URL: ZDNet

Microsoft News

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

• Use Microsoft Office? Hackers can infect your PC with a malicious document - patch it ASAP
  This emergency zero-day patch blocks attackers from slipping past built-in protections and compromising your system.
  
• Storing your BitLocker key in the cloud? Microsoft can give it to the FBI - what to do instead
  Microsoft says it may give your encryption key to law enforcement upon a valid request. Here's how to protect your privacy.
  
• Why you need Microsoft's new emergency Windows patch - and the black-screen bug to watch for
  While Microsoft has been fixing bugs caused by the Patch Tuesday update, another glitch has surfaced.
  

Monday, January 26, 2026

• The first big Windows update of 2026 is a glitchy mess - here's the full list of bugs and fixes
  Some bugs are fixed, but plenty are still frustrating Windows users.
  

Friday, January 23, 2026

• I tried this free Microsoft cleanup tool to see if it'd speed up my Windows PC - here's the result
  Microsoft's PC Manager is supposed to make your Windows PC run like new again. So I put it to the test.
  

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

• Microsoft issues emergency patch for latest Windows bugs - grab it ASAP
  The out-of-band patch fixes a couple of annoying bugs added to Windows 11 and 10 by Microsoft's January update.
  
• After setting up Windows 11, these 9 steps are non-negotiable for me
  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 PC and maximize its security.
  

Monday, January 19, 2026

• How a simple link allowed hackers to bypass Copilot's security guardrails - and what Microsoft did about it
  Reprompt let attackers control Copilot and pull your data, even after you closed the chat.
  

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

• Want a Microsoft Lens alternative? 5 scanning apps you can try today
  With Microsoft Lens retiring, you can still scan and save documents on your phone using one of these alternative apps.
  
• Is ChatGPT Plus worth your $20? I compared it to Free and Pro plans, and here's my advice
  Let's break down ChatGPT's plans to see if a subscription is worth it - especially since the free tier has so much.
  

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

• OneDrive Backup just got a massive change for the better - how it works now
  Microsoft is still forcing you to back up your files to the cloud, but recent changes have made it easier to restore your local files. Too bad those changes aren't documented.
  
• Want Microsoft 365? Just don't choose Premium - here's why
  Deciding between Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal, Family, and Premium? Here's how to avoid overspending.
  

Monday, January 12, 2026

• What's a passkey? The easy explanation - for anyone done with passwords
  Yes, the technology underlying passkeys is confusing. Here's a simple guide that can help you ditch passwords today.
  
• How to remove Copilot AI from Windows 11 today
  You don't have to live with Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11. Here's how to get rid of it, once and for all.
  
• How to upgrade your 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 - for free
  Microsoft really doesn't want customers to upgrade older PCs to Windows 11, but there are workarounds for all but the oldest devices. Now that Windows 10 support has officially ended, here's everything you need to know.
  

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

• No, Microsoft Office was not renamed Microsoft 365 Copilot - here's why you're confused
  With Microsoft's bewildering naming conventions, the mistake is easy to make. But Office is still Office, at least when it's not Microsoft 365.
  
• Watch out Microsoft: Asus' new 2-in-1 takes on the Surface Pro with a bundled keyboard
  Microsoft's Surface Pro finds a worthy contender in the Asus ProArt PZ14, just announced at CES 2026.
  

Monday, January 5, 2026

• One of the most premium work laptops I've tested lets you finally ditch Wi-Fi for good
  Microsoft's Surface Laptop 5G combines a positively premium build with an always-on connection.
  
• Need to activate Windows? Microsoft just eliminated an option I've relied on for years
  Why I'm sorry to see it go.
  

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

• How AI and Rust are rewriting Linux and Windows programming
  You might be surprised to learn that Microsoft is far more aggressive about Rust adoption than Linux.