Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2026JAN06
Table of Contents / Source:
Microsoft silently kills the last way to activate Windows without internet
According to Neowin, Microsoft has killed the final method for activating Windows without an internet connection—that is, activation by telephone. It appears to have been discontinued a few days ago.
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The 5 Best Gadgets We Saw At CES Unveiled 2026
CES Unveiled featured a healthy mix of fascinating ideas that may never reach the mainstream alongside products the average consumer might actually want. As we prepare to spend the next few days on the show floor at CES 2026, here's what caught our eye at CES Unveiled on Sunday.
Further reading:
- CES 2026 live updates: See the latest news, surprises, and strange tech from LG, Samsung, Lego, and new startups - mashable.com
- CES 2026: Dell XPS is back from the dead - mashable.com
- The Dell XPS makes a triumphant return at CES 2026, and it looks better than ever - zdnet.com
- The 6 most exciting CES products you can buy right now - zdnet.com
- CES 2026 day 1 — Top 10 new gadgets you need to see - tomsguide.com
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2026: The year your tech gets physical
Foldable iPhones, humanoid helpers and 1,000-mile EVs. Plus: 5G from orbit, AI job booms and scams in the wild
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6 settings I turn off on every new Windows computer for a smoother, more efficient experience
For those who don't require higher performance or improved productivity, the default Windows 11 experience remains a bumpy ride. So here are six settings I turn off on every new Windows computer for a smoother experience.
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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.
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Third-party driver update tools are a scam, Windows already has a better solution
You don't need a dedicated third-party tool to update drivers
Built-in options on Windows work fine
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What Are Passkeys, and Who Should Be Using Them?
- What are Passkeys?: Passkeys are a new authentication method that uses public key cryptography instead of traditional passwords, enhancing security while simplifying access.
- Security Benefits: Passkeys are more secure than passwords and 2FA, as they prevent phishing attacks and require physical proximity for authentication.
- Device Management: Passkeys are stored securely on devices like smartphones or password managers, with options for syncing across devices to prevent loss of access.
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Stop the ‘Silent Opt-In’: Your 2026 privacy audit
Big Tech quietly signed you up to train their AI. Use this privacy guide from The Current to turn off the hidden data tracking on Meta, LinkedIn and Google before the new year.
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Never hand your phone to someone without using this hidden security trick
Need to let someone use your phone for a moment — whether it’s a friend or a stranger — without letting them poke around? Android has a built-in feature for exactly this called App Pinning, and it’s easy to use. It locks the phone to a single app, preventing access to the home screen, notifications, or other apps until you authenticate. iPhone has a similar feature too, and I’ll show you how to use both.
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Can the world's first HDR10 smart glasses replace your $2,000 OLED TV - these specs say yes
Exclusive: The RayNeo Air 4 Pro have launched ahead of CES 2026, with a feature set that we've yet to see from XR glasses.
