Hands-On Windows (Video)

From generating passkeys and payment autofill to dark web monitoring, today's password managers aren't what you remember. Paul Thurrott breaks down the must-have features and surprising pitfalls for anyone using Windows 11. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: bitwarden.com/twit

Forget the built-in Windows tools—Paul shares why third-party password managers are the secret to making passkeys smarter, more powerful, and truly universal across all your devices. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: canary.tools/twit - use code: TWIT

Curious about the reality behind Microsoft's passkey promise? Find out how Windows 11's latest update makes your logins both safer and simpler across all your devices, and why Paul Thurrott thinks you shouldn't rely on the default options. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

Ready to purge old passwords and shore up your Microsoft account? Paul Thurrott breaks down the tactics hackers hope you'll ignore—and the must-have steps to keep your digital life safe this year. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Think you know Windows shortcuts? Paul digs up the most efficient keys almost nobody uses, uncovering tricks Microsoft added—and quietly changed—since your last settings update. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: bitwarden.com/twit

Is Windows 11 full of apps you never use—or ones you shouldn't ignore? Paul Thurrott sorts the must-haves from the major annoyances, sharing candid takes on which programs he trusts, deletes, or wishes would finally disappear. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: canary.tools/twit - use code: TWIT

Windows is gearing up for a transformational year, with smarter Copilot actions, streamlined widgets, and the groundwork for running background AI agents. Discover what these changes could mean for your productivity and privacy. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

Windows 11 quietly shifted the way we manage apps, protect data, and interact with our devices in 2025. This episode reveals the must-try upgrades tech insiders are buzzing about. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Windows 11 just got a fresh Start menu, and it's not just a pretty face. Find out what Microsoft is quietly changing, how it affects everyone (not just Copilot+ PC users), and why your app-launching habits could shift. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Is the future of Xbox really a PC you can hold in your hands? Paul Thurrott puts the new full-screen Xbox app for handheld gaming PCs to the test and reveals why Microsoft's latest move could reshape how—and where—you play. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Imagine Windows 11 without Edge, OneDrive, or Copilot. This episode dives into Tiny11Builder, the tool that strips Windows down to just what you want—no corporate extras. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Windows keeps improving behind the scenes, but sometimes the most useful updates come from PowerToys. Get the inside scoop on which PowerToys utilities may be headed for official Windows status and why you'll want the latest version right away. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

OneDrive isn't just for cloud storage anymore. Paul Thurrott breaks down how Microsoft is quietly building it into an intelligent, all-in-one hub for your photos, docs, and daily digital life—long before most users catch on. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Microsoft is redefining the "AI PC" to include almost every machine running Windows 11, putting futuristic Copilot features in the hands of millions overnight. Find out what surprises—from voice-triggered actions to smart app integrations—are landing on your desktop next. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Is Windows 11 on ARM finally ready for gaming? Paul Thurrott puts new Snapdragon-powered laptops to the test with both classics and demanding titles, revealing some unexpected wins and ongoing hurdles. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Windows 11's 25H2 release isn't hitting every device right away—find out how to jump the line and enable hidden new features before the official rollout. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Google is bringing Gemini into Windows territory, taking on Microsoft Copilot right from your desktop. Is the world's most popular browser about to change how you work with AI on Windows? Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Are Windows 11's evolving context menus about to become useful or just cluttered chaos? This episode unpacks Microsoft's bold new interface tweaks and how third-party developers could shake up your right-click routine. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Why does Microsoft quietly ship important new protections without enabling them, and should you trust the defaults? Join us as we unpack Windows 11's quiet security secrets and what they mean for your digital life. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

