Geekbench 7
The latest Geekbench 7 coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Microsoft Retires Legacy Windows Troubleshooters: Here's How Windows 11 Diagnostics Work Now
Microsoft has retired legacy MSDT-based troubleshooters in Windows 11, moving all diagnostics to the Settings app and the Get Help app. Users on version 24H2 and later must learn the new flows: Settings for broad issues, Get Help for device-specific problems, and the Activation troubleshooter only when activation fails. Old commands and Control Panel shortcuts no longer work.
macOS 27 Golden Gate Public Beta Lands: Apple Silicon Required, Intel Macs Left Out
Apple has released the public beta of macOS 27 Golden Gate, exclusively supporting Apple silicon Macs and the new MacBook Neo. Intel Macs are completely dropped, ending a six-year transition. Apple silicon owners get access to refined design, powerful AI features, and new safety tools, while Intel users face a limited support window and a widening feature gap. This guide breaks down compatibility, practical impact, and what you should do now.
Mac Gaming in 2026: How to Play Windows Titles and When You Still Need a PC
In 2026, Apple Silicon Macs can run a vast array of Windows games through native ports and tools like CrossOver, but the archival of free utility Whisky and persistent anti-cheat issues mean a Windows PC remains necessary for online multiplayer. This guide breaks down the current state of Mac gaming, how to choose the right hardware, and the best strategies for accessing your game library without giving up on macOS.
The One Windows 11 Command That Reveals If Your Laptop Battery Is Really Dead
Many Windows 11 users rush to replace their laptop battery when runtime drops, but the built-in powercfg /batteryreport command can pinpoint whether the cause is wear, settings, or background apps. The HTML report reveals design capacity, full charge, usage patterns, and sleep drain. This guide covers how to generate the report, interpret key sections, and take the right action.
Stop Wasting Time: The Fastest Settings Shortcuts for Windows 11, Mac, and Chromebook
The path to system settings varies widely across Windows 11, macOS, and ChromeOS, but a handful of keyboard shortcuts can save users from click-heavy menu hunting. This guide breaks down the fastest methods for each platform, explains the critical difference between system, app, browser, and website settings, and offers a cheat sheet for instant access in 2026.
Stop: Don’t Format That Missing USB Drive Until You’ve Tried These Diagnostics
A comprehensive 2026 troubleshooting guide warns that immediately formatting a USB flash drive that disappears can destroy recoverable data. The report outlines systematic diagnostic steps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Chromebook, emphasizing that most failures stem from port issues, missing drive letters, or file system damage rather than dead hardware.
That Frustrating Windows Mic Failure? New Guide Says Check This First
A new guide from Technobezz details why Windows microphones really fail and how to fix them without resorting to driver reinstalls. It emphasizes checking physical mute switches, input selection, and layered permissions before touching audio drivers.
Apple's iPhone 18 Launch Splits Into Two Seasons: A Guide for Windows Users
Apple's iPhone 18 lineup is reportedly split into two releases: Pro and foldable models in fall 2026, with the standard and budget variants arriving spring 2027. For Windows users, this shift alters upgrade timing, cross-platform choices, and IT planning, while the foldable iPhone could raise the bar for mobile productivity and pressure Windows laptop makers.
Geekbench 7 Finally Adds Native CUDA Support, Resetting Performance Scores for Windows PCs
Geekbench 7 has arrived with a completely reset score scale, overhauled CPU and GPU workloads, and first-ever native CUDA support for NVIDIA graphics. An early Apple M5 Max result offers a glimpse of the new benchmark, but the real takeaway for Windows users is a tool that better reflects modern interactive, media, and AI-accelerated tasks. The article explains what changed, how to interpret scores responsibly, and practical steps to benchmark your own PC.
Tiny Tools, Big Relief: 6 Free Apps That Finish Windows 11's Unfinished Business
Even with Windows 11’s polished interface, common tasks like finding large files, previewing documents, and adjusting external monitor brightness remain needlessly cumbersome. Six free, incredibly lightweight utilities—WizTree, QuickLook, Flow Launcher, Twinkle Tray, Ditto, and File Converter—fill those gaps without slowing down your PC. With download sizes under 100MB and no subscriptions, they’re a no-brainer upgrade for any Windows user seeking a smoother workflow.
Windows 11 Release Preview Builds Promise More Accurate Update Progress and Faster Post-Update Recovery
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Release Preview builds (26100.8968 and 26200.8968) introduce more accurate update progress reporting and improved post-update cleanup logic. The changes aim to eliminate confusing progress-bar freezes and reduce sluggishness after restarting from a patch, addressing two of Windows Update's most persistent user-experience pain points.
Before You Buy $PNATION: What the 'Next Crypto to Explode' Hype Leaves Out
A promotional campaign for Pepe Nation’s $PNATION token on Solana touts it as the next crypto to explode, but critical information about its supply, security, and team remains hidden. This service piece breaks down the warning signs and provides a practical checklist for anyone considering meme-coin presales.
Stop upgrading your desktop speakers: the real bass fix is a subwoofer setup done right
A properly configured subwoofer can transform a desktop audio setup, making compact speakers sound larger and cleaner than expensive tower speakers. This article explains why bass management matters for Windows users, how to set up a subwoofer correctly, and common mistakes to avoid, with a focus on gaming, music, and home theater PCs.