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| PC World - 26 Jun (PC World)In September 2023, Microsoft announced the surprising end of their free text editing program. For many, WordPad was a simple but useful alternative to Microsoft Word—but it will no longer be offered in future versions of Windows.
Windows 11 24H2 will mark the final end for WordPad, as the AI features of that Windows version will delete legacy features like the free text editors. The update is due to be released this fall.
You’ll likely be better off switching to other free apps such as LibreOffice, but it just won’t be the same. If you find that you still prefer WordPad and want to keep using it, here’s a method you can use.
How to get WordPad back in Windows 11
It’s not that difficult to bring WordPad back to Windows 11. All you need is the appropriate files from an older version of Windows before 24H2, one that still supports WordPad. (The folder for WordPad should still be present in 24H2, but without the wordpad.exe.)
get windows 11 pro for cheap
Windows 11 Pro
On a Windows computer of your choice with Windows 11 version 23H2 or older, enter this file path in the address bar of Explorer:
C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories
Here, you’ll see three things: WordpadFilter.dll, wordpad.exe, and a localization folder (e.g., en-US).
Copy all three to a USB stick or external data drive. Take it to the computer that no longer has WordPad, then paste everything into any folder. It doesn’t matter where, but we recommend choosing a permanent location and creating a new folder called WordPad.
After everything is pasted, right-click on the wordpad.exe file in the folder and select Show more options. Go to Send to and then Desktop (create shortcut) to create a shortcut.
Copy the newly created shortcut and go here in Explorer:
C:\Program Files\Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Program Files
Paste the shortcut there and rename it if necessary.
Next, open the Start menu, click All apps, and scroll down to find WordPad. Now you can pin it to the Start menu or the taskbar. (This last step is necessary because WordPad won’t appear in the search results if it was installed this way.)
You should also specify in the app settings that WordPad can be used to open documents. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select WordPad from the list. For example, you can open all RTF documents with WordPad.
Further reading: The best open source apps for Windows
Is this method safe for WordPad in Windows 11 24H2?
Installing WordPad in Windows 11 is safe because you’re using official Microsoft files. However, you should be aware that WordPad won’t receive any feature or security updates in future versions of Windows.
So, if the app becomes buggy or incompatible with other elements over time, you will have no choice but to give up WordPad. It’s also possible that documents from newer Microsoft Office versions will no longer be able to be opened with WordPad at some point.
Until then, however, you can at least keep using and making the most of this free text editor for now with this method.
Keep reading: These Windows features are disappearing soon
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jun (PC World)Amazon recently announced that this year’s Prime Day will take place on Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17. Prime Gaming members can once again look forward to a number of offers.
But there’s already a lot to get in the run-up to Prime Day. With Prime Gaming, you can get a total of 15 PC games completely free of charge from now until July 16.
Here’s an overview of all the free titles with their respective launch dates:
Deceive Inc – available now
Tearstone: Thieves of the Heart – available now
The Invisible Hand – available now
Call of Juarez – available now
Forager – from June 27
Card Shark – from June 27
Heaven Dust 2 – from June 27
Soulstice – from June 27
Wall World – from July 3
Hitman: Absolution – from July 3
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood – from July 3
STAR WARS™: Knights of the Old Republic™ II – The Sith Lords – from July 3
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – from July 3
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX – from July 3
Samurai Bringer – from July 3
Which Prime Gaming titles are worthwhile?
Which of these games are worthwhile depends on your own taste, of course. Hitman is always a fun, murderous puzzle!.
The action game Soulstice could also be worthwhile. Even though the title was somewhat under the radar at the time of its release, you get action-packed battles and an exciting setting in which two sisters have to prove themselves in boss battles against fantasy creatures.
For fans of the old school, there’s also Call of Juarez and Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood. The acclaimed game series from Techland delights with an intense western experience, including duels with classic shooting irons.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II is also highly recommended if you like old-school role-playing games. The ‘Star Wars’ setting is of course also a plus point, as you can wield a lightsaber as a Jedi or alternatively attack your enemies with laser pistols.
How do I get the free games?
