However, the world of HDMI is much more complex than just a single cable type or HDMI connector. With many types of HDMI cables and different HDMI versions, it’s easy to accidentally buy the wrong hardware and end up with substandard or even non-functional results.

Understanding the Basics: HDMI Standards and Versions

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface, more commonly called HDMI, was established as a digital replacement for analog video standards. Since its inception, HDMI has been revised several times, resulting in numerous versions with distinct capabilities and specifications. This explosion of versions complicates the HDMI landscape, but understanding these versions is vital to ensure optimal audiovisual performance.

The story of HDMI as an established standard began in 2002 with HDMI 1.0. However, things really started to heat up with HDMI 1.3, released in 2006. HDMI 1.3 was a significant step forward, increasing the bandwidth to 10.2 Gbps and introducing Deep Color, which allows billions of colors.

HDMI 1.4, released in 2009, added 4K video signal support in the 1.4b revision. At a relatively low refresh rate of 24Hz, 25Hz, and 30Hz, it matched the almost-universal 24fps frame rate of cinematic content and most TV content. HDMI 1.4 also introduced the HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) and Audio Return Channel (ARC). This meant that HDMI was now more than just an AV cable.

HDMI 2.0, introduced in 2013, increased the bandwidth to a whopping 18 Gbps, opening the door to much higher temporal fidelity – i.e., frame rate. Specifically, we got 4K at 60Hz, much higher than 24Hz! HDMI 2.0a also included support for HDR (High Dynamic Range). HDR has a sizable bandwidth cost but brought an even more significant image quality improvement than the jump from 1080p to 4K Ultra HD.

HDMI 2.1, ratified in 2017, has been a literal game-changer. It brought a massive leap in bandwidth up to 48 Gbps, allowing HDMI 2.1 to support resolutions of up to 8K and high frame rates of up to 120Hz at 4K, essential for modern game consoles.

HDMI 2.1 also introduced features like Dynamic HDR (improving on the static HDR of HDMI 2.0), enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), making it a perfect choice for immersive home theater and gaming experiences.

Following HDMI 2.1, the HDMI standards continued to evolve under the guidance of the HDMI Forum. HDMI 2.1a, the most recent update as of 2023, is essentially the same as 2.1 but brings a new feature known as Source-based Tone Mapping (SBTM), which makes it possible for the source device to do some of the processing work when it comes to HDR.

Types of HDMI Cables: From Standard to Ultra High Speed

When we think of HDMI, we often picture the quintessential HDMI cable that connects our TV to a game console, DVD player, or Blu-ray player. However, not all HDMI cables are created equal. There are various types of HDMI cables, each designed to serve specific purposes and deliver certain performance levels.

Starting with the Basics: Standard HDMI Cable

The Standard HDMI cable is the most common. Introduced with HDMI 1.0, it’s designed to handle the needs of most home applications. This cable can carry high-definition video up to 1080p and is compatible with all HDMI’s previous, current, and (likely) future versions.

High-Speed HDMI Cable: A Step Up

The High-Speed HDMI Cable is designed to handle higher resolutions of 1080p and beyond. It also includes advanced display technologies such as 4K UHD, 3D, and Deep Color. If you’re looking for a cable that can handle 4K video resolution at 30Hz (often labeled 4K@30Hz) or 3D content from your Blu-ray player, the High-Speed HDMI Cable is the way to go.

Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable: For the Enthusiasts

Premium High-Speed HDMI Cables are tested and certified to reliably handle the total 18Gbps bandwidth provided by HDMI 2.0. They support advanced HDMI 2.0 features such as 4K resolution at 60Hz, HDR (High Dynamic Range), expanded color spaces like BT.2020, and even up to 32 audio channels for immersive multi-dimensional audio. These cables also come with an authentication label to guard against counterfeit cables that might not deliver the promised performance.

Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable: Future-Proofing Your Setup

These cables are designed to comply with the most demanding HDMI specification – HDMI 2.1. They boast a massive bandwidth of 48Gbps and support all HDMI 2.1 features, including 4K and 8K video at 120Hz and 60Hz, respectively. Additionally, they support Dynamic HDR, eARC, and even future-facing formats like 10K for specialized commercial AV (Audio/Video) setups.

Look at these cables if you are an enthusiast looking to future-proof your setup, whether for next-gen game consoles or high-end home theater systems.

Remember, while using the correct type of cable is essential, it’s also crucial that both the source and display devices support the desired features. Even with an Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable, you won’t be able to enjoy 8K resolution or 4K 120hz if your TV or game console doesn’t support it. For example, you need a Sony PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X console to benefit from 4K@120Hz in supporting video games.

HDMI 2.1a uses the same cables, so you won’t need to get new cables if you already have Ultra High-Speed ones.

