The OnePlus Open was one of the best foldables on the market when it launched. Its large displays and solid cameras were ahead of the competition, leading our colleagues at TechRadar to call it "the only foldable phone that doesn't compromise." So, how do you improve on what was already an excellent foldable? You put Windows 11 on it, of course.

Okay, that may be taking things too far, but Windows 11 does look incredible on a folding phone. I can say that with confidence because Kevin Shroff managed to get Windows 11 to run on the OnePlus Open.

To get Windows 11 onto the OnePlus Open, Shroff removed Android entirely, dimmed the external display, and focused on the large folding screen.

The project uses a combination of Windows 11, OEM firmware, and custom components. An impressive number of features work, considering the nature of the setup.

Getting Windows 11 to boot at all on the OnePlus Open is a feat, but Shroff got touch to work as well.

Several key functions do not work, however, including audio, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity. Even charging and Wi-Fi are listed as "in progress" on the project's GitHub page.

With projects like this, it's more about seeing how far limits can be pushed than creating a daily driver. While I'd love a dual-booting foldable that can run Android and Windows 11, that's not realistic.

What could have been with Windows Phone

Whenever I see a phone forced to run Windows, my mind jumps to thoughts of Windows Phone. I imagine that's the case for many long-time readers here at Windows Central. But seeing Windows 11 on a foldable hits differently.

Windows 11 looks incredible on the nearly square inner display of the OnePlus Open. Because of folding laptops, dual screen PCs, and gaming handhelds, Windows 11 adapts well to screens with different aspect ratios.

The Windows 11 desktop almost looks built for devices like this. Compare Windows 11 on the OnePlus Open to Windows 10 on an early Lenovo X1 Fold.

Windows 11's taskbar shrinks perfectly onto the nearly square screen of the OnePlus Open. When opened, the Start menu fills most of the screen but leaves enough room around the edges to make it clear you're still on the desktop.

Earlier this year, we saw what could have been for the Surface Duo through the iPhone Duo. Now, a passion project illustrates how Windows 11 could have scaled to a foldable Surface Duo if Microsoft ever went in that direction.

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Last month, Microsoft announced a brand new, overhauled Windows Search experience that has been rebuilt from the ground up with more accurate file and app results as well as the ability to modify settings and initiate actions that you ask for.

The new Windows Search is powerful, letting users control their PC, modify settings, answer text messages, open apps, and preview images, files and rich content all from within the search UI. It reduces web content and uses native Windows UI frameworks for a faster and more fluid UX.

Microsoft has also confirmed that this new Windows Search UI will integrate Copilot later this year. This is unsurprising given the new interface builds upon the Ask Copilot experience that the company first announced last year, but never shipped outside of preview.

Ask Copilot testing was paused over the summer, likely because Microsoft decided to integrate it into this new Windows Search experience instead. The new Windows Search looks almost identical to Ask Copilot, meaning I expect the Copilot integration to function very similarly to how it already did before.

"We will also begin adding the option to integrate the new Copilot with Search on the taskbar, so you can get quick answers inline from Search, and if you want to have a richer conversation, you can jump from Search directly to the full Copilot app," Microsoft says. "This experience will be opt-in, and will first start rolling out to select markets later this year."

The good news is that unlike Ask Copilot, which had no option to turn off Copilot integration in the new interface, Microsoft says the Copilot integration in Windows Search will now be opt-in. That means users who don't want Copilot in their search UI won't have to see it.

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it will be reducing Copilot bloat across the Windows OS, which likely drove the decision to retire Ask Copilot and make it an optional feature in the new Windows Search instead. While both features share the same UI and backbone, Copilot will no longer be a mandatory part of it.

Microsoft says the new Windows Search will begin rolling out before the end of 2026, which is a quick turn around for a feature that was announced in October. But when you consider the fact that the new Windows Search is actually just Ask Copilot without Copilot, it becomes apparent that the feature has actually been in testing for almost a year.

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The Windows 11 Start menu has received a lot of updates recently, but if you want to fully customize your Start menu, you need to use an app like Start11. A major update to Start11 is now in beta, and it brings a bunch of new features.

Start11 v3 adds support for widgets within the Start menu. There are 20 widgets available at launch, though most are fairly straightforward. Widgets like a clock or calendar may serve better as proof of concept than a core part of the Start menu.

The updated app also adds Taskbar Islands, which are a dock-like experience. They feel a little bit like macOS because they split the taskbar into smaller pieces that do not take up an entire section at the bottom of your screen. But the Taskbar Islands very much match the overall design and feel of Windows 11.

Start11 adds support for grouping applications directly in the taskbar by holding Alt and dragging applications together. You can pin those groups as workspaces to launch multiple apps with a single click.

A new button in the taskbar provides quick access to recently closed applications, overflow items, and taskbar tools.

Stardock also added the ability to explore Start menu layouts from the community.

As much as I love apps that customize the look of Windows 11 and add new features, I only keep a few installed on my PC. Start11 is on the short list of apps I install right away, alongside PowerToys.

With Microsoft's recent improvements to the Start menu, an app like Start11 needs to do more to stand out. Start11 v3 does that with taskbar islands, widgets in the Start menu, and other new features.

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Microsoft's big news this week is about how Windows 11 is now considerably more responsive on 8GB of RAM. A couple of weeks ago, it was the Xbox Series X|S and AMD-powered gaming handhelds getting AMD's FSR 4.1 upscaling to help boost performance.

What do these stories have in common? To me, they're evidence that the standard tech market model is breaking down in the face of unprecedented hardware shortages.

Laptops and desktop PCs keep rising in price, even as they're stripped of memory and storage. Xbox consoles have never been pricier. The latest gaming handhelds, including the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, are ballooning in price, to the point that they cost as much as a high-end gaming laptop from just a few years ago.

Consumer hardware that used to brute-force its way to acceptable performance in Windows, games, and beyond is no longer on the table for a lot of people because of AI-inflated prices.

What's left? Microsoft, despite its major role in the AI race, can't directly make hardware cheaper. It can, however, make it last longer by focusing on optimizations and innovations that offset the current economic reality that's keeping old hardware in our hands.

Windows 11 running better on 8GB PCs is part of a bigger picture

The bigger story surrounding Windows 11's 8GB improvements is that Microsoft is putting significant engineering efforts into improving the OS for low-end hardware. And it's not afraid to show it off.

To me, this is a reversal of tradition. For what feels like all my life until recently, the answer to a sluggish PC was to upgrade the hardware. Microsoft and its OEMs loved this tradition, of course, because it let them sell more products.

Now, the focus is shifting to making the hardware we have feel like it can indeed last until an upgrade becomes affordable.

This shift comes a couple of years after Microsoft's massive Copilot+ PC initiative, which I'm sure was conceived as an ultimate ploy to get users to buy new hardware.

That didn't turn out so well for Microsoft. The AI tools built into the OS failed to capture the whimsy of the average user. Adoption was slow, no doubt largely because of rising prices. The Copilot+ PC badge was eventually phased out in September 2026.

Microsoft must have realized at some point during this transition that the millions of Windows users still running old hardware are not going to upgrade any time soon.

Optimization used to be a nice bonus when it arrived, but it's now becoming a major pillar in Microsoft's consumer strategy.

AMD's FSR 4.1 will held extend the life of consoles and handhelds

Microsoft isn't just working on optimizations for Windows users. AMD recently announced it's bringing its FSR 4.1 upscaling technique to its older hardware, which includes Xbox Series X|S, Radeon RX 6000 GPUs, and a host of Ryzen-powered gaming handhelds, including the ROG Xbox Ally X.

I've discussed how this update gives the current console generation some much-needed legs in the face of next-gen uncertainty. It improves image quality, makes rendering easier, and boosts framerates (maybe not all at the same time).

It won't turn your Xbox into a supercomputer, but it is the next best thing to buying an entirely new device with more power. This is particularly important as rumors of the next-gen Xbox Helix's $1200-$1800 price begin to swirl.

If Helix indeed launches at that price, Microsoft has to know that adoption won't be fast. But the company also knows it can't afford to lose those Xbox gamers.

Keeping the Series X|S relevant longer into the future ensures that gamers keep buying Game Pass subscriptions, keep buying new games, and, ultimately, remain inside the ecosystem.

Microsoft doesn't really need people to buy new PCs

Microsoft used to make ungodly amounts of money from licensing Windows on PCs. However, it's arrived at a point where licenses are a tiny fraction of revenue. It's all about the subscriptions now, including Game Pass, Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Copilot, Azure, and many more.

Don't get me wrong; I'm sure Microsoft would still love to be selling a ton of PCs. That's just good for business. That's not what's happening these days. PC sales are on a steep decline because of rising prices.

But as long as people are still using some sort of Windows PC that doesn't frustrate them with sluggish performance, there's a good chance that Microsoft will receive at least one monthly payment and remain within the ecosystem.

The current upgrade cycle is stuck in place

Microsoft realized at some point that the upgrade cycle we're currently in is going to last for a lot longer than usual, especially as prices keep climbing.

And although I'm sure there were external circumstances playing a role in these recent optimizations I laid out, the big story is that Microsoft knows software is the answer to unaffordable hardware.

Do you agree with my opinions above? Do you think we'll be seeing a lot more software optimization in the years to come if PC prices don't drop? Do you think this is all just a small bandage on a seeping wound? Let me know in the comments section below!

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Copying and pasting continues to be an issue for those who install the latest updates from Microsoft. Just one month after an update broke functionality in Excel, October's release has caused the same issue.

The latest issues are caused by the KB5002934 update for Microsoft Excel, which is for Excel 2016. That version replaces KB5002665, which included a hotfix for a copy/paste bug. Despite superseding the previous update, the KB5002934 update can also prevent you from copying and pasting if a workbook contains conditional formatting.

Only a small set of Excel users should be affected by the bug, since it's limited to Excel 2016. Newer versions of Excel do not have the issue.

The bug appears in a way that may confuse those who run into it. Rather than Excel showing an error message or making a noise, the function simply fails.

The updates to Excel ship through Windows Update, though they aren't updates to the operating system itself. They function similarly to updates for other Microsoft apps such as Edge.

Luckily for those facing the issue, Microsoft has already fixed the bug. The company released a new build of Excel that fixes the issue. If Excel is running build 16.0.5574.1006 (or later), you should be fine.

You can check your Excel version by opening File > Account and looking under About Excel.

If for some reason you are still facing the issue, you can try these steps from Microsoft as a workaround:

• On the Home tab, select the Paste dropdown list, and then select Paste Special.
• In the Paste Special window, select one of the following options:
  • Formulas
  • Formulas & Number Formatting
  • Values
  • Values & Number Formatting
  • Link

I'm glad that Microsoft fixed the problem so quickly, but it's concerning that updates caused the same issues two months in a row.

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Steam's October hardware survey has landed, and it basically performed a round trip compared to the previous month's results.

In September, I noted that the massive 4.77% jump in 32GB RAM systems was likely due to an influx of Chinese players, as it lined up with a 7.42% growth in the language on Valve's platform.

That appears to have been true. The 32GB tier took a massive 5.16% dive in October, falling back to 37.06%.

At the same time, the 16GB tier moved back into top position with a 3.60% increase to arrive at 41.42%. Users polled with Simplified Chinese as their main language dropped 9.41%.

The bigger news for many of our readers is the jump in Windows 11 adoption, which continues at a fairly steady pace.

Steam's share of Windows 11 users continues to rise

In October, Windows 11 users on Steam climbed by a respectable 1.17% to 72.51% overall. This caused Windows 10's share to drop 2.5%, hitting 21.11%.

This is a better improvement than September, which saw just a 0.37% rise for Windows 11. In the same month, Windows 10 also rose by 0.71%.

Are gamers suddenly abandoning Windows 10 at a faster pace? Probably not. What's more likely is another correction to do with the polled sample. Windows 10 is still holding onto just more than a fifth of the overall OS share among Windows, Linux, and macOS.

NVIDIA's RTX 3060 reclaims the top spot

Another interesting tidbit from the October survey lands in the GPU section. Whereas last month the RTX 5070 took top place with a significant 5.86% share, it fell by 2.3% in October to land at 3.56%.

The GPU to replace it as the most common amongst polled Steam users? The legendary NVIDIA RTX 3060, jumping 0.08% to hit 3.62% overall.

Looking at the overall results, 8GB GPUs (especially the RTX 3060) are back in top spots alongside 1920x1080 monitors, which now make up 50.23% (a 2.32% improvement since last month).

If RAM and storage prices were indeed driving users to upgrade, last month's 32GB RAM and RTX 5070 anomalies wouldn't have been crushed out so quickly or so drastically.

To me, as I mentioned, this seems to be more of a correction for September's skewed survey than large moves by consumers as they deal with the ongoing RAM and storage crisis.

Windows Central's take

It seems to me, based on Steam's October survey, that PC gamers are continuing to update their software while holding onto their hardware.

For example, Windows 10's end-of-life support that was extended until October 2027 is still looming over many heads. At the same time, PC component prices are obscene, forcing gamers to reconsider upgrades.

This could be bad news for game developers, as many rely increasingly on hardware that's priced out of the average gamer's reality.

For next month, I'm keeping an eye on whether or not Windows 11 keeps rising and if RTX 50-series GPUs get another boost in shares against older cards.

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Microsoft has revealed the depths of its work to make Windows 11 feel less sluggish, with the company claiming, among other things, up to 20% better responsiveness on systems with 8GB of RAM.

Microsoft has claimed before that things "seem faster," but is there any juice behind this new claim? I decided to find out myself by running some tests on an 8GB laptop in my office.

The results will likely be surprising to some, especially once we get into the heavier workloads below.

How I tested Windows 11's responsiveness on an 8GB laptop

I installed a barebones version of Windows 11 25H2 (262000.7019) from about a year ago on an Acer Swift Air 14 with an Intel Core 5 320 CPU, 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 512GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD.

I didn't touch the page file (4524MB), and I only installed the necessary drivers before beginning my tests. I used the Best Performance power profile for all tests.

Once I'd completed all tests on 25H2, I upgraded to Windows 11 26H2 (26300.9711), which was released in October. Same system, same drivers, same programs.

Microsoft used telemetry data from things like Search, Settings, File Explorer, and Snipping Tool to measure responsiveness. I took a look at RAM usage instead; lower usage generally means fewer hiccups and interruptions, leading to an overall better experience.

Testing Windows 11's fresh-boot memory footprint with 8GB of RAM

For this test, I checked both new and old versions of Windows 11 about 10 minutes after booting the PC. This gives me a baseline to work with. I opened no additional apps and just let the system idle.

The older Windows 11 25H2 version was eating up 5.3GB of RAM in this scenario, leaving 2.3GB free. Windows 11 26H2 dropped RAM usage to 4.1GB, leaving 3.5GB free. That's a big drop.

Although both commits are the same at 9.5GB, Windows 11 26H2 uses slightly less at 4.4GB compared to 4.7GB.

TL;DR: Windows 11 26H2 is well ahead in the boot test where no additional apps are running, using significantly less RAM than 25H2.

Testing common workloads in Windows 11 with 8GB of RAM

Now that I've established a baseline, I put together a test to see how each PC handles an average user's daily workload.

I opened 10 tabs in Edge with a mix of Windows Central, Reddit, YouTube, Gmail, X, Amazon, etc. I also opened a Word document, Slack messenger, and the Spotify app.

Windows 11 25H2 climbed to 7.0GB RAM usage, while 26H2 hit just 6.6GB. That's about a 0.4GB improvement. Windows 11 26H2 was able to keep its cache larger while also committing less RAM at 10.4GB compared to 12.2GB.

For reference, committed memory indicates how much RAM the PC is setting aside for operations. In this case, 12.2GB of RAM committed includes physical system RAM and virtual memory (set by the page file). Committing less RAM keeps your system from clogging up, so this is good news.

TL;DR: Windows 11 26H2 keeps its lead under load, actively using less RAM and allocating less RAM overall.

Testing heavy workloads in Windows 11 with 8GB of RAM

Although the fresh crop of recommended Windows 11 laptops with 8GB of RAM aren't really meant to handle workloads this heavy, I knew it would be fun to really stress out the PC.

I opened Edge (with 20 tabs), a Word document, an Excel spreadsheet, Spotify, Slack, Microsoft Store, the Photos app, File Explorer, and GIMP simultaneously for this test.

You can see the 7.3GB total RAM usage on 25H2 and just 6.8GB on 26H2. That's a good sign, but there's some nuance.

