Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in adoption nearly four years after its launch in 2021, with projections of reaching 1 billion users by 2026. The May 2026 Steam Hardware and Software survey shows a 2.02% increase in Windows 11 gamers, while Windows 10 declined by 1.64% and Linux by 0.53%. Windows gained 0.38% overall, and macOS added 0.15%. English-language users increased by 2.71%, indicating demographic biases in the survey. The industry standard remains 16 GB of RAM and 1080p monitor resolution, with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 as the most popular graphics card. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT saw a 1.24% gain following a fix for detection issues.
Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8497, introducing new accessibility features including a Screen Tint option, Voice Isolation in Voice Access, and upgrades to Magnifier and Narrator. The Screen Tint setting allows users to apply a color overlay to reduce screen brightness, beneficial for those with eye strain. It can be accessed in the Settings menu under Accessibility and operates independently of the Night Light feature. The update also enhances Narrator by adding support for plug-and-play braille displays that comply with the HID standard, allowing immediate connection via USB without additional drivers. Compatible braille models include Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. The build addresses several bugs, including a crash in explorer.exe, duplicate Energy Saver quick settings, and issues with audio muting on certain devices. Build 26300.8497 is being rolled out to the Windows 11 Insider Experimental channel, with no announcement yet on availability for the broader user base.
The Windows Insider Program is rolling out changes across various channels, with new builds of Windows 11 Insider Preview available. The transition for devices in the Canary 29500 Series Channel to the new experience has not yet begun. New features include:
1. Screen Tint: An accessibility feature that applies a color overlay to reduce screen intensity.
2. Narrator: Enhanced support for HID-compatible braille displays, allowing for plug-and-play functionality via USB or Bluetooth.
3. Voice Isolation in Voice Access: A feature that improves voice recognition by filtering out background noise, processing occurs privately on the device.
Starting May 1, 2026, all production Android applications released by Google will include a cryptographic entry to verify their authenticity. This initiative establishes a "Source of Truth" for users to confirm that the software on their devices is genuine and unaltered. It includes Google Applications and Mainline Modules, with a production ledger that records all official updates. If a Google-signed application is not listed in this ledger, it indicates that the application was not intended for release by Google. This system aims to prevent unauthorized modifications and enhance user privacy and security. For Pixel users, it allows verification of both system images and Google applications. Google has also provided verification tools to check the transparency status of supported software types.
Microsoft is tightening user freedoms in Windows 11, such as requiring a Microsoft account for access. While alternatives to Windows exist, the author finds Windows to be the superior choice for desktop productivity despite its challenges. The landscape of desktop operating systems is evolving, with mobile platforms incorporating desktop features, but options like Mac and Linux have their own challenges. User preferences vary, with some prioritizing smartphones over traditional computers. Change aversion affects users of all ages, making it difficult to embrace new workflows. The author has transitioned from Microsoft Word to Markdown for writing, highlighting the complexities involved in changing platforms.
MTS, a major mobile operator in Russia, has reclassified virtual private networks (VPNs) as equivalent to torrent services, imposing a daily fee of up to 87 rubles for users who wish to engage in private browsing. Traffic routed through VPNs will no longer be included in standard service packages, leading to additional charges for accessing blocked resources or securing connections. The new tariff structure charges users based on their region and plan, with fees ranging from 80 to 87 rubles per day for a quota of five gigabytes of specialized traffic. Users can block this service to avoid charges, resulting in the complete unavailability of VPN connections. This policy is seen as a response to pressures for new monetization strategies and aligns with government efforts to limit internet circumvention. The potential for other major telecom operators to adopt similar practices could impact net neutrality in Russia.
Microsoft is transitioning to a universal printer driver system to address issues related to legacy printer drivers in Windows. Starting with Windows 10 version 21H2, a universal printer driver compatible with Mopria standards has been integrated and is being enhanced through updates. A phased approach to legacy printer drivers will begin in January 2026, when Windows Update will stop allowing new legacy drivers for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2005. Existing drivers for older printers will continue to function. In July 2026, Windows 11 will prioritize the universal driver over legacy drivers, and by July 2027, updates for legacy drivers will be limited to security fixes. There is no set timeline for the complete discontinuation of old printers and their drivers.
Windows 11 is set to introduce native video wallpaper support in late 2025, currently available in testing builds for Windows Insiders, supporting formats like MP4, MKV, and WebM. Users can access animated wallpapers through third-party applications, with Lively Wallpaper being a recommended free option that supports various formats and features. Wallpaper Engine is a paid alternative known for its extensive library and interactive wallpapers. VLC Media Player can also set videos as wallpapers, but it has limitations such as requiring constant operation and higher resource usage. Animated wallpapers generally consume more battery and system resources, but modern applications include features to mitigate these impacts. Users are advised to download wallpapers from trusted sources to ensure safety.
