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!
From the Editor
Perform Windows actions from taskbar's search bar • You'll soon be able to control parts of Windows directly from the search box on the taskbar. It will let you perform tasks like turning Bluetooth on/off, adjusting screen brightness and volume, minimising windows and switching to Do Not Disturb mode.
Question of the Fortnight • Why is Amazon killing its Fire tablets? It’s replacing them with pricier devices that stop ignoring Google
Protect your tech • Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools
Letters
Consumeractive • Contact us so we can investigate your case Email: consumeractive@computeractive.co.uk Please include your name, phone number and address.
Grow Your Family Tree
Best Free Software
Named & Shamed • puts the boot into tech villains, jargon-spouting companies and software behaving badly
Geekom A5 2027 Edition • On the quiet
Poco F9 Ultra • Serves you bright
Acer Swift Air 14 • Rub of the green
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra • Pay a blinder
Apple AirPods 5 • Hear me out!
Birdfy Feeder Metal • With flying colours
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2026) • Up stream
Buy It • Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award
HOW TO... • What you need: FreeFileSync; external drive Time required: Two hours
Find out what's hogging your phone's storage • What you need: Windows 10 or 11, WinDirStat 2.9.0 Time required: 30 minutes
Readers' Tips • Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers Email us your tips: letters@computeractive.co.uk
Browser Tips • Secret settings and the best extensions
AI Tips • Clever new tools and tweaks
Phone and Tablet Tips
VPN Tips • Privacy and streaming tricks
Make Windows Better
Make Office Better
In The Club • Run a club or society? Here's how your tech can make it easier
What's All the Fuss About... • La-la-la-la Alexa is sticking its fingers in its ears and ignoring you
DITCH YOUR APPS FOR AI • AI can now perform many of the same tasks as traditional software - but faster and better.
Survive the BIG PHONE SWITCH-OFF • With the copper phone-line shutdown less than 100 days away, Jonathan Parkyn explains everything you need to do to avoid being cut off
STOP USING DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS • Avoid entering your payment-card details when you shop online by using a more secure method instead.
Problems Solved
Reader Support • Having a problem with our recommended software or expert tips? Email editor@computeractive.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help
Jargon Buster
Easy when you Know How • After dropping a Bluetooth earphone in a hard-to-reach place, Robert Irvine tries to...