Windows Archives

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Own Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for Just $33

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for .97 until August 9, down from its regular price of 9.99. The suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and a free version of Microsoft Teams. It offers lifetime access on a single Windows PC and features significant performance enhancements and updated collaboration tools. The software is installed locally, allowing use without an internet connection for many tasks. It does not include continuous feature updates like Microsoft 365, providing a stable, perpetual version of the software.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Microsoft finally has a Windows 11 upgrade everyone can get behind

Microsoft is focusing on enhancing Windows 11 by addressing fundamental improvements, as highlighted by CEO Satya Nadella during the fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter earnings call. The company is investing in maintaining high quality and fundamentals for the operating system, with ongoing efforts to fix user concerns. Enhancements include testing a movable taskbar, reducing RAM consumption, fixing memory leaks, improving slow startup times, and updating File Explorer and Windows Search. The introduction of the Low Latency Profile update aims to improve responsiveness in the Start menu and shell. Microsoft has also removed the Copilot branding from certain applications to streamline the user experience. This renewed focus follows a challenging year with problematic updates, including a mandatory update in June that caused boot failures and other issues, prompting an emergency update in July. Financially, Microsoft's More Personal Computing revenue declined by 4%, with Windows OEM and Devices revenue dropping by 7%.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but does anyone actually use it?

Windows Insiders can explore new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, accessible via the Experimental Preview Channel. The enhanced Windows Search allows customization, including the option to integrate personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and decide on OneDrive's inclusion in search results. The Start menu will gradually feature a content preview. Users can discuss these updates on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Linux didn’t just eat 10% of Windows market share, AI bots are inflating the numbers

The Linux desktop market share has not exceeded 10% in North America, and Windows is not experiencing a significant loss of users. Recent claims about Linux's market share reaching over 10% are based on misinterpreted data from StatCounter, which tracks page views rather than actual users. StatCounter's methodology can lead to inflated Linux numbers due to increased bot activity. In July 2026, it was reported that Windows market share remained above 60%. Cloudflare Radar also noted a spike in Linux usage, but this was largely attributed to automated traffic, with human-only traffic showing Linux at approximately 4.7%. Microsoft reports that Windows 11 is currently operating on 1.6 billion PCs.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Windows 11: Microsoft optimizes memory requirements for systems with 8 GB RAM

Microsoft is focusing on enhancing the efficiency of Windows 11 for systems with 8 GB of RAM, identifying memory optimization as a key priority. The company is revising multiple technical areas, including a more efficient memory allocator and adaptations to WinUI 3 to reduce RAM usage. Improvements are also planned for Chromium and WebView2 to decrease resource consumption. Microsoft has not committed to specific metrics for memory reduction or paging activity but aims to improve performance for budget-friendly devices. The official minimum requirement for Windows 11 is 4 GB, but higher memory allocations may be necessary for certain applications. Microsoft plans to roll out improvements tested since March more broadly in the autumn, although it remains unclear if these changes will apply to all supported versions of Windows 11. Users with 8 GB of RAM will not need to take immediate action, as the new memory management features will be revealed in future updates.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Microsoft warns Windows 11 Insiders of crucial mandatory upcoming deadline

Microsoft is updating Secure Boot certificates for Windows 11 PCs, as the previous certificates are 15 years old and nearing expiration. Users can check their certificate status easily. An advisory was issued in early September regarding changes for Windows Insider channels, particularly affecting the Experimental and Beta channels, with a deadline for certificate updates set for August 11, 2026. The Release Preview builds will not be affected by this update requirement. Users in the impacted channels must update to specific builds to obtain the new certificates, or they may stop receiving updates after the deadline. The minimum build requirements for each channel are outlined, and users can check their current Windows 11 Insider build by using the winver command. Microsoft has confirmed that these updates will not impact activation or licensing status.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Stunning Windows 7 Remastered concept modernizes an extremely popular OS

AR 4789, a designer on YouTube, has introduced a concept called Windows 7 Remastered, which aims to modernize the classic Windows 7 interface by incorporating Fluent Design elements such as transparency effects and rounded corners. The project features a redesigned Start button and Windows 7 logo, along with new app icons in the Taskbar, including a merged browser icon for Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. The Start menu combines nostalgic elements with features from Windows 11, like app groups, widgets, and reminders. File Explorer has been revamped to include an AI-powered search that uses semantic meanings, and the Control Panel is integrated with the Windows Settings interface. The updated Taskbar includes enhanced transparency effects and a new "x" button. Additionally, users can personalize their experience with a Gadgets view that allows for customizable widgets on the desktop.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Former Microsoft dev brings Windows Task Manager to Mac

Dave W. Plummer, the original developer of the Windows Task Manager, has launched a beta project called Task Manager OG (TMOG) as an alternative to macOS's Activity Monitor. TMOG is built from scratch using Swift and does not contain any code from Windows XP. Microsoft provided Plummer with the source code of the XP Task Manager, but TMOG is independent. Initially intended for distribution through the Mac App Store, TMOG will instead be available for direct download due to Apple's sandboxing restrictions and guidelines against terminating other applications. Plummer plans to develop a Windows version and potentially a Pro version in the future.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Microsoft wants Windows 11’s right-click menu to work the way it should, by giving users more control

Microsoft is redesigning the context menu in Windows 11 to address complaints about its sluggishness and clutter. The new design will feature a more compact layout that enhances loading speed and offers full customization options. Users will be able to prioritize frequently used actions, hide seldom-used entries, and rearrange items in the menu. This initiative is part of the broader Windows K2 project aimed at improving the operating system's performance and user experience. The redesigned context menu is currently functional in internal testing, but no timeline for its public rollout has been announced.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox outage, fake Windows apps, new Windows 11 updates, and more

Microsoft has released two Cumulative Update Previews: KB5101681 for Windows 11, which includes calendar-based Windows Update pausing, a quieter Widgets experience, and enhanced accessibility features; and KB5101684 for Windows 10, which introduces Voice Isolation for Voice Access and new precision touchpad gesture controls. The company reported a record billion quarter for fiscal year 2026, with an 18% year-over-year increase, and Azure's annual revenue surpassed billion for the first time. Microsoft 365 Copilot's paid seat count exceeded 30 million. Xbox experienced a significant outage due to a failure in a shared licensing service, but services have since been restored. The Windows Insider Program released two Future Platforms builds that include features like Voice Isolation and a new scheduling system for updates. Wintoys transitioned to .NET 10 and Windows App SDK 2.3.1, while Notepad, Calculator, Clock, and Media Player received minor updates. Excel's July update added Power BI support and eliminated the AutoSave requirement. Microsoft confirmed its presence at Gamescom 2026, celebrating Xbox's 25th anniversary with 140 gaming stations and 25 playable titles. Double Fine laid off 23 employees, and Ubisoft canceled Project Maverick but is developing a new project. Xbox console owners can unlock PC versions of select games on Ubisoft Connect at no extra cost. Gears of War: E-Day introduced a new 12-player Horde Siege mode.