Yesterday, Microsoft rolled out the latest Windows 11 updates for all users across version 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. For users running version 24H2 and 25H2, this latest patch includes a number of nice to see quality of life improvements in the way of performance and reliability upgrades in a number of key areas.

According to the changelog, which includes improvements that began rolling out as part of last month's optional feature update, the KB5101684 update includes reliability upgrades for explorer.exe, which will make opening things like Jump Lists and recent files faster. Additionally, Microsoft says this update will also make sharing files and switching between desktops with Task View faster too.

The reliability improvements don't end there, either. This update also includes reliability upgrades for the Windows lock screen and sign-in screen, which will be most noticeable on PCs with low amounts of RAM available. There are also startup reliability upgrades for the Start menu and Taskbar, which should make those interfaces appear quicker when powering up.

Furthermore, Microsoft says that this update also makes the post-update process less resource intensive, meaning your PC will feel faster to use immediately after an update is installed. Previously, Windows Updates required a clean-up phase after install which could be quite resource intensive on certain PCs.

The good news is all of these performance and reliability upgrades apply regardless of the amount of RAM your system has. You should notice a more responsive system if you have 8GB or 128GB of RAM.

Here's a rundown of the reliability-focused improvements in the latest update:

• This update improves explorer.exe reliability, including when opening Jump Lists and recent files, when sharing files and folders, and when using Task View and multiple desktops.
• This update improves the reliability of the Windows sign-in and lock screens, especially when system memory is low. It also improves the reliability of the Start menu and taskbar during startup.
• This update improves reliability of loading the system tray area of the taskbar when using the taskbar on touch devices in a tablet posture.
• The update improves the reliability of Start menu view preferences, ensuring your selected view is retained.
• This update includes changes to update clean-up logic to improve system performance immediately following an update.
• This update improves app search to better handle typos and partial app names when finding installed apps.

These reliability and performance upgrades are in addition to the many other quality of life improvements shipping as part of the KB5101684 update, including improvements to File Explorer, Windows Hello, Windows Search, system sounds, and more.

Microsoft recently announced a renewed commitment to making Windows 11 better on PCs with 8GB RAM, and it appears we're already seeing the fruits of that labor. While there's plenty of more optimizations to come, it's good to see Microsoft already moving to address this weak point on Windows.

Microsoft has been delivering genuinely nice improvements to Windows 11 over the last few months, all of which have been addressing issues with the OS around performance and reliability. This latest update continues that crusade, meaning your PC will feel better to use as of the latest updates.

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According to a new report from Taiwanese publication United Daily News (UDC,) Microsoft is raising the cost of Windows license fees for hardware makers by a much higher amount than normal. According to the report, certain OEMs are seeing licensing price hikes of between 7% and 10%.

Usually, Microsoft raises Windows license fees for OEMs by a low digit percentage, making this 7% to 10% increase much more significant than normal. "A PC brand executive stated that Microsoft increases licensing fees for Windows OEMs (device manufacturers) every year. In the past, licensing fees mostly increased by single digits each year, but starting in July this year, the average increase has reached 7% to 10%, which is a significant increase compared to previous years," UDC says.

Of course, the cost of the Windows license fee is usually (at least partially) passed onto the consumer buying a computer, and UDC claims that their source says laptop pricing is already being impacted by these recent license fee increases. Microsoft charges different OEMs their own fees for Windows, so the exact increase in cost will differ for each hardware maker.

Regardless, with the ongoing memory component shortage, PCs have already seen astronomical price increases over the last year, with experts claiming that we haven't yet seen the worst of it. With Microsoft raising prices higher than usual on Windows licenses, it feels like the Redmond giant is adding extra fuel to the fire.

Windows Central reached out to Microsoft for comment regarding this story, but the company declined to provide one.

To be clear, the Windows license fee price hikes only apply to OEMs building hardware that ships with Windows. The cost of buying a license for Windows 11 as a consumer remains unchanged, being $99 for Windows 11 Home and $199 for Windows 11 Pro.

The ongoing component crisis has made computing unaffordable for many people. PCs that used to target the $600-$800 price bracket now cost close to $1,000. And flagship Windows laptops that used to cost $1,200-1,500 are now closer to $2,000. Even Apple has been hit by the shortage, being forced to raise prices by hundreds of dollars across its Mac lineup. Microsoft's own Surface line was hit especially hard, with the flagship Surface Pro and Surface Laptop being $400-$500 more expensive than the last-gen models.

(Sources: 1, 2)

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Windows 11 will soon lose a way to log in to a PC. A recent update removes the option to set up a new picture password. If you already have a picture password on your PC, you can continue to use it, but the feature is being phased out.

Microsoft is on a mission to push the world beyond passwords. The tech giant generally recommends a PIN, facial recognition, or a fingerprint to log in to Windows 11. Passkeys are often the top recommendation for authentication, though you cannot log in to a Windows 11 PC with a passkey. But back in the days of Windows 8, Microsoft introduced the option to unlock your PC using a picture.

That feature, which has remained available across Windows 10 and Windows 11, allows you to unlock your PC with a series of touches or gestures, like tapping the eyes of a smiley face then swiping across the face's mouth.

You could use a combination of three types of gestures as part of a picture password: circles, straight lines, or taps.

Picture passwords were a fun way to show off the touch-centric nature of Windows 8, but they aren't as secure as a passkey or even a strong password.

Since people often pick gestures or taps around key objects, hackers can sometimes guess the gestures needed to unlock a PC. People can look at the smudges on your screen to guess where you touch frequently.

A research paper from 2013 that was flagged by Neowin highlights the risks of picture passwords.

If you have a picture password set up now and want to continue to use it, you need to make sure to leave it set up. Once you remove it or disable it, you will not be able to set up a picture password.

Microsoft shared the following in a support document:

"To help enhance security, picture password is no longer available for new enrollment. Users who have already configured a picture password can continue to use it to sign in to Windows. If a picture password is removed, disabled, or not previously configured, it cannot be set up again. We recommend using Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition where available."

That change arrives alongside the July 2026 security update, which is now rolling out to Windows 11.

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Last week, users began noticing a new app appearing in their Start menu on Windows 11, titled "OneDrive Photos" which was being forcibly installed by the OS. Naturally, this caused outrage among users who aren't interested in using OneDrive for photo storage, resulting in pushback online.

Now, Microsoft's EVP of Apps and Agents, Jeff Teper, has taken to X to explain what happened. He confirms that the OneDrive Photos app is an incubation project, which wasn't supposed to rollout as widely as it did. "We are incubating a new photos experience in OneDrive that went more broadly than it should have in Windows. We’re fixing that. Windows Photos will always give you the option of local and cloud photos and the choice to use OneDrive or not."

It looks like a switch was flipped on Microsoft's end which made the already pre-installed OneDrive app begin showing the OneDrive Photos experience, which is usually hidden from the user currently. Microsoft has been building this new OneDrive Photos experience for a number of months, as it first leaked back in 2025.

It's unclear why Microsoft thinks it needs to build a dedicated OneDrive Photos app, especially when Windows comes preinstalled with an already competent photo viewer that does a good job of handling photos stored in OneDrive. The new OneDrive Photos app is a web app, which is heavy on RAM usage and not very responsive.

Although Microsoft has confirmed that the rollout of OneDrive Photos was an error, the company does say that it's still looking forward to delivering this new experience soon. "We're very excited for you to try out OneDrive's photos features on desktop, web, and mobile and hear your feedback."

It's unclear if Microsoft intends to re-hide the OneDrive Photos app from appear on PCs where it shouldn't. On my PC, I can still see the new Photos (Preview) appearing in Windows Search, which opens the OneDrive Photos experience. This isn't the first time Microsoft has been caught automatically installing new apps on Windows 11. The OS has frequently been accused of automatically installing apps like Microsoft 365 Copilot, much to the dismay of users who don't want it.

The good news is it appears Microsoft is listening to the feedback, and publicly acknowledging that it made an error with the rollout of the OneDrive Photos app is confirmation that it saw the backlash and understands that a lot of users don't want this new experience. Hopefully that means the company won't forcibly install it next time.

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In a new tweet, Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, March Rogers, has confirmed that there are no plans to introduce a customizable UI transparency slider on Windows 11, after users asked for a feature similar to the Liquid Glass slider that was recently added to the next version of iOS.

For a long time, Windows has featured transparency and blur effects. However, Windows has never natively supported adjusting how strong those effects are. Users have the option to turn transparency on and off, but there's no fine-tuning options for those effects to be found in the OS.

Third-party apps such as Windhawk do allow for customizing these effects, but this customization is not natively supported by the OS on its own. As such, it's natural to find that there are users out there who wish they could adjust these settings without being forced to download a third-party app first.

Rogers confirms that there are no plans to introduce a transparency slider on Windows 11 at current. "We think hard about who will benefit from the investment, usability and accessibility considerations. We also look at our community of developers (like the amazing Windhawk project) who may already be providing what users need. We won't be making immediate changes to the transparency options already in Windows, but we love getting your feedback."

It sounds like Microsoft has looked at this option, and has found that it's not a priority at the moment, which is understandable. Windows 11 has much bigger issues that needs fixing right now, and the company is focused entirely on delivering those improvements first.

The beauty of Windows is that it's an open-platform, meaning third-party developers can easily builds tools and apps that modify the Windows experience. Windhawk is a powerful suite of customization enhancements for Windows that lets users customize everything from the Start menu design to blur effects across the OS.

It's very refreshing to see Microsoft be so open about the design process for Windows 11 these days. I'm frequently checking the X accounts of many Microsoft employees these days, as they are always responding to Windows Insiders with explanations about new features and feedback from users.

While a transparency slider isn't on the cards for Windows 11 right now, Microsoft is working on a number of new customization options for the OS. There's a new customizable Start menu coming very soon, along with a redesigned context menu that will also be user customizable.

(Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4)

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Windows 11 is finally starting to see the changes Microsoft has promised for months, except the best parts are still limited to Windows Insiders and mockups. I appreciate Microsoft's efforts to revamp Windows 11 — better late than never — but some of these improvements should have shipped years ago.

The status of Windows 11 makes me ask why Microsoft didn't aggressively start climbing the metaphorical mountain years ago. Microsoft has revamped settings and UI elements, but the big changes are part of a new initiative that honestly shouldn't need to exist.

Microsoft is updating several core parts of Windows 11 with WinUI, which improves performance and even helps Windows 11 run on PCs with less RAM. But I can't help but ask how we got here in the first place. How did we end up with a "modern" OS with legacy components and UI elements from different decades?

Biggest News of the Week

I understand that updating legacy components can be tricky. Microsoft's CVP of Design and Research on Windows, Marcus Ash, joined the most recent Windows Central Podcast and discussed the challenges of updating Windows.

Obviously, Ash knows more about Windows than I ever will. I don't question the difficulty of updating an entire OS, especially if you need to re-update components several times.

What I question is why keeping Windows up to date and unified was not a core value from the start? Why did Microsoft reach a point where user feedback became overwhelming and the tech giant finally decided to make bigger changes?

Legacy support is critical for enterprise users, so Microsoft could not just throw out old code or elements to make Windows modern. But having a unified OS could have been a priority from the beginning.

Work like this needed to start decades ago, not in 2026. Some of the groundwork has been laid for these improvements, but some projects are quite new. That's not an acceptable way to make an operating system.

Shopping with Sean

My top recommendation isn't an item on sale. Instead, it's a must-have for Xbox owners that's running out of stock. Several retailers have listed the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S as unavailable. Best Buy ran out of stock while I was writing a piece highlighting the shortage. Below are all the listings I've found that still let you order the speedy storage card.

An excellent deal on the Dell XPS 14 slashes $1,150 off the premium PC. I love the design of the XPS 14 from last year, and the current discount makes the laptop a great choice for back-to-school shopping.

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Every time I install Windows 11, I turn off the same handful of features before I do anything else. They're not necessarily bad features, but I don't need widgets, recommendations, badges, and constant notifications competing for my attention while I'm working.

Over the years, I've found that making a few small changes creates a desktop that feels cleaner, quieter, and easier to focus on. I prefer Windows 11 to stay in the background and only get my attention when something truly matters. If you feel the same way, you're not alone.

In this how-to guide, I'll show you the Windows 11 features I always disable and explain why I think each change is worth making.

7 features worth turning off for a calmer desktop

None of these features are inherently bad, and I know many people enjoy using them. The problem, at least for me, is that they all compete for the same thing, which is my attention. One widget or notification isn't a big deal. However, once you combine recommendations, badges, alerts, and promotional content across the operating system, Windows 11 starts to feel busier than it needs to be. That's why these are the first settings I change.

1. Widgets in the Lock screen

I like my Lock screen only to let me know it's time to sign in, and nothing more. I don't need sports scores, market updates, or suggested content before I've even reached the desktop. It's one more thing competing for my attention before I start working.

I also switch from Windows Spotlight to a static image because I don't want tips or promotional overlays appearing before I've even signed in.

For these reasons, I always try to disable the desktop widgets and use a static image, and here's how:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Lock screen page on the right side.
4. Turn off the Widgets toggle switch.

5. Turn off the "Suggest widgets for your lock screen" toggle switch.
6. Select the Picture (or Slideshow) option in the "Personalize your lock screen" setting.

7. Choose the image you want to show on the Lock screen.

Once you complete the steps, the Lock screen becomes a simple place to check the time and sign in instead of another surface competing for your attention.

2. Widgets icon in Taskbar

I don't mind having quick access to Widgets, but I don't need live updates constantly trying to pull my attention away from whatever I'm doing. Removing the Taskbar button keeps the interface quieter while still letting me open Widgets with the keyboard shortcut whenever I actually want it.

If you don't want the unnecessary distraction, you can hide the icon from the Taskbar. Here's how:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Taskbar page on the right side.
4. Turn off the Widgets toggle switch under the "Taskbar items" section.

After you complete the steps, the Taskbar stays free from live updates while still letting you open Widgets anytime with the "Windows key + W" keyboard shortcut if you need it.

3. Do not disturb to stop toast notifications

Another feature I always turn on is "Do Not Disturb" to prevent distractions from toast notifications.

If you want to, you can also turn off notifications altogether, but I do this because I can still access the notifications from Notification Center.

To enable Do Not Disturb on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click the Notifications page on the right side.
4. Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" toggle switch.

5. (Optional) Turn off the Notifications toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 stops interrupting your workflow, but your notifications are still waiting in Notification Center whenever you're ready to review them.

If you decide to turn off the notification feature, the system and services won't be able to show or collect notifications.

4. Start menu content recommendations

The Start menu has become much cleaner over the years, but I still don't like seeing recent files, app suggestions, and recommendations every time I open it. I prefer using the space for the apps I've pinned instead of content the system thinks I might want.

I personally like to have the "Pinned" and "All" sections in the Start menu, and I always turn off the "Recommended" section, but these steps aren't obvious to everyone.

To disable the Recommended section, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Start page on the right side.
4. Turn off the "Show recently added apps" toggle switch.
5. Turn off the "Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists" toggle switch.
6. Turn off the "Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more" toggle switch.

7. (Optional) Turn off the "Show account-related notifications" toggle switch to prevent alerts from the Account Control menu in the Start menu.

After completing the steps, the Start menu feels cleaner and focuses on the apps you've chosen to pin instead of recent files and recommendations.

5. Search highlights from the web

When you open the Windows Search home from the Taskbar, the first thing you'll notice is web highlights with daily quizzes, image of the day, trending searches, games, news, and more, when the search experience should be about finding local and cloud files, settings, and applications installed on your computer.

Search is one of the features I use dozens of times a day, so I want it to open directly into search, not news stories, trending topics, or games. The less visual clutter between me and what I'm looking for, the better. Fortunately, you can turn off the web highlights for a simpler experience using Windows Search, and here's how:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy & security.
3. Click the Search page on the right side.
4. Turn off the "Show search highlights" toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, Windows Search opens with fewer distractions, making it easier to get straight to finding your apps, files, and settings.

6. Taskbar app badges for unseen content

Taskbar badges are another feature I disable on every new installation. These are the small counters or dots that appear on app icons to let you know something needs your attention. While they can be useful, I find they encourage me to check apps that aren't important at the moment.

I prefer opening apps when I decide to, not because a badge is telling me to. If I want to check for updates or unread messages, I'll do it on my own schedule.

To turn off Taskbar badges on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Taskbar page on the right side.
4. Click the Taskbar behaviors section.
5. Clear the "Show badges on taskbar apps" option.

After you complete the steps, app icons will no longer display unread message counters, helping keep the Taskbar cleaner and reducing another small source of distraction throughout the day.

7. Desktop icons and files

Like pretty much everyone else, I usually place shortcuts and files on the desktop, but I don't like a crowded desktop either, so one thing I usually do is to hide the desktop icons.

You can easily do this by right-clicking the desktop, selecting "View," and clicking on the "Show desktop icons" option to clear the setting and hide everything on the desktop for a clear view of the background image.

If I want to access the content of the folder, I usually just open the "Desktop" folder within File Explorer.

I know this one isn't for everyone, but hiding my desktop icons makes the entire workspace feel less cluttered. Everything is still there when I need it, but I don't have to look at it every time I minimize a window.

Windows Central's Take

I've been customizing this operating system for years, and this is still one of the first things I do on a new installation. Windows 11 includes plenty of features that many people enjoy, but I don't need constant reminders, recommendations, or badges pulling my attention away from my work. Spending a few minutes changing these settings makes the desktop feel much calmer without taking away the features I actually use.

Out of everything on this list, Do Not Disturb is the setting I'd tell most people to try first. I don't want notifications interrupting me throughout the day, but I also don't want to miss them completely. It gives me the best of both worlds.

Microsoft has been adding more customization options recently, but I still think the default Windows 11 experience tries a little too hard to keep people engaged. Fortunately, almost everything I mentioned here can be changed in just a few minutes, making the system feel much more personal without removing features you might want later.

Which Windows 11 feature do you turn off first to create a calmer desktop experience? Let me know in the comments below.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

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For the longest time, Windows has suffered from an inconsistent user interface design. It started with Windows 8, but got worse over the lifespan of Windows 10, with various levels of UI design, frameworks, context menus, iconography, and more getting thrown into the mix across the many different versions of Windows 10.

In fact, Windows 10's inconsistent UI design became so bad that it began contributing to people's dislike of Windows, citing its perceived lack of polish and craft as a reason to avoid it over competitors like Apple's macOS, a platform that takes pride in how it looks and feels to use.

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So with Windows 11, Microsoft began addressing this problem. The debut of Windows 11 in 2021 was a huge step in the right direction, attempting to modernize a number of Windows UI surfaces with a consistent design language using the company's WinUI framework.

Slowly but surely, older and inconsistent UI surfaces were updated with modernized alternatives that match the design of Windows 11. Things like the volume and brightness control, file share dialog, context menus, and more were updated with a more consistent design that look great.

More recently, Microsoft has improved dark mode across the Windows 11 interface, making it more consistent in apps like File Explorer where much of it was missing dark mode support and contributed to the "Windows never feels finished" allegations that have haunted the platform for years.

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced a renewed focus on modernizing and updating more of the Windows 11 interface, with an effort to utilize WinUI across more of the Windows 11 shell where applicable. The company also promised to deliver performance upgrades in the process, ensuring that WinUI surfaces would match or exceed the performance of the older interfaces it's replacing.

It's been a few months since Microsoft announced its plans to bring WinUI to more areas of the OS, and work has been slowly progressing. The company has already confirmed that it's rewriting the Start menu with WinUI, which should make it faster and more responsive. But there's more interfaces that the company is yet to announce that we know is also in the works.

Modernized File Properties

First up, recent Windows 11 preview builds have confirmed that Microsoft is rebuilding the File Properties dialog in File Explorer with WinUI. This is one area of the File Explorer that hasn't been touched in well over a decade, meaning it still doesn't even support dark mode.

This legacy interface is being rewritten with WinUI, and the first sightings of this work were spotted in a recent preview build, albeit only when viewing the properties of a file in the Recycle Bin.

With that said, we know Microsoft is planning to bring this modernized experience to the entire File Properties experience, meaning right-clicking and selecting properties on a file in File Explorer will soon present you with a consistent design that matches the Windows 11 aesthetic.

Modernized Autoplay Menu

This interface hasn't been touched since Windows 8, and is one of few areas of the OS that still utilize Microsoft's old Metro design language. The menu that appears when you plug in a USB drive or insert a disc is being modernized with WinUI, which will bring a consistent Windows 11 design to the aged interface.

Microsoft has confirmed this work is underway, but is yet to give us a look at the new interface, though we know it will support both light and dark mode unlike the current version. For now, we'll just have to imagine what such a modernized menu might possibly look like. Still, it's good to know the work is happening.

Modernized Print Management

It's not the sexiest feature in the world, but it looks like Microsoft is building a modern version of the Print Management experience with WinUI, replacing a decades old interface with something that looks like it was designed for Windows 11. And yes, it supports dark mode now.

This is the first MMC-based interface we're seeing get the WinUI treatement, which bodes well for future modernizations of apps like Disk Management, Computer Management, and more. These 90s era interfaces have plagued the Windows experience for years, so it's very reassuring to see Microsoft is finally working on WinUI versions of these apps.

Modernized Run Dialog

Microsoft has already announced and shipped preview builds with this redesigned interface, but the company is rebuilding the classic Windows Run dialog with WinUI, now with support for both light and dark mode, and features from PowerToys.

The company says the new UI is both better looking, more functional, and faster than the legacy Run box it replaces. With that said, it appears the modern Run interface will be shipping as an option that users will have to manually enable first if they want to see it.

The new Run interface also includes the ability to type ~\ for quick access to your home directory, and it will also show app icons when applicable in your recent search list, which is a nice touch.

Rewritten Start Menu

As mentioned up top, Microsoft has already confirmed that it's rebuilding the Start menu with WinUI, but we're yet to hear more about what that's going to entail for the end user.

So far, we know the goal of the WinUI rewrite is to make the Start menu faster and take up less system resources. This should mean (very) slightly less memory usage for the Start menu, as many WinUI interfaces will share a System Compositor, which is how Microsoft intends to make WinUI faster.

