KB5067036 update introduced a peculiar regression where clicking Task Manager's close button fails to actually terminate the application, according to Windows Forum reports. Instead, the process remains running invisibly in the background, and each subsequent launch creates additional orphaned instances that quietly consume system resources. Microsoft launched this preview targeting Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 with OS builds 26200.7019 and 26100.7019, as documented by The Verge. Community testing rapidly identified this lifecycle regression, with testers reproducing the behavior across multiple...more

Microsoft's latest Xbox Game Pass announcement packs serious firepower for subscribers this November. The news dropped via Xbox Wire on Tuesday, and it might be the service's biggest value play yet. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 leads eleven new titles. And here's the kicker: this is just the first wave. Microsoft's already teasing a second wave later in the month, a clear signal that November is designed to be a can't-miss month for proving out its premium content strategy. It also shows the payoff from Game Pass's largest investment year to date in 2025. Not cash sprayed at content, but a calculated push to make Game Pass feel indispensable for premium releases, reshaping how subscribers think about AAA access. Black Ops 7 leads the charge with premium featuresLet's talk headliner. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 arrives November 14 across Xbox, PC, and Cloud with a deep slate of modes. A four-player cooperative campaign, expanded multiplayer options, and an extensive Zombies mode set in the...more

Microsoft's Q1 2026 earnings tell a familiar story for Xbox fans, and this chapter lands harder than a routine quarterly wobble. The gaming giant's hardware revenue fell 29 percent year over year, according to The Verge. The slump is no blip. It is pushing Microsoft to rethink Xbox's place in a strategy that favors service ubiquity over conquering the console shelf. All this plays out while Microsoft overall is soaring. The company reported $77.7 billion in quarterly revenue, up 18 percent from the previous year. Cloud services and productivity tools rocket upward, Xbox hardware keeps sliding. The contrast is surreal at first glance, and it mostly confirms where Microsoft is putting its energy. The numbers paint a stark pictureLet's break down how the drop fits the larger market. Xbox hardware weakness is not new, it has been snowballing for a while. Hardware revenue fell 29 percent in the first two quarters of 2025, then 42 percent in Q4 of 2024, as reported by The Verge. That kind...more

When Microsoft and OpenAI announced their restructured partnership 2025-10-28, it set off the kind of ripple through Wall Street that makes seasoned analysts reach for their calculators. The deal transforms OpenAI into a public benefit corporation while Microsoft secures a 27% ownership stake worth approximately $135 billion, according to Reuters (and company statements). This is not just another corporate handshake. It is a reset that clears years of uncertainty and cements one of tech’s most strategically significant partnerships. What makes this hit harder is the history. The new arrangement builds on a relationship that began with Microsoft’s initial $1 billion investment in 2019, The Manila Times reports. The agreement has already cleared regulatory hurdles, as confirmed by both companies, eliminating a major overhang that had complicated strategic planning for months. Why Mizuho sees this as a game-changer for MicrosoftHere is where the investment case sharpens. Mizuho analyst...more

Today marks a pivotal moment in computing history as Microsoft officially pulls the plug on Windows 10. After nearly a decade of faithful service, the operating system reaches its end-of-life phase on October 14, 2025, so no more security patches, bug fixes, or feature updates will flow from Redmond's servers. Here is the twist. Millions of PC users are still running Windows 10, and many have no intention of upgrading anytime soon. Microsoft has been bombarding Windows 10 users with upgrade notifications, but the resistance runs deeper than simple stubbornness, it is about hardware limitations, user preferences, and fundamental disagreements with Microsoft's vision for the future of personal computing. The great Windows 10 holdout: Why millions refuse to budgeThe numbers tell it all. Around 40 percent of Windows users are still running Windows 10, according to StatCounter data, and Valve reports that approximately 30 percent of PC gamers have not made the switch. This is not casual...more

If you've been trying to connect to your favorite Microsoft services today and hitting walls, you're definitely not alone. Major disruptions are rippling across Microsoft's cloud ecosystem, knocking out everything from a morning Teams meeting to that Excel spreadsheet you needed five minutes ago. Multiple Microsoft platforms experienced simultaneous failures beginning around 9 a.m. Pacific Time, and outage tracking sites recorded nearly 10,000 user complaints across various Microsoft services. The scale of the disruption shows how deeply Microsoft's cloud underpins daily life online. Think of DNS, the internet's address book, translating web addresses into the numbers computers understand. When DNS stumbles, it feels like every street sign vanishes at once. Cybersecurity News reports that the DNS-related outage surfaced around 9:37 PM GMT+5:30, blocking access to the Microsoft 365 admin center and slowing authentication systems and service endpoints as they lost the ability to talk...more

Getting access to Microsoft 365 at significantly lower prices just got easier, thanks to a side effect of Australia’s legal battle with Microsoft. Cheaper plan, same core apps, no Copilot markup. Tempted? The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has taken Microsoft to court, alleging the tech giant misled approximately 2.7 million users about their subscription options. The crux of the issue? When Microsoft integrated Copilot AI into Microsoft 365 plans, prices jumped dramatically, Personal plans rose 45 percent from $109 to $159 annually, while Family plans climbed 29 percent from $139 to $179, according to the ACCC. Here is where it gets interesting for users worldwide. Microsoft allegedly presented only two choices, accept the AI features with the price hike or cancel entirely. But buried in what looked like a cancellation flow was a third option Microsoft did not advertise, cheaper Classic plans that keep existing features without AI integration, Computer World reports....more