After decades of broken promises, semantic search arrives on Windows 11—but is this the breakthrough we've been waiting for, or just another half-step? Hear Paul's honest verdict and what matters for power users. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Windows 11's latest update finally tackles a 30-year-old security flaw with a new feature called Administrator Protection. Find out how this major change uses Windows Hello to quietly lock down your PC without making your day-to-day experience a hassle. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Microsoft's new Copilot mode in Edge takes its shot at the AI browser craze, but is it ready to rival more daring upstarts like Neo or Perplexity? Dive into what works, what's experimental, and why this early approach could shape your browsing habits. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Feeling a pang of Mac envy? Paul Thurrott dives into how Windows 11 stacks up against Apple's latest visual enhancements and reveals clever ways Windows users can bring those sleek features to their own desktops. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Curious how well your iPhone actually works with Windows 11? Paul Thurrott tests every integration, from texting to photo sync, and reveals where the experience shines—and where it stubbornly falls short. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Windows 11's next big update, 25H2, is finally official—but Microsoft quietly revealed it in a way only Microsoft would. This week, Paul breaks down the hidden gems and impactful privacy, security, and AI features you'll actually care about, with some changes that might just surprise even seasoned Windows users. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Unlock the secrets to a seamless browsing experience on Windows 11 without ever touching Microsoft Edge again! This week on Hands-On Windows, Paul promises to show you how to configure your system to make the most of alternative browsers like Chrome and Brave. With practical strategies, we'll tackle those pesky Edge pop-ups and guide you through setting your default browser effectively. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser and PDF reader in Windows 11, and a modern and capable successor to the Internet Explorer browser of yesteryear. It's built on the same Chromium web platform that Google uses for Chrome, and it integrates more deeply with Windows and Microsoft online services–most notably Copilot–than other browsers. But Microsoft Edge is also a vector for some of the worst behaviors in Windows 11. For this reason, it's important to configure Microsoft Edge correctly, whether you expect to use it regularly or not. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Can Microsoft Edge really change your mind about web browsing? After years of skepticism and critique, I've taken a fresh look at Edge, and you might be as surprised as I was to discover the improvements it has undergone. Join Paul, on an unexpected journey as we explore how Edge's new WebUI 2.0 interface and performance enhancements are transforming it into a speedier, more user-friendly option. Microsoft has been working behind the scenes to trim the unnecessary and boost the essential, making Edge not just another browser, but a viable, competitive choice for everyday use. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how the Windows Resiliency Initiative is transforming the operating system to stand resilient against potential threats. Learn about the Quick Machine Recovery feature, a game-changer that ensures you won't be left stranded during system boot hiccups. We discuss the upcoming administrator protection enhancements that demand user approval for admin tasks, providing an extra shield of security. Plus, we're diving into the essentials like Windows Hello and smart app control, urging you to activate security settings that fortify your system against digital threats. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Wondering why this feed says "Video" when everything in it (except for this video) is audio? Well, the video is a Club TWiT exclusive, but we've gone ahead and put the audio into this feed so that anyone previously subscribed to this old video feed won't miss out on our great content. So, what do you do? If you do nothing, you'll continue to get the audio version of every episode of this show each week. However, if you miss the video and you want to be able to watch, all you have to do is head on over to https://twit.tv/clubtwit to sign up. You can become a full Club TWiT member and get access to all of TWiT's shows ad-free, plus access to our Club Discord where you can talk with fans of Hands-On Windows and all the other TWiT shows. You'll also get access to the exclusive TWiT+ feeds with behind-the-scenes content, coverage of news events, and a variety of exclusive club shows. And, if you're budget-minded, we understand. You can subscribe to a single-show plan and only get Hands-On Windows's ad-free audio and video feeds. So, whether you plan to keep listening to the audio in this feed, sign up for a single-show plan, or become a full Club TWiT member, we appreciate your support of TWiT. Thanks so much!

Unlock the future of Windows apps as we uncover the updates to Notepad, Paint, and Snipping Tool in Windows 11 24H2. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Unlock the cutting-edge advancements of Windows 11's 24H2 release as Paul guides you through an engaging journey of innovation and functionality. Discover how Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot, is transforming user interaction, with features like the reintroduced Windows key plus C shortcut, a dedicated Copilot key on new keyboards, and immersive voice interaction capabilities. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In this episode of Hands-On Windows, Paul guides you through the labyrinth of notification settings in Windows 11, highlighting the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Paul gives us an update on Microsoft's exciting software developments that enhance your gaming ecosystem. Learn about the latest Edge Game Assist feature for the Game Bar in Windows 11, and how the Xbox app is becoming the central hub for your gaming needs. I'll also share tips on optimizing your setup with Xbox Accessories, ensuring your controllers and headsets are perfectly configured for peak performance. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Can traditional search engines keep up with the AI revolution? On this episode of Hands-On Windows, we're shaking up the norm with Microsoft's latest Co-Pilot Search feature. Explore how this cutting-edge tool promises to transform your search experience. Instead of just fetching facts, Co-Pilot Search offers contextual answers and deep insights through its chatbot-style interface. Join us as we unravel the complexities of navigating to Co-Pilot Search, a journey that might require some unconventional steps, but ultimately rewards you with a new world of information discovery. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

With Copilot Vision, Microsoft wants the consumer version of its AI assistant to work like "a second set of eyes" on what you see on your PC screen or mobile camera. When enabled, users can interact with Copilot and get information in real time. Copilot Vision is also available on Windows via the Copilot app, but only for Insiders at the moment. It's also available on the Copilot mobile app, but that currently requires a Copilot Pro subscription. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In this episode of Hands-On Windows, we explore the pros and cons of using Microsoft accounts in Windows 11, mainly focusing on the vital role encryption plays in protecting your data. While some cling to the nostalgia of local accounts, we examine the undeniable advantages of disk encryption when using an online account. Additionally, I provide practical advice on managing your BitLocker recovery key to ensure you're never left in a lurch. Prepare to be informed and empowered as we dispel myths and equip you with the knowledge to enhance your device's security confidently. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

This week, Paul navigates the upcoming end-of-life for Windows 10, as we explore a range of options to keep your systems secure and up-to-date. Go on a historical journey through Windows 10's legacy, its evolution into a continuously innovating service, and the critical decisions users must make as October 2025 looms. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Join us as we explore Microsoft's update that promise to elevate user interaction. With the long-awaited introduction of Copilot Plus PC features, users can now enjoy advancements like "Recall" for Snapdragon X and X64 PCs, despite its previous security delays. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

There are an almost uncountable number of Windows 11 "tweak"-type utilities out there. But Wintoys is one of the better ones, thanks to its comprehensive feature-set and modern user interface. As the utility's website notes, you can use Wintoys to access hidden settings, free up disk space, access advanced repair tools without using the command line, configure Windows 11's privacy and advertising features, and more. Some of this is readily available in Windows 11 itself, of course, but the settings are spread out all over the place. But some of it is much less accessible, and it's nice to have it all in a single place. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Unlock the secrets of Windows 11's powerful AI features and see how they can transform your everyday tech interactions. We'll take you on a journey through the latest innovations, highlighting the dynamic role of Copilot, and breaking down the differences between standard systems and the premium Copilot Plus PCs. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

This week, Paul takes a look at some Windows 11 features that Microsoft has been promising but are still missing in action. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.