Skip to Main Content

Explainers

Latest Explainers

There's a Linux PC Hiding Inside Your Steam Deck. Here's How to Use It

Unlike the PS5 or Switch 2, the Steam Deck lets you install almost any app you want. Here’s how to turn it into a full PC, no Linux experience required.

By Chris Hoffman
A SteamOS desktop on a stylized monitor

Don't Let GTA 6 Force You to Delete Your Favorite Games. Do This Instead

GTA 6 is a 212GB monster. A simple SSD upgrade can give your PS5 up to 4TB of extra space without slowing it down, and all you need is a screwdriver.

By Will Greenwald
ps5 copy of gta 6

I Tried the Viral VPN Trick for Cheap Flights. Airlines Are Way Ahead of You

I searched Google Flights, Kayak, Momondo, and Skyscanner from over a dozen countries using a VPN. The savings were basically zero, and the risks were real.

By Justyn Newman
An airplane flying above a cloudy sky and a VPN shield

I Traced My Leaked Email to the Dark Web. Yours Is Probably There Too

A free scanner showed me exactly which breach leaked my email address. Here's how to run the same check and protect yourself.

By Kim Key
An email icon on a purple background

10 Upcoming Windows 11 Features You Can Try Before Everyone Else

Microsoft is making major changes to Windows 11, and Insider builds let you test them early. Here are my 10 favorites, from a Bing-free search box to faster PIN logins.

By Chris Hoffman
A Windows 11 Insider background with a movable taskbar

Staying on Windows 10? It's Not Safe Unless You Do This Now

Windows 10 still works, but its safety net is gone. Here's how to keep your PC protected if you're not ready to upgrade.

By Neil J. Rubenking
A large red alert warning is on a laptop screen, with an error message reading "End of Support for Windows 10"

Can't Get Your Apple Watch to Last All Day? Try These 5 Battery-Saving Tricks

Here are the settings to change if your Apple Watch battery is always running low on juice.

By Lance Whitney
person looking at the apple watch ultra on their arm

Nintendo's Switch 2 Is Expensive. Save Some Money By Reusing These Accessories From the Original Switch

Planning to shell out $500 for a Switch 2? Some Switch accessories still work just fine with Nintendo's new console. Before you spring for more gear, here's what to reuse.

By Jason Cohen
nintendo switch with controller, wired adapter, and microsd card

Is Amazon Prime Still Worth It? Here's Everything You Get for $139

Black Friday kicks off on November 27, but early deals are already live on Amazon. Should you sign up for a Prime membership to access the best offers? Here's how to decide.

By Jason Cohen
amazon delivery packages

I Can't Code, But AI Let Me Fix Everything I Hated About My Favorite Games

AI-generated games are mostly slop. AI-generated mods, on the other hand, have changed how I play.

By Ruben Circelli
I Can’t Stop Decompiling Games and Making Mods With AI. Here’s What I Did and How You Can Start

If Physical Games Matter to You, Watch Out For Nintendo's Game-Key Cards

Freaking out over Sony killing physical media? Nintendo's game-key cards add a weird wrinkle to the home media landscape. Here's what you need to know and how to spot them in the wild.

By Jason Cohen
nintendo switch 2 game card with game-key card label over it

Want to Play Switch Games on Switch 2? Here's How Much It'll Cost You

Many of your Switch games can be upgraded as enhanced Switch 2 titles, but the cost structure can get confusing. Here's how much you can expect to pay for Nintendo's Upgrade Packs.

By Jason Cohen
super mario party jamboree switch 2 upgrade pack

Don't Want to Pay for Netflix? 5 Loopholes That Still Let You Access a Friend's Account

Netflix has made it difficult to continue sharing passwords, but it's technically still possible. Here are a few tricks to try before forking over your hard-earned cash.

By Jason Cohen
netflix sign in screen

Add These 6 Characters to Your Wi-Fi Name Before Someone Finds Your Home

Apple and Google quietly log your router's location in massive databases that anyone with basic tech skills can tap. This simple name change takes you off the map.

By Neil J. Rubenking
router and phones artwork

Google's AI Overviews Botched My Own Work. Here Are 8 Ways I Get Around Them

After Google's Gemini-powered AI incorrectly summarized an article I'd written, I went in search of ways to limit AI Overviews from appearing in my search results.

By Lance Whitney
ai search

Your Password Manager Just Got Hacked. Do These 6 Things Right Now

A breach doesn't automatically mean your accounts are compromised, but you shouldn't wait to find out. Here's your step-by-step response plan.

By Kim Key
A safe against a blue background

Your Carrier Is Tracking Your iPhone. Change These Settings Now

Don't want your mobile carrier tracking your every move? Apple now lets you limit location sharing (if your provider supports the feature). Here's the iPhone trick you need to boost your privacy.

By Jason Cohen
hands holding phones that have eyeballs on the screen

Sluggish PC? These 15 Free Tricks Make Windows 11 Feel Brand New

From killing bloatware to taming startup apps, here's how to get your PC running like it did on day one.

Speed up Windows 11

Siri AI Doesn't Always Cooperate With Your Apple Watch. 10 Fixes to Try Now

If the new Siri is struggling on your Apple smartwatch, I have some workarounds that will make sure the voice assistant is set up properly and ready to chat.

By Lance Whitney
Siri AI on watchOS 27

Dial These Secret Codes on Your Smartphone to Unlock Hidden Features

Here's how to easily access powerful tools, system info, and settings buried deep in your phone.

By Iyaz Akhtar & Eric Griffith
Credit; Zain bin Awais