The HDMI Connectors: More Than Type A

(Image Credit: Intel Corporation)

The Type A HDMI connector is the most familiar type of HDMI connector we know. However, there are other types of HDMI connectors to consider.

For instance, Type C (Mini HDMI connectors) and Type D (Micro HDMI connectors) are used mainly with portable devices, including DSLR cameras, smartphones, and some laptops. These connectors are smaller than Type A but offer the same functionality, provided the device supports it.

Type B, also known as Dual-Link, was designed to carry the signal of Dual-Link DVI, although it gained little traction as subsequent updates to HDMI standards catered to these needs using Type-A connectors. We couldn’t find any examples of commercial devices that used this connection, although it is within the HDMI specification documents.

Type E, the Automotive HDMI, is designed specifically for automotive applications with a locking tab to ensure the cable remains secure during vehicle movement.

HDMI Specifications and Capabilities: An Ocean of Features

Besides the increased resolution and frame rate support, HDMI standards also introduced several key features.

The HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC), introduced with HDMI 1.4, allows HDMI cables to carry Ethernet signals, providing internet connectivity to your devices without extra wires.

The Audio Return Channel (ARC) and its improved version, eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), send audio from the display back to the source or receiver, simplifying the connection process in a home theater setup.

The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature lets users control multiple HDMI devices with a single remote. This is the sometimes rather annoying feature that makes your console turn off your TV or turn on when you turn the TV off.

HDMI and Other Technologies

While HDMI reigns supreme in the home theater and game console domain, other types of connections like DVI, DisplayPort, and USB-C are prevalent in specific areas, like computer monitors.

Adapters and converters are available to interchange between these connections and HDMI. Fiber optic and optical cables also have their niches, offering superior bandwidth and length capabilities at the cost of higher prices and installation complexity.

HDMI is likely to stay around for some time, but in the world of PCs, DisplayPort is the dominant standard, thanks to a need for ultra-high refresh rates and advanced variable refresh rate technology.

Choosing the Best HDMI Cable

Choosing the best HDMI cable depends on your needs. Amazon and other retailers provide a literal mountain of choices regarding HDMI. The cable length, EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) shielding, and whether it includes a locking tab can all affect functionality and compatibility.

Remember, the HDMI standard is backward compatible, meaning newer cables will work with older equipment. However, you will only benefit from the advanced features of the newer cable if your equipment supports it.

It’s also essential to avoid falling for HDMI cables with exorbitant prices. HDMI is a purely digital standard, so there is zero image quality difference between a cheap HDMI or an expensive HDMI cable certified for the same standard. Don’t buy something “gold plated” or “all copper” on the promise that you’ll get better picture quality.

Spending more money can help with the cable’s durability, ability to withstand interference (as we just mentioned), how long the cable can be, and how many HDMI port insertion cycles it can handle. For the most part, as long as it’s the correct standard for your needs, save yourself money on cables and spend it on a better TV or source device instead.

Enter the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 and RTX 3060 Ti. They’re similar in name, but not quite in-game. So, what’s the difference?

Specs and Price

As part of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs, both the RTX 3060 and RTX 3060 Ti are built upon the Ampere architecture, Nvidia’s successor to Turing. While both share the Ampere DNA, the key differences emerge in their detailed specifications and MSRPs.

The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, sporting 4864 CUDA cores, boasts a boost clock of 1665 MHz, and carries 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM with a 256-bit memory bus, offering 448 GB/s of memory bandwidth. Its MSRP sits at $399, although due to market fluctuations and different versions (like the MSI, Gigabyte, or Asus models), you might find the price varies on retail sites like Amazon.

The RTX 3060, on the other hand, while having more VRAM (12GB of GDDR6), runs with a slightly lower memory bandwidth of 360GB/s owing to its 192-bit memory bus. It also has fewer CUDA cores (3584 to be precise) and a lower boost clock speed (1777 MHz). Its initial MSRP was $329, although market prices may differ.

The thermal design power (TDP) is another factor to consider when examining these cards’ energy efficiency and thermal output. The RTX 3060 Ti draws 200W, while the RTX 3060 comes in slightly lower at 170W, which might sway those with a focus on power consumption.

Important: NVIDIA uses the same names for its laptop GPUs as it does for its desktop models, but the GPUs themselves are totally different. For example, the laptop RTX 3070 Ti at 115W is closer to a desktop RTX 3060 Ti. So if you see a laptop with an RTX 3060 is a lower-spec GPU than the desktop model. Don’t be fooled!

Gaming Performance and Benchmarks

Where the rubber meets the road for gamers, or rather, where the silicon meets the CPU, is gaming performance. How do these cards fare in modern games like Cyberpunk at ultra settings? When you compare frame rates (fps), the RTX 3060 Ti generally takes the lead.

