URL: ZDNet

Microsoft News

Friday, April 4, 2025

• Microsoft unveils 9 new Copilot features - you can try some now
  Marking the company's 50th anniversary, Microsoft's AI companion just got a lot smarter. Even free users can enjoy these.
  
• Microsoft is revamping the reviled Windows 11 Start menu - here's a sneak peek
  Windows 11's Start menu is getting a makeover - what's new and how to try it. Plus, check out my top Start menu alternatives that I always recommend.
  

Thursday, April 3, 2025

• 3 ways to connect your phone with Windows now that this popular sync tool is getting the axe
  With Intel Unison being retired in June, you'll have to turn to another app to sync your iPhone or Android phone with Windows 11.
  
• How Bill Gates, the Altair 8800 and BASIC propelled me into the PC revolution
  In 1975, Bill and I were using the same computing tech - the Altair 8800 and DEC's PDP-10 - as BASIC became a gateway for generations of developers. Where were you all those decades ago?
  
• Is ChatGPT Plus worth your $20? Here's how it compares to Free and Pro plans
  ChatGPT Pro is 10 times the price of ChatGPT Plus. Is either worth the money or should you stick to the free version? Here's how to decide.
  
• Microsoft at 50: Its incredible rise, 15 lost years, and stunning comeback - in 4 charts
  In 1975, a few nerds formed a company to sell programming tools to other nerds. So how did Microsoft go on to become a trillion-dollar juggernaut?
  

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

• Windows 11 is getting a secret weapon for boot failures - how it works
  Windows 11 PC won't boot? Microsoft's Quick Machine Recovery will automatically try to fix it before you have time to panic.
  
• Why multi-factor authentication is absolutely essential in 2025
  Want to avoid having your online accounts hacked? Two-factor authentication is a crucial security measure that requires an extra step for signing in to high-value services. Here's how to set up 2FA and which accounts to focus on.
  

Monday, March 31, 2025

• 4 reasons why LibreOffice downloads are way up (hint: you'll relate)
  More users than ever are flocking to the open source suite since its latest update. The end of Windows 10 support is far from the only factor.
  
• Microsoft just blocked this popular Windows 11 local account trick - but workarounds remain
  With the latest insider build for Windows 11, Microsoft is killing off a workaround that let you set up a local account instead of a Microsoft account.
  
• Microsoft overhauls the dreaded Blue Screen of Death - here's what's new
  The new BSOD will be simpler, sleeker, and not blue.
  

Friday, March 28, 2025

• Microsoft's passwordless future is here for Outlook, Xbox, 365, and more
  Microsoft's new sign-in screens push you to finally ditch passwords - here's how.
  

Thursday, March 27, 2025

• Your Microsoft Office apps will soon launch faster - but the Speed Boost is optional
  Rolling out in May for Word initially, the feature will reduce the program's startup time. Here's how it works.
  
• 10 pesky Windows 11 24H2 bugs still haunting PCs despite several patches
  Before diving into the Windows 11 2024 update, know that you may encounter some problems. Here's the bug report now.
  

Monday, March 24, 2025

• Microsoft's new AI agents aim to help security pros combat the latest threats
  Designed for Microsoft's Security Copilot tool, the AI-powered agents will automate basic tasks, freeing IT and security staff to tackle more complex issues.
  

Thursday, March 20, 2025

• Copilot now lets you control your Android phone from your PC - here's how
  You can send texts, set timers, and get directions - without ever touching your Android phone.
  

Monday, March 17, 2025

• Windows 11 update accidentally erases Copilot for some users - here's how to get it back
  You'll have to reinstall the AI or wait until Microsoft fixes the glitch.
  
• Microsoft Edge just made adding extensions on Android easy - here's how
  Unlike Chrome, the Android version of Edge now offers its own dedicated store for extensions.
  

Friday, March 14, 2025

• 6 things I always do after setting up Windows 11 - and why you should too
  Microsoft's default settings for Windows 11 are filled with tiny annoyances, including unnecessary taskbar icons and unwanted apps. Here's how to declutter your new setup and maximize your security settings.
  

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

• The best tablets of 2025: Top picks from our experts
  We've rounded up the best expert-loved tablets from Apple, Samsung, and Amazon.