Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallYes. A chat can be end-to-end encrypted while the separate request that creates a link preview still reveals information. Depending on the app, the sender’s device, the recipient’s device, or the messaging service may fetch the URL. That determines whether the provider or linked website can observe the request—and, in some cases, whether a recipient’s IP address is exposed before they tap the link.
What happens when a messaging app creates a link preview?
When someone shares a URL, an app may fetch information associated with it—such as a page title, description, or image—and turn that information into a preview card. The fetch can come from the sender’s device, the recipient’s device, or the messaging service’s servers. A preview therefore involves a network request separate from simply delivering the chat message.
End-to-end encryption protects message contents in transit between participants, but it does not by itself prevent a separate preview request from reaching a website or service. The privacy question is not simply whether a chat is encrypted; it is which component fetches the URL, when it does so, and what it requests or retains.
Who can see the link depends on who fetches it
Messaging-service fetch
If the service’s server creates the preview, it must extract the URL from the message and request it from its own infrastructure. That may expose the URL to the messaging provider and could produce server logs or repeated analysis. The study authors note that this architecture requires the URL to be sent to the server for fetching. Kirchner et al., Proceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies, 2024.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Recipient-device fetch
If the recipient’s app automatically contacts the destination before the recipient chooses to open the link, the linked site can learn that the URL was accessed and may see the recipient device’s IP address. A sender can also use an attacker-controlled URL to prompt such a request. This is why recipient-side previewing can create both privacy and security concerns. Kirchner et al., 2024; SecurityWeek, October 27, 2020.
Sender-device fetch
If the sender’s device fetches the page to build the preview, the destination website still receives a request, but it is the sender’s device making it. The researchers consider sender-side fetching preferable to recipient-side fetching on privacy and security grounds, while noting that the destination still sees a request. Kirchner et al., 2024.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What the studies found—and what they did not establish
A 2024 study by Robin Kirchner, Simon Koch, Noah Kamangar, David Klein, and Martin Johns tested 105 messaging services using honey messages and monitored URLs. In that sample, 34% showed capabilities of server-side message analysis. The study also reported evidence of message analysis in 58% of the 36 apps, 49% of the 41 websites with chat functionality, and 14% of the 28 messaging-service-provider chats it examined. These are results from the researchers’ sample, not estimates of the share of all messaging products currently doing this.
Among messengers that generally displayed previews, 17 of 39 (44%) displayed them only for pages supplying meta tags; ten still made more requests than the researchers considered necessary even when those tags were present. The paper also describes an extreme case with nearly 80 server-side requests after a shared link and another service revisiting a page 30 days after the chat. Those examples are not typical-outcome claims. The study measured particular services at a particular time, so it should not be read as a current audit of every app or version. Kirchner et al., Proceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies, 2024.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
A separate 2020 report described varied architectures, including sender-side, recipient-side, and server-side fetching, and raised concerns about IP exposure, encrypted-chat links reaching a service, and unnecessary large downloads in some implementations. Those findings are historical; they do not verify the behavior of current app versions or establish that every provider retained fetched files. SecurityWeek, October 27, 2020.
How Signal and Discord describe their preview behavior
Signal
A third-party Signal privacy guide says previews are generated locally on the sender’s device: that device retrieves page and image information, then sends the preview with the message under end-to-end encryption. The destination website still receives the fetch. The guide also says users can turn previews off in Signal’s settings. This description is from the guide, not Signal’s official domain. Signal, “Link Previews”.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Discord
Discord Support’s article dated August 5, 2026, says Discordbot visits links shared in messages to collect information for previews, and says this is not continuous website crawling. For image and video links, Discord says it may save a copy temporarily and serve it from Discord infrastructure; according to the company, that can protect the viewer’s IP address from the original file-hosting site. Discord’s documentation describes its stated behavior; it does not establish that all messaging apps work the same way. Discord Support, “About Discord Link Previews and the Discordbot,” August 5, 2026.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to reduce preview-related exposure
If a link is sensitive or untrusted, disabling automatic previews where possible can prevent the app from making the preview fetch. It does not make the URL safe, guarantee that no other processing occurs, or prevent the recipient from opening the link manually.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Look for the app’s link-preview control. Check its privacy, chat, or data settings for a link-preview option. Signal’s guide specifically says the feature can be disabled, though exact menu labels may vary by app version. Signal, “Link Previews”.
- Consider the fetch timing. Determine whether preview requests happen when a message is sent, when it is received, or only after someone taps the link. Recipient-side automatic fetching is the scenario that can reveal the recipient’s IP to the destination before a deliberate visit.
- Ask which party makes the request. A server-side request may expose the URL to the provider; a client-side request goes from a user’s device to the destination. Neither label alone answers whether files are cached, how many requests are made, or whether the app repeats them.
- Share sensitive URLs cautiously. Turning off previews reduces automatic preview fetching, but the URL itself can still contain sensitive information, and a recipient can visit it later.
The 2024 study authors propose zero server-side requests as a privacy target for app-based messengers and one server-side metadata request as an acceptable target for browser-based messengers. These are the authors’ design recommendations, not a universal standard. Kirchner et al., 2024.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