When you look at the gaming industry today, Xbox is staring down a fundamental crisis that is reshaping how we think about console gaming's future. The latest quarterly earnings paint a stark picture: Xbox console sales dropped dramatically by 29% year-over-year, marking the fourth consecutive year of declining hardware revenue. This is not a temporary setback. It is a pattern that signals deeper structural problems. The irony is hard to miss. While Microsoft reached an impressive overall revenue of $77.7 billion for the quarter, the gaming division is hemorrhaging console sales. The company is crushing it in cloud services and AI, yet it cannot get people excited about buying Xbox hardware. How did those lines cross this badly? The Numbers Tell a Devastating StoryThe scale Xbox'sx’s decline becomes clear when you zoom out. Xbox hardware revenue has now fallen in six of the last seven quarters. This is not seasonal noise or a supply blip; it looks like a sustained collapse in consumer...more

Three forces collide this week: the Federal Reserve's interest rate call, Microsoft's quarterly earnings, and a high-stakes meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. For tech watchers and investors, it is a live demo of how monetary policy, corporate scorecards, and geopolitics crash into each other in one trading week. The Federal Reserve is preparing to announce its latest monetary policy decision at 2 p.m. ET, with most economists anticipating another quarter-point cut to support the weakening job market. Market participants have priced in a 97.6% probability of this move, and more could follow in December if employment data keeps sliding. What makes it stranger is that central bank officials are making their monetary policy determinations without any federal economic data because of the government shutdown, so the usual dashboard is dark. Put it together and you get the real story of the week: AI spending plans, monetary policy made in the dark, and...more

The gaming industry is riding a wave of price hikes that hits developers and players alike. Microsoft has rolled out another set of cost adjustments across its Xbox ecosystem. The company points to changing macroeconomic conditions, according to Microsoft's official statement. Let's get specific. On May 1, 2025, Microsoft announced the Xbox Series S would jump from $379 to $399 in the U.S. The premium Series X Galaxy Black model now retails for $799.99, up from $729. Here is the strategic twist. Microsoft announced the increases well before the holiday crush, setting expectations instead of springing a surprise in December. This timing lets them rip off the Band-Aid all at once rather than death by a thousand cuts, a move that usually draws less backlash than slow, repeated bumps. Why tariffs are driving hardware costs through the roofThe root cause sits in factories and freight lanes most players never see. Microsoft's hardware is built in Asian markets, making it highly susceptible...more

Microsoft has been making headlines with a wave of price increases across its Xbox ecosystem, and the latest move lands squarely on developers. Xbox console development kits are jumping by 33 percent, from $1,500 to $2,000, as reported by The Verge. The change applies globally, with pricing adjustments hitting Europe and other regions. Microsoft cites broader economic pressures, saying the changes reflect macroeconomic developments. What makes these dev kits worth the premium?Xbox development hardware is not just a retail console in a different shell. It carries far more headroom. Microsoft equips its latest kits with 40GB of GDDR6 memory, more than double the 16GB in the Xbox Series X. There are additional compute units and essential debugging tools for game testing, plus three USB ports up front for quick swaps. For rapid testing, the kits include a front panel display and five programmable buttons. Put together, it is a workstation tuned for building and testing across Xbox Series...more

Microsoft's Teams platform hit a snag when its text-to-speech functionality went sideways, leaving businesses scrambling for quick fixes. the outage landed at the worst possible moment — and it piled pressure on organizations that lean on automated voice responses to keep the day moving. Let's break it down. Microsoft acknowledged the glitch through their official Microsoft 365 Status account on October 27, 2025, according to Cybersecurity News. The disruption fits a broader run of speech-related snags in Microsoft's ecosystem, from Azure TTS Avatar experiencing 3-4 second delays to recurring problems with meeting transcription services. With millions relying on these tools for mission-critical communication, even small hiccups can snowball into major messes. What exactly went wrong with Teams' voice features?The failure zeroed in on text-to-speech inside auto-attendant scenarios, where Teams answers incoming calls with scripted voice prompts. Think of auto-attendants as the company...more

Microsoft's October 2025 Windows 11 update managed to break one of the most fundamental aspects of development work: localhost connectivity. The October cumulative update KB5066835 has disrupted local web services across Windows 11 systems, leaving developers unable to access applications running on their own machines. On your own PC. Seriously. This is not a minor inconvenience, it is affecting everything from Visual Studio debugging sessions to enterprise applications that rely on local IIS services. The problem surfaced right after the update rolled out, with reports flooding Microsoft's support forums and developer communities like Stack Overflow. The issue affects both Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 builds, hitting a wide range of systems during a crunch period for enterprise deployments and year-end development sprints. The symptoms are hard to miss: browsers throw ERR_CONNECTION_RESET or ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR when you hit localhost URLs, according to community troubleshooting...more

When Microsoft's October security update KB5066835 rolled out, users quickly discovered what might be one of the most ironically timed bugs in recent Windows history. An update meant to strengthen security, yet it disabled the very recovery tools you'd need when things go seriously wrong. The emergency response came swift and decisive, KB5070773, an out-of-band update that Microsoft pushed through their distribution channels faster than usual to restore the critical recovery functionality that millions of Windows 11 users depend on when their computers encounter serious problems. The issue struck at the heart of system reliability by breaking USB input devices in the Windows Recovery Environment, effectively rendering the safety net that allows users to repair their systems when normal booting fails completely inaccessible. It exposed the delicate balance between security hardening and system accessibility, a security update created a scenario where users might have secure systems...more

Windows 10 has been your reliable digital companion for nearly a decade, but time is running out. Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, which means no more security patches, software updates, or technical assistance after that date. This sets up a potential cybersecurity crunch, with research from Canalys suggesting up to 240 million Windows 10 users could face security risks once Microsoft cuts support. There is a lifeline, though. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program can keep your system protected for another full year at no cost. What happens when Windows 10 support ends?Your PC will not shut down on October 15. It will keep booting, launching apps, and browsing the web. Over time, without regular updates, systems become more exposed to new threats and compatibility issues, making them easier targets for hackers and malware. Reports confirmed that Microsoft will stop feature updates, security patches, and technical assistance. Think of it...more

