PCWorld explains how Safe Mode serves as a critical troubleshooting tool when Windows fails to boot by loading only essential system components. Safe Mode enables users to identify problematic drivers, uninstall recent programs, run system repairs like SFC and DISM, and access System Restore. Key diagnostic tools include boot logging to identify crash-causing drivers, Device Manager for driver rollbacks, and startup management through Task Manager. If your Windows PC won't start properly or keeps crashing, Safe Mode can help you identify the cause and fix the problem. In Safe Mode, Windows only loads the most essential drivers and services, skips third-party autostart programs, and uses a simple graphical user interface. This allows you to disable faulty drivers, software, or malware-since these do not run in Safe Mode.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft's latest Windows 11 preview update brings AI text generation and improvement tools to Notepad, similar to chatbot functionality. The update also expands Markdown support for easier formatting and adds AI-generated coloring book pages plus a smarter Fill tool to Paint. These AI features remain optional and can be disabled in settings, requiring a Microsoft account for users who choose to enable them. Microsoft has released a preview update for Windows 11 Insiders that adds AI features and easier formatting options to Notepad. The otherwise stripped-down text editor has also been given a new welcome screen that describes the app as "the essential text editor, enhanced."

PCWorld reports that laptop manufacturers rushed to meet Microsoft's 40 TOPS NPU requirement for Copilot+ PCs, only to see Microsoft shift strategy away from NPU dependence. Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm now offer powerful NPUs (48-80 TOPS) in new processors, but limited software applications currently utilize this specialized AI hardware.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Did Microsoft do anything right in 2025? From AI overload to price hikes, little Microsoft did during 2025 was worth applauding. Can you name one single, solitary, success Microsoft had in 2025? In the years that PCWorld has catalogued Microsoft's wins, failures, and head-scratching "WTF" moments, there's always been a mix of high points and lows.

Microsoft updated its Windows 11 support documentation to clarify that AI agents now require explicit user permission to access six key folders: Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Music, Pictures, and Videos. PCWorld reports that users can manage these permissions through Windows 11 Settings under System > AI Components > Agents, with options including'Allow Always,' 'Ask Every Time,' and'Never Allow.' The permission settings apply collectively to all six folders rather than individually, giving users control over AI agent access to their personal files. Back in October, Microsoft released a new support page for Experimental Agentic Features, which details how AI agents and agent connectors work with Windows 11, Copilot, etc. Recently, that page was updated to say that AI agents would be able to access the contents of six select folders in Windows 11--Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Music, Pictures, Videos--which understandably raised concerns. Now, Microsoft clarifies that you'll need to give your permission for AI agents to access the contents of those six folders. When selecting permissions, you'll have options for "Allow Always" (the agent can access these folders whenever it needs to), "Ask Every Time" (you'll be prompted when the agent needs access to the folders), and "Never Allow" (the agent will be denied the request every time). Note that it isn't possible to allow individual access settings per folder. The setting applies to all six folders or none of them.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Don't want AI Actions in File Explorer? Microsoft seems to have heard the criticism against AI Actions in File Explorer and will let users turn them off if desired. Across the recent fall months, Microsoft added a number of AI features to Windows File Explorer, which not all users appreciated. We're talking features like AI-powered file search, various AI Actions in the Context Menu, and even AI integrations with third-party apps .

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Windows 11 adds'streaming' to Notepad: Watch AI type letter by letter The feature will at first only be available on Copilot+ PCs, but will later come to regular AMD and Intel PCs. Microsoft continues to build out Copilot AI support in Notepad for Windows 11. The latest update introduces so-called "streaming" in the minimalist text editor, reports Windows Latest . Instead, here's what it means: you can now watch Copilot write out its AI-generated text letter by letter, similar to how it works on ChatGPT and other AI chatbots.

Gear Computers Laptops Amazon just unleashed its Cyber Monday laptop deals and it's dropping prices on MacBooks, gaming PCs, and more Whether you need a basic everyday driver or a full-featured gaming PC, Amazon's Cyber Monday laptop can save you cash. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. A laptop is a big investment. Not only do they typically cost a lot of money, but you're committing a machine you'll stare at while you shop, do homework, remote work, game, and pretty much everything else in your online life. Amazon just dropped its Cyber Monday deals on laptops and these are some of the lowest prices we have seen all year.

Windows Recall is one of the biggest AI features Microsoft has added to Windows 11. It's useful, but it comes with some privacy trade-offs. If you're a Windows 11 user, and specifically an owner of a Microsoft Copilot+ PC that has the necessary AI processing power, you can now take advantage of Windows Recall. It works like a memory for your computer, using screenshots to keep track of everything you're doing on Windows, and then letting you search back through it. The idea is to give you something like your web browsing history, but for the whole computer.

Microsoft warns that over 90% of ransomware attacks target unsupported Windows 10 systems, urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 for continued security protection.