In 1080p gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti shows consistently better performance, often by a margin of 10-20 fps, depending on the game and graphics settings. This advantage expands at higher resolutions, with the 3060 Ti showing an even larger lead in 1440p and maintaining playable frame rates in many titles at 4K, at lower settings

Both cards support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), a feature that uses AI and Tensor cores to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, offering higher frame rates without drastically compromising image quality. In games that support DLSS, both cards can deliver higher fps, but the RTX 3060 Ti still leads the way, making it a better option for those with high-refresh monitors. We’ll unpack DLSS a little more later in this comparison.

Ray Tracing and Other Features

Graphics cards today are about more than raw horsepower, and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3060 and RTX 3060 Ti are no exception.

Ray Tracing: Lighting Up Your Gaming World

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that generates an image by tracing light paths as pixels in an image plane and simulating the effects as they encounter virtual objects. In layman’s terms, it’s about making lighting and shadows in games look stunningly realistic.

The “RT” in “RTX” stands for ray tracing, and Nvidia’s RTX series is among the first to offer real-time ray tracing. Both the RTX 3060 and 3060 Ti feature dedicated RT (ray-tracing) cores that handle the computational heavy lifting, thus enabling this revolutionary tech.

The effect of ray tracing in games can be breathtaking, providing a level of realism that was unthinkable in real-time graphics just a few years ago. However, such beauty comes with a computational cost, often resulting in lower frame rates. That’s where the RTX 3060 Ti flexes its muscles. With more RT cores than the 3060, it can handle ray-traced games at higher settings and frame rates.

DLSS: AI-Enhanced Performance

Another major feature of Nvidia’s RTX line-up is the aforementioned DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling. This AI-driven rendering technology uses dedicated Tensor cores (present in both the RTX 3060 and 3060 Ti) to upscale games from a lower rendered resolution to a higher target resolution. This technique can deliver image quality comparable to native resolutions while demanding fewer GPU resources, thereby improving performance and boosting frame rates.

DLSS can be particularly useful when playing at higher resolutions or when ray tracing is enabled. So, while both cards feature DLSS, the added horsepower of the 3060 Ti again gives it the upper hand regarding performance in DLSS-enabled games.

Other Key Features

Beyond ray tracing and DLSS, these GPUs are packed with features designed to optimize and enhance your gaming experience. They offer support for PCIe 4.0, allowing faster communication with the rest of your PC, and for the latest DirectX 12 Ultimate, which provides additional graphic technologies like Variable Rate Shading.

Regarding outputs, the RTX 3060 and 3060 Ti typically come with three DisplayPort and one HDMI 2.1, supporting 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 also enables features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), making them fit for next-gen gaming monitors and TVs.

What’s With the VRAM Situation?

For the uninitiated, the difference in VRAM size between the GeForce RTX 3060 and RTX 3060 Ti might seem paradoxical. It’s generally expected that higher-tier cards would offer more VRAM, but in this case, the lower-tier RTX 3060 boasts a larger 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM compared to the RTX 3060 Ti’s 8GB. So, what’s behind this unconventional choice?

The primary function of VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) in a graphics card is to store data that the GPU needs immediate access to, such as textures, shaders, and other gaming assets. The rule of thumb is the higher the resolution and the more complex the game, the more VRAM you’ll need.

Although the RTX 3060 carries more VRAM, it has a narrower memory bus than the 3060 Ti, leading to lower overall memory bandwidth. In practical terms, while the RTX 3060 can hold more data in its VRAM, the 3060 Ti can access and process its stored data more quickly.

The 12GB VRAM in the RTX 3060 is a strategic move by Nvidia, thanks to how that narrow memory bus has been configured. It’s narrower because it has fewer channels. The 3060 Ti has 8GB of VRAM because it has eight channels with a 1GB memory module each. Since the 3060 only has six channels, using the same module size would lead to a 6GB card, which is too little for a modern mid-range card. The only option then was to use 2GB memory modules, which is why we ended up with 12GB of VRAM.

However, it’s worth noting that in most current gaming scenarios, having more VRAM will not improve performance if the card doesn’t have the GPU horsepower to use it. The RTX 3060 Ti, despite having less VRAM, still outperforms the RTX 3060 in most gaming benchmarks thanks to its higher number of CUDA cores, faster clock speeds, and broader memory bus.

One caveat here is that some recent AAA PC game ports have been struggling on systems with 8GB of VRAM. This is largely because the next-generation consoles have a larger VRAM pool than 8GB, and are now aiming for internal resolutions closer to 1440p than 4K. That makes it hard to recommend any GPU with 8GB of VRAM in 2023. However, that’s not a good reason to buy a 3060, and you shouldn’t factor it in here. 8GB is still acceptable for 1080p or 1440p gaming, and many games’ patches have already addressed their issues with VRAM.

