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“Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me
Winsage
May 2, 2026

“Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me

Microsoft will begin rolling out the May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on May 12, 2026. Key features of this update include: 1. Xbox Mode: Transforms PCs into a console-like experience, prioritizing system resources for gaming and freeing up to 2GB of memory. 2. Voice Typing Improvements: Redesign of Voice Typing elements on the touch keyboard. 3. New Arabic 101 Legacy Keyboard Layout: Available for addition from the Region page in Settings. 4. Drop Tray Changes: Renamed from Drag Tray and can be disabled in Settings > System > Multitasking. 5. Taskbar AI Agents Support: Allows monitoring of AI agents directly from the Taskbar, starting with the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. 6. Debloat Policy with Dynamic List Support: Enables administrators to specify additional apps for removal beyond the default list. 7. Windows Driver Policy Update: Changes how the kernel manages trust for third-party drivers, eliminating default trust for cross-signed drivers. 8. Batch File Security Changes: Enhances security for batch files and Command Prompt scripts, with an option for a hardened processing mode. 9. Format FAT32 up to 2TB: The format command-line tool now supports formatting volumes up to 2TB using FAT32.
Microsoft releases first big update after Nadella's vow to 'win back fans'
Winsage
May 1, 2026

Microsoft releases first big update after Nadella’s vow to ‘win back fans’

Microsoft released a non-security update on April 30 aimed at enhancing Windows stability and performance, particularly improving Windows Explorer functionality. The update improves the reliability of explorer.exe processes, enhances sign-in processes, interactions with taskbar menus, and unpinning items from Quick Access. It optimizes startup application performance and storage performance, raising the maximum FAT32 format size limit from 32GB to 2TB. Additional reliability improvements were made to Windows Hello, the Microsoft Store, and the taskbar system tray. The update also introduces Enterprise State Roaming (ESR) for device transitions, policy-based removal of preinstalled Microsoft applications, and enhanced security for batch files.
Windows Weekly 981: Semi-Sophisticated
Winsage
May 1, 2026

Windows Weekly 981: Semi-Sophisticated

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed developments in the Windows Insider Program, Snapdragon X2 gaming, artificial intelligence, and Xbox. Two changes in the Insider Program were noted. Microsoft has open-sourced early MS-DOS source code. Intel reported a .7 billion loss, which Paul attributes to 'collusion.' Microsoft and OpenAI are revising their partnership, with Microsoft 365 Copilot gaining enhanced AI features in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and GitHub Copilot moving to a usage-based billing model starting June 1. OpenAI is reportedly entering the mobile phone market, while Adobe's Firefly AI Assistant is in preview, and Anthropic is increasing its creator space involvement. Microsoft Gaming has rebranded to Xbox, with new leadership focused on future plans, including a mobile game store pending changes in Apple's policies. Valve will release its Steam Controller next week. A listener inquired about purchasing Windows 11 on Arm for Mac virtualization, leading to suggestions for cost-saving options. PowerToys 0.99 introduces new utilities and improvements. This week’s episode of RunAs Radio compares M365 Copilot and Claude Cowork. Reifel Rye is recommended as the brown liquor of the week.
Microsoft Says Defender Antivirus Is Good Enough. I Say Nope
Tech Optimizer
April 29, 2026

Microsoft Says Defender Antivirus Is Good Enough. I Say Nope

Microsoft Defender Antivirus, originally launched in 1993 as Microsoft Anti-Virus for MS-DOS, has evolved over the years but historically struggled with effective malware protection. Recent improvements have led to better performance in independent lab tests. Microsoft claims that Defender's built-in capabilities are sufficient for protection against various threats, but it acknowledges that third-party antivirus solutions may be necessary for users with multiple devices. Defender's phishing protection is limited to the Edge browser, and it lacks many features found in competing antivirus products, such as advanced scam protection and a user-friendly interface. While Defender offers basic protection, it may not meet the needs of most users in today's digital landscape.
Microsoft Releases Enterprise Policy Option to Disable Windows 11 Copilot
Winsage
April 28, 2026

Microsoft Releases Enterprise Policy Option to Disable Windows 11 Copilot

Microsoft has introduced a new enterprise policy setting that allows IT administrators to silently uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app from managed Windows 11 devices. The RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp policy became available after the April 2026 Patch Tuesday security updates and is compatible with enterprise management solutions like Microsoft Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Administrators can find the policy in the Group Policy Editor under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows AI > Remove Microsoft Copilot App. It specifically targets Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education SKUs, excluding Home edition users. The uninstallation process is triggered when three conditions are met: Microsoft 365 Copilot is installed on the device, it was provisioned (not user-installed), and it has not been launched by the user in the last 28 days. The policy was initially available for Windows Insiders in January 2026 and became generally accessible afterward. However, future updates or user reinstalls from the Microsoft Store may reintroduce the Copilot app, necessitating ongoing policy enforcement for permanent removal. Organizations seeking broader exclusion may need to use PowerShell scripts or additional MDM configurations.
Microsoft Adds Policy to Let IT Admins Uninstall Copilot From Enterprise Windows 11 Devices
Winsage
April 27, 2026

Microsoft Adds Policy to Let IT Admins Uninstall Copilot From Enterprise Windows 11 Devices

Microsoft has introduced a policy allowing IT administrators to remove the Microsoft Copilot app from managed enterprise devices. This "Remove Microsoft Copilot App" policy will be available as a Policy CSP and Group Policy after the April 2026 Windows security updates for Windows 11 devices on the 25H2 update, specifically for Enterprise, Professional, and Education editions. The policy will uninstall Copilot under certain conditions: both Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot must be installed, the user must not have manually installed the app, and the app must not have been launched in the past 28 days. Administrators can enable the policy through the Group Policy Editor or configure it via Microsoft Intune and SCCM after the April 2026 updates. The policy aligns with Microsoft's recent changes in managing Copilot, including the cessation of automatic installations and the cancellation of plans to integrate Copilot into system notifications and other features. The policy was initially available to Windows Insiders in January before becoming generally accessible in April 2026.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 24, 2026

Microsoft Throws IT Admins a Bone With Ability to Remove Copilot From Windows

Microsoft is adjusting its rollout strategy for Copilot AI in Windows 11 in response to user concerns by slowing down the introduction and visibility of AI features. IT administrators can now completely remove Copilot from their systems with the new setting called RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp, introduced in Windows 11, version 25H2 (KB5083769). This feature allows for non-disruptive uninstallation of Copilot for organizations using Pro, Enterprise, Education, or IoT Enterprise editions. Specific criteria must be met for effective removal: both Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot must be installed, the app should not have been installed by the user, and it must not have been launched in the past 28 days. The change is reversible, allowing for reinstallation if needed.
Microsoft’s new Windows 11 freebies are useful, but they also feel a little desperate
Winsage
April 24, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 freebies are useful, but they also feel a little desperate

Microsoft has launched an offer for U.S. college students purchasing Windows laptops, providing a year of Microsoft 365 Premium, a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a custom Xbox Wireless Controller, valued at approximately 0. This offer is available until June 30, 2026, or while supplies last, through Microsoft channels, major retailers, and participating PC manufacturers. The initiative follows Apple's introduction of the MacBook Neo, priced at ,199 for regular customers and 9 for students. The offer is exclusively for verified U.S. college students, applicable only to qualifying PCs, and intended for new subscribers to the services. Many colleges already provide Microsoft’s productivity tools, which may lessen the appeal of the Office component. The pricing of Windows laptops has faced challenges, with recent increases noted, such as the 13-inch Surface Laptop rising to ,199.
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