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How-To
18 tweaks that give Windows 11 a personalized feel
Not happy with the look of Windows 11? Here are tips to make your computer look better and feel better.
Reviews
Wondershare UBackit review: Wonderfully simple and effective backup
The lack of disaster recovery and a perpetual license (restore remains available) limits the appeal of this otherwise simple, often clever, and easy-to-use backup program.
Reviews
FastestVPN review: A VPN with a low-price lifetime subscription
FastestVPN might not have the flair of some of the top VPN services, but it's very affordable, makes the right privacy promises, and comes with a generous 10 simultaneous device connections.
News
Chrome now warns of resource-hogging tabs — here's how to enable it
The new feature is currently hidden in the latest beta version of the Google Chrome browser.
News
Google is now ditching its plan to replace cookies in Chrome
Years after announcing Privacy Sandbox, Google says it will be optional instead of a complete replacement for user-tracking cookies.
News
How Windows 95 saved companies from the global IT meltdown
During the CrowdStrike disaster over the weekend, it was an outdated Windows version that prevented even greater damage.
Sponsored
Record Audio from YouTube Free on PC/Mac/iOS/Android
We outline six ways to record YouTube audio across a range of devices.
How-To
How to find lost gadgets (and avoid losing them)
Steps to find (and safeguard) a lost laptop, tablet, or phone.
Sponsored
Record Video from Websites on Various Devices
We explain how to use screen recording software to record any online video, and on any device.
News
Microsoft wants you to pay $300 per year for AI art in Word
Microsoft said this week that it's going to embed the AI art capabilities of Microsoft Designer into Word and PowerPoint. That's great, but have you considered how much it will cost?
Feature
Should you use free antivirus software? The pros and cons
Here are the pros and cons of free antivirus software and whether you should consider upgrading to paid antivirus suites.
Reviews
Macrium Reflect Home 8 review: An exceptional imaging and backup program
Macrium Reflect is one of our favorite easy-to-use, feature-filled imaging backup programs. It rivals R-Drive Image in our experience for long-lived success.
Feature
The dangers of malvertising — and how to protect yourself against it
When online advertising becomes dangerous…
News
Best VPN for Nebraska: Pornhub workarounds
Pornhub is set to begin blocking access to residents of Nebraska following new age verification laws—but a VPN can be a viable workaround. These are the best VPNs to continue viewing the site while protecting your privacy.
Tip
How to set the default font for headings and text in Word
Since the last update, Microsoft Word uses Aptos instead of Calibri as the default font. If you don't like this font, you can easily switch to Calibri or another font.
News
AT&T leaked your wireless data. Here's what to watch out for
Call and text message logs for AT&T’s over 100 million wireless customers were stolen by a hacker—which includes data about non-subscribers, too.
Feature
Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Which VPN is better in 2024?
These two feature-packed VPNs go head-to-head to see which is better in 2024.
News
Dangerous security flaw found in Microsoft Outlook – go patch right now!
Security researchers have discovered a serious issue in Outlook that puts you at risk even without you doing anything wrong.
Feature
Browser speed showdown: Chrome vs. Edge vs. Firefox and more
The most popular browsers in a speed duel: Who will win the race?
How-To
7 ways Windows collects your data (and how to opt out)
Microsoft tracks certain types of data on Windows 11 users. You can opt out of most of it.
News
Google's excellent dark web monitoring service will soon be free
Previously only available to paid Google One subscribers, this feature is going to become available to all Google accounts.
Tip
Proof: Why you can't even trust verified Amazon reviews anymore
Reviews and ratings should inspire confidence while shopping, but Amazon's system is still easy to game with fake reviews.
Feature
Top 9 phishing scams to watch out for in 2024
Phishing scams have been around since 1995, but they're always evolving. Here's what you need to know about the different types and how to spot them.
News
Beware of fake Amazon site scams as Prime Day approaches
Fake websites claiming to be Amazon-related are luring shoppers into traps—and it's only going to get worse with Prime Day coming up.
Feature
What is split tunneling and do you need it in a VPN?
Split tunneling is an oft-highlighted feature of VPNs that lets you pick and choose when you want anonymity.