Windows 11 25H2 began requiring more RAM than the system could provide, which led to paging and swapping, which led to disk usage spikes as the PC moved increasingly to virtual RAM.

Windows 11 26H2 also saw some disk usage spikes, especially when jumping around between apps and tabs, but not quite as severe.

The big number that stands out is committed RAM. 25H2 has 15.2GB allocated, while 26H2 has just 10.4GB allocated. Overall, the system is still using less RAM.

TL;DR: Heavy workloads bog down any 8GB system, but Windows 11 26H2 puts up a much more responsive fight than 25H2 from a year ago.

Windows Central's take

It's a bad time to be shopping for a new PC. The world's supply of memory and storage is constrained due to demand from AI data centers, leaving scraps for the rest of us.

The shortage is also forcing PC brands to raise prices. To offset costs, these brands are also reintroducing 8GB RAM models. This has led to plenty of discourse as to whether or not that's enough memory for modern Windows 11, which I explored in June.

In my opinion, Microsoft is A) listening to its user base that has been asking for a more streamlined Windows 11, and B) making it easier for OEMs to sell 8GB laptops to a wider range of people.

I'm here for it. There's no reason Windows 11 should be bogging down a system with 8GB of RAM, especially if it's just being used for common tasks. Compared to almost exactly one year ago, it definitely appears that the work was well worth the time.

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Microsoft has been busy at work reducing the amount of RAM that Windows 11 consumes, and it finally made an official statement today on the topic.

As it turns out, the company has already been quietly shipping performance improvements in the latest Windows 11 updates, focusing on making systems with 8GB of RAM feel a lot more responsive.

The result? Microsoft says Windows 11 is now about 20% more responsive on 8GB PCs compared to before this work started. The work also applies to systems with 4GB, 16GB, and beyond, with specific tuning for each amount.

This couldn't come at a better time. RAM and storage shortages (explained below) are driving up the cost of all PCs, and models with 8GB of RAM are being revived to lessen the burden on consumers.

Our favorite 8GB Windows laptops in November 2026

Companies like Dell, Acer, and HP have all recently launched 8GB laptops that cost somewhere around $699, with student and regular discounts frequently dropping those numbers lower.

If you were hesitant to shop for an 8GB laptop before, the recent Windows 11 updates should have you reconsidering, especially when prices are this reasonable. Here are my three favorite 8GB laptops right now.

Dell's new XPS 13 for 2026 wowed both Zac Bowden and me at Computex earlier this year, and it's been available to buy since June.

It's a laptop with many premium features despite its price, including a higher-res 2560x1600 (QHD+) display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, capable speakers, and a comfortable keyboard/touchpad combo.

👉 Does Acer's Swift Air 14 beat Dell's awesome XPS 13?

It does not, however, offer USB-A or 3.5mm audio ports. Its display does not use an OLED panel; it uses IPS instead. And the $599 price is only available for students.

Still, $699 for everyone else is not bad at all in this economy, and most users should have no issues with the XPS 13.

HP's OmniBook 5 14 comes with the same Intel Core 5 320 CPU as the other laptops in this roundup, so don't expect any major performance changes.

The OmniBook 5 includes an OLED panel for deeper contrast and more vivid color than IPS. The tradeoff is a lower 1920x1200 resolution and lower 60Hz refresh rate compared to the XPS 13.

HP's laptop also includes HDMI and 3.5mm audio ports alongside dual USB-C at 10Gbps. It's nice to have native video, but the lack of Thunderbolt is a letdown.

This laptop is currently on sale for $599.99 for everyone, making it (temporarily) the best deal of the bunch.

Acer's Swift Air 14 immediately makes an argument for itself with twice as much storage (512GB) as the Dell and HP laptops. For those who prefer to store locally, this could be the deciding factor. However, it does drop down to PCIe 3.0 speeds.

Performance is largely the same thanks to it having the Intel Core 5 320 chip inside, with 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM.

The display hits a 1920x1200 resolution; it doesn't have touch, but it does hit a smoother 120Hz refresh rate. You're definitely giving up some screen quality to land that extra storage.

While the keyboard is great, the touchpad leaves something to be desired. Your experience may vary.

Why is Microsoft concerned with reducing Windows 11 RAM usage?

Sure, Windows 11 could always be more streamlined, but this big push for more RAM efficiency is also a result of the ongoing memory and storage crisis.

See, AI data centers are eating up many of the foundational components of PCs, making the consumer side far more expensive.

RAM in particular has exploded in price; the same 32GB kit of DDR5 I bought for my gaming PC a few years ago, for example, is roughly 600% more expensive today. Storage isn't much better.

This is forcing PC makers to reevaluate their product lineups, as many consumers can no longer afford PCs with 16GB or more of RAM.

Cutting RAM in half is a huge cost saver and won't likely stop anytime soon (the RAM crisis could last for years to come), so it's great to see Microsoft taking user complaints about Windows 11's responsiveness (or lack thereof) seriously.

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Microsoft has detailed a number of changes and improvements that it has made to Windows 11 over the last handful of months that are designed to improve the OS for devices that have just 8GB of RAM. The company says that as of today, Windows 11 is more RAM-efficient and faster on PCs with limited memory compared to a year ago.

"On 8 GB PCs, Windows is now up to 20% more responsive, and multitasking is up to 40% faster in our lab test" Microsoft CVP Pavan Davaluri says. "We’re approaching this in three parts: making better use of the memory in every Windows 11 PC, protecting the interactions that need to feel instant even under load, and ensuring key apps and Windows require less memory."

Recent Windows 11 updates have changed how the OS preloads background services and apps on PCs with 8GB RAM. Now, the OS will no longer preload things like the Widgets Board on these devices with 8GB RAM or less, which frees up RAM for other tasks and activities.

Microsoft also says that it has worked with teams across Windows, Office, and Edge to reduce the amount of RAM these apps use, resulting in up to 900MB of RAM being given back to the system for other tasks. A large chunk of those savings came from Office apps, which add up to 350MB of RAM freed for the system.

There are also consolidation efforts around behind the scenes technology that should also free up system memory. A number of web-powered interfaces across the system are now powered by the same engine, rather than individual engines, and a number of web experiences are being rewritten as native WinUI experiences that use less RAM.

In fact, if you install Windows 11 version 25H2 from a year ago, and compared it to the latest version of Windows 11 with the latest OS updates installed, you'll find that even at idle, Windows is now using significantly less RAM compared to before. These improvements appear to be very real.

Additionally, the company is enforcing "memory budgets" on OEM hardware with limited RAM. This should stop hardware makers from preloading 8GB RAM devices with unnecessary bloatware, reserving preload for the most important services.

These improvements are all in the name of ensuring Windows 11 runs well on 8GB RAM. Windows 11's performance on limited RAM PCs was pulled into the spotlight earlier this year when MacBook Neo shipped, which revealed that macOS is well optimized for 8GB RAM.

Now, Microsoft is eager to let people know that it has made the necessary improvements to Windows 11 to ensure that it too is well optimized for 8GB RAM. Here's a rundown of some other improvements it has made to the OS over the last year:

• Memory compression already helps Windows keep more of your work in faster memory. Next, we’re making it even smarter and more efficient to get the most out of your system performance.
• Windows features and apps will share common parts instead of each carrying its own. Search and Widgets will share one web engine, and so will OneDrive and Photos for memory savings across all four apps.
• Apps and experiences built on WinUI 3, including File Explorer, Notepad, Paint, and the new Windows search are being designed to open faster and use less memory.
• Together with PC makers and silicon partners, we’re optimizing how much memory your PC needs to reserve for its hardware, leaving more available for Windows and the apps you use.
• We’re also working with third-party app developers to help their apps use memory more efficiently.

Of course, Windows 11 technically officially supports 4GB RAM PCs, and I'm told these optimizations also apply to those devices too. If you're running Windows 11 on 4GB RAM, you should see notable improvements to performance and multitasking with the latest OS updates.

But are these improvements going to be enough for users? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Microsoft's plans for AI PCs include everything from laptops with only 8GB of RAM to supercomputers with over 128GB of RAM. The company's roadmap was outlined in slides shared on X by user "HXL."

One slide, labeled "Windows is the home for hybrid intelligence" shows four tiers of PCs. The lowest one, Tier 0, is Windows PCs with 8GB of RAM that are powered by Intel Core Series 3 or 4, AMD Ryzen 100 or 200, and Snapdragon X or X Plus.

Tier 1 covers Copilot+ PCs with 16GB to 64GB of RAM. That tier spans a broad range of specs, from consumer-focused processors like the Snapdragon X2 Plus to the much more powerful AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 400.

Tier 2 is builder PCs for building and running AI models locally. The hardware in that tier overlaps with the high end of Tier 1. It includes PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra Next, NVIDIA RTX Spark, and AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 400.

The highest tier is for supercomputers designed to run frontier models locally. Those devices run on processors you'd never see in a consumer PC, such as Intel Crescent Island, NVIDIA GB300 DGX Station, and AMD Next chips.

What stands out most about the roadmap isn't the hardware itself but Microsoft's continued emphasis on hybrid intelligence. Rather than viewing local and cloud computing as competing approaches, Microsoft intends to use both.

We already knew that Copilot+ PCs required at least 16GB of RAM and that Microsoft had plans for workstations and supercomputers with top-end specs. NVIDIA's RTX Spark launched recently and powers several tier 2 PCs, such as the Surface Laptop Ultra.

It's interesting to see that PCs with 8GB of RAM appear on the roadmap. Microsoft has been working to optimize Windows 11 for PCs with 8GB of RAM. The current experience is viable for many use cases, but the operating system still needs optimization.

Poor, poor Sam Altman

Microsoft's dream for AI computing is more like a nightmare for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. He recently claimed that it's "actually quite terrible" for people to have RAM on their own computers. One theory is that OpenAI and other tech giants would prefer AI workloads to rely on centralized compute resources that can then be sold as a service.

Altman did not mention that specifically, but his comments suggest he views compute power as a resource AI companies have more of a right to than people do.

Microsoft has very different plans for AI in the form of hybrid intelligence. Rather than relying solely on cloud computing or local processing, people using hybrid intelligence will use a mixture of both.

We're still in the early days of hybrid intelligence, but a likely scenario is one in which users utilize the local compute power they have and then summon the cloud to complete tasks as needed. That setup would allow PCs across the entire roadmap to access AI.

Tier 0 and Tier 1 devices could perform less demanding tasks depending on their exact specs and lean more heavily on the cloud for compute-heavy workloads. Tier 2 and Tier 3 PCs would mostly stick to local processing but have the cloud as an option for exceptionally demanding projects.

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Windows 11 has a new speed test feature in the works that will allow you to check your PC's connectivity without having to open a browser or a separate app. The feature is already in testing with Windows Insiders and looks promising so far.

Windows 11 already has a shortcut for testing internet speed, but it's simply a button that opens Bing's speed test in a web browser. The new speed test feature is built-in, making it feel like part of Windows 11 rather than a tacked-on browser shortcut.

The addition has been well-received and sparked positive discussions online. Our Mauro Huculak said, "Windows 11 needs more features like this," and his wish may come true.

Marcus Ash, lead of Design and Research across Windows & Devices, discussed the new speed test feature and how the tool was created. According to Ash, the new speed test feature is the result of an agentic AI workflow guided by a real person.

"This is where I see a lot of potential in AI," said Ash. "Using agentic workflows and WinUI 3 to build more integrated Windows experiences. Getting from idea to customer value faster. Without AI slop. That is the way."

AI is under heavy scrutiny for a variety of reasons. Many criticize "vibe coding," which often results in low-quality projects. But there is a place for AI in certain workflows.

After looking at Ash's comment, it's easy to see why Microsoft chose to attach the term "Copilot" to many of its AI products. The company's leaders view AI as a tool that works alongside people to streamline workflows while still leaning on the guidance of human expertise.

Considering the positive reception of the new speed test tool, it seems likely that other parts of Windows 11 will be built with a similar workflow. I'm curious to see if they will all be well-received or if some people will push back solely due to the use of AI.

What do you think about Microsoft using AI as part of its development process? Let us know in the comments!

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I recently highlighted an app that allows you to click and drag the taskbar to reposition it on Windows 11. In my piece, I said that "changing [the taskbar's] position still requires digging through Settings." That phrase and other parts of my piece led to a discussion online about the nature of coverage and being positive or negative when discussing apps and features.

Microsoft's Vice President of Design Diego Baca, said the phrasing in my piece was "unnecessarily negative" and argued that I could have instead simply highlighted the third-party app.

Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden weighed in, stating that the intention of the piece was to be clear and informative, not negative. That's true in this specific case, but Baca's broader point about negativity in tech coverage is still worth discussing.

What stuck with me wasn't whether my wording was too harsh. It was the question of how we should respond when companies explain why a feature isn't necessary, especially when history shows those same features often arrive later.

Biggest News of the Week

I want to be clear about the nature of this piece. Baca's response to my article sparked this discussion, but it's not meant to call him out or criticize him. Every interaction I've had with Baca has been positive and I appreciate how much he interacts with the community on X and other platforms.

Baca was promoted to Vice President of Design at Microsoft in August. I've noticed a distinct increase in user engagement since then from both Baca and other members of Microsoft's design team.

I would also be a hypocrite if I criticized Microsoft for not looking at feedback and then ignored feedback myself. I echo Baca's sentiment that listening to feedback is important even if someone ultimately decides to go in another direction than what's suggested. Understanding how other people think can shape how we view things in the future.

Baca also discussed the topic further when responding to other posts on X.

When "not a priority" becomes Priority 0

Explaining why your product lacks a feature that's available anywhere is easy. Defending why your product does not have a popular feature seen in other products is difficult. Justifying adding a feature after arguing against its value for years is almost impossible.

We've seen this with Apple and its touchscreen MacBook. Steve Jobs famously mocked the concept of a touchscreen laptop over a decade ago. In a similar manner, Tim Cook compared devices like the Surface Pro to combining a toaster and a refrigerator only for Apple to later release the iPad Pro, which is clearly similar to the Surface Pro in design.

Our Editor-in-Chief drove this point home recently.

Relating this back to Microsoft, the company tried to justify why the taskbar was immovable when Windows 11 shipped. Back in 2022, Tali Roth, head of product of Windows Core Experiences at Microsoft, explained why that was the case:

"When it comes to something like actually being able to move the taskbar to different locations on the screen, there's a number of challenges with that. When you think about having the taskbar on the right or the left, all of a sudden the reflow and the work that all of the apps have to do to be able to understand the environment is just huge...

And when you look at the data, while we know there is a set of people that love it that way and, like, really appreciate it, we also recognize that this set of users is really small compared to the set of other folks that are asking for other features. So, at the moment, we are continuing to focus on things that I hear more pain around."

In Roth's defense, she did not claim a movable taskbar was a broken concept. But she did say the effort to make it work was huge and that only a small set of users were passionate about the feature.

Then, when the Windows K2 initiative started, adding the option to move the taskbar was one of the first changes made. Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden's sources said that taskbar positioning was "Priority 0," meaning it was even more important than priority 1.

I doubt the amount of effort required changed dramatically. The number of users interested in the feature has likely remained relatively consistent as well, so why was a movable taskbar a top priority in Windows K2?

That's why I'm hesitant to treat explanations for missing features as the final word. Microsoft's reasons for not prioritizing taskbar positioning in 2022 did not make users wrong for wanting the feature, and they did not make criticism of that decision invalid. If anything, the feature later becoming a Priority 0 item proves that those complaints were worth making in the first place.

High expectations, not hostility

I love that Microsoft is improving Windows 11. I think the Windows K2 initiative is one of the most important consumer-focused initiatives the company has had in years. I also think it's okay to be critical while also noting improvements.

I am often critical of Microsoft and its products, but it's not for kicks or clicks. It comes from a genuine hope for the OS to improve. As I said back in January:

"My frustration with Windows 11 and Microsoft doesn't come from a place of "hate" — it comes from a place of high expectations. Whether Microsoft chooses to listen to its core enthusiasts or continues its current path toward an AI-bloated future remains to be seen. In the meantime, it's worth facing a mirror toward Redmond."

I've argued since March that Windows 11 isn't doomed and that Microsoft is fixing the operating system. But much of that change was inspired by passionate, and often negative, feedback — the squeaky wheel gets the grease and all that.

