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Microsoft Fixes 114 Windows Flaws in January 2026 Patch, One Actively Exploited
Winsage
January 14, 2026

Microsoft Fixes 114 Windows Flaws in January 2026 Patch, One Actively Exploited

On Tuesday, Microsoft released its first security update for 2026, addressing 114 vulnerabilities, including eight classified as Critical and 106 as Important. The vulnerabilities include 58 related to privilege escalation, 22 concerning information disclosure, 21 linked to remote code execution, and five categorized as spoofing flaws. A notable vulnerability, CVE-2026-20805, involves information disclosure within the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) and has a CVSS score of 5.5. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added this flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to implement fixes by February 3, 2026. Additionally, Microsoft announced the expiration of three Windows Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011, effective June 2026, urging customers to transition to newer certificates to avoid disruptions. The update also removed vulnerable Agere Soft Modem drivers due to a local privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2023-31096) and addressed another critical privilege escalation flaw in Windows Virtualization-Based Security (CVE-2026-20876) with a CVSS score of 6.7. Other vendors, including Adobe, Amazon Web Services, and Cisco, have also released security patches for various vulnerabilities.
If ChatGPT Atlas browser lands on Windows 11, Microsoft Edge already looks ready to “intercept” it with Edge/Bing upsell
Winsage
January 1, 2026

If ChatGPT Atlas browser lands on Windows 11, Microsoft Edge already looks ready to “intercept” it with Edge/Bing upsell

Microsoft has a history of discouraging users from downloading Chrome through its Edge browser and Bing search engine. This practice may extend to OpenAI’s upcoming ChatGPT Atlas, which is designed as an agentic browser. Currently, searches for Google Chrome on Bing prompt users to continue using Edge, highlighting its features. If users attempt to download Chrome directly, they receive reminders of Edge's advantages. Microsoft is reportedly preparing to intercept the launch of ChatGPT Atlas on Windows, as indicated by experimental flags found in Edge Canary. These flags suggest that Edge will attempt to redirect users from ChatGPT Atlas, similar to its approach with Chrome. ChatGPT Atlas can autonomously navigate the web based on user prompts, posing a potential challenge to Edge's popularity. Microsoft is likely concerned about losing users to ChatGPT Atlas, which offers more advanced agentic functionalities than Edge's Copilot feature.
2025 – A year in recap
Winsage
December 3, 2025

2025 – A year in recap

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Windows Accessibility team emphasizes their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us.” They collaborate with advisory boards from the disability community to enhance product features. Fluid Dictation on Windows allows users to dictate text seamlessly, correcting grammar and punctuation in real time, and operates offline on Copilot+ PCs. Voice Access has been improved to accommodate diverse communication styles, with features like adjustable wait time, a custom word dictionary, flexible command recognition, enhanced speech pattern recognition, and support for Chinese and Japanese. Narrator and Magnifier now feature human-like voices developed with Azure AI, enhancing the user experience with natural conversation nuances. Recent updates to Narrator in Microsoft Word improve navigation and text drafting, with clearer announcements and concise feedback on spelling and grammar. Additional enhancements include a Screen Curtain for privacy, richer image descriptions, and tools for speech recap and live transcription. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to guide further development, and technical assistance is available through the Disability Answer Desk.
As Windows 11 turns into an AI OS, Microsoft Copilot boss does not understand how AI is underwhelming
Winsage
December 1, 2025

As Windows 11 turns into an AI OS, Microsoft Copilot boss does not understand how AI is underwhelming

Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI CEO, noted user frustration with the aggressive integration of AI into Windows 11, despite the company's efforts to enhance user experience with features like Copilot, which operates on models similar to ChatGPT. Windows 11 includes various AI functionalities, such as Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, and aims to transform the OS into an "agentic OS" with features like Copilot Actions in Microsoft Edge. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with AI being present in applications like Notepad and File Explorer, perceiving it as intrusive rather than beneficial. Microsoft 365 applications have also integrated Copilot functionalities, but concerns about safety and privacy persist. User feedback indicates a desire for more thoughtful AI integration, as many feel that AI is being applied to problems that do not exist, leading to stress and uncertainty regarding the operating system's control.
Edge, Now With Incentives! Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips on Plan to Make Edge a Priority
Winsage
November 13, 2025

