If you’re tired of clicking through endless tabs and applications on your computer, knowing how to run multiple desktops on Windows and Mac could help organize your daily workload and declutter your computer screen.

You may want to separate your domestic or leisure use from your work or business use, in which case multiple desktops are the answer. They provide a separate space for you to group applications, such as the best web browsers, in a way that frees you up to concentrate on one task at a time.

Most of the best home computers and the best laptops run some form of operating system, usually Windows or MacOS, and both have their distinct methods for running multiple desktops. We’ll show you how to run multiple desktops on Windows on Mac in just a few easy steps.

How to run multiple desktops in Windows

In Windows 10 or Windows 11, follow these steps to create an extra desktop or several:

1. On the taskbar, select Task View – a little icon showing overlaid panels - then New desktop
2. Simply open the apps that you want to use on that desktop
3. Simply open the apps that you want to use on that desktop
4. If you want to switch between desktops, click on Task View again or hold the Windows Key at the same time as the Tab key. You’ll see the available desktops at the top of the screen.

How to run multiple desktops in Mac

Mac OS has a desktop feature called Mission Control to allow you to manage multiple desktops

• Press F3 or Control + Up
• Click Mission Control on your Mac’s Dock
• Swipe up on the trackpad with three or four fingers
• You should now see a Mission Control window with available desktops at the top of the screen. You can open additional desktops by clicking the + icon located towards the right of the screen.

And that’s it! With just a few simple steps you can now use multiple desktops to better organize your work and leisure activities on any Windows PC or Mac.

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HP has announced numerous new devices coming this fall, each embracing Window 11 technology. The new range includes a new HP Spectre x360 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop, the HP Envy 34-inch all-in-one desktop PC, a new HP 11-inch tablet PC plus new features across the brand that should help people feel more connected. 

The HP Spectre x360 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop promises to be the world's first 16-inch laptop PC with an integrated intelligent 5MP camera according to HP. While we're not convinced it'll beat off the competition from the best laptops out there at the moment, it has some useful features that will appeal to some consumers. This includes the 5MP camera which means better quality video calls in conjunction with HP's GlamCam software for making everyone look better. It also has the choice of up to an OLED display if you want to spend the extra, plus 100% color calibration and VESA True Black HDR which should mean the image pops every time. 

Available with up to a 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor with the option of adding a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, it could be a pretty potent laptop for both work and gaming needs. Depending on the configuration, HP reckons you'll manage up to 17 hours of battery life too. 

The first HP consumer notebook to be made with recycled CNC aluminum, it also features a sustainably made keyboard, bezels and a speaker box made with ocean-bound plastic too. 

Elsewhere, there's also the HP Envy 34-inch All-in-One desktop PC. Aimed at the home computers market, this all-in-one system offers the world's first 34-inch All-in-One with a 5K display. 

It also has a detachable, magnetic camera with advanced 16MP binning technology so you can easily get things just how you like them. In case you missed out on the latest about cameras, binning effectively improves an image sensor's ability to handle different light conditions so it should mean you can use this camera in a number of different situations without any degradation to the picture quality. Specifications go up to an 8-core 11th generation Intel Core i9 processor with the choice of adding a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card too. 

Finally, if you've been eyeing up a new tablet, there's always the new HP 11-inch tablet. Its standout feature is its rotatable camera - a 13MP front camera at that - so you can easily switch things around during a call. Otherwise, it's HP's first Windows 11 tablet so it's designed to take advantage of Windows 11 Snap Layouts to make the operating system work better for you on the move. 

Ultimately though, it's the unique camera that should lure folks in, providing they need to take many video calls while on the move. 

HP hasn't announced a set launch date for these new devices but expect to see them later this year, likely to coincide with the launch of Windows 11 on October 5. 

Windows 11 will offer Light and Dark mode themes with a bit of a twist on the usual format. Namely, by offering new sounds alongside Dark Mode. 

In a bid to set apart the overall feel for how the desktop looks and sounds during the later hours of the day, Microsoft has decided to implement new sounds that better reflect the desktop's appearance, alongside the taskbar and wallpaper utilizing darker colors. As Microsoft told BleepingComputer recently, the aim is to provide a calm experience while still being able to notify users of whatever they need to hear.

"Windows 10 sounds were sharp, literally created with sharp wave lengths. In Windows 11, we have focused on making the technology calm. In order to do this, we needed to reevaluate our soundscape to also be calm," explained Microsoft in the interview. 

The Microsoft spokesperson from the audio team went on to explain that, "the new sounds have a much rounder wavelength, making them softer so that they can still alert/notify you, but without being overwhelming...Just like we rounded UI visually, we rounded our soundscape as well to soften the overall feel of the experience."

Windows 11 Dark Mode

When using Light Mode, you'll get brighter and louder sounds while Dark Mode offers more quiet and subdued audio that offers a slight echo. The thinking is that 'Dark Sounds' help you stay in focus while 'Light Sounds' mean you're always engaged.

Windows 11's launch date was recently announced as October 5 but we've spent much of the summer looking at the top 10 new features in Windows 11 as well as comparing the differences between Windows 11 vs Windows 10 so you know whether it's worth upgrading or not.

