Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2026MAY19
Table of Contents / Source:
‘One Time Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows After 15 Years
Microsoft is changing Windows on most PCs. Critical Secure Boot certificates will expire for the first time ever in June. First launched in 2011, this Windows change means new certificates must be installed on all devices before the deadline.
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Stop using third-party cleanup apps, Windows already has better built-in tools
We've all been there. Your PC starts to feel sluggish, or you're staring at a "low storage" warning, and the first instinct is to reach for a third-party cleanup tool...But here's the thing. Windows has gotten a lot better at handling this stuff on its own. The tools built into the OS today already cover the things most cleanup apps claim to fix, like clearing storage, managing startup apps, and keeping your system running smoothly.
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These Windows commands are easy to learn but make a big difference
Microsoft Support recently revealed some technical tips through their latest efficiency studies: even a few text commands could help you troubleshoot your PC in less than half the time.
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Everyone needs to know these essential Windows Task Manager tricks
Task Manager is far more than a tool for emergencies.
It’s full of useful features that can help you understand your system, track down issues, monitor hardware health, and even tune how your apps use resources. It doesn’t matter what you use your PC for. Knowing what the Task Manager is really capable of can help you make the most of it.
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4 things I do on a new Windows PC to tighten my security
Windows 11 already includes most of the protections you need, but some important settings depend on hardware, edition, or setup choices, so they're worth checking. So I take a few minutes to set a few things up.
Further reading:
- 4 hidden ways Windows logs your browsing (and how to erase them) - howtogeek.com
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Microsoft fixes annoying BitLocker lockout — but only for Windows 11, leaving Windows 10 stuck
Windows 11 25H2 users get a BitLocker bug fix, while Windows 10 remains stuck with recovery headaches until Microsoft rolls out a broader solution.
Further reading:
- Find your BitLocker recovery key - support.microsoft.com
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Google Chrome's 4GB AI model re-downloads automatically if deleted
In a surprising turn of events, security researcher Alexander Hanff (also known as "That Privacy Guy") released a damning report alleging that Google Chrome is silently downloading and installing a 4GB on-device AI model onto users’ devices without their knowledge or consent (via Tom's Hardware).
Perhaps more concerningly, Hanff flagged a similar issue with Anthropic's AI software, citing that the company's Claude Desktop app installed a Native Messaging bridge across seven Chromium-based browsers on every system it was installed on.
Further reading:
- I tested Chrome’s new AI mode — it’s a productivity dream that your RAM will hate - tomsguide.com
- ChatGPT now lets you name someone to check in if things get dark - digitaltrends.com
- Is Chrome's 4GB 'weights.bin' file spyware? Google clarifies (Updated) - androidauthority.com
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"Atrocious implementation": Microsoft's unremovable Copilot button is driving Excel users crazy with forced AI in spreadsheets
Excel users want Microsoft to let them hide the new, unremovable floating Copilot button, which gets in the way of data.
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Your next free Google account might only come with 5GB of storage
New accounts are now defaulting to 5GB (same as iCloud), with the full 15GB available only if you have entered your phone number during setup.
Related reading:
- Urgent warning to all 1.8bn Gmail users over new email account takeover scam: 'Don't fall for it' - dailymail.com
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The NSA issues an urgent warning to all phone users about a setting most people leave on
The agency’s guidance, titled “Securing Wireless Devices in Public Settings,” delivers a blunt directive: turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication (NFC) whenever you are in public and not actively using them.
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Older Kindles lose support this week: What you can still do with them
You don't necessarily have to get rid of your old Kindle, but it will be harder to use.
Further reading:
- Amazon Is Shutting Down Support for Older Kindles Soon. Here's How You Can Save Yours - pcmag.com
- Users turn to jailbreaking their older Kindles as Amazon ends support - techcrunch.com
