Articles by Darren Allan

Darren is a freelancer writing news and features for TechRadar (and occasionally T3) across a broad range of computing topics including CPUs, GPUs, various other hardware, VPNs, antivirus and more. He has written about tech for the best part of three decades, and writes books in his spare time (his debut novel - 'I Know What You Did Last Supper' - was published by Hachette UK in 2013).

Articles by: Darren Allan

Wish your Windows 11 laptop had better battery life? Microsoft is working on a new power-saving trick that could really help

By Darren Allan published 5 June 25

Windows 11 could soon get a smart power-management feature that boosts battery life in certain circumstances.

Can’t wait for AMD’s next-gen Ryzen CPUs? Zen 6 sighting hints they could arrive late in 2026, possibly packing a dream gaming chip

By Darren Allan published 4 June 25

What could be the Ryzen 10000 range of desktop processors might be with us sooner than the rumor mill expected.

Fed up with prompts to use Edge? Windows 11 users in Europe won’t get them anymore, but sadly everyone else will

By Darren Allan published 4 June 25

European users will no longer have Edge nagging them to set it as the default browser, or springing up in a Windows search.

Microsoft accused of ‘tech extortion’ over Windows 10 support ending, from campaign urging people to upgrade to Linux

By Darren Allan published 4 June 25

Can’t (or won’t) upgrade to Windows 11? Then switch to Linux instead, KDE campaign urges Windows 10 users.

A selection of Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards.

AMD looks like it’s losing the GPU war based on new Steam survey, with Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti proving itself to be popular already

By Darren Allan published 3 June 25

The RTX 5060 Ti appears to be more popular than the RX 9070, as Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs easily outgun AMD RDNA 4 rivals with Steam gamers.

Secure technology. Polygonal wireframe shield with check mark sign on dark blue. Secure service, protect data, cyber shield, antivirus solution, internet safety, firewall system, privacy

How does antivirus software work?

By Darren Allan last updated 3 June 25

Antivirus Antivirus software protects, detects, and removes threats through a combination of methods; but there is more to understanding what it is and how it works.

Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen

Windows 11 is getting some big upgrades to tackle dreaded boot failures – and help novices set up their new PC

By Darren Allan published 3 June 25

One of the nastiest tech problems of all is when your PC won’t boot up – and Windows 11 could soon help with that.

Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.

Can’t upgrade your laptop to Windows 11? Asus joins Microsoft’s campaign urging you to buy a new Copilot+ PC, and I’m not sure that’s wise

By Darren Allan published 2 June 25

Buy a new Copilot+ PC, Asus urges us, sweeping some vital issues under the computing carpet.

Microsoft imposes new rules on Windows 11 laptop makers to ensure they don’t cut corners with key features of USB-C ports

By Darren Allan published 2 June 25

Ever felt cheated that your laptop’s USB-C ports weren’t up to scratch? Microsoft’s new rules to ensure consistency with ports are a great idea.

Windows 11’s Notepad app is getting new formatting tricks that are already proving controversial

By Darren Allan published 2 June 25

Notepad keeps getting more features, and Microsoft’s latest move to add lightweight formatting options is divisive, shall we say.

Finally! Android users can now open shared Microsoft Office files without having to sign in

By Darren Allan published 30 May 25

This is an ability that iPhone owners have had for some time now, so Android is playing catch-up here – but it's still a handy quality-of-life upgrade.

Still on Windows 11 23H2 because you’re worried 24H2 is a disaster for PC gaming? Microsoft’s latest update could persuade you to finally upgrade

By Darren Allan published 30 May 25

New Windows 11 update delivers what could be the most important fix in a long time for gamers with Nvidia GPUs.

Microsoft investigates nasty Windows 11 bug that leaves PCs unable to boot – here’s what you need to know

By Darren Allan published 29 May 25

A showstopping recovery error bug is hitting Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, but Microsoft notes that it isn’t affecting many home users.

A young woman is working on a laptop in a relaxed office space.

New update for Windows 11 24H2 is the most feature-packed for some time, delivering some seriously useful additions

By Darren Allan published 29 May 25

We’re getting a towering pile of fresh features, although some of the choicest bits are for Copilot+ PCs only.

Microsoft wants to simplify all Windows updates, and it could make everyone’s life easier

By Darren Allan published 28 May 25

Currently, app updates can be a somewhat messy business, but Microsoft wants to change all that in Windows 11.

Nvidia RTX 5050 GPU spotted in Acer gaming laptops, so it could arrive soon – but I’m becoming more doubtful about a desktop variant

By Darren Allan published 28 May 25

Nvidia’s RTX 5050 could put some serious pep in the step of budget gaming laptops soon – with any luck.

A woman sitting in a chair looking at a Windows 11 laptop

Hate Copilot? You might change your mind if this hint that it’ll extend your laptop’s battery life is true

By Darren Allan published 28 May 25

A new rumor has hinted that Windows 11 may eventually use Copilot to help extend your laptop’s battery life.

Woman using a Windows computer with Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is now getting more AI, and I’d be surprised if an even bigger push for more Copilot isn’t just around the corner

By Darren Allan published 27 May 25

Don’t want more AI in your browser? Then the direction Microsoft Edge is heading in won’t appeal to you.

PC gamer looking at PC in anger and disbelief

Nvidia confirms another black screen bug, and it’s a nasty one hitting RTX 5060 GPUs this time – but a fix has been rushed out

By Darren Allan published 27 May 25

Nvidia’s latest RTX 5060 GPUs are now in trouble with a bug causing black screens (again) that prevents some PCs from booting.

A frustrated looking girl playing a video game

AMD insists it was right to make an 8GB version of RX 9060 XT GPU, but PC gamers are finding it easy to be cynical about this model

By Darren Allan published 23 May 25

Is 8GB enough for a modern GPU? AMD argues it is, but some PC gamers are unhappy about the RX 9060 XT with this memory loadout.

Microsoft gives a trio of Windows 11 apps some nifty new AI powers, but not everyone will get them

By Darren Allan published 23 May 25

Windows 11 is getting AI to do more of the hard work for you in Notepad, Paint and Snipping Tool – with some notable catches.

An Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 on a desk with its retail packaging

Rumored Nvidia RTX 5080 Super specs disappoint some gamers, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about with this GPU

By Darren Allan published 23 May 25

Is Nvidia set to further anger PC gamers with an underwhelming RTX 5080 Super? Don’t fret – there’s more to this spec rumor than meets the eye.

MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open

Apple's 18.8-inch foldable is reportedly still on track for a 2027 launch – and I hope it's a MacBook rather than an iPad

By Darren Allan published 22 May 25

Is Apple working on the long-rumored MacBook with a folding screen? New rumors suggest so – and hopefully it won’t be long before we find out for sure.

Signal blasts Microsoft over Recall privacy failings, as secure messaging app is forced to fudge a way of blocking the controversial Windows 11 feature

By Darren Allan published 22 May 25

The workaround is far from ideal and could interfere with accessibility apps, but Signal argues that Microsoft left it no choice.

Got a Windows 11 PC and an Android phone? Microsoft wants to make using apps across those devices a seamless experience

By Darren Allan published 21 May 25

Jealous of Apple’s Handoff feature for seamlessly using apps across Mac and iOS devices? Windows 11 could get a take on this formula for Android phones.

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