While a softer sounding Dark Mode might not seem like a killer feature just yet, it could be useful for those users trying to divide up their working environment. For instance, if you're using your home computer for both working from home and for downtime in the evenings, psychologically, this could be exactly what you need to mentally unwind a bit more easily. We should know more about how effectively it works once Windows 11 is launched publicly on October 5.

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 will launch on October 5 this year, although that won't be for everyone with the rollout being gradual and starting with "new eligible devices" first. 

In a blog post, Microsoft explained that the full Windows 11 rollout should be completed by mid-2022 with all Windows 10 owners eligible for the upgrade receiving a notification as and when they can get on with the new launch. 

From October 5, you'll also be able to purchase new systems with Windows 11 pre-installed so this is definitely the time to take a look at the best home computers and the best laptops with many of the biggest names such as the Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre x360 14 and Surface Laptop 4 expected to offer Windows 11 from that date. 

Windows 11: What you need to know

The new operating system is expected to offer enhanced productivity features for many users with a focus on improving the work-from-home process including new Teams and Microsoft 365 integrations. Microsoft is also keen to offer more gaming features with "technology like DirectX12 Ultimate, DirectStorage and Auto HDR" which will bring PC gaming more in line with what the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S already provide. 

Other features include a revamped Microsoft Store although, notably, while Android apps will be available to download from there in the future, this feature won't be at launch. Instead, it'll be released as a preview for Windows Insiders in the coming months with the thinking being that we'll all see it sometime in early 2022. 

Other highlights include a new design that reflects a more modern and fresh take on operating system user interfaces, a new Start button, along with Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops which will make it simpler to multitask. Widgets will also see a come back so there will be different ways to handle all kinds of information. 

If you're uncertain about upgrading, you won't be forced to just yet. Have a read of our look at Windows 11 vs Windows 10 to see what to expect. If you do want to upgrade, the update will be gradually rolled out to your system with the choice of 'forcing' it a little further by going to the Windows Update screen after October 5. It should be quite a good upgrade for many users.

If you're looking to buy one of the best home computers or the best laptops currently available, you'll need to make one particularly important decision -- do you want to go with a Windows device or one that runs macOS? 

Both operating systems offer considerable advantages but they can also offer some disadvantages too. For many users, personal preference will be the key difference here but there are some important factors to take into account before you decide what to go for. 

To help you decide what to do, we've taken a look at the key strengths and weaknesses that both operating systems provide to help you evaluate what's most important to you and your needs. 

Windows vs macOS: Popularity and compatibility

Microsoft's Windows has the monopoly when it comes to global desktop market share. Holding around 77% of it, it's the most popular OS by far. That means mostly everything is keen to be compatible with Windows and, in particular, Windows 10 as it's the latest version until Windows 11 arrives later this year. 

What does that mean for you? A wider range of options. There are thousands of different desktops and laptops that work with Windows which means you can get some very cheap systems as well as some very high-end devices too, all depending on your budget.

Windows also has the biggest library of software out there so no matter what you need to do with your computer, you'll be able to do it with a Windows desktop or laptop. 

One of the biggest issues for many people with macOS is that to use it, you only have a very limited choice of systems to buy. That's because unlike Windows, you can only use macOS on Apple products. That limits you to the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Pro or Mac Mini. While these systems cater for a variety of different needs and budgets, it's a far cry from the thousands of different Windows systems you can choose from.

On the plus side, you won't be overwhelmed with choice as each Mac tends to suit a specific purpose.   

If you already own an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch then macOS works very well with these gadgets. It's possible to browse a website on your iPhone before seamlessly transitioning to your MacBook Pro, for instance. Similarly, you can do so with various documents you might be writing. Elsewhere, you can use the cloud to view your iPad's photos from your laptop or view files that are stored across your devices. 

Essentially, once you become part of the Apple ecosystem with one purchase, Apple is keen to keep you coming back for more, so all its devices play very nicely together. 

Macs have been traditionally popular with designers and video editors for a good reason. Certain high-end apps for such purposes are macOS only. This includes the likes of Final Cut Pro which is often considered the best video editing software out there.

Of course, if you have no intention on using your computer for specialist purposes, this won't matter, but this is where it's important to consider just why you need a new computer. 

Winner: Windows (unless you're already in the Apple ecosystem)

Windows vs macOS: Updates

When it comes to update frequency, Windows updates come along far more often. Now, we're not talking about incremental updates. For both operating systems, security updates and patches are very regular. Instead, we're talking about how Windows 10 offers twice yearly updates which tend to add new features and more performance enhancements than a simple tweak. In contrast, macOS tends to have a significant update each year. 

Does that make a difference? Well, sometimes Windows updates can cause temporary issues while macOS updates tend to be more stable, but if you're keen to have the latest changes then Windows will appeal. 

Winner: Tie

Windows vs macOS: Gaming

Without a question, Windows is the far better platform if you like to game. macOS supports a number of games but it pales in comparison to the amount of games that Windows supports. In many ways, you can save money over time too with more Windows games available in Steam and Epic Games Store sales than you'll ever find on macOS. 

Generally, you can buy a more powerful Windows gaming machine than when looking for a macOS-based system too, thanks to there being so many different configuration options out there for Windows devices. 