To get all the free games, you need a Prime subscription that is valid for this period. (Head here for a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial.) Then all you have to do is go to the Prime Gaming page and pick up free codes for the titles shown until the end of the promotion.
You can then redeem the codes on popular gaming platforms such as Steam, Epic, or the Amazon Games app.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jun (PC World)Microsoft, Qualcomm, and their PC-manufacturing partners are seriously hyping Copilot+ PCs. They’d have you believe that these “next-generation AI laptops” are packed with AI smarts and useful features.
But, while the hardware for AI tasks is ready in these laptops, the actual features built into Windows aren’t making full use of it.
We’re in a weird position. We’re excited about these laptops because they’re the first seriously impressive Windows on Arm laptops. We’re excited about long battery life with snappy performance. And we’re excited that next-generation Intel Lunar Lake hardware is looking like a huge leap for traditional x86 laptops.
But we’re not excited about all these at-launch AI features being pushed by marketing campaigns. Snapdragon X Elite-powered PCs might be intriguing, but if you’re excited about an immediate AI upgrade to your Windows experience, you’re going to be disappointed. Here’s why.
Further reading: Microsoft Surface Pro 7 review: A new long-lasting, Qualcomm-powered era for Windows laptops
Copilot+ PC? More like Copilot- PC
The name “Copilot+ PC” conjures to mind a kind of PC with extra features relating to Microsoft’s Copilot AI chatbot. After all, “Copilot Pro” is a paid subscription that upgrades the Copilot chatbot experience.
That’s not the case at all. A Copilot+ PC offers no extra Copilot upgrades. You get a Copilot key on the keyboard, which first-generation “AI laptops” with Intel Meteor Lake hardware have been offering for many months now. That’s it. Copilot doesn’t run offline or use the new integrated neural processing unit (NPU) hardware to do anything at all.
In fact, the situation is much more dire than that. These machines ship with a new Copilot app experience—it’s no longer a sidebar, but rather a normal floating desktop window. That’s fine. But, as Tom Warren noted for The Verge, the new Copilot app experience is a step back. You can’t tell it to “turn on Dark Mode” or “empty the Recycle Bin” anymore.
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Microsoft may eventually improve the Windows integration in this new Copilot app. And, even if not, this new Copilot experience will eventually come to all Windows 11 PCs. But, at launch, Copilot is surprisingly less powerful on a Copilot+ PC than it is on a standard Windows 11 PC.
It also doesn’t have those fancy GPT-4o features that Microsoft showed off, where it can see your screen and talk you through Minecraft gameplay, for example. Those features will arrive at some point in the future—but when they do, they won’t need Copilot+ PC hardware. That impressive demo will work on all Windows 11 PCs.
AI image generation needs a Microsoft account and internet connection
A Copilot+ PC has some extra AI image generation tools integrated into various apps throughout Windows:
Paint has a Cocreator tool that can generate an image as you draw, modifying it to fit your drawing.
Photos has a Restyle tool that will let you use generative AI as a “filter” for your image. For example, taking a photo and making it look like it was a watercolor painting.
Photos also has an Image Generator feature that generates images to match your text prompts.
Here’s the thing: While these tools all use the NPU inside a Copilot+ PC, none of them work offline. They require a Microsoft account and an active internet connection to work. Why? To check your images for “AI safety” before showing them to you.
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Without getting into whether that’s necessary or not, one thing is clear: There’s no point to running these tools on your computer’s hardware if they also require a cloud service to function. You might as well use a cloud-based AI image generation tool running in a powerful data center somewhere. You’ll get better, more realistic results.
The introduction of these new tools has muddied the AI experience on Windows 11. All of the above tools sit alongside other AI image generation tools that do use Microsoft’s cloud servers. For example, the Image Creator in Microsoft Paint uses the cloud, while the Image Creator in Photos uses your PC’s local hardware.
On a Copilot+ PC, Windows contains a confusing mishmash of AI features that may or may not use the PC’s hardware and may or may not use Microsoft’s cloud services.
Live Captions gains some tricks, but already runs on all Windows 11 PCs
On any Windows 11 PC, you can open the Live Captions app from your Start menu to get AI-powered captions for speech. It uses Microsoft’s cloud servers to generate live captions in real time from any audio—audio in a video file, audio in an online meeting, or even audio being picked up by your PC’s microphone.
