Firefox Private Network is a new service that Mozilla is developing and provides a private proxy (very similar to a VPN connection), which anyone can use on a public network (such as at the coffee shop, airport, etc.) to hide the web traffic and IP address from hackers and advertisers. The new service is powered by Cloudflare, and at the time of this writing, it’s limited to the United States region as preview, and any Firefox user with an account can use the service from a desktop computer....

To repair the operating system with DISM and SFC, open Command Prompt (admin) and run the “dism /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” and “SFC /scannow” commands. You can also run the “chkdsk/f c:” command. To repair Windows 11 with reinstallation without losing your files, open Settings > System > Recovery , click “Restart now” for the “Fix problems using Windows Update” setting, and click “OK.” UPDATED 10/28/2025: If the system on Windows 11 shows signs of problems (such as errors or performance, battery, and boot issues), you can repair the installation in at least two ways, including using a quick reinstallation method and through Command Prompt using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) commands....

Windows 11 downloads and installs updates automatically for many good reasons. For example, to improve performance and protect your computer and files from malware and hackers. However, the problem is that sometimes security and maintenance updates may release with compatibility issues and bugs that break features or affect performance. Although updates are critical to the system, and it’s not a wise idea to disable the feature, you have at least two ways to block specific updates from downloading automatically on Windows 11 using the “Show or hide updates” tool or the PowerShell “PSWindosUpdate” module....

To leave the Windows Insider Program, open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program , click on “Stop getting preview builds,” and turn on the “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases” toggle switch. Alternatively, you can use a clean installation or the recovery settings if you missed the grace period or the option is grayed out. These instructions apply to all releases of Windows 11, including version 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2....

On Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) , it is possible to unregister a Linux distro (such as Ubuntu or Kali Linux) to reset it and start fresh with the distribution without re-downloading the container from the Microsoft Store. When you unregister a distro on Windows 10 , it will no longer be available in the WSL environment, and all the changes made will be discarded. The next time you launch the distro from the Start menu or Microsoft Store, it will start as if it was the first time, and you will need to go through the process to set it up again....

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (version 1709) starts rolling out on October 17 , but if you can’t wait until the new version is offered to you automatically through Windows Update, it’s possible to upgrade manually as soon as it becomes available, and this walkthrough video guides you every step of the way. Although Microsoft insists on installing the new version using Windows Update, there are numerous ways to get the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update , including with the Media Creation Tool that allows you do an in-place upgrade....

Windows 10 November 2021 Update (21H2) has been available since November 16, 2021, and you can upgrade to the latest version manually whether you have version 21H1, 20H2, 2004, 1909, or an older release. While you shouldn’t rush the new feature update to avoid potential bugs and other problems during the early days, the update has been out for some time, and it’s now fully available , and you can upgrade manually in at least two ways using Windows Update and the Media Creation Tool....

In the case you still stuck with Windows Vista, you probably want to upgrade to Windows 7 already, and one simple option is the in-place upgrade. Technically this option should be simpler, you shouldn’t have to worry about backing up anything, and you should be able to keep all of your programs — that is of course, if they are compatible the new operating system –. However, you can sometimes run in to some unexpected issues, so be sure you backup your whole computer anyways or a least your most important files....

Google Chrome can offer to save passwords for virtually any website you visit, so that when you return, the credentials will fill in automatically for a quicker sign in experience. While saving passwords in the web browser is a convenient feature, sometimes you may need to remember the password to change it, or because you have to login to the same website on another device. Whatever the reason it might be, if you can’t remember a specific password, similar to Microsoft Edge , Chrome includes quick access to view and delete saved passwords within the browser settings on Windows 10 ....

Windows 10 devices are now slowly getting Copilot in the Taskbar. The chatbot AI is available as a preview after installing update KB5032278. System requirements include 4GB of RAM, 720p resolution, and a Microsoft account. UPDATED 12/1/2023: Microsoft has officially begun the rollout of its Copilot AI to devices running Windows 10 . According to the company announcement, the chatbot AI is now gradually rolling out for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10 22H2....