Winner: Windows

Windows vs macOS: Security and ease of use

While macOS-based viruses and malware are growing in number, the risk of a virus infecting your system is still far lower when using macOS than using Windows. That means a more stable and secure experience that's particularly useful if you're a novice with using computers. 

Related to that, macOS is generally simpler to use too, unless you've previously used Windows extensively. If so, you may need to take some time to relearn familiar techniques but, overall, macOS is a bit more intuitive than the Windows way of doing things. It's harder to 'break' anything and simple things like installing apps or games is usually quicker and more straightforward on macOS than using Windows. If you're looking for a system for someone who's never used a computer before, macOS can be a massive help here. 

Winner: MacOS

Should I buy Windows or macOS? 

So, what should you buy? That decision is down to you. 

In the past, macOS felt a little more niche - a format best aimed at designers and those that wanted stylish systems with limited functionality - but nowadays, you can still play games, run many of the same apps on both systems, and generally enjoy a very similar experience on either Windows or macOS. Both operating systems are very stable and increasingly secure but Windows is generally far cheaper to get involved with thanks to more expansive hardware options. It's also often the operating system we're all most used to using. 

However, if you're looking for a system that 'just works' then macOS is a good bet providing you don't plan on playing many games and there isn't any Windows only software you need to run. Check that the apps you plan on using are compatible before you pursue this path. 

Do your research, figure out exactly how you plan on using your new computer, and you can't go wrong.

Windows 11 will launch later this year but what does that actually mean for you? It's safe to say that if you're buying one of the best home computers later this year or one of the best laptops, it'll come with Windows 11 so this is an excellent time to take a look at what all the fuss is about. 

Rather than bombard you with far too much information for one brain to take in, we've looked at the top 10 new features in Windows 11. We reckon each of them are the kinds of things you'll actually notice, rather than those under the hood improvements that are less likely to excite you. 

There are some surprisingly big changes coming to Windows 11, but it's still building off the back of Windows 10's success, so things shouldn't feel too unfamiliar for Windows 10 veterans. Now sit back and read on while we guide you through why you should be excited for Windows 11.  

1. It has a new interface

A lot has been said about how Windows 11 looks different for good reason. The biggest change here is that the Start menu now appears in the center of the screen. That's a huge change given the Start menu hasn't moved an inch since the days of Windows 95! The thinking here is that it makes it a little easier for touchscreen users to get to grips with things but we'll go into more detail on that later. 

Besides the newly located Start menu (you can move it back to its traditional place if you prefer), Windows 11 also looks a little fancier and more like macOS. That's thanks to its rounded window edges, centered app icons like macOS's dock, and more of a focus on pastel colors. We suspect it's going to take a little getting used to but it certainly looks rather shiny and new. 

2. Widgets return better than ever!

Microsoft has experimented with widgets for a while now. Way back with Windows Vista, it had a similar concept and the trend has continued ever since but never quite worked out. This time around, you'll be able to access widgets directly from the taskbar with more personalized information and a generally much better look than before. 

Microsoft reckons information will adapt to you and what's important for you with the plan being that they'll support local content creators too. For now, expect the likes of a to-do list, weather, traffic updates, and a calendar, with more set to appear from third-party developers in time. 

3.  Android apps make a move 

Have you ever wanted to use an Android app on your laptop or desktop? Now you'll be able to with Android apps coming to Windows 11 within the new Microsoft Store and via the Amazon Appstore. With certain apps like TikTok only available through mobile stores, it's an opportunity to enjoy such apps on a bigger screen.

Whether you'll want to will depend on how much you find using your cell phone limiting but it certainly paves the way to a lot more apps on your Windows 11 system. 

4. Better Microsoft Teams integration 

Thanks to the past year of many of us working from home, Microsoft Teams has gained a lot more attention than ever before. Microsoft is continuing that momentum by giving it a facelift and integrating it directly into the Windows 11 taskbar. That makes it far easier to access and puts it on a par with the simplicity involved in making a FaceTime call on macOS. 

With more remote working than ever, and the urge to contact friends and family remotely, it should be an extra convenient way to get in touch. Even the most inexperienced of users should be able to figure it out now.

5. Xbox becomes more prominent 

Windows 11 should be a great improvement for gamers. That's because it's gaining certain features you'd ordinarily only find on Xbox consoles. That includes Auto HDR which makes it easy to turn on high dynamic range (if your computer supports it) so you get the best visual experience with minimal effort. 

As well as that, there's DirectStorage support which loads a game's assets directly to the graphics card instead of through your processor. It sounds complicated but all you need to know is it should mean improved performance, providing your system is capable of decent quality gaming. 

The Xbox app will also now be built into Windows 11 which should make it easier to find games to download via Xbox Game Pass for PC, as well as gives you the ability to stream games from the cloud via Microsoft's xCloud service. 

6. Better multi-tasking when working 

Borrowing a few ideas from elsewhere, Windows 11 offers some superior multi-tasking tools than before. This includes the ability to set up virtual desktops much like macOS as well as adding Snap Groups and Snap Layouts. Both of these features allow you to easily arrange windows according to how you want them to look. By setting them up to be more productive for your needs, you can save switching between windows or reaching for your mouse excessively. 

