Cortana Archives

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

On this day: Microsoft’s 2016 Android‑Windows app port plan predicted today’s AI ecosystem

Microsoft has been working on bridging the gap between Android and Windows 10 for over a decade, initially encouraging developers to port applications and integrate notifications through Cortana. As of 2026, Microsoft's AI strategy continues to focus on cross-platform compatibility, evolving from earlier projects like Astoria and Cortana. Recently, Microsoft introduced a "request app" functionality in Windows 10 that allows users to suggest apps for the Windows Store directly from notifications on their Android smartphones. This feature was first identified by a Reddit user and directs users to a UserVoice page for app recommendations. Notification syncing between Android and Windows 10 is currently limited to Insider builds of 'Redstone', and the request feature has shown some inconsistencies.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Microsoft to Allow Users to Disable Web Search in Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing new controls for Windows 11 that will allow users to disable web search and remove Microsoft Store suggestions from their search results. The update, demonstrated on June 2, 2026, will include two toggles in the Windows 11 Settings app under Privacy and Security → Search Permissions. The first toggle will turn off Bing-powered web results in the taskbar search and Start menu, while the second will control the appearance of Microsoft Store app suggestions. This change replaces the previous method of disabling web search, which required complex registry edits. The new settings aim to enhance user experience by prioritizing local search results and addressing privacy concerns, as user queries will no longer be transmitted to Microsoft’s servers. The toggles are expected to roll out through the Windows Insider program before becoming available to all users.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Halo Campaign Evolved: Everything we know about Master Chief’s glow-up

Halo: Campaign Evolved is a full remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, featuring enhanced graphics, refined controls, and three bonus prologue missions. The release date is set for July 23, 2026, with pre-orders for the Premium or Collector’s Edition available. The game will be available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and for the first time, on PlayStation 5. The remake was first teased in October 2025 with a trailer for The Silent Cartographer mission. A cinematic story trailer was revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, showcasing the Master Chief and his AI companion, Cortana. The Operation Meteorite trailer introduces new content where Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson face Covenant ships in lush environments.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved Launches July 28, Pre-Orders Available Now

Halo: Campaign Evolved features a new three-mission story arc titled Operation: METEORITE, which includes Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. The narrative takes place a year before the original game and involves a covert UNSC mission aboard a Covenant research vessel. The gameplay includes battles with UNSC forces, exploration of new locations, and encounters with new enemies like the Brute Berserker. The story was developed with sci-fi author Troy Denning. Pre-orders are available for three editions: Standard Edition (.99), Premium Edition (.99), and Collector’s Edition (9.99), each offering different bonuses. The game launches on July 28, 2026, with early access for Premium and Collector's Edition owners starting July 23. It supports cross-play and cross-progression across multiple platforms and will be available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Get That Windows 7 Feel In An OS That Still Gets Updates

Classic 7 is a reskin of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, not a revival of Windows 7. It offers long-term support with security updates until 2032 and lacks consumer-oriented bloatware. Classic 7 eliminates forced feature updates, providing a stable user experience and a visually appealing interface reminiscent of Windows 7. Users may face challenges in obtaining a license for this version.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 — Uninstall, Hide, and Stop It from Coming Back

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into various parts of Windows 11, including the taskbar, Edge, and Notepad. Users have expressed a desire to remove Copilot, leading to the creation of a guide detailing methods to disable it. Copilot can be uninstalled through Settings, but additional steps are required to remove it from Edge, Notepad, and Windows Search. Users can also prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates by adjusting registry settings. The Copilot app is categorized as a standalone application in Windows 11 24H2, making it easier to uninstall compared to previous versions. Methods to disable Copilot include: 1. Uninstalling the app via Settings. 2. Hiding the icon from the taskbar. 3. Using Group Policy Editor (limited to Pro, Enterprise, Education). 4. Removing Copilot for all users using PowerShell. 5. Adjusting settings in Edge and Notepad to disable Copilot features. 6. Editing the registry to remove Copilot from Windows Search and Paint. 7. Remapping the physical Copilot key on newer laptops. 8. Disabling silent reinstallation of Copilot through registry edits. Disabling Copilot will not affect core Windows functionality but will remove AI-specific features such as the chatbot and writing assistance.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices

Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to completely uninstall its Copilot AI assistant from managed Windows devices. This policy, named “RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp,” is being deployed through management tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and addresses concerns about data privacy, resource consumption, and unwanted software in commercial settings. The feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and reflects feedback from IT professionals who prefer controlled environments. While this option is exclusive to enterprise-tier Microsoft 365 subscribers, smaller businesses and individual users have limited options for removal. The policy aims to balance innovation with risk management, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, where data privacy is critical.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Microsoft’s canceled dual-screen version of Windows Phone has leaked, and you can now try it on a Surface Duo

Andromeda OS, originally conceived by Microsoft in 2018 for a dual-screen phone, has been revived by developer Gustave Monce, who successfully ported a leaked build to the Surface Duo. The OS was intended to provide a new smartphone experience, featuring a home screen for note-taking and seamless navigation with gestures. Applications can open on one display and be dragged to another for multitasking. Monce has packaged the OS into a user-friendly FFU file for installation, although it is still unfinished and may have bugs. Installing Andromeda OS will erase existing Android data, but a dual-boot option is available with data loss risks. Monce has previously ported Windows 10 and 11 to the Surface Duo, highlighting Microsoft's dual-screen ambitions.

Winsage

December 10, 2025

De-Enshittifing Windows 11 Version 25H2: Win11Debloat ⭐

Tiny11 Builder requires a clean installation of Windows 11 to enhance the user experience. Key criteria for any utility aimed at replicating Tiny11 Builder's benefits include disabling telemetry, removing preinstalled bloatware, addressing issues with Microsoft Edge (including uninstallation), and mitigating problems linked to Microsoft OneDrive (also through uninstallation). Utilities mentioned for further refining Windows 11 include: - Rufus: Creates installation media without requiring a Microsoft account sign-in or hardware checks. - MSEdgeDirect: Allows the use of a preferred web browser for accessing stories from Widgets and web-based search results. - ExplorerPatcher: Addresses performance and reliability concerns within File Explorer. Win11Debloat is highlighted as a utility that meets optimization requirements, having undergone changes since August 2024. The updated process allows users to launch a Terminal with admin privileges to download and run Win11Debloat directly. It features three modes: Default mode, Custom mode, and App removal. Custom mode offers options for app removal, disabling telemetry, turning off tips and suggestions, and disabling Bing web search, Bing AI, and Cortana, among others.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Decline of Native Windows Apps: Electron’s Rise and Hybrid Future

Native Windows apps, once central to the desktop experience, are declining in favor of web-based technologies like Electron and Chromium. Developers are shifting towards web wrappers for cross-platform compatibility and efficiency, despite performance drawbacks. WhatsApp has transitioned from a native app to a web wrapper, prioritizing maintenance over performance. This trend is evident across various software categories, with applications like Spotify and Slack adopting web frameworks, leading to increased resource consumption and slower performance. Microsoft’s focus on cloud services and AI has influenced this shift, as has the demand for cross-platform solutions. Native apps are being overshadowed by web technologies, which often lack deep integration with Windows features. Performance trade-offs are significant, with web wrappers consuming more memory than native apps. The rise of progressive web apps (PWAs) and AI integration further complicates the landscape, suggesting a future where the definition of "native" may evolve. The tech community is divided on these changes, with some advocating for a balance between web and native solutions.