<![CDATA[ Latest from Windows Central in Windows-11 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/windows-11 Sat, 02 May 2026 14:12:41 +0000 en <![CDATA[ “Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11s-may-2026-update-is-packed-with-11-powerful-features-you-cant-ignore z3NHpmbmSVwQMHczzKMSJb Sat, 02 May 2026 14:12:41 +0000 <![CDATA[ Your Windows PC's security foundation could expire in 8 weeks — Here's how to check if you're eligible for a new Secure Boot certificate ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/secure-boot-certificates-expire-how-to-check XYwrhGpCcWDSRzGeSy4Z4C Sat, 02 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft will hide Windows 11's annoying MSN feed by default as it moves to reduce ads and noise across the OS ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-will-hide-windows-11s-annoying-msn-feed-by-default-as-it-moves-to-reduce-ads-and-noise-across-the-os d4odj5ZYiJwTGRSVGc6ysh Fri, 01 May 2026 17:17:02 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 17:28:29 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows 11 KB5083631 update released with major explorer.exe reliability upgrades, AI agent support, Xbox mode, and more ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-kb5083631-update-released-with-major-explorer-exe-reliability-upgrades-ai-agent-support-and-more phF3VoLbETFHanCfFdDw6i Fri, 01 May 2026 00:31:48 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:37:56 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Xbox Mode is here”: Microsoft rolls out console-style experience on Windows 11, barely meeting its own deadline ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-mode-is-here-microsoft-rolls-out-console-style-experience-on-windows-11-barely-meeting-its-own-deadline hPKfLYFhksLAAnrmfQN8Xa Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:17:51 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-should-steal-concepts-from-this-windows-redesign-project jHTFE2qbSfLaUFaB2KjS9L Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:23:19 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 04:11:21 +0000 <![CDATA[ France threw a funeral for Windows 10 — complete with a coffin and chants of Microsoft's "programmed obsolescence" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/france-threw-a-funeral-for-windows-10-complete-with-a-coffin UdraQbZMvLvBUki7dsCZAk Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:09:14 +0000 <![CDATA[ "We're doing the work required to win back fans across Windows and Xbox": Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says the company is making foundational changes to fix Windows 11 and Xbox ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/were-doing-the-work-required-to-win-back-fans-across-windows-and-xbox-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-says-the-company-is-making-foundational-changes-to-fix-windows-11-and-xbox 9kyVc5v8SBNa4mE8X79PLE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:34:48 +0000 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:34:05 +0000 <![CDATA[ We’ve tested the April 2026 Windows 11 update, and its 11 improvements genuinely make the OS feel better ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/11-big-windows-11-changes-in-april-2026-you-need-to-know-right-now 4zSkwke7wSxFP9zDS9xRKE Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:16:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows K2 status tracker: Keeping tabs on every Windows 11 commitment Microsoft has made in 2026 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-k2-status-tracker-windows-11-commitments tdHnB7ytXdG8WMK3b9q6KP Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:48:42 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:56:57 +0000 <![CDATA[ Google's "$3 solution for your outdated PC that can't run Windows 11" has sold out in less than a month ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/google-chromeos-flex-usb-upgrade-sold-out 79hroEzce7LimKDaQNb4pm Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:15:11 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft's Windows K2 could be Windows 11's tipping point, and finally deliver the experience users expected: "When the Windows brand is under attack, it drags the whole Microsoft brand down with it." ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/microsofts-windows-k2-could-be-windows-11s-tipping-point-and-finally-deliver-the-experience-users-expected RQzpRHqzwxsUsqdPAhQRr7 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:49:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Microsoft didn’t mention these 4 hidden Windows 11 features” and they might matter more than the ones they did talk about ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/4-hidden-features-that-microsoft-didnt-mention-in-the-experimental-channel-for-windows-11 YXBUZQtJSK7rNxh6Nxhz7G Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:23:00 +0000 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:35:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Microsoft finally remembers why Windows enthusiasts matter” — from Insider reboot to update control and community fixes, Windows 11 is finding its footing again ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-wrap-microsoft-finally-remembers-why-windows-enthusiasts-matter Y99qTRTHCcxgm7ZRv2ro7G Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:16:18 +0000 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:21:03 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Your apps should update themselves” — Winget-AutoUpdate is the missing piece for automatic app updates on Windows 11 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/winget-autoupdate-is-the-missing-piece-for-automatic-app-updates-on-windows-11 zyTfN4KuxCsQHqA6f6AuoZ Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:57:41 +0000 <![CDATA[ Should you debloat Windows 11? The custom ISO scene is bigger than you think ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/should-you-debloat-windows-11-the-custom-iso-scene-is-bigger-than-you-think ktAE8HDXRJ7wL2WsE9C2Eg Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ What is Windows K2? Inside Microsoft’s big plan to save Windows 11 and win back trust from users. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/what-is-windows-k2-everything-you-need-to-know-saving-windows-11 K6s8EwJG4SxBdyTU7xgtpE Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:37:23 +0000 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:47:26 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows 11 is finally giving you real control over updates with new options to skip releases, pause longer, and stop forced restarts ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-will-let-you-skip-updates-pause-longer-and-avoid-forced-restarts CJf7eeNNK38r88LnrhRLFe Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:10:38 +0000 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:32:52 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows Insider reboot begins: Here's what's new in the first-ever Experimental Preview build ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-insider-reboot-begins-heres-whats-new-in-the-first-ever-experimental-preview-build iDpjV5uerPnzsMX3cLitFY Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:07:59 +0000 <![CDATA[ I got an inside look at the plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11 — Microsoft’s bet on quality, community, and making the OS feel human again ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/i-got-an-inside-look-at-the-plan-to-bring-the-soul-back-to-windows-11-exclusive L8DVxL5iaShnxPNHDZMLQF Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:04:12 +0000 <![CDATA[ Copilot Keyboard launches in Japan, but it’s the return of the dolphin “Kyle” stealing the spotlight ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/copilot-keyboard-launches-in-japan-but-its-the-return-of-the-dolphin-kyle-stealing-the-spotlight DtxCvLbuZv5fCgRPfofgw3 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:34:14 +0000 <![CDATA[ File Explorer feels outdated again after this Files update ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/file-explorer-feels-outdated-again-after-this-files-update 5ATxaSUF5t6DggZLXAGEHU Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:42:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Clipchamp is going backward: Microsoft will retire iOS app instead of making an Android one ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/clipchamp-is-going-backward-microsoft-will-retire-ios-app-instead-of-making-an-android-one 9rA4vUwbtLLXgJmaxg7U6a Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:16:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Checkout, right in the app?” — Copilot’s shopping upgrade adds mobile checkout and merchant data from 500,000 sellers ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/copilots-shopping-upgrade-brings-checkout-to-the-mobile-app-with-deeper-data-from-half-a-million-merchants DahpwnFPJpJ5JVJjm4uVSb Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:52:02 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:57:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft has been trying to fix Windows 11's annoying white flash bug in File Explorer for over 2 years: Has it finally done it? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-has-been-trying-to-fix-windows-11s-annoying-white-flash-bug-in-file-explorer-for-over-2-years-has-it-finally-done-it kX4tZ8kx5vMGQH5pgZXDui Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:45:15 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:13:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Did Ookla just leak Windows vNext UI?": Or is this just a macOS mockup on Windows 11 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/did-ookla-just-leak-windows-vnext-ui-or-is-this-just-a-macos-mockup-on-windows-11 4srobDWRcLLFP6CvYPCdAK Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:29:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft says Windows 11’s built-in 'Defender' antivirus is "usually sufficient" for most PC users: "I haven't used a 3rd party antivirus since XP" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-says-windows-11s-built-in-defender-antivirus-is-usually-sufficient-for-most-pc-users BWx9sdtGiMAXeHoDWEkSB8 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:12:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ How to move the Windows 11 Taskbar and restore the classic look ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/hate-the-windows-11-taskbar-heres-the-ultimate-way-to-bring-back-a-classic-look-from-windows-95-to-windows-vista PTrphTs5T9rbUN3iGmgvGm Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:01:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows Central Podcast: What's next for Surface? We break down the leaks ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-central-podcast-whats-next-for-surface-we-break-down-the-leaks CGj3ZKrg7WSzqau247scqU Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:04:57 +0000 <![CDATA[ Parents Decide Act pushes Windows 11 and others towards forced age verification, collecting "any information as is necessary" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/parents-decide-act-pushes-windows-11-forced-age-verification 3bmZ6JJgePVpzUex4gfN6L Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:47:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ “This update broke BitLocker for me” — Windows 11’s April patch is locking out PCs, but here’s the fix that works ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-april-2026-update-breaks-bitlocker-for-some-pcs-heres-the-fix Wpbt6KTXFb6UUxXqxydHAM Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:11:34 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:16:25 +0000 <![CDATA[ I tested this Windows 11 customization app with 42 million downloads — why aren't more people discussing it? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/explorerpatcher-windows-11-customization ZG25dG3QKoKTKdy2z8aqZf Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:22:17 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows Wrap: Surface prices climb and ambition shrinks — plus Surface Pro 12 rumors, Windows 11 modders, Start menu fixes, and Rewards shakeups ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-wrap-surface-is-raising-prices-while-lowering-ambition cFiM8SE5PZLWz9K4PfiBRi Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:19:29 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:19:28 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The vault is solid, the delivery truck is not" — strong key storage, shaky transfer: why this Windows Recall feature raises new security questions ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/why-this-windows-recall-feature-raises-real-security-questions QWR2uWUJPA2nmAvvera4AL Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:40:35 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:41:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft is finally adding the right kind of AI support to Windows 11 as it struggles to combat AI popularity on Mac ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-is-finally-adding-the-right-kind-of-ai-support-to-windows-11-as-it-struggles-to-combat-ai-popularity-on-mac mZwnXAvDGsRfYUbYWYBDde Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:48:43 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:45:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ “This company reeks of desperation”: Microsoft is giving away $1 million and a Mercedes-Benz just to get you to use Edge ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/this-company-reeks-of-desperation-microsoft-is-giving-away-usd1-million-and-a-mercedes-benz-just-to-get-you-to-use-edge uswcjuwUybaQxTwaqnUz2E Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:06 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:27:22 +0000 <![CDATA[ 14 defaults I think are worth changing: Windows 11 feels modern, but many out‑of‑box settings push services, tracking, and clutter. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/14-worst-default-configurations-on-windows-11 PR2icfgUs378u3rohannvF Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:32:36 +0000 <![CDATA[ Zorin OS 18.1 adds guided migrations, stronger app compatibility and wider hardware support, making switching from Windows far more practical for millions [clone] ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/zorin-os-18-1-adds-guided-migrations-stronger-app-compatibility-and-wider-hardware-support-making-switching-from-windows-far-more-practical ZituzcwCNxemJuYqEeQfnM Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:15:27 +0000 <![CDATA[ “A solid list from the community,” as Reddit users highlight 10 open‑source apps that run great on Windows 11 and deserve more attention ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/top-10-open-source-windows11-apps-recommended-by-reddit YzZbg6Hezm8huWXvQXyvR Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:29:56 +0000 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:52:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ Your old Windows laptop is worth more than you think: I found 5 projects that can replace cloud subscriptions ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/your-old-windows-laptop-is-worth-more-than-you-think-5-projects-replace-cloud-subscriptions t8S6KSwhmzXE28rx5ju9RX Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft plans major Start menu upgrades for Windows 11 with better customization and performance: Users will soon be able to resize it and toggle off entire areas of Start ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-plans-major-start-menu-upgrades-for-windows-11-with-better-customization-and-performance-users-will-soon-be-able-to-resize-and-toggle-off-entire-areas-of-start 6iU5U3mtH7Wgrj9cq7dweF Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:55:02 +0000 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:40:31 +0000 <![CDATA[ Sniffnet is my new go-to app for network monitoring — Free, open-source, and taking on GlassWire and Wireshark ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/sniffnet-network-monitor-app tKwkUWV2iab3jXo82RHfLc Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:01:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The fastest path towards reinstatement": Microsoft responds to developer backlash after account termination — but identity verification remains non-negotiable ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/microsoft-responds-to-developer-backlash-after-account-termination zwRQ2tdE5vvsjMznwFb2U Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:07:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft's VP just reworked a Windows 11 feature to make it "comfortable" for macOS users — if they ever decide to switch ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-vp-reworked-windows-11-feature-comfortable-for-macos-users zkgkcsfdfCiYcKYsm67CyA Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:52:21 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:53:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft thinks you'll want an Xbox Controller and 1 year of Microsoft 365 and Xbox Game Pass over a MacBook Neo ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-thinks-youll-want-an-xbox-controller-1-year-of-microsoft-365-and-xbox-game-pass-over-a-macbook-neo 2v7S2RdcBxgikDKGYFWqKU Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:51:29 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:53:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Microsoft fired the skilled people, leaving flowchart followers": Microsoft's Security Response Center is being blamed for the zero-day BlueHammer exploit leak, but I can't tell who's right ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-security-response-center-bluehammer-exploit SsyAjrjrWmHQHSiQwkEX5F Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:41:50 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Users can now simply ask what happened": AppControl's optional AI integration gives you in-depth PC diagnostic history in plain English — It works with popular LLMs, but I'll use offline models for added security ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/appcontrol-update-ai-integration KEvACh4ehd5zMwfRVXC9M Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:26:38 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft's crazy Surface price hikes are pushing me to Apple: I can no longer recommend Surface over a MacBook or iPad ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/microsofts-crazy-surface-price-hikes-are-pushing-me-to-apple-i-can-no-longer-recommend-surface-over-a-macbook-or-ipad R6BWC5W55ZLKJs4SBunik8 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:17:31 +0000 <![CDATA[ The Windows 11 customization scene is thriving because Microsoft won't give users what they want ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-customization-thriving-microsoft-wont-give-users-what-they-want xfY99vibnzixgKQAbwdoSN Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:40:15 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Zero detections across 69 engines": A fake Windows 11 24H2 update is slipping past antivirus to try and steal your passwords ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/fake-windows-11-24h2-update-slipping-past-antivirus 2D5Ck6bTMAjRTEVK4mTNHF Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:26:02 +0000