It's an improvement on the current snapping feature in part thanks to you being able to pick out different layouts according to recommendations made by Windows. Expect it to take a little time to fit into your routine but being able to group together apps how you like them before going elsewhere then switching back should prove very useful. 

7. Multiple monitors work better together 

Ever switched between using a second monitor with your laptop before unplugging it? It's irritating how the moment you unplug the monitor, your display turns into a mess of windows that are no longer arranged how you want them to be. That's going to be a thing of the past with Windows 11. instead, any open windows will minimize but they'll remember their place, popping back to where they were before. 

This might not be essential for everyone but we can guarantee if you've been affected by this problem in Windows 10, you're breathing a sigh of relief right now.

8. Different and better control options are included

How we use computers has changed over the years. Touchscreens are more common on laptops and the choice of finger or stylus is very much in. Similarly, gestures are a much bigger part of how we interact rather than solely with mouse clicks. All this has been taken on board with Windows 11. As mentioned, that's partly why the Start menu is centered - making it easier for touchscreen users to interact with it - but also there are larger touch targets for various activities and stylus use now offers haptic feedback too. 

A new touch keyboard is also included and should work more like the keyboard on a smartphone. Voice input can also be used for dictating text and there's auto punctuation so it looks less messy than before. Basically, it's all far more accessible than in the past. 

9. The Windows store has been improved

The Windows store has had a complete redesign so it should be much faster to use as well as easier to find new apps. Best of all, new apps will be more plentiful as Microsoft has changed and improved who can launch apps on the service. In particular, you'll find the likes of Adobe on the Windows store directly rather than needing to head to the Adobe website, but Microsoft is also encouraging small developers to get involved too.

Simply put, that should mean more choice for you rather than needing to head to developer websites individually instead.

10. Expect better performance across the board

Ok, we said we'd focus on the noticeable changes rather than 'under the hood' stuff but you're going to notice the superior performance of Windows 11. Microsoft is aiming to make all Windows 11 updates approximately 40% smaller than they currently are which means faster updates for you. 

Elsewhere, you'll also see general performance enhancements mostly everywhere including when dealing with the best web browsers (and that won't just include Edge). it's those little things that soon add up and will make you appreciate Windows 11 more

Microsoft does battle with... errr Microsoft, as we compare Windows 11 vs Windows 10 to help you figure out if you need to upgrade to the latest Windows operating system.

Windows 11 launches later this year. While it's generally a smart idea to upgrade to the latest and greatest operating system, you may be wondering just what it offers over Windows 10 and why you should upgrade. Also, how do you even upgrade? Don't worry. We'll answer these questions and more, so you know exactly what to do when weighing up the pros and cons between Windows 11 vs Windows 10.  

So, should you upgrade to Windows 1?

In a word, yes. It's always a good idea to have the latest operating system installed because you'll benefit from the most recent security updates as well as the best performance upgrades. However, Microsoft does plan on supporting Windows 10 until 2025 so you don't exactly have to rush into anything.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Can I upgrade to Windows 11?  

As with any new piece of software, it's important to check you're able to run Windows 11. Microsoft has released an app that helps you determine if your PC can run the new operating system. You can download it here to confirm it's possible. 

Below are is a full list of the minimum system requirements:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor. (Microsoft provides a list of compatible processors).
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64 GB or larger hard drive space
• System Firmware: UEFI and Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (common on motherboards manufactured after 2016)
• Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: An HD display at least 720p (1280×720) resolution
• Internet Connection and Microsoft Accounts: Windows 11 Home edition requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account to set up the device on first use. Switching a device out of Windows 11 S mode also requires an internet connection.

Some of that might sound confusing but simply put, if you have a fairly recent computer, you won't have a problem. If you've tried running the app and your system hasn't passed the test, maybe it's time to retire your existing system and treat yourself to one of the best home computers or the best laptops? 

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Why should I upgrade to Windows 11? 

We've already mentioned it's a smart move to have the latest operating system and updates installed, but there's more to why Windows 11 is worth upgrading to. For one thing, it's an entirely free upgrade. Open to anyone with Windows 10, you can enjoy the new operating system entirely for free. That makes it look pretty irresistible already. 

There are more reasons too though. We've highlighted some of the best new features in Windows 11 in more depth, but let's take a quick look at what else is going on.

Crucially, Windows 11 is set to be faster and more stable than ever before. With updates 40% smaller than previously seen, you won't have to worry bout your PC constantly updating slowly. After all, it's those little things that soon add up when you use your PC regularly. 

As well as that, Windows 11 is far better for multi-tasking. Thanks to Snap Groups, Snap Layouts, and virtual desktops, you can easily set things up for all your productivity needs before switching back to something in your downtime at the end of the day, all without missing out on how you previously had things set up. Being able to lay out apps just how you need them to be is a guaranteed way to improve your workflow. 

If you use a second monitor hooked up to your laptop, you'll also benefit from better compatibility. Instead of things returning to a weird mess of windows once you unplug the monitor, Windows 11 remembers the placement of the windows and pops them back to where you need them. 

Other benefits include better support for touch screen users thanks to larger touch areas (and a repositioned Start menu) and better support for those using a stylus or their voice to interact with their PC. 