It's unclear if Microsoft is planning to redesign the Start menu alongside the WinUI rewrite. Last I checked, this was not in the plan. While there may be some minor UI differences and adjustments between the current Start menu and WinUI Start menu, I understand that the company intends to keep the experiences mostly the same.

This makes sense given Microsoft just launched new customization options for the existing Start menu, which would be odd to change so soon.

Compact Context Menus

While not technically a legacy interface, context menus on Windows 11 are a mess, and Microsoft is working to redesign them so that they are faster, more responsive, and most importantly, more customizable.

Coming this year, Windows 11's context menus will be updated with a new compact design that's smaller and lighter, meaning they won't lag or take as long to open, especially when there's lots of actions and items within the menu.

Microsoft is also planning to let users customize which items appear within the context menu, as well as configure the order in which those items appear. This means users will be able to hide certain actions and apps from the context menu if they don't use them.

More to come

It's clear that Microsoft is not done with updating legacy and problematic parts of the Windows 11 interface with WinUI. Microsoft's CVP of Design and Research, Marcus Ash, recently told Windows Central that the company has been working to improve its tooling so that it can move quicker to update even more legacy parts of the OS, including apps like the Registry Editor one day.

With that work ongoing, it's likely that we're going to see even more older and outdated parts of the Windows experience updated with modern WinUI designs. While certain legacy interfaces will likely continue to exist for years to come, it looks like Microsoft is exploring where it can best implement new UIs as fast as possible without breaking compatibility.

Moving more parts of the Windows UI under a consistent UI framework should result in better performance and reduced memory usage, which should make the OS feel faster and less bloated, thanks to that new System Compositor that's in the works that is designed to manage all WinUI interfaces across the Windows Shell. Though features like an optional transparency slider appear to not be in the works.

It's good to see Microsoft once again focused on polish and craft. It helps make Windows feel more unified and cared about, something that has not been so obvious in recent years and in my opinion has eroded confidence in the platform. Hopefully Microsoft will continue to focus on craft for years to come.

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Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it was moving to address Windows 11's biggest issues and criticisms from users in an effort to win back trust from customers and reposition Windows once more as a viable alternative to macOS and Linux, something people actually want to use over the competition.

It was nice to see Microsoft outline its roadmap and plan for Windows 11, but I wasn't prepared for just how fast the company would start delivering on the promises it was making. Since March, Microsoft has previewed and even shipped many improvements to Windows 11 that are the direct result of its Windows K2 initiative, all designed to fix Windows 11.

I've been testing these new Windows 11 builds over the last few months, and there are 5 big changes and improvements that stand out as super exciting. Some of these improvements are already shipping, whereas others are still in preview.

A new and improved Windows Update

Updates on Windows have always been frustrating, so much so Microsoft made it a point of focus for its Windows K2 effort. In the last few months, Microsoft has shipped multiple changes and improvements to Windows Update which are designed to make it more reliable, and more importantly, less annoying.

The first big change is ensuring driver, framework, and security updates are now all timed to install at the same time. Previously, any update could require the user to restart at any time. Now, Windows Update will only ask you to restart once a month, as the update system now installs those driver and framework updates alongside security patches.

That's in addition to being able to pause updates indefinitely now, so even when the one time a month that Windows asks you to restart finally rolls around, users have the option to say no and postpone the restart for as long as they need. Even when an update is pending restart, the option to shut down or restart without installing said update is now present.

Microsoft has even made it so users can skip installing updates when setting up a PC for the first time, meaning it now takes just a few minutes to get right into using your new PC instead of the 20+ minutes it used to take when installing the latest update was a requirement before reaching the desktop.

All of these Windows Update improvements are already shipping to all Windows 11 users, which is a crazy quick turn around.

Less ads and AI across the OS

People didn't believe they'd do it, but they actually have reduced the ads and AI buttons that are present across the OS. The Widgets board has been updated to replace the MSN feed with the local widgets feature by default, meaning you won't ever see any MSN stories or sponsored content unless you manually go into that section of the OS.

Microsoft is also removing Bing and MSN ads from Windows Search, in preview now. The search pane itself is now a long list or recent search queries and items, with nonsense like the Bing wallpaper of the day and other sponsored content no longer appearing at all. Even search results that reach out to the web no longer include sponsored content.

The Start menu now also has more granular controls over the kind of content that appears in there. The "Recommended" feed has been renamed to the "Recents" feed and no longer shows recommended apps and websites that came across as more advertising. Users even have the option to remove the Recents feed entirely now, which is great.

Copilot used to plague every inbox app and UI surface you could think of on Windows 11, but today it only appears in a few very specific areas. It still exists as a standalone app on Windows 11, but the Copilot button no longer exists in apps like Photos and Notepad. Microsoft has even removed the "Ask Copilot" option in File Explorer.

Better performance and reliability

One big area of focus for Microsoft is the overall performance and reliability of Windows 11, which many agree has slipped over the last few years. The good news is Microsoft has already delivered several improvements on this front, with more to come in the following weeks.

The first big change is the new "Low Latency Profile" feature that shipped just a few weeks ago. It's an invisible change that makes opening apps, context menus, and flyouts from the Taskbar much more responsive by silently increasing CPU frequency when these common actions take place.

This is something other OS platforms do which allows them to remain feeling snappy, even under heavy load, and now Windows 11 has the same behavior. This has outright fixed the issue users sometimes have where things like the Start menu don't always appear immediately when clicked. That's a thing of the past now.

Microsoft is also improving the performance of WinUI interfaces across the system via a new System Compositor which reduces latency and memory overhead across the OS so that these modern interfaces are consistently responsive. There's even a new Run dialog built with WinUI that is faster than the old Win32 version.

Opening and navigating through file trees in File Explorer is faster too, and searching for files and apps on Windows 11 is now more consistent. Two character search is already shipping, which makes finding content a little bit easier.

Customizable Taskbar and Start menu

One of the biggest issues people have with Windows 11 is how it took away customizable options for areas of the system like the Start menu or Taskbar. Microsoft has heard that feedback, and is already publicly testing a new Taskbar and Start menu that can be user customized.

The Taskbar can now be repositioned just like on Windows 10, allowing the user to move it to the left, right and top of the display if that's where they want it. There's also a new resize option letting users make it smaller like the Windows 10 one could.

The Start menu is also getting more customization options. Users can hide entire segments of Start, such as the Recents feed, Pinned apps, or All Apps area. They can toggle on or off the Phone Link companion, and disable Start entirely if they don't ever use it.

And there's more to come

Above are all the new improvements that I've tested and are either shipping or in public testing via the Windows Insider Program. These are the real changes and features that can be tried and tested as we speak, not just empty promises or ideas. It's all available to download and try out right now.

There's still more to come too, stuff that isn't yet in public preview testing. Microsoft has confirmed it's working to move more parts of the OS to WinUI for faster performance, such as the Start menu and areas of File Explorer. There's an effort to reduce the footprint of the OS in the works too, which should make the OS less resource intensive at idle.

Other improvements in the works are a redesigned context menu system that is faster and more customizable, more integration across the OS with your smartphone, and dark mode in even more places.

For the features that are yet to ship outside of preview, I understand that Microsoft is aiming to get the bulk of these improvements out of the door before the end of 2026, with some expected in 2027.

SI'm so very impressed with how quickly Microsoft has turned Windows 11 around so far. I haven't felt this positive about the features and changes being actively made to Windows in a really long time, to the point where it feels weird to not have anything to really complain about. All of my biggest issues with Windows 11 have either already been addressed, or are in the process of being addressed.

It's a great time to be a Windows user again.

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Windows Insiders need to update their PCs to be on a recent build of Windows within the next week. The latest Windows Insider builds contain a renewed flight certificate, which is important because the current flight certificate is set to expire on August 11, 2026.

Flight certificates are used to encourage people to keep devices up to date and on supported versions of Windows. Microsoft ships renewed certificates on a routine basis.

Microsoft emphasized the importance of a renewed flight certificate because in the past renewal mainly affected those in the Canary Channel. Now, those certificates apply across all Insider channels, including Experimental and Beta.

A brief reminder about the flight certificate appears at the top of the change log for the most recent Insider build:

"Today’s Experimental (Future Platforms) build contains a renewed Windows Insider flight certificate. Windows Insider Preview builds use flight certificates that are renewed periodically to help ensure Insider devices remain on supported builds and continue receiving future Insider Preview updates. The current flight certificate expires on August 11, 2026, so please update your device to a build containing the renewed flight certificate before that date."

A separate document dives into more detail, though the main takeaway is that Insiders should simply update their PCs to a recent build. Microsoft shared the chart below to help Insiders stay up to date.

Once you've performed this one-time larger update, your PC will go back to receiving regular updates.

If you don't update your PC to a build with a fresh flight certificate, you'll start seeing a warning that says, "This build will expire soon" on your desktop. You will also stop receiving automatic background updates once the flight certificate expires.

You should update your PC to a build with a fresh flight certificate, but if you don't, you can fix the issue by going to Settings > Windows Update and letting your PC install the latest build.

Test builds of Windows 11 are designed to expire relatively quickly, so you should update your PC regularly if you're a Windows Insider. Doing so will ensure your system is running a supported version of Windows.

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In this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden sit down with Marcus Ash, Corporate Vice President of Design and Research for Windows at Microsoft. The discussion centers on the user experience vision for Windows 11, balancing modernization with legacy app compatibility, and optimizing system efficiency across diverse hardware configurations.

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• Design Philosophy in Windows 11: Marcus Ash discusses how design decisions are shaped by user feedback, telemetry, and modern workflow requirements.
• Optimizing Performance for Low-RAM Devices (8GB): A deep dive into full-stack optimizations—ranging from kernel memory scheduling to UI process management—to ensure smooth performance on 8GB RAM hardware.
• Modernizing Legacy Tools vs. Backward Compatibility: Discussion on how Microsoft approaches updating older OS utilities (e.g., Control Panel, Registry Editor) while protecting enterprise compatibility and muscle memory.
• Web Tech, WebView2, and Modern UI: Exploring the role of web-based interface components in Windows 11, including trade-offs between agility, feature delivery, and resource utilization.

Have a question you want us to answer on the podcast? Send it to us at podcast@windowscentral.com

Hosts:

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

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562 researchers across 64 countries were on the receiving end of $20 million of rewards from the Microsoft Bounty Program. That program has researchers work with Microsoft to identify and report vulnerabilities across Microsoft's products and services.

The program has been around for years, but the $20 million in awards is a new record. For context, the Microsoft Bounty Program awarded $17 million to 344 researchers last year.

How much researchers receive depends on the type of vulnerability they report. Cloud programs and Zero Day Quest vulnerabilities are capped at $100,000 per vulnerability. Reporting an Endpoint and On-Premises program vulnerability can be worth up to $250,000.

Of course, those are the maximum payouts per report. Many reported vulnerabilities result in smaller awards.

Microsoft expanded the scope of its researcher awards last year. Now, in addition to flagging traditional bounties, researchers can be rewarded for reporting vulnerabilities in open-source software, third-party components, and Microsoft cloud services.

Microsoft detailed the rewards in a recent blog post.

"Security is a team sport. Every vulnerability reported through our bounty programs represents an opportunity to address risk before it can be exploited against customers," said Microsoft. "The work of the research community plays a critical role in helping Microsoft stay ahead of emerging threats while strengthening the security of cloud services, AI systems, enterprise platforms, and consumer technologies."

Microsoft credited the increase in submissions in part to AI. Increasingly, AI is being used to help security researchers.

Microsoft also uses AI to find and fix vulnerabilities as well. Unfortunately, AI can also be used by hackers to quickly leverage discovered vulnerabilities. As a result, there is an AI arms race happening between malicious actors and security researchers.

Microsoft also recalled the success of the Microsoft Zero Day Quest, which had researchers from 20 countries travel to Microsoft's campus in Redmond, Washington. Over 700 vulnerability reports were filed and over $2.3 million was awarded at that event.

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July has come to an end, and as we start a new month, it's a good time to look at the new features and changes that Microsoft has been working on in the second half of the month for Windows 11.

In the last two weeks of July, the company has delivered several new features, but many of those improvements were features that we have already seen in other builds as Microsoft continues to align each channel more closely together.

As part of the improvements, we have seen new customization options for the Start menu, new gestures for the touchpad, an updated interface for the Account Control menu, and improvements for File Explorer.

In addition, we have seen the company pushing changes to Widgets, Windows Search, and more.

In the Experimental channel, Microsoft released builds 26300.9032, 26300.8935, 28120.2630, and 28120.2546, while the Beta channel introduced builds 26220.9022, 26220.8925, 28020.2623, and 28020.2539 for versions 26H2, 26H1, and 25H2.

In this recap, I'll highlight the latest and most noteworthy changes available through the Windows Insider Program.

Biggest improvements from the Windows Insider Program in July 2026

These are the most significant changes Microsoft has unveiled since my last roundup.

Windows Search automatic locations

Starting with the release of build 26300.9032, the operating system ships with an updated version of Windows Search that can now automatically find and search other folder locations based on your activity.

The new feature uses signals, such as files and frequently accessed locations. According to the company, this helps to make relevant files easy to find without requiring manual indexing.

The feature is known as "Automatically find additional relevant locations," and it's located on Settings > Privacy & security > Search.

In addition, Microsoft didn't mention this, but I've noticed a new "Search the contents of online files" on the same page, which allows you to decide whether Windows Search can search online content.

Phone Link changes

The Phone Link companion flyout that appears in the Start menu is getting an update on build 26300.9032 that allows you to hover over a recent message or notification in the "Recent" section to preview the content without extra steps.

This improvement requires the Phone Link app version 1.26021.3.0 or higher.

Adaptive hibernate policy update

In the Experimental channel, build 26300.9032 (version 25H2) also introduces changes for the adaptive hibernate policy to prevent hibernation when the battery is above 80 percent and to hibernate when the battery falls below 10 percent.

Microsoft accomplishes this by increasing instances of instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and increasing battery preservation at the low end of the battery.

This change is also available on builds 28120.2630 and 28020.2623 for version 26H1.

File Explorer performance boost

On build 26300.8935, File Explorer received three specific improvements. First, the company made file deletion faster when deleting large and fragmented files.

This update also makes the Home page faster, and finally, the "Recommended" section on the Home page now supports touch scrolling to make it easier to browse files from the carousel.

In addition, starting with build 26220.8925 for version 25H2, the "Details" view now shows file sizes with appropriate units, such as KB, MB, and GB, instead of only showing KB.

Furthermore, on the "Home" page, you can now use a middle mouse click to open folder locations in new tabs.

Widgets improvements

The preview build 26300.8935 also updates the animated icons for the Widgets entry point in the Taskbar.

First, the icon now matches the system accent color instead of the red color. Also, the animated icons can now show more dynamic content if notifications are enabled in the Widgets dashboard.

Windows Update changes

On build 28120.2630 (Experimental channel for version 26H1), Microsoft is making system updates less disruptive by reducing the number of restarts users face each month.

This is possible thanks to a new unified update experience that coordinates driver, .NET, and firmware updates with the monthly quality update, consolidating updates into a single monthly reboot instead of multiple interruptions.

The company is also expanding update pause controls, allowing users to extend update pauses as many times as needed.

These improvements are also available for build 28020.2623 in the Beta channel for version 26H1.

Touchpad gestures

Builds 28120.2630 and 28020.2623 for version 26H1 add new gesture controls for Precision Touchpads through the Settings app.

The new options will work across most apps, although apps built with WinUI 3 will require updated WinAppSDK 1.8 or 2.0 support before they can take full advantage of the changes.

The new controls include scroll and zoom speed, which lets you adjust the default speed for scrolling and pinch-to-zoom gestures. Also, accelerated scrolling will allow you to increase scrolling speed the longer you continue scrolling, making it easier to move quickly through long documents and webpages.

These improvements are also available for build 26220.8925 in the Beta channel for version 25H2.

Smart card policy

Starting with build 28120.2546, Microsoft is adding support to remove smart card policies in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365 sessions that use Microsoft Entra ID authentication.

As a result of this change, administrators can configure remote sessions to automatically disconnect when a redirected smart card is removed, helping improve security and meet compliance requirements.

This improvement is also available for build 29639 in the Experimental channel for version Future Platforms.

Narrator changes

Microsoft is making refreshable Braille displays easier to use with Narrator in build 28120.2546.

Windows 11 now supports HID-compatible Braille displays, allowing users to connect supported devices instantly over USB with no additional setup, or wirelessly through Bluetooth. The feature also works during the initial Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE), enabling you to configure a new computer independently.

These improvements are also available for build 28020.2539 in the Beta channel for version 26H1, for build 26220.8925 for version 25H2, and for build 29634 for version Future Platforms.

Taskbar positioning

Starting with build 26220.9022 for version 25H2 in the Beta channel, the operating system introduces the ability to change the position of the Taskbar to the top, left, right, and bottom of the screen.

The new setting is known as "Taskbar positions," and it's available from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.

When using this new functionality, Taskbar tooltips, flyouts, and animations continue to work in any of the positions, while most customization options, including never combining Taskbar icons, remain available.

This flight also introduces the ability to make the Taskbar smaller. The option is available from this page. However, in the Beta channel, the option works when configuring the "Show smaller app icons" option. In future releases, the company will add a dedicated button under the "Taskbar behaviors" setting, as it's currently available in the Experimental channel.

It's worth pointing out that these changes are still under development, and they may not work as intended.

Start menu new customization

On Windows 11 build 26220.8925, Microsoft is rolling out new Start menu customization options, including the ability to choose which sections appear in the menu and adjust its size.

The new customization settings are available on Settings > Personalization > Start. On this page, you can show or hide any of the sections, and you'll also notice that the "Recommended" section has been renamed to "Recent."

In addition, there's a new option to change the Start menu size, which means you can make the menu larger or smaller, or use the automatic option to let the system choose the size based on the configuration.

Finally, at the bottom of the page, under the "Other" section, you can enable the "Hide your name and profile picture on Start" setting to improve your privacy when projecting your screen to other people.

Account Control menu redesign

Microsoft is also refreshing the Account Control flyout in the Start menu with a more modern design and clearer Microsoft account information.

The updated interface adds a subscription badge, making it easier to check your account state, view available benefits, and explore upgrade options.

It also surfaces account benefits and storage details, giving users a centralized place to manage their Microsoft account without opening the Settings app.

This improvement is also available for build 29634 in the Experimental channel for version Future Platforms.

Voice Isolation for Voice Access

On build 29634 in the Experimental channel for version Future Platforms, Windows 11 also introduced Voice Isolation for Voice Access to improve speech recognition in noisy environments and shared spaces.

According to the company, the feature uses on-device processing for filtering background noise and nearby conversations.

In addition, Voice Access now includes three speech recognition models, including "Voice Isolation," "Remove background noise only," and "No filtering."

Windows Central's Take

Looking back at the second half of July, I don't think this was Microsoft's most exciting set of Insider releases. A lot of what landed in the Beta and Experimental channels wasn't entirely new. Instead, it felt like the company was catching those channels up with features that had already appeared in other Insider channels as it continues to align the program.

I don't think that's a bad thing. It suggests Microsoft is getting closer to offering a more consistent experience across the Insider channels while focusing on improvements that people will actually notice.

I'm still waiting to see how quickly these features make it into the stable release. Microsoft has been moving faster recently, but Insider builds are still a preview of what's planned, not a guarantee of what will eventually ship.

What are your thoughts about these latest Windows 11 Insider changes? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

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Mark Russinovich is the CTO of Microsoft Azure, and as it seems, a big fan of id Software's classic 1993 FPS, DOOM. I've seen the game running on practically every imaginable piece of hardware with a screen and any semblance of buttons, but I hadn't expected it to be playable inside Paint — until I installed it on my own PC earlier this morning.

"Playable" is being generous, because as Russinovich explains in his documentation for DoomPaint on GitHub: "Every frame is placed on the Windows clipboard and pasted into Paint's canvas as a genuine document edit", so Microsoft Paint is acting like more of a monitor than anything else, but it's still a sight to behold.

Performance ranges from quite smooth to snail's pace, but "the spreadsheet-tier framerate is part of the charm", and this is hardly the kind of medium I'd expect anyone to beat the entire game in. Nevertheless, it's real, and stands as the latest example of DOOM running in weird places. You'll need to install Python to run it, but that's all — alternatively, you could just watch my video.

It's a particularly bizarre crossover featuring two of my special interests, retro boomer shooters and classic Windows apps, with the icing on the cake being its creator. Sure, looking at the contributors section of DoomPaint shows generous commits from Anthropic's Claude and Microsoft's GitHub Copilot, so we're definitely dealing with a vibe-coded project here, but this is still a fascinating look into the downtime of a Microsoft executive.

Plus, there's working sound and music in this oddity, which is a step beyond what I expected from using Paint as a DOOM renderer. Again, though, this is more of a visual trick than an engine conversion, as Russinovich reiterates, "Paint renders the game but does not compute it. Paint computes nothing. Paint has never computed anything. That's the joke."

I've spent plenty of hours replaying the classics with source ports like UZDoom, and pulling a legitimate copy of its internal ".WAD" file will make variants like this playable with the complete selection of levels and weapons. If, somehow, you still haven't played DOOM in 2026, this could be one of the strangest ways to get started — but it's probably better to appreciate it from a distance.

— via Tom's Hardware

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Your iPhone and your PC are about to get a bit closer. Apple is working on allowing your iPhone's clipboard to connect to your Windows 11 clipboard.

The feature was requested by Microsoft and after review, Apple has agreed to move forward with it. MacRumors first spotted the change and 9to5Mac expanded on that coverage.

Rather than just a friendly note, Microsoft reached out to Apple in the form of an EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) interoperability request.

At the moment, apps can only access an iPhone's clipboard if the app is actively running in the foreground. Apple will need to grant access to Microsoft to make clipboard syncing possible.

Apple already has a Universal Clipboard feature that works across iOS and macOS. That feature is one of many benefits of users being in Apple's ecosystem.

Microsoft argued that “cross-device copy and paste is a foundational productivity interaction that users expect to ‘just work’ across their primary devices."

