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April 2026

I can’t shake the feeling Xbox’s Project Helix has a major flaw, and Windows K2 might decide its future
Winsage
May 15, 2026

I can’t shake the feeling Xbox’s Project Helix has a major flaw, and Windows K2 might decide its future

In April 2026, Zac Bowden reported on Windows K2, an initiative by Microsoft aimed at improving Windows for gaming, with a focus on surpassing Valve's SteamOS in performance. Project Helix, the next-generation Xbox console platform, will be built on Windows 11 but has faced criticism due to SteamOS outperforming Windows 11 in gaming tests. Users have noted that SteamOS provides a more polished user experience compared to Windows 11, which currently has limitations for gaming handhelds. Windows K2 is intended to address issues such as reducing bloat, enhancing UI responsiveness, and optimizing gaming performance. The success of Windows K2 is seen as crucial for the future of Xbox, as it aims to create a seamless integration between Windows and Xbox products.
Windows 11 security update fixes critical Bing and Azure flaws
Winsage
May 13, 2026

Windows 11 security update fixes critical Bing and Azure flaws

Microsoft released its May 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, addressing 97 security vulnerabilities across various components, including Windows, Microsoft Office, Azure services, SQL Server, SharePoint, Hyper-V, and .NET. The updates are encapsulated in KB5089549 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, elevating systems to builds 26100.8457 and 26200.8457. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2026-32169, a critical flaw in Azure Cloud Shell with a CVSS score of 10.0, and CVE-2026-21536, a critical remote code execution vulnerability in the Microsoft Devices Pricing Program with a CVSS score of 9.8. Other critical vulnerabilities include CVE-2026-32191 and CVE-2026-32194, impacting Microsoft Bing Images, both with CVSS scores of 9.8. The update also addresses multiple Windows privilege escalation vulnerabilities and remote code execution vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office and Excel. Microsoft has warned of upcoming Secure Boot certificate expirations starting in June 2026 and has improved boot reliability related to BitLocker recovery issues. Users can install the updates via Settings → Windows Update, with a system restart required.
Windows 11's New Speed Boost Could Bring 70% Faster Load Times
Winsage
May 12, 2026

Windows 11’s New Speed Boost Could Bring 70% Faster Load Times

Microsoft is developing an update for Windows 11 that includes a new high-performance mode called the Low Latency Profile, which improves startup times for tasks. Early testing shows app load times can be up to 40% faster and interface launches up to 70% quicker. The Low Latency Profile temporarily boosts the CPU to its maximum frequency for one to three seconds when a user opens an application or interface. It primarily benefits Microsoft applications like Edge and Outlook, and some third-party apps may also qualify. The feature operates automatically without manual activation and has minimal impact on battery life and thermal performance. This update is part of the Windows K2 project aimed at enhancing Windows 11's performance. As of the end of the previous year, approximately 1 billion computers were still using Windows 10, which is set to lose support in October 2025, raising security concerns for users who do not transition to Windows 11.
Microsoft Confirms KB5083769 Breaks Macrium and Acronis Backups
Winsage
May 10, 2026

Microsoft Confirms KB5083769 Breaks Macrium and Acronis Backups

Microsoft's April 2026 Windows security update, KB5083769, may disrupt image-mount operations for backup applications such as Macrium Reflect, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, UrBackup Server, and NinjaOne Backup due to the addition of the psmounterex.sys kernel driver to its Vulnerable Driver Blocklist. This action was taken to address a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability, CVE-2023-43896. The inclusion of this driver in the blocklist has rendered several backup products inoperable, and Microsoft will not retract the block for security reasons. Administrators can use Event ID 3077 in the Code Integrity log to confirm that the blocklist is causing the failures. Microsoft advises updating backup applications to versions that include necessary driver protections instead of uninstalling or pausing the security patch. Additionally, the April updates have caused other issues, such as failures in Windows Server installations and devices booting into BitLocker recovery mode.
Microsoft finally begins testing Windows 10-like smaller taskbar for Windows 11 after removing it in 2021
Winsage
May 7, 2026

Microsoft finally begins testing Windows 10-like smaller taskbar for Windows 11 after removing it in 2021