Microsoft's Copilot is getting a makeover that stretches far past its old borders. The latest update brings game-changing features that Microsoft recently began rolling out. Not another tiny tweak. A broad expansion that turns Copilot into a true productivity hub, one that connects Microsoft's ecosystem with outside services like Google's. With Connectors and direct Office document creation, Microsoft is aiming for AI that feels seamless across apps, accounts, and devices. <<IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER:copilot-windows-integration>> Breaking down the Connectors revolutionHere is where it gets interesting. The standout addition is Connectors, which lets you link personal services such as OneDrive, Outlook, Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar directly to Copilot. Even better, it is not limited to Microsoft accounts, third-party services can be connected too. That cross-platform stance matches real life, where we juggle multiple...more

When Microsoft's cloud empire stumbles, the ripple effects are felt across the global digital landscape. That is exactly what happened on October 9, 2025, when a significant service disruption brought down critical Microsoft 365 services, leaving organizations worldwide scrambling for answers. The outage affected core infrastructure including the admin center, authentication services, and Microsoft Entra ID, essentially creating a digital traffic jam that prevented users from accessing the tools they depend on daily. Microsoft confirmed it was investigating widespread reports of users unable to reach these essential services, with the scope extending far beyond simple connectivity issues to affect fundamental business operations. What went wrong: Azure Front Door takes center stageThe investigation quickly zeroed in on a specific culprit that many organizations had probably never heard of, but absolutely depend on. Microsoft's engineering teams identified an issue within the Azure...more

Microsoft's latest moves signal a massive shift in how we interact with our computers. The company has officially terminated free security updates for Windows 10 this week, according to the Economic Times, while simultaneously rolling out compelling AI-powered features for Windows 11 that could fundamentally change computing. What we are witnessing is not just another update cycle. It is Microsoft’s boldest bet on the future of personal computing, strategically designed to accelerate the industry’s transition toward AI-first experiences. The end of an era creates strategic pressure Here is what Microsoft’s Windows 10 sunset strategy means for users and the broader landscape. The company concluded complimentary security support for Windows 10, though millions continue using personal computers with the older operating system. Microsoft first introduced Windows 10 a decade ago and launched its successor, Windows 11, in 2021. A slow, four-year migration arc ends here. The choices now...more

Reviewed by Meg Flores Microsoft Teams has been making waves in the collaboration space, and if you've been waiting for one particular feature to finally land, November 2025 might just be your month. After years of user requests, Microsoft is preparing to roll out separate window support for channels— a long-requested multitasking feature — in a worldwide release scheduled for late October through November 2025 This is not just another incremental update. It signals a fundamental shift in how Teams handles multitasking and workflow efficiency. The feature, officially tracked as ID 509110 in Microsoft's roadmap, aims to lift the single-window constraint that has defined channel-based collaboration since Teams launched. Having spent countless hours bouncing between channels during busy project cycles, I can vouch for the frustration. You lose your place, miss urgent updates, and snap your focus just to check if something happened elsewhere. Sound familiar? Why this multitasking upgrade...more

Microsoft just dropped a strategic bombshell that could reshape the AI productivity landscape. Microsoft is officially discontinuing the sale of Copilot Pro and folding its consumer features into Microsoft 365 Premium, a new subscription tier that bundles Office and AI for exactly $19.99 per month. That's the same price as ChatGPT Plus, and it's no coincidence. The play is obvious: give consumers a full productivity ecosystem with AI woven into the tools they already use. What makes Microsoft 365 Premium different from anything else out there?Here's where things get interesting. Microsoft 365 Premium consolidates AI-powered Office features with the company's productivity suite in a single, streamlined subscription. Unlike ChatGPT Plus, which operates as a standalone AI assistant, Premium combines Microsoft's full Office suite with its most advanced AI capabilities. The package comes with real firepower: Office apps for up to six users and 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage per person, the...more

Microsoft's latest venture into handheld gaming is here, and the pricing is already sparking debate. The ROG Xbox Ally has been priced at $599.99, and its premium sibling, the ROG Xbox Ally X, commands a hefty $999.99. What makes that pop is that the ROG Xbox Ally X costs substantially more than a current Xbox Series X; the base Ally ($599.99) is cheaper than the Series X following Microsoft's Oct. 2025 price updates. The ROG Xbox Ally X is potentially the most expensive Xbox-branded device to date, and it's a clear signal that Microsoft thinks handhelds can wear premium price tags. Pre-orders kicked off on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, with global availability set for Oct. 16, 2025. The thousand-dollar question is not only sticker shock, but it is also whether this is the future of handhelds or Microsoft's costliest experiment. Breaking down the Xbox Ally lineup: What justifies these price pointsSo what are Microsoft and ASUS actually selling here? The hardware tells you exactly where they...more

Reviewed by Jame Jimenez When Windows 10 reaches its planned end of support next month, European users will get something their counterparts around the world will not: genuinely free security updates for an extra year. This is not generosity from Microsoft. It is the result of sustained pressure from European consumer advocacy groups that chipped away at Microsoft’s ecosystem lock-in strategy. So, how did Europe force the pivot, and what does it mean for the hundreds of millions still on Windows 10? The original "free" options were not really freeWhen Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, Microsoft set out three paths. Pay $30 for Extended Security Updates, or pick one of two so-called free alternatives. Free, with strings. Option one asked you to turn on Windows cloud backup with a Microsoft account, which runs through OneDrive. Sounds fine, right? Not quite. Windows Backup depends on a Microsoft Account and OneDrive, which can force users beyond the free 5GB storage allowance...more

Reviewed by Jame Jimenez Microsoft is shaking up the productivity playbook. Free Copilot Chat features are rolling out to Office apps for all Microsoft 365 business users. Not a tiny tweak, a line in the sand to democratize AI-powered productivity across Microsoft’s business ecosystem. The timing is strategic. With businesses grappling with AI adoption costs and uncertain ROI, Microsoft is removing the biggest barrier to entry. Microsoft is adding the free Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and agents to Office apps for all Microsoft 365 business users today, a pivot toward risk-free AI experimentation. Even better, Microsoft isn't doing any price adjustments for businesses with Copilot Chat being added to Office apps, so this is a real value add rather than a sneaky price hike many organizations brace for. What exactly is Copilot Chat, and why should you care?Here is what Microsoft is delivering: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote are all being updated with a Copilot Chat sidebar,...more

