Support for Windows 7 has ended, leaving Marcy wondering how they can protect themselves
October 2019
Ask Jack
Should I fix my six-year-old laptop or replace it?
Pablo asks if it’s worth patching up an old ThinkPad T510 or best to buy a new Windows 10 laptop
August 2019
Ask Jack
How to make Windows 10 recognise an external hard drive
Jaki has 11,000 photos on a USB drive but Windows 10 won’t recognise it. What can she do?
June 2019
Ask Jack
How can I make Windows 10 look more like Windows 7?
Elizabeth’s new laptop has Windows 10 but she prefers Windows 7. What are her options?
May 2019
Ask Jack
Will I be forced to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10?
Microsoft wants Martin to upgrade Windows 7 to 10 for £120, but what if you can’t afford it or a new PC?
April 2018
Ask Jack
Can I avoid Windows 10 on a travel laptop for email and word processing?
Thomas wants to avoid Windows 10’s update problems on small laptops with only 32GB of storage. He’s asking about installing Windows 7 instead, but there are better options
May 2017
WannaCry hackers still trying to revive attack says accidental hero
Marcus Hutchins says hackers are attempting to overwhelm ‘kill switch’ that halted ransomware attack on NHS and global companies
March 2017
Ask Jack
How should I upgrade from Windows Vista before it becomes unsupported?
Readers have reacted to messages about ‘the end of Windows Vista’ with a flurry of questions about their options. Here are the main ones
August 2016
Spam filter
Microsoft Windows 10: unscrupulous users still get upgrade for free
Windows 10 free upgrade offer has ended, but those who require assistive features such as screen readers can still upgrade for free – and some people are taking advantage
July 2016
Last chance to update to Windows 10 for free
Microsoft’s constant upgrade notifications should end by Sunday as free offer expires for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users
Ask Jack
How can I protect my data if my laptop is stolen?
Steve wants to know how to protect his personal information if his Windows 7 laptop falls prey to thieves
Windows 10: Microsoft launches intrusive full-screen upgrade reminder
As free upgrade period draws to a close, software maker resorts to adware tactics with its most irritating pop-up yet
May 2016
Dispatches from the Windows 10 frontline
Still here: reflections on later life
Microsoft has ruined my day, and possibly my life
Michele Hanson
March 2016
Ask Jack
Why should I upgrade from Windows 7 to 10?
Microsoft is pushing its free upgrade at Windows 7 users and Tom wonders what the benefits are. The answer includes opt-out information for refuseniks
February 2016
Microsoft starts downloading Windows 10 automatically through Windows Update
Software update upgraded to ‘recommended’ status, meaning those with automatic updates set will see it downloaded in the background and a request to install Windows 10 over Windows 7 and 8
November 2015
Windows turns 30: a look at the operating system through the ages
From Microsoft’s first true attempt at a graphical interface in Windows 1 to Windows 10’s unifying of platforms across multiple devices
October 2015
Windows 10 will automatically download on to Windows 7 or 8 PCs
Company to make Windows 10 a ‘recommended update’ next year, meaning those running updates will have it downloaded and will be prompted to install
Ask Jack
Microsoft Windows 10: Is it worth upgrading?
Gabriele is sceptical about Windows 10 and still misses XP. With a new version due in a few days, is it worth taking the free upgrade, and when?
Ask Jack
How can I stop my PC from waking me up in the night?
Ösp’s PC gets going all by itself at around 3am. Can it be made to sleep through the night?
