Computeractive

Computeractive is the UK’s best-selling computer magazine and your friendly guide to PCs, gadgets and the web! It includes regular news updates, project ideas, help and advice on popular reader queries, articles on anti-virus software, features on consumer rights, and a whole lot more to help you get the very best out of your computer. Get PC advice in plain English today – get Computeractive!

Computeractive

From the Editor

Microsoft to fix white flashes in Windows 11’s dark mode

Openreach’s broadband cables spot 100 water leaks

Beware laptops with 1.1TB ‘storage’ that’s really OneDrive

LibreOffice to ‘unfreeze’ work on web version

TOMORROW’S WORLD

IN BRIEF

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Laptop prices to rise 40 per cent amid demise of budget PCs

Google Gemini “coached” man to suicide, claims lawsuit

Unskippable 30-second ads coming to YouTube on TVs

O2 boss regrets price rise that prompted 110,000 customers to leave

Will TV licence fee be replaced by a ‘streaming tax’? • The BBC wants everyone to pay, whether or not you watch TV

Protect your tech • Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

New tools • Android ‘battery drain’ warnings

ScamWatch • Readers warn readers

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

Copilot is worse than Clippy – help me turn it off!

New Ofcom rules let you report broadband firms sooner

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

Bedrock quickly fixed my PC’s monitor problem

Grow Your Family Tree • If your ancestors ran the King’s Head, Red Lion or other pubs, follow Richard Holt’s advice to…

Best Free Software • Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing

SHOULD I PAY FOR…? • Choose the right version of software

What should I download? • We advise you which software and apps to use

Named & Shamed • Keumars Afifi-Sabet puts the boot into tech villains, jargon-spouting companies and software trying to trick you

SMS blaster Zhijia Fan

Beelink ME Pro • Flex box

Google Pixel 10a • Small change

Apple iPad Air 11in M4 • In a new light

Acer Swift 16 AI • Quick silver

Android phones under £200

Lexar TouchLock 1GB • On tap

Which portable charger is best for my car? • We solve your buying dilemmas

OneOdio Focus A1 Pro • Hear today, and tomorrow

Wanbo Vali 1 • Big screen, low price

Munbyn RealWriter 405B • Sticks to its task

A solar-powered laptop?

Buy It • Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Win 1 of 2 devolo’s Magic 2 WiFi 6 next Multiroom Kits

Computeractive 2025 Back Issue CD & USB Stick • Both the CD and Stick contain all 27 issues from 2025

HOW TO… • Check whether your SSD is dying

Find and remove duplicate files for free

Readers’ Tips • Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers

Browser Tips • Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips • Clever new tools and tweaks

Phone and Tablet Tips • Brilliant things to do on your device

Make Windows Better • Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better • Top tips for the best office programs

In The Club • Run a club or society? Here’s how your tech can make it easier

Microslop • Copilot’s AI onslaught now has a name and Microsoft doesn’t approve

WINDOWS 11 MISTAKES YOU MUST STOP MAKING • Windows 11 is a great operating system, but it can be even better. Robert Irvine reveals 14 changes we’ve made to improve its privacy and performance – and remove...