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Microsoft buried its best Surface hardware in years through a quiet series of press releases
Winsage
June 22, 2026

Microsoft buried its best Surface hardware in years through a quiet series of press releases

Microsoft has launched the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12, but the announcement lacked a dedicated event or live stream, leaving many potential customers unaware of the new features. The new devices are priced at least 0 higher than their predecessors, though Microsoft is including a complimentary keyboard with the purchase. The business models of Surface PCs include enterprise features for productivity and security, while the consumer version is powered by the Snapdragon X2 Elite. The Surface Laptop Ultra features NVIDIA's RTX Spark superchip and runs on Windows on Arm. Microsoft has introduced six new Surface devices this year, including a clamshell workstation and a mini PC, with significant innovations from Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm. The Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 are considered expensive, prompting some consumers to look for alternatives like the Dell XPS 13 with a Snapdragon X Elite and 32GB of RAM.
Microsoft Auto-Installs Microsoft 365 Copilot on Windows
Winsage
June 22, 2026

Microsoft Auto-Installs Microsoft 365 Copilot on Windows

Microsoft has recommenced the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot application on eligible commercial Windows devices as of June 2026. The rollout targets devices running Windows 10 (22H2 or later) and Windows 11 with existing Microsoft 365 desktop applications, focusing initially on tenants with Copilot add-on licenses, expected to conclude by late July 2026. Enterprise administrators can manage this installation through a policy titled 'Disable Microsoft 365 Copilot auto-install,' introduced in May 2026. Users can manually uninstall the app, which will not be reinstalled for 90 days if removed. The rollout will not affect the European Economic Area due to exemptions under the Digital Markets Act. This resumption follows a previous halt in March 2026 due to a configuration error and backlash from users regarding the original rollout plan set for October 2025.
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 for fall 2026 release, reveals supported PCs and other details
Winsage
June 21, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 for fall 2026 release, reveals supported PCs and other details

Microsoft has confirmed the upcoming Windows 11 26H2 feature update, set to roll out in fall 2026, likely in October. This update will not be a major overhaul and will utilize an enablement package (eKB) for installation, similar to the previous Windows 11 25H2 version. The last major update was the 24H2 version, released on October 1, 2024, while 25H2 launched in 2025 and reset the OS life cycle, extending support by an additional year. Support for Windows 11 24H2 ends on October 13, 2026, and for 25H2 until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 26H2 will be supported until October 2028 for Home, Pro, Pro EDU, and Pro for Workstations editions, and until October 2029 for Enterprise, Education, or IoT Enterprise editions. Devices running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 will transition to 26H2 without new hardware requirements, maintaining specifications of 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 1GHz or faster 64-bit dual-core processor. Windows 11 26H1, another update, requires new silicon but does not introduce exclusive features. Major changes will be delivered through monthly cumulative updates rather than annual feature updates.
New DirectX Dump Files tool will make debugging crashes easier GPU + Windows
Winsage
June 21, 2026

New DirectX Dump Files tool will make debugging crashes easier GPU + Windows

Microsoft has launched a public preview of DirectX Dump Files, designed to improve the debugging process for GPU crashes on Windows. The .dxdmp files are created when a hardware error is detected and contain hardware snapshots, driver data, Direct3D runtime context, and application user data. Developers need to meet specific requirements, including using Windows 24H2 or 25H2 with update KB5089573 or later, Windows 26H1 with update KB5089570 or later, Agility SDK Update Package 1.721.1-preview, and enabling developer mode. Additionally, AMD Software AgilitySDK Developer Preview Edition 26.10.07.02 is required for AMD graphics cards, along with compatible benchmark drivers from Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, and PIX version 2606.18-preview for analyzing dump files. The tool is currently focused on gathering developer feedback and is not intended for retail game integration. Developers can choose between three operational modes: NOOVERHEAD, MEDIUMOVERHEAD, and HIGH_OVERHEAD. The full launch is expected in fall 2026.
Microsoft reveals how to verify Windows 11's Secure Boot update, what to do if your PC missed it
Winsage
June 21, 2026

Microsoft reveals how to verify Windows 11’s Secure Boot update, what to do if your PC missed it

The expiration of Microsoft's Secure Boot 2011 certificates on June 24 will not prevent older Windows PCs from booting, as confirmed by Microsoft. Devices will continue to operate normally, but they will miss future boot-level security updates, including updates to the Windows Boot Manager and mitigations for newly identified vulnerabilities. The ability to receive the Secure Boot 2023 update depends on the device firmware's compatibility, with many manufacturers, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS, having cutoffs for BIOS updates based on the device's End of Service Life. Older PCs using Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module (CSM) mode do not utilize UEFI Secure Boot, making the update irrelevant. Users running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware may have Secure Boot disabled or improperly configured. Without the 2023 certificates, devices cannot receive future revocation updates to the Secure Boot DBX, which lists compromised bootloaders. Users on Windows 10 with supported OEMs may receive the update if a compatible BIOS is available, while those on older PCs without updates can continue using their devices but will lack future security updates. The Secure Boot status can be checked through the Windows Security app, with color-coded badges indicating the status of the certificates.
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 to finally get one of the most requested features
Winsage
June 21, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 to finally get one of the most requested features

Microsoft has confirmed the rollout of Windows 11 version 26H2, with build 26300.8697 now available for testing in the experimental Insider channel. This version will be delivered through an enablement package over the existing Windows 11 25H2. A key feature is the enhancement to the Search functionality, prioritizing local file search over web results, with the option to disable web suggestions in settings. Users can enable the new Search experience using feature IDs: 61267302, 61344081, 61482515, 61532758, 61760679, and ensuring ID 48433719 is enabled. Steps to enable the new Search functionality include downloading ViveTool, using Command Prompt to enable the relevant IDs, and restarting the computer. Users have reported improved responsiveness in the Search feature after disabling web search.
I used Windows 11 exactly the way Microsoft wanted, and it drove me crazy
Winsage
June 21, 2026

I used Windows 11 exactly the way Microsoft wanted, and it drove me crazy

The author has customized Windows for years, resisting Microsoft's default settings by changing the default browser, decluttering the Start menu, and preventing OneDrive from managing files. Upon acquiring a new mini PC, the author decided to experience Windows 11 with the default settings, allowing OneDrive to manage files and using Windows Search without workarounds. This led to frustration as files saved locally were often stored in OneDrive-synced folders, making the Desktop feel cloud-based. The author also found Windows Search to be cluttered with mixed results and promotional content, which detracted from its utility. The overall experience felt less tailored to personal workflow and more aligned with Microsoft's ecosystem. After three days, the author reverted to their usual practices, adjusting defaults and decluttering the interface, leading to a more user-friendly environment that matched their preferences.
Windows 11 version 26H2 is now available for testing in the latest preview build
Winsage
June 21, 2026

Windows 11 version 26H2 is now available for testing in the latest preview build

Windows 11 preview builds 26300.8697 and 26220.8690 have been rolled out for Insiders in the Experimental and Beta Channels. The Experimental Channel has been upgraded to version 26H2. Key improvements include: - The versioning for Insiders in the Experimental channel now reflects version 26H2. - The Copy dialog in Dark mode has been enhanced for visual consistency and reliability. - The Start menu now accurately reflects newly installed or removed applications without requiring a sign-out or restart. - An issue with the smaller taskbar option has been resolved, preventing the system tray from being cut off or pushed off-screen. - Reliability enhancements have been made to Settings > Apps > Startup. - A critical issue causing bugchecks (HYPERVISORERROR and KMODEEXCEPTIONNOTHANDLED) during system restarts, virtual machine operations, or specific gaming applications has been addressed.
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