Search Results for: windows 11

With millions of copies sold over 18 editions, Windows For Dummies is the all-time best selling tech reference -- and for good reason. Windows 11 For Dummies, 2nd Edition brings you up to speed on the latest version of Windows, so you can make your PC operate the way you need it to with no guesswork.

This straightforward and approachable resource helps you keep your PC or laptop humming, helping you do things like create user profiles, get connected to networks, find lost files, make your computer play nice with a printer, and fix the most common Windows hiccups.

Continue reading →

The number of roadblocks standing in the way of updating to the latest version of Windows 11 seems never-ending. The latest issue affects people using certain versions of Google Workspace Sync.

Following the appearance of error messages and problems between Outlook and Google Workspace Sync, Microsoft has taken the decision to block the availability of the Windows 11 2024 Update. There is good news, however. The fix is easy to implement, so updating to Windows 11 24H2 is far from being an impossibility.

Continue reading →

There are many barriers to running Windows 11, and even if you are using the operating system, you may find that you’re not able to run the very latest version. A variety of problems means that Microsoft has put update blocks in place for systems that meet certain criteria, but is gradually easing up on some of them.

Gamers are among those who have found themselves unable to update to Windows 11 24H2, especially fans of Ubisoft titles. With some of the issues having been resolved, Microsoft has now partially lifted the block on updating.

Continue reading →

If you’ve been looking for a reason to ditch Windows 11, the latest version of Manjaro Linux, 24.2 Yonada, might just be it. This new release brings updates across its GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE editions, offering a polished experience for both newcomers and seasoned Linux users.

The GNOME edition of Manjaro 24.2 has been updated to the GNOME 47 series, bringing features that put Windows 11’s customization options to shame. For example, users can now choose from a range of accent colors instead of being locked into a single default. Scaling improvements ensure icons and interface elements look sharp and usable, even on older or lower-resolution displays. If you’ve ever been frustrated with screen recording on Windows, Manjaro’s GNOME edition now supports hardware encoding for Intel and AMD GPUs, reducing system strain and providing a smooth recording experience.

Continue reading →

The battery indicator in the Taskbar of Windows 11 is – as it has been for many years in previous versions of Windows – entirely functional. But there has always been potential for it to be more.

Now Microsoft is taking action to help the humble battery indicator to reach its potential and ascend beyond merely being good enough. New features means that it will tell you more than just how much charge you have left.

Continue reading →

If you’ve been waiting for Windows 11 24H2 (also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update) to roll out to your computer, you might be in luck.

For anyone who doesn’t want to go to the hassle of forcing the update, there is the option of sitting back until Microsoft takes care of things for you. And there is good news on this front. The company has announced that Windows 11 24H2 has “entered a new stage of availability” and is now more widely available.

Continue reading →

There can be few Windows 11 users who are unfamiliar with having their computer borked by a bad update from Microsoft. Every month, the regular release of updates is followed by the acknowledgement of the issues caused and then, perhaps some time later, workarounds and fixes.

Microsoft’s latest advice is to use Windows Update to fix problems that may well have been caused by updates installed by Windows Update. Confused? While not a new option, Microsoft is now pushing and explaining the “Fix problems using Windows Update” feature more, having updated it for Windows 11.

Continue reading →

With official support for Windows 10 coming to an end next year, those who are still using the operating system are faced with a difficult choice. They can stick with using Windows 10 as an unsupported OS, perhaps turning to a third-party patching service to plug security holes.

Or they can look to upgrade to Windows 11. But this presents a problem. A lot of computers that run Windows 10 are not able to run Windows 11 because of the TPM 2.0 requirement of the newer OS. For anyone hoping Microsoft might finally relent and ease up on this requirement, Microsoft has restated its position, making it clear that it will not be backing down.

Continue reading →

EasyOS Scarthgap 6.5 might just be the operating system you didn’t know you needed. As an experimental Linux distribution built with a lightweight and optimized architecture, it offers a fresh approach to desktop computing. With its innovative container technology, streamlined package management, and unique origins in Puppy Linux, EasyOS could serve as a viable alternative to both Windows 11 and traditional Linux distributions, such as Nitrux.

For those frustrated with the resource-heavy nature of Windows 11, EasyOS Scarthgap delivers a more efficient experience. Its foundation in OpenEmbedded ensures minimal bloat, while still providing access to modern applications through AppImage and Flatpak integration. And unlike mainstream Linux distributions that often mirror Windows’ complexity with package management systems like apt or yum, EasyOS simplifies things without compromising functionality.

Continue reading →

Let’s be honest: Windows 11 gets the job done, but for many of us, it feels more like a routine than a revelation. It’s the dependable choice we stick with because it’s what we’re used to, even when its frequent problematic updates, resource demands, and occasional hiccups make us wonder if there’s a better option out there. If you’ve been quietly considering a change but haven’t found the right fit, there’s a promising alternative worth exploring.

Nitrux offers a fresh perspective on what an operating system can be. Designed for speed and simplicity, it delivers a streamlined experience with its unique NX Desktop and lightweight foundation. It feels modern, responsive, and uncluttered -- an ideal choice for those who value efficiency and aesthetics.

Continue reading →

MSI has introduced its latest handheld gaming devices, the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+. These devices (available here) are designed to deliver powerful performance and energy efficiency in compact, ergonomic designs. Powered by the next-generation Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2), they also feature advanced cooling technology for extended gaming sessions.

The Claw 8 AI+ sports an 8-inch FHD+ touchscreen with a 1920x1200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It boasts 100 percent sRGB color accuracy, a brightness of 500 nits, and supports VRR on an IPS-level panel. This ensures a visually stunning experience for gaming and media.

Continue reading →

Microsoft is preparing to end free support for Windows 10 next year, although users will have the option to pay for continued security updates if they choose. While it’s possible to keep using the popular operating system safely, most people will face two choices: upgrade to Windows 11 or wait for the eagerly anticipated next-generation OS, widely expected to be called Windows 12.

Although Microsoft has yet to officially reveal its plans for the future of Windows, we have an idea of what it could look like.

Continue reading →

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and perhaps, change. While most people are thinking about turkey and pie, maybe it’s time to reconsider something else this holiday season: your operating system. Windows 11 has its fair share of fans, but it’s also riddled with frustrations like mandatory updates and telemetry concerns. This Thanksgiving, why not switch to a more elegant, privacy-respecting alternative? Enter elementary OS 8.

Recently released, elementary OS 8 offers a fresh take on what an operating system can be. Designed with inclusivity, user empowerment, and privacy in mind, it’s a Linux-based system that feels modern and approachable. Unlike Windows 11, it doesn’t force features on you or leave you worried about invasive tracking. Instead, it gives you control while looking great doing it.

Continue reading →

A Windows update without problems is a rare thing indeed, and the bigger the update, the bigger the problems. This is certainly true of the most recent major update to Windows 11, the Windows 11 24H2 update.

The release has been plagued with issues, and the most recent to be confirmed by Microsoft affects gamers. Windows 11 24H2 has been found to be so problematic with various Ubisoft titles that the update has been blocked on devices that have these games installed.

Continue reading →

Windows 11, despite its modern design and advanced features, has been criticized for its bloated nature. The operating system demands substantial hardware resources, leaving many users with sluggish performance -- even on newer machines -- and Microsoft is jamming AI features into almost every corner of the OS, including the likes of Notepad and Paint, which doesn't help.

Perhaps it’s time to get back to basics, trim the fat, and give users the lightweight operating system they crave without sacrificing any modern functionality? Perhaps it's time for Windows 12 Lite.

Continue reading →