XDA - Microsoft

Download the Windows 11 wallpapers for your PC

João Carrasqueira — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:01:47 GMT

Windows 11 is a beautiful operating system, more so than any of its predecessors. Of course, the design of UI elements like the taskbar, Start menu, and included apps all help with that, but the new desktop backgrounds also contribute to this beautiful experience. And if you don't have Windows 11 on your own PC, you can still get some of that beauty by downloading the wallpapers for yourself.

Hands-on with Surface Laptop Studio 2: Big refinements that matter

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:10:28 GMT

Microsoft held its annual Surface event in New York City today, and while there was a heavy focus was on Artifical Intelligence and Windows 11 features like Copilot, the company still had hardware to show that stunned me. No, it's not Surface Laptop Go 3. It's the Surface Laptop Studio 2 that grabbed my attention.

Surface Go 4: Price, release date, and everything we know

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:00:28 GMT

After two years of waiting, Microsoft has finally refreshed the Surface Go family with the Surface Go 4, except it's not exactly what we were expecting. While this new model is still one of Microsoft's best Surface products, the company is only making a business version, meaning most consumers won't be able to find it in stores. Still, if you're interested in this budget-oriented Windows tablet, we've got you covered.

The new Outlook for Windows app is now generally available for all consumers

Usama Jawad — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:31:33 GMT

After several leaks, Microsoft began rolling out an updated Outlook for Windows app for Office Insiders enrolled in the Beta Channel back in May 2022. The redesigned app eventually became available for more consumers by September 2022 as it received multiple updates to improve inking support and introduce integration with Gmail accounts. Following well over a year of testing with Office Insiders, Microsoft is now making the new Outlook for Windows app generally available for all consumers.

Surface Laptop Go 3: Price, release date, and everything else

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:25:29 GMT

Microsoft has just announced the Surface Laptop Go 3, the latest refresh of its budget-oriented laptop, which actually isn't as budget-friendly anymore. This new version comes with significantly upgraded specs, and that means the starting price is also much higher. If you want to know everything there is to know about the Surface Laptop Go 3, we're here to help.

Surface Laptop Studio 2: Price, availability, and everything you need to know

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:50:28 GMT

It's been a long time coming, but after two years since the original Surface Laptop Studio launched, we finally have a successor in the form of the aptly-named Surface Laptop Studio 2. This model has been rumored for months, and it's finally real. It comes with much better performance and more ports, making Microsoft's best laptop even better.

Microsoft Edge 118 Beta rolls out with AI-powered 'Find on Page' feature

Kishalaya Kundu — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:33:18 GMT

Microsoft is rolling out Edge 118 in the beta channel with a number of new features, including an AI-powered 'smart find' option that the company claims would make it easier for users to search for a word or phrase on a webpage. It is one of the many AI features coming to the fledgling browser, including the AI-powered writing assistance tool that promises to make it easier to rewrite text. The latest version also changes the way the browser notifies users about available updates and introduces a new SmartScreen policy that offers admins more control over their downloads.

Microsoft testing DALL-E 3 art generator in Bing Chat

Rahul Naskar — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:22:53 GMT

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the DALL-E 3 art generator tool will be available for ChatGPT Plus subscribers in the coming weeks. However, thanks to Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI, Bing Chat users can already use the image creator tool without paying a subscription fee.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 has more ports and more power for creators

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:16:42 GMT

Microsoft has officially unveiled the Surface Laptop Studio 2, its latest flagship laptop for creators, nearly two years after launching the original Laptop Studio alongside Windows 11. Along with it, the company also revealed the Surface Go 4 and the Surface Laptop Go 3, bringing improved performance to the company's budget-oriented devices.

Windows 11 23H2 coming September 26 with Copilot and more

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:23:35 GMT

During its special event in New York, Microsoft has announced that Copilot, its new AI assistant, will make its debut in Windows 11 on September 26th, alongside many other features included in Windows 11 version 23H2. Copilot is also now its own thing, an underlying AI component that lives across all kinds of Microsoft products, including Windows, Edge, and Microsoft 365.

Microsoft is reportedly ditching the Surface Duo and Surface Studio lineup

Usama Jawad — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:05:26 GMT

A few days ago, we learned that Microsoft's leader of the Windows and Devices division, Panos Panay, is leaving the company after nearly two decades of employment. The former executive was promoted to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) just over two years ago, making his exit seem rather abrupt, especially when the Surface event is taking place later today. Although the Redmond tech firm has emphasized that it is still committed to its Windows and Surface products, new reports now claim that this is not exactly the case.

A chatbot can now help you write code in GitHub Copilot

Usama Jawad — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 08:21:34 GMT

Chatbots and AI-powered copilots are all the rage these days with pretty much all big tech companies investing heavily in this area. Amazon recently placed a lot of emphasis on Alexa's AI capabilities integrated into its latest smart home products, Microsoft is marketing its Copilot initiative across its entire Microsoft 365 suite and Windows, and Google is aiming to continue its dominance in the online search space through improvements to Bard. Now, Microsoft-owned GitHub has announced that it is making it even easier to code through its GitHub Copilot program.

