Hands-On Windows (Audio)

By TWiTTechnology

Hands-On Windows (Audio) episodes

May 21HOW 190: Copilot PCs in 2026 - Worth the Investment?
Are Copilot Plus PCs truly delivering the local AI power Microsoft promised, or are buyers still ending up with hardware that can't keep pace? Paul breaks down the latest specs, features, and what the next wave of chips means for your next upgrade.

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

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23 min
May 14HOW 189: Running Local AI on Windows 11 - A First Look at Running AI Directly on Windows
What if powerful AI tools could run entirely on your Windows PC, with no internet required? This episode puts local small language models to the test and reveals just how close they are to their cloud-based rivals.

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

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21 min
May 07HOW 188: Native vs. Modern Apps - Microsoft's Native Apps Plan: Fact, Fiction, or Just Marketing?
Microsoft promises "more native apps" for Windows 11, but what does native even mean today—and are these new apps truly different from web-based ones? Paul Thurrott breaks down the blurred lines and why it matters for Windows users.

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

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22 min
April 30 HOW 187: What Microsoft Isn't Fixing in Windows 11 - Forced Telemetry, Edge, and More
Despite Microsoft's promises, real Windows 11 annoyances like forced telemetry, aggressive Edge defaults, and stubborn online account requirements remain unaddressed. Paul Thurrott calls out what isn't changing and why power users should care.

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

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14 min
April 23HOW 186: Microsoft's Promises for 2026 - Microsoft's Vision for Windows 11
Microsoft has finally pledged to tackle the biggest Windows 11 pain points in 2026, from letting you move the Start menu to eliminating those endless Copilot icons. Could long-requested fixes turn everyday users into fans again?

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

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19 min
April 16HOW 185: Windows 11's new Features 4/2026 - Inside Windows 11's Latest Tweaks
Windows 11 is quietly rolling out subtle but genuinely useful features this year, favoring reliability and long-term usability over flashy gimmicks. Find out which updates are actually making a difference for power users and everyday fans alike.

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

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23 min
April 09HOW 184: Power Toys Update 4/2026 - The Best Windows Utilities Just Got Smarter
PowerToys just leveled up with a feature-packed update, transforming Command Palette into a slick, customizable toolbar that could replace your Start menu and taskbar. Tune in to see what shifts for power users and why this release feels like PowerToys' biggest leap yet.

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

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19 min
April 02 HOW 183: You Can't Spell Windows With AI - How to Strip AI From Windows 11
Windows 11 is doubling down on AI, but what if you want out? This episode breaks down the messy truth about stripping AI from your system and why Microsoft isn't making it easy.

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

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15 min
March 26HOW 182: Win11Debloat Gets a GUI - Take Command of Windows 11 With an Updated, User-Friendly Tool
Win11 Debloat just got a major upgrade with a slick new GUI, making it easier than ever to clean up your Windows 11 without wrestling with command line scripts.

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

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Sponsor:
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15 min
March 19HOW 181: A First Look at Store CLI - Why Did Microsoft Introduce Another Command Line?
Just when you thought you knew Windows command lines, Microsoft drops Store CLI—a surprising new tool that could shake up how you discover and install apps in Windows 11. Find out why Paul Thurrott thinks this one's got an AI-fueled twist.

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!

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Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
Sponsors:
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18 min

About Hands-On Windows (Audio)

From the publisher's feed

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.