Microsoft is modifying the voice activation command to invoke Cortana. Instead of using “Hey Cortana,” you can now simply use the “Cortana” command to summon the assistant. This change first appears on the Harman Kardon Invoke smart speaker powered by Cortana. It’s not yet available on Windows 10 , Android, and iOS, but it’s likely that this command modification will be in other platform in the near future. As The Verge reports, it doesn’t mean that you’ll no longer be able to use the old command, Microsoft says that you’ll still be able to use “Hey Cortana....

Microsoft is planning to replace its Edge browser with a new version based on Google’s engine called Chromium, and now an early preview has leaked online revealing a first look of the new interface and features of the new browser. Although the new version of Microsoft Edge shares many design similarities found in Google Chrome, the company has been adding its own design touches and features for a product that looks a lot like the old browser that works just like Chrome....

Microsoft launches a preview of a new AI chatbot for security. The AI is known as “Microsoft Security Copilot.” It’s based on ChatGPT 4 and uses a new security model from Microsoft. The technology will help to quickly identify breaches, help understand data, and automate tasks. Microsoft unveils the “Microsoft Security Copilot,” a new AI chatbot designed specifically for cybersecurity in organizations. Similar to Copilot for Office, the Copilot for security will assist network administrators in identifying breaches more quickly and help understand different types of data....

Microsoft silently releases a new Service Pack like update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2. The update is huge as a Service Pack, it weighs 723.9MB and Microsoft describes it as KB3000850 and on my count it fixes 60 different problems in the latest version of Windows. This update roll out happened on November 18, which interestingly enough, it’s not a Patch Tuesday , and it’s being categorized as an optional update....

It’s time for the Ninja Cat to go on adventures for the holidays and bring his best moves to your desktop computer background. Don’t miss him trying to catch a big fish through an ice fishing hole, snowboarding like a pro, hanging around sweet candy land, running away from a Yeti, and, of course, his cool face on perfect and classic ugly Christmas sweaters. These images are unique, fun and very suitable for this winter season....

Notepad is getting an update that includes two new features, including Recent files and Summarize. Microsoft is now testing these features for devices enrolled in the Dev and Canary Channels of the Windows Insider Program. Recent files for Notepad The “Recent” feature is a simple entry in the “File” menu that allows you to reopen recently closed files without having to do extensive navigation. Notepad recent files menu / Image: Mauro Huculak...

To clean install Windows 11, start the PC from a USB bootable flash drive, follow the on-screen instructions, skip activation, and select the “Custom” option for a clean installation. Continue choosing the setup drive, click “Next,” and complete the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE). Windows 11 23H2 will reach the end of support on November 11, 2025, meaning the operating system will no longer receive updates or support of any kind. UPDATED 1/2/2026: Windows 11 23H2 was officially released on October 31, 2023 , and performing a clean installation from a USB flash drive is among the best methods to upgrade....

The spring in Sweden becomes the inspiration for some of the most amazing pieces of photography. In this collection there are 12 images that certainly will dress up your desktop background with the incredible beauty of flowers, old leafy trees, rough waters, and impressive rock formations. These free wallpapers for Windows with such soft colors, lights and shadows, are a great new choice that definitely you’ll enjoy. You can find more great themes in my Desktop Fun section....

When it comes the time to buy a new computer, camera, phones, or any other electronics, researching and planning can save you a substantial amount of time and money. On an ever-evolving technology world, you know that new electronics are coming out regularly and there are specific times on the year that are better than other where you can find things cheaper. Now that the Consumer Electronics Show is over, you may be wondering when you should spend your money on a new desktop computer, tablet, phone, or TV....

Microsoft releases Windows 10 build 14328 to the Fast ring for PC and Mobile. The new flight includes a slew of new features and improvements over the last the previous build of Windows 10 , which was also packed big changes. In build 14328, part of the Anniversary Update arriving later this summer, Microsoft is finally delivers an improved version of the Start menu, Action Center and notifications start getting revamp and new features begin to emerge....