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Microsoft drops Copilot branding from Windows 11 apps
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.
Microsoft starts removing Copilot buttons from Windows 11 apps
Winsage
April 10, 2026

Microsoft starts removing Copilot buttons from Windows 11 apps

Microsoft is removing the Copilot buttons from its Windows 11 applications, including Notepad, Snipping Tool, Photos, and Widgets, in favor of a more streamlined interface. The Copilot button in Notepad has been replaced with a "writing tools" menu that retains AI features without the Copilot branding. The Snipping Tool also no longer features the Copilot button during area selection. This change aims to enhance functionality and simplicity in Windows 11 while keeping the underlying AI capabilities available to users. There is speculation about the potential removal of the Copilot button from laptop keyboards and further streamlining of other Windows 11 features.
Windows and Xbox rediscover user feedback and fans are wondering what took so long
Winsage
April 10, 2026

Windows and Xbox rediscover user feedback and fans are wondering what took so long

Microsoft has shifted its focus to better address user needs, revitalizing its Xbox Series X|S consoles and re-engaging with the gaming community through initiatives like the global Xbox FanFest. The company is also working to improve its relationship with Windows users by acknowledging past criticisms and planning to reinstate Windows Insider meetups and prioritize user-requested features. Despite these efforts, skepticism remains among observers of Microsoft's trajectory. Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI is complicated, with CEO Satya Nadella expressing concerns about backlash against AI integration. The company has invested over a billion dollars in OpenAI for exclusive access to AI models but may pursue legal action against OpenAI due to its collaborations with other tech giants. Microsoft's AI and cloud businesses are facing scrutiny from investors, with concerns about profitability and the sustainability of Azure operations. Nearly half of U.S. data centers planned for 2026 are at risk of cancellation, complicating Microsoft's AI ambitions. OpenAI's path to profitability is expected to be long, with projections suggesting it may not turn a profit until 2030. The competitive landscape, including rivals like Anthropic and alternatives from China, adds uncertainty. Legal challenges may arise from OpenAI's agreements with other companies, potentially affecting Microsoft's interests. Nadella's reference to "societal permission" indicates an awareness of Microsoft's public image, which has suffered. Xbox has faced community engagement issues, and Windows 11 has experienced public relations challenges and a decline in innovation. The costs associated with AI have been substantial, impacting Microsoft's reputation and consumer trust.
"Listening to how we can keep making it better for you": Windows Insider meetups are coming back after years away, connecting Windows 11 users with Microsoft
Winsage
April 9, 2026

“Listening to how we can keep making it better for you”: Windows Insider meetups are coming back after years away, connecting Windows 11 users with Microsoft

Pavan Davuluri, President of Windows at Microsoft, committed to improving user sentiment for Windows 11 by addressing pain points and listening to customer feedback. Microsoft has reinstated the vertical Taskbar and is scaling back the visibility of AI features like Copilot. The company is reviving Windows Insider meetups to engage more with users, with scheduled events in New York City, Hyderabad, Taipei, San Francisco, and London. Senior Editor Zac Bowden noted a decline in the appeal of the Windows Insider Program, and he advocates for the revival of a major annual Windows event.
Microsoft Promises Long-Overdue Changes To Windows 11 That You're Going To Love
Winsage
April 9, 2026

Microsoft Promises Long-Overdue Changes To Windows 11 That You’re Going To Love

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users due to controversial Copilot AI features and changes that have compromised functionality, including a redesigned Start menu, a fragmented settings application, and a slower file explorer. Microsoft is responding to user feedback, with Design Director Diego Baca acknowledging issues with the Start menu's performance and stating that "search performance + predictability" is a focus. Partner Director of Design March Rogers confirmed that they are working on migrating legacy Control Panel features to the modern Settings app while ensuring compatibility with various devices and drivers. Users have mixed reactions, particularly concerned about the potential removal of the Control Panel before the new settings are fully functional. Despite the discontent, Windows remains a reliable experience for many users compared to alternatives like Linux.
Windows is sabotaging your expensive hardware, and these are the biggest ways how
Winsage
April 9, 2026

Windows is sabotaging your expensive hardware, and these are the biggest ways how

Modern PCs, even with mid-range hardware, can experience performance issues not solely due to hardware limitations but because of how Windows operates. The operating system runs numerous background services that consume resources, including Connected User Experiences and Telemetry, Diagnostic Policy Service, and Windows Error Reporting. These services log activity and send data to Microsoft, leading to unexpected CPU spikes and disk usage. Startup applications, such as Microsoft Teams and OneDrive, also contribute to longer boot times and increased resource usage. Users should monitor and limit these applications to improve startup performance. Legacy features like SysMain, Windows Search indexing, and automatic folder type discovery can hinder performance on modern systems, as they were designed for older hardware and can cause unnecessary disk activity. Microsoft services like Copilot and OneDrive continuously run in the background, consuming memory and CPU resources, which affects overall system performance. Windows' power management settings prioritize energy efficiency over performance, leading to inconsistent responsiveness and delays during tasks. This conservative approach impacts various components, making the system feel sluggish.
Microsoft finally begins removing Copilot from Notepad on Windows 11 — but the AI still persists
Winsage
April 9, 2026

Microsoft finally begins removing Copilot from Notepad on Windows 11 — but the AI still persists

Microsoft has removed the Copilot label from various applications in Windows 11, including Notepad, which now features "writing tools" instead of the Copilot icon and terminology. References to AI have been removed from the Notepad Settings, with AI-powered tools now managed under "Advanced features." This change is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to simplify AI interactions across the operating system, responding to user feedback about the Copilot brand. Similar rebranding is expected for other applications, including Paint and File Explorer. The initiative aims to enhance user experience by reducing bloat and improving system stability and reliability.
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