When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro in one bundle for $32.97 through September 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT, down from the $418.99 It's a simple way to cover two essential PC upgrades without adding another annual subscription. If you're still relying on an older Windows setup or paying for Microsoft 365 year after year, upgrading both can get expensive fast. With Windows 10 support now ended (in 2025) and Microsoft 365 requiring a recurring subscription, this bundle offers a cheaper alternative: lifetime licenses for Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for $32.97 (MSRP $418.99).

PCWorld reports that Windows 11 may soon natively support automatic light and dark mode switching, a feature previously only possible through Microsoft PowerToys. Microsoft appears to be testing this in experimental builds, with settings allowing transitions based on fixed times or location-based sunrise and sunset cycles. A potential release could arrive with the Windows 11 26H2 update in October, helping reduce eye strain and save power across devices. It appears Microsoft has finally decided to give Windows 11 a true, full-fledged dark mode. That's according to Windows Latest, which discovered this by taking a closer look at the new experimental builds of Windows 11. Windows Latest says it'll soon be possible for Windows 11 to switch automatically between light and dark modes, depending on requirements and the selected application. Until now, this has only been possible using Microsoft PowerToys or certain third-party programs. The absence of a true auto-switching light/dark mode in Windows 11 has been one of its biggest criticisms for years. Although Microsoft hasn't yet officially announced anything, the signs are promising.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft used its Bing Wallpaper app to display full-screen ads promoting Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movie collections on Windows 11 desktops. The ads appear randomly based on user region, exploiting small print that allows Microsoft to show advertisements within wallpapers meant for scenic daily backgrounds. Reddit users expressed strong disapproval, especially given that Microsoft previously acknowledged showing too many ads to its users. Microsoft recently caused a stir among some users with an ad that fills the entire Windows 11 desktop background. It's a wallpaper that ends up on the computer via the Bing Wallpaper app.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft is finally addressing long-standing Windows 11 taskbar complaints through a new update packed with customization options. Users can now resize the taskbar, reposition it to any screen edge, and adjust Start menu layouts, restoring features many had missed. The update also cleans up Windows Search by hiding Bing and Microsoft Store clutter, while legacy tools like WMIC are being removed to modernize the OS. With yesterday's Patch Tuesday for September, Microsoft not only fixed a record number of security vulnerabilities but also released several new features for Windows 11, which you can try out now (or soon). Microsoft gradually rolls out new features across eligible Windows 11 PCs. That means most users will gain access to the new features within the next few days or weeks.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. It took entirely too long to get the taskbar back on top without mods. But at least I found a cool new program with community-supplied tweaks. This morning I woke up to a freshly rebooted desktop. A bit annoying, but that's just something that happens with Windows 11 -- it reboots to install an update after a while, sometimes even when you don't ask it to.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft is working on performance improvements for Windows 11, targeting faster boot times and better responsiveness on machines with only 8GB of RAM. Windows Hello is also expected to see notable improvements, making everyday use smoother for budget PC owners. No specific release dates have been announced yet, but Microsoft appears committed to optimizing Windows 11 for lower-end hardware. Microsoft confirmed at IFA 2026 that upcoming updates for Windows 11 will include faster boot times. According to Mark Linton, head of Windows & Devices at Microsoft, the company has already made significant progress in both the startup times and responsiveness of Windows Hello, and further improvements are expected.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft will end support for Office 2021 on October 13, 2026, leaving users without official security or feature updates and potentially vulnerable to threats. A third-party tool called 0patch offers unofficial micropatches that fix vulnerabilities without altering original software code, providing security coverage for up to three years.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft is making changes to Windows 11 to restore user control, including a repositionable taskbar and more Start menu personalization options. However, customization remains limited, with the Start menu offering only three fixed presets, and many restrictions from earlier Windows 11 versions still in place. Microsoft plans to scale back heavy Copilot AI integration and prioritize community feedback, though these shifts may have come too late for frustrated users.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Windows 11 can auto-adjust your monitor's refresh rate to save power Windows 11's Dynamic Refresh Rate saves energy by lowering your screen's refresh rate when you're not gaming. Here's how to enable it. Windows 11 supports the activation of a dynamic refresh rate (DRR) on monitors equipped with the relevant technology. When this feature is enabled, the operating system automatically adjusts the refresh rate to suit the user's activity.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Windows 11 wants your trust. Windows 11 has a habit of crying wolf. Users could get devoured by real threats as a result. Microsoft launched Windows 11 as the most secure Windows ever built--and the marketing was almost convincing at the time.