CES is a big show for PC makers and laptops. Most major Windows PC brands—aside from Microsoft—use it as the launchpad for their yearly refreshes. This remained true at CES 2026, though the tone of the show was notably more humble than in the past.

The first thing I do on any Windows 11 PC to boost performance is adjust the visual effects. These include features such as shadows and animations built into Windows. While they look nice and help the Windows interface feel more modern, they can slow things down, especially on older hardware.

Anyone who's set up a new Windows PC knows you spend a good chunk of that process removing or disabling the things that make the operating system a pain. If it's not finding ways to make Windows 11 look like the Windows 10 you're used to, then it's trying ...

We independently review everything we recommend. We may get paid to link out to retailer sites, and when you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Kimber Streams Kimber Streams is a writer who has been covering laptops and other ...

With these simple, easy-to-follow steps you can keep your PC laptop’s battery healthy and can squeeze out more time when on the road. Your laptop’s battery life will always decrease over time. That’s just how Lithium-ion batteries work — their ...