Explorer Archives

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Windows 11 version 26H2 is rolling out now — here’s how to get the update now and get the most out of the 2026 update

Microsoft is gradually introducing the Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) to compatible devices. The update is optional and requires manual installation for users who want it before the general rollout. Users on versions 25H2 or 24H2 can update without a complete reinstallation, while those on version 23H2 or earlier must perform a full in-place upgrade. To install the update from Settings, users should open Settings, click on Windows Update, enable the toggle for getting the latest updates, check for updates, download and install, and restart the device. If the upgrade option is not visible, it may indicate incompatibility. The Media Creation Tool can be used for creating bootable USB media for users upgrading from older versions like 23H2 or Windows 10, but it requires a complete reinstallation. Steps include downloading the tool, selecting the USB drive option, and following prompts to create the installation media. Users can also download the Windows 11 version 26H2 ISO file from the Microsoft support website, mount the ISO, and run setup.exe to complete the installation.

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Windows 11 hides a Windows 7 folder that beats the Settings app, and I use it every day

The "God Mode" folder in Windows is a hidden feature that provides a streamlined solution to navigating settings by offering an organized index within a single folder. Users can create this folder by right-clicking on the desktop, creating a new folder, and renaming it to "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}". This transforms the folder icon to resemble the Control Panel, allowing quick access to various settings. The folder can be pinned to the Start menu or Quick Access for easier accessibility. It serves as a useful tool for users who frequently adjust settings, making tasks like managing USB settings or adjusting processor state limits more efficient.

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Microsoft is giving Windows 11’s legacy UI dark mode instead of killing it, now in Hyper-V

Windows 11 is introducing dark mode support for various applications and features, including file-operation dialogs and the Hyper-V Manager tool. Recent updates have applied dark mode to several key dialogs within Hyper-V Manager, such as the New Virtual Machine, Export Virtual Machine, Import Virtual Machine, New Virtual Hard Disk, Edit Virtual Hard Disk, and the virtual machine settings page. The Virtual Switch Manager and Virtual SAN Manager also now support dark mode. These features are currently available in Windows Server and Windows 11 preview builds but are not yet in the production channel. Hyper-V Manager allows users to choose between light and dark themes, although switching requires a restart of the application. Microsoft plans to extend dark mode to more legacy areas of Windows and is working on rebuilding certain dialogs using WinUI, with dark mode support already appearing in preview builds for various components.

Winsage

October 10, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Search To Control Your PC Faster Than Ever

Microsoft has released an update for its Insider Program that includes a revamped Search feature, enhancing user experience with a focus on more informative results and previews. The update integrates advanced capabilities through WinUI 3 and allows users to access quick details without launching files or navigating File Explorer. It introduces web previews for specific queries, such as local weather and stock market data, and includes "inline actions" that enable users to perform tasks directly from the search window, like sending SMS messages or changing themes. Users can explore these features by joining the Windows Insider Program and enabling Feature flags in the settings.

Winsage

October 10, 2026

Windows 11 annual update is boring, but staying on 24H2 is a security risk

Microsoft has released Windows 11 26H2 as a low-disruption update that activates existing features for users who have kept up with monthly updates. Users on version 24H2 should upgrade soon, as support will end on October 13, 2026, and they will no longer receive security patches. The end of support for various Windows 11 versions is as follows: 26H2 on October 9, 2028; 26H1 on March 14, 2028; 25H2 on October 12, 2027; and 24H2 on October 13, 2026. The 26H2 update includes new security features, Start menu customization, and improvements to File Explorer and AI integration. Users must have 24H2 or 25H2 installed to access the update, which may not be available to all devices due to compatibility safeguards. It is recommended to create a System Restore Point before updating.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

You can now try Windows 11’s new Search that’s faster and can perform tasks for you

Microsoft has introduced a significantly enhanced Search experience in Windows 11, allowing users to locate files and applications more efficiently and perform tasks directly from the search bar. An experimental Battery Status widget has been added for Insiders, providing a view of battery levels for PCs and connected peripherals. The Narrator tool now enables users to read mathematical equations. Microsoft has enabled IAKerb by default for Windows clients to improve authentication processes and reduce dependency on NTLM. The Task Manager will include process grouping capabilities, starting with Microsoft Defender. Recent updates have fixed an issue with Windows Sandbox that caused error 0x80073712 during updates. Enhancements to the security key PIN entry experience have streamlined the sign-in process. Improvements to the taskbar have resolved lag in app window previews and enhanced settings persistence for multiple monitors. The Settings interface has been updated, removing the backplate from the UAC icon. File Explorer now supports font preview and installation from context menus. A fix has been implemented for an issue with msmpeg2ac3dec.dll that caused application crashes. The default lock screen widget setup is being updated, with the Weather widget taking precedence.