The newly-released 4060 Ti has the same MSRP as the 3060 Ti, although, as we’ve mentioned, MSRPs are nearly meaningless in the GPU market at the moment. However, NVIDIA is releasing a 16GB variant of the 4060 Ti for $100 more in the future, and that would be a much more future-proof choice at this stage, despite its GPU performance not being much better than a 3060 Ti.

Considerations for Building a Gaming PC

If you’re building a gaming PC, your GPU isn’t the only component to consider. Ensure you have a capable CPU (like an Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processor) and a compatible motherboard to avoid bottlenecking your graphics card’s performance.

The RTX 3060’s lower specs might be a better fit for a less high-end system, while the RTX 3060 Ti might be more suitable for a system with high-end components. If you’re upgrading a computer with an older CPU, still running DDR3 RAM, for example, the 3060 makes more sense. Even then you might be better off with an older card like the RTX 2060 or RTX 2070.

It’s also worth considering the rest of Nvidia’s product stack. The RTX 3070, for instance, offers a significant step up in performance from the 3060 Ti but at a higher price. Conversely, the RTX 3050 offers cost savings for those on a tight budget but at the expense of lower performance. Please don’t buy an RTX 3050.

Final Verdict

While the RTX 3060 and 3060 Ti share a name and a few similarities, they cater to slightly different markets. The RTX 3060, with its lower price and specs, is a decent entry-level card for 1080p gaming. The RTX 3060 Ti, on the other hand, with its superior specs and performance, is a more mid-range choice, perfect for those aiming for higher resolutions or more demanding games.

Unless you can find an RTX 3060 for significantly less money than its MRSP or the next better card, it’s almost always better to go for the 3060 Ti in this case. However, don’t forget that cards like the 4070 offer new features, such as DLSS 3 and that much more powerful cards like the RTX 3080 should drop in price now that the 40-series is finally out.

However, not everyone is prepared to make the switch from Windows. This is where Linux emulators for Windows come into the picture, offering the benefits of Linux without departing from your Windows comfort zone.

In this article, we’ll look into some of the best Linux emulators for Windows users looking to sample the Linux experience without fully committing to it.

First Thing’s First: These Are Not Emulators

We know that you typed the term “Linux Emulator” into the search engine of your choice to get here, but the truth is that none of the software packages we’re going to discuss in this article are actually examples of Linux emulation.

Rather, they’re mostly examples of “virtualization” technology with some examples of “compatibility layers”. Virtualization is where a virtual computer (the guest system) is emulated on a real computer (the host system) so that you can run another (or even the same) operating system on the virtual machine, separated from the host system.

However, Linux emulation isn’t really what people are looking for when searching for “Linux Emulators”. Instead, they want to run a Linux system from within another OS, such as Windows. Virtual Machines are the best way to do that, and so that’s what we’re covering here. To that end, we’ll be using the term “Linux Emulator” in this article, but you should be aware that this is a technically inaccurate way to describe this software.

Before diving into the world of Linux virtualization, it’s essential to understand why you might want to use this technology. A VM is a software application that replicates the Linux environment on your Windows system, allowing you to run Linux applications and command-line tools without actually installing a full-fledged Linux operating system. It acts as a bridge, combining the benefits of both worlds: the powerful and flexible nature of Linux, and the familiar and user-friendly Windows environment.

There are several reasons why one might want to use a Linux emulator:

• Exploration: Curiosity may have you itching to explore the world of Linux without leaving Windows. A Linux emulator is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of open-source operating systems and learn the ins and outs of the dreaded terminal that’s so beloved by hardcore Linux users.
• Compatibility: While the front end of the computer world might be Windows (and, to an increasing degree, macOS), Linux rules the roost behind the scenes. So if you’re getting into the backroom technology world as a system admin or you want to develop Linux software, an emulator lets you do that with ease.
• Education and Skill Development: Learning Linux is more valuable than ever, especially if you’re in the tech industry. Using a Linux emulator can help you learn and hone your Linux skills, making you a more versatile and marketable professional.

A Linux emulator is a flexible, low-commitment, and cost-efficient way to expand your computing experience and broaden your horizons. Before you take your first step with a Linux emulator, here are some of the best Linux emulators to get you started.

1. VirtualBox: The Open-Source Juggernaut

VirtualBox, a widely-adopted open-source virtualization software package, lets you run multiple operating systems, such as Linux, as virtual machines on Windows computers. It accommodates an extensive range of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint.

VirtualBox has excellent and seamless integration with USB devices, letting you use peripherals like printers, scanners, and webcams without any hassle. Additionally, VirtualBox also supports Intel’s hardware-assisted virtualization technology, making it a top choice for users with compatible CPUs.

2. VMware Workstation Player: The Feature-Loaded Virtualizer

VMware Workstation Player is another formidable virtualization software that facilitates running Linux operating systems on Windows computers. It offers broad compatibility with Linux distributions, USB devices, and 3D graphics acceleration for Windows hosts.

