⚠️ This one’s not for Windows newbies: Disk Cleanup may not clean as much as you’d like. Remove hidden files using Advanced Disk Cleanup. First, make a backup. Then, press Windows key + R, type cleanmgr /sageset:1 and hit OK. Select the file categories you want to zap and click OK again. Start the deep clean by going to either Run or cmd (Command Prompt) and typing cleanmgr /sagerun:1. Optimize this prompt by creating multiple lists; just change the number at the end, like /sageset:2.
Ask a tech expert: I'm being sextorted! What should I do?
I just got a scary email threatening to destroy all of my information — even naked pics on my computer. The email demanded I send payment in Bitcoins. What should I do?
— A reader in Oregon
I can imagine the sinking feeling when you got that email. The good news is these are pretty common scare tactics. So, just ignore the message.
That’s why you always need to have a backup. When you have a copy of your files and important stuff, if someone threatens to destroy them, you can tell ’em to pound sand.
You should back up your data with the 3-2-1 backup rule to be safe. Keep three copies of your important files — two on different storage media and one in an offsite location. I break it all down in my handy backup guide.
Finally, about the naked pics on your PC, use this trick to protect any, well, saucy photos and videos.
Upgrading your iPhone? 5 steps to take with your old phone before you sell it or give it away
There are lots of reasons you might want to sell your old phone. Perhaps you’ve upgraded early and still have a newer model phone worth a bit of money. Are you looking to switch from Android to iPhone? Tap or click here for a list of Androids you can trade in.
🚨 Major macOS warning: Apple’s latest macOS Sequoia update is breaking big-time cybersecurity tools from Microsoft, SentinelOne, CrowdStrike and others. Some people also claim Firefox stopped working for them after the upgrade. Pro tip: Wait a few weeks before installing a new OS, and always have a backup.
1 million Starlink users
Added over the last four months. They hit 3 million total in May. Some major price drops certainly helped; Starlink lowered its dish price from $499 to $299 in August. I use it on my boat and as a backup at home.
Lost an important text? Here’s how to get it back on your iPhone
Your phone holds your banking credentials, credit card info, and maybe even photos of identifying documents such as your driver’s license and passport. That’s why malware-laced apps can cause so much damage. Tap or click here for 13 dangerous apps disguised as helpful cleaning software you must immediately remove from your phone.
Try iOS 17 before its official release
Itching to try out iOS 17 before it officially debuts this fall? You’re in luck! Apple just released the first public beta version.
Is it worth the update? Once an operating system (OS) goes to public beta, it’s pretty stable, but there might still be some bumps along the way. I found the most hyped features so you can decide if it’s worth it.
$30 game controller
Could cost OceanGate $50 million. The family of a crew member who died in the Titan sub implosion is suing. They blame, among other things, the decision to rely solely on a cheap Logitech F710 controller for navigation. Game controllers are common in military and space flights, but there’s always a secondary, hard-wired backup option.
Ask for forgiveness, not permission: Microsoft now automatically backs up your files to OneDrive — yep, without asking. Want to deactivate it? Right-click on the OneDrive icon > Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup and deactivate any folders you don’t want synced.
Have a YouTube channel? Make yourself a backup of all your videos in one swoop. Visit takeout.google.com, then select only YouTube and YouTube Music. Follow the instructions to create an archive of your videos. Good to do if a loved one with a channel passes away, too.
2 years
The time it takes for Google to deem your account “inactive.” Log in to your old accounts, or you’ll lose your email address, messages, Drive access, your Photos backup, Calendar events and everything else.
Print texts for court (or anything else): For iPhone, iExplorer lets you access, view and transfer music, messages, photos and files from any iOS device to Mac or PC. On Android, you can use SMS Backup & Restore.
30,000 feet in the air
That’s the April 8 lunar eclipse view from Delta flight 1218. Chosen for its extra-big windows, the A220-300 will take off from Austin at 12:15 p.m. CT and is expected to land in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET. The flight is almost sold out, but backup flights are here.
How to quickly find and search photos you’ve sent
A friend sent you the name of a great hotel in Palm Springs, but you can’t find the message. Try searching your texts. Tap or click here for tips to find any message you’re looking for in seconds.
You can do the same with your photo album. Instead of scrolling forever, try searching for “sunset,” “Hawaii,” “dog,” or anything else you want to see. Tap or click here for pro tricks to hunt down any image in a snap.
Simple guide to managing your Android device storage like a pro
Want more out of your Android phone? We all do. Thankfully, Android is very versatile and accessible. But what if your device is running out of storage and downloading apps isn’t an option?
Here’s a quick guide to managing (and understanding) your device storage.
3 steps to make your (or a family member's) phone safer
When it comes to tech questions, I’ve gotten them all. More than ever, I’m hearing from people inundated with requests from older family members to fix their devices.
Maybe they clicked a bad link, and their computer is acting up. Tap or click for eight signs it’s infected with malware or other malicious software.
Best ways to save your phone’s photos before it’s too late
Have you ever lost your phone? There’s that sinking feeling when you realize it’s nowhere to be found.
There are better ways to find a lost phone than getting someone to call it for you. Tap or click for methods to find your misplaced smartphone, even if it’s powered down.
5 great tools to remove pesky programs on your Windows PC
If you’ve ever tried self-diagnosing a slow PC, you’re already familiar with bloatware and other software installed on the computer.
What’s the best way to clean up your PC? Doing it by hand is one option, but you risk deleting something foundational and wasting time. Automation is one option that solves both problems. All you need is the right software.
Upgrading to a new computer soon? Don't make this big mistake
Do you have any old tech piling up and collecting dust? If so, you may be thinking about donating or selling it. This is a good idea, especially since gadget prices are skyrocketing. Many people are in the market for a gently used smartphone or computer rather than spending big bucks for a brand-new one.
The safe way to save your tax files from years past (do this now!)
We’re down to the eleventh hour: Tax Day is coming up on April 18. If you’re one of the millions of Americans filing electronically, watch out! A popular e-file tax site was caught spreading malware for weeks. Here’s what you need to know.