On a Copilot+ PC, Live Captions gets a little more powerful: it can now work entirely offline (unlike Microsoft’s AI image generation tools) and it can now translate speech from 44 different languages to English.
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Chris Hoffman / IDG
That’s a nice upgrade that some people will find very valuable. But if you don’t already use Live Captions, or if you do and you wish you had real-time translation or offline support, would that be enough reason to warrant buying a new Copilot+ PC? Likely not.
Windows Studio Effects are fine, but not much is new
Microsoft has been talking up Windows Studio Effects as one of the big AI features for Copilot+ PCs. These are real-time webcam effects that use the computer’s NPU to change how your webcam looks in any app.
I like them, really. You can enable fake eye contact or blur your background in any app, for example. And, because it uses the NPU, it’s a power-efficient way to do webcam effects. You won’t be wasting CPU or GPU power in an online meeting.
However, this isn’t exactly new. Windows Studio Effects is the one AI feature that functioned out of the box on first-generation “AI laptops” with Intel Meteor Lake hardware. You don’t need a Copilot+ PC for them.
There are some extra effects: you can use effects like “Animated,” “Illustrated,” and “Watercolor” to change how you look on your webcam in real time. It’s a nice idea, but I find the effects to be very subtle.
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Chris Hoffman / IDG
Do I really look “illustrated” in the screenshot above? A little bit! Is that worth buying a Copilot+ PC for? Well, I don’t know about that…
Recall would have been the big feature
Recall will take screenshots of your PC’s display every five seconds, create a big database of your PC activity, and then let you search through it with plain language queries—just like when you talk to an AI chatbot.
Unlike the Copilot AI chatbot or AI image generation features, it will work entirely offline. That’s what Microsoft said when it announced Recall.
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft
It’s clear why Microsoft made such a big deal about Windows Recall when it announced Copilot+ PCs. Without Recall, there’s a distinct lack of a centerpiece AI feature that really sells these PCs. Instead, it’s just a collection of little tech demos that shows off what the NPU can do.
But when Microsoft faced serious blowback regarding privacy and security concerns over Recall, it decided to pull Recall before launch and spend a few more months working on it before release.
Ultimately, this means none of the included “AI” software featured in Copilot+ PCs at launch is particularly exciting.
With Copilot+, you’re buying into a promise
I’m calling these features “tech demos” for a reason. They feel like they exist to demonstrate the power of the neural processing unit and the Windows Copilot Runtime that Microsoft is offering to developers.
The vision of a Copilot+ PC isn’t that Windows will totally transform itself. The vision is that third-party application developers will leverage this hardware to add AI features into their own applications.
It’s early days, for sure. If you’re excited about a Copilot+ PC because of the AI features, I recommend you slow down before buying one because you may be disappointed, especially without Recall.
I always recommend buying hardware for what it can do today, not based on what it might do in the future. (Already this year, buyers of first-generation AI PCs got burned for buying into a vision too early.)
But if you’re mainly excited about the battery life and performance promises of Copilot+ PCs? That may be a good reason to buy one! I’ve been very impressed with the battery life and snappy performance so far. I wish Microsoft and Qualcomm were talking more about that than AI with this debut Snapdragon X Elite laptops.
Let’s stay in touch! Sign up for my free Windows Intelligence newsletter—I’ll send you three things to try every Friday.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jun (PC World)You should always have a few things in your home in case of emergency, and a powerful light source is high on that list. With this battery-powered LED lantern on sale right now for just $20, now’s the perfect time to grab one for your home if you don’t have one already.
In fact, it’s so reasonably priced that you may want to grab a few. Why not keep one at home, one in your car, and one to take with you when you go camping? It’s a versatile lantern with plenty of uses.
The LE 1000LM offers high brightness and dimmable lighting, making it suitable for various situations. With a long press of the button, you can adjust the brightness up to 1,000 lumens, able to illuminate an entire campsite or dim down just enough to read a book.
It can switch between daylight white and warm white, and it also has a flashing mode to help you be seen in emergency scenarios.
