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Microsoft shares some details on Azure outage that blocked Windows 11 update downloads
Winsage
July 24, 2026

Microsoft shares some details on Azure outage that blocked Windows 11 update downloads

This week, Meta experienced a global outage affecting Facebook users, followed by Microsoft facing performance issues with its M365 services, including Teams and SharePoint. Microsoft also reported difficulties with Azure, impacting Windows 11 updates and the Microsoft Store. The issues began around 11:15 AM PST on July 23, 2026, with a notification to users about the Azure outage affecting Windows Update and related services. Microsoft initiated recovery efforts and by 1:45 PM PST, announced that the issues were resolved and services were restored. Currently, there are no ongoing issues reported on the Microsoft Service Health Status page, but the incident is documented on the Windows Release Health page.
Microsoft accepts defeat on the Windows 11 Copilot key with a "Do nothing" switch, but PCs still ship with it
Winsage
July 23, 2026

Microsoft accepts defeat on the Windows 11 Copilot key with a “Do nothing” switch, but PCs still ship with it

Windows 11 is testing a new feature that allows users to reassign the Copilot key to do nothing. The Copilot key has been present on newer Windows PCs since its introduction in 2024, and Microsoft considers a PC an AI PC only if it includes this key. Users can remap the Copilot key to preferred applications or restore it to its original function as the Right Ctrl key. An additional option, “Do nothing,” will make the Copilot key inactive. This feature is currently available in Windows Insider preview builds, with a public rollout expected soon. Microsoft acknowledged that the Copilot key has created challenges for users who rely on the Right Ctrl key or Context menu key, and it plans to allow customization of the Copilot key through Settings. Initially, only two remapping options were planned, but the “Do nothing” option was added in response to user feedback. Microsoft cautioned that remapping the Copilot key to the Right Ctrl key may cause inconsistencies with certain keyboard shortcuts.
Is Facebook Messenger Down Right Now? Here's the Latest on Today's Wider Meta Outage Reports Across Platforms
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Is Facebook Messenger Down Right Now? Here’s the Latest on Today’s Wider Meta Outage Reports Across Platforms

Users are reporting access issues with Meta's platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram, on Wednesday morning. However, Facebook Messenger appears to be functioning normally, with no significant increase in complaints noted in the past 24 hours and the last confirmed incident occurring about five weeks ago. The situation is fluid, and outage data may change rapidly. Users should consult live outage-tracking sites or try sending messages to determine Messenger's current status. Historically, Messenger has experienced outages independent of or coinciding with disruptions to Facebook and Instagram. There were significant outages reported on Sunday affecting users globally. As of Wednesday morning, Facebook and Instagram are confirmed to have elevated outage reports, while Messenger's status remains less clear.
One in six PCs still run Windows 10, and they're far less secure than Windows 11
Winsage
July 21, 2026

One in six PCs still run Windows 10, and they’re far less secure than Windows 11

Windows 10 officially reached its end of support in October 2025. Windows 11 has a 78.8% share of Windows devices, while Windows 10 maintains 16.9%. A typical Windows 10 device has an average of 1,903 active Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), compared to 652 on Windows 11, with 66.6% of Windows 10 vulnerabilities rated as high or critical. Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program has been extended until October 12, 2027, providing critical security patches for eligible Windows 10 devices. The rise in memory and storage prices has made older Windows 10-compatible hardware more economically viable for some users.
July 2026 Patch Tuesday: KB5101650 Windows 11 Update
Winsage
July 20, 2026

July 2026 Patch Tuesday: KB5101650 Windows 11 Update

On July 14, 2026, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5101650 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, addressing OS Builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875. This update includes essential security fixes, updates to Secure Boot certificates, and enhanced Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) defenses against phishing attacks. It consolidates July 2026's security content, addressing known vulnerabilities and introducing functional improvements. The update is critical for minimizing exposure to identified threats and is prioritized for systems managing remote access or nearing certificate expiration. The update enhances Remote Desktop security by supporting SHA-2 certificate thumbprints while retaining SHA-1 for legacy compatibility. It includes new Group Policy options to mitigate phishing risks associated with malicious .rdp files. The curl upgrade to version 8.21.0 incorporates security patches for command-line tools in Windows environments. Secure Boot certificates are automatically updated through Windows updates, ensuring boot security across various hardware. KB5101650 installs primarily through the Windows Update interface, requiring a restart to activate changes. Enterprise environments can use the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual distribution. A temporary restriction affects certain Dell devices with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers, which Microsoft plans to address in a future update. The cumulative update resolves a total of 622 Microsoft CVEs, including 416 affecting Windows components. Users are advised to verify and install the update promptly to secure the full suite of improvements.
Windows 11's big 2026 update is almost here, and these 10 things you need to know before upgrading could save you time and frustration
Winsage
July 19, 2026

Windows 11’s big 2026 update is almost here, and these 10 things you need to know before upgrading could save you time and frustration

Microsoft is set to launch the 2026 Update for Windows 11, known as version 26H2, later this year. This will be the fifth feature update for the operating system. The upgrade from version 25H2 to 26H2 will utilize an Enablement Package (eKB), allowing for a transition similar to a standard monthly cumulative update without requiring a full reinstallation. Users can also upgrade from Windows 10 using an ISO file or Microsoft installation media, which ensures files, applications, and settings remain intact. Upgrading to version 26H2 extends the support lifecycle of devices by an additional year, with Microsoft providing 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Version 25H2 will continue to receive support until October 2027, and users are advised to plan upgrades before this support ends. Windows 11 version 26H2 has the same hardware requirements as version 25H2, which include a 1GHz processor with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics, and a high-definition display. The rollout of the update will be gradual, following a Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) strategy, meaning not all devices will receive the update immediately.
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