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In 2026, Microsoft introduced Xbox mode for Windows 11 users to enhance the gaming experience, responding to the popularity of Valve's SteamOS. Xbox mode transforms the Windows interface by removing the taskbar and providing a layout suited for controller users, organizing game libraries within a revamped Xbox app. To enable Xbox mode, users must navigate to Settings > Gaming > Xbox mode and toggle the feature on. A gamepad must be connected, and users can access Xbox mode using keyboard shortcuts or through the Xbox app. While Xbox mode streamlines access to games from various platforms, it does not inherently improve gaming performance; users should enable Game Mode separately for that purpose. Xbox mode consolidates access to multiple game launchers, allowing users to launch games directly without opening their respective launchers. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can access their library within Xbox mode, and the Cloud Gaming tab allows setting Nvidia GeForce Now as the default streaming service.
Windows 11 users have experienced delays in File Explorer and the Start menu since the operating system's launch in 2021. Recent reports from Windows Insiders indicate significant improvements in system responsiveness, confirmed by Marcus Ash from Microsoft, who stated that these enhancements will be rolled out to all users by fall 2026. Recent cumulative updates have addressed issues like File Explorer lag and Start menu stuttering, with specific updates (KB5120998, KB5095093, and KB5089573) improving responsiveness and reducing micro-stutters. Enhancements to the taskbar, Start menu, and context menus are also being developed, including taskbar repositioning and streamlined context menus. Users on the 25H2 version can expect these improvements through cumulative updates before the 26H2 update this fall. Keeping Windows Update active will ensure access to these enhancements.
Participants in the Windows Insider Program can now install new builds in the Beta (26H1) and Experimental (26H1) channels, specifically Beta build 28020.2818 and Experimental build 28120.2824. Key updates include:
- Personalization enhancements with DIB image support for desktop backgrounds and improvements to the Background settings page, including slideshow support across multiple displays.
- Windows Recovery Environment (WRE) enhancements allowing automatic reuse of saved Wi-Fi profiles.
- Temporary removal of the modernized Print Management experience for refinement, while traditional tools remain accessible.
- File Explorer improvements that retain the state of sections on the Home page.
- Magnifier user interface updates with improved icons and spacing.
- Inclusion of Emoji 17.0.
- Taskbar reliability improvements.
- The Experimental build introduces first launch reliability for the new WinUI-based Run dialog.
Google has released Play Services v26.33 and Play Store v52.9, introducing several enhancements aimed at improving user experience across devices. Key updates include:
- Googlebook Integration allows access to phone apps from Googlebooks on PC and mobile devices.
- The Ask Play feature now supports video highlights of apps and games.
- New developer features support Utilities-related processes across multiple platforms, including phones, PCs, TVs, Wear OS, and Android Auto.
- Enhanced connectivity features support related processes in Google and third-party apps.
Additional changes in Play Store v52.9 include:
- A Home and Search chip for large-screen device optimization.
- Automatic dismissal of the fallback overlay during app installations.
- Curated app bundles presented after downloading an app.
- Improved Play Protect for better detection of harmful apps.
- An audiobook samples cluster added to the app’s home page.
The rollout of these features may occur gradually, meaning not all users will receive updates simultaneously.
Microsoft has introduced a standalone application called MicrosoftSettings.exe that prompts users to change their default search engine to Bing across all browsers on their PC. This application is not force-installed via Windows Update or available in the Microsoft Store; it can be downloaded from Microsoft's official servers. Upon installation, it encourages users to add a Chrome extension named Microsoft Bing Homepage & Search, which alters search settings and directs users to the Microsoft Rewards page. The installation process features a welcome screen with a pre-set toggle for changing the search engine to Bing, applicable to Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. The extension has a 4-star rating and claims 5 million users, but it triggers alerts from Chrome regarding its permissions. Microsoft has also launched a sweepstakes for Bing users and made it possible to sign into Bing using Google or Apple accounts. Despite efforts to promote Bing, Microsoft has committed to decluttering MSN and simplifying its offerings in other areas.
Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday update addressed 421 vulnerabilities across various products, including multiple versions of Windows (11 25H2/24H2, 11 23H2, and 10). A critical zero-day flaw, the "Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," allows attackers with lower-level access to gain system privileges without user interaction. Additionally, the update addresses two other zero-day flaws, including the "Windows User Profile Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," which has not yet been exploited but was publicly disclosed. The update is mandatory and should automatically install on supported PCs, with users encouraged to verify its application. The update also includes minor improvements to Windows features, such as enhancements to File Explorer, Windows Hello, Voice Access, and touchpad controls.
Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB512103 and KB5120240 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. These updates include the August 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches, which address 400 vulnerabilities. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This is the eighth 'Patch Tuesday' release of 2026, with no exclusive changes for either version.
Key enhancements in the August 2026 update include:
- File Explorer: Improved file size display, middle-click functionality for folders, resolution of loading issues, and enhanced clarity of file thumbnails.
- Windows Search: Better handling of typos in app search and improved relevance of settings in search results.
- Voice Access: Introduction of Voice Isolation and Korean language support, along with reliability improvements.
- Widgets: Taskbar notification badges now reflect the Windows accent color, and the Lock screen Widgets experience has been simplified.
- Start Menu: Improved reliability of view preferences and enhanced keyboard navigation.
- Windows Hello: Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors.
- Power and Battery: Improved reliability of power settings and restored threshold setting for energy saver activation.
- Accessibility: Enhanced Magnifier experience on touch devices.
Microsoft has not reported any new issues related to this month's updates.
YouTube has started auto-launching its Shorts feature upon opening the app, causing confusion and frustration among users. Reports indicate that this behavior is inconsistent across accounts, with some users experiencing the app defaulting to Shorts even if they closed it on a different screen. Complaints about this issue have been ongoing for several months, suggesting it may be part of a limited test rather than a deliberate design choice. Users can remove Shorts from their home page by setting their daily time limit to zero or choosing the Ignore Limit option, though this may lead to frequent reminders.
Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 in July 2026, including:
- An updated Windows Search that automatically identifies additional relevant folder locations based on user activity.
- Enhancements to the Phone Link companion flyout in the Start menu for quick previews of recent messages or notifications.
- An adaptive hibernate policy that prevents hibernation when the battery is above 80% and initiates it when below 10%.
- Performance improvements in File Explorer, including faster deletion of large files and touch scrolling support.
- Streamlined Windows Update process that reduces system restarts by consolidating updates.
- New gesture controls for Precision Touchpads to adjust scroll and zoom speeds.
- Support for removing smart card policies in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 sessions.
- Improved usability of refreshable Braille displays with Narrator for instant connectivity.
- Ability to reposition the Taskbar to any side of the screen for personalization.
- Introduction of Voice Isolation for Voice Access to enhance speech recognition in noisy environments.
