Microsoft has acknowledged that faulty third-party drivers have been causing significant battery drain and performance issues in Windows 11 and older versions for years. PCWorld reports that problematic drivers prevented laptops from entering low-power hibernation mode, leading to unexpected battery depletion during standby. Microsoft is implementing stricter driver evaluation processes that will assess power consumption, heat generation, and performance impact, with automatic rollback capabilities to block problematic drivers. It sucks when a failing battery or a slow PC lets you down at crucial moments--and Windows 11 in particular has repeatedly struggled with such issues. Microsoft now officially acknowledges that these problems appear to be linked to faulty drivers.

PCWorld reports Asus ROG launched a premium 48GB DDR5-6000 memory kit priced at 6,000 yuan (over $880 USD), initially exclusive to China. The timing appears problematic as Asus enters the competitive memory market with an expensive product during challenging market conditions. Asus also introduced a ROG Certified Memory Program for gaming motherboard compatibility, with BiWin manufacturing the memory modules.

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PCWorld explores seven overlooked laptop utility features that offer genuine value, from Asus's AI noise-canceling and MyAsus Target Mode to Samsung's connected ecosystem controls. These hidden capabilities matter for productivity and comfort, including eyestrain reduction, touchpad customization, and automatic system maintenance across major brands. Standout features include Lenovo Vantage's self-healing diagnostics and Surface app's customizable right-click regions, though some implementations like HP's Enhanced Lighting have practical limitations. One of the unsung productivity heroes of your laptop is the humble utility app. It's the piece of software your laptop manufacturer installs to manage and customize your device.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Anker's 20,000mAh Zolo power bank has two built-in USB-C cables and fast 45-watt charging. It's now on sale at Amazon, all colors included. You know what's better than a power bank with a built-in USB-C charging cable? This 20,000mAh Anker Zolo power bank is excellent for couples, friends, or even coworkers who are constantly on the go together and regularly in need of portable charging. The power bank delivers 45 watts of power when a single USB-C is used, enough to fast-charge a phone from zero to full in about an hour.

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PCWorld explains how using two SSDs in your PC can significantly boost performance by separating the operating system from applications and data across different drives. This setup prevents bandwidth competition during demanding tasks and offers better data protection through individual drive encryption capabilities.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. But cords are still a hassle. Endless run time lets you clean as often as you'd like. App is slow to respond; remote control is useless. This corded robot has good cleaning capabilities and is free from the tyranny of a dying battery, but it's tough to maneuver out of the pool and cleanup is a real chore.

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