buying guide
Skip the Adobe subscription: PDF Agile is 27.99 for life with code JULY30
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Skip the Adobe subscription: PDF Agile is $27.99 for life with code JULY30 The license covers two devices on Windows. Updates are included, and there's no renewal to track or subscription to cancel later. An Acrobat bill just isn't necessary; this is the kind of purchase that ends never-ending payment with just one payment. PCWorld helps you navigate the PC ecosystem to find the products you want and the advice you need to get the job done.
Price Drop: Visual Studio Professional 2026 is 35 with code JULY30
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. It's built for teams juggling Windows, Linux, and containerized environments, and it's on sale for $34.99 with code JULY30 This is a 64-bit environment built to handle large codebases without choking, whether you're shipping a mobile app or a full cloud platform. It's a necessity for developers managing multi-platform projects, teams that need real-time collaboration without extra setup, and anyone still weighing whether to upgrade from an older Visual Studio license. PCWorld helps you navigate the PC ecosystem to find the products you want and the advice you need to get the job done.
The best PC games of 2026 (that don't need a graphics card)
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. The best PC games of 2026 (that don't need a graphics card) It's a rough time for anyone looking to buy or build a gaming PC. But you don't need one for these games, the cream of the crop for anyone who doesn't have the latest hardware. This is the eighth year running that I've written a roundup of the best new games for low-power PCs. And before now, I felt like it might be losing its relevance. After all, the Steam Deck doesn't have a discrete graphics card, and plenty of new laptops are coming out with tons of integrated graphical oomph.
Why even buy a Steam Machine? Check out our own DIY builds for 1,050
PCWorld explores custom DIY PC builds as superior alternatives to Steam Machines, with builds starting at $1,050 despite current high component costs. Custom builds offer better value and personalization compared to Steam Machines, featuring gaming-focused and streaming-optimized configurations with various price points.
Prepare to expect less from your cheap AI subscription
PCWorld reports that AI subscription providers are implementing new restrictions on flat-rate plans due to financial unsustainability, with users previously accessing $14,000 worth of API tokens for just $200 monthly. Anthropic is limiting Claude subscribers' access to Fable features, while OpenAI's new GPT-5.6
Can't draw? AutoDraw doesn't care
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Doodle almost anything and AutoDraw will suggest polished artwork that matches your sketch. You no longer need the ability to draw or an art degree to make something that looks good. In this newfangled world of AI there is, of course, something to help turn your amateur doodles into full-fledged, polished design. It's called AutoDraw and it's a free web tool from Google that runs in any browser without the need to set up an account or download anything.
What is Windows Secure Boot? Here's what to know
PCWorld explains Windows Secure Boot as a critical security feature that acts like a checkpoint, verifying software before Windows loads to prevent bootkit malware infections. The 2011 Secure Boot certificates are expiring by 2026, requiring updates to 2023 certificates for continued protection against startup attacks and future Windows compatibility. Users should check the Windows Security app's Device Security section for warning indicators and update UEFI/BIOS if needed to maintain robust system security. Most people don't spend time thinking about Secure Boot.
I tested every USB-C cable I own. Half weren't worth keeping
PCWorld tested numerous USB-C cables using a Treedix tester and found half performed poorly, with many offering only basic USB 2.0 data or limited power delivery despite appearing high-quality. Testing revealed significant performance variations between cables, helping identify which ones support fast charging speeds like 100W-240W and high-speed data transfer capabilities. The audit process helped declutter cable collections, improve charging efficiency, and promote eco-friendly disposal of unusable cables through proper recycling. USB-C has been one of the best innovations for convenience and compatibility, but it also means that my bag of cables and plugs is now a tangled mess of confusion. I don't know which ones are for data, which are for charging, or how fast each one is.
Ditch your car cables: This 29 car charger has built-in retractables
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This Lisen car charger has two retractable cables (USB-C and Lightning) plus two extra ports, able to charge 4 devices at once. A good USB car charger is something everyone should have, and you want to make sure you have one you actually need it. Right now, this Lisen charger with two retractable cables is on sale for $29 at Amazon--maybe not the best price it's ever been, but low enough to still be worth grabbing if you're going to drive a lot this summer. Those two retractable cables are the main selling point.