Edge, Now With Incentives! Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips on Plan to Make Edge a Priority

Microsoft is launching an incentive program that rewards users with 1,300 Microsoft Rewards points for using the Edge browser, particularly when searching for Chrome on Bing. The Edge browser has a market share of 15.48%, while Chrome has 69.3%. The incentive is specifically aimed at Chrome users, as searches for other browsers do not trigger similar offers. Despite this initiative, Microsoft shares have seen a slight dip. Analysts on Wall Street have a Strong Buy consensus rating for Microsoft, with 34 analysts issuing Buy ratings in the past three months. The average price target for MSFT is 3.14 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 24.77%.
Microsoft may have a 'gift card plan' to stop Windows users from choosing Google Chrome over Edge - The Times of India
Winsage
November 12, 2025

Microsoft may have a ‘gift card plan’ to stop Windows users from choosing Google Chrome over Edge – The Times of India

Microsoft is promoting its Bing search engine and Edge browser by offering Windows users 1,300 Rewards points to discourage them from using competitors like Google Chrome. When users search for "Chrome" on Bing, they see ads for Edge that highlight the opportunity to earn these points, which can be redeemed for gift cards or donated to non-profits. The ads specifically target Chrome users, with no similar promotions for other browsers like Opera or Firefox. The Browser Choice Alliance has criticized Microsoft for incentivizing users instead of competing fairly. Additionally, Microsoft runs ads for Edge every two weeks, promoting it as a superior option that uses Chromium technology, offers Microsoft Rewards points, and features like a VPN, while also showcasing AI personalization capabilities.
‘Real Cash Value’—How Windows Users Get Microsoft’s Free New Offer
Winsage
November 11, 2025

‘Real Cash Value’—How Windows Users Get Microsoft’s Free New Offer

Microsoft is offering Rewards points to Chrome users who switch to its Edge browser, allowing them to earn 1,300 points redeemable for gift cards, including Amazon. This promotion appears when users search for "Chrome" on Bing. The Browser Choice Alliance, representing various browsers, has criticized this initiative, claiming it employs manipulative tactics to encourage users to adopt Edge, including forced resets and misleading prompts. They argue that Microsoft is prioritizing financial incentives over fair competition and manipulating the default browser selection process. Chrome holds a 78% market share, while Edge has nearly 9%. Microsoft has not publicly responded to these criticisms.
Windows 11 could get a change to help banish Edge and Bing - but don't get your hopes up too high
Winsage
September 30, 2025

Windows 11 could get a change to help banish Edge and Bing – but don’t get your hopes up too high

Microsoft is considering an enhancement to the Windows 11 taskbar search box that may allow users to open search queries in their preferred default web browser instead of being directed to Edge and Bing. This change aligns with recent regulations in the European Economic Area (EEA) that respect users' default browser and search engine preferences. If implemented globally, users could perform searches from the taskbar and have results displayed in their chosen browser, marking a shift from Microsoft's historical preference for its own products. However, these developments are still speculative, as the indications found in early test versions of the Edge browser are not yet confirmed.
Microsoft to Force-Install Copilot on Most Windows PCs This October
Winsage
September 16, 2025

Microsoft to Force-Install Copilot on Most Windows PCs This October

Microsoft is rolling out the Microsoft 365 Copilot app globally, starting in October 2025 and concluding by mid-November, with the exception of the European Economic Area. The app will be automatically installed on Windows PCs with Microsoft 365 desktop applications and integrated into the Start menu, enabled by default. IT administrators can disable the automatic installation through the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center, but personal users may find it difficult to opt out. Users can remove the app after installation, modify its startup behavior, or avoid Microsoft 365 services, each with trade-offs.
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