Microsoft also described the use cases for the interoperability:

• Copy text or other supported content on their iPhone and paste it directly on their Windows PC, and vice versa.
• Perform common productivity workflows without needing to foreground an app or take explicit repeated actions to initiate a transfer.
• Experience clipboard synchronization as a lightweight, continuous capability rather than a manual, app-driven operation.

On June 26, Apple confirmed that it will make the feature available:

"We will introduce a new solution that will follow similar patterns to the Accessory Notifications and Accessory Live Activities frameworks that were introduced on iOS26.5. It will enable you to create an extension to share and import pasteboard items with paired accessories. The system will notify your extension when items are copied into the clipboard; then your extension can use the Accessory Transport Extension framework to share the contents with your accessory as necessary using available transports."

If the feature does ship, it will rely on Apple’s AccessorySetupKit, which is an API framework that requires authorization from both the connected Windows PC and iOS device.

Unfortunately, there are several caveats to the interoperability. First, it will likely not be ready until at least late 2027. Apple referred to creating the feature as a "significant engineering effort," and noted development will be complete by fall 2027. After that, the feature will enter beta and eventually ship to the public.

Even when the clipboard connection becomes available, it may be limited to users in the European Union (EU). When forced to create features or expand them across platforms, Apple sometimes only rolls out the changes within the EU. In other instances, Apple has released the improvements to everyone, regardless of location.

Microsoft has taken a similar approach when dealing with the EU. I would argue the best version of Windows 11 is limited to EU users because they have greater control over which apps are installed on their PC.

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Microsoft's CVP of Design and Research for Windows and Devices, Marcus Ash sat down with the Windows Central Podcast to discuss ongoing work around Windows 11's UI, and how the company is moving to finally eradicate the OS of legacy cruft while maintaining backward compatibility where possible.

We started with Control Panel, which is everyone's go-to as a measurement for the progress the company has made to modernize Windows. Microsoft first began modernizing the Control Panel with Windows 8 over 13 years ago, and the work still isn't complete over a decade later.

Unsurprisingly, Ash says that the reason this has taken so long is that Microsoft prides itself on compatibility with legacy tooling and workflows, so it can't just rush in and modernize everything without first ensuring the modern replacements maintain functionality with what came before.

"That's why things like Control Panel get tricky, because if a customer has a driver or has something that depends on that legacy functionality, we just have to be careful about not breaking that compatibility promise," Ash said. "When we finally get things in Settings, we will then deprecate places say in Control Panel where we don't need that function anymore, we can carry it forward."

Ash highlights that modernizing legacy interfaces is as much about designing and building the new interface as it is about developing the tooling and UI frameworks to support the functionality required to build that modern interface, all while carrying forward the same capabilities, featureset, and performance.

"It also requires us to do work in WinUI 3 and some of these frameworks so that we can move things over at a rate that we think, one, customers can adopt and not break promises, but also just make sure we can test and we have the framework that supports all the things that our customers need. So we are pushing really hard to try to modernize, but we're also proud of the progress."

Ash says that legacy support in Windows is a strength of the platform, not a weakness. With that said, the company is exploring ways it can modernize legacy apps and interfaces while maintaining that legacy support. "There will be cases where, because of a customer that wants something that's important to them, we'll have some legacy UI, but even there we're trying to look and see: are there ways that through tooling and through better approaches we can just reduce that over time?"

In case you've ever wondered how Microsoft goes about choosing which legacy interfaces to modernize, Ash breaks down the process, confirming that "it's based on usage, telemetry, feedback. It's based on: where do we think the tooling is ready to move that surface forward? ... we just keep going through that and trying to make sure that over time, the amount of legacy UI that a customer would see in their day-to-day experience just gets smaller and smaller."

"We look at user journeys. Like if you were to look at File Explorer and you were to think about all the functions that happen in File Explorer, we then look left-to-right and say, okay, for this particular dialogue, where did the user start and where does the user end? So it's not just pick one dialogue, it's pick the full user journey of the things that the customer is trying to do."

Ash even teases that the company is looking at how it can evolve its tooling that that one day it can tackle modernizing apps like the Registry Editor. "I would say the common things that we look at are the top things that users/customers want: File Explorer and some of the big apps. But even things like Regedit and some of the tooling, we're already starting to take a look at and figure out: how would we attack this problem so that we keep a compatibility promise AND we can modernize these frameworks."

It's clear that Microsoft is eager to move Windows forward with modern designs that are consistent with its current design language, but that the company must ensure that these modernizations don't interrupt workflows or break compatibility. That's ultimately why it's taken so long for Microsoft to modernize legacy UIs across Windows, because the UI frameworks and tooling required to do it need to be built-out to ensure legacy support first.

Our interview dives into more topics, including optimizing the OS for 8GB RAM devices and why Microsoft sometimes chooses WebView2 over WinUI in certain apps and interfaces. Be sure to watch the whole interview on our YouTube!

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Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Design and Research on Windows, Marcus Ash, has commented on the company's ongoing effort to modernize and reduce the memory footprint of Windows 11 for devices with low amounts of RAM.

Last week, Windows chief Pavan Davuluri confirmed the motion to optimize performance on Windows 11 for devices with 8GB RAM, and Marcus Ash has now broken down just how the company is planning to go about doing that.

Ash confirms that Microsoft is taking its work to optimize the OS seriously. It's looking at all aspects of Windows from top to bottom to ensure performance is optimized at every step.

"This is something we've learned especially over the last few months with the effort we've done on quality. We have to look at these as full-stack challenges, from the design of the pixels all the way down to the kernel scheduler and drivers," Ash told us in an interview on the Windows Central Podcast. "We know that given the expectations customers are going to have, we have a chance to do better. We have a chance to do things that get ahead of where we know customers are going to go in terms of their expectations on the apps they run, and the responsiveness of those apps."

The process is a group effort, one that incorporates all the teams building software and experiences inside and on top of Windows 11. "We get teams together across Microsoft, we get our own team together, we instrument the various customer jobs that people want to run, and then we're relentless at: how do we reduce the memory footprint?"

Ash continues: "How do we think about preload, and how long something should stay preloaded so that we can release things when you're not using the app as much, when we really need to reduce more system memory? We think about the design and just making sure that when people get under stressful memory conditions, how do we make it very easy for them to decide what they don't want to run anymore so that we can relieve some of that pressure?"

It's clear that Microsoft views the ongoing memory pricing crisis and competition from the MacBook Neo as driving forces for optimizing Windows 11 for devices with 8GB RAM. The company has confirmed that it's looking to begin shipping these memory and performance optimizations before the end of the year.

Our interview with Marcus Ash touches on more topics, including modernizing legacy UIs, how WebView2 fits in, and more on the Windows Central Podcast. So give the episode a watch on our YouTube today at 2PM ET if you want to hear more from Marcus Ash.

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Windows Insiders have new features to try out, including improved Windows Search and an upgraded Phone Link. The changes come with Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, which is now available through the Experimental Preview Channel.

The improved Windows Search is customizable, including some options that were already available. You can enable or disable integration with your personal Microsoft account or work or school account. You can also set Search to look through your OneDrive or not search your cloud storage.

The most recent addition of automatically expanding indexing in Windows Search based on your activity can also be enabled or disabled with a toggle.

Phone Link keeps getting better

The changes to Phone Link are more significant, but I wonder how many people they will affect. Based on comments here and on social media, it feels like Phone Link is a good idea that few people actually use daily. But Microsoft continues to improve it, so there must be a healthy user base.

In the most recent Windows Insider build, Phone Link can show more activity at a glance. Hovering over a recent message or notification in the recent section of the Start menu will show a preview of content. That experience is rolling out gradually, though, so you may not see it even if you're on the latest build.

Microsoft has big plans for Phone Link and even has a dedicated Messages app in the works that will support SMS conversations. Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden reported that the new features "are being explored and prototyped internally," but that they might change or not ship.

Eventually, Phone Link may integrate with the Windows shell rather than existing as a standalone app on top of Windows 11.

Microsoft has also played around with integrating Windows 11 and smartphones directly rather than through Phone Link. There's probably a place for both, but I'm curious if you have a preference regarding how to connect a smartphone and a PC.

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.9032

Search

• Windows Search can now automatically expand its indexing scope based on your activity, using signals like recent files and frequently accessed locations. This helps ensure that relevant files across your device are discoverable without requiring manual indexing configuration.
• To manage this feature, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search.

Phone Link

• The phone companion experience in Start already helps you keep up with activity from your mobile device. With today's update, you can see even more at a glance.
• Get more from your latest activities: Hover over a recent message or notification in the Recent section to preview its content directly in Start. There's no need to pick up your phone or open the item to see what's new.
• Whether you're checking a message or deciding if a notification needs attention, these updates make it easier to stay informed and keep your focus.
• This experience is gradually rolling out to Insiders on the Experimental channel with a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. Go to Phone Link > Settings > Start menu personalization.

Settings

• We've improved search in the Settings app to help you discover and navigate to settings more quickly. Search now surfaces results from more areas within Settings, with improved ranking to help relevant settings appear higher in results.

Adaptive hibernate policy

• Updates to the adaptive hibernate policy increase instances of instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and increase battery preservation at the low end of the battery. Noticeable changes include less hibernation while the battery is above 80% and hibernating sooner when the battery is below 10%.

Start menu

• Fixed an issue causing the Start menu to crash for some Insiders recently when dragging apps.

Taskbar

• Fixed a recent issue where, when the taskbar was in an overflow state, hovering over the preview thumbnail for an app window in the overflow area would immediately dismiss it.

File Explorer

• File Explorer Home now preserves the state of sections (expanded or collapsed), so you can pick up where you left off.
• We've addressed an issue that caused the address bar contents to be cleared when entering edit mode by clicking near the right end of the bar.
• We've improved the reliability of File Explorer when dragging files to a disconnected network drive.
• This update addresses an issue where files stored on a DFS mapped drive could be incorrectly treated as originating from the internet after the device started while disconnected from the network and later reconnected. This could cause File Explorer's Preview pane to display the message, "The file you are attempting to preview could harm your computer," or cause files copied from the DFS drive to receive an unexpected Mark of the Web.

Windows Spotlight

• Made some underlying changes to help improve reliability for Windows Spotlight on the lock screen.

Storage

• This update fixes an issue that affects File History automatic backups to network shares using Server Message Block (SMB). Backups didn't work because Windows showed a false "invalid credentials" error when connecting to SMB shares.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Windows 11 is being fixed, and that’s not just lip service. Microsoft is making meaningful changes to its operating system. Menus are being decluttered, legacy components are being revamped, and features like Xbox Mode are reshaping Windows 11.

Just this week, we saw that Microsoft has plans to fix context menus on Windows 11 and get rid of the page-tall menus that plague PCs. Microsoft also committed to making Windows 11 perform better on systems with only 8GB of RAM.

I’ve talked about Windows 11's improvements several times this year in the Windows Wrap. Generally speaking, I’m happy that they’re happening but confused about Microsoft's timing. On top of questions like "Why did it take several years to make Windows 11 look nice?" There are also usability questions like "Why did Microsoft start selling a Surface with only 8GB of RAM before optimizing Windows 11 to work on that machine?"

Now, don’t get me wrong, Windows 11 can run on a system with only 8GB of RAM. I think many tests performed online are done in bad faith. Some people have dozens of Chrome browser tabs open and a bunch of apps running at once and then complain about performance.

You can get work done on a PC with that amount of memory, as proven by our own Cale Hunt, who tested Windows 11’s memory optimization by limiting his PC to 8GB of RAM.

But by Microsoft’s own admission, Windows 11 needs to be better on low-memory systems. With the cost of RAM skyrocketing and not looking like it will go down at any point in the near future, it’s more important than ever for Microsoft to optimize Windows 11.

Biggest News of the Week

Earlier this year, Microsoft started selling Surface PCs with only 8GB of RAM, specifically the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch. I appreciate the gesture. In today’s economy, getting a PC with too much RAM or too much storage for your everyday needs can cost hundreds of dollars extra.

I covered several Surface deals this week, including some options that are up to $450 off. While that is a significant savings, those deals are all on models of the Surface Pro (13-inch) with 16GB of RAM. It’s still difficult to find that type of Surface Pro under $1,200.

Many people just want a PC that’s reliable and that can handle their everyday tasks. Even those shopping in more premium categories, such as Surface, often prioritize design and form factor over getting the highest specs. For those types of customers, an 8GB RAM Surface makes sense, but not if Windows 11 is still a problem.

Microsoft put the cart before the horse with the 8GB Surface PCs. The tech giant responded to the RAM crisis with more affordable PCs, but Microsoft failed to optimize Windows 11 for lower memory first.

To me, that shows a disconnect between the Windows and Surface teams at Microsoft.

Shopping with Sean

Until Microsoft fully optimizes Windows 11 for PCs with only 8GB of RAM, you might feel a bit of a pinch in performance with that amount of memory. The current discounts on Surface Pro get you more memory without having to pay as much of a premium.

The best Surface Pro deals are spread across Amazon and Best Buy this week.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

I'm a big fan of Windows apps that launch quickly and get straight to the point without draining too much of my PC's memory. It might seem like a redundant preference, but when some of Microsoft's most basic software becomes oversaturated with unusual features, like AI writing tools in Notepad (which were later scaled back), performance can feel like an afterthought.

Plus, Windows 11 is regularly under fire for its more unpopular changes and additions, while some genuinely useful inclusions are often overlooked. Even so, it's not like Microsoft To Do is the best in its class, because it really isn't. Plenty of enthusiasts would likely point me towards something like Todoist rather than Microsoft's restructured version of what was Wunderlist.

However, there's nothing inherently wrong with To Do, either. It's lightweight and runs on all my PCs — even my Android phone — with a functional widget I can add to the cover screen of my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 for glanceable reminders. It pulls hints from natural language to set due dates and, more importantly, helps me remember everything in my daily workflow.

I make Microsoft's to-do list work for me

I find that a to-do list can either make my day much more manageable by breaking it into chunks, or it can freeze up my brain when I look at a daunting list of deadlines. It all depends on how you use it, but I've certainly found it helps me keep track of recurring tasks that pop up every day. Plus, the little 'ping' sound that plays when I mark a task as complete delivers a nice hit of serotonin.

However, part of the reason I keep Microsoft's own offering around is that it syncs so naturally across my devices. Again, there are probably third-party apps that deliver the same experience — perhaps something even better — but I'm not trying to overcomplicate a list of daily tasks. That, and my brain thinks differently as soon as I walk away from the computer, so reminders really work.

The future of Microsoft To Do seems to have two potential outcomes, though one of them is far more likely than the other. First, it could eventually be abandoned. Microsoft still has the Windows 10 icon on the app's download page, so it's hardly treated as cutting-edge among its portfolio, and its plot in the Microsoft Graveyard might already be reserved.

Second, it goes the way of Microsoft Whiteboard and is absorbed into Microsoft 365, potentially renamed or adapted entirely as a feature in another app. This one feels less likely because it doesn't offer much collaborative substance to lock behind a paywall, but stranger things have happened. I'm trying to remain optimistic, but there's a small chance To Do transforms into something else.

Ultimately, this feels like the same trend as when I recently praised accessible gaming efforts with the XBOX Adaptive Joystick; I just want a chance to be heard by the right person at Microsoft and let them know that their in-house apps are still appreciated — at least when they're done right — and I'll happily use them despite there being alternatives out there.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft is expanding one of the least understood security features in Windows 11. Beginning with the August 2026 update, Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) now supports compatible external fingerprint readers, extending the company's most secure Windows Hello experience to devices without built-in biometric hardware.

The timing couldn't be better because Enhanced Sign-in Security has confused users ever since Microsoft introduced it. Some users assume it's simply a newer version of Windows Hello, while others think it's reserved for businesses or Copilot+ PCs.

The reality is that Windows Hello and Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security use the same sign-in experience, but they protect your biometric data in different ways.

After spending time digging through Microsoft's support page, I think that's the distinction most explanations miss. Enhanced Sign-in Security isn't about making facial recognition more accurate or fingerprint sign-in faster. It's about making the entire authentication process harder to attack.

Standard Windows Hello is already one of the best security features

Before the Enhanced Sign-in Security feature was introduced, Windows Hello had already replaced passwords with a much stronger authentication model.

Instead of storing passwords that can be stolen or reused, Windows Hello creates cryptographic credentials that are attached to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) available on your computer. Facial recognition and fingerprints are used only to unlock those credentials, and your biometric templates remain on the device rather than being uploaded to Microsoft's servers.

For the average home user, that already provides excellent protection against phishing, password reuse, and stolen credentials.

The Enhanced Sign-in Security feature doesn't replace the architecture already in place. Instead, it builds another layer on top of it.

The real difference is where the trust is placed

This is where the comparison becomes interesting. Using the standard Windows Hello, the operating system relies on the system to process biometric authentication after receiving data from the trusted sensor. Enhanced Sign-in Security moves much of that work into isolated, hardware-protected environments.

When using the Enhanced Sign-in Security feature, Microsoft improves that trust. Instead of allowing sensitive biometric operations to occur in the normal Windows environment, the feature isolates them using Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 technology.

The algorithms for facial recognition run in a protected memory region, secure fingerprint readers perform matching within the hardware itself, and communication between the biometric sensor and the operating system is encrypted and isolated.

In other words, Windows Hello protects your credentials, and Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security protects both your credentials and the path your biometric data takes before Windows 11 authenticates you.

Fingerprints show the biggest difference

The August 2026 Security Update highlights the biggest architectural difference between standard Windows Hello and Enhanced Sign-in Security.

Using a standard Windows Hello fingerprint reader, the sensor captures your fingerprint, and Windows 11 verifies it securely using the operating system and TPM-backed credentials.

An ESS-compatible fingerprint reader moves more of that process into the hardware itself. These readers include a dedicated secure processor, store fingerprint templates inside the device, contain a Microsoft-issued certificate that proves they're trusted hardware, and establish an encrypted communication channel with the operating system. Instead of receiving raw biometric data, Windows 11 receives only the authentication result.

Microsoft hasn't explained why ESS still doesn't support external Windows Hello cameras (likely because USB can be a vector for attack). However, its support page shows that enhanced security for facial recognition relies on specific camera hardware, firmware, and protected memory through Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), whereas ESS fingerprint readers can perform biometric matching inside certified hardware. That architectural difference may explain why Microsoft expanded support for external fingerprint readers first.

The practical benefit is a smaller attack surface. In simple terms, even if malware gains elevated privileges, it has fewer ways to interfere with the biometric authentication process.

Should you enable Enhanced Sign-in Security?

If your computer doesn't support Enhanced Sign-in Security, there's no reason to worry. The standard security of Windows Hello remains one of the strongest consumer authentication systems available, and it's already a significant upgrade over passwords.

However, if your device includes Enhanced Sign-in Security-compatible hardware, or you're planning to buy a new external fingerprint reader that supports the feature, I'd recommend enabling it and leaving it on.

Not because Windows Hello suddenly became insecure, but because the enhanced option can add an extra layer of security. If your hardware supports it, there's little downside to leaving it enabled.

How to enable the enhanced security feature

If the feature is available for your Windows Hello-compatible authentication device, you can enable it by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Once the USB fingerprint reader is connected and recognized by the operating system, on this page, under the "Additional settings" section, check the state of the "Enhanced sign-in security" setting.

If your system wasn't previously running ESS, you may see a prompt showing "Pending set up" or "Update PIN."

If the "Update PIN" option shows up, use it to complete the setup. On the other hand, if you see the "Pending set up" option, then configure the "Fingerprint recognition" feature under the "Ways to sign in" section.

One important note. When upgrading your system to Enhanced Sign-in Security, Windows 11 will remove any existing non-ESS biometric enrollments and associated credentials to ensure a clean, secure environment. You will need to refresh your PIN and register your fingerprints again using the new sensor. Once complete, the ESS toggle will show as enabled.

Also, while the feature is turned on, you won't be able to use peripherals that do not support the security feature.

Windows Central's Take

Microsoft hasn't done itself any favors with the name "Enhanced Sign-in Security." It sounds like an entirely new authentication system, when in reality it's an evolution of Windows Hello that strengthens how biometric authentication is processed behind the scenes. A lot of users will never notice the difference because the sign-in experience is exactly the same.

What makes the August 2026 Security Update important isn't that Windows Hello suddenly became more secure, as the standard Windows Hello has long been one of the strongest authentication systems available on consumer devices. The real significance is that the company is lifting the limitations by adding support for compatible external fingerprint readers.

If your computer already supports Enhanced Sign-in Security, I'd leave it enabled. If it doesn't, I wouldn't replace perfectly good hardware to get the feature because standard Windows Hello is already an excellent authentication system. However, if you're buying a new fingerprint reader for your computer, choosing an Enhanced Sign-in Security-compatible model is the better long-term investment since Microsoft is clearly expanding support for that ecosystem.

Do you think Enhanced Sign-in Security is worth using, or is standard Windows Hello already enough for your needs? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

My mom hated Windows 8. That's an understatement; she despised it. Like so many others who had grown used to the Start menu and general interface of previous versions, Windows 8 came as a jarring change to my mom.

But a funny thing happened when Windows 10 came out; my mom was reluctant to upgrade. Despite hating Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, she had grown used to them and made them fit her workflow. Having to relearn yet another interface was extra work that my mom was slow to sign up for.

She eventually upgraded to Windows 10 and later Windows 11, but her experience and her frustrations were not unique. Sometimes the enemy you know is better than the one you don't, even if you got to know that enemy begrudingly.

So, what does this have to do with Windows 11? Windows 11's upcoming Patch Tuesday update has a feature that I believe will elicit a similar reaction to my mom being presented with Windows 10.

Starting next month, Windows 11's File Explorer will show file sizes using the appropriate units (KB, MB, and GB). That means you'll no longer see a file that's 1,500,000 KB. Instead, you'll see that file listed as 1.5GB.

I believe many will see this change as an improvement. Dealing with millions of KB can be awkward, especially when other parts of Windows use different units. But part of me would love the option to keep everything in KB.

