Hands-On Windows (Audio)

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Hands-On Windows, featuring Paul Thurrott, will help you adapt to the changes made in Windows 11. From visual tweaks to performance boosts Hands-On Windows will show you how to get the most out of your Windows 11 PC. You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get ad-free audio and video feeds for all our shows plus everything else the club offers...or get just this podcast ad-free for $5 per month. New episodes every Thursday.

Listen to episodes

10 recent

August 20, 202627 min

HOW 203: Redefining Copilot - Copilot in Windows 11 Is Smarter Than You Think

Windows 11 Copilot isn't just for quick answers—discover how its latest features let you organize projects, analyze documents, and even create interactive quizzes, changing how you get things done on your PC. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord . Sponsor: bitwarden.com/twit

August 13, 202616 min

HOW 202: Unlocking Virtualization - Advanced Virtualization Features in Windows 11

Think you need expensive software to virtualize separate operating systems? Windows 11 packs powerful, under-the-radar virtualization tools that let you safely experiment, test sketchy files, or even run full Linux apps—all for free. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord . Sponsor: canary.tools/twit - use code: TWIT

August 6, 202624 min

HOW 201: Unlocking Windows 11 Multitasking - Make Windows 11 Work Smarter With These Hidden Power Features

Windows 11 isn't just about a fresh look—it packs smarter multitasking tools and game-changing updates like fancy virtual desktops, true clipboard history, and PowerToys' workspaces that most users miss. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord .

July 30, 202616 min

HOW 200: Edge's 2026 Overhaul - Microsoft Cuts Features and Clutter for a Leaner Browser

Microsoft is finally trimming the clutter from Edge in 2026, cutting outdated features and simplifying the overloaded interface. Is this the fresh start Windows users have been waiting for? Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord .

July 23, 202617 min

HOW 199: System Restore Reborn - Windows 11 Recovery Gets Smarter

Windows 11 is introducing Point in Time Restore, a modern recovery tool that aims to make system recovery faster and smarter. Find out why this update could change the way you bounce back from disaster. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord . Sponsor: bitwarden.com/twit

July 16, 202620 min

HOW 198: Widgets Redesigned - Microsoft Embraces Minimalism in Windows 11's Big UI Refresh

Windows 11 widgets finally get a streamlined redesign that ditches the frustrating news feeds and random notifications, making them genuinely useful for the first time. Find out how the new setup quietly transforms your desktop experience. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord . Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT canary.tools/twit - use code: TWIT

July 9, 202617 min

HOW 197: Another New Start Menu (7/2026) - Taskbar Freedom Returns

Windows 11's upcoming Start menu revamp gives you more power to personalize than ever, ditching old limitations and letting you decide exactly what shows up when you hit Start. Discover what's changing behind the scenes and how it could reshape your daily workflow. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord . Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT threatlocker.com/twit

July 2, 202628 min

HOW 196: Reclaiming Windows 11 Pt. 2 - Ditching the Defaults

What happens when you strip Windows 11 to the bone and dodge Microsoft's usual bloat? Paul Thurrott reveals how far you can actually go in building a lean, privacy-focused Windows experience—without third-party debloating tools. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord . Sponsor: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT

June 25, 202617 min

HOW 195: Strip Microsoft Out of Windows 11 - From Bloat to Barebones

What happens when you strip Windows 11 down to the bare essentials and kick most Microsoft services to the curb? Paul Thurrott reveals how going minimal can transform your PC into a cleaner, faster machine. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord . Sponsor: canary.tools/twit - use code: TWIT

June 18, 202613 min

HOW 194: Xbox Mode Arrives on Windows 11 - More Than Game Mode

Xbox Mode is finally rolling out to Windows 11, giving your PC a full-screen, controller-focused gaming experience that feels more like a console than ever. Dive into how this long-awaited feature changes the way you play and manage games on your desktop. Host: Paul Thurrott Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord . Sponsor: bitwarden.com/twit