Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2026DEC30
Table of Contents / Source:
Microsoft Rolling Out An Update To Reduce RAM Usage In Windows 11 File Explorer Search Feature
Soon, the search feature will consume less RAM on Windows 11 systems as Microsoft is making some improvements to the File Explorer.
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10 free Windows apps that improved my productivity (and I'd easily pay money for)
There are great open-source applications available for most any task. Here are some of my favorites.
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Still using passwords? Yikes. Here's why you should switch to passkeys now
Passkeys offer numerous benefits. For example, they cannot be guessed or shared. Also, passkeys resist some phishing attempts because they're unique to the sites they're created for, so they won't work on fraudulent lookalikes. Most importantly, in the age of near-constant data breaches, your passkeys cannot be stolen by hacking into a company's server or database, making the stolen data far less valuable to criminals.
Further reading:
- Signing in with a passkey - microsoft.com
- Passkeys overview - microsoft.com
- Save a passkey in Windows - microsoft.com
- Use a passkey in Windows - microsoft.com
- Manage your passkeys in Windows - microsoft.com
- Passkeys frequently asked questions (FAQ) - microsoft.com
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I switched to a lightweight Windows mod, and it's faster than many Linux distros I've tried
If you have an old Windows PC and complain about how slow it performs, you'll be advised to just install Linux. So, I tried the lightweight Linux route. While it works, it's not for everyone, especially if you're more comfortable using Windows.
Windows 11, however, has a bloat problem, so it's not ideal for older PCs either. Rather than going with something like Tiny11, I decided to give AtlasOS, another popular Windows 11 mod, a shot. And to my surprise, it offered better performance than Linux Mint while retaining all the good bits of Windows.
Further reading:
- Breathe New Life Into Your Old Laptops With This DIY Solution - bgr.com
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Google is finally letting users change their Gmail address
Google is finally rolling out a feature that lets users change their primary @gmail.com username without having to create an entirely new Google account.
Further reading:
- You may soon be able to change your Gmail address - techcrunch.com
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After Outcry, Firefox Promises “Kill Switch” That Turns Off All AI Features
"I've never seen a company so astoundingly out of touch with the people who want to use its software."
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4 ways to repurpose your old RAM besides selling it
If you've made an upgrade to your system recently, or have older RAM lying around, you might be tempted to jump into the used market to make a buck, and while I wouldn't blame anyone for that, there are other ways to use your extra RAM that don't involve selling it.
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4 practical ways to use Gemini's camera mode around the house
Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most Android phones, and the upgraded voice assistant brings the power of AI into your conversations. However, the basic Gemini voice assistant is just one way to interact with Google's best AI models. There's also Gemini Live, which is more conversational, allowing users to go back-and-forth with Gemini as part of a continuous chat. Even beyond the standard Gemini Live experience, there's a live-streaming mode that lets Gemini tap into your phone's real-time camera feed.
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How you're charging your tablet is quietly killing it - 3 mistakes to avoid (and the right way)
A tablet is only as good as its battery, so it's time to start taking better care of it.
Further reading:
- The Best Tablets for 2026 - pcmag.com
- Android Tablets Finally Beat iPads in 2025 Rankings - gadgethacks.com
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Does swiping away apps save your phone’s battery life? The answer isn't what you think
If you make a habit of swiping away all your apps, this is for you.