3. QEMU: The Swift and Adaptable Emulator

QEMU (Quick Emulator) is an agile, open-source emulator and virtualizer supporting various guest OS options, including Linux, BSD, and macOS. Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS hosts. QEMU can emulate different CPU architectures, making it a prime choice for users interested in exploring various hardware configurations, particularly for development uses.

4. Hyper-V: Microsoft’s Native Hypervisor

Microsoft’s Hyper-V, a native hypervisor that can be activated in “Pro” or better versions of the Windows OS, empowers users to run virtual machines directly on their Windows computers. Primarily targeting Windows Server environments, Hyper-V is also accessible on Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions.

Hyper-V accommodates various Linux distributions as guest operating systems, with integration services that boost performance and offer superior hardware compatibility. However, Hyper-V’s Linux support doesn’t quite measure up to other options on this list, and certain features may not be available for all Linux distributions.

5. Cygwin: The POSIX-Compatible Powerhouse

Cygwin diverges from traditional emulators or virtualization software by providing a POSIX-compatible environment within Windows. This enables users to run Linux applications and command-line tools directly on their Windows system, making it perfect for users mainly requiring access to Linux command-line utilities or specific Linux applications without setting up a full virtual machine.

Cygwin boasts a rich package manager, allowing users to install various Linux applications, libraries, and utilities. While it doesn’t offer full Linux desktop environments like GNOME or KDE, it does support X Window System applications and desktop environments such as XFCE, enabling users to run graphical Linux apps on their Windows host. However, you’ll have to add a few packages to Cygwin (e.g. Cygwin/X) to get graphical apps running.

6. WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux): Microsoft’s Linux Bridge

WSL, a Microsoft creation, is an exceptional option for running Linux applications and command-line utilities directly on a Windows system. Unlike Cygwin, WSL facilitates running native Linux executable files by implementing a compatibility layer between the Windows kernel and the Linux kernel.

WSL accommodates multiple Linux distros, including Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora, which can be installed directly from the Microsoft Store. Although it doesn’t provide full Linux desktop environments, it boasts compatibility with various command-line tools, programming languages, and server applications. If you’re comfortable with Windows Powershell, you can quickly spool up all sorts of Linux goodness in minutes.

With the introduction of WSL 2, Microsoft has implemented a lightweight virtual machine (rather than a compatibility layer) that enhances performance, compatibility, and resource usage. Furthermore, WSL 2 supports Docker and Kubernetes, making it an appealing option for developers and IT professionals alike.

Beyond Virtualization

When it comes to experiencing the world of Linux on your Windows machine, virtualization software is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a vast array of methods you can use to try Linux without taking the full plunge. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Dual Booting: One of the go-to ways to experience Linux while keeping your Windows setup intact is dual booting. Think of it like partitioning your hard drive into separate rooms, one for Windows, one for Linux. Every time you fire up your computer, you get to pick which room to enter. Dual booting gives you a closer encounter with Linux, tapping into your hardware’s full potential. That said, setting up and maintaining a dual boot system can feel like juggling chainsaws sometimes, particularly if you often swap between the two operating systems.

Live CDs or USBs: If you’re not ready to tinker with your hard drive, why not boot Linux from a live CD or USB? Several Linux distributions, including the likes of Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint, offer these live versions. You get to test the waters, exploring Linux, trying out apps and getting a feel for the whole thing without making any lasting changes to your computer. Do remember though, a live environment might feel a bit sluggish compared to a full installation, given it runs entirely off the CD or USB without fully leveraging your computer’s resources. Additionally, any changes you make to the live OS are lost when you reboot, so it’s not a permanent solution.

Portable Linux: Portable Linux versions allow you to carry an entire operating system right in your pocket, on a USB stick. That’s right, imagine having the power of Linux at your fingertips, anywhere, anytime!

Several Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Puppy Linux, offer portable versions. The process is as straightforward as downloading the Linux distro of your choice, loading it onto a USB stick using tools like Rufus or UNetbootin, and voila! You’ve got yourself a mobile Linux workstation.

A portable Linux OS doesn’t wipe your changes when the session ends. It’s just like having Linux installed on an internal hard drive, except running from a USB device like a flash drive.

If you’re a Windows 11 user, you may be mulling over whether or not you should invest in an additional antivirus program or if the built-in security features that come with your operating system are enough. The right answer depends on understanding the depth and breadth of protections already on Windows 11, after which only you can decide if you feel it isn’t sufficient.

The Windows Security Suite: More Than Just An Operating System

Windows 11 is not just an operating system; it’s a security guard tirelessly patrolling your digital borders. From the moment your system powers on, Windows 11 is on duty, deploying a mix of high-tech hardware and software to safeguard your identity, information, and applications.