Microsoft's pricing strategy for the Xbox ecosystem just delivered a reality check that is reverberating through gaming communities worldwide. In May 2025, the company announced some of the most aggressive price increases the console industry has seen, pushing the Xbox Series X from $500 to $600 and bumping the Series S from $300 to $380. Then came the curveball. Microsoft tried to push game prices to $80, met a tidal wave of backlash, and quickly backtracked to $69.99 after criticism around titles like The Outer Worlds 2. What's driving these unprecedented price hikes?Microsoft cited "market conditions and the rising cost of development" as the reason for the changes, and that is part of it, sure. The elephant in the room is trade. Tariffs implemented by the Trump administration are hammering Xbox because consoles are primarily manufactured in China, which now faces up to 145% US tariffs on numerous Chinese imports. Those pressures stack on top of rising development budgets. Bigger...more

Microsoft's CEO is not just playing defense in the AI revolution, he's haunted by the idea that Microsoft could slide into irrelevance. Satya Nadella is haunted at the prospect of Microsoft not surviving the AI era, and that fear is fueling some of the boldest moves out of Redmond in decades. Nadella gathered his lieutenants to assess the out-of-nowhere competition when DeepSeek's R1 model jolted the strategy built around OpenAI. The gut punch: computer processing that would cost $1,000 through OpenAI ran for just $36 through R1. What do you do when the bill drops like that? This was not a simple pricing skirmish, it looked like a tectonic shift. When OpenAI has been so far ahead that no one's really come close, a rival showing roughly 96 percent cost savings with comparable results resets expectations overnight. DeepSeek, and R1 in particular, was the first model I've seen post some points that pushed back on OpenAI's lead, and Nadella moved quickly. The $13 billion gamble that...more

Microsoft Paint has come a long way from the simple drawing program we all remember from childhood. Microsoft has been steadily improving its Paint app for Windows 11 in recent years with a dark mode, transparency and layers, and AI-powered image creation. Now the company is taking another significant leap forward by adding two new Photoshop-like features to Paint. This is not just keeping up with the times, it is a shift toward a basic tool that can actually keep pace with more sophisticated editors. What exactly are these new project files?Here is where things get interesting. You will soon be able to save your Paint creations as a project file, much like a Photoshop Document (.PSD). Paint files will be stored with, you guessed it, a .paint file extension. The key advantage: Paint files will store your layers inside the file too. Think of it as Paint borrowing a page from Photoshop’s playbook. Adobe’s PSD format is the default file format and the only format, besides the Large...more

Reviewed by Jame Jimenez Microsoft's latest gaming innovation just landed on your Windows 11 PC, and it brings AI help right to your screen. After Microsoft started testing its new Gaming Copilot in the Windows Game Bar last month, the company is rolling out this AI assistant to Windows 11 users worldwide. Today's release brings regional support everywhere except mainland China, and Microsoft says the Xbox mobile app gets Gaming Copilot next month. One assistant, same voice, across screens. What this means for Windows 11 gamersBottom line, this changes how you get help in games on Windows 11. The integration feels natural, tucked into the Game Bar that many players already use. Voice keeps you in the moment, and screenshot analysis shows Microsoft is chasing truly contextual help. For Windows 11 users, this fits into a wider AI push. Starting today, the rapidly improving Xbox Gaming Copilot begins its general rollout on Windows PCs and mobile. The timing lines up with Microsoft's goal...more

Microsoft's launching a new Windows AI Labs program, and this is not just another beta test. It reads like the company's boldest swing yet at changing how we interact with our computers. There is always a little buzz when Microsoft rolls out something new, and Windows AI Labs has that charge. Microsoft is being deliberately selective, treating it like a curated research collaboration, not a mass rollout. Users are positioned as co-creators, not box-tickers. That alone changes the vibe. What makes this especially interesting is how Microsoft describes your role. Your early feedback will actually help shape these features for everyone else. This is not just marketing. It signals real uncertainty about which ideas should graduate to the main stage. For now, the program is available only to select users via an invite in Paint, a quiet gate that lets Microsoft test the waters with a controlled group. What makes this AI program different from regular Windows updates?Windows AI Labs was...more

Microsoft isn't just updating Copilot—it's redefining enterprise AI adoption. The October announcements mark a shift from optional productivity boosts to AI as baseline infrastructure. I have been digging into the details, and this is more than a feature drop or a minor pricing tweak. Microsoft is reshaping how businesses access, consume, and pay for AI-powered productivity. Microsoft announced their 2025 release wave 1, hundreds of new features across Dynamics 365, with enhanced Copilot capabilities for sales, customer service, and finance. At the same time, pricing updates effective December 1, 2024, introduce flexible monthly payment options for annual commitments. That flexibility comes with trade-offs worth examining. This is Microsoft’s most calculated step to turn AI adoption from a competitive advantage into a business necessity. What’s actually changing with Microsoft 365 Copilot bundles?The bundling strategy signals a shift from traditional licensing to AI-as-infrastructure....more

The tech world is buzzing about a seismic shift that could reshape how we work. Microsoft is preparing to require employees near its Redmond headquarters to work from the office at least three days a week, with a phased rollout beginning late February 2026 (internal memo/reporting), a sharp pivot from the pandemic-era flexibility that defined remote culture. This is not just another corporate policy update. It is a strategic move that shows how even the most successful tech companies are rethinking where innovation and collaboration happen. What makes this particularly striking? Microsoft reached a $4 trillion market cap while maintaining flexible work policies, yet it is still pulling back from remote work. That puts Microsoft in line with Amazon, Google, and Meta in what has become one of the industry’s most contentious workplace shifts. Why this shift matters more than you thinkThe new policy will affect employees living within 50 miles of Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters...more