Because File Explorer has stuck with KB for so long, I've gotten used to scanning file sizes based on how many digits they are. After next month's update, I could have a file that's 400KB right between files that are 400MB. While the larger files would be clearly labeled, I've learned to expect files listed in KB after years of use, so there will be a learning curve.

I'm curious how people feel about these types of changes. Do you embrace what Microsoft deems an improvement to Windows 11, or are you frustrated with a feature or layout you're familiar with being changed?

Microsoft could always keep options for legacy features and new options, but if that happens for decades, you end up with a bloated OS. Take a look at the soon-to-be revamped context menus of Windows 11 if you want to see what years of tacking things on does to an operating system.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Windows chief Pavan Davuluri has posted an article on X today that outlines the journey Microsoft has taken so far to fix and improve Windows 11. Since March, the company has been laser focused on addressing Windows 11's biggest issues, delivering many new features and changes that are designed to improve the reputation and experiences around Windows.

While that work is still ongoing, Davuluri has now outlined four new areas of focus that Microsoft will be working on for Windows 11 between now and the end of the year:

• Onboarding and setup. Delivering a faster and more efficient out-of-box experience.
• Memory optimization for 8GB and above. Reducing Windows memory footprint to deliver a fast and responsive Windows experience across the PCs customers use every day.
• Family. Providing a faster set up and making it easier for families to access useful parental controls.
• Voice. Making voice more natural and fluid to interact across the apps you use every day.

Microsoft has confirmed that it's planning to improve Windows 11 so that it runs better on PCs with just 8GB of RAM. MacBook Neo took the world by storm earlier this year, and while Windows OEMs have since stepped up to offer better value for money, Windows itself is still quite heavy on these limited memory devices.

The company is now working to reduce Windows 11's memory footprint, ensuring that the OS feels fast and responsive even on 8GB RAM. It's yet to dive into how it's planning to make these changes, but it's likely related to how the company is moving more areas of the Windows UI to WinUI, which is lighter than WebView.

"We're going to take everything we've learned since March and keep listening and closing the loop on your feedback. The signal from you is clear: keep going. We intend to," says Davuluri.

Additionally, Microsoft has confirmed that it's rethinking the Windows out of box experience, with a new faster and more efficient set up experience in the works that will make booting up a new PC for the first time seamless and straight forward.

The other two areas of focus are Family and Voice. The company says it's working to deliver new Family Safety features across the OS, including enhanced parental control setup and more.

Voice is the final area of focus. Microsoft is on record as stating the future of computing will be one that is multi-modal, with voice acting as a primary input method alongside the keyboard and mouse. The company intends to make voice input more natural and fluid across the OS and apps you use.

Microsoft is clearly very proud of the work it has done so far this year to fix Windows 11. Compared to late last year, Windows 11 is in a very different spot. The company has delivered genuinely meaningful improvements and changes that are already impacting the OS for the better, and it sounds like there's more to come soon.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft is working on a major overhaul to the context menu system on Windows 11 that is designed to fix performance and reliability issues by allowing users to customize what appears within the right-click menu across the system. The company is also working on a new compact menu design that will be faster to open and interact with.

One of Windows 11's more frustrating problems currently is how cluttered the modern context menus have become. Since Windows 11's debut, context menus have become bloated and overburdened by apps and actions from both Microsoft and third-party developers, which can add themselves into the context menu without user input.

This has resulted in the context menu being very slow to initiate, often taking a second or two to appear when the user right-clicks in File Explorer on a system with many apps installed and actions available. According to sources familiar with Microsoft's plans, the company is working on a new compact context menu design to fix this, that prioritizes the most common actions above everything else.

This new compact menu will be much faster and more reliable, as it foregoes needing to load in all the third-party actions that slow it down currently. Additionally, at the Windows Insider Meetup in London, Microsoft showed me a new context menu customization feature coming soon that will let users configure what apps and actions appear in the right-click menu.

Users will be able to show and hide actions and apps, as well as change the order in which these actions and apps show within the right-click menu. The menu will include a new "customize" option at the very bottom which can be accessed at any point to begin changing the menu options.

These changes are part of Microsoft's larger effort to fix Windows 11's biggest problems and issues under the Windows K2 initiative, which has been ongoing since last year. The company has confirmed plans to move more areas of the Windows system over to WinUI for consistency and performance reasons, with areas like File Explorer file properties and the Start menu getting the WinUI treatment soon.

Context menus are already powered by WinUI, and these new improvements that are currently in the works are designed to speed up the menus so that they are instantly responsive whenever you right-click within File Explorer, the desktop, or other native Windows UI interfaces.

It's unclear when these context menu updates are set to be announced, but the demo I saw a few weeks back was real working code and relatively polished, so I suspect we'll see an official announcement about these changes in the near future. I expect Microsoft is hoping to get these improvements out the door before the end of the year.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

The Windows vs. Linux debate usually starts with the same arguments. Linux users point to freedom, customization, and control. Windows users point to compatibility, software support, and the fact that things generally work without much effort.

However, a recent discussion on Reddit about Windows 11 caught my attention because it challenged one of the biggest assumptions in that debate, which is that anyone with deep Linux experience would automatically reject Windows.

The original poster was not someone casually experimenting with another operating system. He grew up using Linux, started with a Raspberry Pi, spent years using Linux as his primary desktop platform, and understood the Unix ecosystem well. After switching his main device to Windows 11, however, his conclusion was far more balanced than the usual online arguments.

He found that Windows 11 wasn't perfect, but it worked better for his needs. That's probably the biggest takeaway from the discussion. People often choose an operating system based less on personal preference and more on whether it helps them get things done.

A Linux user switched to Windows 11 for practical reasons

On Reddit, the user explained that compatibility with apps like Microsoft Office and Autodesk software played a major role in the switch. While Linux has excellent alternatives and compatibility layers, native support remains one of the biggest advantages.

The user also explained that tools like MSYS2 helped bridge the gap by bringing a more familiar Unix-like environment to Windows 11.

"I like to consider myself a practical person - I'm making this decision based on the os which works for my workflow and the tools I need to use, not based on idealism / dislike for Microsoft's practices," said @Puzzleheaded-Sky2284.

The comment highlights something that often gets lost in operating system debates. A lot of people aren't choosing an operating system to defend a company or community. They choose the platform that best supports their work, and for developers, creators, gamers, and professionals, compatibility often matters more than personal preference.

Windows 11 has improved, but Microsoft remains the controversial part

One of the interesting themes in the discussion was that many users separated Windows 11 itself from Microsoft's decisions around the operating system.

One commenter with professional experience managing Windows environments argued that Microsoft has solved many long-standing problems around fragmentation, updates, and compatibility.

"On good hardware - Windows simply works," @ChampionshipComplex noted.

Unlike operating systems designed for a limited range of hardware, Windows has to support thousands of hardware configurations, countless drivers, and decades of applications. That complexity is messy, but it's also one of the biggest strengths.

Another commenter (@TheTerraKotKun) shared a similar view: "Windows 11 is good OS but Microsoft as a company... I don't think that it's really good."

This may actually represent where many experienced users are today. The complaint is often not that Windows 11 cannot do the job. The complaint is about Microsoft's direction, including advertisements, online account requirements, and increased integration of cloud services and AI.

Critics still have valid complaints about Windows 11

The discussion wasn't entirely positive. Some users argued that Windows 11 still has problems, particularly around resource usage, user control, and Microsoft's approach to the desktop experience.

A common criticism is that Windows has become more focused on promoting Microsoft services instead of remaining a neutral operating system.

One commenter (@Pale-Muscle-7118) explained: "My main problem is not really with the software or OS itself but with Microsoft behind it."

That's an important distinction because Windows 11 can be a capable operating system while Microsoft continues making decisions that many users dislike.

It's also worth noting that Microsoft has acknowledged many of these pain points. Through its Windows K2 initiative, the company has been focusing on improving performance, reliability, and the overall user experience while scaling back some of the interface decisions that have drawn criticism.

Linux still offers something Windows cannot replace

The discussion also highlighted why many people continue using Linux, which is because it provides a level of control that Windows simply does not.

Users can choose different distributions, desktop environments, window managers, package systems, and customization options. For people who enjoy controlling every part of their computing environment, Linux remains extremely attractive.

However, that flexibility can also create challenges. The original poster pointed out that fragmentation can make Linux harder for some users: "Linux is great (as is Windows), but many members of the community are... not so great."

He wasn't criticizing Linux itself. Instead, he argued that the Linux desktop ecosystem often requires more research, troubleshooting, and decision-making than, in this case, Windows 11. For some users, that's part of the appeal. For others, it's a barrier.

The real debate is not about winners and losers

The biggest takeaway from this Reddit discussion is that the Windows vs. Linux argument is often framed incorrectly, because there is no universal winner.

The discussion shows why the Windows versus Linux debate rarely has a clear winner. Every operating system involves tradeoffs. Linux gives users more control and flexibility, while Windows prioritizes compatibility and broad software support. The right choice depends less on which platform is objectively better and more on which one fits the way you work.

Even users who criticize Microsoft often continue using Windows because it solves practical problems.

As one commenter (@animalcrossing4_4) summarized: "The OS is a means to an end so stop shoving the holiness of some OS on me."

That may be the most accurate description of the entire debate.

An operating system is a tool. The best one is not necessarily the one with the most features, the most customization, or the strongest community.

It's the one that lets people spend less time fighting their computer and more time using it.

Windows Central's Take

This particular Reddit discussion isn't about Windows 11 suddenly winning over Linux users. However, it does reinforce something I've believed for a long time, which is that most people eventually end up with the operating system that helps them get their work done with the fewest compromises. That's why Windows continues to dominate the desktop despite Microsoft's occasional missteps.

Over the years, Microsoft has improved Windows where it matters most, including stability, hardware compatibility, and the developer experience with WSL and Winget. At the same time, the company has also made decisions that frustrate users, such as adding promotional content and pushing more Microsoft services (and AI) throughout the operating system.

Those criticisms are fair, but they don't necessarily outweigh the biggest advantage of an operating system that runs virtually on any modest hardware.

I always think it's interesting to find someone who sees Windows without treating the Windows versus Linux debate like a competition. Every operating system has strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice depends on your workflow, not on loyalty to a particular platform.

If Windows 11 helps you spend less time troubleshooting and more time being productive, then it's doing exactly what an operating system is supposed to do.

What do you think? Have you switched between Windows and Linux, or are you sticking with Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

I've installed various versions of Windows more times than is probably necessary, across hundreds of laptops and desktop PCs that I've built, tested, and reviewed. Even if I narrow it down to Windows 11 alone, I reset devices back to a clean install practically every week, so I've built up a collection of useful commands and shortcuts.

For the most part, they aren't particularly innovative, and some won't even be surprising to enthusiasts, but they're definitely useful in my day-to-day experiences with Microsoft's operating system. Whether you consider yourself anything from a casual PC user to a service-hardened admin, you'll find at least some of these as useful as I do.

And, as with absolutely anything regarding commands copied and pasted into Command Prompt, PowerShell, or any other kind of terminal, you should always practice sensible backups and data protection habits. Keep your most important files in multiple places where possible, and only run high-level commands if you're a confident PC user — though I promise to explain what they all do.

Open Command Prompt during Setup

While you're progressing through Windows Setup on either a new PC or a device that was reset to factory settings, you might want to bypass a few of Microsoft's suggested Windows 11 settings, like the mandatory "Let's add your Microsoft account" sign-in section.

• Press Shift + F10 during Setup to open Command Prompt

There is a little quirk to this one, though. When the Command Prompt window first opens, you'll probably see a flashing caret that suggests you can type, but you'll often (if not always) find that your keyboard inputs are ignored. By default, the Command Prompt window isn't focused, so you'll need to either use a connected mouse to click it or press Alt + Tab if you only have a keyboard.

Create a local account

Because I test so many PCs, I certainly don't want to sign into absolutely all of them with my personal Microsoft account. Unfortunately, the options to use a local account are becoming more limited as workarounds are removed, but my preferred Windows 11 ISO (disc image) still works with this method.

1. Shift + F10 opens Command Prompt
2. Enter this command: start ms-cxh:localonly
3. Create a user (passwords are optional)

Bingo. Some apps will still ask you to sign in, and when they do, you'll need to make sure Windows doesn't try to "automatically sign in to all desktop apps." If you're ever prompted with that request, respond with the closest equivalent of "no, sign in to this app only".

Checking battery health

This one is slightly more niche because it's primarily about how I test battery life on sample laptops. Still, checking your battery health also has a convenient crossover for anyone who might pick up a refurbished or pre-owned model, and seeing your battery cycle count alongside its design capacity is just plain useful.

1. Open the Start menu
2. Find CMD (Command Prompt) and Run as administrator
3. Enter this command: powercfg /batteryreport /output "C:\battery_report.html"

Find the generated file on your C: drive to see helpful details, such as battery life estimates near the bottom of the page, all based on how long your laptop lasted on each charge. I always like to generate one of these reports when I'm using a brand new laptop over a full week during a review. It's good stuff.

Faster Task Manager

Now, if anything on this list is liable to pull ire in the comments, it'll be this one. Yes, I know that Task Manager is probably the most widely known feature of Windows, but plenty of people still think you need to press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to access it. However, there are two faster methods that I always use, depending on whether I'm using a keyboard or a mouse at the time.

• Right-click the Taskbar and click Task Manager
• (or) Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager

The more interesting part of accessing the Task Manager is the reason for opening it on a brand new PC: disabling startup apps. On the left side, you'll find the dedicated category, which exposes any unwanted 'bloatware' that might have come pre-installed on your machine. If not, I usually disable msedge.exe (Microsoft Edge) anyway, because it doesn't seem to be necessary.

Clipboard history

If you head to the Settings app and find System > Clipboard, you'll see the Clipboard history toggle, and I strongly recommend keeping it on. I'm constantly copying and pasting serial keys for licensed software, hex codes for colors, and all kinds of other jargon that happily sits in this pop-up list.

• Press Windows + V to open Clipboard history

Alternatively, pressing Windows + . (the period key) takes you straight to the emoji picker, which is part of the same floating window as Clipboard history. You can start typing keywords and descriptors as soon as it appears, so finding a tiny laptop for your social posts (or anything else) is easy. 💻

Access your Desktop

This is a surprising entry, as I assume everyone knows about both methods. Getting back to your desktop feels like an obvious one to learn, as minimizing individual apps is painfully inefficient. However, even my PC-building colleague Cale Hunt wasn't aware of the second one, and frankly, I don't remember when or how I figured it out.

• Press Windows + D to access your Desktop
• (or) Click the blank Taskbar space to the right of the clock

A third, lesser-known shortcut of Windows + , (the comma key) will briefly show your Desktop, but it disappears when you let go of the Windows key. I can't say I ever use that one, but I've been habitually clicking the blank space to the right of the "system tray" (now the clock and notifications area) for years. If I don't have a mouse, the first one works, and pressing it again restores my windows.

Moving off-screen apps on multiple monitors

Finally, I don't need this one as often as the others, but it's still a critical one to remember when I do. Sometimes, when I connect a second (or third) monitor to a desktop or laptop setup, the app I'm using will disappear from view. It's still technically active, but I just can't see it anymore. Thankfully, it's quite an easy fix if you remember this shortcut.

• Press Windows + an arrow key to move the active app

The arrow key you press depends on how you've organized your screens, both physically and in alignment with what Windows 11 expects. For example, if you want an app to move to a display on your right side, press the right arrow key. If nothing moves around, try pressing Alt + Tab first to ensure your target app is in focus!

There's no doubt that each enthusiast will have their own favorites and likely views these entry-level commands as basic knowledge, but we all start somewhere. Sometimes it feels like muscle memory, but with Windows 11, there's so much going on that it's easy to forget some of the most useful shortcuts aren't as obvious to everyone!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Windows Insiders have a new build of Windows 11 to install, and it comes with some exciting improvements for accessibility. The biggest change is to Voice Access, which can now isolate your voice to better control your PC while in a crowded room.

Voice Access allows you to control your PC with only your voice. Once you launch the feature, a dock appears and stays along the top of your screen. That bar shows commands as you enter them, which helps confirm what you've said to your computer.

At the moment, using Voice Access in a room with background noise can be tricky. But that will change with the update to Windows 11 that's now in testing. That upgrade is just the latest in a long string of accessibility improvements from Microsoft.

Microsoft and accessibility

_{Windows 10 added eye tracking in 2017. The feature lets you type with your eyes.}

Microsoft has prioritized accessibility for a long time. It's genuinely one of the most endearing aspects of the company. Here are just a few of the Windows features and pieces of hardware we've covered over the past few years that are part of Microsoft's push to make technology more accessible.

• XBOX Adaptive Joystick
• XBOX Adaptive Controller
• Eye tracking on Windows 10
• Screen tint and improved Braille support
• Voice Access

Our Mauro Huculak has an excellent piece on 7 accessibility features in Windows 11 that make life easier for everyone.

Windows 11, and earlier versions of Windows, have a massive library of features that make computing more accessible.

Microsoft has an extensive support document about all the accessibility features in Windows.

Accessibility is about everyone. When Microsoft develops a feature or accessory with one type of user in mind, there's often a knock-on effect. For example, Read Aloud in Microsoft Edge makes PDFs more accessible, but it also improves reading comprehension and lets you multitask while hearing what's on your screen.

I use Read Aloud every day to proof read my articles. I find that listening as I read improves comprehension and helps me spot typos or other mistakes.

New and improved accessibility in Windows 11

The latest Windows Insider build includes several improvements to accessibility features. Voice Access now supports Voice Isolation, which filters out other speakers and background noise.

It's a small change that makes it possible to use Voice Access in a broader range of work environments. If you rely on Voice Access, a shared office can cause frustration.

Hybrid and in-office work often places colleagues too close to each other to use Voice Access. Voice Isolation allows someone who needs the feature to control a PC to work in the same space as their coworkers.

The same Insider build brings support for displays that use the HID (Human Interface Device) standard to Narrator. That standard enabled plug and play support for braille displays and is backed by Microsoft, Apple, and other tech giants.

Here's the change log for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29634.1000 that relates to accessibility.

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29634.1000

Voice Isolation in Voice Access

• We’re introducing Voice Isolation, a new option in Voice Access that helps it focus on your voice, even when others are speaking nearby. Whether you’re in a shared office, an open floor plan, or at home with family around, Voice Isolation filters out other voices and background noise so Voice Access can better understand you. All processing happens privately on your device.
• Getting started
  Voice Access now offers three speech recognition modes under Voice Access settings > Improve speech recognition:
  • Voice Isolation — Filters out other speakers and background noise (one-time voice setup required).
  • Remove background noise only — Filters out non-speech sounds like typing or door slams. No additional setup needed.
  • No filtering — Default microphone input with no additional processing.
• To set up Voice Isolation, select it from the menu and follow the short, guided setup where you’ll read a brief paragraph aloud so Voice Access can learn your voice. It only takes a minute, and your voice data never leaves your device

Narrator

Braille displays now connect instantly with Narrator

• We’re making refreshable braille displays easier to use in Windows. Narrator now supports displays that use the HID standard — an open industry standard for braille displays. If your display supports HID, simply connect it via USB and start reading — true plug-and-play with no additional setup required. For Bluetooth, pair your HID braille display in Settings > Bluetooth & devices just like any other accessory, and you can work wirelessly without being tethered to your PC.
• Compatible HID displays include models like the Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40.
• HID braille displays now work during the initial Windows setup experience (OOBE) over USB — meaning users who are deaf-blind can set up their PC independently, right from the first screen. You can customize braille input and output options anytime in Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft’s Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update goes live today, bringing a fresh wave of new features, refinements, and fixes. As part of this month’s rollout, the company is delivering improvements to existing Windows 11 experiences along with several additions aimed at tightening security and smoothing out daily use.

In this quality update, Microsoft introduces new features, including Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) support, the ability to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluid Dictation for Voice Typing, and more.

There are also improvements to File Explorer, Windows Search, Widgets, Windows Update, power and battery, sounds, and more.

Furthermore, Microsoft is updating the interface for the Account Control flyout in the Start menu, the Windows Setup experience now includes a parental controls notice, and the list continues.

In this guide, I'll highlight the most significant changes in the August 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, since both are identical.

Windows 11's new features arriving in August

As usual, the company uses Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) to roll out new improvements gradually, so it may take some time before you see them.

File Explorer changes

Although the updated version of File Explorer doesn't introduce flashy features, the development team is making some worthy improvements.

First, when using the "Details" view, the file sizes now show appropriate units (such as KB, MB, and GB), instead of displaying every value in kilobytes.

It's now possible to use the middle-click to open a folder in a new tab from the address bar and Home page.

Other improvements on the Home page include a gray flash bug on loading and scrolling, and thumbnails in the Recommended section now appear with better quality.

Windows Search tweaks

Starting with the August update, Windows Search now includes improvements to better handle typos, and you can start searches with two-character queries.

When searching for apps, Windows Search improves recognition of partial names and typos. Also, in the Settings app, the search rank has been updated to show more relevant options higher.

Windows Hello support

In this update, Microsoft is bringing Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) support for external fingerprint sensors.

In short, standard Windows Hello encrypts the sign-in data. However, enhanced security support takes it a step further by isolating the biometric process into a secure memory space, away from the operating system.

The option is available through Settings > Accounts > Sign in options.

In the past, this feature was only available for devices with built-in sensors, such as Copilot+ PCs, but now, it'll be available for external peripherals.

AI model uninstall option

Although adding the ability to uninstall something from the operating system doesn't scream new feature, Microsoft is now allowing users to uninstall the Image Generation AI model from Settings > System > AI Components.

And this is a big deal, because one of the biggest complaints about Windows 11 has been the integration of AI features. While supported devices still don't have a master switch to completely disable AI on Windows 11, this is a small step in the right direction.

Widgets improvements

In the Lock screen, the experience should now be less distracting, as now, by default, users will only see the Weather widget.

Also, notification badges in the Taskbar will now take the current accent color instead of the previous red indicator.

Touchpad new gestures

After installing the August update, on Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad, users will be able to customize the speed for scroll and zoom gestures.

In addition, there's a new option to enable accelerated scrolling, which is a feature that increases the scrolling speed as gestures are repeated.

