Darren Allan

Darren is a freelancer writing news and features for TechRadar (and occasionally T3) across a broad range of computing topics including CPUs, GPUs, various other hardware, VPNs, antivirus and more. He has written about tech for the best part of three decades, and writes books in his spare time (his debut novel - 'I Know What You Did Last Supper' - was published by Hachette UK in 2013).

Articles by: Darren Allan

Fingers on keyboard of Acer Nitro V 15

Intel Panther Lake CPU leak suggests integrated GPUs are getting a potentially game-changing leap in performance

By Darren Allan published

Intel Core Ultra X7 358H leak shows just how good this CPU might be for handhelds and budget gaming laptops.

Photo of Steam Deck handheld console

The Steam Deck 2 sounds like it'll be a huge leap in performance, but there's one big reason why it doesn't exist yet

By Darren Allan published

A CPU doesn't yet exist for a "truly next-gen performance Steam Deck", but Valve has a "pretty good idea" of what the sequel will be like.

Asus ROG Ally X in hand

Windows 11's new update fixes some weird bugs that might slow down your PC or eat your handheld's battery

By Darren Allan published

November update fixes nasty Task Manager bug and a glitch that caused battery drain with handhelds in sleep mode.

A laptop with the Windows 11 desktop on screen, glowing, while on a work desk

Still on Windows 11 23H2? Microsoft will soon force you to upgrade to 25H2 – for your own good

By Darren Allan published

Windows 11 23H2 has gone the way of Windows 10, and now it's no longer supported, Microsoft is forcing upgrades to 25H2.

Young woman using laptop, looking annoyed

Windows 11 users rebel as top Microsoft exec says operating system is 'evolving into an agentic OS'

By Darren Allan published

Windows 11 is going 'agentic' and 'AI-native' and a whole heap of other buzzwords that most consumers really don't care for.

SanDisk Extreme Fit 1TB

This tiny, affordable 1TB flash drive could save you up to $300 on your next MacBook Air – here's how

By Darren Allan published

The SanDisk Extreme Fit is a new 1TB thumb drive, and it could be a great way to get more storage on a MacBook Air or other laptop.

Happy woman sitting on a bed with a coffee and a laptop

Can't get extended updates for Windows 10 due to a frustrating error message? Microsoft has rolled out a fix

By Darren Allan published

Worried because you can't get extended updates to keep your Windows 10 PC safe? Microsoft has fixed a bug that prevented signups.

Close-up of trackpad on Acer Aspire Go 15

Windows 11 laptops could get advanced haptic feedback for trackpads – and it's about time, MacBooks have had this for ages

By Darren Allan published

Jealous of MacBook's Force Touch tech? Windows 11 could finally get more advanced haptic feedback which Apple's offered for over a decade.

A closeup of the Nvidia GeForce RTX branding on the 5070 Ti

Nvidia hasn't canceled RTX 5000 Super refreshes as previously rumored – but don't expect these GPUs anytime soon

By Darren Allan published

RTX 5000 Super GPUs aren't canned, but may not arrive until later in 2026 – with doubts raised over the RTX 6000 timeframe, too.

Frustrated unhappy laptop user girl touching head at work table with computer

Can't sign up for Windows 10's extended updates? Here's why that might be – and what you can do about it

By Darren Allan published

Sticking with Windows 10, but worried because you can't get extended updates? You might have run into a bug.

Power Rangers and Fortnite characters defend a point from encroaching bug enemies

You don't need a gaming laptop to play Fortnite smoothly anymore – it can now run on super-thin-and-light Copilot+ laptops

By Darren Allan published

Always wanted to play Fortnite on your Snapdragon X laptop? Your dream has come true – and the battle royale reportedly runs smoothly.

Header image depicting the best android antivirus providers

Best Android Antivirus apps for 2025: Secure Your Data with Expert Recommendations

By Benedict Collins last updated

Updated Android malware and scams aren't going anywhere - make sure your devices are safe with these great antivirus apps.

A header image depicting the best Mac antivirus brands of 2025

Best Mac Antivirus of 2025: Expert Reviews and Top Recommendations

By Benedict Collins last updated

macOS We've tested and reviewed all the best Mac antivirus, so you can protect your Apple device from harmful malware and viruses.

PC gamer looking at PC in anger and disbelief

Black Friday could be the right time to buy a new Nvidia GPU as RTX 5000 Super refreshes are rumored to be canceled

By Darren Allan published

Thinking of buying an Nvidia GPU, but waiting for the RTX 5070 Super? Well, think again – all RTX 5000 refreshes might be canned.

A laptop on a desk with the Windows 11 background on its screen.

Fed up with Windows 11's clunky right-click menu? Microsoft just dropped a hint that it could become more streamlined

By Darren Allan published

Is Microsoft planning to cut the bloat of Windows 11's right-click menu? There's a suggestion this could happen.

COnfused businessman working with his laptop, at the office

Microsoft is finally adding a real em-dash shortcut to Windows 11 – just as AI made you want to stop using it

By Darren Allan published

Got to dash? If you want the long variety of this punctuation in Windows 11, you can now have it without a ridiculously clunky 'shortcut'.

Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop

Confused over Windows 10 bug that wrongly told people they were out of support? It's just been fixed

By Darren Allan published

Microsoft admits to confusing bug which told those signed up for Windows 10's extended updates that they were out of support.

A Razer Blade 14 (2025) on a desk showing the Windows 11 desktop

Microsoft introduces 'Ask Copilot' box to Windows 11's taskbar – but only if you want AI there

By Darren Allan published

Microsoft's bold new AI vision kicks off as 'Ask Copilot' box comes to Windows 11's taskbar – if you want it.

A masculing hand holding the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch at an angle

Windows 11 is finally getting a handy Bluetooth headphone sharing feature for some – here's how it works

By Darren Allan published

The latest preview build of Windows 11 comes with a smart trick, but there are notable catches with the hardware supported.

PC gamer looking at PC in anger and disbelief

AMD has ended support for RX 6000 GPUs – here's why it's a massive blunder in the battle against Nvidia

By Darren Allan published

In a baffling move, AMD ends support for relatively recent RX 6000 GPUs – and gamers are up in arms (myself included).

MSI MAG 272QP X50 monitor with a happy gamer playing a shooter

Are AMD GPUs no longer supported in Windows 10? Don't panic – here's what you need to know

By Darren Allan published

Has AMD stopped supporting Windows 10 gamers with its GPU drivers? This isn't true, thankfully.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) in recording studio

MacBook Pro M5 has an incredibly fast SSD that even Apple undersold with its marketing

By Darren Allan published

Apple's new MacBook Pro isn't just about the M5 – it packs another surprisingly peppy upgrade under the hood.

Annoyed Windows 10 user

Latest Windows 11 update has a weird bug that could slow down your PC – here's how to fix it

By Darren Allan published

Task Manager glitch could be a nasty one, and there are other flaws here that show why optional updates are to be treated with caution.

New concept devices from Qualcomm featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme chips.

Windows 11 looks set for a big update early in 2026, but most people won't get it

By Darren Allan published

A rumor contends that Microsoft is planning a version 26H1 of Windows 11 specifically for Snapdragon X2 Elite laptops.

People using Windows 11 laptops

Windows 11's new Start menu is now available – but I wouldn't rush to get it yet

By Darren Allan published

The redesigned Start menu is exciting, true, but I'd advise you to hold fire for now.

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