Windows 11

Microsoft has started testing several enhancements for Windows 11, including a faster File Explorer and a more customizable context menu. These updates are contained within Windows 11 preview builds that are rolling out to Insiders this week.

Microsoft announced the removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool. This removal effort affects multiple versions, including Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. The action was taken because the WMIC tool is known to be used by cybercriminals.

Researchers discovered a vulnerability where Windows Plug and Play can be abused to execute privileged installation components on fully updated Windows 11 machines, leading to SYSTEM access. This exploit path can also be triggered remotely over Remote Desktop if supported Plug and Play or low-level USB redirection is active.

Microsoft has extended the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 until October 12, 2027, providing critical security patches for eligible systems. The extension offers additional time for users to transition to newer operating systems, though ESU does not include new features or full support. Users are advised to check if their PCs can run Windows 11 as an upgrade option.

Microsoft has introduced a new OneDrive Photos app on some Windows 11 PCs via OneDrive and Windows updates. The app includes AI-powered search and an optional facial grouping feature for organizing photos.

October 2026 will see the end of support for multiple Microsoft products, including Office LTSC 2021, Windows Server 2022, Windows 11 versions, and Microsoft Publisher 2021. Admins must migrate to newer versions or Microsoft 365 to maintain support, while Entra ID Sign-In risk policies will be retired, requiring a shift to Conditional Access.

Smart devices like Samsung refrigerators and Windows 11 computers display ads through software updates, frustrating users who paid for the products. Samsung states users can disable ads in settings, though most have not done so.

Microsoft is blocking this month's Windows 11 security updates on some Dell devices due to shutdowns and performance issues. The issue affects certain Dell PCs, causing them to shut down and experience performance problems.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 8 offers snappy performance, long battery life, a great keyboard, and an excellent new haptic touchpad. It replaces the 2024 model, features ARM-based Qualcomm chips, and has a higher price due to increased memory and chip costs. The laptop aims to compete with Apple's MacBook Air and other thin, light PCs.

Microsoft has extended Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 consumers through October 2027, notifying users via email that they can keep their current PCs for another year. The move follows stalled adoption of Windows 11 due to hardware requirements and rising component costs, with Statcounter indicating Windows 11’s market share growth has plateaued.

Microsoft has introduced a new experimental Windows 11 feature called Cloud Rebuild, which allows re-imaging PCs without physical Windows copies by downloading OS images and drivers via Windows Update. The tool integrates with Microsoft Entra, Intune, and Windows Autopilot for automated app and policy deployment, but requires compatible hardware and internet access.

Microsoft is testing the Cloud Rebuild recovery feature in Windows 11 through the latest Insider Preview builds available to users in the Experimental channel. The feature aims to enhance system recovery options for Windows 11 users.

Microsoft has fixed the GIF functionality in the Windows Emoji Panel for Windows 11 and Windows Server users following the shutdown of a service provider.

Microsoft has quietly extended extended security updates for Windows 10 consumer users until October 12, 2027, charging $30 annually. The move follows persistent Windows 10 adoption (26% of Windows users globally) amid rising PC costs due to AI-driven hardware demands, making upgrades to Windows 11 less accessible for some users.

A recent Windows 11 update has caused issues with the Recycle Bin, OneDrive functionality, and overall PC stability, according to a report. Microsoft has acknowledged the problems, which affect user experience and data management.

Windows 11 users are frustrated with Microsoft account requirements being integrated into various features. The article on WindowsCentral highlights this issue and mentions a workaround.

The June update for Windows 11 introduces a low-latency profile, accelerates search functionality, and addresses hundreds of flaws. The update slightly improves the user experience by reducing some of the system's previous shortcomings.

The article critiques recent tech keynotes, highlighting Microsoft's Windows 11 as an 'agentic platform' with an autonomous 'Autopilot' agent, while criticizing Nvidia's RTX Spark and Qualcomm's 5G surveillance for privacy concerns. It draws parallels to past tech dystopias and questions the inevitability of these advancements.

Microsoft is introducing a developer-optimized Windows 11 experience at its Build conference, featuring enhanced Linux integration through tools like command line utilities, Linux containers, and a new Intelligent Terminal. The update focuses on performance, reliability, and a streamlined setup for developers.

Microsoft's Build 2026 developer conference begins June 2nd in San Francisco, featuring announcements about new AI models, Windows 11 updates, a Copilot 'super app,' and the Surface Laptop Ultra powered by Nvidia's RTX Spark.

