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Hacks & Workarounds

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All articles tagged Hacks & Workarounds.

Windows 11 Storage Sense Beats Paid Cleanup Tools

Windows 11 includes a built-in cleanup utility called Storage Sense that automatically removes temporary files, manages downloads, and syncs with OneDrive. The feature, overlooked since its 2017 debut, eliminates the need for third-party tools like CCleaner.

Huma Shazia·19 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·4 min

Expired Credit Cards Make Free NFC Triggers for Smart Homes

That pile of expired credit cards in your desk drawer still contains working NFC chips. A MakeUseOf contributor shows how to repurpose them as smart home automation triggers instead of cutting them up.

Manaal Khan·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

Gemini in Android Auto Has 5 Problems Google Didn't Fix

Google's Gemini AI in Android Auto promises smarter voice control but delivers frustrating delays and basic failures. From slow response times to broken contact recognition, the issues make the old Google Assistant look better for driving.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

Why Android's Split Notification Panel Is a Bad Idea

Samsung and Google are testing a divided notification system that forces users to swipe down on different sides of the screen for Quick Settings or notifications. This iPhone-inspired change breaks a 15-year Android design strength that users have loved since day one.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

6 Excel Automations You Can Set Up in Under 5 Minutes

Most Excel users waste hours on repetitive tasks that built-in features can handle automatically. Tables, fill handles, and Flash Fill can transform static spreadsheets into self-managing systems without writing a single line of VBA.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

3 Smart Home Projects You Can Build With a $24 Arduino Board

The Arduino Nano 33 IoT packs Wi-Fi connectivity and enough processing power to automate plant watering, build LED coasters, and control home devices. These DIY projects cost less than buying off-the-shelf smart gadgets and teach practical IoT skills along the way.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

RISC-V Could Be the Linux of Hardware. Here's Why It Matters

RISC-V is an open-source chip architecture that lets anyone design CPUs without licensing fees. As x86 and ARM dominate computing, RISC-V offers a third path that could reshape the semiconductor industry the way Linux reshaped software.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

7 Short Netflix Shows to Watch When You Only Have 30 Minutes

Not every viewing session needs to be a three-hour commitment. These seven Netflix series feature episodes of around 30 minutes or less, making them ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing quality storytelling.

Manaal Khan·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·4 min

Windows 11 Voice Typing Is Good Enough to Skip Premium Apps

The built-in voice dictation in Windows 11 has improved enough that paid alternatives like Wispr Flow may not be worth the subscription cost. For quick notes, messages, and rough drafts, pressing Windows+H delivers accuracy that rivals premium options without another account or monthly fee.

Manaal Khan·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

5 NotebookLM Prompts That Turn Dense Topics Into Clear Lessons

Google's NotebookLM can summarize documents, but generic summaries often fall short for actual learning. A structured set of prompts transforms the tool into a personal tutor that breaks complex subjects into layered explanations, analogies, and self-tests.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·4 min

Excel's Ribbon Is a Trap: What Beginners Should Focus On

Most people use about 10% of Excel's capabilities, yet beginners often feel pressured to learn everything at once. A more practical approach: ignore the specialized tabs entirely and master the fundamentals that actually get work done.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·6 min

7 Windows 11 Settings to Disable for a Cleaner, Private PC

Windows 11 ships with tracking features, promotional content, and Microsoft ecosystem hooks enabled by default. Turning off these settings gives you back control over your data and eliminates unwanted distractions without breaking core functionality.

Manaal Khan·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·4 min

4 Habits That Shorten Your OLED TV's Lifespan

OLED TVs can last 10 to 20 years with proper care. But common habits like leaving the TV on as background noise or displaying static logos are cutting that lifespan short. Here's what to change.

Manaal Khan·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·6 min

4 Excel Projects Beginners Can Build in Under an Hour

Excel intimidates new users with its grid of empty cells. These four practical projects teach core skills like SUMIF, conditional formatting, and data validation while creating tools you'll actually use. Each takes less than 60 minutes to complete.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

4 MCP Servers That Make Claude Desktop Far More Useful

Claude's Model Context Protocol lets you plug the AI into external tools, turning it into a persistent assistant with memory, live documentation access, and web scraping abilities. Here are four MCP servers worth setting up.

Manaal Khan·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·4 min

5 Things Gemini in Google Maps Does That Search Can't

Google's Gemini AI integration in Maps transforms navigation from a search tool into a conversational travel companion. The feature lets users plan full outings with natural language requests and get personalized recommendations without endless scrolling.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

OpenCode vs Claude Code: A Free Alternative Worth Trying

Claude Code's $20/month price tag has pushed developers toward alternatives. OpenCode, an open-source terminal-based AI coding agent, offers nearly identical features with your own API key or a $10/month subscription. Here's how the two compare.

Manaal Khan·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

5 Boring Tasks I Automated With Claude's PC Control Mode

Claude's desktop app includes a Cowork mode that gives the AI access to your file system. One user automated five tedious tasks including desktop cleanup and file organization. Here's how it works and what you can actually hand off to an AI agent.

Huma Shazia·18 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·4 min

6 Windows Services to Disable for a Faster Old PC

An aging Windows desktop can feel usable again after disabling background services that consume RAM and CPU cycles. A tech writer shares the six services he turned off on a Pentium G4560 system with only 4GB of RAM, explaining which ones are safe to stop without breaking essential features.

Huma Shazia·17 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

5 Smart TV Settings That Fix Common Streaming Annoyances

Your smart TV ships with showroom settings that prioritize flash over function. Five quick adjustments to picture calibration, network setup, and privacy controls can noticeably improve streaming quality without any technical expertise.

Huma Shazia·17 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·4 min

How to Disable Windows 11 Animations and Transparency

Windows 11's visual effects look nice but slow down your PC. Turning off animations and transparency can make older hardware feel snappier and reduce the CPU and GPU overhead that accumulates across thousands of daily actions.

Manaal Khan·17 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·4 min

4 Ways to Protect Your Car From Theft This Summer

Car theft dropped 23% in 2025, but summer vacations create prime opportunities for thieves. Simple precautions like steering wheel locks and Faraday pouches can make your vehicle a harder target while you're away.

Manaal Khan·17 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

Self-Hosted Password Vaults Prevent Cloud Lockouts

When LastPass pushed a forced MFA resync after its 2022 breach, some users found themselves locked out of their own vaults. Self-hosting a password manager like Vaultwarden or KeePass eliminates this failure mode entirely, putting control back in your hands.

Manaal Khan·17 May 2026

Hacks & Workarounds·5 min

4 Excel Tools Hidden Outside the Ribbon That Save Hours

Most Excel users never explore beyond the ribbon, missing powerful features that can transform daily workflows. The Camera tool, Quick Access Toolbar customization, and other hidden options let you build live dashboards and prevent data-entry errors without installing add-ins.

Manaal Khan·17 May 2026