Outlook for the web will soon let you dictate emails

Rahul Naskar — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:30:29 GMT

Microsoft Outlook is going through major changes with the software giant attempting to unify Windows, Web, and Mac codebases for its email clients. Besides behind-the-scene changes, Microsoft is also looking to bridge the feature gap across different Outlook clients. The company's latest effort in that direction is adding the dictation feature to Outlook for the web.

Best cases for Surface Laptop Studio in 2023

Mahmoud Itani — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 23:00:29 GMT

The Surface Laptop Studio is the perfect Surface for versatility. While it's one of the best Surface PCs, it's also quite unique when you look at it against the best laptops. For instance, you can change the angle of the touch screen to match your gaze, turn it into tablet mode, or even transform it into a Studio device that illustrators and designers, in particular, are going to love.

What to expect from this week's Microsoft Surface event

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:00:29 GMT

For the first time since 2019, Microsoft is holding an in-person "special event" in New York City. It's set to kick off on Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. ET and is widely believed to feature a lot of great new Surface devices. Despite the early-week news that former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay is leaving Microsoft, you should expect other executives, like Yusuf Mehdi, to shell out details about new laptops and Windows tablets from Microsoft coming this fall, like the Surface Laptop Studio 2, Surface Go 4, and Surface Laptop Go, along with updates on AI features like Bing Chat. There might even be surprises in store.

4 things I want to see from this week's Surface event

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:01:27 GMT

We're just a few days away from Microsoft introducing new Surface devices at this week's event, taking place on Sept. 21. While we already have some idea of what will be shown off, it's as good a time as any to share some of the things I'd be most excited to see at the event. Here are a few highlights based on previous rumors and reports.

Internal memo spills some of the AI-centric details on Thursday's special Microsoft Surface event

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:15:15 GMT

Microsoft's special September 21 event in New York City is now just a day away, but an internal memo sent out to employees at the company has spilled some of the beans on what you might expect. It is shaping up to be an event that will focus heavily on the power of AI in many Microsoft products, including Surface, Microsoft 365, and Windows.

How to repair Windows 11

Ayush Pande — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:00:28 GMT

Windows 11 may have been released almost two years ago, but that doesn’t mean it's free from bugs. Corruption of Windows system files is more common than you may realize and is the leading cause of stability issues like slowdowns, freezes, and crashes.

Major WSL update brings automatic VHD shrinking, mirrored networking, and more

Usama Jawad — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:45:18 GMT

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a handy utility present in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allows developers to run GNU/Linux environments directly inside the operating system without requiring virtual machines (VMs) or dual-boot configurations. The implementation became generally available via the Microsoft Store about a year ago, making it easier for interested users to install it quickly. Now, Microsoft has rolled out a new pre-release version of WSL with a lot of interesting, experimental features.

Microsoft releases Python Editor for Excel

Usama Jawad — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 01:46:28 GMT

Less than a month ago, Microsoft finally announced support for Python in Excel, allowing customers to use the powerful programming language in tandem with conventional Excel formulas to analyze and manipulate data. The move was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm and to capitalize on this excitement, Microsoft has released a Python editor for its Office application.

How to download and install Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:00:27 GMT

Windows 11 has been out for nearly two years, and for many of us, it's already old news, but it's still a great operating system. The initial release of Windows 11 brought a brand-new design language, a new Start menu, and other changes, and newer updates have come out to add even more. With releases like version 22H2 and the upcoming version 23H2, Windows 11 keeps getting better. But even though it's getting more popular, many of us are still installing Windows 11 for the first time.

Paint on Windows 11 moves closer to Photoshop with layer support

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:21:30 GMT

The Windows 11 Paint app is moving closer to replacing Photoshop for your photo editing needs. Microsoft is apparently testing a new layers feature in the Paint app, letting you use the app as an actual canvas for all your creation needs. The feature is currently rolling out to Dev and Canary Channel Windows Insiders.

This sweet deal knocks 84% off Microsoft Office Professional for Windows and Mac

Timi Cantisano — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:49:52 GMT

Microsoft 365 is the best productivity software out on the market, and while there are plenty of alternatives, you just can't be the tools offered in the company's Office suite. While 365 is great, there is a catch, and it's that you need to a subscription to access all the great tools, which means you'll keep paying for it, but will never own it. With that said, if you're tired of paying for a subscription to 365, there is a solution.

Windows and Surface leader Panos Panay is leaving Microsoft after almost 20 years

João Carrasqueira — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:16:55 GMT

Microsoft has announced that Panos Panay, leader of the Windows and Devices division at the company, is leaving, after spending nearly 20 years at Microsoft. He will be succeeded by Pavan Davuluri and others who will be taking on different responsibilities. Panos was responsible for developing and growing the Surface brand prior to also taking the reins of Windows itself.

How to optimize Windows 11 for gaming

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:00:26 GMT

Windows 11 is a great operating system for productivity, thanks to features like Snap Layouts, Android apps, and WSL. The best laptops and desktop computers out there let you do all kinds of work with Windows 11. But if it's gaming that you're planning on doing, then we have some suggestions for how you can make your PC even better. You can turn on Windows 11's dedicated Game Mode to optimize performance for digital gaming, tweak Windows 11's security measures to free up your CPU and RAM for gaming, and so much more.