You’ll need three D alkaline batteries to power up this lantern, and it’ll last for up to 12 hours at the highest brightness. So, if you’re going camping, make sure to take a bunch of spare batteries with you.
The IPX4 water resistance rating means this lantern can withstand splashes of water from any angle, making it suitable for use in rainy or snowy conditions. It’s also not very large, measuring 7.24 x 3.46 inches, so it won’t take up a lot of space.
Whether you’re planning an outdoorsy adventure or prepping for a power outage that you hope never comes, you don’t want to miss out on this deal. At just $20, this battery-powered LED lantern is worth it.
This LED lantern is only $20 right nowBuy it on Amazon
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jun (PC World)I’ve reviewed several Logitech gaming keyboards and I usually come away less than impressed. The company tends to bank on its brand and legacy to sell high-priced hardware, while falling far short in features and especially software.
Which is why the new Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL keyboard intrigues me by the simple fact of it being reasonably priced.
At $140 for a wireless gaming keyboard, the G515 is decidedly average as a value play—but it’s nearly $100 cheaper than the G915 TKL, a design that’s years old and far from competitive even when it came out, so someone at Logitech is paying attention to the larger market.
With a low-profile build and switches compatible with low-profile keycaps on the Cherry-style stem, it offers at least some options for customization. Logitech also built in some RGB lighting and topped it off with high-quality PBT keycaps, a feature that even some premium gaming keyboards omit. (Lookin’ at you, Razer BlackWidow.)
The G515 is a bit chunky for “low-profile,” but then again it doesn’t take much to feel skinny next to most of the gaming keyboards on the market, which might be charitably called “big-boned.”
Despite the skinny dimensions, the proprietary GL switches feature 1.3mm of travel, which is less than half of a standard MX switch but far more than most of the trendy thin keyboards and laptop-style designs.
The G515 includes Logitech’s standard—and very good—tri-mode wireless with Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle plus multi-device support. Battery life is rated at “up to 36 hours,” though that’s presumably with the full light show active. If you can resist the RGB bling, it should go for weeks or months.
The G515 is available in black or white, with linear (smooth) or tactile (slight bump) switch options. Sadly, there’s no hot-swap capability. The keyboard should be showing up in online and brick-and-mortar retailers very soon.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jun (PC World)I used to worry constantly about my laptop and phone running out of battery while I’m out, but that anxiety disappeared after I got myself a good power bank—like one by Baseus.
This particular Baseus power bank is just $42 right now if you clip the 25% Amazon coupon and apply the 5% promo code. Down from its normal price of $80, that’s a real bargain!
With a substantial 65W Power Delivery output, this power bank can charge your laptop or your phone via USB-C, making it incredibly versatile. Whether you’re juggling work on your laptop or just need a quick boost for your phone, this power bank has you covered.
The colossal 20,000mAh capacity means you can fully charge your phone roughly three times or your laptop about once. It’s perfect for extended travel where access to outlets might be limited (e.g., flights).
The power bank has one 65W PD USB-C port and two 30W QC USB-A ports. (Technically, you can charge three devices simultaneously, but you won’t get the same speed you would with only one device plugged in.)
You don’t want to miss this deal for a $42 Baseus Power Bank! And don’t forget to clip the on-page Amazon coupon and use the special promo code (44P53777) at checkout to get the best price.
The Baseus power bank is only $42 right nowGet it on Amazon
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jun (PC World)If you frequently travel or work from coffee shops, the Uperfect 2K Portable Gaming Monitor is a game changer because you can be more productive. Now available for just $144 at Amazon, down from $240, this monitor offers a blend of high performance and portability.
The Uperfect monitor features a stunning 2K resolution (2560×1600) and a 120Hz refresh rate, making this monitor suitable for more than just work—a solid option for all but the most hardcore of gamers.
This 16-inch display is surprisingly slim at just 0.4 inches thick and weighs only 1.7 pounds, which means you can easily slip this into a bag with your laptop without much of a fit issue.
One really cool thing about this monitor is that it has an IPS matte screen with a high contrast ratio, delivering rich colors and great picture quality. You’ll also get decreased reflections and fingerprints with this type of panel, a definite win since you’ll be handling this one a lot.
