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In today’s increasingly connected world, protecting your digital fortress has never been more critical—especially for Windows users who rely on robust security measures to guard against online threats. While Windows comes with a built-in firewall as part of Windows Security, many users are on the lookout for alternative free solutions that offer enhanced features and a more user-friendly experience. In this article, we'll dive into 10 of the best free firewall software options available for...

In our fast-paced world, nothing throws a wrench into productivity quite like a dying laptop battery. Whether you're hopping between coffee shops, commuting on public transit, or simply working from your favorite couch, a robust battery life is non-negotiable. Today, we’re diving into some proven, Windows-specific tricks that can keep your device running longer so that your battery never feels like it’s betraying you. 1. Choosing the Right Power Mode: Performance vs. Efficiency One of the...

If you’ve been clinging to your trusty Windows 10 machine, brace yourself for some unsettling news that might just have you rethinking your system’s future. Recent maneuvers by Microsoft have sent mixed signals to Windows enthusiasts—signals that are especially concerning for those running older hardware without the coveted security chip known as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The Evolution of Windows Upgrades Microsoft’s track record of rolling out major Windows updates while offering...

Institutional Investment Trends: Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC Steps Up Its Microsoft Holdings In a notable strategic move, Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC has boosted its stake in Microsoft Co. (NASDAQ: MSFT) by 14.1% during the fourth quarter. The institutional investor’s new position now stands at 9,586 shares, acquired through the purchase of an additional 1,184 shares. This tranche of shares is valued at about $4.04 million, signaling a renewed vote of confidence in the tech giant as it continues to...

In today's fast-paced tech world, even Windows enthusiasts should take a moment to glance beyond the latest security patches and feature updates—to the financial maneuvers shaping the giant behind our beloved OS. Recent financial filings reveal that Microsoft Co. (NASDAQ: MSFT) remains a pivotal player among institutional investors, with First County Bank CT holding the software titan as its fourth largest position. However, the latest Form 13F filing shows some strategic repositioning that...

For many Windows veterans, the evolution from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has been a bittersweet journey—while the overall experience packs a modern punch, the redesigned Start menu has left some users longing for the familiar flexibility of days gone by. Enter Windhawk, a community-driven mod that delivers the Start menu Windows 11 truly deserves. What’s the Problem with the Current Windows 11 Start Menu? Windows 11’s Start menu, while sleek and modern at first glance, often falls short for...

In a recent episode (Episode 356) of the Windows Central Podcast, hosts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden delivered deep insights into some of the most stirring developments in the Microsoft universe. From the official shutdown of HoloLens and IVAS to discussions about AI misfires and Arm’s bold moves in chip manufacturing, this episode has plenty to chew on for Windows enthusiasts. Let’s break down the conversation and what it might mean for the future of our Windows ecosystem. The Final...

Windows 11 users know the struggle all too well: while Microsoft’s built-in apps get the job done, they often feel like a half-hearted effort at meeting everyday needs. Whether it’s the laggy Photos app, the bare-bones Calculator, or a PDF viewer that barely scratches the surface, many of us have felt the urge for a more robust solution. Fortunately, there’s an exciting world of free—and in many cases, open source—alternatives that not only replace these default tools but also bring advanced...

In a notable shift for Windows users and OEM manufacturers alike, Microsoft’s recently published Windows 11 24H2 support list for new OEM systems omits Intel’s 8th, 9th, and 10th Gen processors. This update, highlighted by industry sources, raises important questions about hardware compatibility, future upgrade paths, and the evolving standards of system security and performance. What’s Changed in the Support List? The Windows 11 24H2 support list now exclusively includes more modern Intel...

Windows 11 enthusiasts, brace yourselves—there’s a fresh twist to your right-click experience! The latest KB5052084 update rolling out via the Windows 11 Beta Channel isn’t just another routine patch; it brings exciting changes to the context menu that might just redefine how you interact with your desktop. What's New in KB5052084? At the heart of this update lies a significant tweak making its way into File Explorer's context menu. Windows insiders can now find hidden options that include...

In a remarkable twist of fate for long-time Windows enthusiasts, Windows 7—once hailed as one of Microsoft’s finest operating systems—can now run modern apps designed for Windows 8, 10, and arguably even 11, thanks to an innovative tool called VxKex NEXT. While this might sound like a tech wizard’s dream come true, the underlying mechanics and implications deserve a closer look. The Challenge of Bridging Eras Windows 7’s architecture, beloved for its stability and simplicity, hasn’t received...

In a move that signals further evolution (and a bit of pruning) of Windows 11, Microsoft has announced the deprecation of its Location History feature. While 2023 and 2024 brought sweeping changes for Windows, 2025 is already marking its territory with a series of updates, and this one’s bound to have some Windows enthusiasts talking. What Exactly Was Location History? Location History was a background API built into Windows 11, enabling the operating system to collect and store a device’s...

What Are Dynamic Updates and Why Should You Care? Dynamic updates are like the secret sauce in the Windows installation process. When a feature update begins—whether it’s rolled out via media or through the Windows Update service—Windows Setup reaches out to a Microsoft-hosted URL to fetch the latest improvements before the installation fully kicks off. This process is crucial for two main reasons: Setup Updates: These provide fixes and improvements to the Setup binaries or any files that...

As Windows 10’s security support draws to a close in October 2025, many users face a daunting crossroad: upgrade to Windows 11 or risk losing essential security patches—and possibly paying a premium for continued use. For a considerable number of Windows enthusiasts, the dilemma intensifies if their aging PCs fall short of Windows 11’s modern requirements. In this article, we delve into the nitty-gritty of forcing Windows 11 onto hardware that isn’t quite up to the task, exploring the...

The Art and Science of Secure PDF Redaction Imagine your PDF as a tightly sealed envelope that carries secrets. Overlaying text with a black rectangle might seem like a simple solution, but this approach often fails to truly remove the sensitive content. Redaction tools, on the other hand, are designed to permanently eliminate the data from the file itself. This means that once you apply these redaction methods, the original text is eradicated from both visible and digital layers—making it...

In the fast-evolving world of Windows updates, details matter—especially when it comes to hardware support. The recent tweak to Windows 11’s CPU compatibility list in the latest 24H2 update has set off some chatter, but for current users, there’s no need to panic. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how it could shape your upgrade plans. A Quick Recap: What Changed? Back in October of last year, Microsoft unleashed the Windows 11 24H2 update, which brought a slew of...

Personalizing your desktop is more than just choosing a wallpaper or rearranging icons – sometimes, it's about those minute details like how your system tray clock displays the date and time. Whether you're someone who loves a minimalist look or prefers to see every detail at a glance, Windows 11 gives you the flexibility to toggle between a full and an abbreviated date/time display. Let’s dive into three distinct methods to adjust these settings, each tailored to suit different levels of...

In a development that’s sparking spirited debates among tech enthusiasts, Microsoft has announced a significant policy change regarding OEM devices and processor support. Starting with Windows 11 version 24H2, new OEM machines will no longer be shipped with Intel’s 8th, 9th, or 10th generation processors. While this decision might raise eyebrows—especially considering that many of these CPUs are not far from being modern—it signals a broader strategic shift towards newer hardware standards...

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are on the brink of a productivity revolution—and at the heart of it is Microsoft Copilot. According to recent insights, embracing AI-powered tools like Copilot can boost productivity by up to 30% in just one year. For Windows users and IT professionals alike, this isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a game changer that’s redefining how SMBs operate in today’s competitive landscape. In a dynamic 20-minute webinar hosted by iTnews, industry experts Scott Parry...