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Microsoft is finally fixing the worst thing about Windows Search, but you can’t try it just yet
Winsage
July 17, 2026

Microsoft is finally fixing the worst thing about Windows Search, but you can’t try it just yet

Microsoft is rolling out significant improvements to Windows Search for Insiders in the Experimental channel. The search home screen has been redesigned to eliminate clutter, replacing trending topics and promotional offers with a streamlined list of recent searches. Search results now clearly indicate their source, and promotional content has been removed from web results. Users can customize their experience by disabling web and Microsoft Store suggestions. Improvements in typo tolerance allow common misspellings to yield correct results, and local files and settings are prioritized more effectively. Support for two-character file searches has been introduced, and reliability fixes have been implemented to address crashes and loading issues. These updates are expected to be rolled out to the broader user base in the coming months.
Windows 11 has more recovery options than ever, and here’s exactly when I would use each one to fix a broken PC
Winsage
July 16, 2026

Windows 11 has more recovery options than ever, and here’s exactly when I would use each one to fix a broken PC

Microsoft has enhanced Windows 11 with various recovery tools that allow users to address system issues without needing to perform a complete reinstall. Key features include: - Reset This PC: Offers two options: "Keep my files" (reinstalls Windows while retaining personal files) and "Remove everything" (wipes the computer before reinstalling). Users can choose between a Local reinstall or Cloud download. - Cloud Rebuild: Accessible via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), it reformats the OS partition, downloads a fresh Windows image, and restores the original setup without relying on local recovery images. - Go Back (Rollback): Allows users to revert to a previous installation after an upgrade if issues arise, utilizing the Windows.old folder, but is time-sensitive (files purged after about ten days). - Uninstall Updates: Enables users to remove recent updates that may cause problems without a full system reset. - System Restore: Creates restore points to revert to a stable state without affecting personal files. - Startup Repair: A tool in WinRE that scans for and fixes common startup issues. - Safe Mode: Starts Windows with essential drivers and services to troubleshoot problems. - Quick Machine Recovery: Automatically connects to Microsoft's recovery service to download fixes if Windows fails to start due to a faulty update or driver. - Point-in-Time Restore: Automatically reverts the system to a previous working state when updates fail. Other tools include the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), Recovery Drive for bootable USB access, Command Prompt, Startup Settings, and the Windows Backup app for restoring settings and files. The legacy Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool is still available for creating backups and full system images.
Is Spotify down? Thousands of users report issues with app
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

Is Spotify down? Thousands of users report issues with app

As of 12:54 PM today, over 3,500 users have reported difficulties with Spotify, with 38% citing issues with the app and 30% with audio streaming. Problems have been noted since 7:48 AM EDT. Users have expressed frustration on social media, sharing experiences such as the app not loading or being unable to play music. Downdetector, which tracks service disruptions, has indicated a significant increase in reports regarding Spotify.
Microsoft Is Finally Cleaning Up Windows 11 Search By Stripping Away Ads
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Microsoft Is Finally Cleaning Up Windows 11 Search By Stripping Away Ads

Windows 11 users have expressed frustrations with the operating system's search function, which has been cluttered and confusing. Microsoft is implementing a comprehensive overhaul to improve the search experience, currently rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. Key enhancements include the removal of promotional content from web results, prioritization of local results, and the introduction of a setting to disable web and Microsoft Store suggestions. Local content will be ranked higher in search results, and the search function will better tolerate typographical errors. Additionally, file searches will support two-character queries, and results will clearly indicate their sources. These changes are being tested first and will not be immediately available to all Windows 11 PCs.
This is my 3rd time playing EVE Online's upcoming extraction shooter little brother, and it finally feels like it's coming together⁠—all without the ambitious crossover features it was made for
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

This is my 3rd time playing EVE Online’s upcoming extraction shooter little brother, and it finally feels like it’s coming together⁠—all without the ambitious crossover features it was made for

In 2013, CCP Games launched Dust 514, a first-person shooter for PlayStation 3 that aimed to complement EVE Online but struggled due to its exclusivity. The developer, now known as Fenris Creations, is revisiting this concept with EVE Vanguard, which combines extraction gameplay with cross-game integration. The game features engaging gameplay and allows players to deploy immediately from the "war barge" menu. Initial objectives focus on eliminating foes and looting, promoting exploration. The playtest revealed solid mechanics, satisfying weapon feedback, and a core gameplay loop of exploration, combat, and survival. Fenris aims to create an experience that players will miss if canceled, reminiscent of the nostalgia for Dust 514. Players can follow updates on Fenris' official website or Steam.
Microsoft just decluttered Windows 11 Search after years of MSN tiles, ads, and trivia
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Microsoft just decluttered Windows 11 Search after years of MSN tiles, ads, and trivia

Microsoft is rolling out significant enhancements to Windows Search, starting on July 13, aimed at creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for Insiders. The update eliminates clutter from the interface, removing web suggestions and ads, and replacing them with a clean home screen that displays recent searches. Each search result now includes clear labels indicating its source, and the layout has been improved for better organization. Sponsored product cards have been removed from web results, leading to direct answers without promotional content. Users can customize their experience with toggles to disable Bing web results or Microsoft Store suggestions. Local matches now take precedence over web results, improving search accuracy. File search has been enhanced to display results more quickly and include cloud files alongside local ones. Microsoft has also improved the reliability of Search, reducing crashes and loading issues. Users can enable the new features through the Feature flags page if they do not activate after a reboot. There is no official timeline for when these changes will be available to all Windows users.
It's Monday, and Steam is currently struggling just like the rest of us
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

It’s Monday, and Steam is currently struggling just like the rest of us

On July 13 at 11:30 PT, Steam experienced intermittent downtime and various errors affecting the store, community hub, and game APIs. Users reported that the store and community pages had a "Very Slow" status, and Deadlock's multiplayer API showed an Internal Server Error. The Steam API displayed erratic behavior, with users encountering "Bad Gateway" errors. By the end of the day, all systems were reported to be functioning normally.
Improving Windows Search Box, with less clutter and more control
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Improving Windows Search Box, with less clutter and more control

Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel are beginning to receive phased enhancements to the Windows Search Box. Key improvements include a streamlined home screen to reduce visual clutter, clearer context for search results indicating their source (app, setting, file, web result, or Store suggestion), and the removal of promotional content from web results. Users can control the display of web and Microsoft Store results through a new setting. Local results are prioritized when relevant, and the search function has improved its handling of typos and partial words. Ranking enhancements for settings results and better file search capabilities have been implemented, along with increased reliability and reduced crashes. Feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.
This unofficial PowerShell script for improving Windows 11 gets a useful driver feature
Winsage
July 12, 2026

This unofficial PowerShell script for improving Windows 11 gets a useful driver feature

This weekend, discussions emerged reflecting user frustration with Windows 11 and Microsoft products, particularly regarding updates. A recent cumulative update introduced a customizable Start menu but also fixed a bug that was consuming users' storage. Microsoft has mandated that users cannot ignore these updates, contributing to dissatisfaction. Many users are opting for third-party applications like Files and Win11Debloat as alternatives to the native Explorer app. The latest version of Win11Debloat, released on July 11, 2026, includes features to prevent automatic installation of unwanted OEM apps with drivers, a reboot warning for certain functions, and various fixes and enhancements. Notable additions include support for WhatIf in Get.ps1, disabling Windows Notifications, and improvements in handling registry-backup load failures. The app is available on its official GitHub repository or through the Neowin software stories page.
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