Another thing we love about it is that you don’t have to use it as a portable monitor if you don’t want to. It has a VESA mount, so you can just set it up at home on your wall or on a monitor arm.
Equipped with two full-featured USB Type-C ports and one Mini HDMI port, a single USB-C cable is all you need for power supply and display signal transmission. It also has built-in speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Uperfect`s 2K portable monitor is just $144Get it at Amazon right now
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jun (PC World)Smartphones are a great convenience and all. But sometimes it’s a hassle to have to juggle activity on both your phone and your PC. Fortunately, Windows allows you to access your phone’s display on your computer monitor and interact with it in real time, so you only have to keep your eyes on one screen. Here’s how.
Further reading: The best monitors
1. Activate wireless display
The first step is to prepare the Windows computer for wireless transmission. To do this, open the search by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar.
Next, type optional features into the search field, and click on the match to open the Settings app. There, click on the “View features” button in the top right-hand corner.
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
2. Install the required feature
Then tick the “Wireless display” checkbox and confirm the process by clicking the “Next” and “Add” buttons.
wireless display` class=`wp-image-2373528` width=`817` height=`720` loading=`lazy` /> wireless display` data-wp-on--click=`actions.core.image.showLightbox` data-wp-style--right=`context.core.image.imageButtonRight` data-wp-style--top=`context.core.image.imageButtonTop`>
wireless display` class=`wp-image-2373528` width=`817` height=`720` loading=`lazy` />Foundry
wireless display` class=`wp-image-2373528` width=`817` height=`720` loading=`lazy` />Foundry
Foundry
3. Establish connection
Then start the newly added “Connect to a wireless display” application. You can use the Windows search again to do this. In the “Settings” app, click on the “Connect” button on the right next to “Connect to a wireless screen.”
If this function does not appear for you, check whether your PC and smartphone are in the same WLAN.
Foundry
Foundry
Foundry
4. Start mirroring on the smartphone
While the “Connect” app remains open on the Windows PC with a large, blue background, switch to your Android device. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick access bar.
The menu item for mirroring the smartphone display has different names depending on the manufacturer and Android version. The function may appear as “Transfer” or “Transfer screen,” but also as “Smartview,” “Screen Mirroring,” or “Screencast.”
IDG
IDG
IDG
If you do not see a corresponding option in the quick access bar, you can also find it in the settings under “Display.” As soon as you have activated the function on your mobile device, the Windows computer will appear in the list of display devices.
Select it with a tap to establish a connection. An icon in the status bar then indicates that the screen content is being transferred. As long as the screen is mirrored, you will see the content of your Android device in the “Connect” app on the Windows PC.
get windows 11 pro for cheap
Windows 11 Pro
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| ![](/n.gif) | | BBCWorld - 26 Jun (BBCWorld)His removal comes four years after he was abruptly dropped by streaming platform, Twitch. Read...Newslink ©2024 to BBCWorld | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 26 Jun (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsEasy-to-use interfaceDecent speedsIndependently verified no-logs auditConsSome features not available for all platformsCan’t unblock most streaming servicesExpensive monthly subscriptionOur VerdictHMA VPN comes with an easy-to-use interface, extensive global server network, and decent enough speeds. However, it’s lacking some common features that experienced VPN users want, and the features that are included aren’t available on every OS platform.
HMA VPN — aka Hide My Ass! — has seemingly been around forever. Founded in 2005, by a high-school tech wiz who just wanted to game at school, it has since grown into a successful premium VPN service.
HMA now offers a sprawling network of over 1,100 servers across 297 country locations. That’s a far cry from the single URL-based VPN it used to be. But can this old ass learn new tricks? I pin the tail on this VPN to see if it really does live up to its humorous name.
HMA VPN in brief:
P2P allowed: Yes
Simultaneous device connections: 5
Business location: London, United Kingdom
Number of servers: 1,100+
Number of country locations: 297
Cost: $11.99 per month or $59.88 for one year
Further reading: See our roundup of the best VPN services to learn about competing products.
What are HMA VPN’s features and services?