So, I may think twice about being overly negative about Microsoft in the future, but after doing so I'm still likely to press "Publish" on an article calling for change.

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

In this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden break down the latest wave of Windows 11 Insider preview builds and major industry hardware shifts.

The episode begins with an overview of incoming Windows 11 quality-of-life updates, including File Explorer context menu overhauls, controller-friendly Xbox Quick Settings for gaming handhelds, deeper Phone Link integration in the taskbar, native speed tests, and rich, actionable search results. Zac also details controversial security adjustments to Windows Hello that force screen-brightening in low-light environments.

From there, we dissect Apple’s sudden embrace of touchscreen technology and OLED displays on the M5 MacBook Pro, comparing Apple’s historical messaging to current market demands. We follow up on the ongoing display debates surrounding the Surface Laptop Ultra's Mini-LED implementation (addressing local dimming claims and ghosting fixes), before examining Big Tech’s massive AI capital expenditure trends, market adjustments, and live audience Q&A questions.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast is sponsored by Surfshark VPN. Unlimited devices, access your content from anywhere, and auto-block malware on Windows, Edge, and other platforms from $2.50/mo, with 3 months extra FREE. Sign up today!

• TIMESTAMPS:
• 00:00 Pre-show Setup & Tech Checks
• 02:13 Welcome to Episode 409 & Agenda Overview
• 03:51 Testing $699–$799 Budget Windows Laptops
• 06:24 File Explorer Context Menu Overhaul & Quick Turnaround
• 07:26 Windows 11 Insider Updates: Gaming Task View & Handheld Quick Settings
• 08:23 Phone Link Quick Settings Integration & Native Speed Test
• 09:46 Rich Results & Inline Controls in Windows Search
• 11:28 Windows Hello Security Shift & Screen Brightness Fallback
• 13:17 Upcoming WinUI Components & OOBE Overhaul Hopes
• 16:08 Insider Channels: Experimental vs. Beta vs. Feature Platform
• 18:17 Critique of Modern Windows Setup & Account Upsells
• 22:14 Microsoft Edge App Launch Acceleration & UI Bloat
• 24:18 Sponsor Break
• 25:50 Apple Touchscreen MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) Reaction
• 28:18 Steve Jobs' Legacy, Clamshell Touch, and 2-in-1s
• 35:20 Brand Rhetoric, Eat-Your-Words Tech Shifts & iPhone Duo Hinge Issues
• 44:38 MacBook Pro OLED vs. Surface Laptop Ultra Mini-LED
• 47:55 Surface Laptop Ultra Display Controversy: Local Dimming, HDR & Ghosting
• 52:19 Big Tech Earnings, AI CapEx Spending & Dot-Com Parallels
• 01:00:10 Live Audience Q&A: Laptop Ultra vs. Surface Laptop 8, RAM Prices & Taskbar Alignment

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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Microsoft spent October testing a surprisingly useful collection of Windows 11 features, and after digging through the latest preview builds, I found several changes that could make a noticeable difference in how you use your PC.

Some address long-standing frustrations. Microsoft is finally experimenting with a customizable right-click menu, while the Start menu is getting more controls over its size and contents. Windows 11 can also run an internet speed test without kicking you into a browser, and traditional desktop apps are gaining more granular privacy controls.

There are smaller improvements worth knowing about, too, including phone controls in Quick Settings, smarter Windows Hello behavior in low light, accessibility improvements, and changes aimed at handheld gaming.

Microsoft tested these features across eight Windows 11 preview builds during the second half of October. I've gone through the changes and pulled out the ones I think actually matter.

Biggest improvements from the Windows Insider Program in October 2026

Let's dive into the most noteworthy changes since my last roundup.

Windows 11 finally lets you customize the context menu

Windows 11 build 26220.9757 introduces a redesigned context menu with new customization options that let you simplify the interface and control which commands appear when right-clicking files and folders.

The updated menu reduces clutter by moving additional app commands into a new "App extensions" submenu. This keeps the main menu focused on frequently used actions while providing access to extensions added by installed applications.

The new "Customize menu" option opens a dedicated page under Settings > Personalization, where you can control the menu's layout and available commands.

Under "File actions," you can choose which options appear directly in the main menu, including "Send to," "Print," "Create shortcut," "Copy as path," and "Rotate image." "Send to" and "Print" are also new additions to the modern context menu design.

The customization options extend to application integrations. You can choose whether the "App extensions" submenu appears in the main menu and select which application extensions remain directly accessible.

The new settings let you arrange primary commands, such as Cut and Paste, vertically instead of using the horizontal layout introduced with the modern design. You can also move "Properties" to the bottom of the menu to restore its familiar placement.

For those who prefer the classic experience, Windows 11 now lets you bring back the "Show more options" entry. You can also continue opening the traditional context menu by holding Shift while right-clicking a file or folder.

Internet speed test without a browser

Starting with build 26340.9767 in the Experimental channel for version 26H2, the Windows team is refreshing the "Speed test" feature with a native interface in the Quick Settings that allows you to test your internet connection without leaving the desktop.

If you recall, the feature isn't new, but the previous version was an option that opened Bing in the Microsoft Edge browser to perform a speed test with the online tool.

In the new design, the feature is still using the same Speed Test service in the backend, but the tests happen within the desktop experience.

You can also access the feature from the Wi-Fi or Cellular flyout, or by right-clicking the network icon and choosing the "Test internet speed" option.

The Start menu is finally getting more customization

As part of version 26H1, build 26220.9739 introduces new Start menu customization options, including the ability to choose a "Small," "Large," or "Automatic" layout under Settings > Personalization > Start, using the "Start menu size" option.

Microsoft also renames the "Recommended" section to "Recent" in both the Start menu and its Settings page.

In addition, users can now hide their name and profile picture from Start and independently show or hide the "Pinned," "Recent," and "All" sections using the redesigned Start settings page.

Windows 11 is giving you more control over desktop app permissions

In the "Privacy & security" section of the Settings app, the Windows team introduced per-app permissions for camera, microphone, and location access, giving users more control over the sensitive resources traditional desktop apps can use.

Now, inside the Camera, Microphone, or Location settings, users can view and allow or deny access for individual apps. Apps that have not previously accessed a resource will prompt for permission when they first request access.

The update preserves existing permissions, so previously allowed apps retain access and denied apps remain blocked. No action is required, and existing settings are not reset.

Enterprise policies continue to work as designed, although Microsoft is exploring additional management capabilities.

Also, most desktop apps appear with clear names, but some that rely on shared system components or browser-hosted experiences may appear under unexpected names.

Finally, apps with unverified publishers may appear as "Unsigned," so users should grant permissions only to applications they recognize and trust.

These changes for privacy are available with the release of build 26220.9739.

Finally, in build 28020.3262, the "Privacy & security" page gets an update that improves the organization of specific settings, including Camera, Microphone, and Location privacy controls.

Your phone controls are moving into Quick Settings

In Quick Settings, you'll also find a new "Mobile devices" flyout that lets you control your phone without interrupting your workflow.

If you're connecting a supported Android phone, you can check its battery, change the ringer, remotely play sound to find your phone, and enable Do Not Disturb.

This new interface is available starting with build 26340.9767 in the Experimental channel.

XBOX mode new Task View

Starting with builds 26340.9750 and 26220.9739, Windows 11 introduces an updated Task View interface when XBOX mode is enabled.

The new interface adds a navigation bar that gives quick access to "Exit to Desktop" and "Power Options" while using the gaming controller.

Feature flags are getting easier to manage

On the Feature flags page, you won't see major changes, but a new "Filter by" option lets you find and review components you can turn on or off in the installation.

Windows Hello can brighten your screen when it can't see you

Another worthy improvement can be found in Windows Hello. Starting with build 26340.9750, a new option lets the system automatically adjust screen brightness to provide more light and improve the authentication experience when using Windows Hello Facial recognition.

The feature is called "Automatically adjust screen brightness during face recognition" and is available in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello).

Magnifier improvements

In build 26220.9739, the development team released an updated version of the Magnifier experience to support independent zoom levels for each monitor in "Extend" mode (Settings > System > Display), preventing the magnified view from spilling across screens.

Users can set different zoom percentages for each display using the "Windows key + Plus (+)," "Windows key + Minus (-)," or "Ctrl + Alt + mouse wheel," adjust the percentages in Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier, or move the Magnifier toolbar to the screen they want to adjust.

Per-monitor zoom is enabled by default, but users can turn it off from the Magnifier toolbar or Settings to restore the traditional behavior of a single magnified view spanning all displays.

The update also introduces viewport locking, which keeps a monitor's magnified view in place while users move their pointer to another screen. This lets users reference content on one display while working on another without losing sight of the information.

The locked screen stays live and interactive, letting users click, read, or copy content while its view stays fixed. A notification indicates when a screen is locked. Users can lock or unlock an individual display by pointing to it and using the "Ctrl + Windows key + K" shortcut, customize the shortcut to "Ctrl + Alt + P" under Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier, or use the "Windows key + Esc" shortcut to release all locks.

In build 28120.3302, Microsoft adds a new contrast theme toggle to Magnifier to help reduce screen glare without changing the original colors of photos, videos, and charts. Users can enable a contrast theme directly from the Magnifier toolbar, with the dark theme applied by default. The preferred contrast theme can be selected under Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.

Unlike color inversion, which changes colors across the screen, the new option adjusts the appearance while preserving the original colors of visual content. One last thing to note is that color inversion remains available as a separate feature.

Home Device Info card

In addition, build 26220.9739 added the Device Info Card on the Settings Home page to more markets.

The new card offers a quick overview of the device's key specifications and usage for users logged in with a Microsoft account. Clicking the link will open the "About" settings page.

Recovery improvements

Build 26220.9739 for version 26H1 also adds a new "Rebuild this PC" entry point for Cloud Rebuild under Settings > System > Recovery, making the feature easier to find and access directly from the Settings app.

Search experience declutter

The Windows team has also simplified the Search home interface to reduce visual clutter and make recent searches easier to access.

Search results now show clearer source indicators, helping users distinguish between apps, settings, files, web results, and Microsoft Store suggestions before opening them.

Finally, and perhaps more importantly, a new option under Settings > Privacy & security > Search also lets users choose whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear alongside local search results.

Although these improvements have been available in other builds, they became available for version 26H1 with the release of build 28020.3262.

Pointer Indicator accessibility feature

As part of the accessibility features in build 28020.3262, Microsoft introduced the Pointer Indicator to help users with low vision locate their mouse cursor more easily.

You can enable the feature under Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch. Once enabled, users can toggle "Pointer Indicator" on or off using the "Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + X" keyboard shortcut.

Live Captions improvements

In build 28020.3262, the Windows team also added a new "Include Screen Reader audio" setting for Live Captions.

The option is turned off by default, preventing Live Captions from transcribing audio from screen readers such as Narrator, JAWS, and NVDA.

This keeps captions focused on microphone and system audio unless you choose to include screen reader audio.

Microsoft 365 billing interface built in

In a continued effort to make it easier to take your money, Microsoft is building a new native interface that allows Microsoft 365 subscribers to turn on recurring billing without having to open their account details in a web browser.

Microsoft is testing this interface in build 26340.9767 through the Experimental channel.

Windows Central's Take

Microsoft is making some genuinely good decisions here. I'm particularly interested in the redesigned context menu, because giving users control over what appears when they right-click could finally address one of the most frustrating changes Microsoft introduced with Windows 11.

The new Start menu controls follow the same theme. Being able to resize Start, hide sections you don't use, and remove your profile information gives users more say over an interface Microsoft has kept surprisingly rigid. Per-app privacy permissions for traditional desktop applications are another meaningful improvement that Windows should arguably have offered much sooner.

Even the smaller additions make sense. I would rather run an internet speed test directly from Quick Settings than have Windows launch a browser, and automatically increasing screen brightness when Windows Hello needs help recognizing you is exactly the kind of subtle feature that can make Windows feel smarter without getting in the way.

I'm much less enthusiastic about Microsoft building a native interface for turning Microsoft 365 recurring billing back on. Windows 11 already spends plenty of time encouraging users to sign in, subscribe, or enable Microsoft services. I'd rather see Microsoft devote that attention to the unfinished and inconsistent parts of Windows itself.

Taken together, though, this is a promising batch of changes. The features I'm most excited about aren't flashy. They give users more control, remove unnecessary steps, and make familiar parts of Windows less frustrating to use. I want to see more of that.

Which of these Windows 11 changes would make the biggest difference on your PC? 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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Microsoft has explained why you cannot drag the new movable Taskbar on Windows 11, a feature that was present on Windows 10 but failed to make the move to Windows 11 when it gained the ability to move the Taskbar earlier this year.

Vice President of Design at Microsoft, Diego Baca, explains that the inability to drag the Taskbar to move it is a "deliberate design decision," confirming that such behavior will not be coming to Windows 11 any time soon.

"From our research, dragging the taskbar to reposition it can lead to accidental movements, which is one of the reasons “Lock the taskbar” existed in previous versions of Windows," Baca said. "We also found that changing the taskbar position isn’t something people do frequently."

Baca continues: "We felt that providing a discoverable setting, just one right-click away, was a more intentional and predictable experience. It’s a deliberate design decision, not a missing capability."

Microsoft is making it clear that the ability to drag and drop the Taskbar to move and resize it isn't coming to Windows 11, which I'm sure some long-time Windows users will be sad to hear. Baca says that most people don't move the Taskbar once they have placed it where they like, and so the ability to drag it to move it on the fly doesn't make much sense.

On Windows 10, moving the Taskbar was as simple as right-clicking it, unchecking "Lock the taskbar" and then dragging the Taskbar to your desired location. On Windows 11, it requires right-clicking the Taskbar, opening Windows Settings, then selecting your desired location within an app.

While not as straight forward as before, I agree that this method is tidier and reduces accidental movement that could sometimes occur when users unlocked the Taskbar on Windows 10 and forgot about it. You could also resize Windows 10's Taskbar by dragging the top of it, another feature that hasn't made the jump to Windows 11, likely for the same reasons.

It's good to see Microsoft being more open about why certain features aren't available on Windows 11. The company has made strides to be more transparent with fans and Insiders about design decisions and processes, and we love to see it.

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Windows 11 finally lets you move the taskbar, but Microsoft has not fully restored functionality lost when jumping from Windows 10 to Windows 11. To help bridge the gap, developer Michał Łeptuch created an app that makes it easier to move the taskbar.

The simply-named "Taskbar Location Options" lets you right-click and move the taskbar to the top, left, right, or bottom of your screen. Alternatively, you can simply click and drag the taskbar to any edge of your display once the app is installed.

The inability to move the taskbar was one of the most criticized taskbar regressions when Windows 11 launched in 2021. One of the most-requested pieces of feedback for years was restoring the ability to move the taskbar to the sides or top of a display.

Microsoft finally restored that functionality last month, but changing the location of the taskbar still requires opening Settings, navigating to Taskbar settings, and selecting a new position from a dropdown menu.

Łeptuch's app brings back the option to click and drag the taskbar. That feature was available on Windows 10 and previous versions of Windows. I always found it odd that Microsoft brought back the option to move the taskbar but buried it in the Settings app.

Dragging the taskbar is often faster, especially for users who frequently switch between desktop layouts or monitor configurations.

The installation process for Taskbar Location Options requires more steps than I'd like, but that should be smoothed out in the future. At the moment, you have to download a certificate, unblock the file, then run the file with PowerShell before installing the app.

The app's GitHub page includes a download link and a guide to install Taskbar Location Options.

Microsoft deserves credit for finally restoring the ability to move the taskbar, but the current implementation feels unnecessarily tucked away. Taskbar Location Options fills that gap by bringing back the quick drag-and-drop behavior Windows users enjoyed for years.

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Windows 11 and wallpapers go together like peanut butter and jelly. Many of our laptop reviews are met with comments asking about our wallpapers. Microsoft deals with the same fervor for images. I spent weeks trying to find the wallpaper shown off during the RTX Spark event.

Unfortunately, like the Jedi Archives, Microsoft's publicly shared collection of wallpapers is incomplete. The company has not shared that wallpaper from the RTX Spark event, but it has shared several images inspired by the Surface Laptop Ultra.

The official Microsoft Surface account shared a thread with a bunch of wallpapers. The collection includes an image that looks like an x-ray of the Surface Laptop Ultra, a rendering of the engineering to make that laptop, and some more abstract artwork inspired by the PC.