How to hide the taskbar in Windows 11

Brady Snyder — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 22:00:25 GMT

Microsoft gave its famous operating system a facelift when it redesigned Windows 11, so you might find the feel to be both familiar and different. One area where Microsoft made a few changes was the taskbar, where the design and positioning of items are slightly different from what you'd find on Windows 10.

Best Surface Laptop 5 accessories in 2023

Arif Bacchus — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 09:00:24 GMT

The Surface Laptop 5 is an excellent flagship laptop from Microsoft. In our review, we found it offered more power, and we enjoyed the fresh color options. But, like when you buy any of the best laptops, no Surface Laptop 5 purchase is complete without accessories, which is why we put together this guide for the best accessories for the device. We looked at monitors, GPU enclosures, docks, mice, and more to determine our top picks. Whether you want to take your Surface Laptop 5 on the go or just want to add more to your desk setup, there's something that can enhance that experience.

Windows 11 features in preview: Everything you can try right now

João Carrasqueira — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 20:00:25 GMT

Windows 11 first showed its face on June 24, 2021, and became officially available on Oct. 5 of that same year. Today, most laptops sold come with Windows 11 installed out of the box, but the Windows development cycle never stops, and there's always something to look forward to. That's where the Windows Insider Program comes into play, as it lets fans try out new Windows 11 features in preview before anybody else.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 full specifications revealed in massive leak

Kishalaya Kundu — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:45:18 GMT

Microsoft is expected to announce a slew of new Surface devices at its upcoming event next week, and the star of the show is likely to be the Surface Laptop Studio 2. It has long been rumored to feature a 13th-gen Intel Core i7 processor alongside RTX 40-series GPUs and 64GB of memory, which would be a first in a Surface product. A massive leak has now seemingly confirmed some of these specifications, as well as revealed the display specs and some other details about the upcoming device.

Windows 11 Photos app gets background blur and motion photo support

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:39:21 GMT

Microsoft is rolling out two big updates for some core Windows 11 apps. Windows Insiders in the Canary and the Dev Channels can now test background blur in the Windows 11 Photos app. Also up for testing are new updates for the Snipping Tool, which now can allow you to copy text from your screen captures.

Microsoft is making Nearby Share easier to use in Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:34:57 GMT

Microsoft today rolled out a new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23545 to the Dev Channel. This build is yet again a small one, but it comes with a few changes and one improvement in it is notable. The best example is a tweak to Nearby Share, which makes it easier to quickly give your device a friendly name for sharing. Other than that, it's the usual bug fixes.

Microsoft Edge will soon make it easier to rewrite text with AI

Rahul Naskar — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:12:00 GMT

Microsoft is working on a new Bing Chat-powered AI feature for its Edge web browser to tweak your writing to help you express yourself better. While it sounds the same as what Bing Chat can do in the Edge sidebar, the upcoming writing assistance tool will make it even easier to rewrite text.

Microsoft is killing off translation features in OneNote for Windows 10

Usama Jawad — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:12:19 GMT

OneNote on Windows is a bit of an odd duckling. Depending upon your desktop configuration and use, you may have access to two OneNote apps. The first is the OneNote for Windows 10 - which is based on the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) - and has been delisted from the Microsoft Store. The second is the newer unified version based on the classic OneNote desktop app that comes with Microsoft 365. Now, the Redmond tech firm has announced that it is ending support for translation capabilities in the old OneNote app.

Microsoft is one step closer to removing Teams Chat in Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 22:50:40 GMT

Microsoft has released two new Windows 11 Beta channel builds, and the one that's usually all about bringing new features actually removes one. Indeed, Windows Insiders running Windows 11 build 22631.2338 with new features rolling out, should now notice that Microsoft is going one step closer to ditching Teams in Windows 11. In that build, the Chat is now Microsoft Teams – Free. As for Windows 11 Beta Channel build 22621.2338, it's a smaller release with just bug fixes. Both builds are getting a new focus widget.

How to use Dynamic Lighting on Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 18:00:28 GMT

For the longest time, the only way to change the RGB lighting effects for the peripherals on your Windows 11 PC has been to use the dedicated software from the brand that makes those peripherals. Each of the companies making some of the best gaming keyboards — whether that's Razer, SteelSeries, Corsair, and so on — has its own app, and if you end up buying equipment from different companies, it means you'll also need multiple pieces of software bloating up your device. Thankfully, Windows 11 is finally introducing Dynamic Lighting, a feature that brings together RGB lighting controls to a native Windows 11 interface, so you no longer need all of these apps.

How to update drivers in Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:00:25 GMT

Drivers are one of the most critical parts of Windows 11. They are what power your laptop and basically any PC. A driver is part of the software on Windows that helps your PC communicate with something that might be connected to it. That could be the display, a USB drive, a keyboard, or even the trackpad.

Microsoft's OneDrive for web will soon work offline

Rahul Naskar — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:46:14 GMT

Microsoft has major plans for OneDrive, with the company announcing many AI features in a dedicated event, set to take place next month. However, the software giant has one more feature in the works for OneDrive to make its cloud storage service more accessible even when you're not connected to the internet.

How to find the specs on your Windows 11 PC

João Carrasqueira — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 22:01:24 GMT

At one point or another, you might need to find the specifications — or specs — of your Windows 11 PC. It can be useful for troubleshooting if you're having issues, or maybe you just want to know if your laptop is compatible with a certain app or able to run a specific game. If you're more tech-savvy, of course, you probably already purchased your PC based on the specs, but that's not the case for everyone.

