Explorer Archives

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Windows 11 Gets Its First Major Feature Updates of 2026

Users of Windows 11 received feature and security updates on Patch Tuesday, with significant enhancements introduced after four months of less notable updates. The cumulative update KB5089549 is available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, raising their build numbers to 26200.8457 and 26100.8457, respectively. Windows 11 version 26H1, available on Snapdragon X2-based laptops, received update KB5089548, bringing its build to 28000.2113. Key features in KB5089549 include: - Xbox Mode: Replaces Game mode and Full Screen Experience for a streamlined gaming interface. - Agents on the Taskbar: Allows interaction with AI agents directly from the Taskbar, supporting first- and third-party agents. - File Explorer Enhancements: Improved support for various archiving formats, retention of View and Sort preferences, resolution of the white “flash bang” bug, and enhanced reliability of explorer.exe processes. - Windows Driver Improvements: The Windows kernel will no longer trust cross-signed third-party drivers by default; only WHCP drivers and those on a trusted legacy list will be accepted after auditing for 100 hours and three reboots. - Drag Tray Enhancements: Rebranded as the Drop tray with a new management interface and smaller peek view to reduce accidental activation. For version 26H1, KB5089548 includes improvements to Narrator and Smart App Control, increased Microsoft 365 advertising visibility in Settings, refined Pen settings, a new Settings About page, and minor updates to File Explorer.

Winsage

May 12, 2026

Windows 11’s File Explorer is finally fixing an annoying file size quirk

Microsoft is reinstating the ‘Refresh’ and ‘Print’ options to the right-click context menu in Windows 11’s File Explorer in response to user feedback. These features are currently being tested in the Windows 11 preview Build 26300.8376, with a broader rollout expected soon. Additionally, file sizes in File Explorer will be displayed in megabytes or gigabytes for larger files, while smaller files will remain in kilobytes. These updates aim to improve user experience and are anticipated to be available to users in the coming weeks.

Winsage

May 12, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows K2 overhaul is making File Explorer launch much faster

Microsoft is reassessing its strategy following criticism and a decline in user satisfaction related to its AI tool, Copilot. The company is unwinding some Copilot integrations and reallocating resources to address issues with Windows 11, particularly focusing on improving File Explorer. Windows K2 will enhance File Explorer's performance, utilizing the WinUI 3 framework, which aims to streamline operations. Recent benchmarks show significant reductions in resource consumption for File Explorer, including 41% fewer allocations, 63% fewer transient allocations, 45% fewer function calls, and a 25% reduction in time spent in WinUI code. Improvements are expected to be rolled out soon.

Winsage

May 12, 2026

Windows 11’s May Update Is Actually Good This Time – Here’s What’s Coming on Tuesday

Microsoft's Windows 11 May update is scheduled for release on May 12, 2026, featuring several enhancements. Key highlights include the introduction of Xbox Mode, which provides a console-like gaming experience on PCs, and a rethinking of AI integration, with changes to the Copilot features in various tools. The update also fixes the white flash issue in File Explorer, improves loading speeds, and allows users to maintain view preferences in Downloads and Documents folders. Additional updates include the renaming and relocation of Drop Tray, FAT32 formatting support for drives up to 2 TB, expanded haptic feedback features, and stricter controls on batch file execution for enhanced security. Users can access the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Why Windows 11 users are switching to Fluent Cleaner, the sleek CCleaner alternative that actually feels native

Fluent Cleaner is a maintenance and cleanup tool for Windows 11 available as a self-contained Zip file from its official GitHub page. Users can download and extract the FluentCleaner-win-x64.zip file, then launch the application by double-clicking FCleaner.exe. The interface is modern and utilizes the WinUI framework, allowing users to analyze and optimize various components of the system. Fluent Cleaner uses the Winapp2.ini database for cleaning routines, with options to switch to Winapp3 or Winappx databases for more aggressive cleaning or bloatware removal. Users can also add custom databases using ".ini" files. The tool supports extensions, enabling integration with additional scripts and tools. To perform a cleanup, users click "Analyze" to scan for junk files, with Fluent Cleaner identifying 19.43GB of junk files in testing, which is more than the 15.9GB detected by Windows 11's built-in tool. After reviewing the analysis, users can click "Run Cleaner" to execute the cleanup.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a macOS-like speed boost