But one image immediately caught my eye. In the X post stating "It's all about the details," Microsoft shared an image of a grid of screws used in the Surface Laptop Ultra's construction.

As much as I love a good torque screw (side-eye at proprietary screws), that's not what drew my attention. What piqued my interest was that I first thought the image was the Galactic Senate from Star Wars. All it needs is a floating podium and an emergency powers vote.

It turns out I'm not the only person whose brain jumped straight to Coruscant. My X post has drawn several replies and messages from people who saw the same thing.

I was tempted to make the headline of this piece something along the lines of "So this is how liberty dies, with glorious wallpapers," but I figured some people would not know the meme and assume I'm being negative.

For those who don't know, a famous scene from Star Wars Episode III sees Padmé Amidala watch the Senate cheer the rise of the Galactic Empire, prompting her famous line, "So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause."

In that scene, you'll see the senate chambers that Microsoft's new wallpaper resembles.

Star Wars jokes aside, the best way to download any of these wallpapers is to use the "Load in 4K" option on X. To do this, press and hold the image to bring up the share menu, then select "Load in 4K." This worked for me on iOS and I believe it's available on Android. As far as I can tell it is not an option on Windows or the web, so you'll have to grab the wallpaper from your phone and send it to your PC.

I quite enjoy the wallpapers shared by Microsoft and hope the company continues to release these types of images.

If you're similarly enthusiastic about the background of your desktop, you should check out the Microsoft Design website.

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Browsing the web without an ad blocker is a brave adventure, especially on the mobile web. That's a big reason why I opted for Microsoft Edge and its built-in blocker on Android so many years ago; I just wanted to read articles in peace. Then again, it's sometimes an experience that's forced upon me when certain pages manage to bypass my ad blockers.

Of course, there are plenty of other browsers to choose from. Almost too many. But I'm not in a position to migrate my bookmarks, history, and logins to yet another Chromium clone just to escape overbearing ads for a while. That's why I've been leaning more on Reading Mode for the past few months or so, and it's a mostly flawless experience.

Reading Mode isn't new, but underappreciated

Microsoft Edge switches into Reading Mode for compatible articles with a single press of the F9 key, while Google Chrome needs a slightly more involved Alt+Shift+R shortcut. Alternatively, a tiny 'page' icon appears in the address bar on desktop browsers, while the Android app uses an 'open book' equivalent and activates the same thing.

Inside, I can toggle a few customization options, like text size, paragraph width, and color themes for the entire page that go further than a simple light or dark mode. A sepia-toned background might be easier on the eyes for some, and overriding the font to serif (or sans-serif) also helps some users read dense text faster. It's designed as an accessibility feature, but it helps in other ways.

The only downside is that, occasionally, some articles are inexplicably incompatible with Reading Mode, and it doesn't work as the icon disappears completely. It's usually specific to a certain website or outlet, which is even more confusing when they're often geared toward written content. I could probably solve it with another browser plugin, but I'd sooner look for a better ad blocker.

It isn't perfect either, but it's better than ads

It's a small change, but switching to Reading Mode on the regular has made the mobile web (and sometimes the desktop web) feel less cluttered and, for the most part, less annoying. Admittedly, there are still times when it goes a little haywire, blowing up tiny .svg icons into full-page eyesores, but, again, it's better than ads that follow me down the page.

There's nothing magical or groundbreaking about it, and no implication that I struck gold on finding some hidden feature. Instead, it feels more like one of those "Huh, I should have been using this for years" kinds of moments. I already contribute to brands that I care about the most through various memberships, but for the rest of the time, I don't want to be bothered with ads.

"Yet you display ads on your website. Curious!"

Indeed, but you also control your own devices, and what you see generally depends on your choices. Advertising can work when it's done well, and we request ads relevant to our content, even if that doesn't always work out. In that, I'll generally only switch to Reading Mode once I've landed on a (usually long-form) article, to keep distractions to a minimum.

Ultimately, I'd much rather read some creative writing and human-driven opinions over an AI summary, and Reading Mode is proving to be the best way to do it. Again, I could consider an even better plugin as a replacement, but so far, I've been quite happy with this setup for now. Hopefully, Microsoft won't mess with it (or remove it entirely) on mobile.

Maybe you've found an even better solution? Perhaps an extension that has a little more determination to work on absolutely any article? I'm open to suggestions. Let me know in the comments if you have a setup that works for you, or what you think about reading articles on the mobile web in general. We'll always forward any feedback on our ads to the right people, too. We hear you.

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Microsoft Edge will soon launch faster on Windows 11 by using a feature no other browser has, at least for now. Accelerated app launch is a new feature on Windows 11 that streamlines the process of launching an app.

In the case of Edge, the browser sees a 15 percent launch speed improvement because of the feature. If you're multitasking heavily on your PC, the app could launch up to 33 percent faster.

The version of Edge with accelerated app launch support ships with the October 2026 non-security update for Windows 11. That update, known as KB5127936, is available now as an optional release. It also includes the updated context menu as well as Cloud Rebuild.

Accelerated app launch requires both the app and Windows 11 to work together. Since Edge is the built-in browser on Windows 11, it should come as no surprise that Microsoft first shipped the feature to Edge.

Without accelerated app launch, clicking a link to open Edge requires Windows to determine whether Edge is already running. Doing so requires Windows to start an intermediary process that looks around for an instance of Edge. Microsoft explains that you probably won't notice sluggishness during this process on a freshly booted PC, but that you can notice things slow down when multitasking.

Accelerated app launch sends a registration request to Windows when the browser is launched initially. Windows can then find that registration quickly the next time you launch Edge through a link.

Because of how the feature works, you'll only see those launch speed improvements after Edge has already been opened and is running in the background.

The feature works in the Start menu, Taskbar, and supported links that open in Edge by default.

Not a selling point for Microsoft Edge

Support for accelerated app launch is a nice addition to Edge, but it won't be a feature that convinces people to switch browsers. Microsoft is contributing its work related to the feature to Chromium, so other Chromium-based browsers can benefit from accelerated app launches on Windows.

As far as I can tell, there's nothing stopping non-Chromium browsers from doing the same thing, it would just require more work.

Microsoft is also working on opening PDF files using the feature.

So rather than an exclusive feature for Edge, accelerated app launch will help improve the overall Windows 11 experience by reducing how long it takes to open apps.

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A new feature called Cloud Rebuild allows you to perform a full system reinstall for your Windows 11 PC without USB media or a custom image. The feature can even work without relying on the integrity of the currently installed operating system.

Cloud Rebuild downloads Windows and your device drivers, allowing for a seamless install.

The new feature is available through the latest non-security feature update for Windows 11, which is known as KB5127936. That update is available as an optional release. The feature should make its way to everyone relatively soon.

Windows 11 already included a Cloud Download recovery option, but Cloud Rebuild goes further by downloading both Windows and device drivers from Windows Update and by not relying on the integrity of the existing installation. Cloud Rebuild allows you to reinstall Windows 11 on a device that is unbootable.

Since Cloud Rebuild performs a full system reinstall, you should have all of your important files backed up before using it if at all possible. You also need to have your PC connected to the internet and plugged in to a power source while Cloud Rebuild runs.

For some users, Cloud Rebuild could eliminate the need to create recovery USB drives ahead of time, since Windows can now download the operating system and required drivers directly from Microsoft's servers when disaster strikes.

We've known about this feature for several months and have looked forward to its release. Our Mauro Huculak explained why Cloud Rebuild is one of the most important new features to Windows 11. Now, the feature is available through an optional release and will ship to even more people in the near future.

Because Cloud Rebuild is part of a gradual release, you may not see it right away. Going into the Windows 11 Settings app and enabling the toggle for "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" will help you get the feature quicker, but does not guarantee you'll receive it right away.

Here's how Microsoft describes Cloud Rebuild in its release notes. You can also read more about the feature in Microsoft documentation.

Cloud Rebuild

• New! This update introduces Cloud rebuild, a new recovery option that reinstalls Windows 11 using a Windows image and device drivers downloaded from Windows Update, including when Windows is unable to start. No USB media or custom image is required. Cloud rebuild includes:
  • Drive sanitization: Choose to remove your files or securely erase data using the storage hardware’s erase capability before Windows is reinstalled. Sanitization is irreversible.
  • Remote management: IT administrators can configure and start a Cloud rebuild remotely through the Recovery CSP using either the currently installed build or a specified target build.
• To start Cloud rebuild:
  • In Windows, go to Settings > System > Recovery, and then select Rebuild PC. The device restarts into the Windows Recovery Environment and starts Cloud rebuild.
  • Alternatively, if Windows can't start, the device enters the Windows Recovery Environment automatically after repeated boot failures. From the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), select Troubleshoot > Recovery and uninstall > Cloud rebuild.
  • Connect to a wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi network.
  • Review the target Windows build, edition, and language, and then confirm the data loss warning before the rebuild begins. You can choose whether to remove files or remove and sanitize files prior to Windows reinstalling.

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Microsoft has started rolling out its overhauled context menus for Windows 11 as part of this month's non-security feature update that was made available today. The update, known as KB5127936, is now generally available as an optional release.

"This update introduces an updated context menu that is faster, simpler, and more customizable," Microsoft says. "The updated menu opens more quickly, reduces clutter, and gives you more control over the commands and app extensions that appear when you right-click."

These improvements are part of the company's ongoing "Windows K2" effort, which focuses on making core OS improvements that address complaints and issues from users. For a long time, context menus of Windows 11 have been slow, cluttered, and confusing, but today's update changes that.

Now, context menus open instantly, and they can also be customized by the user. Microsoft outlines the following customization options being added to Windows 11 with this new update:

• Turn built-in Windows commands, such as Send to and Create shortcut, on or off.
• Add commands such as Print to the context menu.
• Choose which app extensions appear in the main menu or a submenu or hide the app extensions submenu.
• Display Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete, and Share directly in the menu instead of as a row of icons.
• Move Properties to the bottom of the context menu.

These new context menus also appeal to Windows 10 users, as they enable the ability to restore common actions such as cut, copy, and paste in the vertical list view instead of horizontally along the top of the menu. You can also turn off apps that might appear within the context menu.

Today's update includes more than just an overhauled context menu system, too. The new Xbox task view interface is also rolling out, along with updates to File Explorer and Windows Settings. Be sure to check out the changelog for the full list of changes.

Unfortunately, all of these new features are rolling out gradually, which means you likely won't see them right away. You need to ensure the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" toggle is enabled in Windows Settings to get them quicker, but you'll still have to wait before they appear.

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The Windows Security app is about to be redesigned to align with Windows 11. Soon, you will no longer feel like you've booted up a PC from a decade ago when managing the security features on your computer.

Microsoft discussed several changes that are on the way to the app in its latest release notes. The company started sharing Insider release notes for apps earlier this year, including Calculator, Camera, and Windows Security.

The change log describes several updates to the design and user interface of Windows Security. The app already protects PCs through a collection of tools including Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall, and Smart App Control.

The Windows Security app is already functional and does a good job of protecting PCs. Its security tools are also updated regularly, so it's not as if the app needs to be overhauled from a security perspective.

The current version of Windows Security still relies on navigation, layouts, and visual elements that feel noticeably older than Microsoft's modern Windows 11 apps.

Here's what Microsoft plans to do with the Windows Security app, as outlined by the company:

• Updated navigation and layouts: Pages throughout Windows Security now use more consistent layouts and navigation, with improved behavior across different window sizes.
• Modernized controls and dialogs: Controls, status indicators, typography, spacing, colors, and other visual elements have been refreshed to provide a more consistent experience throughout the app.
• Clearer status and actions: We’ve made improvements to how status information and available actions are presented throughout Windows Security.
• Improved device security information: On supported managed devices, device security details now load progressively so available information can appear sooner, along with improvements to progress, error, refresh, and performance-monitoring experiences.

Those changes are already available to Windows Insiders as long as they're running version 1000.29680.0.1000 of Windows Security.

The refresh should make Windows Security feel far more at home within Windows 11, bringing one of the operating system's oldest-looking built-in apps in line with modern experiences such as Settings.

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October is the spookiest time of the year, but there are ways to celebrate apart from dressing up or going to haunts. Developer Joe Finney has turned October into "Tray-tober" by releasing a system tray utility each day throughout the month. All of the projects are on GitHub and available to try for free.

Rather than linking 28 separate utilities, I'll just point you to the Tray-tober page managed by Finney. It has a calendar with links to each tool.

It's easy to overlook parts of Windows 11, such as the taskbar, quick settings area, and system tray. Many people leave them set to their system defaults and only interact with them occasionally. But much like a bag on Halloween, Windows 11's system tray can be filled with goodies.

The tools shared by Finney live in the system tray, though they aren't all focused solely on productivity. For example, Tray Battleship, which brings the classic board game to the system tray, shipped on October 3.

Other tools from Finney include Tray Converter for converting units, Trayulator (a calculator), and Tray Nudge, which reminds you to complete tasks.

TrayRadar shows you a weather forecast from NOAA, and Traysky lets you scroll through Bluesky right from the system tray. Finney has created quite the library of tools to try.

Since we're close to the end of October, almost all of the system tray tools have shipped. Only three more remain, and I'm curious to see what they are. Perhaps Tray Connect 4 is on the way?

One of my favorite tools is PowerDisplay, which is part of PowerToys. It allows you to adjust the brightness of your external monitor without reaching around for physical buttons. I keep it pinned to the system tray for quick access. Now, I can sneak in a quick game of battleship after adjusting the brightness of my monitor.

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One of the most talked-about mice of 2026 now has a developer edition. The Logitech MX Master 4 earned a near-perfect score from our colleagues at Tom's Guide back in February. The mouse then received a significant upgrade that allows its haptics to work with Windows 11.

The Logitech MX Master 4 Developer Edition has several Easter eggs and nods to developers, such as syntax annotations and markup tags that are laser-etched onto the mouse. It also features some important dates along the bottom of the mouse, including 09.17 (Linux kernel release date) and !04.01 (World Backup Day).

The mouse went live on Logitech's website this week, but it's currently only available for pre-order. The Logitech MX Master 4 Developer Edition is expected to start shipping on October 31, 2026.

As for the mouse itself, it has the same feature set as the regular Logitech MX Master 4. It's a premium mouse with a bunch of customization options and a DPI that can be set from 2,000 to 8,000. It's the successor to the Logitech MX Master 3S, which Tom's Guide called the king of mice.

The mouse has a plethora of buttons and wheels that can be customized, including setting commands on a per-app basis.

The side of the Logitech MX Master 4 has a touchpad for gesture controls and a button that opens Logitech's control ring (which can be used to perform commands).

The Logitech MX Master 4 was one of the first devices to support haptics on Windows 11. The new haptic system sends feedback signals when you perform certain actions on a PC. For example, toggling a setting on or off in the Windows Settings app makes supported hardware give a little bump.

What are haptics on Windows 11?

The new haptics in Windows 11 are a subtle addition that improves the overall experience of using a PC. Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden discussed the feature right after it launched:

"This is the kind of quality of life upgrade that I love to see. Windows has sorely lacked niceties like this in its UI and UX design over the last couple of years, so it's great to see Microsoft back on the horse and taking pride in the overall Windows experience like this. It's not a necessary addition, but it's an addition I'm so glad they've added regardless."

The new haptic system requires supported hardware. The Logitech MX Master 4 was among the first wave of supported devices, alongside the Surface Laptop 8. The new Surface Mouse also supports haptics.

Logitech is sending over a Logitech MX Master 4 for us to take a closer look at. I'm excited to have a mouse that adds a bit of color to my mostly black accessory setup.

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I've been using Android phones for years now, and for the most part, they generally play well with Microsoft's 'Link to Windows' mobile app. That official setup gives me access to my phone from my desktop PC, and Samsung phones like my Galaxy Z Flip 7 have mostly worked without issue.

However, I still rarely use Phone Link on Windows 11 because when it does break, I find its random disconnection bugs so annoying that I don't want to pair my phone over and over. Besides, I don't need to access my smartphone from my PC all the time, so I looked for an alternative and found a great one.

What is scrcpy?

It's pronounced "screen copy", but shortened to scrcpy on its GitHub repo. If you're unfamiliar, GitHub is a platform where coders and developers share and collaborate on software, often letting users view the source code of apps. That includes scrcpy, which is an open-source app (and that means it's free).

