Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2026MAY05
Table of Contents / Source:
Some Windows PCs may require manual firmware updates as Secure Boot certificates expire
In most cases, you as a user won't have to do anything when the deadline rolls over. However, for a minority of users, it's going to require a bit of manual action on your part in order to keep your PC as secure as possible. Here's how it all works.
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Microsoft to clean up Windows 11's widgets board, focus on 'calm'
As part of its pledge to improve Windows 11, Microsoft is looking to clean up the Widgets board, including hiding the MSN News feed and the aggressive articles that pop up.
Further reading:
- 5 ways your Windows updates are about to get a lot less painful - zdnet.com
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Please stop ignoring the Windows key: It has over 60 hidden shortcuts
If Windows is your operating system of choice, you probably know about a few keyboard shortcuts that include the Windows key. The fact of the matter is that the Windows key is probably the most useful key on the entire keyboard.
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How to create a bootable Windows rescue disk for any disaster
Tech pro ThioJoe shows how to create a bootable Windows rescue disk that can recover a system after severe crashes or malware infections.
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Google's $3 ChromeOS Flex sells out — and shows I'm right about ChromeOS
Last month, Google partnered with Back Market to launch an emergency recovery kit for aging PCs: the ChromeOS Flex USB Kit. It's essentially a USB drive with ChromeOS installation files on it, so you can convert just about any old laptop into a Chromebook in the space of a few minutes. The kit costs just $3 / £3 (and €3 in Europe), and according to Windows Central, has sold out pretty quickly.
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Your ChatGPT account just got more secure, but you have to opt in - here's how
OpenAI adds a feature called Advanced Account Security with four opt-in settings designed to safeguard your account and personal data.
Further reading:
- Audit your ChatGPT ASAP - here's why - zdnet.com
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I finally quit using Microsoft OneNote—this open-source alternative does less, but better
Microsoft OneNote has had the advantage of being one of the first note-taking apps. It gives you a large space where notes, clippings, and drawings can exist together, and it seemed like a good place to keep things for someone who works with information. Being able to click and place text or images anywhere on a page gives you a lot of freedom. Having the freedom to place anything anywhere turns notes into a disorganized archive, which leaves essential information scattered. The solution is to go to a better open-source app (that is loved on Linux), which can make things a lot simpler.
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Gone but not offline
The U.S. Patent Office handed Meta the legal right to simulate you after you’re gone. Your posts, comments and voice messages are the training data. Here’s what you need to do about it today.
- Meta was granted a U.S. patent for a system that trains AI on your posts, comments, chats and voice messages to simulate you after you die.
- The AI can post, respond to DMs and simulate audio and video calls in your name.
- Don’t want that for you? I’ve got the fix.
Further reading:
- Is Facebook spying on you? The truth is way worse than a microphone - komando.com
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Google Wallet receives the makeover it so desperately needed
The app finally feels like a proactive companion rather than a catch-all for your digital payment tools.
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Google Maps vs. Waze: I've driven with the two best navigation apps, and one is much better
Waze is great for quick reroutes and real-time alerts, while Google Maps offers deeper Gemini integration and more features. Here's my pick.
Further reading:
- I tested Google Maps vs. Apple Maps to find the best navigation app - and this one wins - zdnet.com