PowerToys has been quietly transforming into something much bigger than a simple collection of Windows utilities. What started as a nostalgic callback to the Windows 95 era has evolved into Microsoft's rapid-deployment testing ground for features that address fundamental Windows limitations. This evolution from novelty tools to essential productivity enhancements reflects Microsoft's new approach to filling operating system gaps without waiting for major release cycles. The latest developments—scheduled settings automation and comprehensive keyboard shortcut conflict detection—represent more than incremental updates. We're looking at features that tackle core Windows frustrations that have persisted for decades, finally bringing the kind of intelligent automation users expect from modern operating systems. The shortcut conflict detection system in PowerToys 0.94, and a proposed Settings Scheduler (planned for a future v0.95 release) signal Microsoft's commitment to making Windows work...more

You know that seamless copy-and-paste magic iPhone users get between their devices and Macs? The kind where you copy something on your phone and instantly paste it on your laptop? Well, Microsoft has been quietly cooking up something pretty impressive for Windows and Android users—and honestly, it's about time. Picture this: you copy a link on your Windows PC, then seamlessly paste it on your Android phone seconds later. Windows is finally bringing that ecosystem-style clipboard sync to Android devices, and after three months testing this feature across Surface Pro 9, Galaxy S23, and Pixel 7 Pro devices, I can tell you the results are surprisingly solid. Microsoft has been building cross-platform clipboard sync capabilities that actually rival Apple's ecosystem integration. With Windows 11 Build 27788, they've officially introduced the "Resume" feature, which goes beyond simple clipboard sync to allow seamless document handoff between your PC and mobile device. The tech behind...more

Microsoft's strategic shift to expand Xbox Cloud Gaming beyond its premium Ultimate tier represents a pivotal moment in cloud gaming accessibility. After years of restricting cloud streaming to the $19.99 Ultimate subscription, Microsoft is now testing broader access through its Xbox Insider program, opening cloud gaming to Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers. This expansion comes at a critical juncture when the company has been restructuring subscription tiers and implementing price increases across the board, making cloud gaming accessibility a crucial differentiator in an increasingly competitive landscape. The timing couldn't be more strategic. With Game Pass currently maintaining 34 million subscribers but facing slowed growth momentum, Microsoft needs innovative ways to add genuine value to lower-tier subscriptions without forcing mass upgrades to Ultimate. This expansion fundamentally shifts from using cloud gaming as a premium incentive to making it a core component of the...more

Reviewed by Corey Noles The automotive industry just got a whole lot more interesting. Microsoft and LG are partnering to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming directly to select internet-connected vehicles, marking what experts call the first time Xbox Cloud Gaming has been integrated into a car's infotainment system. Announced at the annual IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany, this collaboration leverages LG's Automotive Content Platform powered by webOS to transform vehicles into mobile gaming hubs. This move is more than a neat demo, it is Microsoft's push to erase the old walls between gaming platforms. We have seen entertainment integrations elsewhere, sure, but cars bring their own hurdles around safety, connectivity, and user experience. That is why this partnership matters for the future of in-vehicle entertainment. How does Xbox gaming actually work in your car?The setup is simple. Complexity kills adoption, and both companies know it. LG's webOS Automotive Content Platform, the same...more

You bought a decent Windows PC a few years back. It wasn't top-of-the-line, but it wasn't bargain-basement either. Now it boots slower than your morning coffee brewing, programs stutter like a broken record, and you're starting to wonder if you need a new machine altogether. Plot twist: your PC might be fine. The real culprit could be that "free" antivirus suite creating digital quicksand beneath your system—or worse, the preinstalled trial software that never truly goes away when you try to remove it. AV-Comparatives found that some antivirus programs leave behind registry entries and files of up to 600 MB after "uninstallation"—that's enough leftover bloat to slow file access and corrupt system responsiveness. This digital debris compounds the problem because Microsoft research confirms that third-party antivirus software is the usual cause of a slow PC, creating a cascade of performance degradation. What you need to know: Those 600MB of leftover files aren't just wasted...more

Windows has been a popular proprietary operating system since 1985. In this century, it had it's greatest evolution which is the today's Windows 10. Several features including the Windows Update system, have included an AI progress which helps to monitor every event and makes it easy to troubleshoot. Windows Restore / Time MachineThere's a very interesting feature in Windows almost from Windows 7 to the latest build, which most of the users usually don't pay attention. This era, which is the golden age for Hackers has made all the users stay in touch with many advanced security features. In that case, Windows restore is the final "In Case Of Emergency" option which has been integrated into the system to prevent unwanted changes to your computer and helps to restore your data to a preferred time in the past. This feature must have been switched on in your computer to make it work. However, Windows 10 usually has this option enabled automatically by default. Make sure to check it often,...more

OneDrive, formerly known as SkyDrive, is a free online storage solution developed by Microsoft. If you're a fan of using cloud-based storage systems, then OneDrive offers you plenty of benefits. It's also heavily integrated into Windows 10, including the new File Explorer, in an effort to make utilizing OneDrive easier for you. Don't Miss: What You Need to Know About the New File ExplorerBut if you're not a fan of OneDrive and its offerings, then OneDrive can quickly become a nuisance. To make matters worse, Microsoft claims there is no way to disable OneDrive. But just because Microsoft says it isn't possible doesn't mean it is; there's definitely a way to turn it off for your Windows 10 machine and remove it from the File Explorer as well. If You're on Windows 10 Home...If you are running Windows 10 Home Edition, then this is the ideal method for you. The steps are completely reversible, so if you change your mind down the road, you can easily go back. Right-click on the OneDrive...more

hello. I have a lenovo v310 and when connect headphones or earbuds to my audio jack system sounds are completely normal but anything else like music or youtube is very low volume and sounds like its underwater. I tried uninstalling and downloading latest drivers from the lenovo website but it didnt work. Changing anything in realtek audio manager doesnt seem to help either. help...more