Microsoft has resolved a known issue causing installation failures and 0x800f0922 errors during deployment of the May 2026 Windows 11 security update (KB5089549).

The article provides methods to reduce or eliminate Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11, including removing it from the taskbar, uninstalling the app, remapping the Copilot key via PowerToys, and using Group Policy for business users. However, traces of Copilot may persist due to its deep integration with Windows, and updates could reintroduce it.

Microsoft's May 12 security update for Windows Server 2016 introduced a bug causing domain controller discovery failures for servers with 15-character hostnames, disrupting tools like DFS Namespace. No immediate workaround is provided, and the issue remains under investigation.

HP estimates 30% of its PC customers remain on Windows 10, which lost standard support in October 2025, providing a financial opportunity as migration to Windows 11 lags. Regional adoption trends in EMEA and APJ now match North America, while hardware incompatibilities and EU regulations complicate upgrades. HP also highlights AI-driven edge computing as a growth area.

Microsoft has released a cumulative update preview for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2, introducing features like Bluetooth LE Audio support, enhanced Task Manager NPU monitoring, and performance improvements for app launches. The update also includes options for custom user folder names and Dev Drive size adjustments, though a persistent 0x800f0922 error related to limited EFI System Partition space remains unresolved.

Microsoft released the KB5089573 cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, introducing 30 changes focused on performance and reliability improvements.

Tiny11, a lightweight version of Windows 11, offers a solution for users who cannot or prefer not to upgrade to the full Windows 11 operating system. It is designed to work on a wide range of computers, including older hardware.

Firefox version 151 has been released with new features, including a fresh new look and feel for the New Tab page, improved handling of Firefox Backup, and the ability to merge multiple PDFs into one. The release also includes over 30 security fixes and improvements to multi-monitor handling and macOS integration. Thunderbird 151 has also been updated with new features.

Microsoft plans to improve Windows 11 driver quality in 2026. The goal is to raise the quality bar of drivers as they are crucial for the Windows experience. This improvement will connect the OS to silicon, components, and peripherals.

Gemini is becoming increasingly pervasive in Google apps, showing up in various places and causing frustration for users. This phenomenon is compared to Microsoft's Copilot feature in Windows 11, which also sparked irritation among users. Gemini's creep into multiple platforms is raising concerns.

Windows 11 has introduced new taskbar options, allowing users to dock it to any edge of their screen and configure different behaviors for each position. This update addresses longstanding regressions from Windows 10. The new features are available in a recent Windows Insider Preview build.

Microsoft has started rolling out updates to Windows 11, allowing users to move the taskbar around and customize its appearance. The update is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. The changes aim to address customer complaints about feature removals in Windows 11.

Microsoft's May security update may fail to install due to insufficient space on the Windows boot partition, resulting in a 0x800f0922 error code. The issue affects Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. Microsoft has suggested workarounds, including a registry edit or a Known Issue Rollback (KIR).

Microsoft is testing a resizable taskbar and Start menu in Windows 11. This feature is available in the latest preview version for Insiders in the Experimental channel. The update brings back a previously removed feature to the operating system.

Microsoft has confirmed installation issues with the May 2026 Windows 11 security update, which fails to install on some systems and triggers errors. The update is identified as KB5089549 and specifically causes 0x800f0922 errors. This issue affects the stability and security of the operating system.

Microsoft is testing new features for Windows 11, including the ability for Insiders to choose their Start menu size and reposition the taskbar. This change allows users to customize their experience. The company is seeking feedback from Insiders on these new features.

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 test allows users to reposition the taskbar and change the size of the Start menu. The update is rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders in the Experimental channel. Users can place the taskbar on any side of the screen and adjust icon alignment.

Competitors exploited 15 unique zero-day vulnerabilities in products like Windows 11 and Microsoft Exchange, earning $385,750 in cash awards on the second day of Pwn2Own Berlin 2026. The vulnerabilities were found in multiple products, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux for Workstations. This highlights significant security concerns in popular software.

Security researchers exploited 24 unique zero-days on the first day of Pwn2Own Berlin 2026, collecting $523,000 in cash awards, including hacks of Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge. The event highlighted significant vulnerabilities in popular software. Researchers demonstrated their ability to breach secure systems.

A zero-day exploit named YellowKey can bypass default Windows 11 BitLocker protections, allowing access to an encrypted drive within seconds. The exploit was published by a researcher known as Nightmare-Eclipse and targets Microsoft's full-volume encryption protection. This exploit is significant as BitLocker is a mandatory protection for many organizations.