Voice Typing and Access

In Voice Typing, Microsoft is now deactivating Fluid Dictation by default and integrating tooltips to help users understand how the feature works.

Voice Access now comes with Voice Isolation that improves speech recognition by filtering out background noise and other speakers.

In addition, the company is making available three speech recognition settings from Settings > Voice Access > Improve speech recognition.

The "Voice Isolation" option requires a one-time voice setup and filters both background noise and nearby conversations.

Users will also find the "Remove background noise only" mode suppresses sounds such as typing or doors closing without additional setup.

Finally, the "No filtering" mode uses the microphone input without any processing.

Account Control redesign

The flyout that appears when clicking the profile button in the Start menu is known as the Account Control interface, and in this release, Microsoft is adding some design changes.

The changes aim to make it more modern and clearer. For instance, the new design adds a new badge to quickly understand the current plan and state. In addition, it gives users access to their plan benefits as well as other information, such as storage usage from OneDrive.

Power and battery

In this release, the company is making changes to how power settings are applied in the system.

According to Microsoft, customizations made to the display timeouts, sleep and hibernate timers, and laptop lid actions are now automatically applied to every power plan instead of only the active one.

Finally, the ability to configure the battery percentage for "Energy Saver" is coming back to the "Power & battery" settings.

Windows Update improvements

Microsoft continues improving the update system, and this time around, Windows Update will provide more accurate progress estimates during updates.

Furthermore, the company is updating the cleanup process after installing updates to improve system performance.

System sound in dark mode

After installing this Patch Tuesday update, users should also notice improvements to system sounds in dark mode.

Windows Central's Take

From my perspective, this is the kind of Windows 11 update I like to see. It's not built around a flashy headline feature, but instead focuses on polishing the experience in dozens of small ways. Improvements to File Explorer, Windows Search, Windows Update, touchpad gestures, and power management won't generate a lot of excitement, but they're the kinds of changes that make the operating system feel more refined day after day.

I also think Microsoft's decision to let users uninstall the Image Generation AI model is an important step, even if it's a modest one. People have been asking for more control over AI features, and while this isn't a universal switch to remove AI, it shows Microsoft is at least acknowledging those concerns. I'd like to see the company continue in that direction by giving users even more choice over what AI components are installed.

As with every Patch Tuesday release, I'd still recommend waiting a few days before installing the update on your primary computer unless you need the latest security fixes immediately. Monthly updates occasionally introduce unexpected issues, and giving Microsoft a little time to address early reports has rarely been a bad strategy.

What are your thoughts about the Windows 11 August 2026 update? Which new feature or improvement are you looking forward to the most? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Welcome back to the Windows Central Podcast! It's Daniel Rubino and Jez Corden in the driver's seat this week, tackling a massive news cycle in the Xbox and tech space. We kick things off with a frustrating trend: LG monitors forcing McAfee pop-ups, and we get a little philosophical about the "enshittification" of our hardware.

On the gaming front, we dive deep into the newly discovered OG Xbox emulation coming to Windows PCs and what it means for the future of game preservation. Jez also gives us the behind-the-scenes breakdown of his exclusive interview with Todd Howard, contextualizing the recent, devastating Bethesda layoffs with the push for Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5. We also unpack the latest reports on Xbox studio heads pushing back against Game Pass, break down that surprise 86% spike in Xbox console sales in June, and get a little bit of sticker shock over the newly announced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8.

• [02:06] - Intro
• [07:09] - Tech News: The LG monitor McAfee controversy and the state of hardware advertising.
• [24:36] - Xbox on PC: Microsoft brings native OG Xbox backwards compatibility and emulation to Windows.
• [45:35] - Bethesda: Jez talks about his exclusive sit-down with Todd Howard amidst the brutal Zenimax layoffs.
• [01:00:26] - Game Pass: Do Xbox studio leads actually detest Game Pass? We debate Jason Schreier's latest report and pitch our own subscription tiers.
• [01:14:49] - Hardware Sales: Unpacking the surprise 86% upswing in Xbox console sales during June.
• [01:22:09] - Mobile: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 are here, and the prices are through the roof.
• [01:33:39] - Live Q&A: Pouring one out for the Surface Duo, remembering John C. Dvorak, and the classic games we want remade.

Have a question you want us to answer on the podcast? Send it to us at podcast@windowscentral.com

Hosts:

• Daniel Rubino
• Jez Corden

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Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Windows 11 2026 update (version 26H2) doesn't introduce a dramatic overhaul of the desktop. However, it does bring meaningful improvements to three of the operating system's most frequently used experiences, including the Start menu, Taskbar, and Windows Search.

Throughout the 2026 development cycle, Microsoft has been paying attention to adding long-requested customization options, streamlining navigation, and improving search accuracy.

Before proceeding, it's worth clarifying that while these changes are expected to appear in version 26H2, Microsoft will continue to introduce new improvements through regular monthly updates. As such, the changes for the Start menu, Taskbar, and Search are also expected to roll out for version 25H2. This could even happen before they become available for version 26H2.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the biggest changes coming with version 26H2.

Taskbar changes

When Microsoft first introduced Windows 11, it introduced a redesigned Taskbar with a cleaner, more modern look. However, that redesign also removed several long-standing customization options, including the ability to move the Taskbar to different edges of the screen. This change quickly became one of the operating system's most criticized design decisions.

On Windows 11 version 26H2, the company is finally restoring that functionality. Users can now position the Taskbar at the top, bottom, left, or right edge of the display, bringing back a level of flexibility that had been available in previous versions.

The operating system also automatically adjusts the interface based on the selected Taskbar position. For example, when the Taskbar is placed at the top of the screen, the Start menu and Search interface open downward from the top edge. Taskbar buttons, system tray icons, and the clock also reposition correctly to match the chosen layout.

There are a few differences when using a vertical Taskbar. The clock displays the year using the abbreviated format instead of the full four-digit year, and the option to show seconds isn't currently available. However, both layouts (left and right) fully support app ungrouping and labels when using the "Never combine" option.

You can change the Taskbar position from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, where Microsoft also includes a live preview of each layout before you apply the change.

Another legacy customization that didn't make it into the new design was the ability to change the Taskbar size. Furthermore, the Taskbar was noticeably taller than in previous versions, in part because the company intentionally optimized the experience for touch devices.

Now, in version 26H2, there's a new option under the "Taskbar position" that allows users to make the Taskbar smaller.

One important note I want to make is that when using the smaller Taskbar, it'll also make the icons smaller, and the option to make icons smaller at the bottom of the page will be disabled.

Start menu improvements

The Start menu has been one of the most controversial parts of Windows 11 since the operating system debuted. Although the company replaced the aging Windows 10 design with a streamlined interface, the new experience sacrificed many customization options in the process. As part of Windows 11 version 26H2, the company is (somewhat) reintroducing several changes that give users more control over how the Start menu looks and behaves.

Although the redesign modernized the Start menu, it also removed several customization options, making it one of the most criticized parts of Windows 11. Since its debut, users have repeatedly asked for greater flexibility and control over the experience.

In this release, Microsoft is addressing many of those requests with a series of long-awaited improvements.

The Start menu is also becoming more customizable. Rather than forcing a layout based on your display size, Windows 11 will include different size options that you can select yourself. You still won't be able to drag the edges to resize the menu or switch to a full-screen layout like Windows 10, but having preset sizes is a welcome improvement.

Microsoft is also adding more ways to customize the Start menu. You can now choose whether the "Pinned," "Recent" (previously Recommended), and "All" sections appear, making it easier to hide the parts you don't use.

The company is also separating file recommendations from system recommendations. As a result, users can turn off recommended content in the Start menu without affecting recent files or Jump Lists elsewhere on the desktop, such as on the Taskbar and in File Explorer.

The company is also adding a privacy feature for the Start menu. A new setting hides the user account name and profile picture while sharing screen, helping prevent personal or work-related information from appearing during meetings, presentations, or live streams.

Windows 11 is also getting a new privacy option for the Start menu. The feature is designed for users who share their screen during meetings, presentations, or live streams by hiding sensitive content that could reveal personal or work-related information.

These new customization and privacy settings are available from Settings > Personalization > Start, giving users more control over one of Windows 11's most frequently used experiences.

Search changes

Windows Search is also receiving one of its biggest updates since Windows 11 launched, with Microsoft focusing on a cleaner interface, more relevant results, and greater user control.

One of the most noticeable changes is a redesigned Search home page. Instead of displaying trending topics, promotional content, and other distractions, the experience now centers on your recent searches, making it easier to jump back into previous queries while reducing visual clutter.

Microsoft is also changing how Windows Search displays results. When a web result is the best match, Search now puts the answer front and center instead of prioritizing products or sponsored content. The interface has also been updated with better spacing, clearer source labels, and thumbnail previews to make results easier to scan.

For users who prefer a local search experience, Windows 11 now includes separate options to turn off web results and Microsoft Store suggestions. These settings are available from Settings > Privacy & security > Search, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences.

Behind the scenes, the software giant has also updated the ranking system to prioritize local content. For example, apps, settings, and files now appear ahead of web and Microsoft Store results when they're the most relevant match, making it faster to find content stored on your computer. As part of these improvements, settings searches are more accurate and consistently rank higher in the results.

The company has also enhanced search accuracy by improving support for misspelled queries, missing or extra letters, and partial words. In addition, Windows Search can now find local files using as little as two characters and does a better job of identifying matching cloud and connected files when they're the most relevant result.

Finally, Microsoft is also making the Search box taller by increasing its height by four pixels.

Windows Central's Take

I think version 26H2 is shaping up to be another practical update. Instead of chasing another visual redesign or introducing features that only appeal to a small group of users, the company is finally improving parts of Windows 11 that millions of people interact with every day. The reversal of a movable Taskbar, more control over the Start menu, and a cleaner Windows Search experience show that Microsoft is listening to user feedback.

I also like that these changes focus on giving users more choice rather than forcing a new way of using the operating system. While I would've liked to see even more customization, such as freeform Start menu resizing or additional Taskbar options, this is a meaningful step in the right direction.

What are your thoughts on the new Start menu, Taskbar, and Search changes coming to Windows 11 26H2? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a text message from my dad that read: "Should I be using a password manager?"

It was the latest appeal from my parents (and family in general) asking for cybersecurity help. The most recent call before this one had come from my mom, asking why "tech support" had appeared on her PC and seemed to have taken over her screen.

I'm always happy to help solve the mysteries of the digital world when I can, and I should stress that my parents aren't Luddites. They just don't live completely in the digital world as many of us do.

To best help them be proactive, I figured I should probably set up a cybersecurity best practices document they could refer to when considering what's important and what's not.

This is that list, cleaned up and easy to read for anyone else who's quietly running their family's IT support through the group chat.

Fix these security flaws TODAY

Here's a list of security loopholes that should be cleaned up ASAP. These are all fairly low-effort and should be followed on practically any PC you or your family is using.

Enable Windows Hello

Windows Hello is one of Microsoft's best security features. It can be used as a PIN, a fingerprint, or a facial scan, and it effectively protects a Windows 11 PC from outside physical threats.

Windows Hello can be set up by navigating to the Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options section in Windows 11.

Ensure Windows Update is actually running

Windows Update provides security patches on the regular. Without it enabled, a PC becomes less secure over time.

You can navigate to Settings > Windows Update to find whether or not updates are live or paused. It's never a bad idea to check for updates while you're there.

Ensure Windows Defender is turned on

Windows Defender is the built-in Windows 11 antivirus, and it's surprisingly effective at blocking malware and other threats. Defender is usually turned on by default, though third-party antivirus software can sometimes interfere and cause a confusing and half-disabled state.

Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection to confirm that everything (especially real-time protection) is active and that no actions are needed.

Turn on the 'Find my Device' feature

When a laptop is misplaced, forgotten, or worse, stolen, having Windows 11's Find my Device feature enabled often means the difference between "gone forever" and "I can solve this."

With Find My Device enabled, you can see where your PC is, and you can lock it remotely to prevent intrusion.

Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Find my device to enable and disable the setting, as well as to see all PCs linked to your account.

Perform these security measures once and for all

These security measures only need to be performed once, and they can make a huge difference in how security and privacy are handled.

Switch from a local account to a Microsoft account with 2FA

This is a fix that can make a huge difference when something goes wrong with a PC, as it provides a convenient recovery path. A Microsoft account allows for easy device syncing and backups; it allows you to change your PC's password online, and it secures digital licenses to your email.

By signing in with a Microsoft account, two-factor authentication (2FA) can be enabled, which adds additional security should a password leak.

Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Your info to change how you log into your Windows 11 PC.

Enable device encryption

Device encryption is essentially the only thing standing in between a stolen laptop and stolen data.

If a drive isn't encrypted, it can simply be removed from an otherwise locked PC, connected to a different PC, and read openly.

Windows 11 has a built-in encryption feature that handles this stuff quite tidily. In Home versions, it's simply known as Device encryption; in Pro versions, it's known as BitLocker.

Either way, you can navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption and enable it.

Switch from a Windows 11 Administrator account to a Standard account

Windows 11 PCs usually default the first account created to be an Administrator, which means that any software that runs gets full permissions on the system.

Since that can include malware, it's much better for day-to-day computing to be handled on a Standard account.

Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Family in order to add or change accounts. You can use the Standard account as a daily driver and only switch to the admin account when something (legitimate) needs installing.

Use a password manager

The advice that kicked off this security cheat sheet involved a password manager, something I feel is absolutely mandatory for any netizens in 2026. I don't know exactly how many people are still recycling passwords they've used for decades, but I'm sure I'd be shocked to find out.

Rather than asking my parents to come up with new passwords, I got them set up with a password manager that takes all the effort and memorization out of the equation.

This specialized tool should absolutely hold the most important passwords for banking, shopping, email, etc., and it should be allowed to create the most secure passwords possible.

NordPass from NordVPN is what my dad eventually settled on (I already had him using a VPN), but there are great options from 1Password, Bitwarden, and Proton. Heck, even the Edge browser can manage passwords in a pinch.

Best cybersecurity habits to get accustomed to

Even with the above methods completed, the fight against bad actors online is far from over. There's some habit-level best practice stuff that I've tried to instill that should go a long way in keeping our PCs safe.

Learn to spot phishing scams

Phishing scams can come from practically anywhere. It might be an email. It might be a compromised webpage. It might be a phone call.

If you suspect that something is awry, stop what you're doing and investigate further. Is the email address from which the message was sent actually legit? Is the URL for the webpage you're viewing familiar? Do you know the person on the phone?

Learning to recognize phishing attempts and other scams isn't always easy, but it's something we all need to practice.

Never believe someone calling you about your PC

I've never in my life received a legitimate phone call asking me about my computer.

Whether it's "Microsoft tech support," a bank's fraud department, or some other odd institution calling you about your PC, there's a very good chance that it's a scam.

The same goes for pop-ups. If you're seeing a phone number on your screen requesting that you call it immediately for support, it's a scam.

Bonus: Under no circumstances should you ever share your passwords online, on the phone, or anywhere else.

Never install unsolicited software on your PC

A classic scam involves having a user install remote-access software on a PC, which gives the bad actors control over the computer.

If someone on the phone tells you to install something like AnyDesk or TeamViewer (or really any software at all) in order to fix the problem, just hang up.

I want to know your cybersecurity tips!

The cybersecurity cheat sheet I've created here is undoubtedly missing some worthwhile tips and tricks, and I'd love it if you shared them in the comments section below.

And while I originally created this guide for those who often deal with IT support in their family and friend groups, it should serve as a solid reference for anyone looking to make their PC more secure.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

LG got caught with its hand in the cookie jar this week. An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that plugging certain LG monitors into a Windows 11 PC silently installed a companion app without user consent.

Normally, some people would be OK with this, though others would argue that nothing should be able to install an app on your PC without permission.

But the situation escalated when it was revealed that the monitor app also showed ads for McAfee.

Microsoft was forced to step in. The tech giant reached out to LG and the McAfee ads no longer appear. But Microsoft should not have had to do anything at all. LG demonstrated that Microsoft needs to rein in accessory makers and get a tighter grip on Windows 11.

While the LG scandal dominated the headlines, we also saw major Xbox news and some Windows 11 upgrades.

Biggest News of the Week

One could argue that no company should be able to install software on your PC without explicit permission. But in a perfect world, those same companies could be trusted to only install relevant software such as a required monitor app or the drivers needed to make an accessory work.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. LG abused the trust given by Microsoft and Windows 11 users by installing adware on people’s PCs whenever they plugged in certain monitors.

Microsoft needs to restrict these types of installs on Windows 11 and ensure that any app being installed is done so after a user has given permission. Even useful apps that help control a device should only appear when cleared by a user.

Shopping with Sean

Some retailers tried to make Black Friday in July a thing, but we all know it’s back-to-school season. That means some of the best Windows laptops are on sale. The standout this week is the HP OmniBook X Flip.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Windows 11 includes dozens of useful features hiding in plain sight, and Reddit users are sharing the ones that make the biggest difference every day, or as the thread's title notes, "life-changing." A lot of users learn Windows through years of habits. They know how to open apps, browse files, and install programs, but Microsoft has accumulated dozens of small improvements that rarely receive attention.

The interesting thing about Reddit discussions around Windows 11 is that the "life-changing" features are rarely the flashy ones. Users aren't talking about the features Microsoft usually puts front and center. They're talking about small workflow improvements that remove friction dozens of times a day.

A clipboard manager may save only a few seconds each time, but when you use it 20 times a day, it becomes one of the most valuable features on the system.

In this guide, I'll list 10 features that, according to Reddit users, are "cool" and many people may know about.

1. Clipboard history turns copying into a productivity tool

One of the most repeated recommendations in the Reddit thread was Clipboard history.

Redditor yanni99 explained: "WIN + V, the most underrated and unused feature in Windows 11. I use this 20+ times daily."

This feature keeps a history of copied text and images, allowing users to retrieve something they copied earlier instead of losing it shortly after something else is copied.

Why it's useful

Traditional copy and paste assumes users only need one piece of information at a time. Modern work does not work that way. People constantly copy links, passwords, snippets of text, screenshots, and data between apps.

The hidden benefit is not just recovering old clipboard items. It changes how you work because you stop worrying about overwriting something important.

Insight

I have found this especially useful when writing, troubleshooting computers, or comparing technical information. Instead of repeatedly switching between browser tabs, documents, or notes to re-copy the same information, Clipboard history acts as a temporary workspace where I can quickly access multiple pieces of copied content.

Quick tip: Pin frequently used clipboard items so they survive restarts.

2. Snipping Tool is more than screenshots

A lot of users still think Snipping Tool is only a screenshot utility.

Reddit user picardo85 pointed out: "The snipping tool allows for screen recording." Another user highlighted: "Also does OCR! and the OCR is GOD TIER."

The Snipping Tool app on Windows 11 now combines screenshot capture, screen recording, text extraction from images, basic image editing, and GIF creation from short recordings.

Why it's useful

For years, users installed third-party apps for these tasks. Microsoft quietly turned a basic utility into a lightweight alternative for many everyday situations.

The text extraction capability is particularly useful. You can capture text from screenshots, scanned documents, error messages, or images without manually typing everything.

Insight

This is one area where the company has improved the operating system significantly but failed at communication. A lot of users still download third-party screenshot tools without realizing the built-in option has caught up.

Quick tip: Use the "Windows key + Shift + S" keyboard shortcut to bring up the Snipping Tool toolbar for quick access to the features.

3. End Task from the Taskbar finally fixes frozen apps

The popular Microsoft engineer jenmsft joined the Reddit discussion to highlight this feature: "In Settings > System > Advanced, you can enable showing an End Task option directly when right clicking apps in the taskbar."

This adds an "End Task" option directly to the Taskbar context menu. Previously, closing an unresponsive app usually required opening Task Manager, finding the process, and ending the task manually. However, now, users can terminate applications faster.

Why it's useful

It's a small feature, but it addresses one of the oldest frustrations, which is a frozen application blocking your workflow.

Insight

This feature is particularly useful for power users, developers, and anyone testing applications. It's faster than the traditional Task Manager approach and avoids navigating through multiple windows.

4. Windows Sandbox is a disposable PC inside your PC

Several Reddit users mentioned Windows Sandbox. For example, Redditor mikel_me wrote: "Windows Sandbox and I no longer need to have VirtualBox, lose dozens of GB of storage to test an .exe I don't trust."

Windows Sandbox creates a temporary Windows environment that disappears when closed.

You can use it to test unknown software, open suspicious files, and try settings without affecting your main installation.

Why it's useful

Some users download utilities, Registry tweaks, and scripts from the internet. The problem is that testing unknown software on your main system carries risk.

Sandbox provides a clean environment without maintaining a full virtual machine.

Limitation

Windows Sandbox is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Also, since this is a limited Windows environment of around 100MB (not a full installation of the operating system), not every script may work correctly.

If you have to test complex scripts, the best approach is to use a virtual machine.

5. Winget command makes installing apps easier

Another feature mentioned by Reddit users that caught my attention was Windows Package Manager.

For instance, user relevant-frog explained: "I find it faster to install programs this way rather than looking for the program's website."

If you run commands like "winget install APP-NAME" and "winget upgrade --all" users can install and update applications from the command line.

Why it's useful

After reinstalling Windows 11, one of the biggest annoyances is rebuilding your software collection.

The winget command changes that. Instead of searching dozens of websites, users can restore many applications quickly.

Insight

This is one of Microsoft's most underrated changes because it brings Linux-style package management convenience to Windows.

6. Snap Layouts are better than dragging windows

Reddit user chella1cm highlighted: "Win+Z opens the Snap Layouts, even with number shortcut."

Windows 11 introduced improved window snapping, but many users still drag windows manually.

You only need to use the "Windows key + Z" to open the Snap Layouts menu, allowing you to quickly arrange apps on the desktop.

Why it's useful

Modern monitors are larger, ultrawide displays are common, and multitasking has become normal. Snap Layouts turns window management into a structured workflow.

7. Windows key + Shift + Arrow is a multi-monitor lifesaver

One commenter (AMonkeyAndALavaLamp) wrote: "win+shift+arrows to move stuff between monitors." This shortcut instantly moves the active window between monitors.