Winsage

October 7, 2026

How to watch the Microsoft Windows and Surface event

Microsoft is set to unveil the Surface Laptop Ultra at a Windows and Surface event in San Francisco on a date scheduled for 10 AM PT (1 PM ET). The event will focus on how local AI will influence the future of PCs, particularly following mixed feedback on the previous Copilot implementation. This is Microsoft's first laptop-centric event in two years, featuring speakers like NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The Surface Laptop Ultra will utilize NVIDIA's RTX Spark superchip, which offers 1 petaflop of AI computing power. Pricing details for the laptop are expected to be revealed during the event. Microsoft has confirmed that there will be no new operating system until at least 2026, focusing instead on enhancements to Windows 11.

Winsage

October 6, 2026

Prepare for Microsoft’s Windows and Surface event with these cutting-edge features for Insiders

Microsoft is testing five new builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows K2 initiative, which includes several updates: - Support for Unicode 17.0 has been added, allowing Windows to display over 4,800 new characters and scripts. - Performance improvements have been made to the Settings home page, reducing loading times. - The Settings > Apps > Installed apps section now shows version numbers for packaged apps. - A new entry point for Cloud Rebuild has been introduced under Settings > System > Recovery. - The Cloud rebuild feature can restore a Windows 11 PC to a clean state without USB media. - The Address Bar in File Explorer now supports the '~' character for quicker navigation. - Adjustments to the preview pane in File Explorer include a new button for HTML files and automatic previews for non-HTML files. - Folder view customizations in File Explorer are now consistently maintained. - The Windows Magnifier now allows input of exact zoom percentages and includes preset step increments. - Cloud rebuild options have been enhanced to include drive sanitization. - The Windows share window now allows users to pin favorite apps. - Messaging related to age-restricted parental controls in Family Safety has been improved. - Minor visual issues in the taskbar have been addressed. - Fixes have been implemented for certain USB Audio Class 1.0 devices. - Corrections have been made for Remote Desktop window sizing. - Issues causing lag for some Insiders after updates have been resolved.

Winsage

October 6, 2026

Windows 11 update reduces RAM usage

Microsoft's Windows 11 26H2 update has led to a significant decrease in RAM usage, with users reporting reductions of up to 3GB on devices with 16GB of memory. The update includes performance enhancements such as improved RAM management through a feature called Low Latency Profile, which optimizes CPU task completion and allows for smoother operation of applications. Microsoft has not formally acknowledged the RAM reduction linked to this update.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

These 3 popular Windows apps run faster as CLI tools: Here’s how to switch

Windows provides graphical tools for various tasks, but terminal commands can be more efficient. Three utilities that serve as alternatives to File Explorer, Task Manager, and Notepad are zoxide, btop, and bat, all of which can be installed using winget. zoxide is a directory jumper that simplifies navigation through folder structures by learning user habits. It can be installed with PLACEHOLDERf0ff8219c0950297 and requires a line added to the PowerShell profile for activation. Users can jump to directories by typing PLACEHOLDERb9546a80b5ad16aa followed by part of the folder name, and it adapts over time based on usage patterns. btop is a system monitor that displays processor, memory, disk, network, and process data on a single terminal screen. The Windows version, btop4win, can be installed with winget install aristocratos.btop4win. It features live graphs, allows navigation via keyboard and mouse, and provides real-time updates on resource consumption. Users can filter and sort processes and terminate them directly from the interface. bat is a command-line file viewer that shows file contents with syntax highlighting and line numbers, eliminating the need to open Notepad. It can be installed using winget install sharkdp.bat and allows users to view files directly in the terminal. It integrates with Git to highlight changes and manages longer files with a pager for easier scrolling. These tools enhance efficiency for common tasks in Windows by providing quick access and streamlined workflows through the terminal.