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4th of July sales start now — 41 deals I recommend as deals editor
As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, late June is one of the busiest times of the year for me. With Independence Day less than a week out, practically every retailer has launched its 4th of July sales. Meanwhile, there are multiple early Prime Day deals to choose from as well. All this translates to a bargain hunter’s dream come true…
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5 things you can’t do with the Windows 11 Start Menu
Windows 11 offers a new, fresh-looking Start Menu whose modern design holds a lot of promise. By default, it’s centered on the desktop and much simpler compared to its iterations from previous Windows operating systems. However, while it does feel cleaner, the Windows 11 Start Menu lacks some key features and improvements that users have requested for years. Here’s a…
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The NCSC wants you to start using password managers and passkeys – here’s how to choose the best options
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published guidance recommending the use of password managers and passkeys, insisting that the latter are the “future of authentication”. In a blog post outlining the advantages of both, the cybersecurity agency noted that first-party, browser-based password managers can be a handy tool for users due to their deep integration with a platform’s security.…
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How to enable new Start menu design on Windows 11
To enable the new Start menu on Windows 11, use ViveTool to manually activate the hidden feature IDs. Open Command Prompt as administrator, navigate to the ViveTool folder, and run the vivetool /enable /id:47205210,49221331,49381526,49402389,49820095,55495322,48433719 command. Microsoft has officially unveiled a new Start menu design for Windows 11. You can try it now on any device enrolled in the Dev or…
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Builds 26200.5641 and 26120.4250 for Windows 11 adds Start menu redesign (Dev and Beta)
Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 previews 26200.5641 (Dev) and 26120.4250 (Beta), delivering the same new features across both channels. These updates introduce a redesigned Start menu, new Lock Screen widget controls, a privacy-focused Narrator Screen Curtain, a controller-friendly keyboard layout, and several system fixes. Microsoft is now rolling out two new previews of Windows 11, including build 26200.5641 (KB5060824)…
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7 ways to customize the Windows 11 Start Menu
Are you tired of the same Windows 11 Start Menu whenever you boot up your PC? Whether you’re wondering how to move the Start Menu in Windows 11 to the left or want to organize it better, there are plenty of built-in options. You can change the Windows 11 Start Menu and personalize everything from pinned apps and folders to…
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How to Set Up and Start Using Your New Nintendo Switch 2
So, you’ve braved the pre-order sites, or maybe you’ve just gotten lucky while waiting in line—either way, you’ve got yourself a Nintendo Switch 2. Congratulations! But before you start gaming, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind while setting up your console. Nintendo is known for being user friendly, but also a bit particular. Case in…
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Windows 11 build 27871 brings Start menu, Taskbar, Energy Saver changes (Canary)
Windows 11 build 27871 is out in the Canary Channel. It introduces energy-saving controls for IT admins via Intune and Group Policy, grouped mobile notifications in the Start menu, and visual improvements to the Taskbar. It also includes fixes for virtualization, File Explorer, Task Manager, and audio issues. However, the build lacks major experimental features, continuing a trend of disappointing…
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How to use the Windows 11 Start Menu
Whether you’re new to Windows or upgrading from a previous version, understanding the Start Menu in Windows 11 and how to use it is key to getting things done effectively. Redesigned for simplicity and speed, the Windows 11 Start Menu offers a clean look and easy access to your apps, files, and system tools. However, it also has some annoying…
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It’s Time to Start a Tariff Emergency Fund
The only thing that’s certain about the current tariff situation is that a lot of things are about to get more expensive for U.S. consumers. The impact of the new tariffs is estimated to be more than $5,000 per year for the average household, which means all the work you’ve put into figuring out your home budget and personal finances…
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