Windows usually only takes a couple minutes to do an update. Today I rebooted my machine because it was acting up and now I'm sitting here waiting for it to update (20 minutes in and I'm at 26%). I'm imagining the millions of hours of lost productivity because Microsoft doesn't consider warning users that an update will be particularly long, nor does it allow them to restart without updating. This kind of user-hostile design constantly reminds me that I don't control my PC -- Microsoft...more

I am really new to this so dont make fun of me or something. I have windows and a kali susbsystem. When i run msfconsole, something appears: from /usr/lib/ruby/2.5.0/rubygems/coreext/kernelrequire.rb:59:in `require' /usr/lib/ruby/2.5.0/rubygems/coreext/kernelrequire.rb:59:in `require': cannot load such file -- /usr/share/metasploit-framework/config/railsbigdecimalfix (LoadError) Any...more

Spent a couple hours trying to activate the SIM in my new phone to no avail. , Try Putting Your Watch in Airplane Mode and Restarting Your Phone. Verizon couldn't figure it out, just saying it could take "up to 2 hours." After getting disconnected from Verizon support, it occurred to me this might be caused by my cellular Watch. I put it in airplane mode and restarted the phone. Within 3 minutes of being on, the phone was...more

Planning to get a 3950x and was wondering if there will be new ones released with it. Also I have 2 motherboards in mind because I want an all black build. It's either the asus rog strix x570-f gaming or asus pro ws x570-ace The rog strix is webhotelli 290$ and the asus pro ws is 310$ So price doesnt really matter to me I like the look of both. I was just wondering which one is better performance-wise? I'm only gonna use a rog strix 1080 and 1-2 nvme m.2 ssds and 2 other regular ssds. 4x8gb corsair vengeance lpx 3600. Any help would be...more

I have acquired a gaming PC. It has a 980ti graphics card. When I'm on rust for example if my curve is set to Auto after 15 mins playing the temp will reach to 92°c within only 15 minutes play time. If I set the fan to 100% speed there is no overheating at all. I know I can just put fan on full when gaming but thought the auto curve would kick the fan in? Am I doing something wrong? Is there a way around this? The thing is my son plays it as well when I'm at work. Just would like it to be on auto and kick in so doesn't get so hot. I thought that's what auto curve did. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in...more

As a user of Mozilla Thunderbird, all my mails saved in MBOX file format. Due to change of my working environment i have to move all my old MBOX mails into PST. So looking for a solution which helps me to move all my mails from stored Thunderbird location to my new Outlook profile. Need...more

PERSONALIZE YOUR USB, CD or DVD by using your favorite Icons from the Web or Create your own A nice way to get rid of those same old boring icons.Give it a try, you will love...more

I applied for technical support, but they could not even help me. My database stopped opening after an error message - Metadata corruption error. I can not do without the data from this file. Can I somehow open...more

I'm using Dbase IV during many years. But yesterday I opened my database and I got: Table Mine32.dbf has become corrupted. After that I repeated the procedure, but it didn't assist me. I've no idea what to do next, I hope some experienced users might...more

Hi people. I here the newcomer and in computers and and different programs too. I need your help. I wrote article in the new MSWord 2013 version and today the whole day tried to open it and nothing was impossible. And all I do not want to perform work again. Maybe here somebody knows as to open for me my Word file writes such error: Word document is corrupted.I am a balgodarna anyway for attention and please do not think of me badly I not...more

I've no idea how to do it. But I hope some geeks or usual users might assist me. The part of my .pdf file didn't correctly viewed. It was yesterday after...more

After I updated a field in the database and saved changes, the database is no longer open.I get this error when opening Access:Record(s) cannot be read; no read permission on <name>. (Error 3112) You must have read permission for the specified table or query to view its data. To change your permission assignments, see your system administrator or the table or query's...more

Dreaded are the days when you're working on a masterpiece, then all of a sudden, your Windows computer crashes, loses power, or an app just gets up and quits. Well, now there's an app for that. According to MakeUseOf, with an app called AutoSaver, you can automatically save the file you're working on every five minutes or less, ensuring that your work will always stay secure. It's a simple app that works with almost any Windows version, so lost files should now be a thing of the past. AutoSaver in action. How AutoSaver WorksIf you want to try AutoSaver, you can download it here—it's completely free and only 21 KB. After downloading, unzip it, and store it somewhere you can access easily. You don't even need to install it, although, if you are still using Windows 7 or earlier, you'll have to install the .NET Framework 4 first. AutoSaver will run in the background of whatever program you are working on, and the way it works is simple; The app basically hits the Ctrl+S "save" shortcut...more

Shutdown Timer to Automatically shut down Computer at certain...more

How to set alarm with sound & message in Windows. How to create alarm and set alarm for Specified time using Windows Task...more

I want to update my win 8.1 to win 10. How to do...more

For the past three or four months, Microsoft has been pushing advertisements onto the lock screens of some Windows 10 users as part of its "Windows Spotlight" feature. This feature normally shows you scenic photographs and gives you the option to learn more about them by launching an Edge window once you log in. However, the aforementioned users have reported seeing the image below for the new Rise of the Tomb Raider game. Rather than taking you online in Edge to learn about it, you're given the option to go directly to the Windows Store to purchase the game. This is at the least, pretty annoying, and at the worst, overly intrusive. I haven't been hit with any ads on my machine, but it's probably due to the fact that I log in locally, not with a Microsoft account. Windows 10 has you log in via a Microsoft account by default (you can change that if you want), and there are a couple easy steps for you to take to get rid of any future lock screen ads if you'd like to continue logging in...more

