Nothing tests your patience quite like the “Checking for updates…” screen on a Windows PC — unless it ends with a failed update message, just to add insult to injury. Windows Update issues are a common headache for many users, interrupting workflow and potentially leaving systems vulnerable.

Windows 11 may be optimized for modern devices, but even newer PCs can experience slowdowns. If your system feels sluggish, don’t worry — there are simple adjustments you can make to boost performance.

Disable unnecessary startup programs

Many programs are set to launch automatically when Windows starts.

Microsoft will officially cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the most widely used operating systems. But there’s no need to worry just yet, you still have plenty of time to prepare. To help you navigate this transition, we’ve put together a straightforward guide to explore your next steps.

Microsoft has revamped PowerToys, its collection of free utilities designed to supercharge your Windows experience. Whether you need to resize images, manage multiple desktops, or streamline workflows, PowerToys has something to make your daily tasks easier.

Microsoft and other tech companies have been integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their products to make tasks easier and more efficient for users. For example, Microsoft’s Copilot is now a central feature of Windows, and Google’s search engine often displays AI-generated answers.