Microsoft is testing a feature called the "Low Latency Profile" for Windows 11, which aims to reduce app launch times and improve the responsiveness of the Start menu by using dynamic CPU scaling to temporarily boost CPU frequency. Testers have reported up to a 40 percent acceleration in app launch times for Microsoft applications and up to 70 percent speed enhancements for the Start menu and context menus. Some critics have expressed concerns about this CPU burst approach, but Microsoft’s Scott Hanselman defended it, stating that similar techniques are used by other operating systems like macOS and Linux. This initiative is part of broader enhancements to improve Windows 11's performance, reliability, and user experience, including the removal of unnecessary Copilot buttons and less intrusive updates.

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

This week in PC games: Subnautica 2 early access, a Battlestar Galactica roguelite, and Directive 8020 disproving the old saying about space and screaming

Edwin, the news editor, has chosen to spend his morning away from work, avoiding the usual adventure involving the Maw. Upcoming PC game releases include: - Outbound: A crafting-centric van life simulator. - Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes: A roguelite strategy game. - Greenhearth Necromancer: A semi-idle sim combining urban farming and magic. - Don't Panic! It is Just Turbulence: A co-op experience navigating a cockpit. Notable horror and adventure titles set to release are: - Directive 8020: A horror game set in a sci-fi space colony. - Call of the Elder Gods: A Lovecraftian-themed sequel to Call of the Sea. - Elfie: A Sand Plan: A creative game about building sandcastles. Significant developments in gaming include: - Subnautica 2: Launching in early access after legal challenges. - Hotel Architect: Officially launching after a successful early access period. - RoadOut: A pixel art action-RPG combining shooting mechanics with driving. - American Truck Simulator – Illinois: An expansion completing Route 66. - The Caribou Trail: A narrative-driven game about World War I soldiers. Julian is looking forward to transitioning away from Trello, the guides team is focused on Subnautica 2, and Mark is engaged with a racing title under embargo.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft finally re-adds refreshing File Explorer to the right-click menu

Microsoft's latest Experimental build for Windows 11, numbered 26300.8376, reintroduces the 'Refresh' option to the right-click menu in File Explorer, allowing users to reload the view. Additionally, the 'Print' option has been moved from the "Show more options" submenu to the main context menu, streamlining the printing process. These enhancements were discovered by a user known as PhantomOfEarth.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft brings Refresh & Print back to Windows 11 File Explorer right-click, plus readable file sizes for Details view

Windows 11 is set to reintroduce the ‘Refresh’ button in the context menu, addressing user requests. Currently, File Explorer features two right-click menus: a modern context menu and an optional legacy menu, with the modern version lacking certain features like ‘Refresh’ and ‘Print.’ Improvements are also being made to the Details view in File Explorer, which will soon display file sizes in appropriate units (KB, MB, GB) for better clarity. Additionally, the address bar functionality will be enhanced, allowing users to enter paths with double backslashes or quotation marks. Other updates include accurate display of renamed files, proper closing of the address bar when selecting items from suggestions, and smoother keyboard shortcuts in flyouts. These updates are available in Windows 11 Experimental Build 26300.8376 and will roll out to all users in the coming weeks.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft keeps fixing Windows and Xbox, but the community keeps complaining

Microsoft has rolled out four Windows Insider builds, introduced new hidden features, and revamped the Windows Run feature. Despite these advancements, many Windows 10 users are hesitant to upgrade due to financial constraints. Xbox Mode has received criticism for its performance on dual monitor setups. Approximately 25% of Windows users on Steam are still using Windows 10. Windows 11 will enhance CPU frequency during high-priority tasks, and recent Insider builds have improved touchpad gestures, File Explorer descriptions, and voice-typing interface. Users can now prevent Chrome and Edge from automatically downloading local AI models. Feedback on new features like the Low Latency Profile has been predominantly negative, with users expressing concerns over CPU spikes.