As its name suggests, scrcpy can mirror my phone's screen on my Windows desktop, like Phone Link. In that, it's not particularly groundbreaking, but I was intrigued by its flexible customization and support for low-latency connections over USB. It also works wirelessly, so it's nice to have that option.

You'll need to enable 'USB debugging', but that's easier (and less scary) than it sounds. On most devices, including my Samsung Galaxy, I tap the 'Build number' readout in my settings app seven times to enable a 'Developer options' menu and then toggle the new USB debugging option inside.

Now here's what I'm actually using it for

I had two main reasons to find a Phone Link alternative: to show my live heart rate from my Fitbit wearable connected to the Google Health app, and to view my Tapo security camera feeds, since TP-Link still doesn't offer a desktop app. Naturally, I've since discovered more benefits to scrcpy beyond these.

I know that first reason sounds strange, but Fitbit devices can't pair with Windows PCs, so it's more of a workaround to capture my heart rate BPM readout while playing horror games over Halloween. That's purely for fun, but the second is a real workaround.

Plus, command-line arguments like turn-screen-off disable my phone's screen (though it still responds to touch), and stay-awake prevents devices from going to sleep after inactivity. Those, combined with crop let me capture small parts of my screen and use very little resources.

There are more options to find in scrcpy's documentation, but these three alone mean I can watch my video doorbell for an expected delivery, or see which part of the latest Resident Evil game spiked my pulse the most. Niche, but easy to work with. I only need to connect my phone via USB-C and launch the app.

There's more to play with

I'm getting into a habit of connecting my phone to scrcpy in the mid-afternoon to fire through a bunch of tasks that would otherwise make me stare at my phone, and having full mouse and keyboard control makes it much more convenient from my PC. Right-click takes me back a page, and a middle-click takes me home.

That cross-device clipboard feature also lets me copy text from a mobile app into a traditional Windows app without needing the Ctrl+C shortcut. Selecting a prompt to 'copy' on my phone just sends it to my Windows clipboard (and vice versa), which is a similar time-saver. Again, not unique, but still useful.

Still, as satisfied as I am, I'm eager to try other features. Direct camera capture, audio-only mode, and a collection of bitrate/quality tweaks are available for experiments; all exciting without a feeling that I'm getting lost in the Terminal. Definitely check out scrcpy for yourself if you're interested.

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Windows 11 feels a bit like a free-to-play game because of how many ads appear in the operating system. Between setting up a PC and using it daily, you'll run into a myriad of prompts, notifications, and suggestions to sign up for paid Microsoft services. An upcoming update will add one more prompt to Windows 11, though it's a bit different than other ads on the OS.

One of the latest Windows Insider builds adds an inline experience that allows you to manage your Microsoft 365 subscription within Windows 11's Settings app. Using the feature will save you the hassle of jumping into a web browser to manage your subscription.

Unsurprisingly, Microsoft does not position these types of prompts as ads. Instead, the company highlights them as ways to ensure the best experience across the Microsoft ecosystem. I consider anything that nudges users toward paying for a product or service to be an ad, regardless of how it's labeled.

Here's how Microsoft describes the latest Microsoft 365 prompt:

"We're introducing a new inline experience that makes it easier for Microsoft 365 subscribers to manage their subscriptions in Windows. Subscribers who have recurring billing turned off can now turn it back on directly in Windows Settings, without leaving for a separate webpage. To get started, select Turn on recurring billing or Set up recurring billing from the Windows Settings Home page, the Accounts page, or the Start menu."

The inline experience related to Microsoft 365 is a bit different since it is a way to manage an existing subscription rather than simply a prompt to sign up for a new one. I'm curious if that distinction matters to general users.

I would prefer that Windows 11 was a clean experience free from ads or prompts to use Microsoft services. During the latest Windows Central Podcast, our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino jokingly asked if Zac Bowden would want notifications to sign up for OneDrive to appear on Project Helix.

Many people I've spoken with and seen online share similar sentiments.

An oddly annoying part of many prompts within Windows 11 is that they still appear even if you already subscribe to the service in question.

If you are fully engrossed in the Microsoft ecosystem, there are benefits to the prompts in Windows 11, but I still think people would prefer the option to have a clean OS. The new experience for managing Microsoft 365 subscriptions will test how people view these types of features in Windows 11.

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Does the Mini LED display on Surface Laptop Ultra support local dimming? Many reviewers have noted the Mini LED display on Laptop Ultra is somewhat underwhelming, with ghosting issues and poor color contrast (albeit with great color accuracy) compared to other Mini LED screens on the market, and especially OLEDs.

I said in my Surface Laptop Ultra review that its display features 1,344 local dimming zones, which is significantly lower than the dimming zones you'll find on a MacBook Pro with the same display tech. That results in a lot more ghosting and blooming, which can make the display feel stuttery and not smooth at times.

Notebookcheck's review claimed the Surface Laptop Ultra's display doesn't feature any local dimming at all, which naturally caused a bit of an uproar online. So, what's the truth? Does the display support local dimming or not?

I reached out to Microsoft again to see if it could clarify how the display works. The company told me that Surface Laptop Ultra does feature local dimming by default, with 5,400 LEDs across 1,344 dimming zones.

Much like any other Mini LED display, these zones adjust backlight brightness based on the content in that area. If a bright window is being displayed on a black background, the dark areas of the screen will be dimmed.

This behavior is what causes the ghosting and blooming effect on Surface Laptop Ultra, and is a side effect of Mini LEDs, especially ones with a low local dimming zone count. On my Surface Laptop Ultra in SDR, I can see the local dimming zones brightening and darkening as I move around a white window on a black background.

So, the display definitely does have local dimming capabilities. But it must be said that its performance isn't amazing compared to other Mini LEDs on the market. Whether local dimming is even working also depends entirely on your PCs settings.

The local dimming behavior is controlled by a setting in Windows Settings under System > Display > Brightness. With "Change brightness based on content" enabled, and the "Enhanced" display profile set, the local dimming support should function.

I've also found that you should turn off HDR for local dimming to be most effective. When HDR is on, the backlight is much more noticeable on dark backgrounds, likely because HDR requires much more brightness. A positive side effect of this is that this pretty much fixes the ghosting issue at the expense of local dimming performance.

So, the TL:DR is Surface Laptop Ultra does feature local dimming capabilities. You should have HDR disabled, with "Change brightness based on content" enabled and the "Enhanced" display profile set in Windows Settings for it to be most effective. On the flipside, enabling HDR reduces the ghosting and blooming issues, but decreases local dimming performance.

It must be said that the Mini LED display on Surface Laptop Ultra is somewhat disappointing. It certainly isn't as good as the Mini LED panel in a MacBook Pro, and I'm just left wondering why Microsoft didn't opt for OLED given that's what all the next-gen laptops are going with, including the upcoming MacBook Pro with touch.

Maybe, hopefully, a future firmware update can adjust and improve the performance of the local dimming behavior on Surface Laptop UItra. The most recent firmware update did fix flickering issues that people were having with the display, so anything is possible.

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Microsoft is making it easier to check your internet connection on Windows 11 by replacing a browser shortcut with an actual built-in speed test tool that runs directly from Quick Settings. The redesigned tool is rolling out in preview on the Experimental channel with build 26340.9767.

The new experience lets you check your download and upload speeds and ping without opening Bing in Microsoft Edge or using another online tool. It's a small improvement, but one that makes more sense for a feature designed to help users troubleshoot their network connections.

Try the new integrated speed test

To run a test, open Quick Settings from the Taskbar and select the new "Speed test" option. You can also start a test from the Wi-Fi or Cellular flyout, or right-click the network icon in the system tray and select the "Test internet speed" option.

The operating system displays the test's progress and results directly in the Quick Settings interface, using your active internet connection.

If you don't see the option on build 26340.9767 or higher, open Settings > Windows Update > Insider Program > Feature flags, select the "Enabled" option for "Quick Settings Speed Test," and restart the computer.

In the announcement, Microsoft hasn't confirmed the provider in its official release notes. However, the tool includes an information tooltip noting that the service is "powered by SPEEDTEST," and the link points to OOKLA's privacy policy online, which confirms that the tool continues to use the same service as the previous version.

Windows 11 needs more features like this

I'm glad to see Microsoft making these kinds of changes to Windows 11. For too long, the company has been disguising web shortcuts as Windows features, sending users to the internet to view information or complete tasks they could handle more conveniently on the desktop.

These shortcuts often felt like a cheap solution, more focused on driving traffic to Bing and encouraging people to use Edge than on delivering a well-integrated experience.

The previous internet speed test option was a good example. Rather than measuring the connection directly from within the desktop, it opened a browser and redirected users to Bing's speed test page. The new experience removes that unnecessary step.

This isn't about whether a feature uses native code or web technologies behind the scenes. It's about letting users complete a task without being pushed into a browser when there's no good reason to leave the desktop in the first place.

Microsoft is applying the same idea to other parts of the operating system. In build 26340.9767, the company also introduced an updated Microsoft 365 subscription experience that lets subscribers turn recurring billing back on directly from Settings, instead of opening a separate webpage to make changes to their accounts.

These are relatively small changes, but they make the operating system feel more cohesive and less dependent on browser shortcuts.

The new speed test is still experimental, and the company hasn't announced when it will be available to everyone. For now, it's another welcome improvement that makes Windows 11 a little more useful without adding unnecessary complexity.

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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Windows 11 will no longer bump you to Bing when you try to test your internet speed. Microsoft is testing a new built-in speed test tool that opens directly from Quick Settings rather than opening your web browser.

The change just rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel with Build 26340.9767. That was one of five builds to ship to Insiders recently. If you want to catch up on all the other changes, including the refreshed File Explorer context menu, check out my roundup of all the updates.

Microsoft first introduced a speed test to Quick Settings last year, but that feature was actually a shortcut to opening Bing. Even before that feature was announced, I said that it was a bad idea and that Microsoft should replace it with a built-in speed test tool within the taskbar.

Microsoft has since listened to feedback and designed a built-in speed test tool that opens directly from the Quick Settings.

To access the speed test tool, you need to open the Wi-Fi or Cellular flyout within Quick Settings. Alternatively, you can right-click the network icon in the system tray and select "Test internet speed."

Below are the relevant release notes about the speed test tool from Microsoft's recent blog post.

Microsoft is rebuilding several parts of Windows 11 as native or built-in tools. The new Start menu and the improved search experience are part of those efforts. While those larger elements make an immediate and sizeable impact on the Windows 11 experience, smaller changes like a built-in speed test tool help as well.

Internet Speed Test Release notes

• We're making it faster and easier to check the performance of your internet connection in Windows. Windows Insiders can now run an internet speed test and see the results directly in Quick Settings, without being redirected to a browser.
• Start a test from the new Speed test Quick Setting, from the Wi-Fi or Cellular flyout, or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray and selecting Test internet speed. While the test runs, Quick Settings shows its progress and results, including download speed, upload speed, and ping.
• Because the test runs against your active internet connection, you can quickly understand how your current connection is performing without leaving your workflow. This updated experience builds on the internet speed test we previously introduced for Windows Insiders, bringing the test and its results directly into Windows.

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On this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden tackle behind-the-scenes reporting on internal tensions between Microsoft’s Windows and Xbox engineering divisions regarding the next-generation Project Helix hardware. Sparked by a detailed report in Fortune, we examine conflicting visions over whether future Xbox hardware—including a rumored 2027 handheld and 2028 home console—should run a streamlined desktop Windows build or iterate on the locked-down, hyper-optimized, containerized Xbox OS.

We also breaks down leaked Microsoft internal survey research investigating potential shifts in first-party exclusivity for blockbuster franchises like Fallout and Minecraft. Daniel then details his comprehensive review impressions of the ultralight 3.9 lb ASUS ProArt P16 and the HP OmniBook Ultra 16, followed by an overview of AMD FSR 4.1 rolling out to handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally series to boost frame rates on constrained hardware.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast is sponsored by Surfshark VPN. Unlimited devices, access your content from anywhere, and auto-block malware on Windows, Edge, and other platforms from $2.50/mo, with 3 months extra FREE. Sign up today!

• [01:47] – Introduction & Episode Overview: Daniel and Zac kick off Episode 408, laying out the agenda: Windows vs. Xbox internal friction, Project Helix roadmaps, hardware reviews, and AMD FSR updates.
• [04:35] – Project Helix & The Fortune Report: Analysis of reported tensions between Asha Sharma’s Xbox leadership and the Windows team over software architecture for next-gen hardware.
• [06:49] – Updated Launch Timelines & Handheld Rumors: Dissecting expectations for a potential Xbox gaming handheld targeting late 2027 and the living room console shifting toward late 2028.
• [08:20] – Xbox OS vs. Windows Desktop Shell: Comparing console-level security, sandboxing, and background stability against open PC desktop architecture, and examining official executive responses.
• [15:08] – The Handheld Software Dilemma: Out-of-box user experience friction on Windows-based gaming handhelds (driver updates, launchers) compared to dedicated console environments.
• [23:51] – Security, Containerization & Publishers: Why game publishers prefer isolated hypervisor environments over open desktop file systems to prevent tampering and day-one piracy.
• [30:27] – Windows 12 & State Separation: History of Microsoft’s state-separated OS initiatives (Core OS, CorePC) and whether architectural isolation could arrive in future Windows releases.
• [35:31] – Leaked Exclusivity Research Survey: Discussion of leaked internal questionnaires gauging consumer reaction if future releases in franchises like Fallout or Minecraft become Xbox console exclusives.
• [46:00] – ASUS ProArt P16 In-Depth Review: Daniel breaks down the 3.9 lb RTX Spark laptop, evaluating 3K vs. 4K OLED panels, thermal cooling under 50 dB, and everyday 10-hour battery life.
• [54:32] – HP OmniBook Ultra 16: Contrasting ASUS’s utility suite (OLED dimming, taskbar protection) with HP’s build weight and software support.
• [55:55] – AMD FSR 4.1 Launch on Handhelds: What the new upscaling and frame generation driver update means for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally family and constrained hardware.
• [01:00:08] – Live Audience Q&A: Viewer questions addressing Windows on ARM anti-cheat progress, Xbox Play Anywhere adoption incentives, and high-end hardware expectations.

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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XBOX is rarely the focus of the Windows Wrap, but when reports claim clashes happened between the Windows and XBOX teams at Microsoft, gaming pushes itself to the front.

Last week I discussed how Windows 11 is holding back the Surface Laptop Ultra. This week, we learned that a different hardware division from Microsoft expressed frustrations with Windows. Reportedly, things got so heated between the XBOX and Windows teams that an XBOX leader threatened to cancel a gaming handheld if forced to run Windows 11 on the device.

Over the last few years, we've seen XBOX and Windows 11 grow closer together. The Windows 11 experience on gaming handhelds has improved drastically since day one, though it still has a ways to go. The XBOX app on Windows has been updated several times to align more with the console experience, which has a trickle-down effect on all gaming handhelds that run on Windows.

But despite the growth of Windows 11, the operating system still falls short of the requirements of the XBOX team, at least according to the latest reports.

Biggest News of the Week

There are some caveats to this entire discussion. Notably, Microsoft's Xbox CTO, Scott Van Vliet, refutes the claims made by Fortune.

Van Vliet said that Helix OS is "being built on Windows." He did not say that Helix OS is Windows. For what it's worth, I don't think we'll ever see an operating system called "Helix OS." But his post makes it clear that the OS powering Project Helix is built on Windows. That's not the same as saying it is Windows. At minimum, it's highly unlikely the Xbox will run the traditional Windows desktop you see on laptops and desktops.

Microsoft has used a customized version of Windows for several generations of XBOX hardware. The Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles already run an operating system that's built on Windows. Even the original XBOX ran an OS based on Windows, though the Xbox One ran an operating system much closer to Windows.

I asked Van Vliet if Project Helix is an evolution of the OS XBOX consoles already run or a freshly made custom OS, but he did not respond.

Microsoft has never specified that Project Helix will run Windows 11 and the Windows desktop, but several reports have suggested that was the plan for the console.

His post on X argues that the original report "misrepresents both the technical work and the relationship between the teams." For a moment, let's assume that's accurate and that the Windows and XBOX teams are working side-by-side in harmony. There's still a clear implication that Microsoft no longer views Windows 11 and the desktop as the right starting points for an operating system for Project Helix.

Earlier reports about Project Helix said the next generation of XBOX would run a customized version of Windows 11, much like the Xbox Ally and other gaming handhelds. It appears Microsoft has changed plans, though it's still not clear to what extent.