Xbox and Microsoft Teams are better integrated too which could be useful for gamers and the home worker respectively. 

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Reasons to stick with Windows 10?

We're definitely not saying stick with Windows 10 forever. Windows 11 will be more stable and more secure, but stability may take time. While it'll be undergoing extensive testing before its release, there's always room for more bugs to be ironed out after the initial release. 

Potentially, Windows 10 may be more stable early on in Windows 11's release schedule. That's where the fact that Windows 10 will continue to be supported until the end of 2025 could prove beneficial to some users, although - again - we're not saying hold out for the next four years!

Leaving Windows 10 behind also means you'll miss out on a few features. Crucially, you'll lose Internet Explorer with Microsoft keen for you to use Microsoft Edge's IE mode instead. Edge is one of the best web browsers out there but we appreciate not everyone likes or wants change. Apps including 3D Viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D and Skype will all be removed too but they will be available from the Windows Store if you're very attached. 

Perhaps most importantly though, you'll need to get used to the new look that comes with Windows 11. It's similar but not quite the same with the Start menu in a new location, as well as new widgets, and rounded edges. Is it tough to get to grips with? Not at all, and you can even move the Start menu back, but do expect to take a little bit of time getting used to it.

Should I upgrade to Windows 11?  

Yes, definitely. Windows 11 will offer more stability and better security features in the long run but that doesn't mean you need to upgrade the day it's released. Changing operating systems always takes a bit of time to get used to so it makes sense to wait until you've got a bit of time to devote to the upgrade process as well as the time it'll take to adjust your workflow.  

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 operating system has been accidentally leaked online and it's given us plenty of insight into what to expect from the latest version that's been rumored for launch for a while now. After screenshots were initially published at Chinese site, Baidu, the news soon spread leading to many journalists discovering that the entire Windows 11 OS has appeared online incluidng our sister site Windows Central. 

Take the plunge of installing the as yet officially released operating system and you'll discover plenty of new features including a new user interface, Start Menu, and a look that feels a little flatter and a little more macOS-ish. Expect to see it replace Windows 10 on the best home computers and the best laptops sometime in the future.

Perhaps the most distinctive change here is that the Start Menu is now in the middle of the screen. It's reminiscent of the much rumored Windows 10X user interface which was meant to be Microsoft's answer to ChromeOS - the platform favored by all Chromebooks, and it looks a little weird at first. It also looks rather like macOS's dock which spreads out from the middle of the screen on iMacs and MacBooks.

The Start Menu is also much simpler than what we have on Windows 10 at the moment with no Live Tiles and instead a focus on pinned apps and recent files. Even shutting down your system should be simpler to find than it currently is on Windows 10. 

Elsewhere, everything about Windows 11 looks a little fancier right down to rounded corners everywhere to make things look a bit sleeker. It also looks like widgets will be making a return too although the early version of Windows 11 out there right now only offers a few of them and they're not loading properly yet. It looks like they will at least offer quick access to the news, weather, and other web content, but we're hopeful they'll end up a bit more powerful and useful than that in the long term. After all, the best web browsers already make this easy. On that note, we're hoping to see better integration and use of Edge here given Microsoft Edge has grown in strength in recent times. 

What else is new? Well, the new Xbox app is now integrated into Windows 11 so you get quick and simple access to Xbox Game Pass games, as well as the social side of the Xbox network and the store. It doesn't sound too vast a change given the Xbox Game Bar and Windows Game Mode remain the same as with Windows 10 but fingers crossed, it makes a pivotal difference. 

That's the thing about this Windows 11 leak so far. It's clearly a fairly early build of the operating system. As it stands, Microsoft is holding a special Windows event on June 24th which is expected to unveil the new operating system so consider this an unexpected teaser of what's to come in the meantime. Keep your eyes on the main event next week for more concrete details of what will actually be changed and improved in Windows 11. We wouldn't be surprised if there's more to come to make the new release more compelling.

The question of antivirus protection has raged since the late 1980s, when it first became available, and it’s an argument that’s not going to go away any time soon. Do you need it? Does Windows 10 need it? If you don’t get it, will a virus eat all your data? 

The short answer is no. The longer answer is no, but it’s nice to have. An even longer answer takes up the rest of this article. If you'd rather be safe than sorry, check out our list of the best antivirus software to choose a suite that works for you.

On its own, Windows 10 is pretty secure, and will look after most threats against your home computer. It has the Windows Defender suite of tools, and gets regular security patches through Windows Update. So by making sure Defender is switched on, the security features on your internet router are switched on, allowing automatic updates of the OS, and not poking your web browser into any dodgy corners of the internet (this includes not clicking on links that arrive by email promising you a large amount of free money, or the more insidious type talking about package deliveries - even highly trained technology writers have fallen for this one) then you’ll probably be OK.

To make sure of this, open Windows 10’s Security Center from the Start Menu (type ‘sec’ and it will be the first suggestion). Hopefully, you’ll see a grid of five green ticks, showing you that everything is switched on and working. If you see anything else, click on the offending section to see what’s stopping it from working - hopefully it’s nothing more than sliding a switch to the ‘on’ position.

When do you need additional antivirus?

