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From searching to doing: Building a faster, more streamlined Windows Search
Winsage
October 8, 2026

From searching to doing: Building a faster, more streamlined Windows Search

Search functionality is essential for navigating Windows PCs, and enhancements to the Windows Search Box were initiated in July to declutter the interface and improve user control. A new Windows Search experience powered by WinUI 3 will be available on the taskbar for Windows Insiders starting October 7, focusing on speed and efficiency with a streamlined design. The user interface has been simplified into a single list format, and improvements include better matching for typos and synonyms. Future updates will introduce inline previews, richer file details, and the ability to filter results. Inline actions will allow users to complete tasks directly from the search interface, such as toggling settings and managing their workspace. There are plans to integrate the new search experience into the Start menu and enhance its capabilities further. The new search experience is rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel, with English as the initial supported language. Feedback can be shared through the Feedback Hub.
How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update
Winsage
September 30, 2026

How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update

Windows 11, version 26H2 is now available for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update is delivered via a small enablement package that activates new features already integrated into the operating system. The installation process is similar to a monthly update, requiring a minor download and a quick restart. The update includes enhancements in quality, reliability, and security. For commercial and educational customers, it can be accessed through existing management tools like Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Version 26H2 offers 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Some features that were disabled in version 25H2 will now be enabled by default in version 26H2.
Microsoft's research boss reveals why Windows 11 features don't show up, and his fix half works
Winsage
September 19, 2026

Microsoft’s research boss reveals why Windows 11 features don’t show up, and his fix half works

Windows 11 has introduced new features such as a resizable Start menu, a movable taskbar, and the option to remove Bing from Windows Search. Users report not seeing significant changes after updates, leading to frustration. Marcus Ash, the design and research lead for Windows & Devices, acknowledged this issue, explaining that features may not appear immediately due to gradual rollouts. Users can enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option, but this does not guarantee instant access to new features. The September 2026 update includes a movable taskbar, a smaller taskbar option, and the ability to disable Bing results in Windows Search, though immediate visibility of these changes is not assured. Microsoft is also testing new features with Windows Insiders, including a customization tool for the context menu, enhanced File Explorer performance, a reduction in memory footprint for devices with 8GB RAM and above, a new WinUI-based Run dialog, a revamped Properties dialog, a redesigned pop-up for connected drives, the ability to remap the Copilot key, and improvements to Bluetooth connections and headset calls.
There are two kinds of Windows users—and one of them is unknowingly making the OS worse
Winsage
September 4, 2026

There are two kinds of Windows users—and one of them is unknowingly making the OS worse

There is a divide between casual Windows users and engaged enthusiasts, with passive users often accepting default settings that contribute to system bloat. Passive users enable telemetry and promotional content by not customizing their installations, while active users take steps to enhance privacy and performance. Microsoft interprets user inaction as approval for unwanted features, leading to an accumulation of bloatware and unnecessary updates. The Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service collects user data, justifying the inclusion of features like Copilot, which many users may not want. Users face challenges in maintaining control over their systems, often needing technical knowledge to opt out of unwanted features. Microsoft's feedback system is inadequate, interpreting silence as consent rather than a lack of interest, making it difficult for users to effect meaningful change.
Microsoft's latest Windows update breaks cursors, wallpaper, and more - what to do if you're affected
Winsage
August 31, 2026

Microsoft’s latest Windows update breaks cursors, wallpaper, and more – what to do if you’re affected

Windows 11 users who installed the September preview update (KB5120998) are experiencing a bug that alters or erases personalized mouse cursor settings, resulting in cursors that may be too large, too small, or invisible. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue, describing it as causing "appearance regressions and intermittent animation changes." High-DPI cursors have been replaced with larger, white cursors, and attempts to revert to previous settings have failed. Additionally, users have reported issues with wallpapers reverting to a black screen and blurry fonts, although Microsoft has not formally acknowledged the font issue. Users can uninstall the update by navigating to Settings, selecting Windows Update, clicking on Update History, and finding the option to uninstall the update labeled 2026-08 Preview Update (KB5120998). Microsoft is investigating the cursor problem and plans to provide updates by September 8.
Microsoft Confirms Windows 11's KB5120998 Update is Breaking Mouse Cursors
Winsage
August 30, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11’s KB5120998 Update is Breaking Mouse Cursors

Microsoft's optional update for Windows 11, KB5120998, is causing issues with mouse cursor settings, reverting them to default configurations after installation. Users are experiencing frustrations as personalized cursors are replaced by an oversized default version, and adjustments to color and size often do not persist. This problem appears to be linked to specific hardware configurations or display scaling setups. Microsoft is investigating the issue, and users can uninstall the update to resolve the problem without affecting access to essential security patches.
Microsoft Now Says Your RGB Lighting Is Why Windows Keeps Crashing Your Games, and There Is a Registry Fix
Winsage
August 26, 2026

Microsoft Now Says Your RGB Lighting Is Why Windows Keeps Crashing Your Games, and There Is a Registry Fix

Microsoft has identified RGB peripherals and components as the source of game crashes following the August 11 Patch Tuesday rollup for Windows 11. The issue stems from drivers or code components resembling inpoutx64, which are triggered when certain games are launched. Embark Studios linked the problem to update KB5121003, and Microsoft confirmed the connection to inpoutx64.sys, although the root cause involves changes to the Windows kernel driver. A temporary workaround involves editing the registry to disable the inpoutx64 driver, though this may affect RGB functionality. Affected games include ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, with symptoms like game freezing and unexpected closures. Rolling back the update is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities it addressed. The inpoutx64.sys driver has been included with various RGB and monitoring software, and Microsoft is investigating the issue further, asking users for feedback. No timeline for a permanent fix has been provided.
Windows 11 KB5121003: Game crashes caused by inpoutx64
Winsage
August 25, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003: Game crashes caused by inpoutx64

Microsoft has acknowledged issues with the August security update KB5121003 for Windows 11, affecting versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users reported problems such as game freezing, unexpected closures, and system restarts after installing the update. The issues are linked to drivers and software for specific RGB-enabled peripherals or components, particularly involving the inpoutx64.sys driver. Games mentioned include ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and THE FINALS. Embark Studios has released a support guide suggesting users stop and remove the inpoutx64.sys service as a temporary workaround. Microsoft is investigating the issue but has not provided a definitive fix or patch timeline.
Microsoft shares temporary fix for Windows 11 gaming issues
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Microsoft shares temporary fix for Windows 11 gaming issues

Microsoft has acknowledged gaming issues related to Windows 11 updates released on August 11, 2026, affecting games like ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Problems reported include game crashes, failures to launch, freezes, and unexpected system restarts, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft identified a link between these issues and drivers or components associated with RGB lighting devices, specifically the inpoutx64.sys driver. A temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry, with caution advised regarding potential unintended consequences. Users are encouraged to report issues via the Feedback Hub app as Microsoft investigates further.
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