Why your Windows installation files keep getting bigger - AI is filling up smaller drives

It's not your imagination. Microsoft's ISO downloads for Windows have been creeping up in size. It might even be fair to call them bloated. And you'll never guess where the problem comes from.

The 5 laptop features worth spending extra on (and 3 that are mostly hype)

Laptop manufacturers love showing off gimmicky features - here's what to prioritize, and what to ignore.

AI in Formula One: Competitive advantage is all about the human in the loop

Professional handcraft is the key to unlocking value from emerging technology and data, suggest Aston Martin Aramco F1 executives and partners.

One of our favorite Bluetooth trackers is on sale with this exclusive deal

KeySmart's SmartCard (Gen 3) is perfect for Android and Apple users, and it's 20% off with a ZDNET-exclusive code right now.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: One is better in every way that matters

Should you update to the Galaxy Fold 8 Ultra if you have a Z Fold 6? I'm familiar with both phones, here's my take.

Alienware 15 vs. LOQ Essential 15: I compared both budget gaming laptops - it was close

These affordable gaming laptops were neck and neck in my testing, but one pulled ahead for me.

Did a OneDrive Photos app just appear on your PC? Here's what it does (and how to get rid of it)

Microsoft has quietly pushed out a new OneDrive Photos app to Windows 11 users. What's it all about?

Amazon is splitting its $600 million tariff refund with customers - here's who's eligible

What you'll get back depends on how much you spent - but don't expect much.

How to keep your AI conversations as private as possible

Worried about your personal AI chats being exposed? Here's how to tighten your privacy across several of the major chatbots.

Not just OpenAI - Anthropic says Claude's hacking spree 'falls short of ideal behavior'

Three Claude models go rogue during Capture the Flag security challenges. Here's the trail of damage each left behind.

How OpenAI's agent escaped: Sprung by humans in a series of preventable events

Behind the rogue agent's attack on Hugging Face was a particular sequence of human decisions. We all need to pay better attention - because threat actors are learning, too.

LinkedIn's new 'Seems like AI slop' button lets you report all those cringey posts

LinkedIn's 'Seems like AI slop' button is coming to users, and its existence signals a changing perspective on AI infiltrating digital communities.

Looking for a new budget phone? This Motorola model is just $100, but only for a limited time

Over at Best Buy, the 2024 Moto G Play dropped down to $100, making this Android one of the budget buys around.

The best laptop cooling pads of 2026: Expert tested

We tested the best laptop cooling pads to keep your device running smooth with powerful cooling, RGB lights, high RPM and more.

Data Byte: This router's signal strength beat most competitors in our lab test

ZDNET's latest Data Byte highlights the Netgear Orbi 370's performance in our lab testing. Here's what the numbers say.

I installed these smart window shades in 10 minutes - now I want them all over my house

The Smartwings window shades are convenient and fully customizable, making them a good option for non-standard windows.

How long should you keep your phone for? I did the math - it's likely not what you think

Annual upgrades matter less these days, and better software support lets you hold onto your phone for longer.

What the FCC ban on foreign-made robot vacuums means for your Roomba

The FCC's robot ban includes many of the world's most popular vacuums and lawn mowers. Is that Roomba in your closet a security risk?

I tried Android Auto offline while on a road trip, and it beats mobile data in 2 ways

A recent trip upstate revealed the benefits and limitations of running Android Auto in low- to no-signal areas.

I compared these popular sleep earbuds to my Oura Ring 5 - the results surprised me

The Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 improve on what made me fall in love with the first generation, but they're not perfect.