Best laptops with number pads in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 19:00:28 GMT

As laptops get thinner and lighter, features tend to get sacrificed along the way. The best premium laptops we see these days are often tiny and only have Thunderbolt 4 ports in order to save space inside the chassis, for example. Another thing that's fallen by the wayside over the years is the inclusion of number pads, which many of those best laptops don't have. Those dedicated keys can be hugely important if you work with numbers. All the keys are easily accessible in one position, so number-crunching becomes a lot more efficient and convenient. If you want this convenience, though, you have to look at larger laptops, starting at around 15 inches, and even then, not a lot of models have them. But there are some options if this is a must-have for you.

10 useful Windows command line prompts you should try

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 17:00:27 GMT

These days, you might be used to diving into the Windows 11 Settings app or the Task Manager for things like checking on your disks and even killing unresponsive apps. But, before we had fancy graphical user interfaces on Windows, you had to use the Command Prompt and a command-line environment.

How to cancel Microsoft 365

João Carrasqueira — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 18:00:28 GMT

Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that gives you access to Microsoft's suite of apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. While these apps let you make the most out of the best laptops on the market, web apps are available for many of these, and you may want to cancel your membership if you don't need the more advanced capabilities of the desktop apps. Here's how to do it.

The slow and painful death of Xbox Kinect

Ayush Pande — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 17:00:28 GMT

Back when it was announced in 2009, Microsoft’s Kinect sensor for the Xbox 360 seemed like a worthy rival to Sony’s Move controller and the Wii Remote. Unlike its competitors, Kinect wasn’t just a game controller that could sense your wrist movements; it was a full-blown camera with infrared sensors that was capable of capturing the movements of your entire body. This would enable all kinds of cool ways to interact with games.

How to disable Xbox Game Bar on Windows

João Carrasqueira — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:00:28 GMT

Out of the box, Windows 11 and 10 give you a way to record and share your games, as well as chat with your Xbox friends, manage system resources, and do all kinds of things thanks to plug-ins. All of this is available through the Xbox Game Bar, but what if you don't care about any of these features and they're just using up resources on your laptop? Thankfully, you can disable the Xbox Game Bar so it doesn't bother you. Here's how.

Microsoft's Surface Duo reaches end of life

Usama Jawad — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 10:22:24 GMT

Microsoft announced the Surface Duo and Surface Neo back in October 2019 and while the latter device was canceled ahead of release, the Duo became available in September 2020. We reviewed the dual-screen Android handset and praised its hardware while still acknowledging its limitations, high price tag, and the very specific market niche that it targets. Today, Microsoft has ended support for the Surface Duo.

Skype’s Bing AI gets a massive upgrade with tone suggestions and more

Rahul Naskar — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 17:56:43 GMT

Microsoft is in the process of introducing the AI-based Bing Chat feature to many of its apps and services and is also putting effort into improving the AI experience across its different platforms. The latest app to get massive AI improvements is Skype, which now helps you to be more creative with your messages.

Microsoft will defend AI Copilot commercial customers against copyright claims

Usama Jawad — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 07:52:24 GMT

Microsoft has been going all in on its AI endeavors recently. The company has been integrating its AI Copilot services across its Microsoft 365 suite of products and even Windows. However, as the Redmond tech firm expands services in this field of generative AI (GAI), there are natural concerns regarding the potential legal and regulatory hurdles, due to the technology being at a stage of relative infancy. Now, Microsoft has addressed some of the questions in this area in an attempt to assure commercial customers that they should use its GAI technologies without worrying about the legalities.

Paint for Windows 11 is getting background removal

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 18:58:51 GMT

The Paint app in Windows 11 just got a lot more useful, helping you avoid using Photoshop for one more thing. Now rolling out in beta to Canary and Dev Channel Windows Insiders is a new update for Paint, bringing the option to remove the background in an image in a few simple clicks.

How to add a printer in Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:00:29 GMT

If you just purchased a new printer or want to hook up an old one to your new laptop, then you're in luck. Windows 11 makes the setup process really easy. Most printers are plug-and-play, so once you connect it to your USB port (or USB dock) on your laptop, you'll be good to go. But just in case that doesn't go as planned, or you run into issues, we have a look at how you can add a printer on Windows 11.

Microsoft will stop offering third-party printer drivers through Windows Update soon

Usama Jawad — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:34:17 GMT

With the general availability of Windows 10 version 21H2 back in April 2022, Microsoft also began offering built-in support for Mopria-compliant printer drivers interfacing through USB and internet connectivity via the Microsoft IPP Class Driver. Although this particular version of the operating system is no longer supported for most users, the change in driver implementation has carried over to newer versions of Windows too, including the upcoming Windows 11 version 23H2 too. As such, Microsoft has announced that it is winding down support for third-party printer drivers offered via Windows Update.

How to back up your Windows 11 PC

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 18:01:27 GMT

The more you use your Windows 11 PC, the more important files and memories you gather. Whether you have photos, documents, videos, or even favorite apps, it's natural to want to back things up in the event something goes wrong with your PC. Thankfully, Windows 11 offers three different ways to back up your system. You can back up individual files with File History, copy folders to the cloud with OneDrive PC folder backup, or create a system image of your PC. We have a look at all three for you right here.