Why it's useful

Anyone with two or more displays knows the frustration of dragging windows across screens. This shortcut solves that instantly.

It's a perfect example of a feature that does not look impressive in Microsoft's marketing material but improves daily use.

8. Voice Typing works almost everywhere

A Reddit user (mrnedryerson) mentioned: "Win + H Voice Type Anywhere." This feature lets users dictate text in almost any text field.

Why it's useful

Voice input has improved significantly with newer speech models. It's useful for drafting emails, writing notes, accessibility, and quickly entering text.

A lot of users never try it because they assume speech recognition is still the same as older versions.

9. Reliability Monitor makes troubleshooting much easier

One Reddit user recommended running perfmon /rel, which opens the Reliability Monitor tool.

Unlike Event Viewer, Reliability Monitor presents crashes, failed updates, driver problems, and application errors on a simple timeline, making it much easier to identify when something started going wrong.

Why it's useful

When the system suddenly becomes unstable, many people immediately assume they need to reinstall Windows 11. Reliability Monitor often points directly to the update, driver, or app that triggered the problem, saving time and unnecessary troubleshooting.

10. Advanced Display settings: your monitor may be running slower than expected

One Reddit user shared a practical discovery: "Your screen might be more fluid than you think!"

A lot of monitors ship configured at 60Hz even when they support higher refresh rates.

Users can check Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and select a higher refresh rate.

Why it's useful

A 120Hz or 144Hz monitor running at 60Hz wastes the hardware users paid for.

This is one of the simplest performance upgrades available because it requires no hardware change.

Windows Central's Take

I've always found it interesting that some of the most useful features are also its least promoted. Reading through this Reddit discussion reinforced something I've noticed over the years, which is that people aren't asking for more big features as much as they're looking for tools that make everyday tasks faster and less frustrating. That's why Clipboard history, the Snipping Tool's OCR, Windows Sandbox, and winget kept coming up over and over again.

I also think Microsoft could do a better job of surfacing these capabilities. A lot of them have been built into the operating system for years or have quietly evolved into genuinely useful tools. Yet, they're still hidden behind keyboard shortcuts or Settings pages that most people never visit.

In my experience, discovering one of these features often has a bigger impact on your daily workflow than many of the headline additions.

If you haven't explored beyond the basics, it's worth taking a few minutes to try some of these recommendations. You might find that Windows 11 already includes a tool you've been downloading third-party software to replace.

What are your favorite underrated Windows 11 features? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

The dedicated Copilot key on your PC is finally useful. Recently, Windows 11 gained the option to remap the Copilot key to act as the Context menu key or Right Ctrl key. It's also possible to disable the key entirely.

Which key do you use the least on your PC? Is it Scroll Lock? Maybe the Insert key feels like a waste of space. I don't normally pay much attention to unused keys on a keyboard, but the Copilot key is an exception because it replaced a key people actually use.

Any laptop or keyboard that ships with a dedicated Copilot key lacks a Right Ctrl key. People have complained about the Copilot key since it was introduced and Microsoft has responded.

At some point this year, Windows 11 shipped an update that allows you to remap the Copilot key to the Right Ctrl key or the Context Menu key.

We've known about this change for a while. A Microsoft support document outlines the plans of the tech giant:

"Microsoft is committed to enabling customers to select options for how the Copilot key functions. A Windows 11 update will ship later this year that will add a setting option to let you remap the Copilot key to act as the Context menu key or Right Ctrl key. When available, you can find this setting in:

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard"

The change is finally here. X user @phantomofearth shared a screenshot of the setting on Windows 11.

Up to this point, the feature has appeared inconsistently on Windows 11. In a follow-up post, @phantomofearth noted that the option does not appear on their system until enabling a feature ID.

My PC is running the latest version of Windows 11 and I see the option to customize the Copilot key. I did not see that option earlier this year, but I honestly can't say which day the toggle was added to my system.

I'm happy that Microsoft responded to feedback about the Copilot key, but there has been a way to remap the key for years. PowerToys has had a keyboard manager utility for years that lets you remap keys. If you use that tool, you aren't limited to the options Windows 11 gives you.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

A few days ago, LG was discovered to be automatically installing adware via their monitors when connected to a Windows PC, resulting in popups for apps like McAfee appearing on screen that users are forced to dismiss. Naturally, this has caused outrage online, and appears to have even caught the attention of Microsoft.

Now, Microsoft has confirmed that it has intervened and reached out to LG to see what can be done about stopping this. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri says that LG has agreed to stop McAfee from appearing within their LG monitor popups.

"We’ve connected with the team at LG and as an immediate next step, they have agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up from their app," Davuluri said in a post on X. "We appreciate LG working with us toward a shared goal of a better experience for our mutual customers."

It's good to see Microsoft stepping up to help here, as OEMs often get away with gross practices on their hardware. Many Windows PCs ship with adware and bloatware out of the box, and Microsoft has done little in the past to reduce this.

With the company reaching out to LG directly, it's clear that Microsoft thought LG's practices here were a step too far, and is eager to improve the overall health of the Windows ecosystem by ensuring OEMs are dialing back on the amount of bloatware and adware that appears on third-party hardware.

McAfee is one of the most pre-installed OEM bloatware apps you can find. Almost all major Windows OEM hardware will include a free-trial of McAfee, along with other demo or trial apps like Dropbox, Microsoft Office, and more.

Unlike actual PC hardware, LG's adware is being installed through a monitor app that is automatically downloaded onto a Windows PC when you connect an LG monitor to it. The app is designed to allow you to control functions and settings of the monitor, but it includes a popup that previously displayed ads for things like McAfee.

It's unclear if LG is planning to stop showing ads there permanently, if it it's only doing so temporarily until the outrage dies down. Hopefully, this change is a permanent one, as most users are not interested in being advertised to via a popup appearing because of the monitor they've chosen to use.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

For years, Microsoft has wrestled with modernizing the File Explorer app on Windows. Over the last few years, we've seen Microsoft slowly introduce modern UI elements across the File Explorer interface. Areas like the top of the app, Home page, and details pane have been modernized with WinUI 3, but the rest of the app has pretty much remained untouched.

This means that the File Explorer experience right now is very fragmented, being shared between decades-old interface design and modern WinUI design. Well, it looks like Microsoft is slowly moving to fix that, as evidence that the company is planning to modernize a pretty major aspect of the File Explorer has now appeared.

First spotted by Phantomofearth on Bluesky, the latest Windows 11 preview build includes a hidden modernized File Properties window that appears when you open properties on a file in the Recycle Bin. This is the only window that's been discovered so far, but it's clear that Microsoft is planning to modernize the entire File Properties dialog soon.

This move matches Microsoft's commitment to bring WinUI to more areas of the Windows Shell. The company confirmed plans to bring WinUI to the Start menu and in-box apps and experiences earlier this year, in an effort to streamline performance and design consistency across the entire Windows UI.

One of Windows 11's biggest criticisms amongst users is that the interface is very fragmented. In apps like File Explorer, it's very easy to come across a popup or window that hasn't been modernized like the rest of Windows 11, in some cases even missing support for dark mode. Moving these interfaces to WinUI should make them appear more consistent and support dark mode.

Microsoft has also confirmed plans to improve the performance of WinUI itself, which is why it's confident that moving more of the Windows Shell over to WinUI should result in a faster overall experience. These improvements are part of the company's ongoing Windows K2 effort, which is focused on fixing Windows 11's biggest issues.

The modernized File Properties on Windows 11 are yet to be announced, but now that the first signs of this work are now appearing in preview builds, it's unlikely to be much more of a wait before we hear more about Microsoft's plans for modernizing more areas of the File Explorer.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

I grew up in an analog world. Smartphones were at least a decade away. Laptops were bricks of hardware with tiny, low-res screens and enormous hard drives. The first PC games I played shipped on floppy discs. I bought my first music album on cassette. I spent a lot of time outdoors, exploring the woods and building forts with friends.

You get the idea.

It pains me to say that the analog world in which I grew up has disappeared over time, giving way to a digital reality. Have you ever seen a toddler effortlessly operate a phone or tablet? Yeah, they know what's up.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there's a growing resistance to this digital takeover. The analog revival, as it's often called, is usually framed as an anti-technology story. I don't think that's fair.

Younger generations aren't quitting all tech as a rule. They're mostly quitting smartphones and the digital hypnosis they can affect with seemingly no effort at all.

Sure, knitting needles, film cameras, vinyl records, landlines, and inked journals seem to be taking over TikTok and other social media hot spots, but there's another revival underway. One that could place Microsoft and the PC landscape in a very good spot.

The children yearn for the analog hobbies

In March 2026, crafting superstore Michaels published its latest Creativity Trend Report.

The findings suggest that there's some serious digital fatigue going on, noting significant upticks in searches for journals, hands-on crafts like sewing or knitting, crafting parties, party decorations, and more.

Searches for these analog hobbies rose, in some cases, by 919% in 2026. Yarn accessory sales alone grew by 40% compared to 2025, according to Michaels.

Similarly, CNBC covered the analog revival shortly before the Michaels report was published, noting that it's an effort pushing beyond a simple digital detox.

I have to agree; the movement feels a lot like an attempt to slow down and do things by hand at a time when generative AI is taking over the thinking and doing, especially in the creative and professional spaces.

Gen Z is largely driving the analog revival, and I wouldn't say it's afraid of tech. This is the generation that grew up with a phone in hand, after all.

But it's also the generation that's experiencing the worst AI fatigue, and it's the generation that Microsoft has largely focused on courting with its Copilot+ AI PC movement.

Microsoft's AI PC collision with analog refugees

Microsoft seems to have been in a collision at the crossroads of AI PCs and the analog revival.

When Copilot+ PCs were first introduced in May 2024, it was the very beginning of an "AI everywhere" push for Microsoft's Windows 11. I won't go into the specifics here, but it was a hard time for Windows users as it seemed like AI was being injected into just about every aspect of the OS.

The backlash from users led to Microsoft's Windows president, Pavan Davuluri, stating in early 2026 that the company would be focusing on addressing pain points like performance and reliability.

Since then, Microsoft has been stripping Copilot features out of areas where they make the least sense, including Notepad, Teams, Snipping Tool, and Photos.

At Build 2026, the Copilot+ PC brand was barely mentioned. The strict NPU requirement to run Copilot+ tools? It might not be around long, as Microsoft is reportedly testing the features to run on GPUs as well.

The company that created an entirely new hardware category around AI handling tasks on your PC is backing away from its original pitch. The fact that it's happening at the same time that there's a major analog movement is probably just a coincidence.

I certainly don't think Microsoft alone is driving the digital desertion trend, but it's definitely not fighting it, either.

Where do PCs fit into an analog lifestyle?

I don't believe the analog movement is anti-computer. It's anti-friction, anti-ambient, and anti-notification. Phones are designed to interrupt you at every possible chance. One more short video. One more text. One more post. A phone is like a slot machine in your pocket, delivering dopamine on demand.

A PC, on the other hand, is more like a workbench. You don't pull out your laptop to kill a few minutes of idle time. You sit down at a PC because you decided to write something. Edit something. Build something. Play something.

Microsoft spent a couple of years trying to make Windows behave more like a phone while adding AI everywhere it could, and the resulting backlash shows just how flat that bet fell. No, I don't think the analog crowd is rejecting the PC. It's rejecting the parts of a PC that most behave like a phone.

The avenue of intentional computing is what I think Windows is best positioned to own, whether it intends to or not. The PC's real advantage over the phone isn't more AI. It's that it's still, fundamentally, a tool you purposefully use and turn off when you're done.

Will Microsoft lean into the analog revival?

Microsoft has a genuine opportunity here to gain users simply by doing less with Windows 11. Rather than positioning the OS as the de facto AI platform, why not position it as an escape hatch from the AI/attention economy that casts its shadow over so many of our lives?

I'm talking about improving focus modes. Removing ambient monitoring and notifications. Removing more AI features where they don't make sense. Make the PC feel more like a workbench again.

Davuluri's own message about pulling back on AI, listening to users, and fixing what's broken is already halfway there. It just hasn't been articulated expressly as a perk.

The PC doesn't need more AI to remain relevant to younger generations that are rabidly returning to analog hobbies. If anything, it's the opposite.

Will Microsoft make the most of the analog revival? Do you think I'm way off course with this intersection of tech and anti-digital crowds? Is it just a generational phase? Let me know in the comments section below!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft released a slew of Windows Insider Builds last night, continuing a trend of non-Friday releases. The tech giant says that it is "working on getting all flights back on track." But in the meantime, we have several updates and improvements to look at.

In total, five different updates were sent to Windows Insiders.

Because of how the revamped Windows Insider Program is structured, many of the changes seen in the most recent builds have already entered testing to certain users. But with so many build paths to keep track of, it's easy to miss a few features or only focus on what's shipped to your PC specifically.

The biggest changes will roll out to Beta Channel Insiders in the form of Build 26220.8925. That update brings touchpad improvements, an upgraded Start menu, and welcome tweaks to File Explorer.

The update also improves accessibility and includes a refreshed Windows 11 Account Control Flyout.

Build 26220.8925: Changes and improvements

Touchpad

• We're adding new gesturing-related functionality to precision touchpads in Settings. These features should be widely available across applications. WinUI3-based UI requires new WinAppSDK versions for complete functionality, and we're in the process of bringing the necessary changes to versions 1.8 and 2.0.
• Scroll and zoom speed: control the baseline speed for these gestures.
• Accelerated scrolling: repeatedly scrolling increases speed, allowing quick traversal of long documents.

Start menu

• This update brings a number of improvements for the Start menu as first outlined in the Making Taskbar and Start more personal Insider blog.
• Renamed Recommended to Recent in Start and the Settings page.
• Added section-level toggles to independently show or hide Pinned, Recent, and All.
• Added the option to choose between a small and large Start menu, in addition to the Automatic (default) option that is already available.
• Added the option to hide your name and profile picture in Start.
• Redesigned the Start menu settings page.

File Explorer

• File sizes in the Details view now display appropriate units (KB, MB, and GB) instead of KB-only, making them easier to understand at a glance.
• Middle-click to open a folder in a new tab is now supported in the address bar and Home page for a more consistent and efficient tabbed navigation experience across File Explorer.
• Improved screen reader announcements when resolving file conflicts during move and copy operations.

Narrator

• Braille displays now connect instantly with Narrator.
• We're making refreshable braille displays easier to use in Windows. Narrator now supports displays that use the HID standard. If your display supports HID, connect it with USB and start reading with no additional setup required.
• For Bluetooth, pair your HID braille display in Settings > Bluetooth & devices like any other accessory, and then use it wirelessly.
• Compatible HID displays include Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40.
• HID braille displays now work during the initial Windows setup experience (OOBE) over USB, which means users who are deaf-blind can set up their PC independently from the first screen.
• You can customize braille input and output options in Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille.

Account Control

• The Windows 11 Account Control flyout has a refreshed, modern design and a clear subscription badge to make account status instantly visible. This helps users identify their plan, discover benefits, and explore upgrades.

Windows Update

• Fixed an issue that could result in recent Insider flights failing to install with error 0xc0000409.

Input

• Improved persistence of mouse cursor size.

I'm most excited about the touchpad improvements. The updates will give you greater control over scroll and zoom speed and make it easier to scroll through long documents.

Unlike some Windows 11 features, the touchpad updates should be available across a wide range of applications. Rather than having to wait for developers to make major rewrites or adopt a feature, you'll have the improvements at your fingertips quickly.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Last week, Microsoft blocked the rollout of Windows 11's latest Patch Tuesday update for a number of Dell PCs after it was reported that the update clased with Intel's IPF driver, causing a number of issues including unexpected shutdowns, overheating, and slow performance.

The company said it was working quickly to address these problems on the limited number of Dell PCs that were impacted, and has now released emergency out of band update KB5121767 that addresses the problem for Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows 11 25H2.

"This OOB update is a cumulative update, so you do not need to apply any previous updates before installing it. Devices affected by this issue and that were temporarily prevented from receiving the July 2026 security update can now install this OOB update, which includes all improvements from previous security and non-security updates, along with this additional fix. This OOB update is only recommended for devices affected by this issue. If your device is not affected, no action is required."

Microsoft has not provided a list of devices that are impacted by the issues, but if your computer was able to install last week's Patch Tuesday update, it's unlikely you're impacted. The new emergency patch should be offered to PCs that had the previous update blocked by Microsoft.

If your PC has been impacted by the issues, Microsoft says that "a limited number of Dell devices might display a yellow exclamation point in Device Manager next to the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver (Intel IPF). In some cases, affected devices might experience changes in performance, power consumption, or system behavior."

The good news is that most PCs impacted by this issue unlikely ever encountered problems, as Microsoft immediately blocked the update on impacted PCs before this month's Patch Tuesday even became available to them. The only situation where users may have encountered these problems is if they installed June's optional non-security preview update, or manually sideloaded the July Patch Tuesday update.

Microsoft is getting better at catching issues before they reach general availability, and today's emergency out of band update is an example of how much faster the company is moving to address issues in the Windows OS so that users aren't impacted by downtime or bugs.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft is expected to roll out the 2026 Update for Windows 11 (version 26H2) later this year, marking the fifth feature update for the desktop version of the operating system. However, this release isn't a full operating system swap, but it's still important not to skip it.

In this guide, I'll walk you through 10 interesting facts about Windows 11 version 26H2 to know before upgrading once it becomes available.

Facts to know about Windows 11 version 26H2

These are some facts about the new version for Windows 11.

1. Same operating system platform

Although the company will market Windows 11 version 26H2 as a new release, it shares the same platform as version 25H2, meaning both operating systems are identical under the hood. This is exactly the same case as versions 24H2 and 25H2.

2. Same set of features and improvements

Windows 11 version 26H2 includes the same features and improvements already available in version 25H2. Microsoft isn't introducing a separate feature set for this release because both versions share the same platform.

Perhaps the most noticeable differences between Windows 11 versions 26H2 and 25H2 are their version and build numbers, along with their support lifecycle.

For example, version 26H2 uses build numbers in the 26300 series, while version 25H2 uses the 26200 series. Now, despite the different build numbers, updates for both versions typically share the same cumulative update (KB) number because they are based on the same code and include the same features and improvements.

Microsoft is expected to continue servicing both versions with the same features and improvements for the foreseeable future. As a result, version 26H2 is not expected to introduce major new capabilities at launch. Instead, it serves as another enablement package release that activates a new version number while preserving the same experience users already have on version 25H2.

3. Enablement Package-based installation

Similar to Windows 11 version 25H2, version 26H2 is expected to be rolled out as an Enablement Package (eKB). This means that if you're already running version 25H2, upgrading to 26H2 will be similar to installing a regular monthly cumulative update, without requiring a complete reinstallation of the operating system.

An Enablement Package is a small update that acts as a switch to activate features already included in the operating system but kept dormant. Once installed, it simply changes the version number from 25H2 to 26H2 while enabling the new release (if applicable).

Because version 26H2 shares the same platform and feature set as version 25H2, the installation process is expected to be quick and require only a single restart. As with previous enablement package releases, Microsoft will likely offer the update as an optional installation at first before making it available automatically to eligible devices as version 25H2 approaches the end of its support lifecycle.

4. Full reinstallation upgrade

Although Windows 11 version 26H2 is virtually identical to version 25H2, the upgrade path depends on the version currently installed on your computer.

If you're already running Windows 11 version 25H2 (or 24H2), you can upgrade through the Enablement Package without reinstalling the operating system. However, devices running an older release (such as version 23H2) will need to perform a full feature update to move to version 26H2.

5. Upgrade from Windows 10

If your computer is still running Windows 10, upgrading to Windows 11 version 26H2 requires a full feature update. Compatible devices will receive the latest supported version of Windows 11 directly through Windows Update, so you won't have to install 24H2 or 25H2 first.

If your computer doesn't receive the upgrade through Windows Update, you can also perform an in-place upgrade using Microsoft's installation media.

6. Direct upgrade from older versions

You can upgrade directly to Windows 11 version 26H2 from version 23H2, 22H2, or an earlier release, as well as from Windows 10, using the ISO file or other Microsoft installation media.

These methods perform a standard in-place feature update, allowing you to keep your files, apps, and settings while installing the latest version of the operating system.

7. Upgrade tools trigger a full feature update

Although upgrading from Windows 11 versions 24H2 or 25H2 to version 26H2 through Windows Update only requires installing a small Enablement Package, using the official ISO file or other installation media will perform a full in-place upgrade instead.

The installation still preserves your files, apps, and settings, but it reinstalls the operating system rather than simply activating the new version with the Enablement Package. This results in an unnecessarily longer installation process compared to upgrading through Windows Update.

8. Reasons to upgrade to version 26H2

Since the last three releases of the operating system are virtually identical, the primary reason to upgrade is to extend your device's support lifecycle rather than gain access to new features.

Windows 11 version 25H2 remains supported through October 2027, but upgrading to version 26H2 extends support for another year. As with previous releases, Microsoft is expected to provide 24 months of support for the Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions.

This also means there won't be any urgency to upgrade as soon as version 26H2 becomes available. Because these releases offer the same features and improvements, you can continue using version 25H2 until you're ready to switch. However, you should plan to install version 26H2 before version 25H2 reaches the end of its support lifecycle to continue receiving security updates and bug fixes.

It's worth pointing out that version 24H2 is set to retire on October 13, 2026, and it's recommended to upgrade as soon as possible to the next supported version.

9. Same hardware requirements

Windows 11 version 26H2 does not introduce new hardware requirements compared to version 25H2. The same requirements for supported processors, TPM 2.0, and other system components remain in place.

These are the minimum requirements to install or upgrade to Windows 11:

• CPU: 1GHz or faster processor, or System on a Chip (SoC) with at least two cores.
• RAM: 4GB or more.
• Storage: 64GB or larger storage device.
• Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: High-definition (720p) display larger than 9 inches diagonally, with 8 bits per color channel.

This means that if your device can already run Windows 11 version 25H2, it will also be compatible with version 26H2 without requiring any hardware changes.

