Microsoft's PC Manager promises to optimize your machine's performance at no cost. I tried it out to see if it's good enough to replace third-party tools.

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Even the most powerful computers don’t last forever—otherwise ...

Laptops quietly monitor their own health, but most people never tap into the tools that can warn of trouble long before a crash or data loss. Built-in hardware diagnostics sit below the operating ...

We test dozens of laptops every year here at ZDNET: from the latest MacBooks to the best Windows PCs, aiming for a dual approach. On one hand, we run a series of benchmarking programs to gather ...

Windows PCs come with a Performance Mode that changes how your computer manages power, but its real-world impact isn't always all that obvious in daily use.

Gaming laptop cooling pads reduce heat, prevent throttling, and boost FPS. See the best laptop cooler picks for 2026 and how ...