Bing Chat will make it easier to continue chatting on your phone

Rahul Naskar — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:59:28 GMT

Microsoft's Bing made a lot of headlines when OpenAI's generative AI technology was introduced earlier this year. To take the whole AI chat experience to a different level, the company keeps adding new features to Bing, the latest being the ability to start the chat on a desktop and continue it on a phone.

MSI issues BIOS fix for unsupported processor BSOD error on Windows

Usama Jawad — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:52:38 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, Microsoft documented an issue affecting several Windows 10 and 11 customers who were reporting instances of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with error messages of "UNSUPPORTED_PROCESSOR". This problem was seemingly impacting MSI customers who had installed the optional preview Windows update in August 2023, but after conducting an initial investigation, Microsoft emphasized that it was not to blame for these BSODs. Now, MSI has taken ownership for the issue and rolled out BIOS updates for affected motherboards.

The classic Outlook app may be killed off in the next two years

Rahul Naskar — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:29:18 GMT

Microsoft has recently posted a video on its Microsoft 365 YouTube channel, revealing a lot of information about what's next for the new Outlook app on Windows. Towards the end of the video, Microsoft also confirmed that it would take at least a couple of years to replace the classic or Win32-based Outlook app with the new Outlook.

How to create a guest account on Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 22:00:26 GMT

There might come a time when you have to share your laptop, or your Windows 11 PC with someone. In the old days of Windows, there was a dedicated guest mode for these situations, but Windows 11 and Windows 10 have since removed this. It doesn't mean you can't manually add a guest account, though.

Photo albums in OneDrive are about to take up a whole lot more space

Usama Jawad — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:03:37 GMT

OneDrive is one of the best cloud storage services out there, especially because of its cost and how tightly it integrates with Microsoft Office applications. The service is due to receive some AI features next month if the latest rumors are to be believed, but ahead of that, Microsoft has announced a change in policy that may be deemed controversial by many.

OneDrive may get an AI boost at an event next month

João Carrasqueira — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 14:38:19 GMT

Microsoft already has some big news lined up for a Surface event later this month, but it looks like the company may have a few more surprises in the works beyond hardware. A leaked video shared by X (Twitter) user WalkingCat shows that the company is unveiling new features for OneDrive on October 3rd.

Best laptops at Best Buy in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:26 GMT

Best Buy is one of the best places to go if you want to buy any kind of electronic device, including laptops. Not only does the company offer a huge selection of products, but its Price Match Guarantee helps you get the best deal. There are some exceptions to that, but regardless, this makes Best Buy a compelling place to visit if you want to get the best deal on a new laptop. Not only are you getting them from a reputable retailer, but you can also get them at one of the lowest prices available on the market.

How to customize notification settings on Windows 11

João Carrasqueira — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 16:00:26 GMT

Notifications can be a hugely important feature on our laptops, just like they are on our smartphones. They let us know when something needs our attention, or remind us if we need to get something done. However, as we install more and more apps, things get a bit noisy, and you may want to turn some notifications off. If you want to regain some peace, here's how to customize notification settings in Windows 11.

How to customize your Windows 11 PC

João Carrasqueira — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 18:00:26 GMT

Windows 11 is a great iteration of Microsoft's operating system, with many streamlined design elements and new features that make it a big upgrade. As much as we like the fresh, default look of Windows 11, though, it may not be to everyone's tastes. Thankfully, Windows has always been easy to customize, and Windows 11 is no different. It keeps many of the same personalization options from Windows 10, with some new ones, too. In this article, we'll show you how to customize Windows 11 to your liking to make your great Windows laptop or Windows desktop more distinct, both by using the built-in settings and third-party apps.

Microsoft is killing off WordPad in Windows

Usama Jawad — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 14:13:32 GMT

It's seemingly the season of deprecations and removals when it comes to software developed by big tech. A few days ago, Microsoft made a surprise announcement that it is killing off Visual Studio for Mac. Prior to that, it also revealed a list of features that it is sunsetting in Microsoft Edge, around the time Google announced the end of the Pixel Pass subscription too. Now, Microsoft has decided to get rid of WordPad for Windows.

PSA: Windows 11 21H2 to reach end of support next month

Rahul Naskar — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:15:28 GMT

It has been well-known for the last couple of months that Microsoft has decided to stop supporting Windows 11 21H2 Home and Pro editions after October 10, 2023. And now that we are a month away from the announced date, Microsoft is again notifying users about the Windows 11 21H2's end-of-support date.

Windows 11 Snipping Tool gets quicker access to screen recording

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:26:47 GMT

Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channels are getting a Windows 11 treat. Microsoft is now shipping out an update for the Snipping Tool, which helps make it easier to start screen recordings. Also rolling out is an enhancement for the Notepad, which helps make saving a session state easier.

Teams will be removed from Microsoft 365 in some countries soon

Usama Jawad — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:19:48 GMT

Back in 2020, Slack alleged that Microsoft is engaging in anticompetitive practices by bundling Teams in Microsoft 365 subscriptions for business customers, increasing the cost of the plan for users while still making it difficult for them to opt for an alternative since they are already paying for other services and applications included in the subscription. The European Commission (EC) formally began investigating the matter last month, but prior to the regulator revealing its findings, Microsoft has proactively announced some remediations.

