Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2026JAN27
Table of Contents / Source:
Microsoft says uninstall Windows 11 KB5074109 to fix Outlook POP, PST hang, as 2026’s first update causes havoc
KB5074109 is a mandatory update that began rolling out on January 13, 2026 and it installed automatically on our PCs. Your PC is using this update if you see OS Build 26200.7623 / 26100.7623 / in Settings > System > About or winver.
Further reading:
- Microsoft suspects some PCs might not boot after Windows 11 January 2026 Update (KB5074109) - windowslatest.com
- Microsoft is telling Windows 11 users to uninstall KB5074109 - windowscentral.com
- How to uninstall 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623) - microsoft.com
- How to uninstall a Windows Update - microsoft.com
- Windows 11’s January update is breaking PCs — here’s how to fix your boot issue - windowscentral.com
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Don't trash that old PC: Here are 17 projects to try instead
According to a CNET survey, just over three in 10 (31%) US adults hang onto old devices because they are unsure what to do with them. Nearly one-fifth (19%) of those surveyed simply throw them away. When it comes to old PCs, there are plenty of other options. If that laptop or desktop were made within the last decade, you'd be surprised by how much useful life you (or others) can get out of it.
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How to dictate text on your phone, computer, and more the easy way
Use your voice to type messages on iPhone, Android, computer and tablet - plus how to avoid a voice-to-text train wreck.
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Using browser extensions to translate or download videos? Better check they're not one of these 17 malicious add-ons
Cybersecurity firm LayerX has uncovered 17 malicious extensions that were downloaded more than 840,000 times, with some remaining active in the wild for up to five years. Instances were recorded across Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.
Further reading:
- If You've Installed Any of These 17 Browser Extensions, Delete Them Now - lifehacker.com
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How to remove your home address from the internet — 6 ways to protect your privacy
Your address might be searchable online, here's how to scrub it from the web.
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10 Google Search Hacks Everyone Should Know
These tips can help you get better search results.
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Gmail users urged to switch off these two main features over privacy concerns
Has Google got its AIs on you?
A tech expert is urging Gmail users to switch off several features over concerns that Google could automatically access their sensitive email data and use it to train AI.
Further reading:
- Don’t click that Google email! Gmail address change could be a scam - pcworld.com
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The unsubscribe trap: Why that one click makes you a bigger target
Learn why one in 644 of these links is a trap designed to steal your data and how to use built-in email safety tools to stay protected.
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Threads edges out X in daily mobile users, new data shows
A report from market intelligence firm Similarweb suggests that Meta’s Threads is now seeing more daily usage than Elon Musk’s X on mobile devices.
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What's the best fitness tracker of 2026? I've tested more than I can count, these are my top picks
The right device depends on your priorities.
Further reading:
- I wish every Android app looked as good as this one - androidauthority.com
- How to Choose a Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker - consumerreports.org
