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Windows 11 users, let’s face it – Microsoft's native File Explorer, while functional, can feel like an old T-shirt: reliable but lacking style, innovation, and, let’s be honest, that spark. It’s serviceable for everyday tasks, but often falls short for power users and those craving modern design and advanced functionality. That’s where a third-party app like “Files” steps into the picture. And boy, has it delivered a game-changing update: Version 3.9. Let’s dive deep into why this deserves...

When Microsoft said Windows 10 was going to be retired, they weren't joking. But for those clinging to this aging operating system, help doesn't come cheap—or simple. Microsoft recently updated its guidance on the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, a plan designed for die-hard Windows 10 users who aren't quite ready to make the leap to Windows 11. If you're an enterprise customer or just someone nostalgic for Windows 10, grab a seat—this is going to be a bumpy ride. The TL;DR Version...

In a surprising move likely to stir debate among digital privacy enthusiasts and loyal Microsoft 365 subscribers, Microsoft has officially announced that its free VPN feature—part of the Microsoft Defender app—will be discontinued as of February 28, 2025. If you're already scratching your head about what this means for your digital privacy toolbox, don't worry; we've got everything you need to know, plus some added insights to help you make sense of what this means for Windows users and...

Cloud computing has transformed the way we interact with data, collaborate at work, and, frankly, navigate day-to-day life in an increasingly digital-first world. However, with great flexibility comes great responsibility—not just for cloud providers but especially for businesses, IT admins, and individual users. If you've ever thought, "Oh, Microsoft has my back; I'll never lose my files or emails!" you might want to sit back, grab a coffee, and rethink some things. Today, we'll dive deep...

If you're a Microsoft 365 user, brace yourself—there’s a big shake-up coming your way! Microsoft has announced that starting February 28, 2025, the integrated VPN (Virtual Private Network) feature in Microsoft Defender will be officially retired. This decision was made alongside a $3 monthly price hike for Microsoft 365 subscription plans. So what exactly does this mean for loyal Windows users and online privacy advocates? Let’s unpack the implications of this rather controversial move...

Microsoft has announced significant changes to its Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) ecosystem, and they’re raising quite a few eyebrows among users and tech enthusiasts alike. While Microsoft has been touting its new generative AI Copilot features in its subscription services, recent announcements suggest they are also trimming back on some of the existing features—with the Microsoft 365 VPN feature being the latest casualty. Let’s unpack what this means for you as a Windows user and what...

In a move that has sent ripples through the tech and cybersecurity community, Microsoft has decided to end the VPN service embedded in the Microsoft Defender app for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers. Starting February 28, 2025, this change will remove what was formerly known as the Privacy Protection VPN, a tool aimed at providing encrypted and secure web browsing. If you're a subscriber, you might be wondering: "Why axe a VPN when online privacy is so critical in 2025?" Let's...

2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in the world of operating systems—especially for Windows users. With Microsoft preparing to officially end support for Windows 10, millions of users face the conundrum of whether to embrace Windows 11 or seek alternatives. While the tech giant positions Windows 11 as the natural next step, other contenders in the software arena are vying for your attention. Among these alternatives, Nitrux Linux 3.9.0 is making waves as not just an option but the...

Windows users, brace yourselves. Microsoft has stirred up a debate about Windows 11, its stringent hardware requirements, and its stance on users bypassing these restrictions. With over 800 million users still anchored in Windows 10, around 400 million of them face a significant fork in the road. The company has recently made a controversial move by quietly removing a well-known official workaround for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Let's dive into what this means and what...

Ladies and gents, we’re entering an era where even the humble Microsoft Paint is stepping up its game. Yes, you heard me right—MS Paint, the tool you used to scribble during your childhood, is getting a shot of adrenaline in the form of Copilot integration. But that’s not all. Alongside this move, Microsoft is paving the way for smarter Windows with an improved AI-supported Windows Search. Let’s dissect what these changes mean for Windows users, PC enthusiasts, and the broader AI revolution...

Cybercriminals never sleep, and as the cybersecurity landscape evolves, so do their methods. They've upped their game yet again by infiltrating some of the world’s most reputable cloud service providers—specifically Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure—for what researchers are now calling "infrastructure laundering." If this term is new to you, buckle up because this phenomenon is as insidious as it is ingenious. The article delves into groundbreaking research by the cybersecurity...

Microsoft has announced that its free VPN (Virtual Private Network) included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions will be retired as of February 28, 2025, leaving users in search of alternative solutions to secure their online sessions. For those who relied on this built-in feature to safeguard their internet connections, this change might feel like a curveball—but let’s discuss what’s happening, why it’s happening, and, more importantly, what you can do about it. The VPN That Wasn't Meant to...

If you’ve been holding onto your trusty old desktop or laptop and nervously side-eyeing the end-of-support date for Windows 10, it's time for an electrician-level reality check. In a quiet but decisive move, Microsoft has erased its previously available advice for bypassing the stringent hardware requirements of Windows 11. This method involved tweaking the registry to bypass the TPM and CPU hurdles that have been knocking out legions of older PCs from the Windows 11 upgrade pool. Let’s dive...

In a significant update for Microsoft 365 subscribers, Microsoft has announced it will be pulling the plug on the free VPN service bundled with its Defender app, effective February 28, 2025. This move comes as part of the company's initiative to "reallocate resources" towards features better aligned with user needs. While some users may view this as trimming the fat, others may find themselves scrambling for alternative privacy solutions. Here at WindowsForum.com, we’re diving into...

Just when you thought Microsoft was amplifying its efforts to keep us all digitally secure, they've thrown quite the curveball. In less than a year since its introduction, Microsoft's virtual private network (VPN) service is bidding us farewell. Included as part of the Microsoft Defender app for Microsoft 365 subscribers, this feature was meant to deliver enhanced online privacy and security—but alas, that dream has been cut short. Starting February 28, 2025, the VPN feature will officially...

The tech world is buzzing this week with news that Microsoft is officially discontinuing the free Virtual Private Network (VPN) feature from its Microsoft Defender app by February 28, 2025. For those who have used Microsoft 365 Personal and Family Plans, this discontinuation might have caught you off-guard, particularly if you were beginning to rely on this no-extra-cost improvement to your online security. What’s even more telling is how Microsoft justifies this change: it’s not about...

Ah, Statcounter—the household name for anyone who's ever run into an internet tracking graphic. It's that time of the month again, where Statcounter drops its analytics mic, presenting charts and "market share insights" that send tech bloggers into a feeding frenzy. Articles abound: Windows 10 is losing its users! Windows 11 rebound! Headlines spiral into dramatic narratives of a supposed operating system battle royale. But wait, before we toss confetti on any Statcounter-proclaimed OS...

Well folks, the clock is ticking faster than ever for Windows 10 users. With an October 2025 End of Life (EOL) deadline now barely eight months on the horizon, it seems that the long-hesitant masses are finally stirring into action. Recent analytics data indicates that Windows 11 adoption is seeing its most significant leap forward to date, and it’s giving us a glimpse of what Microsoft’s ecosystem might look like post-Windows 10. Let’s break it all down. A 2.5% Jump in January 2025: A...

If you’ve been sliding under Windows 11’s hardware radar with Microsoft’s blessing, you may need to rethink that strategy. Microsoft has subtly yanked its official guidance for bypassing the stringent CPU and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) requirements when installing Windows 11 on older hardware. This change coincides with the release of Windows 11 version 24H2 and signifies a shift in how Microsoft intends to enforce its hardware rules, pushing users toward upgrading their devices instead...