Here are all the new features Microsoft added to Teams in August 2023

Usama Jawad — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 18:26:35 GMT

Yesterday, Microsoft published a comprehensive list of all the new features that it added to Excel during the month of August 2023. Now, with the month ending soon, the Redmond tech firm has detailed some new capabilities and hardware that it introduced to its Teams software too, similar to the previous month. This time around, the company added a whopping 52 features.

Google Chrome's newest feature makes it easier to copy frames from a video

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 18:00:18 GMT

The next time you fire up the Google Chrome web browser and want to screenshot a video, there's an easier way to do it. Google is now rolling out a new option to copy a frame from a video in the Chrome web browser, helping simplify the process of grabbing important information from a recorded video, be it on YouTube, or anything else.

Microsoft Edge will soon help you better remember your passwords through notes

Rahul Naskar — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 10:33:36 GMT

Remembering all your strong passwords for every online account is hard, unless you have a memory like an elephant. Microsoft is working on a clever solution to this problem for the Edge browser. A new Edge feature is in works to let users add notes to passwords of each of their account saved in the browser.

Windows 12: Everything we know and what we want to see

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:00:28 GMT

It may be hard to believe, but Windows 11 is nearly two years old now, with a few updates already under its belt. Windows 11 version 22H2 was big, and with a few Moment updates released since then, plus version 23H2 on the horizon, the OS has evolved a lot. Despite that, all signs point to Microsoft shifting focus to Windows 12 in the future, with reports indicating that this entirely new version will be launching in 2024.

Microsoft is killing Visual Studio for Mac next year

João Carrasqueira — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:54:31 GMT

Microsoft has announced that Visual Studio for Mac is being retired, with support for the final release, version 17.6, ending as soon as next year.

Here are all the new features Microsoft added to Excel in August 2023

Usama Jawad — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:14:57 GMT

Last week, Microsoft Excel customers got a pretty nice surprise when the Redmond tech firm announced support for the Python programming language in the software. This is meant to make it easier for data analysts and scientists to manipulate and visualize data using Python libraries and leveraging Excel formulas and PivotTables directly in the application at the same time, but only for Insiders currently. Now, the company has published its roundup of all the features that it added to its popular spreadsheet software during the month of August 2023.

Plugins for Bing Chat seem to finally be rolling out

Rahul Naskar — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:30:25 GMT

Microsoft announced earlier this year that plugins support for Bing Chat was coming to Microsoft Edge. And now, after keeping the users waiting for months, the software giant seems to have finally started rolling out plugins for the Bing Chat web page in the Edge web browser.

Best 4G LTE laptops in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 11:00:24 GMT

The laptop market these days is full of awesome machines that blend power and battery life into a coherent package. Displays are no longer second-class to desktop monitors, and typing on most is a pleasant experience. One feature that's still fairly uncommon outside business-class laptops, though, is 4G connectivity. While it’s more useful on Chromebooks, 4G LTE can keep you connected and able to work from wherever a cellular signal can be found.

How to use and manage multiple monitors on Windows 11

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 18:03:13 GMT

Having a second monitor on your desk setup can be great for work or for photo or video editing. When set up properly, using multiple monitors can help boost your productivity since you'll have more room to spread out. Did you just buy a new monitor and are wondering how to plug it in and use it in Windows 11? It's actually a very easy process!

Bing Chat Enterprise in Windows Copilot will keep your data private

Arif Bacchus — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 17:59:40 GMT

Microsoft is bringing Bing Chat Enterprise to the Windows Copilot preview experience. Designed for commercial customers, and rolling out today for those who have Windows 11 PCs in the Dev or Beta channel, this feature will help keep your data shared on Bing Chat for business purposes even more private.

Save $20 on Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions with these My Best Buy members-only deals

Timi Cantisano — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 15:20:28 GMT

Ahead of Labor Day weekend, we're starting to see some incredible deals pop up on TVs, laptops, storage devices, and more. While productivity software might not be your top priority when hunting for deals. Right now, Best Buy is having an exclusive sale for its My Best Buy members, knocking $20 off the price of Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriptions.

Microsoft is getting rid of a bunch of features in Edge soon

Usama Jawad — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:03:15 GMT

Microsoft Edge may not be the most popular browser out there in terms of market share, but it's definitely a capable one. Microsoft regularly adds new features to the browser both for developers and consumers in order to gain further traction in an uphill battle against the likes of Google Chrome. Stable Channel releases are made available on a monthly basis, but Insider rollouts give some insights about what to expect. Now, the latest Edge Beta version has revealed that Microsoft is deprecating some features in its browser.

Bing Chat is finally available in Google Chrome for all desktop users

Usama Jawad — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:56:16 GMT

Bing Chat has been out for a few months now and has been attracting attention from various market segments. Seeing the popularity of its latest chatbot, Microsoft also updates it with new features - such as image creation through text - on an intermittent basis.

