Latest articles by Zac Bowden
Windows 11's File Properties window is getting the modern WinUI treatment
Windows 11 The first signs of a completely modernized File Properties window using WinUI are hidden in the latest Windows 11 preview builds.
Windows 11 KB5121767 update released to address major reliability issues on certain Dell PCs
Windows 11 After blocking the most recent Patch Tuesday updates on Dell PCs, Microsoft has now released an emergency fix that addresses some big issues.
Microsoft's 90s IRC Client that popularized Comic Sans goes open-source
Microsoft The source code behind Microsoft's 30 year old Comic Chat IRC client is now available on Github for the first time.
Windows 11 KB5101650 rollout paused for Dell PCs after unexpected shutdowns plague update
Windows 11 Microsoft has blocked the KB5101650 after Dell informed the company that a recent change is causing some of its PCs to suffer from major instability issues.
Hands-on with Windows 11's new search experience: Is it finally fixed?
Windows 11 Microsoft's new Windows Search experience is now rolling out in preview, and I've gone hands-on to see if the improvements really do make a difference.
Microsoft unveils major search experience overhaul for Windows 11
Windows 11 Windows 11's search user experience is getting a big update, with Microsoft moving to prioritize local results, remove promotional content, and much more.
Windows 11 version 26H2: Everything you need to know
Windows 11 Microsoft is hard at work on building the next version of Windows 11 that's expected to debut this fall. Here's what to expect, and when.
Microsoft plans more smartphone integrations across the Windows 11 UI
Windows 11 Sources say that Microsoft is exploring several ways it can introduce new smartphone integration features across the Windows 11 interface in the coming months.
Windows Central Podcast on Microsoft’s latest changes
Podcast On this week's episode: Daniel, Zac and Jez discuss the Microsoft's big wave of layoffs and how it impacts Xbox, the recent Copilot OS leaked, and a recap on where things stand with Surface.
Microsoft Layoffs and Copilot OS — Windows Central Podcast LIVE
LIVE Join Daniel, Zac and Jez at 2PM ET on July 9 for the LIVE Windows Central Podcast!
Microsoft is making the Windows 11 search box chunkier
Windows 11 An upcoming change to Windows 11 will see the default search box in Start and on the Taskbar appear larger as Microsoft increases its height by 4 whole pixels.
Lenovo's new "Aura Edition" All-in-One Windows PC is a crazy sight to behold
Review Lenovo's latest flagship all-in-one might be the best-looking Windows AiO we've ever seen, complete with a unique design and best-in-class display that elevates it above the competition.
Microsoft announces new Cloud Rebuild recovery feature for Windows 11
Windows 11 A new recovery option coming to Windows 11 will let you reinstall the OS and your drivers using the internet without a USB key, even when Windows itself is unbootable.
Podcast: The path ahead for Xbox
Podcast On this week's episode: Zac and Jez discuss the state of Xbox as a business, recent rumors around studio closures, and what Microsoft is planning for Project Helix.,
What is Project Aion? Everything we know about Microsoft's secret Copilot OS project
Windows 11 Project Aion is a 2024 incubation effort designed to build out a functioning Copilot OS experience, capable of running on Windows, Android, and focused entirely on the web and agentic AI.
Leaked video reveals Microsoft's experimental Copilot OS project
Microsoft A leaked video from 2024 has revealed all about Microsoft's internal explorations for a Copilot OS running on a stripped back Windows codebase.
Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go are dead
Surface Surface Go 4 and Surface Laptop Go 3 are now out of stock in most places, and sources say there are no plans to restock them or replace them with a successor.
Windows 11 24H2 support is ending, warns Microsoft
Windows 11 If you're running Windows 11 Home or Pro on version 24H2 in 2026, you'll soon need to upgrade to remain supported.
Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10 — here's how to stay secure until October 2027
Windows 10 Mainstream support for Windows 10 ended in October 2025. That means the OS no longer receives security updates automatically, and you must take action to ensure your devices remain secure when connected to the internet.
Microsoft extends Windows 10 extended security updates program amid RAMpocalypse
Windows 10 Windows 10's ESU program has been quietly extended by an extra year, now ending on October 12, 2027 instead of October 2026.
HP's new OmniBook Ultra 14 is already $650 off, and it's a deal you can't miss
Deals The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 for 2026 is one of the best Snapdragon X2 laptops we've tested in 2026, and the X2 Plus model is already $650 off at the HP store.
This anti-Prime Day deal is your last chance to get a 32GB flagship laptop for under $1,000
Deals The Dell XPS 13 (9345) with Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, and 1TB storage is just $999 at Dell's website during Amazon Prime Day sales.
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 version 26H2 is coming soon
Windows 11 The next version of Windows 11 is official, and Microsoft has outlined what it is, and who will be eligible to upgrade.