However, peace of mind is a valuable commodity. Modern malware is a much wider category than simple self-replicating viruses that wipe your Documents folder, or display an insulting message on the screen, before copying themselves across all your drives in the hopes that you will carry one to a new, uninfected, computer. From browser hijackers that direct all your traffic to a search engine you don’t want to use and that’s filled with ads, to rootkits that permit attackers complete access to your PC, to viruses that mine cryptocurrency for someone else’s gain on your GPU while you work, to ransomware that shuts down all access to your computer unless you pay, there’s something nasty out there for everyone.

And antivirus software has kept up. There are a broad range of apps available, some of which are free, others that use a subscription payment model. They generally lurk in the background, perhaps placing an icon in your PC’s system tray, and work in conjunction with Windows Defender, either springing into action to scan your system files and documents on a regular basis (each time your PC starts up, for example) or by watching for virus-like activity. 

Virus scanners work in two ways. Some look for specific ‘signature’ lines of code that are associated with viruses, and spring into action when they see these lines in a file or in memory - these virus definitions are the main content of the update files it will download frequently, often without telling you. Others take a broader view, known as ‘heuristics’, and examine code for suspicious, virus-like properties, even using AI to work out if something is an attack attempt, or just an innocent bit of machine code. In this way, even polymorphic viruses - which change their code regularly to evade virus scanners - can be caught.

Installing an antivirus app is really just like installing any other app - you choose which one you want, go to its download page, download the installation file and double-click it to begin the installation process. You’ll probably need to set up an account along the way too. Windows’ Security Center will notice the installation, and switch off its periodic scanning in favor of the new app - you can switch this back on, and have the two operate side-by-side, if you want (just slide the switch in Security > Virus and threat protection > Microsoft Defender Antivirus options) but having both can be a bit of an overkill, and will use up more processor time than is optimal.

Can you live without antivirus?

If you don’t like any of the options on our list of the top antivirus products, or internet security software, there’s nothing stopping you from going it alone with just Windows Defender. But while it’s not our intention to scaremonger, there is a lot of bad stuff out there, and even though you think you’re being careful, something sent by a less-vigilant friend might slip through your defenses. 

So perhaps the question shouldn’t be whether Windows 10 needs antivirus - left to its own devices it’s unlikely to visit dodgy websites or open phishing emails - but whether Windows 10 users need antivirus, and the answer there is that they should probably think about it, as it could be the difference between keeping, or losing, their data or entire PC.

For more computing advice, check out our list of the best laptops available today. And for more private browsing, our list of the best VPN services has you covered.

No, it doesn’t. Or, at least, it probably doesn’t. In fact it might. It’s complicated, you see. The Windows operating system and the Office suite of applications are both made by Microsoft, and have become quite a team in the productivity space, but they’re not the same thing, and there are alternatives, as we shall see.

When you get a new home computer that runs Windows 10, it comes with a few built-in applications. You get the Microsoft Edge browser (or top pick of the best web browsers), the Photos app for organizing images and doing basic edits, and a few others such as Films and TV (a content store), Paint for drawing, Wordpad for creating basic documents, and a calculator. You don’t get much bundled with Windows 10, which is why it also ships with the Microsoft Store app to help you purchase more programs to run.

So, if you want Office - the suite of apps that includes Word (word processor), Excel (spreadsheet), PowerPoint (presentations) and more - you’re going to have to go and get it. The exception to this is if the manufacturer of your new laptop or PC has struck a bundle deal with Microsoft - then you might find it pre-installed on your Start menu, though it may just be a one-month trial version. The thing to watch out for is that there are several versions of Office, so if there’s a particular app you need, make sure it’s in the version you’re getting.

What are your Microsoft Office options?

Firstly, Office is split into Office 2019, for which you pay once, and Microsoft 365, which uses a monthly subscription model. Office 2019 Home and Student comes with the core Office apps: Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Office 2019 Home and Business adds Outlook but costs more. These will receive some updates and patches, but you’ll need to pay again to upgrade to Office 2021 when it arrives, and you can only use them on one computer. This is the best choice for those who aren’t constantly connected to the internet through a high-speed connection, or for anyone who just doesn’t like the idea of a software subscription.

Microsoft 365, which used to be called Office 365, does little to aid the confusion. You pay every month (or annually, which is cheaper), and get all the Office apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access and mobile apps too. You also get a constant stream of little updates and patches, meaning these are the most up-to-date Office apps. Pay for a family subscription, and you can use them across six different computers or user accounts. 

A subscription comes with some bonuses too - each user gets 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage space, and some Skype minutes too. PowerPoint Presenter Coach helps you get over the stage fright of presenting, while Microsoft Editor offers a similar service to Grammarly, checking your written work for errors. There’s a Resume Assistant to help with job applications, and Microsoft Money is integrated into Excel to help with home budgeting. You get a lot with a 365 sub.

What are the alternatives to Microsoft Office?

You don’t, however, absolutely need Microsoft Office. There are some reasons to get it, of course, if it’s what you’ve been trained in using or there is an advanced feature your business needs to survive, but it’s worth looking at the alternatives to see if you can save some money.

