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Microsoft continues the good work on Windows 11, with tweaks to 'quiet' ads — and that big taskbar change is 'coming soon'
Winsage
May 4, 2026

Microsoft continues the good work on Windows 11, with tweaks to ‘quiet’ ads — and that big taskbar change is ‘coming soon’

Microsoft has reduced the prominence of advertisements in the widgets panel of Windows 11 to enhance user experience. In a recent preview build, default settings were introduced to make the widgets board less intrusive, aiming to minimize distractions and unexpected alerts. These changes are part of a broader update that includes improvements in File Explorer speed and overall system performance, with a significant update to the taskbar also planned.
Microsoft Debloats Windows 11 Widgets In Preview Builds, UI Significantly Improved
Winsage
May 4, 2026

Microsoft Debloats Windows 11 Widgets In Preview Builds, UI Significantly Improved

Windows 11 is undergoing enhancements under the initiative "Windows K2" in response to user criticism. The latest Preview Build 26300.8346 features a revamped widgets panel, introducing a new subsection titled “Widgets is quiet by default” to minimize distractions. Key changes include disabling open-on-hover for the widgets panel, turning off taskbar badging, limiting the widgets experience to the first launch, and minimizing taskbar alerts. These adjustments aim to create a more coherent presentation of information and address critiques of Windows 11’s user interface. Microsoft is facing competition from macOS and Linux, and concerns over reliability and performance have affected Windows 11’s reputation.
“Gaming compatibility on Snapdragon X has come such a long way”: What 200 tested games tell us about Surface Pro 11
Winsage
May 4, 2026

“Gaming compatibility on Snapdragon X has come such a long way”: What 200 tested games tell us about Surface Pro 11

Qualcomm and Microsoft are marketing their Snapdragon X-powered PCs without emphasizing gaming, despite Qualcomm claiming that 90% of top Windows games are compatible with Snapdragon X2 laptops. The Snapdragon X2 chip announcement does not mention gaming, contrasting with ASUS's promotion of the Zenbook A16 for gaming. YouTuber Ghobso Gaming has tested 200 games on a Surface Pro 11 with a Snapdragon X Plus, sharing a list of ten well-performing games, including Fortnite, which became playable after Easy Anti-Cheat support was introduced. The performance of Snapdragon X PCs has improved significantly, and there is potential for gaming handhelds powered by Snapdragon X chips to compete with Intel and AMD devices.
Sega Game From 2024 Free for Millions Next 72 Hours
AppWizard
May 4, 2026

Sega Game From 2024 Free for Millions Next 72 Hours

Sega's Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties is available for free to Amazon Prime subscribers until May 6. Players can download the game at no cost and keep it indefinitely, even if they cancel their Prime subscription. The game is set in the New Kingdom of Egypt and is the 16th installment in the Total War series. Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties has a Metacritic score of 83 and an 80% approval rating on Steam, while its predecessor, Total War: Pharaoh, received a score of 74 and a 64% approval rating. Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties is currently the only Sega title available for free through Prime Gaming, with potential for more free offerings in the future due to the partnership between Sega and Amazon.
Microsoft quietly deletes Windows 11 doc pushing 32GB RAM for gaming after outrage
Winsage
May 4, 2026

Microsoft quietly deletes Windows 11 doc pushing 32GB RAM for gaming after outrage

Microsoft has retracted a support document that suggested 32GB of RAM as the ideal upgrade for gaming and 16GB as the baseline requirement. The document, published in early April, stated that 16GB RAM is practical for most players, while 32GB helps when running additional applications alongside games. Microsoft removed the document from its Learning Center, redirecting the URL to its homepage and blocking web archives from accessing it. This incident follows a previous document in February that also promoted 32GB RAM for serious gamers. Microsoft’s official system requirements for Windows 11 list a minimum of 4GB RAM, while most consumer PCs typically come with 8GB. The company has been advocating for Copilot+ PCs, which require 16GB of RAM. Windows 11 has faced memory management issues, and CEO Satya Nadella has acknowledged the need for optimization for low-RAM devices. Microsoft is reportedly working on enhancements to improve performance and reliability in Windows 11.
Windows 11's Windows 95-era File Explorer Properties dialog is getting replaced with modern version and dark mode
Winsage
May 4, 2026

Windows 11’s Windows 95-era File Explorer Properties dialog is getting replaced with modern version and dark mode

Microsoft is replacing the legacy File Explorer Properties dialog box in Windows 11 with a modern version powered by WinUI 3. This change aims to improve the performance and reliability of Windows 11. The current Properties dialog does not support dark mode, which has been an issue for users. Recent findings from Windows 11 Insider builds indicate that Microsoft is actively developing a new file properties dialog. Strings for “DeletedFileProperties” have been discovered, suggesting the old dialog will be replaced. Microsoft is also modernizing outdated Windows 8 UI elements within Windows 11. The introduction of the WinUI 3 properties dialog is expected to enhance File Explorer's performance by streamlining its hybrid codebase. Users can anticipate gradual updates throughout 2026, with a rollout to the Experimental channel expected later this year.
ProxySQL Releases 3.0.6 And Advances AI Integration Roadmap
Tech Optimizer
May 3, 2026

ProxySQL Releases 3.0.6 And Advances AI Integration Roadmap

ProxySQL has released version 3.0.6, introducing a multi-tier strategy with three tiers: Stable, Innovative (3.1.x), and AI/MCP (4.0.x). Version 3.0.6 enhances PostgreSQL support, improves authentication mechanisms, updates Prometheus metrics, and refines macOS support. The Innovative tier features an embedded time-series database and a traffic observer. The AI/MCP tier explores native integrations for proxy-level Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and autonomous database management.
Your PC is an Xbox, your Android is a Windows Phone, and Windows K2 is here to save Windows 11
Winsage
May 3, 2026

Your PC is an Xbox, your Android is a Windows Phone, and Windows K2 is here to save Windows 11

Microsoft has restructured its Windows team to enhance Windows 11 and restore user confidence. A new preview build will hide the MSN feed by default, allowing access to widgets on a dedicated page. The latest optional non-security preview update includes reliability upgrades and AI agents. Windows 11 now features Xbox Mode, providing a full-screen, controller-friendly interface for gamers. Significant improvements have been made for Xbox Series X|S consoles and the Xbox app on PC. The original Xbox dashboard has been reverse-engineered for use as a PC launcher. A new custom Android launcher, METROV, recreates the Windows Phone 8.1 experience, while community efforts like 8Marketplace are reviving Windows Phone 8 through restored app access.
Space strategy game Sins of a Solar Empire 2 drops its gen-AI artwork amid a huge new UI overhaul
AppWizard
May 3, 2026

Space strategy game Sins of a Solar Empire 2 drops its gen-AI artwork amid a huge new UI overhaul

A substantial update for Sins of a Solar Empire 2, named 'UI Horizons,' has been released, removing AI-generated art and replacing it with portraits created by human artists. The update includes a redesigned front-end menu, the return of an in-game map editor, and a new faction selection screen with detailed faction information. Enhancements have been made to single-player and multiplayer lobby screens, along with improved customization options for the random map function. New defensive tools for all factions and balance adjustments have been implemented, including increased costs for certain Vasari capital ships and construction expenses. The Advent faction's AI has received improvements for better strategic use of abilities. Save game files have been compressed by over 70%, and engine improvements have enhanced missile targeting and unit formation handling. Modders will need to update existing mods for compatibility, and players can revert to earlier game versions through Steam if needed.
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