The system employs HMAC-SHA256 (Hash-based Message Authentication Code using SHA-256) for license integrity verification. SHA-256 refers to the Secure Hash Algorithm producing 256-bit hash values (see ...

Windows 11 users can unlock higher NVMe SSD performance using a hidden Microsoft driver, if they’re willing to tweak.

While Windows 11 offers a host of great functionality, some settings such as ad personalization, Windows Search results, and ...

There are situations where you may want to temporarily disable Windows' built-in security feature. I'll show you how to do it safely.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Zak Doffman writes about security, surveillance and privacy. Microsoft’s “looming security disaster” is worse than feared. A ...

Windows 10 PCs can receive free security updates until October 2026. To qualify for free personal updates, enroll with a Microsoft account. Customers in any of the 30 EEA countries automatically ...

Home users who sign in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account can register for Extended Security Updates (ESU) at no cost and continue receiving free updates until October 14th, 2026. The first ...

It's been exactly one month since Windows 10 went kinda-sorta-not-really EOL. Microsoft's previous operating system has stopped receiving official support for most things, but you can at least opt ...

With Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, many users face a choice: upgrade to Windows 11 or risk using an OS that no longer receives vital security updates. If your ...

Windows users are, understandably, given the size of the operating system market share, a prime target for attackers of all kinds, from nation-state espionage actors to hackers and scammers. Windows ...

Jason Chun is a CNET writer covering a range of topics in tech, home, wellness, finance and streaming services. He is passionate about language and technology, and has been an avid writer/reader of ...