If you want an offline office suite in the vein of Office 2019, with separate word processing, spreadsheet and presentation apps plus a few others, then LibreOffice is well worth taking a look at. It’s not as integrated as Microsoft Office, and lacks an Outlook equivalent, but the three main apps - Writer, Calc, and Impress - are compatible with Office documents and contain many of the same features as Microsoft’s apps. They’re also free, and can be downloaded from https://www.libreoffice.org.

Another excellent alternative is Google Docs. This is an office suite that runs in your web browser, and it offers three core apps - Docs, Sheets, and Slides - that are integrated with Google Drive, meaning that you can work anywhere with a web browser you can use to sign into your Google account. You get 15GB of cloud storage for free, and more is available for a subscription. You can fit a lot of documents in 15GB, however, and any created before 1st June 2021 won’t count against your storage.

Then there’s Office Online. This is Microsoft’s version of Google Docs, and offers cut-down versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint that run in your browser, storing their documents in your OneDrive folder. You’ll need a Microsoft account to use it, but it’s free.

So while Windows 10 technically doesn’t come with Microsoft Office, those apps, or an alternative office suite, are never far away. All you need is an internet connection.

For more computing advice, we have a guide to using Windows 10 Safe Mode, and a look at the best antivirus software to keep you safer online.

Computers get faster all the time, so how come they can feel so sluggish? The problem is that, although CPU manufacturers are always increasing their speeds and adding more cores, the software load we expect our PCs to bear becomes larger and larger too. Most top-end processors don’t show their true abilities unless running software designed to max them out, and take advantage of their particular architectures. Even the best home computers age, and need to be replaced with new machines every few years.

So, aside from trashing the whole thing and buying a new one, is there anything you can do to speed up a sluggish Windows 10 PC? Yes, there’s plenty. Windows 10 is designed to run on low-spec PCs as well as enormous gaming rigs, and has plenty of automatic systems to adjust the load it puts on your hardware so it doesn’t need to spin up its cooling fans just because you’ve opened a web browser. Sometimes, however, it needs a helping hand, and that’s where our tips come in.

1. A lack of restarts 

If TV is to be believed, most people just leave their laptops in sleep mode all day, so they can flip them open as soon as they get home to carry on working/chatting/plotting the downfall of civilization. Now, we admit that it wouldn’t make good TV if these PCs had to startup every time, while the characters stood there and watched, but leaving your PC in sleep mode all the time is one of the top causes of a slow computer. They need a restart once in a while - shutting them down at night is ideal - to clear out the number of processes it is running. If these don’t terminate cleanly, and they often don’t, they will use up processor time that could be better spent on making your PC respond faster. The fix, then? Shut down your PC every night, if you can.

2. A lack of updates 

Windows Update does more than pull in updates that can break your PC. In fact, it hardly ever does that any more. What you get in Windows 10 updates are free upgrades to the operating system, and this includes tweaks and efficiencies that can speed things up. You also get updated drivers, where they’re supplied by Microsoft (check under Optional Updates), which can increase the speed of all sorts of things from your Bluetooth turning on and connecting, to the cooling fans acting more efficiently and thus allowing the CPU to work harder for longer. If you have a discrete graphics chip, its manufacturer (Nvidia or AMD) will regularly put out driver updates, and installing these, even if you’re not using the card for things like gaming or 3D modelling, can help prevent slowdown. 

3. Too many startup apps 

As Windows 10 starts up, a load of other programs start with it, and these can have an impact on how fast your PC feels. Some of these programs may be useful, but some you may not ever use or might not even recognize. Windows has a built-in Start-up Apps screen (Settings > Apps > Startup) that shows you which apps are starting with your computer, and measures the effect they have. It also allows you to switch them off, so go in hard and switch off everything you don’t recognize or which you don’t use, plus those that are having a bad effect on your PC’s performance. Once you’ve restarted, you can appreciate the difference, and if switching off apps has a consequence you didn’t foresee, such as affecting the performance of an app you use regularly, then you can always go back and switch it back on again. 

4. Full drives 

Windows 10 takes up about 20GB of your hard drive, the rest is filled by your documents, applications, temporary files generated by the operating system, and virtual memory, which is what happens when your RAM overflows and Windows needs somewhere to put the data. Virtual memory is slow, but what’s even slower is not having enough space to use it, so it’s recommended you keep 10% of your hard drive free as an absolute minimum. External hard drives are cheap to buy and easy to use, so dumping a load of old documents on one and freeing up some space can make a big difference.

5. Graphical effects and transparency 

Windows 10 has some nice effects going on, like the way you can just see your desktop wallpaper showing through a semi-translucent window that’s laying above it, but these things use up processor time. If you want to get the absolute best performance, turn all the effects off. Usually, Windows manages these things, but if you open up Settings and enter Personalization > Colors, you can turn off transparency effects. Then, open the Control Panel, search for ‘Performance’, and open the Performance Options window. From here, choose ‘Adjust for best performance’ in the Visual Effects tab. 

6. Hardware upgrades 

This is getting a bit close to the line of buying a new PC, but if you’re able to open up the case and get inside with a screwdriver (easier with desktop models than laptops) then you can add a few bits to speed things along. The absolute best thing you can do to an ailing PC is to remove its hard drive and replace it with an SSD. The new solid state drives are so much faster than old spinning hard drives it’s like night and day, and getting a fresh install of Windows 10 and your apps on an SSD will make your PC perky again. The best thing is that, as long as your PC isn’t so old it uses ATA hard drives, you’ll easily be able to find an SSD that fits the SATA sockets on your motherboard. 