10. Rollout strategy will be gradual

Although the Enablement Package that upgrades Windows 11 from version 25H2 to 26H2 is a small update, Microsoft will likely follow the same gradual rollout strategy used in previous releases.

The company typically uses the Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) system to monitor the update experience, check for potential compatibility issues, and expand availability over time. As a result, not every device will receive the Windows 11 2026 Update immediately through the Windows Update settings page.

Availability will gradually expand over several weeks or months as the company confirms that the update is ready for a wider range of hardware configurations. If your device doesn't see the update right away, it doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem. It simply means the rollout has not reached your hardware configuration yet.

Windows Central's Take

I think the Windows 11 2026 Update is a good example of how the software giant is changing how it delivers upgrades. A new version number no longer automatically means a major redesign or a long installation process. Instead, the company is leaning more toward smaller transitions that keep computers current with less disruption.

From my experience covering the operating system, I think this approach makes a lot of sense. Full feature updates have historically been among the most complicated parts of maintaining the operating system, often leading to compatibility issues, driver problems, and upgrade failures. By using an Enablement Package model, Microsoft can accelerate the transition, reduce the risk of errors, and make it easier for more users to move to the latest supported version.

This strategy also benefits the company because a simpler upgrade experience could encourage more people to stay on newer versions instead of delaying updates for months or years. When an upgrade takes only a few minutes instead of requiring a complete operating system installation, users are more likely to accept it.

That said, I don't see 26H2 as an update users need to install immediately. If you're already running 25H2, the main reason to move will be support rather than new features. However, I think this is a better direction for the operating system. Making upgrades faster and more reliable could help reduce the problems that have caused many users to delay installing new versions.

What are your thoughts about Windows 11 version 26H2 following the same path as 25H2? Do you prefer smaller, smoother updates, or do you want major new features with every release? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Can you hear that? It's the sound of capitalism crumbling. After years of pushback against ads, Microsoft has finally given in and decided to make a cleaner Search experience in Windows 11.

Sarcastic quips aside, Search is genuinely going to improve. Microsoft unveiled a massive upgrade to Search this week that will improve the accuracy of results, shift away from relying on the web, and yes, remove ads and promotional material.

The improved search will prioritize local results over grabbing information from the web. You'll even be able to customize whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local results at all. Search should also be more forgiving of typos, which should reduce frustration.

The upcoming improvements to Search were the biggest Windows 11 story of the week, but several other topics trended as well.

Biggest News of the Week

I'd argue that Windows 11 never should have placed ads within Search in the first place. Certainly, Windows 11 Pro should have been ad-free. I'm glad to see Microsoft listen to feedback and get rid of some ads. I just think it's wild that the tech giant needs to be pushed in that direction.

I'm happy to see Microsoft did more than remove ads and call it a day. The new Search experience is better across the board. Our Zac Bowden was impressed after going hands-on with the feature.

As always with updates like this, you can focus on the fact that Microsoft should have launched Windows 11 in this state rather than be strong-armed into making search usable. Alternatively, you can choose to be happy that Windows 11 is finally getting fixed. I choose the latter.

Shopping with Sean

Laptop deals have cooled off a bit, but you can still save hundreds of dollars on the Samsung Galaxy Book6 or the HP OmniBook Ultra 14. Both are excellent laptops with gorgeous displays and snappy performance.

If you're a gamer, make sure to check out the Xbox Ultimate Game Sale that's now live. Hundreds of games are discounted in what might be one of Microsoft's best-ever sale events.

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Microsoft's July 2026 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 is one of the largest security releases we've ever seen, fixing 570 vulnerabilities across Microsoft's products, according to Action1's analysis.

For users, the update arrives as KB5101650, bringing version 25H2 to build 26200.8875 and version 24H2 to build 26100.8875.

The number is certainly eye-catching. Microsoft fixed more than four times the number of security issues compared with July 2025, when the company addressed 137 vulnerabilities.

However, the bigger story is not simply that the company patched hundreds of security flaws. The July 2026 security update is an early example of a major shift Microsoft has already warned about. AI is changing vulnerability discovery, and Windows 11 updates are expected to become larger as a result.

The software giant says that as AI helps security researchers find more issues across more code, customers will see a higher volume of security fixes included in future security releases.

In other words, larger Patch Tuesday updates are not necessarily a sign that Windows is becoming less secure. They are also a sign that Microsoft is finding and addressing more problems before attackers can use them.

Why Windows 11's July 2026 update is so large

The July 2026 update addresses vulnerabilities across many core areas of Windows, including the Windows Kernel, Win32k, NTFS, Remote Desktop, Secure Boot, BitLocker, File Explorer, and more.

Several of these fixes address vulnerabilities that could allow remote code execution, where an attacker could potentially run malicious code on a system remotely.

The scale of the release follows a sharp increase in security fixes throughout 2026.

Here's a comparison based on vulnerability counts reported by Windows Latest and security-tracking data, showing how the number of fixes has increased since 2025.

However, Microsoft says the growing number of fixes should not be interpreted as the operating system becoming less secure. Instead, the company says AI is helping identify vulnerabilities earlier and at a larger scale.

Microsoft is using AI to find Windows vulnerabilities faster

The company has been investing in AI-powered security tools to reduce the time between discovering a vulnerability and protecting customers.

One of those tools is MDASH, Microsoft's multi-model agentic security scanning harness.

MDASH uses multiple AI models and more than 100 specialized AI agents to analyze code, identify potential vulnerabilities, debate findings, and validate whether issues are real.

Unlike a traditional scanner that simply reports possible problems, Microsoft's system is designed to reduce false positives by using multiple stages of analysis and validation.

The company notes that MDASH helped security researchers discover 16 vulnerabilities in networking and authentication components, including critical remote code execution flaws affecting areas such as the TCP/IP stack and IKEv2 service on Windows 11.

Those findings demonstrate how AI can help uncover complex security issues that may be difficult to identify through traditional approaches.

Microsoft has not said that MDASH discovered all 570 vulnerabilities included in the July 2026 update. Instead, the technology represents part of a larger effort to expand the company's vulnerability research capabilities.

Microsoft expects Windows 11 security updates to get bigger

The biggest takeaway from the new approach is that larger security updates are becoming expected. In a recent explanation of its vulnerability management strategy, Microsoft said: "As AI helps defenders discover more issues, customers will see a higher volume of security updates included in each security release."

The company says AI is being integrated into the entire security process, from finding vulnerabilities to helping engineers understand issues, develop fixes, and identify possible regressions.

Microsoft is also using additional validation systems to make sure faster security fixes do not come at the cost of update quality.

The goal is to shorten the time between vulnerability discovery and customer protection while maintaining reliability.

Why users should install updates faster on PCs

As security updates grow larger, Microsoft is also pushing users and organizations to reduce delays before installing them, because attackers are also benefiting from AI.

Microsoft says attackers can now exploit newly discovered vulnerabilities much faster than before, leaving users and organizations with less time to install security updates.

For users, that means monthly updates are becoming more important. While temporarily pausing updates can still make sense if a release causes compatibility problems, leaving security fixes uninstalled for long periods creates unnecessary risk.

The July 2026 update also includes non-security improvements, including Point-in-time restore, Screen Tint, improved Bluetooth reliability, File Explorer improvements, and much more. However, the security changes are the main reason users should prioritize installing it.

Windows Central's Take

When I first saw that Microsoft had patched 570 vulnerabilities in a single Patch Tuesday release, I didn't immediately think Windows 11 had become less secure. Instead, my first thought was that this was exactly the kind of update the company had been preparing users for when it said AI would dramatically increase the number of vulnerabilities it could discover.

I actually think this changes how we should judge Patch Tuesday updates. For years, I've looked at the size of a security release as a rough indication of how much could potentially go wrong after installing it. In the future, that assumption may no longer hold true. A bigger update could only mean that the software giant is finding and fixing more issues before attackers have the chance to exploit them.

That said, Microsoft still has something to prove. Discovering more vulnerabilities is only half the equation. Users will judge this new approach by whether these larger updates remain reliable and don't introduce new issues of their own. If the company can consistently deliver both better security and stable updates, I think that's a tradeoff most users will gladly accept.

Do you think larger Patch Tuesday updates are a good sign for Windows 11 security, or do they make you more cautious about installing updates? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft's once popular IRC client "Comic Chat" is being open sourced to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Those who frequented the world wide web in the 90's will likely remember Comic Chat for being a unique experiment into how IRC chatting could be, featuring graphical avatars that presented chats and chatrooms in comic strip form.

Originally developed by Microsoft Researcher David Kurlander and released on August 13, 1996, Comic Chat began life as a research project before morphing into Microsoft Chat and becoming the default chat client for MSN.

"Today, we’re excited to announce the open-source release of Microsoft Comic Chat, the chat client that automatically turned conversations within Internet Relay Chat (IRC) into comic panels featuring illustrated characters, speech bubbles, and expressions, and helped introduce the world to a little font called Comic Sans," Microsoft's Scott Hanselman announced in a blog post today.

"For many people, Comic Chat is a nostalgic artifact from the early days of the internet as we transitioned from technologies like telnet, Usenet, and IRC to the largely visual web that we enjoy today. For others, it’s a legendary piece of Microsoft history they have only heard about in stories, screenshots, and debates about typography. Now, developers, historians, retro computing enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a wonderfully unconventional idea can explore the source code for themselves."

Although from the 90s, Comic Chat is still functional as an IRC client today, though most people likely don't use it anymore. Still, with the app now being open source, perhaps developers and tinkerers will be more open to breathing life back into the 30 year old app.

The Comic Chat source code is now public on GitHub for anyone who wants to take a look and compile their own version.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

As part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft released several preview builds of Windows 11 in early July 2026, some of which introduced new features and others only improvements for existing experiences.

In the first two weeks of July, the company began the public test of the Cloud rebuild recovery feature, revealed a new design update for the account manager available through the Start menu, and made other improvements for version 26H2

In addition, Microsoft is continuing to expand previously announced features to more Insider channels, including the ability to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro Education for K-12 environments. The company is also rolling out Taskbar position and size options, along with Windows Update improvements designed to reduce the number of required restarts each month.

In the Experimental track, we've seen builds 26300.8772 and 28120.2387, and builds 28020.2380 and 26220.8764 have been released in the Beta channel.

In this recap, I'll highlight the latest and most noteworthy changes available through the Windows Insider Program.

Biggest improvements from the Windows Insider Program in July 2026

In this recap, I'll highlight the latest and most noteworthy changes available through the Windows Insider Program since my last roundup.

Cloud rebuild new feature

Starting with build 26300.8772, Windows 11 introduces a new recovery feature known as "Cloud rebuild," which has been designed to make it easier to reinstall the operating system when the computer is unable to start, or you're looking for a fresh install.

If this feature sounds familiar, it's because it's similar to the Cloud download option in Reset this PC. However, Cloud rebuild introduces a new workflow that downloads the Windows 11 installation files and drivers and performs a clean installation without requiring a bootable USB drive, a custom recovery image, or access to the desktop environment.

Cloud rebuild can be accessed from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by going to the "Troubleshoot" page and using the "Cloud rebuild" option.

Before you can use the feature, the computer must be running Windows 11 on compatible hardware, and the device must be connected to the internet using a wireless or wired connection.

Once you confirm the Windows 11 version, edition, and language, click "Install," and the system will erase the hard drive and reinstall the operating system and drivers.

Account Control flyout redesign

In the Start menu, Microsoft is also updating the Account Control flyout with build 26300.8772. The new design offers a more modern style that highlights your account information and picture.

It also highlights your Microsoft 365 subscription, cloud storage, and access to your benefits.

Backup and restore default settings

In commercial computers, starting with the preview build 26300.8772, Windows 11 is enabling the backup and restore feature policy by default for devices enrolled in a Microsoft Entra ID or Entra hybrid-joined environment.

The idea is to start the device with backup protection to make recovery smoother. For example, when a device is reset or replaced, users can quickly return to their personalized desktop without extra steps.

Of course, network administrators can always control this experience, and Microsoft notes that existing policies will remain in effect, and manually configured settings always take priority over the default behavior.

Taskbar position settings

The company is also bringing back the ability to change the Taskbar location with the release of build 28120.2387 in the Experimental channel.

This change allows users to place the Taskbar at the top of the screen, as well as at the left or right edges, rather than being limited to the bottom.

The setting appears on Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, under the "Taskbar behaviors" section. The setting is called "Taskbar position."

The company notes that flyouts, tooltips, and animations will follow the Taskbar orientation regardless of the position.

Also, most existing features will continue to work, including the option to ungroup and show labels for apps.

Furthermore, the company is updating the "Show smaller taskbar button" option to make the Taskbar smaller instead of just the buttons. (As we have already seen in other tracks, the company is expected to create a separate option to make the Taskbar smaller.)

Windows Update with fewer reboots

As part of Windows 11 build 26220.8764, the company is introducing a new unified Windows Update experience that coordinates monthly quality updates with driver, .NET, and firmware updates.

By bundling these updates into a single installation cycle whenever possible, Microsoft aims to reduce the number of restarts users experience each month, with the long-term goal of requiring just one monthly reboot.

Windows 11 Pro Education for K-12 free upgrade

Microsoft is changing the installation requirements to allow devices running Windows 11 Home to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro Education at no additional cost for K-12 education.

This change aims to give schools more flexibility when acquiring new devices. However, the company says that this is one-way only. After the upgrade, the only way to roll back to the Home edition is by performing a clean installation of the operating system.

Windows Search upgrades

Outside its regular download schedule, Microsoft recently began rolling out a slew of improvements to the Windows Search experience on devices enrolled in the Experimental channel.

First, the company is decluttering the home screen and focusing on the search experience. As part of this rollout, the Windows Search home screen only includes your recent searches, ditching the visual clutter, including those annoying advertisements.

In addition, when performing a search and a web result is more relevant, the experience will now prioritize the answer rather than products and promotions.

Microsoft is also introducing design tweaks to better indicate where each result comes from. For example, you'll find better spacing between items and interface changes when selecting a result, including thumbnail previews.

Second, you'll now have more control over search results with the options to disable web searches and Microsoft Store apps from appearing in the Windows Search experience.

However, by default, search will work as always. It's up to you to customize your search experience from Settings > Privacy & Security > Search.

Third, the search experience now improves local content and rankings, meaning local results are given higher priority in apps, settings, and files, instead of web and Microsoft Store results showing up first when there are better results.

As part of the ranking tweaks, you'll notice that searches for settings now appear higher in the results.

Fourth, Microsoft is also focusing on improving search accuracy through two specific changes. For instance, Windows Search has been updated to better handle typos, missing or extra letters, and partial words.

In addition, the feature will now show results for local files using two-character file search, and more accurately surface cloud and connected files when they're the best match.

Windows Central's Take

I think these Insider builds show Microsoft focusing on what Windows 11 has needed for a while, improving the experience instead of simply adding more features. Cloud rebuild could make recovery much less stressful, while the Windows Search changes address one of the operating system's biggest frustrations by prioritizing useful local results over web content.

The reappearance of Taskbar positioning is also a welcome change. It shows Microsoft is still paying attention to feedback and bringing back flexibility that many users have missed since Windows 11 launched.

What are your thoughts on these latest Windows 11 Insider changes? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft has confirmed that it has blocked the availability of the recent Windows 11 July Patch Tuesday update (KB5101650) on Dell PCs, after Dell reported a number of issues including unexpected shutdowns, overheating, poor performance, and more caused by the preview update that released before it.

The KB5101650 began rolling out on July 14, and includes a number of quality of life improvements and fixes. For most users, this update is issue free, but Dell PCs will find that the update is not available for them currently.

"A limited number of Dell devices might display a yellow exclamation point in Device Manager next to the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver. These devices can potentially experience unexpected shutdowns, poor performance, increased heat, and battery drain."

This issue applies to both the KB5101650 update that rolled out on July 14, and the optional preview update KB5095093 that rolled out on June 23, on either Windows 11 version 24H2 or 25H2. Dell PCs running either of these updates and experiencing issues should roll back.

The bug in question appears to be caused by the new Windows USB-C Connection Manager interface, with the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver no longer functioning as intended. "This issue was reported by Dell during testing and identified as an incompatibility between the Intel driver and the new Windows USB-C Connection Manager interface."

Microsoft says that it's working on a fix, and will release a resolution for the PCs that are impacted by this issue soon. The good news is that it appears Microsoft was aware of the problem right away, as the July 14 update was blocked on Dell PCs right out of the gate.

Unfortunately, there was no immediate block on the optional update that released on June 23, meaning some devices may have installed the update that is causing problems. The best course of action in that situation is to simply roll-back to the previous update.

via Bleeping Computer

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If you've been using Windows as long as I have, you probably remember when a serious problem often meant backing up your files and reinstalling the operating system from scratch. Whether it was a bad driver, a failed update, or corrupted system files, a clean install was frequently the fastest way to rescue your computer.

I don't think that's the case anymore. Over the past several years, Microsoft has quietly transformed Windows 11 into a much more resilient operating system. Instead of relying on a single recovery option, the operating system now bundles a collection of tools designed to solve different types of problems. Some can repair Windows 11 while minimizing changes to your data. Others can roll back a problematic update, recover a computer that won't boot, or completely rebuild the system from the cloud.

The downside is that all these options can be confusing. Microsoft doesn't always make it clear which recovery feature you should use first, and many of them sound similar even though they solve different problems.

A lot of the recovery features discussed in this guide are available through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This separate recovery workspace runs outside the normal installation and provides access to tools that can repair, reset, or troubleshoot the operating system when the computer cannot start normally.

In this guide, I'll outline the recovery features available on Windows 11 and when I would actually use them.

Important: The right recovery option depends mostly on what went wrong. A broken update, a damaged driver, and a corrupted installation all require different approaches.

Fix problems using Windows Update

If the computer still starts normally but something doesn't feel right, I'd try the "Fix problems using Windows Update" recovery option first.

This feature repairs the operating system by downloading the same version of Windows 11 installed on your computer through Windows Update and reinstalling it over your existing installation. Unlike resetting your computer, it preserves your personal files, installed apps, user accounts, and settings.

If system files have become corrupted, built-in features have stopped working, or you're seeing unusual behavior after an update, this repair process can often restore the operating system without forcing you to reinstall your apps afterward.

I like this approach because it's the least disruptive recovery option Microsoft offers. If it solves the problem, you save yourself the time of reinstalling software and reconfiguring the system.

Best for:

• Corrupted system files.
• Missing or broken features.
• General system instability.
• Repairing Windows 11 while keeping apps, files, and settings.

Reset This PC

When repairing Windows 11 isn't enough, "Reset This PC" is usually the next step.

This feature reinstalls the operating system and lets you choose between two options.

Keep my files reinstalls Windows 11 while preserving your personal files, pictures, and videos, but it removes installed applications and resets system settings.

Remove everything wipes the computer completely before installing a fresh copy of Windows 11, making it a good choice if you're selling the device or want to start over.

You'll also choose between "Local reinstall," which uses recovery files already stored on the computer, or "Cloud download," which downloads a fresh copy of Windows directly from Microsoft's servers.

Personally, I almost always recommend Cloud Download. It takes longer because it downloads several gigabytes of data, but it also avoids problems caused by damaged local recovery files.

Best for:

• Severe software problems.
• Persistent performance issues.
• Malware cleanup after backing up your data.
• Preparing to sell or give away the computer.

Cloud rebuild

Cloud rebuild is one of Microsoft's newest recovery tools, and I think it fills an important gap in Windows recovery.

Available through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), Cloud rebuild reformats the operating system partition, downloads a fresh Windows 11 image and compatible drivers from Windows Update, and restores the computer to the out-of-box setup experience.

Unlike Reset This PC, it doesn't depend on the recovery image already stored on your computer, and more importantly, it also includes the device drivers.

To me, this feature sits somewhere between Reset This PC and creating a bootable USB installer. It gives you a completely fresh installation without requiring installation media or another computer to download the setup files.

Best for:

• Severely corrupted installations.
• Failed Reset This PC attempts.
• Damaged recovery files.
• Rebuilding Windows 11 from scratch.

Go Back (rollback)

The upgrade process to a new version doesn't always go smoothly, and that's exactly why "Go Back" exists.

After upgrading to a new version of the operating system on top of an existing setup, Windows 11 temporarily stores your previous installation in the "Windows.old" folder. If the new version introduces compatibility problems, driver issues, or poor performance, you can roll back to the earlier version with just a few clicks.

The only catch is that this option is temporary. The system typically removes the previous installation files after about 10 days to free up storage.

If you notice problems immediately after installing a feature update, don't wait too long before deciding whether to roll back.

Best for:

• Performance problems after upgrading.
• Driver incompatibilities.
• Software compatibility issues.
• Bugs introduced by a feature update.

Uninstall Updates

Not every system update improves the experience. Sometimes a cumulative update can introduce startup problems, driver conflicts, or unexpected bugs.

When that happens, Windows 11 includes an option in the Windows Recovery Environment that lets you remove the latest update without resetting the entire computer.

Using this experience, you can uninstall the latest quality updates (monthly cumulative updates) and feature updates (major version upgrades).

The first option is usually the one you'll use after Patch Tuesday problems.

Best for:

• Device problems after installing an update.
• Boot issues caused by a recent update.
• Update-related stability problems.

System Restore

Some people think System Restore is outdated, but I still think it's one of the most underrated recovery features in the operating system.

System Restore creates restore points that save system files, drivers, registry settings, and installed applications. If something goes wrong after installing a driver or application, you can return Windows to an earlier working state without affecting your personal files.

It's often much faster than resetting the computer and can solve problems in just a few minutes.

Best for:

• Bad driver installations.
• Faulty software.
• Registry changes.
• Recent system configuration problems.

Startup Repair

If Windows 11 won't boot, Startup Repair remains one of the built-in recovery tools designed to fix common startup problems.

Available through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), the tool scans the system for damaged startup files, corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD), missing system files, and other issues preventing the operating system from loading correctly. If it finds a problem it knows how to fix, it attempts the repair automatically.

Depending on your recovery configuration, Windows 11 may first attempt newer recovery mechanisms, such as Quick Machine Recovery, before Startup Repair becomes available.

