Cloud PCs Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Build 2026: Furthering Windows as the trusted platform for development

Build is an annual event focused on connecting with the global developer community and sharing innovations. Feedback from developers emphasizes the need for a frictionless and adaptable platform for seamless development across various environments. Key announcements include: - Coreutils for Windows: A suite of Linux-like command line utilities available natively on Windows. - WSL containers: A forthcoming public preview feature for creating and interacting with Linux containers. - Windows Development Skills: Structured knowledge for building native Windows apps using WinUI3 and WinApp CLI, now generally available. - Intelligent Terminal: An experimental feature integrating context-aware intelligence into the terminal for improved debugging and task execution. - Windows Developer Configurations: A WinGet-powered setup for distraction-free development, now generally available. - Windows 365 with Developer Configuration: A pre-configured cloud-based development environment in public preview. For security, the announcements include: - Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) SDK: A policy-driven execution layer for agent access and containment, available in early preview. - Agent 365 integration: Enhances security for agents with protections from Defender, Entra, Intune, and Purview, available in preview. - OpenClaw: Runs securely on Windows using MXC for easy installation of agent connections. - NVIDIA's OpenShell: A deployment package for autonomous agents on Windows, built on MXC. - Windows 365 for Agents: Secure Cloud PCs for executing enterprise workflows, now generally available. For AI capabilities: - Aion 1.0 Instruct: An on-device small language model for local workloads, available soon. - Expanded Windows AI APIs: Now accessible on more Windows 11 PCs, enhancing local AI capabilities. - Surface RTX Spark Dev Box: A device for developers featuring NVIDIA RTX Spark silicon for local AI workloads. - DGX Station for Windows: A powerful AI supercomputer for developing agents, coming in Q4. - Project Solara: A platform for agent-driven experiences, simplifying development across environments. - New Speech Recognition API: Real-time, on-device transcription capabilities. - Expansion of Windows AI APIs across GPUs and CPUs: Now available for broader hardware support. Windows is enhancing its security framework to reduce risks and ensure robust protection for applications.

Winsage

May 8, 2026

Microsoft Tests Point-in-Time Restore for Windows 11, a Full System Backup Beyond Classic System Restore

Microsoft is testing a recovery feature for Windows 11 called Point-in-Time Restore, which offers a more extensive system snapshot than the traditional System Restore. It was first introduced in the Windows 11 Insider Experimental preview on April 24, 2026. The feature aims to minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting and can be accessed through the Windows Recovery Environment and the Windows Settings app. Point-in-Time Restore backs up a broader range of data compared to System Restore, including user files, applications, settings, passwords, secrets, certificates, and keys. It restores the entire PC to a previous state, losing any local changes made after the snapshot. The feature operates on an automated schedule, with snapshots retained for up to 72 hours, and users can create new snapshots at specified intervals. For optimal use, Point-in-Time Restore is enabled by default on PCs with at least 200GB of drive space, with a storage cap of 2% of total drive capacity. It remains optional for consumer versions of Windows. A specialized version for Windows 365 Enterprise cloud PCs is always active, retains restore points for up to a month, and uses scalable cloud storage. Remote management support for Point-in-Time Restore is under development and not yet available. Currently, it is limited to builds within the Windows 11 Insider Experimental channel, with broader availability details pending.

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.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Windows 365 Link: One year of the simple, secure, purpose-built Cloud PC device

Windows 365 Link, a service launched a year ago, enhances the Windows 365 experience by providing a cloud-based Windows environment that is easy to manage, secure, and cost-effective. It allows organizations to scale Cloud PCs without local data or applications. Over the past year, it has expanded into new regions and industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and professional services. Organizations using Windows 365 Link have reported benefits like reduced management burdens and seamless access for workers. The partner network has grown to over 200 resellers in 20 countries, facilitating quick deployment. Upcoming updates include support for Bluetooth device pairing, tenant branding, USB redirection, and visibility into pending updates on sign-in screens.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