HMA VPN has one of the cleanest user interfaces of any VPN on the market.
HMA VPN has one of the cleanest user interfaces of any VPN on the market.
Sam Singleton
HMA VPN has one of the cleanest user interfaces of any VPN on the market.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
When you first open up HMA VPN you notice right off the bat how simple it all looks. That’s simple in a good way, I mean. There is a large on/off switch in the middle with another large button to choose your location. There is also an animated hipster-looking donkey at the top — it’s an ass for “Hide My Ass!”, get it? Clever. Anyways, that’s basically it. The whole app is extremely easy to use and straightforward. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the overly complicated interfaces of other VPNs that seem to want to bombard you with as much data as possible.
There is a More button that brings up a side menu with, as you guessed it, more info about your connection. This includes up and down data traffic and connection preferences for kill switches and the auto-connect feature.
HMA VPN doesn’t have a lot of user settings to choose from, but the kill switch and IP shuffler are highlights.
HMA VPN doesn’t have a lot of user settings to choose from, but the kill switch and IP shuffler are highlights.
Sam Singleton
HMA VPN doesn’t have a lot of user settings to choose from, but the kill switch and IP shuffler are highlights.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
Click on the gear icon at the top left of the home screen and it brings up the settings menu. Here is where simplicity turns into inadequacy. There aren’t many features to speak of, especially for a premium VPN that charges what HMA does.
You do get comprehensive kill switch functionality. There is both an overall kill switch to restrict all traffic to your device should your VPN connection cut-out, as well as an app kill switch to choose only specific apps to restrict after an unexpected disconnection.
HMA VPN only comes with the split tunneling feature on its Android app.
HMA VPN only comes with the split tunneling feature on its Android app.
Sam Singleton
HMA VPN only comes with the split tunneling feature on its Android app.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
Other advanced features are available on different OS platforms, as well. For example, Android users will have access to a split tunneling feature, which is unavailable for PC users. Split tunneling is a useful feature that allows you to designate which apps will use the VPN connection and which will stay separate. I’m surprised and a little frustrated that HMA only supports the feature for Android users, as most premium VPNs nowadays offer it for multiple platforms.
One unique feature that HMA does include is an IP shuffler. This periodically randomizes and changes your IP address so that it’s harder for anyone to track your location. I actually really like the idea of this extra security measure and used it without issue during my entire testing process. You can customize the randomization time periods from daily all the way down to 1 minute.
Despite these nifty extras, it does feel as if HMA VPN is lacking some key VPN features. The absence of multi-hop, ad- and tracker-blocking, and split tunneling for all platforms is a letdown. Also, power users will be disappointed that there aren’t more tweakable configuration options or things such as Smart DNS and dedicated IP.
In regards to servers, HMA VPN comes with a decent, if unexceptional 1,100 plus total servers. What’s quite nice, however, is the server country spread. It provides a mixture of physical and virtual servers across 297 country locations, spanning most of the world. So even if you’re a Gibraltarian wanting to connect to your home country, there’s a server for you. And if you happen to be the Pope, there’s a Vatican server for you, as well.
One unique feature that HMA includes is an IP shuffler that periodically randomizes and changes your IP address so that it’s harder for anyone to track your location
How much does HMA VPN cost?
HMA VPN comes in monthly, one-year, and three-year subscription plans.
HMA VPN comes in monthly, one-year, and three-year subscription plans.
HMA
HMA VPN comes in monthly, one-year, and three-year subscription plans.
HMA
HMA
HMA offers its VPN subscription in monthly, one-year, and three-year plans. The monthly plan starts at $11.99 per month, which is admittedly expensive for what you’re getting. Similarly priced top VPNs such as NordVPN ($12.99 per month) and ExpressVPN ($12.95 per month) give you much more in regards to extra features and OS availability.
However, switch to the annual plan for $59.88 per year, or $4.99 per month, and things become a lot more affordable — roughly in line with most other premium VPN services. If you decide to opt for the three-year plan it gets even cheaper at $107.64, or $2.99 per month. Three years is a long commitment though, especially in the fast-moving VPN market. If you just want to get your toes wet to see how you like HMA VPN, it does offer a 7-day free trial, as well.
