Mark HachmanSenior Editor, PCWorld
As PCWorld's senior editor, Mark focuses on Microsoft news and chip technology, among other beats. He has formerly written for PCMag, BYTE, Slashdot, eWEEK, and ReadWrite.
Microsoft Flight Simulator takes off August 18 in three editions for PC
Microsoft said Monday that its photorealistic Flight Simulator reboot can be downloaded now before the game unlocks on August 18 in three digital editions. The game will be free for Microsoft Game Pass owners.
Microsoft's Surface devices are now receiving the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (Update: not yet)
Microsoft says a recent patch solved an Always On, Always Connected bug that could cause affected devices to shut down or restart unexpectedly. But are Surface devices actually getting the Windows 10 May 2020 Update?
PC market surges as coronavirus forces working from home
While the first quarter saw PC sales plunge, both Gartner and IDC reported a big positive swing in PC sales as quarantined workers bought PCs and Chromebooks.
Intel unveils the Thunderbolt 4 spec, which AMD believes it can use
Intel reveals the technical details of Thunderbolt 4, its next-gen technology for connecting docks, displays and storage. AMD-based PCs remain out of the picture.
Microsoft Teams adds 'Together mode' in massive update
Microsoft adds a number of features to Microsoft Teams, including a new "Together mode" with avatar-like images, new transcription and chat options, filters, and even some hardware.
Powerful new Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus headed for gaming phones
Qualcomm launches the Snapdragon 865 Plus 5G mobile platform, combining 5G with a more powerful version of its Snapdragon 865 for gaming phones that will debut this fall.
Data caps on Comcast, T-Mobile return on July 1
Unless ISPs extend benefits like unlimited data and the Keep America Connected Pledge to waive late fees, all of the incentives to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic will expire next week.
New Windows test build makes major changes to Start, Taskbar, and Alt+Tab
Microsoft's Windows 10 Insider build 20161 makes major changes to the Start menu, taskbar, Alt+Tab, the Settings menu, and more. These are all experimental changes, but they're profound.
OneDrive simplifies document sharing by making it even more complex
Microsoft has added additional controls to simplify the sharing of documents stored within its OneDrive cloud storage service. But they don't look especially easy to use.
Windows 10's Xbox Game Bar adds a widget store and much-needed transparency controls
Microsoft has created a widget store to add functionality to Windows 10's Xbox Game Bar, including Destiny-specific widget. Even better, there are now transparency and click-through controls, too.
Who needs Windows 10 Pro: 5 reasons to upgrade
If you're buying a new Windows 10 PC, chances are you'll receive Windows 10 Home. But should you upgrade to Windows 10 Professional, just to be sure?
How to manage Windows 10 updates to prevent them from ruining your life
While you shouldn't block Windows 10 updates, you can manage them in Settings. Buying Windows 10 Pro, may be the best solution, though.
Windows File Recovery is Windows' new tool for finding lost files
Microsoft has quietly released Windows File Recovery, a text-based app for finding lost files.
The Belkin Thunderbolt Dock Core is the first dual-powered Thunderbolt dock
Belkin announces what it says is the first certified dual-powered Thunderbolt dock, allowing it to be powered by your laptop or by an external charger.
Closing Microsoft Stores means more support and buying headaches for Windows users
Microsoft's decision to close its retail Microsoft Stores puts more pressure on Microsoft to develop a superior online presence, while pushing more support responsibilities onto consumers.