10 worst tech fails of all time

Tanveer Singh — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:00:26 GMT

Despite producing products like landmark phones, excellent tablets, and some incredible GPUs, not every product is going to be worth getting. The tech industry has had no lack of epic failures over the decades. From "groundbreaking" AR/VR hardware and disastrous phones and tablets to software that simply failed to get off the ground, here are some of the 10 worst tech failures of all time, in no particular order.

Microsoft’s Android launcher just got a tempting AI upgrade

Rahul Naskar — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:55:25 GMT

After making its way to Google Chrome and Safari, Microsoft’s AI-powered Bing Chat is now rolling out to Microsoft Launcher, giving users more options to access the chatbot outside the Edge browser. However, if you want to test out the new feature, you'll need to be in the beta version of the Microsoft Launcher, as that's where Microsoft is rolling out Bing Chat first.

3 things Microsoft could learn from the Pixel Tablet

Arif Bacchus — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:01:27 GMT

The Surface Pro 8 is one of my go-to devices. Like a lot of the best Windows tablets, it's super convenient and easy to carry around and enjoy Windows 11 on the go. As of recently, though, I found myself using one of the best Android tablets instead: the Google Pixel Tablet.

Windows 11 Beta channel insiders get treated with a redesigned settings page

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:34:19 GMT

Microsoft just released Windows 11 build 22621.2262 and build 22631.2262 (KB5029339) to Beta Channel Windows Insiders. Build 22631.2262 is for those with new features rolling out and build 22621.2262 is for those with new features off by default. This is what Microsoft calls an LCU update, meaning it's bringing lots of new features for those who have build 22631.2262 installed. Of those new features is a redesigned settings home page, and backup and restore improvements.

28 years ago, Windows 95 was the start of a new era

João Carrasqueira — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:00:09 GMT

On Aug. 24, 1995, Microsoft unleashed Windows 95 onto the world. Indeed, this massively influential OS release turns 28 years old today. Not only was it the first version of Windows to ship with Internet Explorer, but it also introduced elements that became staples of Windows for decades to come. Even to this day, you can feel the effects of Windows 95 throughout Microsoft's products.

How to activate Windows

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:00:26 GMT

Windows activations are frequently tied to a digital license that's then linked to your Microsoft account. That way, you just need to sign into your desktop PC or laptop to reactivate your license when you switch devices. But if you end up making changes to a PC, like swapping hardware, or if you're building your own desktop from scratch, you might have to reactivate or activate Windows the old-fashioned way.

Microsoft is investigating an "unsupported processor" BSOD error in latest Windows 10 and 11 update

Usama Jawad — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 11:26:44 GMT

A couple of days ago, Microsoft released an optional preview update for Windows 10 and 11 as a precursor to the cumulative update coming on Patch Tuesday next month. Its headlining features included tweaking the hover behavior on the search box and the ability to change default apps in a more convenient manner. However, the update has also introduced an issue that Microsoft is currently investigating.

Best 15-inch laptops in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:00:28 GMT

For many users, a 15-inch screen is the ideal size for a laptop. This is a size where you can still strike a great balance of portability and real estate. Most 17-inch laptops tend to be heavy, and 13-inch laptops just don't give you as much screen size to comfortably multitask.

Optional Windows 11 update makes it easier to change default apps

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:26:42 GMT

Microsoft is rolling out the August preview update for Windows 11 version 22H2. This month's update adds several new features to the operating system. It is tweaking the hover behavior on the search box, and also adding a new functionality for app defaults that makes swapping out default apps even easier. That's on top of the usual bug fixes and improvements.

5 reasons Microsoft Edge is the best browser

Usama Jawad — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:01:27 GMT

Microsoft Edge may not be the top browser in terms of market share right now, but the Redmond tech firm continually adds new features to it in order to retain its existing customers and attract new ones. Edge has had to face an uphill battle from the start because of the poor reputation of Internet Explorer in the past decade or so, its pivot to Chromium, and the fact that Chrome commands a significant majority in terms of user base, so any competitor really needs to have unique or well-polished features to entice people to completely switch from their existing browser.

Microsoft is testing new AI features in Windows 11, including OCR and object removal

João Carrasqueira — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:42:58 GMT

Microsoft has been all about AI for the past few months, and Windows 11 is already getting a taste of that with Copilot, which is currently in testing with Insiders in most channels and expected in version 23H2. However, there's a lot more to come, as the company is also working on other AI-powered features across Windows 11 apps, including the classic Paint, as well as the Photos and Camera apps.

You can now use Python in Excel

Usama Jawad — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:02:58 GMT

Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used spreadsheet software out there with a variety of use-cases involving data storage, number-crunching, data cleaning, visualizations, and more. Microsoft regularly updates it with new features in order to attract more customers. The company has now implemented a major functionality in Excel by introducing support for the Python programming language.

Windows 11 version 23H2: Everything you need to know

João Carrasqueira — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 20:00:29 GMT

Windows 11 is in a constant state of flux, getting new updates on a regular basis to improve the experience. The first big Windows 11 update was version 22H2, which came around last year, and since then, we've been getting smaller Moment updates that add new features and capabilities. The latest of those is the Moment 3 update, which was released in June 2023. But we're already looking at what the future holds, because the next big update, Windows 11 version 23H2, isn't too far off.

