Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2026MAR03
Table of Contents / Source:
Microsoft confirms clean install still mandatory for a Windows 11 performance boost feature
Microsoft has not yet removed a mandatory clean install requirement for a Windows 11-exclusive feature, which is said to boost performance.
Microsoft confirms clean install still mandatory for a Windows 11 performance boost feature - Neowin
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Is Windows 10 finally dying? There's been a massive rush to Windows 11 since 2026 began
It seems that Windows 10 is finally getting pushed firmly aside, as Windows 11's market share has jumped in a big way since 2026 began.
According to the latest figures for Windows market share in February 2026 from StatCounter, Windows 11 hit 72.78%. That was up from 62.41% in January, and the OS was only at 50.73% at the end of December 2025.
In short, Windows 11 has gained a mammoth 22% market share in just two months since this year began.
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Microsoft wants you to forget about local Windows accounts—here's why you shouldn't
If Microsoft had their way, you’d never be able to make a local Windows account again. However, as much as Microsoft wants that to be a reality, it never will be. Here’s why the fight for local Windows accounts is more important than you think.
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Windows 11 has a built-in backup tool most people ignore
Everyone knows how important it is to back up their data. That said, many people still don’t back up their data regularly, and there are several reasons for it. Some users assume that their data is safe on their computers until they see a failed update or encounter an accidental deletion.
It’s really surprising that Windows 11 already includes a built-in backup tool, and most people completely overlook it. That tool is quietly waiting to protect your important data. No complicated setup, no third-party downloads. Just a few minutes, and you’re sorted.
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How to organize your desktop with Snap layouts
Keeping track of all the open apps on your desktop can be challenging but Windows 11 snap layouts are here to help you get organized.
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15 Incredibly Useful Things You Didn't Know NotebookLM Could Do
From managing meetings to maintaining your car, Google’s Gemini-powered research tool can provide all sorts of eye-opening revelations.
Further reading:
- NotebookLM: Your research and thinking partner, grounded in the information you trust, built with the latest Gemini models. - https://notebooklm.google/
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Up to 80% of medical bills have errors. AI can spot them in minutes.
A man used a $20/month AI tool to find illegal charges on a $195,000 hospital bill and negotiated it down to $33,000. Here’s exactly how to do the same thing with your next bill.
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I finally silenced most of my Alexa devices' ads—here are 4 tricks that worked
If you own Amazon Echo devices, you'll know the pain of being bombarded with ads. The number of ads seems to have been increasing recently, too. I tried some of the suggested methods for reducing ads, and while nothing has been able to stop them completely, these are the tricks that did at least reduce their frequency.
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Bluetooth Is Getting an Upgrade. Here's What It Means for Your Devices
Channel Sounding, for example, lets Bluetooth devices like trackers and smart locks find each other more easily and accurately. But you'd be forgiven for not knowing anything about it.
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The FBI says these Wi-Fi routers are unsafe, and here's why
If you're still using an older Wi-Fi router in your home, the FBI has a warning for you: You're putting yourself at risk for a cyber-attack. That said, you can breathe a sigh of relief if you've updated your router any time in the last decade. This specific alert only applies to devices made in the late 2000s and early 2010s. (In other words, end-of-life devices that no longer get support by their manufacturers.)
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Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that
Shared VPN IPs trigger captchas, banking lockouts and streaming blocks, but a dedicated IP keeps your access smooth and consistent.