If you want to have windows .iso files for various purpose like you want to have windows 7 in virtualbox, then you need an .iso file. There are many methods of creating an .iso from installed windows. But what if microsoft provided all of them( I mean 7,8 &10) free of cost. The only requirement is that you own a product key for the respective Windows edition (and that's also is not a painful task to get). Go to Microsoft Site.https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/techbench here, Microsoft has only provided the Windows 10 editions. Go to PastebinNow, you need to a simple JavaScript hack to make the page show all Windows 7,8 & 10 versions. open another tab and go to http://pastebin.com/EHrJZbsV and copy the the raw paste data. And Finally the JS Hacknow In your browser tab (which is in Step-1) press ctrl+shift+j (chrome & firefox) and paste the copied data and press enter. wow! now you can download any windows version.(Note that: the download link only exist...more

If you're having issues with your Google Chrome browser, such as crashes, unwanted pop-up ads, or finding that your home page is now set to some search engine you've never heard of, give Google's Chrome Cleanup Tool for Windows a try. Install Google's Chrome Cleanup Tool for freeThe Cleanup Tool searches for and removes malware like BrowseFox, Vitruvian, V-Bates, and many more. All you have to do is download the Cleanup Tool to your desktop (or wherever you'd like), run the program, and it will hunt for malicious programs on Chrome and remove any that it finds. This is the message Chrome Cleanup Tool displays if your computer is clean. Click "Continue" once it's done, and the application sends you to your Chrome settings page (chrome://settings) and asks you to reset to default settings. You can reset if you'd like, but there's no reason to if you don't feel like disabling your extensions or clearing your cache. Just click "Cancel" if you don't want to reset your settings. The...more

Windows users have looked on with envy at Mac owners wrangling torrents with ease for years. Now, finally, a new Windows torrent client is making downloads easier, safer, and more customizable. Transmission, a go-to torrent client for Mac and Linux users since its creation in 2005, has finally released a Windows version. Install Transmission for Windows (32-bit)Install Transmission for Windows (64-bit)Once downloaded, just run the installer file and you'll be up-and-running with Transmission in a couple of minutes. The open-source application contains all of the features that drew Mac and Linux users to Transmission in the past. For starters, it's completely free of ads. Privacy is also a hallmark, with encryption available and a magnet URI scheme. There's also more user control with regards to prioritizing downloads, as well as the ability to control transfers remotely through their web client's interface controls. The Windows release isn't totally official, as developers have...more

The digital pen on the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book is an indispensable tool for serious note-takers and artists alike. Out of the box, the Surface Pen is pre-programmed to do some pretty wonderful things. For example, the eraser can be single-clicked to open Microsoft's OneNote, double-clicked for a screenshot, and you can press-and-hold to open up a Cortana search. Oh, and the eraser erases, too! But what if you wanted the eraser to do something else? If you install the Surface app on your device, you can disable the default actions, or replace the gestures to launch any store or desktop app instead. However, that's as good as it gets with Microsoft's built-in options. If you want to go beyond the basic customizations, you'll need a free program called AutoHotkey, which lets you reprogram the eraser to do pretty much anything. Time to start scripting! Don't Miss: Top 7 Surface Book Hacks for Artists Install AutoHotkeyFirst things first, you're going to need to download and install...more

The Microsoft Surface has been the go-to device for many professional artists since its initial release back in 2012. Since then, the Surface line has continued to offer customers a portable, high-powered machine that's a near perfect value for both casual and professional artists. And the Surface Book is its best model yet—a full laptop convertible with a detachable screen and a dedicated GPU. However, the Surface Book is not perfect; the drawing angle isn't adjustable, the keyboard isn't always available for those of you who rely on shortcuts, and there are some software quirks that might inhibit you from creating your masterpiece. But don't fret, we got you covered with some tips and tweaks for artists who want to make the most out of the Surface Book. Don't Miss: Reprogram Your Surface Pen Buttons to Do Anything1. Draw Straight Lines Every TimeIf you've ever tried to draw a straight line with a digital pen, you have undoubtedly discovered that it's not as easy as it is with...more

The first time you launch any type of file, Windows 10 will usually prompt you to select an app to open it with. Occasionally, though, this "Open with..." screen doesn't show up, and instead Windows will use a pre-installed system app to launch the file without ever giving you a choice in the matter. Don't Miss: How to Uninstall Windows 10 Bloatware & System AppsThe same thing will happen if you've accidentally set a default app as the handler of a file type in the past, and this is obviously annoying if you're trying to use a different program instead. But don't worry, these issues are incredibly easy to fix, and I'll show you how to do it below. Access the Default Apps MenuTo begin, open the main Windows 10 Settings menu, then select the "System" option. From here, click the "Default Apps" entry in the left-hand pane to head to the menu where all the magic will happen. Set Default Apps by File Type, Protocol, or AppNext, you'll have to choose your preferred method for changing...more

Google Play Music has been my go-to music service ever since its release. The free cloud storage for 50,000 songs and full access to Songza-powered radio stations make it a great music app, even without the $10/month streaming service. The only downside is that the desktop experience isn't as smooth as it is on mobile. As of right now, Google has not released an official Play Music desktop app. So to listen to your library, you're stuck having to use its Chrome app, which requires you to have the RAM-hogging Chrome browser open. Even then, it's just a shortcut to the Play Music website, so calling it an "app" is a bit generous. Don't Miss: 10 Free Apps Every Windows 10 User Should HaveTo fill the gap, GitHub user MarshallOfSound released his own unofficial Google Play Music Desktop Player. You'll get all the features you're used to on the Chrome app, without the resource hogging that comes with keeping Chrome open in the background. Download Google Play Music Desktop PlayerTo get...more