If you've used a gaming handheld running Windows 11, you may even agree with the sentiment that the OS is not the best starting point for a console gaming experience. Some of the best gaming handhelds are held back by Windows rather than boosted by it. For example, the out-of-the-box experience for the ROG XBOX Ally X20 is terrible because you have to go through three different sets of updates.

Shifting from Windows 11 powering XBOX consoles to those devices running an OS built on Windows is a massive change of plans. Though ironically, it's not much of a change from what Microsoft already does with XBOX.

Project Helix has reportedly slipped into 2028, so it may be a while before Microsoft explains exactly what changed.

Shopping with Sean

This week's biggest news may be about XBOX and gaming, but my top shopping recommendations of the week are laptops. Whether you want an Intel chip or a Snapdragon processor, there are great deals available.

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On October 13, 2026, Microsoft made available its latest cumulative update (KB5127648) for Windows 11 with several new improvements, including an option to always launch apps maximized, the ability to remap the Copilot key with new options, a new "Tips" widget, and additional touchpad controls. However, the update also includes a smaller set of improvements that may have gone unnoticed.

While this month's features have already received plenty of attention, some less prominent changes could still make a difference. The October update improves Bluetooth reliability, fixes mouse stuttering in some games, restores fingerprint sign-in on affected devices, and addresses printing and Always On VPN connection issues.

Here are six improvements and fixes worth knowing about after installing the October 2026 Security Update for Windows 11.

1. Windows 11 improves Bluetooth reliability

This monthly update includes eight Bluetooth improvements designed to make connecting to and using Bluetooth devices more reliable.

During voice calls, the system now shows the volume flyout when you adjust the volume using the controls on a compatible Bluetooth Classic Audio accessory, giving you visual feedback on the new volume level.

The update also improves how the operating system reports the connection status of disconnected Bluetooth accessories. It fixes an issue where the Bluetooth radio could be turned off even though its toggle in the Bluetooth and devices page in Settings still appeared to be on. Microsoft has also improved the stability of this Settings page when managing Bluetooth and audio devices.

For audio, the update improves microphone compatibility with certain Bluetooth Classic Audio accessories and makes shared audio more reliable.

It also fixes a crash (error code 0x139) that could happen while streaming Bluetooth audio and improves the reliability and performance of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE Audio) accessories.

2. Fingerprint sign-in works again after a cold boot

This release also fixes an issue that could prevent Windows Hello fingerprint sign-in from working after a cold boot on some computers.

Fingerprint authentication is convenient because it lets you sign in quickly without entering a password or PIN. However, a problem that appears after a full shutdown can make the feature unreliable.

If fingerprint sign-in fails after you power on your computer from a full shutdown, installing the update may resolve the problem.

3. Microsoft fixes mouse stuttering in some games

The October update (KB5127648) fixes an issue that could cause mouse input to stutter in some games. This problem can make aiming, camera movement, and other actions feel inconsistent, particularly in games that require precise input.

Since this fix targets an specific bug, it doesn't guarantee a solution for every mouse stuttering or performance issue.

4. Windows 11 fixes printing problems with certain drivers

Microsoft has also addressed a printing problem that could affect some apps and devices using RAW or Generic Text Only printer drivers after installing the August 2026 Security Update.

These driver configurations are used in certain printing environments, and the issue could prevent some print jobs from completing successfully.

Users affected by this problem should install KB5127648, then test their apps and printers again to confirm the problem has been resolved.

5. Always On VPN connections become more reliable

In addition, this rollout fixes an Always On VPN issue introduced by the earlier KB5124008 update.

On affected systems, automatic protocol selection or protocol fallback could leave a VPN connection stuck on Connecting or cause the initial connection attempt to fail. Subsequent attempts could also show the "The specified port is already in use" error message.

These problems can prevent users from establishing a reliable VPN connection, especially in managed business environments where remote access is essential.

6. File Explorer no longer crashes in certain multi-user environments

The update also fixes a File Explorer problem affecting some multi-user environments, including Azure Virtual Desktop deployments that use FSLogix.

On affected systems, "explorer.exe" could fail to start after sign-in or repeatedly crash, potentially leaving users with a black screen.

How to install the October 2026 update

The October 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 should install automatically, but it can be installed from Settings > Windows Update by clicking the "Check for updates" button.

The update is available for versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2, with builds 26300.9711, 26200.9711, and 26100.9711, respectively.

However, keep in mind that Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reached the end of support with this security update released on October 13. This means that 24H2 will no longer receive security fixes and improvements, nor will the company continue offering support.

If you're still on version 24H2, I highly recommend upgrading to the latest version. Since versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2 share the same core system, switching versions only requires the latest updates for the current version and the enablement package, both of which should be available for download through Windows Update settings.

Windows Central's Take

Although the October update includes features and changes that are easier to notice, the smaller fixes can be just as useful when they address problems that disrupt your workflow. The Bluetooth improvements stand out because they cover several areas, from connection status and Settings reliability to audio compatibility and crashes.

The fixes for fingerprint sign-in, gaming, printing, and VPN connections are more specific, but they could make a difference to affected users. If you've experienced any of these problems, it's recommended to install this month's update as soon as possible.

Have you noticed any of these issues on your device? 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.

PowerToys, the "Swiss Army knife" of Windows 11, is now available in version 0.102, introducing several features designed to improve your desktop experience.

This release adds Mouse Button Lock to make dragging and selecting items easier, while CursorHide automatically hides the mouse pointer under specific conditions. Command Palette also gets an update with quick access to frequently used commands. In addition, PowerToys expands its command-line and automation features, and ZoomIt now lets you use voice input to set image descriptions.

In this guide, I'll highlight the five new features and improvements in PowerToys version 0.102 and explain how they can help you get more out of Windows 11.

1. Mouse Button Lock for easy dragging and selection

Selecting large groups of items or dragging files across the desktop can get tiring when you have to hold a mouse button down for an extended period. Starting with version 0.102, PowerToys introduced Mouse Button Lock to make these actions easier.

When this feature is enabled, you can press and hold a mouse button briefly, then release it. PowerToys keeps the button virtually held down, letting you keep selecting items or dragging files without physically holding the button. To release the hold, simply click any mouse button.

Mouse Button Lock can help when you're working with large file selections, moving items, or doing tasks that require extended dragging. It can also improve accessibility for people who have difficulty holding a mouse button down for long periods.

You can enable the feature in PowerToys > Input & Output > Mouse Utilities by turning on the "Mouse Button Lock" toggle switch.

From the "Buttons and behavior" settings, you can decide whether the left, middle, or right button should lock while pressed.

The settings also let you choose the hold duration before the button is locked as pressed, and the drag threshold allows you to specify how far you can move the mouse before PowerToys cancels the Mouse Button Lock.

2. CursorHide for fewer cursor interruptions

PowerToys also introduces a second mouse utility, CursorHide, which lets you hide the mouse pointer while you're typing, after a period of inactivity, or both.

CursorHide is useful when the mouse pointer gets in the way of what you're doing on the screen. For example, hiding the pointer while typing makes it easier to focus on text without the cursor covering words or other elements.

You can enable the feature in PowerToys > Input & Output > Mouse Utilities by turning on the "CursorHide" toggle switch.

In the "Activation and behavior" settings, you can choose to hide after keyboard input and set the cursor to hide after a period of inactivity.

3. Command Palette quick access to favorites

If you use Command Palette, this update rolls out an update to Compact mode that lets you pin frequently used commands under the search box.

Once you pin an item, you can launch it with the "Alt + 1" through "Alt + 9" shortcut or select it without running it with the "Alt + Shift + number" shortcut.

It's also possible to drag items to reorder them, right-click to access more options, and display recent apps and commands.

4. PowerToys expands command-line support

PowerToys version 0.102 expands its command-line capabilities, allowing you to control more utilities, automate tasks, and retrieve information directly from Command Prompt or PowerShell.

The update adds CLI commands for Advanced Paste, Light Switch, Settings, Peek, and PowerDisplay. These commands let you run actions, manage light and dark mode settings, turn utilities on or off, preview files and folders, and retrieve display information in script-friendly formats.

These additions are especially useful for automating repetitive tasks, creating scripts, or controlling PowerToys utilities without opening their graphical interfaces.

Here's a list of the new command-line support you can use with PowerShell:

• Advanced Paste: PowerToys.AdvancedPaste.CLI.exe
• Light Switch: PowerToys.LightSwitch.CLI.exe
• Settings: PowerToys.Settings.CLI.exe
• Peek: PowerToys.Peek.UI.exe
• PowerDisplay: PowerToys.PowerDisplay.CLI.exe

To learn about the options for each command, use the "--help" command. For example, PowerToys.LightSwitch.CLI.exe -- help.

If, for example, LightSwitch is enabled, you can switch to dark mode with the PowerToys.LightSwitch.CLI.exe dark command.

You can use the command to manage it, but you must enable the utility in PowerToys settings first.

5. ZoomIt adds screenshot dictation

Finally, ZoomIt now lets you dictate a description while capturing a screenshot, making it easier to document what's on the screen without typing the text separately.

To use the feature, open PowerToys > System Tools > ZoomIt, turn on the feature, and then under the "Snip" section, turn on the "Snip with dictation" toggle.

Once you have done that, drag to select an area of the screen, press the "Space" key, and describe what you're capturing. ZoomIt transcribes your speech locally, allowing you to paste the screenshot and its accompanying text together.

The feature uses the microphone selected in the "Record" settings.

Wrap up

PowerToys 0.102 is a surprisingly and unusually interesting update, despite the simple version-number change. The popular app serves as a clear reminder of how much Windows 11 continues to evolve thanks to community-driven tools — these additions make everyday workflows smoother and show how Microsoft’s open‑source ecosystem continues to fill gaps the OS itself doesn’t yet cover.

Whether you’re a power user or just someone who loves small quality‑of‑life upgrades, this release proves that Windows can still surprise you with clever, genuinely useful features.

What’s the most interesting feature in this rollout? 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 redesigned File Explorer context menu could make navigating Windows 11 feel faster and more personal. The company has started testing a new right-click menu that reduces clutter by moving less common options out of the way while keeping frequently used actions easy to access.

That new context menu is available for Windows Insiders in the Beta channel. Microsoft also shipped four other Insider builds of Windows 11 today that includes

File Explorer (Beta)

Introducing the new, redesigned context menu in File Explorer

• We're rolling out an updated context menu experience in File Explorer, designed to feel faster, cleaner, and easier to tailor to the way you work. The new design reduces top-level clutter, keeps commonly used actions easy to access, and adds a new Settings experience that gives you more control over what appears in the menu. As we continue refining this experience with Insider feedback, our goal is to make right-click feel more responsive, predictable, and personal.
• We've also added a new teaching tip you might see as a first-time experience to help you learn about the customization options.

Settings (Beta)

• We're making performance improvements to the Settings home page which should result in reduced loading times in certain scenarios.

Windows Insider Program (Experimental)

• We've added the ability to filter Feature flags by enablement state.

Quick Settings (Experimental)

• We're beginning to roll out a new Mobile devices experience in Quick Settings, making it easier to take quick phone actions (such as ring your phone) without breaking your flow on Windows.
• With your supported Android phone connected, everyday actions are now just a click away. You can turn Do Not Disturb on before a meeting, change your phone's ringer mode, and play a sound to find your phone nearby.
• It's a simpler, faster way to manage your phone from the place you already use for quick Windows actions, helping your PC and phone work better together throughout the day.
• Capabilities can vary by phone platform and device configuration. The initial experience provides the most complete set of controls for Android phones, while iPhone support starts with a more limited status-focused experience.

Check your internet speed directly from Quick Settings

• We're making it faster and easier to check the performance of your internet connection in Windows. Windows Insiders can now run an internet speed test and see the results directly in Quick Settings, without being redirected to a browser.
• Start a test from the new Speed test Quick Setting, from the Wi-Fi or Cellular flyout, or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray and selecting Test internet speed. While the test runs, Quick Settings shows its progress and results, including download speed, upload speed, and ping.
• Because the test runs against your active internet connection, you can quickly understand how your current connection is performing without leaving your workflow. This updated experience builds on the internet speed test we previously introduced for Windows Insiders, bringing the test and its results directly into Windows.

Magnifier (Experimental)

• We've added a Keyboard shortcut for Magnifier toggle in Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier. It lets you choose whether pressing Windows logo key + Plus (+) launches Magnifier.
• The shortcut stays on by default, so nothing changes unless you want it to. If you find that Magnifier starts by accident, or the shortcut conflicts with another app or keyboard layout, turn the toggle off. You can still start Magnifier from Settings, and you can turn the shortcut back on at any time.

Microsoft 365 subscription in Windows (Experimental)

• We're introducing a new inline experience that makes it easier for Microsoft 365 subscribers to manage their subscriptions in Windows. Subscribers who have recurring billing turned off can now turn it back on directly in Windows Settings, without leaving for a separate webpage. To get started, select Turn on recurring billing or Set up recurring billing from the Windows Settings Home page, the Accounts page, or the Start menu.

File Explorer (Experimental)

• Improved progress indication when navigating to locations that take longer to load, such as network drives, making it easier to see that loading is underway.

Narrator (Experimental)

• Narrator now supports additional languages for math reading, including Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Norwegian (Bokmål), Polish, Russian, Swedish, and Vietnamese.

Widgets (Experimental)

• The Widgets picker now has a standard Windows dialog frame and supports light and dark title bars. It also removes the blank space previously left for an icon.

Taskbar (Experimental)

• Fixed an issue with the previous update where explorer.exe wouldn't load after logging in, preventing the taskbar and other elements that rely on it from loading.

Unicode (Beta 26H1, (Experimental (26H1))

• This update provides Windows text shaping support for Unicode 17.0, helping Windows correctly display and shape newly encoded characters and scripts. Unicode 17.0 added 4,803 characters, including support for four newly encoded scripts: Beria Erfe, Sidetic, Tai Yo, and Tolong Siki. These updates help keep Windows text support current as the Unicode Standard evolves and improve support for languages and writing systems used by people around the world.

Start menu (Experimental (26H1))

• This update makes the Start menu more personal with several customizations.
• You can choose between a small or large Start menu, in addition to the Automatic (default) option that's available today. To customize this setting, go to Settings > Personalization > Start > Start menu size.
• The Recommended section is renamed Recent in the Start menu and on the Start settings page (Settings > Personalization > Start).
• You can now hide your name and profile picture in Start by going to Settings > Personalization > Start > Hide your name and profile picture on Start.
• The Start menu settings page is now redesigned with section-level toggles to independently show or hide Pinned, Recent, and All.

Manage camera, microphone, and location access for desktop apps (Experimental (26H1))

• Windows Insiders can now manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop apps. Previously, access for traditional desktop applications was managed through a single device-wide setting.
• With this update, you can review and control access on an app-by-app basis, giving you greater visibility into which apps are requesting access to sensitive resources and more control over your privacy choices. Our goal is to make privacy permissions easier to understand and manage across the wide range of desktop apps people use every day.

Recovery (Experimental (26H1))

• We're adding a new entry point for Cloud Rebuild under Settings > System > Recovery, making it easier to access the feature from Settings.

File Explorer (Experimental (26H1))

• We've sharpened file thumbnails in the Recommended section on the Home page so they're crisper and easier to read.

Magnifier (Experimental (26H1), Experimental (Future Platforms))

• A new contrast theme toggle for a lower-glare screen. If bright screens are uncomfortable, many people use color inversion to reduce glare. However, inversion changes everything on screen, including photos, charts, and videos. With this update, we're introducing a new contrast theme toggle in Magnifier.
• Reduce glare with a single toggle. Turn on a contrast theme directly from the Magnifier toolbar for a more comfortable viewing experience.
• Choose the contrast theme that works best for you. The dark theme is applied by default, and you can choose which contrast theme the toggle uses under Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.
• Photos, videos, and charts keep their original colors. Unlike color inversion, the contrast theme recolors the interface without touching your photos, charts, or videos, so they keep their real colors.
• Color inversion is still here. This isn't a replacement. If you use inversion today, it works exactly as it always has. The contrast theme is a separate, purpose-built option to reduce glare when you want a darker interface without inverting colors.

Family Safety (Experimental (Future Platforms))

• Improved family safety messaging when applications are blocked because of age-restricted parental controls.