Best Windows Hello facial recognition laptops in 2023

João Carrasqueira — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:30:25 GMT

In recent years, it's become more and more apparent that passwords can be insecure, and they're often very easy to guess, leaving many people unprotected. Beyond that, having to type in a password every time you want to unlock your computer can be a chore. Thankfully, a few years ago, Microsoft introduced Windows Hello, and nowadays, it's easy to find a laptop with facial recognition or a fingerprint sensor to make things easier and more secure.

Top 5 Windows features that have changed the platform forever

Arif Bacchus — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 15:00:25 GMT

Microsoft has a deep heritage in the tech world, and its Windows operating system plays an important part in that. From the very first Windows release in 1985 to modern-day Windows 11, the company has continuously innovated and added new features to Windows that have shaped the way we work, play, and interact with each other when using the best laptops or the best gaming PCs. From the Start Menu to things like Live Tiles, Windows has come a long way, but there are five features in particular that we think sum up its legacy best.

Best external monitors for the Surface Laptop 5 in 2023

Arif Bacchus — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 19:00:23 GMT

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 packs a high-resolution display 3:2 aspect ratio display on both the 15-inch and the 13-inch models. This is great for basic multitasking, but if you're looking to expand your productivity beyond the built-in screen, though, you'd probably need to invest in a new monitor. This can give you more space to multitask and open windows when you're at home, or in your office. Whether you want a 4K monitor, an ultrawide monitor, or something more affordable we have a selection of some of the best monitors you can buy for your new Surface Laptop 5 or other great Surface PC.

Microsoft Surface event set for September 21 in NYC

Arif Bacchus — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:28:26 GMT

Microsoft is getting ready for its annual Fall Surface product releases. The company has just emailed out a Save the Date to media and other influencers, confirming it will be holding an event in New York City on September 21.

Best Android phones in 2023

Ben Sin — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:00:17 GMT

The Android flagship space has already seen some good smartphones in 2023 so far. Samsung and OnePlus kicked things off with their respective flagships, and we've also received some solid mid-rangers in the form of Galaxy A54 5G and Pixel 7a. Samsung's foldable lineup also has some new entries for 2023, so there's no shortage of reliable Android phones in 2023. So if you are in the market to buy a new Android flagship and can't figure out which one's better, then you've landed on the right page. I have highlighted some of the best phones in each category in the roundup below, so check out the listings to find the one that suits your needs and budget.

Microsoft wants you to replace Discord with Teams for your gaming needs

Arif Bacchus — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:11:18 GMT

Microsoft is finding new ways to try and get you to use Microsoft Teams. In the latest, there's now the "Microsoft Teams Play Together" widget that you can download on Windows 11. This is basically a new way to unite you with your friends through Teams, instead of a competing service like Discord when gaming on your Windows PC.

Paint's new dark mode is now available to everyone on Windows 11

Rahul Naskar — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:48:25 GMT

After months of testing with Windows Insiders, Microsoft has finally brought dark theme support to the Paint app for all Windows 11 users. However, as Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc pointed out, this is a phased rollout, meaning not everyone running Windows 11 will immediately see it on the Paint app.

How to use ViveTool to force-enable new features in Windows 11

Skanda Hazarika — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 22:00:25 GMT

You probably already know that Microsoft has the Windows Insider Program, so you can beta-test early versions of Windows 11 on a great laptop or a great Windows desktop, or even in a virtual machine. Each of the channels of the program gets you access to the various versions of Windows. Unfortunately, though, Microsoft often likes to A/B test Windows features in the Windows Insider program.

Best tablets in 2023

Karthik Iyer — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 18:01:23 GMT

It's true that smartphones are getting bigger and better with larger displays, especially when you consider the excellent foldable phones out now, but they're not quite ready to replace tablets just yet. Tablets are still the perfect companions to have alongside your smartphone, laptop, or PC, as they let you work on things more effectively. The best tablets are the ones that are big enough to keep you entertained when you fire up your favorite apps and games, but not so much that it becomes a hassle to carry them around. You should also pick the ones with a wealth of productivity apps and features to help you get some light work done when you are away from your desk. Choosing the right tablet, however, can be tricky because there are a lot of options that fit the bill.

How to scan documents on Windows 11 using your webcam

Arif Bacchus — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:31:25 GMT

There comes a time when you might need to scan a document on Windows 11. It could be an important document you signed that you need to email or just something you might want to digitize for later. Well, if you're using a great Windows tablet or an external webcam, you can scan documents pretty easily. The Windows 11 camera app offers the option to scan a document, and then save it as a photo on your device. You also can use a third-party app like HP Scan and Capture to turn your photos into scans. And though it takes a little extra work, you also can use an OCR tool to capture text from images, helping avoid the need to scan.

29 years ago, Microsoft thought of bundling Internet Explorer with Windows

Usama Jawad — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:01:23 GMT

Most of us now consider it common practice for a vendor to bundle a web browser in its operating system; Windows ships with Microsoft Edge, ChromeOS comes with Google Chrome, macOS sports Apple Safari, while Ubuntu has Mozilla Firefox pre-installed. However, this wasn't always the case, especially in the early days of the internet when the technology was yet to reach mass market. In fact, Microsoft bundling Internet Explorer (IE) in Windows 95 was a pretty major move and was meant as a way to combat Netscape's growing popularity in the web browser space, in what would eventually be known as the "First Browser War".