We’ll break down the different security components of the OS grouped by what part of your digital life they protect.

The Malware Busters

Malware protection is a pivotal part of any cybersecurity strategy, and Windows 11 doesn’t disappoint. Real-time protection and detection mechanisms are in play to ward off these digital parasites. There are two main components that protect you from malware, starting with Windows Defender.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Your Digital Bodyguard

At the heart of the system’s defenses is the Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Think of it as a digital bodyguard always on duty, using next-generation technology to offer real-time antivirus protection.

Like a third-party antivirus program, Microsoft keeps Defender updated with the latest virus definitions. As long as you install your updates, it should offer similar protection to the typical paid suites.

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: Your Digital Advisor

The Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is an advisor, alerting you when a website, application, or download bears the hallmarks of malicious intent.

Smartscreen protects you against online threats such as phishing websites and inspects any files you download. It uses a dynamically-updated list of reported threats to ensure you don’t accidentally end up somewhere dangerous and fall victim to crimes such as identity theft. If you get a SmartScreen warning when accessing a site, you’d better think twice about proceeding!

The Network Defenders

Almost every personal computer is connected to a network of some sort these days, which makes it possible for malefactors from anywhere in the world to slip in through the cracks if your security isn’t up to the job. Windows 11 has extensive network security features, without which your computer would be infected in minutes after being connected to the internet.

Microsoft Firewall: Under Siege

The Microsoft Firewall acts as a digital wall, repelling hackers or malicious software that attempt to infiltrate your PC through the internet or a network. For the most part, this happens in the background, but occasionally when you launch a program that wants network access, the firewall will ask you to approve it.

Secure Wi-Fi: Take Your Best Shot

Navigating the wireless world is safer than ever with Windows 11. The system supports industry-standardized authentication and encryption methods for Wi-Fi, including WiFi 6 and WPA3.

Remember that to take advantage of this improved Wi-Fi security, you must have hardware that supports those standards. I.e., you need a router and network adapter that supports Wi-Fi 6 and WPA3.

The Identity Protectors

Windows 11 offers various identity protection measures. There are constant password-breaking attempts every minute, whether remotely over the network or by someone with physical access to your Windows 11 device. With these features, it becomes significantly less likely that someone can break into your computer when other methods, such as malware, fail.

Windows Hello: Your Personal Digital Doorkeeper

Windows Hello is like a digital doorkeeper, letting you into your Windows 11 devices using a PIN, facial recognition, or a fingerprint. Which of these options is available depends on what hardware your computer has access to. For example, you must have a Windows Hello-certified webcam to use face unlock, and of course, you need a compatible fingerprint scanner to use that method.

Wake on Approach and Lock on Leave: Your Digital Sentry

For devices equipped with a presence detection sensor, Windows 11 offers a feature that automatically locks your device using facial recognition when you walk away and unlocks it when you return. This solved a common issue where people forget to lock their computers before getting up to do something else, which leaves a window of opportunity for the bad guys.

The Device and Data Protectors

While the security features we mentioned above can keep your data safe if your Windows device falls into the wrong hands, with these tools you can get them back, or see if something on your computer is poking around where it shouldn’t.

Find My Device: Your Digital Locator

The Find My Device feature is like a digital locator. When enabled, it can help recover lost or stolen hardware, mitigating security threats that rely on physical access to devices.

Privacy Dashboard: Your Digital Control Center

The Privacy Dashboard is your digital control center, offering a simple view where you can manage data, export reports, and view which apps are using your camera, mic, and even your location.

The Application Guardians

Applications are often a weak spot in the armor of cybersecurity. Windows 11, however, has taken significant strides to secure your apps, protecting your valuable information in multiple ways.

Microsoft Edge: Your Digital Scout

Microsoft Edge is your digital scout, blocking ad trackers and defending against malware. It also checks if your passwords have been compromised. Like Google Chrome, Edge is now Chromium-based, so it’s no longer the underdog against Google’s browser or Firefox. There’s no pressing need to use a third-party browser anymore.

OneDrive: Your Digital Safety Net

If you use the OneDrive backup feature in Windows 11, your documents and pictures are automatically backed up, providing a digital safety net for your data. So even if the worst happens, and even if your local data is destroyed by malware, you can always get it back. In particular, OneDrive can safeguard your data against Ransomware attacks.

Microsoft Family Safety: Your Digital Guardian

Microsoft Family Safety is the digital guardian for your family. It helps develop healthy digital habits by providing transparency into your family’s activities. You can use parental controls to block inappropriate apps and games, and limit browsing to kid-friendly websites using Microsoft Edge on Windows, Xbox, and Android.

