Microsoft formally announced the next version of Windows 11 on Friday, Windows 11 25H2, and indicated that the upgrade will be much simpler than its predecessor. Windows 11 24H2 will be administered via what’s known as a “shared servicing branch,” which is the normal way for Windows to be updated. Microsoft simply takes the code that your machine lacks and sends it down to your PC via Windows Update, reducing the total download size by about 40 percent, Microsoft said. In early 2025, Microsoft rolled out an update to Windows 11 24H2, which required a much more intensive process. Microsoft called that rollout a full code swap, and when I performed the upgrade myself, it took as long as just under two hours on an older machine. That process essentially swapped all of the existing code for a total update. Since Microsoft is returning to a shared servicing branch, you can expect the update to move much more quickly. Essentially, Microsoft is saying that it will quietly download the Windows 11 25H2 components, then turn them on via an enablement package. Once the code is enabled, all a user has to do is reboot to “turn on” the new code. If you go to Windows Settings > System > About, you can see the new version, Microsoft said. Microsoft didn’t say when Windows 11 25H2 will officially roll out, but history says that it will probably be in September or October. Microsoft isn’t saying what new features will be rolled out as part of Windows 11 25H2. The company released two test builds for Windows 11 this week, one offering a dashboard for its Recall technology as a passkey integration with 1Password. Read...

Feel like your power banks never last as long as you expected? The device might not be the one at fault. Just like smartphone batteries, there are a few things to consider with mobile power banks and chargers to ensure they last longer. Many power banks noticeably lose power over time—often not so much because of technical defects, but due to incorrect handling. As such, many of the most common mistakes can be easily avoided with a bit of know-how. We will show you which typical everyday mistakes will slowly ruin your power bank and how you can easily extend its lifespan. 1. Incorrect charging behavior: Too often or too empty The next trip is coming up and of course it makes sense to charge the power bank properly beforehand. What actually sounds quite logical is unfortunately one of the most common mistakes, as many people charge their power bank when it’s still half full or almost full. Just like a smartphone battery, this leads to battery wear in the long term. But the opposite—regularly letting the power bank run completely empty—is also problematic. Ideally, it should be recharged as soon as the capacity has dropped to around 20 to 30 percent. 2. Temperatures that are too high or too low Batteries don’t like it too hot or too cold. If you leave your power bank in the car in summer or transport it outside in winter, you risk permanent damage. Temperatures above 95 degrees or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit cause the chemical processes in the battery to change, which reduces the capacity and charging ability in the long term. Therefore, always store your power bank at room temperature if possible and avoid direct sunlight. 3. Using cheap cables and chargers A common and often underestimated mistake is charging with poor or non-certified cables and power supply units. These often do not provide the necessary current stability, which not only slows down charging, but also puts a strain on the battery in the long term. In the worst case, they can lead to overheating or short circuits. You should therefore only use high-quality accessories, ideally those recommended by the manufacturer. 4. Incorrect storage Even if you rarely use your power bank, it still needs attention. If it’s stored unused for weeks or months—especially when empty—it can permanently lose capacity. For longer storage, the battery level should be around 50 to 60 per cent. Dry, cool places are ideal (i.e. not window sills, cars or near a radiator). 5. Overcharging or leaving it constantly connected Modern power banks usually have protection mechanisms against overcharging. However, if you leave your device plugged in all the time, for example overnight or at work, it often remains at 100 percent, which stresses the battery in the long term. Lithium-ion batteries are particularly sensitive to permanent maximum voltage. It’s better to charge selectively and disconnect as soon as the battery is full. 6. Infrequent use or continuous idling Powerbanks benefit from regular, but not excessive use. If you only use them once or twice a year, you risk damaging the battery completely through deep discharge. Even when switched off, a battery slowly discharges itself. A short charging cycle every 2 to 3 months helps to keep the cells active and avoid total failure. 7. Using it with incompatible devices Not every power bank is suitable for every device. For example, if you want to charge power-intensive laptops with a simple 5V/2A power bank, you are overloading the system. The same applies if charging protocols such as Quick Charge or Power Delivery are not supported, which can lead to inefficient or even harmful charging. So be sure to check in advance whether your power bank meets the requirements of your devices. 8. Poor quality housing and workmanship Physical damage is not just visual. A power bank that is dropped, scratched, or exposed to moisture can be damaged internally—often without visible consequences. You should therefore look for solid housings, good workmanship and, if necessary, invest in a case or cover for transport. You should pay particular attention to customer reviews, especially for inexpensive non-name products. Read...

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for just $39.97 (reg. $219.99) and install it on one Windows PC. It seems that monthly software fees are getting out of hand. If you’re tired of watching those auto-renewals chip away at your bank account, this one’s for you. Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is now available for just $39.97. That’s a one-time payment, with no subscription fees or surprise charges a year from now. This lifetime license includes all the heavy hitters: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and even Teams (free version). Whether you’re crunching numbers in Excel, writing proposals in Word, or designing attention-grabbing presentations in PowerPoint, you’re covered from every angle. You get the full professional suite, just like you’d expect in an office environment—whether you’re running your own business, freelancing from your laptop, or managing a busy household. It works for any kind of workflow, from basic budgets to complex database management. No cloud dependency. No recurring charges. Just one solid download that gives your Windows PC the professional tools it deserves. So if you’re ready to ditch the subscription model and finally own your Office apps again, this is your moment. Get a lifetime license to Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $39.97 (reg. $219.99) through July 15. Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license to QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024 for Windows for just $199.97 (reg. $699) through July 15. No recurring fees—just powerful accounting tools, forever. If “crunching numbers” sounds like a nightmare and “subscription fatigue” is real in your world, let’s talk QuickBooks Pro Plus 2024. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime license for just $199.97—down from its regular $699. That’s a serious chunk of change saved. Whether you’re running a one-person show, managing a small team, or handling books for clients, QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024 combines everything you need into a single, streamlined platform. Think invoicing, expense tracking, financial reports, job costing, purchase orders, inventory tracking—the whole nine yards. What sets it apart? No subscriptions. Just reliable accounting tools for life. And it plays nicely with other Intuit products like TurboTax, so your flow doesn’t hit any speed bumps during tax season. Its user-friendly design lets you import data from Excel, automate tasks like bank feeds, and even generate sleek reports to impress your CPA. So go ahead, ditch the clunky spreadsheets and endless monthly fees. Get a lifetime license to QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2024 for just $199.97 (reg. $699) through July 15. Intuit® QuickBooks® Desktop Pro Plus 2024 (1 User) for Windows: Lifetime License See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

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