I tested Windows 11 March 2026 Updates: Everything new, improved, and fixed

Microsoft has rolled out the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 (KB5079473, Build 26200.8037) and Windows 10, focusing on enhancements and functional upgrades. The update applies to Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, introducing new features, security enhancements, system fixes, and reliability improvements. Key features include: - Support for Emoji 16.0, allowing users to insert new emojis through the Emoji panel. - Windows Backup restore adapted for organizational use, enabling restoration of user settings and applications during sign-in. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) enabled by default on more Windows 11 Pro PCs. - A Bing-powered Internet speed test tool accessible from the taskbar. - Sysmon included as a native component for system activity monitoring. - Support for WebP images as desktop wallpapers. - Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) supported on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - Minor enhancements in Accounts and Camera settings. The update also includes reliability and stability improvements, such as enhanced responsiveness of the Windows Update settings page, improved sign-in screen reliability, and better performance for the Windows printing service. It lays groundwork for Secure Boot certificate updates and addresses BitLocker reliability issues. Additionally, internal AI components have been updated, and a servicing stack update (SSU) has been released to enhance Windows Update infrastructure reliability. Microsoft is also expanding the updated Start menu and battery icons to more devices and warns users about the importance of updating Secure Boot certificates before their expiration in June 2026.

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Microsoft brings Windows restore to more enterprise devices – so you don’t have to worry about continuous backups

Microsoft has introduced a new sign-in restore experience in Windows Backup for Organizations, allowing users to restore Windows settings and Microsoft Store apps upon their first sign-in on a new or reimaged Windows 11 device. This feature is designed to benefit organizations that frequently refresh hardware or use Cloud PCs, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. The development of this tool was first hinted at during Microsoft Ignite in 2024, when Windows 10 had a 62% market share compared to Windows 11's 35%.

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1673 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key updates include: - Emoji 16.0 release with new emojis available in the emoji panel. - Introduction of a sign-in restore experience for Windows Backup for Organizations, reinstating user settings and Microsoft Store apps. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) is now automatically enabled for enterprise-managed Windows Professional devices. - A built-in network speed test accessible from the taskbar for measuring network performance. - Enhanced account menu in the Start menu directing users to Microsoft account benefits. - Pan and tilt controls for supported cameras available in the Settings app. - Widget Settings have been updated to a full-page experience. - Search function in the taskbar now displays group headers with the number of results and allows previewing results. - Support for Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - Improvements to dark mode in File Explorer and fixes for unexpected window behavior. - Reliability improvements in Settings for Bluetooth & Devices options. - Enhanced reliability for sending larger files via nearby sharing. Features are gradually rolled out, and a clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Microsoft expands Windows restore to more enterprise devices

Microsoft has introduced a feature that allows enterprise users to restore personal settings and Microsoft Store applications from a previous Windows 11 device during their first login on a new or reimaged device using a Microsoft Entra ID account. This feature is part of Windows Backup for Organizations, which streamlines the migration process to Windows 11. The restore capability has been expanded to support hybrid-managed environments, multi-user device configurations, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Users will receive a prompt during the first login to either restore from a previous device's backup or set up the device as new, but those who bypass this step will not receive another prompt. IT administrators can manage this feature through Microsoft Intune or Group Policy. The feature will be available for devices with Windows updates released on February 24, 2026, and later. Windows Backup for Organizations was first announced in November 2024, reached public preview in May 2025, and became generally available in August.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Announcing new Cloud PC devices designed for Windows 365

In 2024, Microsoft launched Windows 365 Link, a new category of devices designed for quick access to Windows 365 Cloud PCs, enhancing IT management and security. Microsoft is collaborating with ASUS and Dell to expand the Cloud PC device portfolio. The ASUS NUC 16 for Windows 365 is a mini-PC with a 0.7L design, supporting up to three displays, expected to be available in Europe and the U.S. by Q3 2026. The Dell Pro Desktop for Windows 365 is a compact, fanless desktop that also supports three displays and will be available in 58 countries by Q3 2026. Both devices boot directly into Windows 365 and are managed through Microsoft Intune. Key updates for the Windows CPC operating system are planned for Q2 2026, including Bluetooth pairing support and tenant branding features. Windows 365 Link is currently available in 20 countries, with plans for market expansion.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Windows 12 Forecast Six Expert Predictions

Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 12, which is expected to feature an AI-native experience with deep integration of Copilot, showcasing capabilities like on-screen comprehension, voice activation, and task automation. The hardware requirements will be elevated, necessitating 16GB of RAM, rapid NVMe storage, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for advanced features. Windows on Arm is gaining momentum, with improvements in app compatibility and battery life, while a modular architecture called CorePC is being developed to facilitate faster updates and enhance security. Licensing for Windows 12 is expected to remain unchanged for consumers, with optional cloud-enhanced services available. The update cadence will increase, allowing for faster feature drops independent of major OS releases, with the Windows Insider Program continuing to test new features. Upon its release, Windows 12 will integrate Copilot, provide a more cohesive OS core, and support both x86 and Arm architectures.