How Windows 11 Security Features Compare to Windows 10’s

Windows 11 builds on the security framework of its predecessor, Windows 10, but goes a few steps further. It enhances existing features while introducing new ones, creating a more fortified defense system against cyber threats. From a more advanced antivirus mechanism to more robust identity protection, Windows 11 is a step up in security.

It’s also worth mentioning that every version of Windows eventually exits its support window. At which point, everyone on the older version of Windows will need to migrate or risk serious security risks. So even if Windows 11 didn’t have much more security than Windows 10, you’d have to upgrade at some point, assuming you want to stick with Windows as your OS.

Improvements in Windows 11 security add an additional wrinkle to those who want to upgrade from earlier versions such as Windows 10. Specifically, Windows 11 requires certain hardware security features, such as a TPM 2.0 module, or you won’t be able to upgrade. That means a new computer, or at the very least, replacing major components of your current computer at some point.

Do You Need Antivirus Software, or Is Windows Defender Good Enough?

The layered security approach that Windows 11 adopts is commendable, offering protection against a wide array of threats. However, the question remains: Are these measures enough to neutralize or protect against major security threats and malware?

The answer isn’t cut and dried. While Windows 11 offers comprehensive security features that should be sufficient for most users, no system is impervious to all threats. Cybersecurity is a race, and as defenses evolve, so do the threats they’re designed to counter.

Windows 11’s built-in features should provide solid protection for the average user. However, additional security measures, such as a third-party antivirus or firewall, could be beneficial for those dealing with sensitive data or operating in high-risk digital environments.

There are a few notable gaps that do need filling in Windows’ security. For example, there’s no OS-native VPN (Virtual Private Network) at the time of writing, so we advise you to get a reputable one if necessary. You’ll probably also want third-party password managers since Microsoft’s in-house solutions aren’t as user-friendly as possible.

Special types of malware, such as adware and spyware, can sometimes only be dealt with using specialist tools, such as the Malwarebytes’ anti-malware app.

For what it’s worth, this author has never felt the need to add more security software beyond the built-in antivirus, since Microsoft began to include software such as Defender as part of the operating system.

The Pros and Cons of Third-party Security Software

While third-party antivirus software might offer extra security in specific areas, you also have to consider that adding such software can interfere with Windows, not being an integrated part of it and, perhaps not optimized.

Also, third-party solutions might make more work for you as they may have to ask permission for things that Windows automatically grants to its own software components. There’s likely to be some sort of extra friction when all your security components aren’t in-house.

Additionally, these security software packages can add bloat to your system, slowing things down. That’s not to say that Windows 11’s own security components don’t have a performance cost, but that’s the baseline we’re working with here. It’s unlikely to be any faster with additional third-party software.

If you do want more protection than Windows ships with, here are some of the best antivirus software options to get you started:

• BitDefender (Paid Antivirus)
• Kaspersky Security (Paid Antivirus)
• McAfee Antivirus (Paid Antivirus)
• Avast! (Free Antivirus)
• Norton 360 (Paid Antivirus)

It’s not just Windows that can benefit from security tools like these antivirus suites. You might want virus protection for Apple macOS, so check out our best antivirus options for Mac.

If you find that Excel keeps crashing or Excel is not responding, rest assured there are ways to address these issues with this popular office application!

Why Does Excel Crash?

There are a variety of reasons why Microsoft Excel might crash on your Windows 10 or 11 computer. For instance, you could be dealing with corrupt Excel files or perhaps encountering issues with Excel add-ins. Even something seemingly unrelated, like problems with Microsoft Excel animation or an outdated version of MS Office, can trigger a crash.

It’s also possible that Excel is freezing due to excessive data or complex conditional formatting rules. Remember, Excel is a powerful tool, but it has limitations. Trying to crunch too much data or apply intricate rules can cause it to buckle under pressure.

Also, don’t overlook the possibility of issues with your operating system or antivirus software. Sometimes these can interfere with Excel and cause it to behave erratically.

Troubleshooting Excel crashes isn’t always a straightforward task. It requires a systematic approach to identify the root cause and then resolve it. However, with patience and some technical know-how, you can get your Excel back on track in no time.

1. Update Excel

One of the first steps in troubleshooting an Excel crashing issue is to check whether you have the latest updates for Microsoft Excel and your operating system. For MS Office, you can click on File > Account > Update Options.

Select Update Now to check for any available updates. After the updates are complete, you will have to restart Excel, so make sure you don’t have any unsaved work before you attempt an update.

2. Open Excel in Safe Mode

Running Excel in safe mode can help identify if the crashing problem is due to any add-ins or startup options. This mode tries to ensure Excel’s functionality by only loading the core program, without any third-party addons.

To open Excel in safe mode, press and hold the Ctrl key while launching Excel. If the problem disappears, then it’s likely due to an add-in or startup option. At the time of writing it does not seem as if there’s a Safe Mode option for the Mac version of Excel.