Windows Setup (Experimental (Future Platforms))

• The digital safety of users and supporting families is central to how we think about the Windows experience. We're improving information on parental controls and their availability during Windows setup, so families can more easily understand available protections and make informed choices from the very beginning.

Network (Experimental (Future Platforms))

• Fixed an issue causing internet access to stop working for some Insiders after the last two flights.

Hyper-V (Experimental (Future Platforms))

• Fixed an issue where some applications that used HCS-managed virtual machines experienced issues when sharing host folders with Linux VMs using Plan9. Folders shared from the Windows host using Plan9 didn't appear or couldn't be accessed in the guest environment.

Other (Experimental (Future Platforms))

• Fixed an issue causing some Insiders to see an unexpectedly high volume of ESENT events after the latest flights.
• Fixed an underlying issue in the latest flights causing Insiders using VMware to experience frequent green screen bugchecks with error PFN_SHARE_COUNT.

Microsoft has been hard at work decluttering Windows 11. While those efforts continue, it seems Microsoft is putting more emphasis on improving the built-in Windows 11 apps as well. Even the Camera app received some updates recently.

File Explorer is a core part of the Windows 11 experience, so it's nice to see it being upgraded as well.

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

HDR is a feature that's becoming ever more useful for Windows users who want to boost brightness, improve color, and deepen contrast. Unfortunately, Windows 11's handling of HDR is too annoying for many users to bother with.

GitHub user VantaCode420 has created a solution with their Smart HDR Manager app, available for free to download and enjoy.

It so far has 218 stars on GitHub despite still being in the relatively early stages of development, and I can see why now that I've been using it on a couple of PCs.

Smart HDR Manager turns HDR into a "set and forget" perk on Windows 11

Smart HDR Manager essentially bridges the gap between Windows HDR and the content you're playing or viewing on your PC.

When a game launches or an HDR video starts playing, Smart HDR Manager automatically makes the switch from SDR to HDR on your system. When you close the game or finish watching a video, it automatically reverts Windows to SDR.

Within the app, you can automatically scan your system for games held in apps like Steam, Xbox, and Epic, or you can manually add each one that you want to enjoy in HDR.

A separate "Apps" tab is home to video players, web browsers, creative apps, and streaming software like OBS Studio and Streamlabs.

On the note of web browsers, those who don't mind a couple of minutes of extra work can create a Tampermonkey script to automatically recognize YouTube HDR videos within Edge or Chrome. The GitHub page has full instructions on how to do this.

One final trick for those with NVIDIA RTX GPUs is RTX Video HDR support. It can turn SDR videos into HDR automatically, just as long as you have HDR enabled in the NVIDIA app's RTX Video Enhancements section.

Windows Central's take

I didn't care much about HDR until I upgraded full-time to an OLED monitor. Now, with the deep color and contrast afforded by the OLED panel, it's something that I want to use as much as possible, where applicable.

That's really the biggest issue that most Windows users have with HDR; it doesn't kick on automatically when HDR content is being displayed. You have to enable it manually before viewing or playing content, and it doesn't turn off when you're finished.

Leaving HDR enabled across Windows without any actual HDR content in view leads to washed-out colors and odd SDR mapping. It's something that I imagine just about everyone who's mucked around with stock HDR implementation on Windows has experienced.

Smart HDR Manager is a work in progress, but I haven't yet had any issues while playing games or while watching videos. It turns HDR on when I need it, and turns it off when I don't.

Why isn't this a native feature of Windows? That's a question I can't answer. I'm just glad someone took care of the problem. Try out Smart HDR Manager on standard Windows or Windows on ARM. The latter is still in an experimental stage, but it seems to be working well so far.

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

When Microsoft announced the first wave of RTX Spark laptops, many were intrigued by the superchips inside the PCs. But I went a bit more surface-level, pun intended. During the Windows and Surface event, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a striking wallpaper across the new laptops.

The wallpaper is reminiscent of Windows 11's Bloom wallpaper, but it stands out for having a single curve and contrasting colors. As much as I like the Bloom wallpaper, it's been remixed several times by Microsoft and enthusiasts, so it's time for a new Windows wallpaper.

Sadly, Microsoft did not release the image after unveiling the new laptops. I waited with anticipation for the release of the RTX Spark laptops, but even when the Surface Laptop Ultra review went live, the new wallpaper was nowhere to be found. Microsoft even mocks us by having a blacked-out version of the wallpaper on the retail listing of the Surface Laptop Ultra.

Reddit user Ok-Compute-2282 shared a OneDrive link containing the full-resolution version of the wallpaper shown below. That folder also includes a small collection of other Windows 11 wallpapers.

Some of the images were downloaded from the Microsoft Design website, which also hosts other commemorative wallpapers. Additional images were sourced from retail units.

Desperate to get my hands on the new wallpaper, I scoured reviews of the ASUS ProArt P16, HP OmniBook Ultra 16, and Surface Laptop Ultra only to be disappointed.

But a hero emerged, saving me from settling for an AI recreation of the wallpaper. Discord user TechosaurusRex discovered the wallpaper in the app files for Microsoft's Retail Demo Experience. Seemingly, Microsoft's plan was to tease us by showing the wallpaper on display retail units but not include the image on purchased PCs.

Luckily, TechosaurusRex stepped up and shared the wallpaper, ending my quest.

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

Microsoft is working on a small yet meaningful change to the lock screen and sign-in experience on Windows 11 that will streamline the authentication process that users must go through to log into their desktop.

The current Windows sign-in flow requires the user to manually select the method of authentication they wish to use to login. If you've set up a PIN, face unlock, and fingerprint unlock, the only method of authentication that is active is the one you manually click on to use on the lock screen.

This is a huge gripe of mine, and it's super frustrating when you want to login using your face, but Windows has selected PIN or fingerprint. It means your webcam isn't looking for you in that moment, and you have to manually switch to face unlock to force Windows into checking for your face and logging in.

Well, it looks like this is finally changing. In the latest Windows 11 preview builds, a hidden feature ID enables a new experience that automates this. Now, by default, the PIN box is always on show, but face unlock and fingerprint unlock are also active and ready to authenticate at the same time.

This means users no longer need to manually select the login method of their choice. Windows will automatically capture whichever biometric authentication method is set up, even when the PIN box is on screen. This also means the lock screen looks cleaner as a result, as the options to choose which authentication method you want to use is no longer displays as it's not necessary. It's also faster for those with biometric authentication enabled.

I really like this change, as it encourages Windows to keep trying my face unlock even if it fails the first time. Of course, there's an eventual timeout if it fails too many times, but I find it is able to log me in before it ever reaches that point. Also, being able to just type my PIN without having to manually select the PIN option first is also great.

Microsoft is yet to announce this new sign-in flow, but I suspect it won't be long until it's officially put into testing as it's already very polished and has been in the works for a number of months now. What do you think? Is this a good change for the Windows lock screen? Let us know in the comments.

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

I’ve already seen Windows games running on Android, and while I found that impressive, it wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. Android is a relatively open ecosystem, and it’s technically Linux underneath, so given that modern hardware is more than capable, the leap wasn’t as massive as it first appeared.

Running Windows games on an iPhone, however, is a different story. Apple’s ecosystem has opened its door a notch or two over the past few years, but I never imagined it had opened enough to allow Windows gaming to run directly on the hardware.

Fortunately, I just so happened to stumble across a GitHub repository, PlayPort. Created by playportdev with contributions from Claude — because of course, everything uses AI now, but regardless — PlayPort is able to run Steam, GOG, or Epic Games titles directly on your iPhone.

So far, Portal 2, Hollow Knight, and even The Witcher 3 are all working at relatively playable framerates. According to the project’s documentation, Portal 2 specifically hits about 60 FPS at 720p, with each 32-bit game getting its own 4 GB memory window to work with.

Playing Windows games on an iPhone isn't exactly straightforward

Installation is not the simplest process. You have to sideload the PlayPort app onto your device, enable Developer Mode, and be familiar with JIT to get it enabled. There’s also a catch: If you use a free Apple ID to sign the app, it only lasts for seven days. You’ll need to re-sign it once a week, though your games and saves remain on the phone.

Honestly, I am impressed. I was just as impressed to see Game Pass games working on a Steam Deck, which gives me hope that, who knows, maybe one day we’ll see Game Pass running on an iPhone with the ability to install and play games directly off the service. Heck, I doubt we’ll have to wait too long before something like that exists for Android at the rate things are progressing.

If all that eventually comes to pass, I’ll be sure to shed a tear, as I often do over what could have been for Windows Phone, but alas. Projects like these are super cool, brute-forced by AI or not. I’m all for more ways for people to play and access their library of games.

Let me know how you feel about this. Would you try it, or is it more so just cool to see? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to take part in our poll!

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

Microsoft's next-gen Xbox hardware lineup is beginning to come into focus. According to a new report from Fortune, the company is gearing up to ship new hardware in the form of a handheld in 2027, followed by a full-blown console in 2028.

It's unclear if the handheld project is a first party Xbox device, or a third-party device designed and manufactured by an OEM partner like ASUS and the ROG Ally X. The console is expected to be first-party, and is likely to run a specialized version of Windows.

The report claims that Xbox and Windows have been at odds about how the OS should run on Project Helix. Windows leaders wanted the consoles to run a modified version of Windows desktop, but Xbox leaders wanted a more boutique OS experience designed for gaming.

"Tensions ran high enough that a senior Xbox executive threatened to scrap the handheld project rather than adopt the Windows build ... Xbox is now largely controlling the direction of the operating system for the project" Fortune claims.

Microsoft's Xbox CTO, Scott Van Vliet has taken to X to refute Fortune's claims, stating that the report "misrepresents both the technical work and the relationship between the teams." But Windows and Xbox have a long history of clashing, and is the least surprising part of this report.

My own sources tell me that both Windows and Xbox teams have disagreed over the direction of the platform for certain gaming-specific experiences, but that doesn't mean the teams aren't still working together.

Windows already powers the current Xbox Series consoles, as well as Xbox One. It's a modified version of the OS that the Xbox team has customized, built on top of the Windows OS core that is developed by the Windows team.

It sounds like the Xbox team has decided to maintain this approach with Project Helix consoles, expanding and building upon it with new features and capabilities such as running PC games.

This is why you've seen an uptick in Xbox OS features for existing Xbox consoles over the last handful of months, as the Xbox org has started reinvesting in the OS experience they already control. This work will naturally also benefit the next-gen consoles.

Alarmingly, Fortune claims that Microsoft is currently expecting the next-gen Xbox console to cost somewhere between $1,200 and $1,800, making it the most expensive gaming console ever. It's possible that Microsoft may choose to subsidize the cost, which would bring it closer to $1,000, but nothing is confirmed.

Of course, these rumors are unconfirmed. Plans could change and schedules could slip, so nothing is set in stone until Microsoft is ready to formalize its plans officially. For now, we know that Project Helix is still in development, with first devkits expected to debut in early 2027.

Let us know in the comments what you think about Project Helix so far.

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In what may be one of the year's least surprising stories, Microsoft's VP of Product Design, Diego Baca, has explained how AI is being used to help designers after being asked whether it's possible to launch a "fleet of viable agents" to address issues in Windows 11.

Now, this all comes shortly after an Xbox Business Strategist spiraled on X over how everyone is using AI, expressing frustration with the pretense that people aren't. That said, I do appreciate Baca’s honesty here. I always find that kind of candor refreshing.

Windows 11 still has a consistency problem

Interestingly, Baca's post on X (formerly Twitter) also acknowledged something Windows users have been complaining about for years in his reply to tech enthusiast Chris Pirillo, and that's consistency:

“Consistency across Windows is something we all want, and it’s an active workstream we’re continuing to accelerate,” he explained.

And to be fair, I have to agree. Windows 11 is now five years old (that's made me feel so old), yet parts of the operating system still feel like they're lacking the modern stylings, almost as though some of it still belongs in Windows 7, or even earlier, as Windows Latest points out in its own take.

Don't get me wrong, Microsoft has made progress, particularly with its efforts to modernize Windows Search, Run, and other legacy interfaces using WinUI 3. But I do wish these inconsistencies had been addressed before Windows 11 launched, though perhaps I’m wishing for too much.

Baca also acknowledged the criticism, admitting, “Finally, I completely recognize that people expect more from Windows. We expect more from ourselves, too.”

Finally, he added that Microsoft hopes to “earn back your enthusiasm for Windows through what we deliver, not just what we say.” It’s a refreshingly open response, and one I massively appreciate. How do you feel about Diego Baca's comments? Let me know in the comments and be sure to take part in our poll below:

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

Microsoft is testing a way to update Edge without forcing a restart, potentially letting you keep working while it switches to a more secure version.

Browser updates can interrupt your work, so you might put off restarting the browser. However, this can delay important security fixes. Microsoft's solution aims to solve both problems by updating Edge in the background while keeping compatible tabs open.

The project is still an early experiment, not a feature you can use today. Microsoft says the prototype isn't part of Edge's production code or the Chromium project.

Microsoft wants Edge updates to be seamless

Currently, browser updates require a restart to safely switch to a newer version. Although Microsoft Edge can restore your open tabs afterward, restarting can still interrupt your work. Microsoft's prototype aims to change that by downloading an update in the background and moving the browser and its supporting processes to the newer version while keeping your work available.

For example, imagine you're filling out a long online form when a security update becomes available. Instead of asking you to restart Edge and interrupt your work, the browser would update in the background while you continue working.

Microsoft demonstrated the prototype in a video, and when the company clicked the "Update" button, the browser switched to the new version while keeping compatible tabs open. Eventually, the goal is to apply updates automatically without requiring users to click anything.

One limitation is that existing tabs can stay open only if they're compatible with the new version. Other tabs will switch to the updated version when you navigate to them.

AI makes faster security updates more important

The project isn't only about convenience. Microsoft notes that AI is accelerating vulnerability discovery and changing the pace of attacks, increasing the need to roll out security fixes more quickly. The company describes the time between a security fix becoming available and an update being applied as the "patch gap." During this period, users who don't install the fix remain vulnerable.

The requirement to restart the browser can also make the problem worse when people postpone updates because they don't want interruptions. As a result, applying security updates faster could reduce the time users remain exposed to known vulnerabilities.

So, when can we use it?

This isn't built into the current version of the browser, so don't go through the settings trying to find the option. Microsoft says that the prototype isn't part of the browser or the Chromium project. Instead, the company is sharing its work early and inviting developers and other organizations to collaborate on this project.

Edge already has an update option for idle devices

While the company continues developing its new update mechanism, Microsoft Edge already offers a feature called "Restart to update on idle," previously known as "Instant Updates."

The feature restarts Edge when your device is idle, installs the update, and reopens your tabs. It still requires a restart, but the interruption happens when you're not using the browser.

What's next?

For now, Microsoft Edge's existing update options help reduce delays, while the seamless-updates prototype offers a glimpse of what could come next. Microsoft hasn't announced when, or whether, this approach will become available. The company is sharing the prototype early to encourage collaboration with the community.

However, we'll have to wait and see whether the concept will make it into a future version of the browser. What are your thoughts on this new way to update the browser? 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.

In this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden regroup following a week of extensive hands-on hardware testing and benchmarking. The central focus is the initial review wave for the Surface Laptop Ultra and the broader Nvidia RTX Spark mobile platform.

Zac details his full review of the Surface Laptop Ultra, highlighting its MacBook-inspired design improvements, haptic touchpad, outstanding audio, sleep battery efficiency, and magnetic USB-C connector—while contrasting its 2,000-nit Mini-LED display against competing Tandem OLED panels. Daniel shares first impressions of two rival RTX Spark flagships: the ultralight 3.9 lb ASUS ProArt P16 and the robust HP OmniBook Ultra 16.

The hosts dig into real-world local AI and agentic workflows (including tests with Hermes Agent and local LLMs), explain the critical architectural advantage of configurable unified memory allocations for GPUs, discuss gaming performance with DLSS/frame gen, and showcase the newly launched ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 handheld console bundle featuring XREAL AR glasses.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast is sponsored by Surfshark VPN. Unlimited devices, access your content from anywhere, and auto-block malware on Windows, Edge, and other platforms from $2.50/mo, with 3 months extra FREE. Sign up today!

