Microsoft discovered GigaWiper malware that overwrites hard drives multiple times and renders entire systems unusable by deleting partition entries and storage contents. PCWorld reports this sophisticated threat primarily targets organizations rather than home users, combining surveillance capabilities with irreversible data destruction. The malware integrates components from older threats like Crucio ransomware and includes a Go-based backdoor for remote system control and stealth operations. Microsoft has discovered a new piece of malware that not only spies on data but also renders entire systems unusable. The malware, known as GigaWiper, combines several destructive functions with a powerful backdoor for attackers. Security researchers at Microsoft Threat Intelligence first detected the activity back in October 2025. The recently published analysis reveals the full extent of the malware's capabilities.

PCWorld reports that OpenAI and Anthropic have temporarily relaxed usage limits for their latest AI models, including GPT-5.6 Sol and Claude's Fable 5. ChatGPT Plus, Business, and Pro subscribers can now access GPT-5.6 Sol without the previous five-hour usage window restrictions. This increased access appears driven by competition between the AI companies, giving users more opportunities to experience advanced reasoning capabilities. If you haven't kicked the tires yet on the latest and greatest ChatGPT and Claude models, this is your lucky week. OpenAI is (fittingly) opening the flood gates to GPT-5.6 Sol, its just-released and most powerful model, announcing Sunday that it's "temporarily" lifting the five-hour usage window for ChatGPT Plus, Business, and Pro subscribers. At the same time, Anthropic is - again - extending the trial period for Fable 5, its own new top-of-the-line, giving Claude subscribers another week of in-plan access .

Microsoft extended Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 12, 2027, providing an additional year beyond the previously announced October 2026 end date. PCWorld reports that many users might miss the official notification email since it often lands in Outlook's'Other' folder rather than the main inbox. This extension applies only to existing ESU program participants, while non-ESU Windows 10 users face increasing security vulnerabilities and should consider enrolling for continued protection. Microsoft just sent out an email to Windows 10 users informing them that the company is extending Windows 10 support by another year . In other words, you can rest assured that Windows 10 is one of the many apps and services that Microsoft is discontinuing this year . The email, which you might have missed, begins with the subject "Stay secure for another year."

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Turn on Microsoft Edge's scareware blocker before you need it Not every Windows PC runs Edge's scareware blocker by default. Here's the hardware cutoff and how to turn it on manually. Scareware websites are designed to frighten people into taking actions they wouldn't otherwise take, like installing malicious software or calling fake technical support. To help protect against these scams, Microsoft Edge includes a scareware blocker, although it may need to be enabled first.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft's new Copilot'PC Insights' feature in Windows 11 allows users to ask direct questions about their hardware performance and system status. The experimental tool analyzes CPU, memory, storage, and graphics components while Microsoft assures that personal files aren't stored or used for AI training. This opt-in diagnostic feature requires user permission and provides hardware insights, though it doesn't automatically fix performance issues and may have incomplete information. Microsoft has begun testing a new "PC Insights" feature in Copilot for Windows 11 that helps users analyze their computer's performance and answer questions about the system's status, reports Windows Latest . With the user's permission, Copilot can now analyze CPU and memory usage, available storage space, graphics card details, connected USB devices, network status, battery health, and BIOS version. The idea is that users will be able to ask direct questions about their hardware, to which Copilot can respond based on the computer's actual current status.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. With DisplayPort, you can get better performance and greater stability from your gaming PC than with HDMI. Here's what you need to know. Many gaming PCs aren't delivering their full potential because the monitor and graphics card are connected via HDMI. While this usually works without any problems, it does not always make full use of the system's capabilities, particularly when using high refresh rates, variable refresh rates, and modern graphics cards.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft has confirmed Secure Boot certificate update failures on certain PCs, particularly affecting HP models after certificates expired on June 24th. While PCs continue operating normally, outdated certificates gradually reduce security protection against new threats over time for Windows 10/11 users. Microsoft temporarily paused new certificate issuance for affected devices, requiring users to wait for firmware updates from their PC manufacturers. On June 24th, several older Microsoft certificates expired, meaning that many Windows 10 and 11 users need to update their computers. Without properly updated certificates, Windows Secure Boot will stop working and can no longer guarantee secure startups. However, it's now confirmed that Microsoft has temporarily suspended the issuance of new certificates for certain PCs, including a number of HP models.

PCWorld highlights how cybersecurity experts often provide conflicting advice due to different risk assessments and varying contexts behind recommendations. Recent developments include Xfinity's $117.5 million data breach settlement with a September 14 filing deadline and Microsoft's AI-enhanced Windows security updates. Understanding nuanced context is crucial since simplified advice like "don't use public Wi-Fi" typically means avoiding sensitive tasks rather than complete avoidance. Cybersecurity advice is sometimes extremely straightforward.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. From phones and laptops to cameras and game consoles, iFixit offers thousands of repair guides that can save you time and money. We've all been in a spot where we wish we had the technical know-how to fix a cracked phone screen, deal with a laptop that won't charge, or bring an old game console back to life. I've been in these exact situations and instead of needlessly tossing my electronics and buying new ones, I first turn to iFixit . It's the best place on the web to learn how to repair your own electronics.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. ChatPlayground AI's Unlimited Plan gives you lifetime access to 20+ AI models, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, in one place for a single $59.97 payment through July 19 at 11:59 PM. ChatPlayground AI puts ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Llama, and more than 20 other models into a single dashboard. Send one prompt and get multiple responses back side by side, so you can compare answers in real time instead of copy-pasting between apps or paying for separate credits on each platform. Saved chats, so ongoing projects don't get lost between sessions Because it's a lifetime plan rather than a subscription, there's no monthly bill to keep an eye on after the initial purchase -- you buy access once, and it's yours going forward.