Microsoft is refining Windows 11 based on user feedback, planning to reintroduce a smaller taskbar and resize controls similar to Windows 10. Early signs of these changes are evident in preview builds, specifically in Windows 11 Build 26300.8346, which features a compact Widgets button. Currently, Windows 11 allows for smaller taskbar buttons but not a smaller taskbar overall. Upcoming updates aim to restore the full functionality of the Windows 10 taskbar. Microsoft has acknowledged past missteps and is committed to enhancements, including improved performance and a more efficient File Explorer. Up to 18 major changes are being tested for Windows 11, with some already implemented in the April 2026 update, which includes improvements to system tray loading, Windows Hello reliability, and performance issues in File Explorer. Future changes will also focus on reducing advertisements and enhancing user experience.
"Minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting": Microsoft's powerful new recovery tool is quietly fixing System Restore. Here's how it actually works.
Winsage
May 6, 2026

“Minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting”: Microsoft’s powerful new recovery tool is quietly fixing System Restore. Here’s how it actually works.

System Restore is a recovery tool in Windows that allows users to revert their systems to a previous state, originating with Windows ME. It generates restore points that can be created manually or automatically, with a maximum retention of 60 days starting from the Windows 11 24H2 update in 2025. System Restore captures essential system files and settings but does not recover personal files. The new Point-in-Time Restore feature, introduced in 2025 and appearing in the Windows 11 Insider Experimental preview in April 2026, captures a broader range of data, including user files and applications, and operates on a scheduled basis with snapshots retained for up to 72 hours. It is optional for standard users, enabled by default for PCs with 200GB or more storage, and has storage limits set to 2% of total drive capacity. In enterprise settings, it is always enabled for Windows 365 Enterprise, maintaining restore points for up to one month and utilizing cloud storage. Point-in-Time Restore aims to improve the recovery experience and address limitations of the classic System Restore.
You have just four days left to grab Assassin's Creed Valhalla and seven other Steam Deck games for just $14.99
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

You have just four days left to grab Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and seven other Steam Deck games for just $14.99

Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion are available for .99 through the Humble Choice subscription service, which includes a total of eight games optimized for the Steam Deck. The combined retail value of these games is 9.98, and the total worth of the lineup is approximately 1.91 based on current Steam pricing. By subscribing for .99 a month, users can download all the games and cancel immediately to keep them permanently. The April 2026 Humble Choice lineup includes: - Assassin's Creed Valhalla (Steam Deck Playable) - Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (Steam Deck Playable) - The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria (Steam Deck Playable) - Until Then (Steam Deck Verified) - Planet of Lana (Steam Deck Verified) - Artisan TD (Steam Deck Verified) - The Procession to Calvary (Steam Deck Verified) - Buddy Simulator 1984 (Steam Deck Playable) This offer is time-sensitive, as it will soon be replaced by May's lineup.
I saw the Windows 10 users holding out in Steam and wondered: Is this by choice, or are you priced out of PC gaming upgrades?
Winsage
May 6, 2026

I saw the Windows 10 users holding out in Steam and wondered: Is this by choice, or are you priced out of PC gaming upgrades?

The April 2026 Steam survey results show that the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 8GB of VRAM remains the most common discrete graphics card among users. Approximately 25% of Windows users are utilizing Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as Windows 10 nears its End-of-Life phase. The usage of Linux and macOS has slightly decreased, with Arch Linux identified as the leading distribution for Valve's SteamOS. Despite Microsoft's recommendation for 32GB of RAM, 16GB is still the most prevalent configuration among users.
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 may restart multiple times after updates and your PC isn't broken, as it's due to Secure Boot 2023
Winsage
May 5, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 may restart multiple times after updates and your PC isn’t broken, as it’s due to Secure Boot 2023

Upon installing the April 2026 Patch Tuesday update, some users experienced two or three reboots, which Microsoft confirmed is intentional due to the installation of Secure Boot 2023 certificates. This behavior is expected for a limited number of devices and is part of the Secure Boot update process. The Secure Boot certificates are replacing older ones issued in 2011, set to expire in June 2026. Users can check their Secure Boot status in the Windows Security app, which indicates the status with green, yellow, or red badges. A green badge means the system is up to date, while yellow and red badges indicate issues with certificate updates. Microsoft is managing Secure Boot certificates on modern PCs, but older machines without OEM support may struggle to receive updates due to firmware limitations.
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