• [01:44] – Introduction: Daniel and Zac kick off Episode 407, outlining their week spent benchmarking and testing retail RTX Spark laptops and handhelds.
• [05:51] – Surface Laptop Ultra Design & Build: Zac breaks down the chassis aesthetics, MacBook Pro styling parallels, lack of a notch, seamless lid lip design, and weight (4.5 lbs).
• [08:00] – The Mini-LED Display: Deep dive into Microsoft’s 2,000-nit Mini-LED panel, evaluating ghosting zones (1,344 dimming zones), glossy reflections, and comparisons to Tandem OLED screens.
• [13:09] – Battery Life & Standby Sleep Performance: Real-world longevity on the 92 Wh battery (10–12 hours light use) and standout sleep endurance matching Apple Silicon.
• [15:18] – Magnetic Breakaway USB-C: Testing the breakaway angle, data capabilities, and custom charging brick interoperability.
• [18:04] – RTX Spark CPU & Gaming Benchmarks: Breakdown of 20-core multi-threaded CPU output versus single-core scores, plus gaming results with DLSS in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 (approaching RTX 4070/5060 laptop levels).
• [25:59] – Local AI & Unified Memory Allocation: Why configurable system RAM sharing to the GPU CUDA cores enables large local LLM deployment that traditional gaming laptops cannot match.
• [29:11] – Agentic AI Experiments: Practical workflows with Hermes Agent, desktop automation in Photoshop, automatic folder cleanup, and local data safety risks.
• [46:00] – Speakers, Haptics & Missing Copilot+ Features: Praise for the class-leading haptic signals and audio alongside the notable delay of Windows Recall and semantic search on RTX Spark.
• [53:56] – ASUS ProArt P16 Review Preview: Daniel highlights the 3.9 lb featherweight design, dual-fan thermals, 4K anti-reflective touch options, and port selection.
• [58:50] – HP OmniBook Ultra 16 Breakdown: Frame build quality, rear tower exhaust design, Zero-Lattice Gen 2 keyboard, and compact 140W GaN charger.
• [01:06:08] – PCIe SSD Speed Shootout: Massive speed discrepancies across devices—Surface’s 14,000 MB/s drive vs. HP's 10,000 MB/s and ASUS’s variable read speeds.
• [01:14:55] – ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 Handheld Impressions: Translucent chassis, 7.4-inch 120Hz anti-reflective OLED panel, Z2 Extreme performance, and testing the bundle with XREAL AR glasses.
• [01:24:02] – Live Audience Q&A: Viewer questions regarding boot/restart bugs, NVMe expansion, OneDrive Microsoft 365 storage allocation backlash, and future low-tier RTX Spark silicon.

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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Microsoft just celebrated 12 years of the Windows Insider Program by sharing a collection of wallpapers. But the origin of those wallpapers has drawn a bit of criticism. It turns out that they were not made on a Surface Laptop Ultra or, in fact, any Windows 11 device. Instead, they were created using a Mac.

Rafael Rivera checked the properties of the wallpapers and noticed that they were created using the Mac version of Adobe Photoshop.

Rivera noted in a follow-up post on X that the images were made by Microsoft's in-house design team. If accurate, that precludes the possibility of a contracted company happening to use Macs in their normal workflow and being commissioned to make the images.

Even if the images were made by a contracted company, Microsoft would have a little bit of egg on its face because that would indicate that even a creator that works with Microsoft prefers to use an Apple product.

Windows Central take

I don't think this is a big deal, but the situation has emerged at an awkward time. Microsoft is in the middle of refreshing Windows 11. The tech giant just shared a massive blog post positioning Windows 11 as a selling point to buy a new PC.

Having Windows Insider wallpapers created on a Mac opens the door to jokes like "even Microsoft staff prefer Mac."

It's perfectly reasonable for Microsoft to use tools created by another company. It's not as if Microsoft should force its design team to use the new Photos app instead of Photoshop. Creators, and any worker, need to use tools that can get the job done.

But considering Adobe Photoshop is available on Windows 11, it's a bit strange that Microsoft couldn't send a few Windows 11 PCs over to its design team.

Alternatively, Microsoft could call up ASUS and make a deal to get some ProArt P16 laptops to the design team. Our friends at Tom's Guide said "The ASUS ProArt P16 is an outstanding laptop for creativity."

The best news for whoever made the Windows Insider Program anniversary images is that Adobe Photoshop works on Windows on Arm, so it should run smoothly on any of the new RTX Spark laptops.

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

Microsoft is finally giving Copilot+ PCs more capabilities on Windows 11. After the disastrous launch of Copilot+ PCs in 2024 which ultimately led to the company retiring the brand as a marketing asset this year, Microsoft has announced Hybrid intelligence, a new wave of AI features that will utilize on-device processing and the cloud.

If you thought the Copilot+ PC promise of NPU-powered local AI experiences was dead, I wouldn't blame you. Microsoft has been slow to build out NPU-based AI features on Windows 11, with Click To Do and Semantic Search being the last Copilot+ PC exclusive features to launch over a year ago.

But that seems to be finally changing with "Hybrid intelligence," a part of which is being built directly into the Copilot app on Windows 11 and will intelligently route AI tasks and experiences between on-device processing and the cloud on Copilot+ PCs. Here's what's coming soon to Windows 11:

• Local context: With your permission, Copilot can understand relevant content on your PC, including files and recent activity, bringing local context into the flow of work. 
• Local actions: Copilot can take action on your behalf across Windows, helping complete tasks like organizing files, assessing device diagnostics, troubleshooting issues, coding, and carrying out workflows directly on your device. 
• Local models: Copilot can tap into AI models running on your PC, using local compute for the right tasks while combining it with cloud intelligence when needed. 

Hybrid Intelligence looks to be a natural evolution of Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft is finally giving this AI hardware more to do, with the ability to reach out to the cloud when required for more complex workloads. These Hybrid Intelligence features enhance the new Copilot Home, Code, and Autopilot experiences that were recently announced.

"Copilot understands your PC, takes action with your permission, and uses local models when it makes sense, with you in control at every step," Microsoft says. "Copilot features powered by hybrid intelligence are expected to begin rolling out on Copilot+ PCs in the coming months."

Microsoft says Hybrid intelligence requires Copilot+ PC compatibility, which naturally implies that these new AI experiences will lean on the NPU for local processing, as that's one of the hardware requirements for meeting the Copilot+ PC feature bar.

Microsoft believes that a hybrid approach to AI will be the way forward for computing. It's important for PCs to have local AI compute power and capabilities to reduce pressure on data centers, and it's also important for privacy and security reasons too.

Agents on Windows are being heavily pushed as a local AI experience, though it requires PCs with powerful GPUs and lots of system memory to really take advantage of. The NPU is not powerful enough to handle most large language models at current, and so is reserved for less power intensive tasks and automations.

The company has also announced Aion Instruct, an on-device AI model that replaces Phi Silica and runs on not just the NPU, but GPU and even CPU in some cases. It's a small language model capable of handling text generation, instruction following, and web tasks.

Microsoft has confirmed that the Copilot+ PC brand is going away as a marketing asset, but it will continue to exist as a feature set. OEMs and Microsoft itself have stopped calling their new Surface PCs Copilot+ PCs, even though they are all Copilot+ PC compatible.

Now, the Copilot+ PC moniker is simply a checkbox on a spec sheet, and it looks like Hybrid intelligence PCs is the new marketing term that Microsoft wants to get in front of as many people as possible.

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

Microsoft just celebrated 12 years of the Windows Insider Program by sharing special wallpapers with Insiders. The images are all reminiscent of the Windows Bloom wallpaper that ships with Windows 11 and that has been remixed several times by Microsoft and enthusiasts.

I'm partial toward the blue version, likely because I learned how to use a PC on Windows 95. There are also white, green, orange, and purple variants as well as several dark-theme wallpapers.

This direct download link should get you all of the wallpapers, but you should also see them in an email from Microsoft if you're a Windows Insider.

Microsoft shared the following message alongside the wallpapers:

"Thank you for 12 incredible years, Windows Insiders!

From exciting program changes to meetups that brought us together in the past year, you're at the heart of it all. As a thank-you, we created new backgrounds for all Insiders inspired by 12 years of the Windows Insider Program and the latest Surface design aesthetic."

The Windows Insider Program has been around for 12 years, but it has shifted in structure in that time. I've been an Insider since the beginning, as have many members of our team at Windows Central. In that time, we've seen everything from major Windows features not being tested with Windows Insiders to feedback directly shaping the future of Windows.

Microsoft refocused on the Windows Insider Program by refreshing it earlier this year. Since that refresh, we've seen more Insider builds per week and significant upgrades being tested in those builds.

Windows Insider meetups also returned this year, giving the community a chance to meet in person and interact with the Windows product team directly. The first Windows Insider meetup was in Seattle, Washington. Later, events took place in New York City (USA), Hyderabad (India), Taipei (Taiwan), San Francisco (USA), and London (UK).

I'm happy to see the Windows Insider Program on the right track. Microsoft is engaging with the community and shaping Windows 11 based on feedback.

Microsoft has shown the positive impact of listening to feedback through its recent changes to Xbox. Sometimes grabbing low-hanging fruit and addressing the top community concerns is exactly what's needed.

The wallpapers shared by Microsoft are a small gesture thanking Windows Insiders, but such gestures can go a long way. Ignored Insiders become Insiders who disengage from the Windows Insider Program, and that hurts all Windows users in the long run.

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

Microsoft fully unveiled its Surface Laptop Ultra this week. While we've known about the PC for months, we lacked key details and were not able to review the Surface Laptop Ultra until recently.

That all changed when Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft Windows lead Pavan Davuluri, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang took the stage to showcase the first wave of RTX Spark laptops.

Microsoft and other PC makers like HP and Lenovo launched the first laptops powered by NVIDIA's new superchip, and initial impressions are quite promising.

With hardware from OEMs impressing reviewers and NVIDIA's chip delivering on many of its promises, attention shifts toward the operating system running on those laptops.

Biggest News of the Week

Microsoft published a massive blog post this week highlighting improvements to Windows 11.

While there are genuinely nice additions to Windows 11, the focus of Microsoft’s blog post took a specific angle that made me ask a question: “Is Windows 11 a selling point?”

After breaking down the new Search experience, sped up File Explorer, expanded customization options, and other features, Microsoft took the opportunity to promote PC sales.

Microsoft said:

"A new PC is a meaningful purchase, and the value should show up in more than a spec sheet. A modern Windows 11 PC brings together responsive everyday performance with more intuitive, connected and personal experiences, all supported by hardware designed for how you interact, create and play, from touch, pen and tactile feedback to immersive gaming experiences. The reason to upgrade is not just one feature; it is how all these experiences work together to make more of your day feel effortless."

Using Windows 11 as a sales tool indicates that Microsoft thinks the operating system is a selling point.

The vast majority of changes and upgrades will also ship to pre-existing PCs, so the entire premise is a bit odd. But that’s probably a post for another day. My main focus is that Microsoft heard feedback, made changes, and is now using those changes to sell PCs.

When rounding up reviews of the Surface Laptop Ultra, I noticed that several experts compared the laptop to a MacBook Pro. As much as it may pain some Windows enthusiasts to admit, the MacBook Pro is the gold standard for laptops in the eyes of many.

With Microsoft copying and competing with the MacBook Pro on the hardware side of things, the remaining question is if Windows 11 compares favorably to macOS.

A significant number of developers use Macs, and Microsoft wants to compete in that space. The Surface Laptop Ultra has the design and AI power to get devs to take a closer look. The question is whether Windows 11 will keep those devs around or drive them away.

Shopping with Sean

You knew my shopping suggestion of the week would be the Surface Laptop Ultra. This is the most powerful Surface in years, and arguably the most exciting in just as long.

Just make sure that you're the target audience for the Surface Laptop Ultra before spending thousands of dollars. Our Senior Editor does a great job breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of the PC in his Surface Laptop Ultra review. There, he also makes it clear who the laptop is for and who should just admire the device from afar.

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

On Windows 11, Microsoft is overhauling the Windows Search feature to make it faster, more accurate, and more useful. The experience will go beyond finding apps, files, and settings by letting users perform common tasks directly from the Taskbar. At the same time, upcoming improvements will add file previews, richer web results, and Copilot integration.

The redesigned Search experience is in development, but a preview is already rolling out through the Windows Insider Program, with more features planned for later this year and a deeper integration with the Start menu planned for 2027.

Here's what you need to know about the new Windows 11 Search experience.

What is the new Windows 11 Search experience?

The traditional Windows Search experience has been designed primarily to find apps, files, settings, and web results. However, its performance and ability to understand search queries have always been questionable.

The new Windows Search experience addresses these limitations with a redesigned interface built on WinUI 3, which Microsoft says improves performance and reduces memory usage. It also improves search accuracy by better matching typos and synonyms.

Beyond finding things, the new Search lets you perform certain actions directly from the Search box in the Taskbar. For example, you can type "switch to dark mode," "turn on Bluetooth," or "mute" to change a setting or adjust your computer without opening another app or navigating through additional screens.

Microsoft is also working on richer file previews, more detailed search results, and inline web answers that let you find information without leaving the experience. The company also plans to integrate Copilot into the experience, allowing users to ask questions and view answers directly in the Search interface before opening the Copilot app to expand the conversation.

What can you do with the new Windows Search?

The new Windows Search retains the core functionality of the legacy experience, letting you find apps, files, settings, and web results, but it also introduces new capabilities.

For example, you can perform certain actions directly from the Search box, such as switching to Dark mode, enabling Bluetooth, adjusting the volume, or arranging windows on the screen.

In future updates, Windows Search will add inline file previews and richer web results, including information cards for queries related to weather, stock prices, and other topics.

Microsoft is also working on Copilot integration, allowing Search to recognize questions that could benefit from a more detailed answer and display an AI-generated response directly in the interface. Selecting the response can then open the Copilot app for further assistance.

How do you enable the new Windows Search experience?

The new Windows Search experience is still under development and is currently available to Insiders in the Experimental channel for versions 26H2 and 26H1. To try it, your computer must be running build 26340.9616 for version 26H2 or build 28120.3181 for version 26H1 or a later release.

If the feature doesn't appear after installing the latest preview build, Microsoft says you can enable it manually by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Feature flags. After enabling the feature, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Does the new Windows Search require a Copilot+ PC or an NPU?

No. When I asked Microsoft whether the new Windows Search experience would be limited to devices with an NPU, the company explained that its inline actions use a small machine-learning (ML) model that runs locally on the computer's main processor. The model interprets the user's request and matches it to the appropriate action.

Microsoft also clarified that this isn't generative AI powered by a small language model (SLM) or a large language model (LLM). As a result, the feature doesn't require an NPU and will be available on computers without one.

Can Windows Search perform actions on a connected phone?

Not yet, but Microsoft is working on a new capability that will let users send text messages directly from Windows Search on computers connected to a phone through the Phone Link and Link to Windows apps.

Will the new Windows Search replace Start menu search?

Microsoft plans to bring the new Windows Search experience to the Start menu in 2027. For now, the Start menu continues to use the existing Search experience while the company keeps working on the new design. Microsoft hasn't explicitly confirmed whether the new experience will completely replace the current Search interface.

In the past, the company also worked on a similar feature called "Ask Copilot," which users could enable or disable through Taskbar settings. However, the current version of Windows 11 doesn't offer an option to turn off the new Search experience and continue using the legacy version on the Taskbar.

Does the new Windows Search use AI to perform actions?

The new Windows Search doesn't use AI to perform actions. This isn't generative AI. Instead, it uses a small ML model to match the user's intent to the action. As a result, the feature doesn't require an NPU and will be available on computers without one.

What improvements are coming to Windows Search?

The new version of Windows Search will include a new interface design that's significantly smaller than the legacy version. However, it'll include inline previews and richer file details, making it easier to identify documents, presentations, and photos without opening them.

Search will also display richer web results, including information about weather, stock prices, and general questions, directly in the interface.

Microsoft is also adding filters to help users narrow search results by category, such as files. In addition, the company plans to integrate Copilot into Taskbar Search, letting users get AI-generated answers inline and open the Copilot app for a more detailed conversation.

Will the new Windows Search integrate with Copilot?

Yes. Microsoft is working on integrating Copilot into the new Windows Search experience. The planned capability will let users ask questions and see AI-generated answers directly in the Search interface. Selecting an answer can open the Copilot app for further interaction.

The company says the opt-in experience will begin rolling out to select markets later this year.

When will the new Windows Search experience be available?

Microsoft began rolling out the new Windows Search experience to Insiders in the Experimental channel for versions 26H2 and 26H1 on October 7, 2026.