Screenshots are an indispensable tool when it comes to relaying information about what's currently showing on your monitor. Whether you need help troubleshooting an issue or you just want to save and share a protected image, screenshots are often your best bet. Don't Miss: 45 Windows 10 Tips You Need to Know (Plus 15 More)Don't Miss: 10 Hidden Windows 10 Features You Should Know AboutWith the release of Windows 10, a few things have changed regarding screenshots. There are new hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts, a screen recording tool, and even some new third-party utilities—so I'll cover all of your best options below. Paste the Screenshot into Any Photo EditorThis first screenshot method is tried and true—using built-in keyboard shortcuts, you can capture your entire display, then paste these contents into any photo editing program to apply tweaks and save the image as a file. First, if you'd like to capture all the contents of your screen in one image, simply press the Print Screen or...more

Windows 10 universal apps are actually pretty awesome—regardless of if you're using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or convertible, the same app automatically scales up or down to suit your device. Definitely cool, but the Windows Store is pretty bare-bones as it stands, so the downside is that you can't always find a good universal app for every purpose. Don't Miss: All of Our Windows 10 CoverageNonetheless, the Windows Store continues to grow, and one big-time player already in there is an official Uber app. This means you don't have to use the mobile website trick to catch a ride when you don't have your smartphone, plus you can order an Uber from any Windows 10 device. Installing the Uber AppTo try it out, open the Windows Store app on your computer and search Uber—the official app should be the first result. From here, simply click the "Free" button on the install page, and after waiting a few seconds for installation, you should be all set to go. Download the Windows 10 Uber App from...more

Microsoft had boasted that Windows 10 starts up as much as 30% faster than Windows 7 would on the same device, but depending on your setup, this can still be incredibly slow. Many programs choose to start up alongside Windows, which can make booting your PC quite a hassle. Don't Miss: Lesser-Known Windows 10 Features You Should KnowPrograms that start up alongside Windows not only increase your total boot time, but they continue to run in the background and bog down your computer's performance. So if you've been noticing general sluggishness recently, I'll show you how to disable these startup programs below. Open the Task ManagerWindows 10 has made it much easier to control your startup programs—instead of being buried deep amongst your settings, you can now restrict these pesky programs right from the task manager. To start, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously, which will bring up the Windows task manager. From here, head over to the Startup tab where you'll find the new menu. ...more

Windows 10 runs on laptops, desktops, tablets, and even phones—but even though the operating system should scale accordingly, fonts and icons aren't always perfectly sized for every screen. Luckily, though, there's a handy new menu for adjusting the size of your screen's contents, which you can use to make everything bigger or smaller to match your preferences. Don't Miss: How to Customize the Windows 10 Command Prompt Open Display SettingsIf you'd like to adjust the size and scale of fonts and icons on your screen, you just need to access the right menu. To begin, press the Windows button on your keyboard, then type "Display Settings" and hit Enter. You can also access Display settings by right-clicking an empty area on your Desktop. Adjust the Font SizeNext up, use the provided slider to "Change the size of text, apps, and other items," which ranges from the default 100% up to a much larger 175%. Apply Your Changes & Log OutOnce you've got the font and icon size set to your...more

Microsoft's Windows 10 has proven to be a solid release by Microsoft, with faster adoption rates than its predecessor builds. The seamless integration of cloud services and tweaks both major and minor make using Windows easier than ever now. And it's almost enough to forget you ever used Windows Vista... almost. However, one thing that was a HUGE let down was the way Microsoft dealt with two mainstays of their platform—Solitaire and Minesweeper. These games have been staples on Windows for years, helping to pass hundreds of hours before the Internet sucked up all of our free time. For some reason, Microsoft thought it best to make a quick buck and make them freemium apps, requiring a $9.99/year payment to remove ads. This is just plain ridiculous to me, and after a little digging around, I found a few ways to get the full Windows 7 versions of both of these games for free on your Windows 10 computer. In this guide, I'll cover two methods for bringing back the classics for free. The...more

For those times when you can't get something done by clicking a few buttons with your mouse, the Windows command prompt has always been an indispensable tool. But as much as advanced users have relied on this useful utility, it hasn't seen a significant update since the Windows 95 days. That's finally changed with Windows 10, as Microsoft added some useful functionality like Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V copy and paste shortcuts. They've also added quite a few more customization options that allow you to personalize the command prompt to a look and feel that's uniquely yours, and I'll go over these options below. Open a Command Prompt WindowFirst things first, you'll of course need to launch the command prompt itself. If you haven't done this recently, I'll offer a brief refresher course—simply press the Windows button on your keyboard and wait until the Start menu opens, then type "cmd" and press Enter. Don't Miss: How to Use & Customize the New Start Menu Access the Settings MenuNext up,...more

Windows 10 definitely has a sleek and modern look to it, but some of these visual changes have been made at the expense of functionality. For instance, the slider that appears when you click the volume icon in your notification tray now sports a completely minimalist look that lacks the quick link to the full volume mixer from past Windows versions. If you prefer the look and functionality of the Windows 7 or 8 volume slider, all you need to do is alter or create a single registry key to get things back the way they were. It's a pretty simple process, but I'll go over it in more detail below. Open the Registry EditorFirst, you'll need to open the Windows registry editor, so press the Windows button on your keyboard or manually open the Start menu, then type "regedit" and hit Enter. Navigate to the Right LocationNext, use the navigation panel on the left-hand side of this window to browse to the following folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion/MTCUVC/...more

Microsoft did a wonderful thing in 2015: for the first time, it was offering a free upgrade to Windows 10 for all current Windows 7 and 8.1 users. And, if you were lucky, the upgrade process was relatively simple and painless. There were, however, some questions after the everything was said and done. Since users were upgrading their systems over the internet, most Windows 10 users now found themselves in a situation where they did not have a physical copy of Windows 10, or even a Windows 10 activation code for that matter. This is a problem for anyone hoping to create a fresh installation of Windows 10 on their hard drive. Luckily, we have a relatively simple solution for you. So join us as we show you how to create a Windows 10 installation disk, just in case you ever need to create a fresh install of Windows. Activate Windows 10In order to create your installation media, you first need to upgrade your current Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PC to Windows 10. The easiest way to achieve...more