Windows Archives

Winsage

April 12, 2026

“What else were Steam Deck users to do but create their own solutions?”: I watched Valve’s Linux-first handheld turn into a Windows 11 experiment in its community

Valve's Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received positive reviews for its custom Linux operating system, SteamOS. Initially competing with the Nintendo Switch, it now faces competition from new handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which run Windows 11. Although not originally designed for Windows 11, users found ways to install it, leading Valve to release official drivers for easier installation. Running Windows 11 on the Steam Deck allows access to Xbox Game Pass and other game launchers, but it introduces challenges like performance issues due to additional telemetry and bloat. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, has formed to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing resources and guides. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become an unexpected Windows gaming handheld, sustained by community enthusiasm.

Winsage

April 12, 2026

How the Steam Deck became an unlikely Windows 11 handheld — and the community making it work

The Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received a five-star review for its design. It initially ran on SteamOS, a custom Linux version, which introduced many gamers to Linux. The device faced competition from the Nintendo Switch, but as its popularity grew, other manufacturers began releasing their own PC handhelds with Windows 11. Windows 11 offers better game compatibility and access to various platforms, leading some Steam Deck users to seek ways to install it on their devices. Although not originally designed for Windows, early adopters found methods to install it, prompting Valve to release an official Windows driver package. With Windows 11, users gained access to features like anti-cheat support and compatibility with multiple game launchers, though challenges remained. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, emerged to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing guides and troubleshooting assistance. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become a notable option for Windows gaming handhelds, aided by community efforts.

Winsage

April 12, 2026

Microsoft drops Copilot branding from Windows 11 apps

Microsoft is phasing out the Copilot branding from various native applications in Windows 11, including Notepad and Snipping Tool, replacing the Copilot button with a writing tools menu. Similar changes are being made in other applications like Photos and Widgets. The updates aim to reduce the number of Copilot entry points while maintaining core AI functionalities. Microsoft is shifting its focus to embedding AI directly within applications instead of highlighting it as a standalone feature, resulting in a more streamlined user experience. Users will see fewer visible AI shortcuts, but functionality such as AI-assisted features will remain accessible through different menus.

Winsage

April 12, 2026

Microsoft Initiates Mandatory Windows 11 25H2 Upgrade Ahead of 24H2 Support Ending

Microsoft has initiated the rollout of the Windows 11 25H2 update, affecting millions of users worldwide. Support for Windows 11 24H2 will be discontinued in the upcoming months, making the upgrade to 25H2 mandatory for those still using 24H2.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows Insider Program To Fix Channel And Feature Rollout Confusion

Microsoft has revamped the Windows Insider Program by streamlining it from three channels to two: Experimental and Beta. Experimental replaces the Dev and Canary channels, allowing users to test new features immediately, while Beta provides a more stable preview of major updates. The program now offers previews across three branches: Windows 11 25H2 for x86 PCs, Windows 11 26H1 for ARM PCs, and a "Future Platforms" branch for upcoming Windows 11 26H2. Feature Flags have been introduced to customize notifications for new features, and the program has eliminated gradual rollouts, providing immediate access to new features for Experimental users. The process of unenrolling or switching between channels has been simplified with a new In-Place Upgrade (IPU) system, allowing users to transition between versions without losing applications, data, or settings.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Microsoft terminated accounts tied to VeraCrypt, WireGuard, and Windscribe

Several prominent security and privacy developers, including those behind VeraCrypt, WireGuard, and Windscribe, had their Microsoft developer accounts terminated, preventing them from accessing essential publishing and verification tools. Microsoft acknowledged the terminations but did not provide a detailed explanation. The lead developer of VeraCrypt, Mounir Idrassi, expressed frustration over the inability to sign drivers and ship updates for WireGuard due to the account suspension. Windscribe reported similar issues and difficulties in reaching Microsoft support. The situation gained attention on social media, prompting Microsoft’s EVP for Windows and Devices, Pavan Davuluri, to assure that the company was working to resolve the issue and had reached out to VeraCrypt and WireGuard to reinstate their accounts. The terminations were attributed to a new mandatory account verification process that took effect on October 16, 2025, requiring partners to verify their identities with government-issued IDs. Microsoft acknowledged the need to improve communication regarding such changes.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

“We have discontinued SaRA”: Microsoft replaces its Windows 11 Recovery Assistant — here’s how to transition to Microsoft’s modern command-line replacement.

Microsoft has phased out the Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) utility with the March 2026 Security Update for Windows 11, replacing it with the new "Get Help" command-line tool. The SaRA was designed to troubleshoot and resolve common issues affecting Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 applications. Users are now encouraged to use the Get Help command-line tool, which offers enhanced functionality and security. To use the Get Help tool, users must download the files, extract them, and run specific commands in the Command Prompt. The tool addresses various issues, including Microsoft 365 activation challenges and Outlook profile errors.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29565.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29565.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. Key updates include improved performance for the Bubbles screensaver on high refresh rate monitors, refinements to the drag tray based on user feedback, and enhancements to the Windows Security app, which now features color-coded icon badges for Secure Boot status. The Feedback Hub has also received updates, including a new default window size that remembers dimensions, mouse back button navigation, and improved visibility for community feedback. Canary Channel builds may be unstable and are subject to change. Users can enable a toggle in Settings to access new features gradually. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Big changes coming with Windows 11. Microsoft might be bidding goodbye to the Control Panel

Microsoft is set to launch a significant update for Windows 11 in April 2026, focusing on enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The update will streamline the Settings interface, align dialog boxes with dark mode, and aim for a more intuitive user experience. Under design director March Rogers, the initiative seeks to address historical criticisms of Microsoft's design approach, emphasizing the alignment of form and function. Key features of the update include a clearer Settings layout, dark mode for legacy dialog boxes, the ability to move the Taskbar, voice input for File Explorer, and AI integration with Narrator. Additionally, the update will adapt to evolving hardware needs with improved stylus configuration for 2-in-1 devices. User feedback is being prioritized in design decisions to create a cleaner, more cohesive system.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (KB 5083635) has been released to the Beta Channel, featuring several updates: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large volumes in Storage settings. - Reduced frequency of UAC prompts on the Storage page. - Resolution of unrealistic data usage values in Network settings. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app's Secure Boot experience, including color-coded icon badges and updated certificates. - A revamped Feedback Hub with a modernized experience, simpler feedback submission, easier navigation, a new compliment feedback type, and improved screenshot capture tools. - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - A desktop watermark appears in Insider pre-release builds. - Features may not be released beyond Windows Insiders and may evolve or be removed.