Opinion
I got sick of Chrome's BS and switched to Vivaldi. Here's what happened
After more than a decade I've broken my Google browser habit, on Windows and mobile.
Tip
How to download VMware Workstation Pro's hidden installer file
VMware Workstation Pro recently became free, but the installer download is hidden away. Here's how to get it and install it.
Feature
Is Windows 11's built-in antivirus enough for normal people?
See where Windows Security stands tall and where it falls short for regular, daily use.
Reviews
Surfshark review: A versatile VPN service packed with extras
Surfshark is a leading VPN service for good reason. It offers unlimited device connections, works with Netflix, and comes with a ton of extras such as built-in antivirus and multihop functionality.
News
A hacker just leaked 10 billion passwords. Here’s what to do now
A new compilation of leaked passwords called “RockYou2024” just surfaced on a forum—and it drives up the risk of account takeovers dramatically. Here's how to respond.
How-To
How to set up virtual PCs with VMware Workstation, a now-free pro tool
Here's how to set up virtual PCs with Windows and Linux using the professional software VMware Workstation Pro.
Tip
The Amazon triangle scam: What it is, how it works, and what to do
Triangulation fraud is a type of scam that occurs on ecommerce marketplaces—including Amazon.
News
FreeDOS turns 30 and may soon get full support for Windows 3.x
Want to explore what MS-DOS was like back in the day? You can still do so with FreeDOS.
Tip
Google Drive storage still full after deleting files? Here's why
Here's the solution for when deleted files continue to take up storage space in Google Drive.
How-To
How to uninstall Kaspersky antivirus before it gets banned
The US government is banning Kaspersky security software—so it’ll soon stop working. Here’s how to remove it from your system.
How-To
Master Microsoft 365's hidden gems: OneDrive, OneNote, and Clipchamp
Your guide to three of the lesser known programs in the Microsoft 365 subscription.
Feature
Norton 360 antivirus: 5 settings to change first
Make the most of PCWorld’s top-rated antivirus software with these quick tweaks.
Deal
Steam Summer Sale: 11 incredible deals on games worth playing
The Summer Sale is packed with great games. Overwhelmed? Check out these hand-picked winners for frugal PC gamers.
Feature
Best VPN for Indiana, Idaho, and Kansas: Pornhub workarounds
Pornhub will soon add Indiana, Idaho, and Kansas to its list of blocked states following new age verification laws—but a VPN can be a viable workaround. These are the best VPNs to continue viewing the site while protecting your privacy.
Feature
How PCWorld tests cloud backup services
Fom Carbonite to iDrive, PCWorld has tested all the online backup services out there. This is our evaluation process.
Feature
Hands-on: Steam's game recording beta is already incredible
It's only in the beta version of Steam, but this free game recording tool is already well-integrated in the platform.
News
Crypto scammers are double-dipping victims as fake lawyers
Law firms claiming to hunt down crypto scammers are, in fact, just perpetrating one more scam on victims.
Feature
Data breaches are everywhere—but you still need to pay attention to them
There’s one very important reason you shouldn’t tune out the news of data leaks, even though they’re now so common.
Updated
How to get Amazon Prime for free for Prime Day
Prime Day is back in July! If you're not a Prime member already, here's how to become one without paying a cent before the big day.
Reviews
HMA VPN review: An easy-to-use VPN with servers in every corner of the world
There's a lot to like about HMA VPN, but there are also a few ways where it might not meet users' needs.
Opinion
Why are tech companies so willfully bad at privacy?
Some companies been around longer than some of us have been alive, but they refuse to learn from experience—and wonder why we’re hesitant about new tech.
News
Still use Kaspersky antivirus? The US is banning it, so prepare to switch
The US government has decided to bar sales and updates of Kaspersky's antivirus software. If you're a user, you need to switch.
How-To
Age verification laws threaten Pornhub, but a VPN can help
Recent age verification restrictions have made it difficult to access adult content in some U.S. states, except with the right VPN.
Feature
Got a new Copilot+ PC? Don't rush to install Chrome
We tested performance for top web browsers to find out which one is the most powerful browser for Copilot+ PCs right now.
How-To