It won't solve every startup issue, but when it works, it can save you from more drastic recovery options like resetting or reinstalling the operating system.

Best for:

• Windows 11 stuck during boot.
• Endless restart loops.
• Missing or damaged boot files.
• Startup-related errors.

Safe Mode

Sometimes Windows 11 itself isn't the problem. Safe Mode starts the system with only the essential drivers and services needed for the operating system to run. That makes it much easier to remove a problematic graphics driver, uninstall recently installed apps, or troubleshoot malware that's preventing Windows 11 from working normally.

If Windows 11 works as expected in Safe Mode but crashes at startup, it's usually a sign that a third-party app or driver is causing conflicts.

Best for:

• Troubleshooting driver problems.
• Removing incompatible software.
• Malware cleanup.
• Diagnosing startup crashes.

Quick Machine Recovery

Quick Machine Recovery is one of the newest additions to Windows 11, and I think it's a direct response to lessons Microsoft learned from major outages like the CrowdStrike incident.

If a bad update or driver prevents Windows 11 from starting, the feature can automatically enter the Windows Recovery Environment, connect to Microsoft's recovery service, download a remediation package, and attempt to repair the problem before you ever reach the desktop.

Ideally, you'll never have to think about this feature because it works automatically behind the scenes. If the automated recovery isn't successful, you can continue troubleshooting using the other recovery options available through the Windows Recovery Environment.

Best for:

• Startup failures caused by updates.
• Driver-related boot issues.
• Automatic recovery without user intervention.

Point-in-time Restore

Point-in-time Restore is another piece of Microsoft's evolving recovery strategy.

Rather than asking users to troubleshoot a failed Windows Update manually, Point-in-time Restore is part of Microsoft's effort to make Windows Update failures easier to recover from automatically.

A lot of people may never notice it working, but that's exactly the goal. The more the system can recover automatically, the less often users need to search for recovery guides or perform clean installations.

Best for:

• Failed system updates.
• Rolling back to a previous working update state.
• Automatic update recovery.

Other details

This guide focuses on Windows 11 features that can restore the operating system to a known working state or help troubleshoot problems preventing the system from working correctly. However, the operating system also includes other recovery-related tools that serve a different purpose.

The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is the workspace where many of these options are available, including Startup Repair, Reset This PC, System Restore, Cloud rebuild, and other troubleshooting tools. It does not repair Windows 11 by itself. Instead, it provides access to the features that can recover the operating system.

The Recovery Drive works in a similar way. It does not fix the setup directly. Instead, it creates a bootable USB drive that lets you access WinRE if the built-in recovery options are unavailable.

Other tools, such as Command Prompt, Startup Settings, and UEFI settings, are designed for advanced troubleshooting. They can help diagnose and manually repair problems, but they do not automatically restore the operating system.

Also, the Windows Backup app is part of the recovery experience, but it serves a different purpose. Instead of repairing a broken installation, it helps restore settings, credentials, Microsoft Store apps, and files stored in OneDrive after reinstalling Windows 11 or moving to a new computer.

The legacy Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool is still available on Windows 11 and can create file backups and full system images. Unlike newer recovery features such as Reset This PC or Cloud rebuild, it relies on a backup created ahead of time. If you have a system image available, you can use it to restore the computer to a previous state, including the operating system, apps, settings, and drivers.

However, Microsoft has shifted toward newer recovery experiences that rely more on Windows Update, cloud services, and automatic repairs.

Windows Central's Take

After covering the operating system for more than two decades, I think Microsoft has finally addressed one of the biggest weaknesses: recovery.

The company has built a much more complete safety net into Windows 11. However, these tools only matter if they work when users need them most. A failed update, broken driver, or corrupted system file can still leave people searching for answers because the recovery experience isn't always predictable.

What I find interesting is that Microsoft didn't replace older tools like System Restore or Safe Mode. Instead, it kept building on top of them with newer experiences such as Cloud rebuild and automatic recovery features. The result is a layered recovery system that makes Windows 11 far more resilient than previous versions.

The next challenge isn't creating another recovery feature. It's making the existing ones easier to understand. If the operating system can better recognize what's wrong and automatically recommend the right recovery path, most people may never have to wonder whether to use System Restore, Reset This PC, or Cloud rebuild.

That's the direction recovery should continue moving toward, with less troubleshooting, fewer reinstalls, and more automatic repairs that keep people productive.

Have you ever had to use one of these Windows recovery features? Which one helped you get your device back up and running? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

This week, Microsoft unveiled a major overhaul coming soon to Windows 11's search experience that's designed to fix its biggest flaws and criticisms. For a long time, many have agreed that search on Windows is pretty much broken, but the new changes that are now in testing may finally be fixing that problem.

I've been testing the new Windows Search out over the last two days, and I'm very impressed with the new experience. Right off the bat, the search pane is no longer a noisy mess of Bing ads and sponsored content. It's a clean list of recent searches, exactly what you'd expect from a search pane.

Search items that appear in this list are categorized so that you know whether an item is an app, document, setting, or web search. Hovering over items in this menu will display options depending on the type of item it is, such as apps which present the option to pin it to the Taskbar or run as an administrator.

You can also right-click on any of the items in the search pane for more info, which displays additional options such as uninstall or app settings, open file location, as well as the ability to remove the item from the recents list.

Getting onto the actual searching experience, it's a major step up. The UI is nice and clean, and web results now pretty much never show up at the top unless you are actively searching for a website or query that makes sense for a search engine. In the old Window Search, searing for "windows central" would always bring the Bing result to the top, but now it prioritizes my local files and folders.

When a web result does appear at the top, you'll no longer see any ads or sponsored content in that result. The Bing results are now ad-free, showing only results that relate to your search query, which is amazing. You no longer have to worry about accidentally clicking on a link or app that has paid to be there.

I also find that search results are now more accurate based on how you use your system. For example, on a PC where I have both the Photos and Photoshop app installed, typing "photos" actually surfaces Photoshop, which is what I want. I believe this is happening because I've never opened the Photos app on my PC before, and so Windows assumes that I'd want to use the app I use more often or most recently.

To test this theory, I ran Photos a few times and then typed "photos" again, and sure enough the Photos app was now appearing above Photoshop. To triple confirm, I started opening Photoshop a few times, and Photoshop became the top result for "photos" after.

This is great for those who have a system set in place where all the apps they ever use are already in full circulation on their PC. Windows knows which apps you use most, and will now do its best to position them as a best match when it thinks you're searching for it, listing follow up results below it that you can manually select if that's what you need instead.

I also find that search is now a little smarter and more dynamic. If you don't know the name of an app, you can search for a category and Windows will do its best to surface an app that it thinks can do that job. For example, if I type "video editor" into the search box, Windows surfaces Clipchamp as a result, as that's the only video editor I have installed.

Windows Search now also does a much better job at surfacing settings that you might want to configure. If I type "temp" it'll show delete temporary files, or if i type "wifi" the wi-fi settings page is at the top. Even things like "insider" now correctly surface the Insider settings page. You can now pretty much search for any Windows Setting and have it accurately appear in the search pane, without needing to open Settings first.

Some settings even have configurable options within the search pane. For example, typing restart PC will show a setting to do so right from search, which then lets you select whether you want to restart or shut down. It's pretty neat, though most people will probably find it faster to just do that from Start.

Overall, these new search improvements are a real strong step in the right direction. In my brief testing, I've not really been able to fault it, and understand why the best match results are what they are. Being able to turn off things like Microsoft Store and web results are also a great addition, letting you craft your experience into whatever you need it to be. If you only ever want local search results, you can make it so.

It's clear that even in its default state now, local results are the number one priority. Unless your search query is clearly one intended for a search engine, Windows will more than likely place a local result as a best match, which is going to address the biggest complaint most people have with Windows Search.

These improvements are rolling out now in preview for Windows Insiders, with general availability expected later this year.

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Windows 11's monthly Patch Tuesday update is here, and it's one of the biggest of the year. In addition to the usual group of bug fixes and security updates, the July Patch Tuesday update includes some major new features.

Our Mauro Huculak broke down the 13 features that matter most from Windows 11's July 2026 update. The update is substantial and includes new ways to recover your PC, improve accessibility, and update Windows.

As is normally the case for Windows 11 Patch Tuesday updates, we've known what was on the way for weeks. Microsoft rolled out the latest features and changes to Windows 11 through a preview update toward the end of last month.

Ironically, the biggest change in this update is that it will allow you to pause updates indefinitely. Starting with this build you can stop your PC from getting updates for up to 35 days and then re-pause updates.

The downside is that you have to manually pause updates again if you want to stop them for more than 35 days.

Point-in-time Restore is another big addition. The feature lets you roll back a system to a previous working state. Windows 11 automatically creates restore points that include settings, files, and apps.

Widgets are better following the update as well. You now have greater control over notifications and personalization settings. Opening the widgets panel will open the dashboard on first use.

The full release notes for the update are shared in a Microsoft support document and listed below.

Windows 11 July 2026 Update (gradual rollout)

• [Point-in-time restore for Windows] New! This flexible recovery feature helps you quickly roll back your PC, including apps, settings, and personal files, to a recent automatic restore point. It helps reduce downtime and simplifies troubleshooting when issues occur. To learn more, see Point-in-time restore for Windows.
• [Windows Update] New! A calendar experience in Windows Update Settings (Settings > Windows Update) lets you pause updates by choosing an end date, for up to 35 days. You can extend the pause by selecting a different end date and re‑pause updates as needed. For more information, see Pause updates in Windows.
• [Widgets] New! A quieter, more focused Widgets experience helps reduce interruptions and improves default settings and notification controls:
  • Reduce distractions: Widgets no longer open on hover. Notifications and taskbar badges are minimized by default.
  • Simpler: Open to the Widgets dashboard by default on first use.
  • Customize: Configure Widgets how you want by selecting Settings in the navigation bar, then changing any of the default settings.
  • Stay informed: Dashboard icons show the number of alerts, and badges clear automatically when you leave a dashboard.
  • Adjusted defaults: Some default settings are preserved based on usage, while others adjust to reduce interruptions.
  • Performance improvements: This update provides improved reliability, responsiveness, and visual quality across the Widget experience.
• [Accessibility] New! This update makes your screen easier to see and customizes your zoom experience:
  • Screen tint: Apply a full-screen color overlay to help reduce eye strain and improve readability. Choose from preset tint options, adjust the intensity, or turn it on automatically. Find this feature in Settings > Accessibility.
  • Magnifier: Enter a zoom percentage directly and change it in increments in the Magnifier window for more precise, flexible control.
  • Magnifier settings menu: You can now also modify zoom increments directly from the magnifier bar instead of navigating to Windows Settings each time.
• [File Explorer]
  • New! When you hover over a file in File Explorer Home, commands such as Open file location and Ask Copilot appear as quick actions. This experience is now supported for work and school accounts (Entra ID).¹
  • Improves the speed and performance of File Explorer launch.²
  • This update improves File Explorer responsiveness when mounting disk images.
  • The address bar now supports paths containing double backslashes and quotation marks (for example, C:\\Users\\user or "C:\Users\user"), improving compatibility with a wider range of inputs.
  • The address bar suggestion dropdown is more reliable and now consistently closes after an item is selected.
  • This update addresses an issue on File Explorer Home where OneDrive files could appear duplicated in the Favorites section.
  • This update includes several refinements to the Rename experience:
    • Addresses an issue where text was repeatedly selected when renaming items in folder views.
    • Addresses an issue where case-only name changes were not immediately reflected in folder views for items stored locally or in the cloud.
• [Bluetooth] This update improves reliability and performance when connecting to and using Bluetooth devices:
  • New! Windows now keeps the microphone mute state in sync between the audio mixer and the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for a more consistent experience with Bluetooth headphones with mute buttons or indicators.
  • Accessory compatibility workarounds: Improves compatibility with specific Bluetooth audio devices, helping AirPods appear faster in pairing mode and improving microphone reliability on Beats Studio Pro headphones.
  • Bluetooth audio stability:
    • Improves overall Windows stability with certain PC manufacturer drivers (error code 0x9F).
    • Improves Bluetooth reliability for voice calls when using Classic Audio devices with the Hands-Free Profile (HFP).
    • Reduces time for LE Audio accessories to start playing audio while using the microphone.
  • Device management: Windows will no longer show a “Remove failed” message when attempting to remove Bluetooth devices if the Bluetooth radio is unavailable or has changed since pairing.
  • Settings experience: Improves stability when using the Bluetooth & devices settings page for a smoother, more consistent experience.
  • Connection reliability and responsiveness:
    • Reduces the time it takes for classic Bluetooth audio devices to reconnect after Windows resumes from hibernation.
    • Improves reliability when LE Audio accessories disconnect, such as when another device (for example, a phone) connects.
    • Improves reliability of LE Audio streaming after a connection is lost and restored.
• [Bluetooth and Phone Link] This update improves audio routing for calls made through a connected phone:
  • When an outgoing call is dialed from a paired phone, audio remains on the phone while ringing and transfers to the PC only when the call is answered from the PC.
  • When Do Not Disturb is enabled on Windows, incoming call audio from a paired phone no longer rings on the PC.
• [Voice access and voice typing] **New!**⁠ You can now use voice access and voice typing in French, German, and Spanish. As you speak, your PC improves your text in real time. It corrects grammar, punctuation, and recognition errors, and helps improve clarity—even in the presence of background noise. This makes dictation smoother and reduces the need for manual edits.³
• [Audio] This update improves the reliability of the inbox HD Audio driver.
• [Taskbar] This update improves the reliability of opening the Start menu when selecting the left edge of the taskbar when the icons in the taskbar are left-aligned.
• [Networking]
  • This update includes networking improvements for virtualized environments. Confidential Virtual Machines (CVMs) now use SR-IOV hardware acceleration by default for improved network throughput, and a configuration issue in nested Hyper-V virtualization network setup has been corrected to ensure reliable VM network provisioning.
  • This update improves the reliability of the Windows networking stack. It reduces bug checks (blue screen errors) related to Wi-Fi power and improves cellular (WWAN) connectivity, including support for IPv6 VPNs. Compatibility with third-party VPN software and SR-IOV configurations on server hardware is also improved. Network adapter settings and bindings are now preserved across OS upgrades.
• [Printing] New! New printer installations use Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) by default when supported, simplifying setup and improving reliability. For details about third-party driver deprecation, see End of Servicing Plan for Third-Party Printer Drivers on Windows. To control this behavior, use the toggle in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Default install printers using Windows Ready Print. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and modernized driver selection. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and Modernized Driver Selection.
• [Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)] The update improves usage of WSL in mirrored networking mode with VPNs.
• [Display and graphics]
  • Improves the reliability of rendering content while scrolling for certain apps spanning across multiple monitors.
  • Improves the reliability and persistence of applying color profiles.
• [Location services] This update changes how some location settings are displayed in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location to help with clarity. When location services are turned off, settings like Default location and Allow location override don't immediately apply, since location information is not given to apps or services. These settings will now be greyed out when location services are off to reduce confusion over when they take effect.
• [Search] This update improves the reliability of setting Search related group policies.
• [Input]
  • New! You can now customize the size of the right-click zone in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. Choose from default, small, medium, or large to control how much of the bottom-right corner responds to a single-finger right-click. This setting is only available on touchpads with a pressable surface. If your device manufacturer provides customization through their own app, a Custom option will appear to reflect those settings.
  • This update improves recognition of English characters when using Japanese handwriting.
• [General performance] Improves the time to shut down Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) when you turn off your PC.
• [General Reliability] This update improves the reliability of explorer.exe. It addresses issues on the login and lock screens related to third-party credential providers, reduces the probability of taskbar icons appearing as blank gray placeholders, and improves navigation to Home in File Explorer during OneDrive sync. It also improves explorer.exe reliability when switching between desktops, enhances app launch with shell extensions, and using acrylic blur effects in the Start menu, Settings, and the lock screen.
• [Apps] Resolves an issue where some installers and applications could show unexpected elevation (UAC) prompts after installing KB5089549.
• [Remote Desktop] This update refreshes the dialog design when you enable Remote Desktop in Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
• [Graphics Kernel] Improves memory-management policy that allows PCs with more than 32GB of installed memory to run larger local AI models.

Windows 11 July 2026 Update (gradual rollout)

• [Secure Boot] With this update, Windows quality updates include additional high confidence device targeting data, increasing coverage of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, maintaining a controlled and phased rollout.
• [Authentication] This update improves Netlogon secure channel connections between domain controllers, enabling successful connections from member servers to domain controllers set up before 2025.
• [Emoji Panel Update] The emoji panel (Windows key + period (⁠.⁠)) now uses GIPHY for GIF content following the deprecation of Google’s Tenor API. Starting June 30, 2026, install the latest Windows update to continue using GIFs in the Emoji panel. If you don’t update, you will see a "GIF service is not available" error in the panel. Installing the latest Windows update will restore access to GIFs.
• [Networking] This update improves how your device connects to shared network resources. Connections used by apps and system features, such as the NetUseAdd function, now work more reliably, including unauthenticated (null session) connections.
• [Recycle Bin (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where the confirmation dialog might display an internal Recycle Bin file name instead of the original file name when permanently deleting a file. This issue might occur after installing the June 2026 security update (KB5094126).
• [Storage] This update improves disk space usage for the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file.
• [Taskbar] This update improves notification badge display across your apps. Notification counts and badge visuals now update correctly, helping you stay up to date with new activity.
• [File Explorer] This update fixes an issue where the OneDrive shortcut in File Explorer stops working when File Explorer is run with administrative mode.
• [Notification badges (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where notification badge counts for some applications such as Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp, might not refresh correctly. As a result, badge indicators might continue to display outdated notification counts until the application is restarted or badge count is refreshed.

You can download this month's Patch Tuesday update through the Windows Settings app. Clicking the "Check for updates" button within the "Windows Update" section should start the process.

Alternatively, you can download the update through the Microsoft Update Catalog.

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Microsoft has unveiled a huge update to search on Windows 11 that look to be focused on improving the search experience with more accurate results, less reliance on the web, and even a removal of annoying ads and promotional material.

"You’ve have been asking for search that is faster, more relevant, and easier to use—whether you’re opening an app, finding a file, or changing a setting," Microsoft says in a new blog post. "Because the Windows Search Box is where many people start, we focused first on making results more dependable, easier to scan, and clearer before you click."

The company is highlighting several key improvements, including clearer results that does a better job at showing why a search result is appearing when a query has been typed, alongside prioritizing local results before reaching out to the web.

Search is also getting better at handling things like typos, which should help surface the right results even when the user misspells an app or file. The search home pane will no longer show MSN or Bing content, and promotional content and ads will no longer appear in search results.

Here's a complete list of the changes Microsoft has announced for search on Windows 11:

• A calmer home screen. Search home has been simplified to reduce visual clutter and make it easier to get back to recent searches quickly.
• Clearer results. Search does a better job showing where a result comes from—app, setting, file, web result, or Store suggestion—so it’s easier to tell what you’re looking at and where you will go before you click.
• Promotional content has been removed from web results. Web results show the most relevant answer, instead of first showing related products and promotions, helping search feel more focused and less distracting.
• You’re in control of web and Microsoft Store results. A new setting in Settings > Privacy & Security > Search lets you choose whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local results.
• Local results prioritized when they’re the better match. Apps, settings, and files more reliably appear ahead of web and Store suggestions when your content is the stronger match. System items like This PC and Recycle Bin are easier to discover.
• Finding apps is more forgiving. Search is better at handling typos, dropped letters, extra letters, and partial words for apps. Queries like “utlook” can still find Outlook.
• Settings results are improving. We’ve made a first round of ranking improvements to help more relevant settings appear higher in results, with more tuning planned in the coming months.
• Finding files is improving. Search is better at surfacing the right local files with added support for two-character file searches. We’ve also made improvements to show cloud and connected files in results when they’re the stronger match. These changes help you get to the document, download, or folder you are looking for faster.
• Reliability is improving. Improved search reliability, including reducing likelihood of crashing and loading issue, with more work underway.

These upgrades are now rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental Channel, and are expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users later this year. Insiders may not see the changes right away as they are rolling out in waves.

These improvements are part of Microsoft's larger Windows K2 effort, which is an effort to fix Windows 11's biggest problems and reposition the platform as a viable competitor alongside macOS and Linux.

Search has been a sore point of Windows for a number of years, and so hopefully these improvements will be exactly what Windows users have been waiting for to bring it back up to par with the rest of the competition.

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Windows 11 has a new search box on the way, or at least a slightly larger one. The search box within the Windows 11 Start menu will be four pixels taller if a change that's currently in preview ships to everyone.

That's four more entire pixels of height dedicated to searching for files or using the improved search capabilities of Windows 11. The change, which was accidentally included in release notes for a preview build, was the butt of jokes. But I think it also shows something bigger (pun intended).

Windows 11 has had design inconsistencies for years. Context menus are a mess and the operating system has a mix of features that originated in different decades. The Windows K2 initiative aims to reduce the pain points of Windows 11. As part of the push, Microsoft will also iron out inconsistencies.

Biggest News of the Week

With the development of Windows 11, if design consistency is thought about at all, it's an afterthought. The OS is several operating systems in a trenchcoat, resulting in a mismatched design.

But even within individual apps or settings, Windows 11's design lacks polish. The infamous one pixel border around apps infuriates some people and has been a hot-button topic for years.

If you look hard enough, you'll find tiny issues throughout the design of Windows 11. Windows not aligning or inconsistent menus do not break the operating system, but they do make it look unpolished. If Microsoft wants to convince people it cares about Windows 11, the OS needs to look like a finished product.

Small changes like resizing the search box in the taskbar, which appears to have been done to align with Copilot Search, add up. Attention to detail matters.

While the Windows K2 initiative may be felt most through its impact on RAM usage or other elements that affect performance, it can also give Windows 11 a refreshed look that improves the overall computing experience.

Shopping with Sean

A growing number of Windows 11 laptops are on sale. If you need a budget-friendly convertible, a premium-quality clamshell laptop under $1,000, or a brand-new laptop with a Snapdragon X2 and a beautiful OLED display, there are sales worth a look.

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