Adding RAM is more tricky, as it must match the slots in your PC’s motherboard as well as whatever sticks are already there, if you’re keeping them. But extra RAM is a good way to get a bit more performance, as it stops Windows from using your hard drive as ‘virtual memory’ when it runs out of RAM to use, and virtual memory is extremely slow. Windows 10 only needs 2GB of RAM, but 8GB makes a big difference. New sticks just snap into empty slots, but you must be certain you’re using the right type, or it will either not fit, not work, or actually make your PC slower.

Thirdly, if you’re doing anything involving photos, videos, 3D, or games, then a discrete graphics card can help. It doesn’t have to be one of the top-end gaming ones, but anything that takes the load off the integrated graphics processor in your PC’s CPU is going to help. You’ll need an empty PCIe slot of the correct speed to do this, and likely a power feed from the PC’s PSU too, so make sure you know what you’re doing before you begin.

For more PC advice, we have a feature on how to use Windows 10 Safe Mode, and a look at the best antivirus software, to keep the nasties away from your computer.

Microsoft has announced that a new Taskbar feature will begin rolling out to Windows 10 users over the next few weeks, and the changes are set to provide a much more personal experience to regular Windows users. The new feature is called "News and Interests" and places a widget on the taskbar which gives you at-a-glance weather info along with the latest news from MSN.com. It could be just the kind of thing to further enhance the best home computers out there at the moment, especially if you can't decide between Windows or Mac. 

The idea behind the feature is that you're likely to want the information right there rather than need to open up a browser window to learn more. Such quick access means you can easily check the current major headlines, as well as what the weather locally is doing, or your favorite sports team scores too. In a blog post by Windows' Aaron Woodman, the firm explains that no one wants to have to juggle devices or jump between websites which is why this at-a-glance method could prove so successful. 

A simplified process, all you need to do is tap the weather prompt in the taskbar and you can gain some insight into everything you might want to learn about the day's events around the world. Microsoft has focused on providing 'snackable' news so there's no need to devote a lot of time to it if you simply want to check in quickly in between meetings or other work events. Crucially, it's far quicker to load up then to open a web browser or switch between tabs. 

As you'd expect from such a service, it's possible to adjust what's shown to you. If you have no interest in financial news, for instance, you can swap that out for a different type of information card. You can also choose different news publishers so you can prioritize your favorite source of news rather than be stuck with anything that doesn't appeal. Major news organisations such as CNN, Fox News, Politico, and ESPN are all included here amongst many others. 

If you're keen to keep up to date with daily happenings at a glance, "News and Interests" could be a useful substitute for your humble web browser. Of course, if you've checked out the best web browsers out there, speed shouldn't be an issue but added convenience is always helpful. 

The new feature will roll out to Windows 10 users over the next few weeks. You don't have to do anything to add it. It'll just show up on its own once Microsoft gets to your PC. If you're not keen to use it, it's possible to disable too, but we suspect it'll be well worth trying for at least a little while. 

A new preview build of Windows 10 has unveiled an 'eco mode' that could make a huge difference for the battery life of many laptops. When even the best laptops still struggle to provide exceptional battery life at times, a mode that can thwart battery drain sounds immediately promising. 

Right now, the Eco Mode is considered an experimental feature forming part of build 21364 of Windows 10's preview build program. It ties into the operating system's Task Manager and looks fairly straightforward to use. All you need to do is open up Task Manager, look for any battery sapping applications that are currently running then right-click on the app and switch on Eco Mode.

Task Manager can look a little intimidating if you're new to it but it's the home of all the information you could need about how an application is running, including the CPU, memory, and disk usage involved while it's being used. With this new Eco Mode, Task Manager also highlights all apps currently running in the low-battery mode in the Status column so you can easily see what's going on.

A dev blog post by Microsoft has explained how Eco Mode works. Effectively, it reduces the priority level of the process (or app) to low with an EcoQoS mode making said process run in the most power efficient manner possible. Microsoft has seen up to four times improvements in UI responsiveness by activating the mode while also potentially improving battery life on laptops. It's an impressive feat given much of it is down to dropping the clock speed of the processor so there's better thermal performance (your laptop doesn't run so hot) yet you shouldn't notice a difference in performance. In fact, apps such as Task Manager itself can be sped up significantly by the mode as well as the likes of Microsoft Word, Edge, and other web browsers. 

When will Windows 10 eco mode launch?

There's no official word yet on how non-Microsoft apps perform although Chrome has been cited in Microsoft's look at the new feature. It could be a game changer when seeking out the best laptop for college and work though if you don't have to worry about battery life so much. 

At the moment, Eco Mode focuses solely on CPU usage as that's the main thing that will affect power efficiency but it's expected that other system resources could also be tweaked here. As you'd expect, it's early days for Eco Mode with the preview build only rolling out to a small number of testers so far, but it's promising stuff for the future. Laptops continue to be held back a little by their often limited battery life so anything that could improve that is sure to be a positive change.