3. Disable Add-ins

If you suspect that Excel add-ins might be causing Excel to crash, you can disable them individually to find the culprit.

Select the Insert Tab and then My Add-ins.

Next to the add-in, select its three-dot button and then Remove.

4. Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration

Microsoft Excel uses hardware graphics acceleration to speed up the display of graphics. However, this feature can cause problems.

To disable hardware graphics acceleration, go to File > Options > Advanced, and under Display, check the box for Disable hardware graphics acceleration.

This might impact how snappy Excel feels to use, and if the problem doesn’t go away after updating your operating system or Excel, consider checking for GPU driver updates.

5. Use Excel’s Built-In Repair Tool

If your Excel file is corrupted, Excel’s built-in file repair tool can fix it. To use this feature, open Excel, click on File > Open and then Browse to the location of the workbook.

Select the corrupt Excel file, then click on the drop-down arrow next to Open, and select Open and Repair.

6. Reinstall Microsoft Office

If none of the above solutions work, you might need to uninstall and reinstall MS Office. You can do this by searching for “Add or remove programs” in the Start Menu, selecting MS Excel or MS Office from the list of installed applications, and uninstalling it. Then run the web installer from the Microsoft website.

If you’re on a Mac, simply delete Excel or Office from your Applications folder and then use the downloaded installer from the Microsoft site.

In both cases, you need to be logged into your Microsoft account to access the installer download link. Make sure to download the correct installer for your operating system.

7. Run a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify if any third-party services are causing Excel to crash. A clean boot is different from Safe Mode in that it only disables third-party startup programs, whereas Safe Mode doesn’t load anything that isn’t absolutely necessary.

For more information on clean booting and how to do it, head over to How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10.

8. Check for Malware

Malware is a common culprit behind many software glitches, and Excel is no exception. These malicious programs can interfere with Excel’s normal functioning, causing it to crash or freeze. As such, it’s crucial to maintain a robust line of defense against these potential threats.

Start by ensuring your antivirus software is up-to-date. Antivirus providers frequently release updates to arm their software against the latest threats, so it’s important not to overlook these updates. Once you’ve confirmed your antivirus software is current, run a comprehensive scan on your computer. This process will identify and neutralize any malware that may be causing Excel to crash.

Some antivirus software can occasionally flag and block legitimate applications, mistaking them for threats. If you notice Excel crashing immediately after an antivirus update or scan, you might need to adjust your antivirus settings to exclude Excel from its radar.

9. Save Your Work Regularly and Backup

Remember to save your work regularly to prevent data loss due to unexpected Excel crashes. Save your Excel workbook after any significant data entry or formatting changes. Also, consider using Microsoft’s OneDrive to auto-save your Excel files. This not only helps with data recovery in case of crashes but also enables you to access your files from anywhere.

10. Check for Formatting Issues

Excessive use of complex formatting, especially conditional formatting, can sometimes lead to Excel not responding.

If you want to know more about conditional formatting in Excel, head over to Format Cells using Conditional Formatting in Excel.

11. Check Task Manager

If Excel freezes, the Task Manager can be a powerful diagnostic tool to identify and resolve the issue. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously. This shortcut will directly open the Task Manager window.

2. In the Task Manager, you’ll see a list of all running applications on your computer. Browse through this list and locate Microsoft Excel. It should be called excel.exe or Microsoft Excel.

3. Check the status next to Excel. If it says Not Responding, then Excel is indeed the problem.
4. To resolve this, click on Microsoft Excel in the list and then click on the End Task button. This action will forcibly close Excel.

5. Now, you can launch Excel again.

While this method can provide a quick fix to a frozen Excel if you find yourself frequently resorting to the Task Manager, it might indicate a deeper fundamental issue with the software that needs to be addressed.

12. Perform a System File Check

If the crashing issue persists, there might be issues with the operating system files. In Windows, there are a few ways to quickly check if any system files have become corrupt or damaged. Mainly we’d recommend using either SFC (System File Checker) or DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management).

Head over to Advanced Windows System Cleanup Commands – SFC and DISM for more information on how to use these tools.

13. Check Compatibility

If you are using an older version of an Excel file (like .xls) with a newer version of Excel, compatibility issues might cause Excel to crash. Before working with the file, potentially triggering the crash, convert it to the most current version of the file that your copy of Excel supports.

14. Hit Up Microsoft Support

Addressing Excel crashes can often seem challenging, especially when you’re in the middle of important work. However, hopefully, the solutions listed here should help you resolve most issues with Microsoft Excel crashing or freezing.

If you still can’t solve the problem, it might be time to reach out to the very people who created Excel and MS Office in the first place. Head over to Microsoft’s Contact Us page, and choose Microsoft 365 as the product you need help with, then follow the instructions from there.