It’s worth noting that all of these subscription prices come with five simultaneous device connections. If you wish for more, every subscription tier also offers the option for 10 connections for a little bit less than double the price.
Payments can be made with a credit card and PayPal.
How is HMA VPN’s performance?
When testing a VPN’s speeds I measure connection speeds across its servers in six different countries around the world and then compare them to my baseline internet speed.
HMA VPN’s speeds were passable. During the tests, HMA VPN was able to maintain 55 percent of the base download speed and 54 percent of the base upload speed. That puts it right in the middle of the pack, but well shy of the fastest VPNs.
I noticed that HMA’s speeds were markedly better for servers located physically closer to me than those further away. That may seem like an obvious outcome, but the differences were quite drastic. Servers in my same country maintained speeds well in excess of 80 percent of my base speeds while far-away servers in countries such as South Africa and Australia were dramatically slower — both countries’ servers clocked in below 20 percent of the base.
Of course, physical distance is just one of many factors that can lead to different speed outcomes. Others include: time of day, server load, server architecture, fluctuations in your own home connection, etc. It’s best to take not just these results, but all VPN speed results with a grain of salt. I simply include them here to help give some guideposts as to what you might expect. Overall, I believe that HMA’s speeds are just fine for most users.
When it comes to streaming, I can’t recommend HMA VPN as a good way to unblock geo-restricted content. I couldn’t get U.S. Netflix to work no matter how many different U.S. servers I tried. I was able to very occasionally access Disney Plus and Amazon Prime, but I had to dig around to find a server that worked. Other streaming services such as Hulu and HBO Max were all unsuccessful as well.
How is HMA VPN’s security and privacy?
HMA VPN uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and the Windows app has access to the WireGuard, OpenVPN, and its own proprietary Mimic protocols. The Android app only comes with OpenVPN.
WireGuard, OpenVPN, and HMA’s own Mimic are all available protocol options.
WireGuard, OpenVPN, and HMA’s own Mimic are all available protocol options.
Sam Singleton
WireGuard, OpenVPN, and HMA’s own Mimic are all available protocol options.
Sam Singleton
Sam Singleton
HMA’s Mimic protocol was developed by parent company Avast RSO (makers of the Avast antivirus software) as a way to bypass VPN restrictions. As the software is closed-source and I am not currently located in a country that has restricted internet usage, I couldn’t truly put it to the test. However, I always recommend WireGuard as my go-to protocol due to its open-source nature and excellent mix of speed and security.
When it comes to user privacy, HMA VPN has made huge strides in recent years. Prior to major updates to its privacy practices in 2019, HMA was criticized for dubiously storing user data such as IP address, connection timestamps, and some online activity. After the changes, the company switched to a no-logs policy, which it then backed up with an independent audit conducted by VerSprite a year later.
That audit confirmed that HMA does not collect any data logs on users. According to the new privacy policy, it only keeps data regarding account information for billing and customer service purposes, approximate individual bandwidth usage to assist with network capacity improvements, and anonymous error reports.
While the switch over to a no-logs policy was a necessity, the independent audit was a welcomed addition. However, it has now been four years since that audit took place and I’d like to see the service undergo more regular audits in the future. Similarly, I’d like to see HMA VPN make the switch to RAM-only diskless servers, which are much safer and quickly becoming an industry standard among top VPNs.
HMA is owned by parent company Avast Group, and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The country unfortunately has mandatory data retention laws and is a member nation of multiple signals intelligence sharing agreements such as Five, Nine, and 14 Eyes alliances. Thankfully, the company’s no-logs policy mitigates the chance for user data to be collected by these governments.
Is HMA VPN worth it?
The rebranding to a more corporate sounding name doesn’t take away from the charm of the HMA VPN service. It has a well thought-out and friendly interface, making it quick and easy to get connected. There are also plenty of country locations to choose from and the speeds across most servers is above average.
The bones for a great VPN are here, but without meatier features such as split tunneling and multi-hop across all apps, it simply can’t compete against the best services such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Hopefully parent company Avast continues to improve upon this time-honored VPN service in the future.
Editor’s note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article.
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