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Windows Update will soon roll back problematic drivers automatically
Winsage
May 15, 2026

Windows Update will soon roll back problematic drivers automatically

Microsoft has introduced a feature called Cloud-Initiated Driver Recovery (CIDR) for Windows 11, which allows the automatic rollback of problematic drivers without user intervention. This feature aims to restore system stability by reverting to a previously verified, stable driver directly from the Hardware Dev Center when a driver update causes issues. CIDR will begin a gradual rollout starting in September. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing user control over update management, allowing users to pause or skip updates and manage restarts without immediate installation. The company also launched the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) to improve kernel-mode driver security and reliability.
Windows Update Will Soon Revert Problematic Drivers Automatically
Winsage
May 15, 2026

Windows Update Will Soon Revert Problematic Drivers Automatically

Microsoft has introduced "Cloud-Initiated Driver Recovery" (CIDR) for Windows Update, which automatically rolls back problematic drivers without user intervention. This system allows Microsoft to trigger recovery actions directly from the Hardware Dev Center, eliminating the need for partners or users to resolve driver issues. The CIDR rollout began in September and aims to address long-standing driver problems, such as the NVIDIA "Nvlddmkm.sys" error. Additionally, users can now pause and skip updates and restart their PCs without mandatory installations. Microsoft is also launching a Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) to enhance the security and reliability of kernel mode drivers through improved verification processes and lifecycle management.
From commit to cloud: Powering what’s next for PostgreSQL
Tech Optimizer
May 15, 2026

From commit to cloud: Powering what’s next for PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is widely used across various industries, supported by Microsoft through significant investments, including 345 commits to the latest release and a dedicated team of contributors. It is recognized for its ability to handle complex production challenges, such as transactional integrity and concurrency management. Microsoft operates PostgreSQL globally, informing upstream contributions based on real-world deployment experiences. The database is increasingly integrated into AI applications, with Azure Database for PostgreSQL and Azure HorizonDB focusing on AI functionalities. Microsoft offers multiple deployment models to accommodate different workload needs, including Azure Database for PostgreSQL for open-source workloads and Azure HorizonDB for cloud-native systems. Recent contributions from Microsoft include enhancements in asynchronous I/O, vacuum behavior, and query planning. Azure HorizonDB is designed for high-throughput, low-latency systems requiring horizontal scaling. Microsoft also invests in developer tools, such as a Visual Studio Code extension for PostgreSQL, and sponsors PostgreSQL conferences and user groups globally.
Microsoft is asking for your help to fix Windows 11 — and I'm hopeful this isn't just a desperate move
Winsage
May 15, 2026

Microsoft is asking for your help to fix Windows 11 — and I’m hopeful this isn’t just a desperate move

Microsoft is launching a 'Windows Insider Panel' to enhance the user experience of Windows 11 by gathering feedback from testers on the operating system's interface. Invitations have been sent out for participation in studies focusing on various aspects of user experience. The company has previously held a meeting with Windows Insiders to emphasize the importance of user feedback, indicating that it directly influences their decisions. This initiative is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to address concerns about Windows 11 and shows their commitment to implementing meaningful improvements based on user suggestions.
Microsoft confirms next Windows 11 update will "accelerate app launch and core shell experiences"
Winsage
May 15, 2026

Microsoft confirms next Windows 11 update will “accelerate app launch and core shell experiences”

Microsoft will roll out Low Latency Profile enhancements for Windows 11 in the coming weeks, currently being tested in Release Preview builds. This feature optimizes CPU performance by temporarily boosting frequency during brief intervals, potentially improving app launch responsiveness by up to 40% and system flyouts by up to 70%. Preliminary tests indicate significant performance improvements, especially for users with lower-end hardware. The feature operates in the background and is not user-configurable. It will be included in an upcoming optional non-security preview update expected by the end of the month, followed by integration into the next monthly security patch on June 9. Updates will be rolled out in phases. These enhancements are part of Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative.
Why I'm still tweaking Windows 11's Registry, even after April's "improvements"
Winsage
May 15, 2026

Why I’m still tweaking Windows 11’s Registry, even after April’s “improvements”

Windows 11's April update includes performance boosts, a refined File Explorer, and a revamped Settings app, but primarily addresses existing issues rather than customization preferences. Users still face challenges with the lack of easily accessible customization options, leading many to rely on registry tweaks to adjust settings not available through the standard Settings menu. Key registry modifications include restoring the classic right-click menu, adding an "End Task" option to the taskbar's right-click menu, disabling Bing search in the Start menu, and removing the Recommended section from the Start Menu. These tweaks enhance functionality and convenience, as the updates do not sufficiently address user customizability concerns.
Zero-day exploit completely defeats default Windows 11 BitLocker protections
Winsage
May 15, 2026

Zero-day exploit completely defeats default Windows 11 BitLocker protections

A zero-day exploit named YellowKey allows individuals with physical access to Windows 11 systems to bypass BitLocker encryption protections. Discovered by researcher Nightmare-Eclipse, this vulnerability enables unauthorized users to access encrypted drives quickly. The exploit involves transferring a custom FsTx folder to a USB drive, connecting it to a BitLocker-protected device, and entering recovery mode to gain command prompt access without needing a BitLocker recovery key. Esteemed researchers Kevin Beaumont and Will Dormann have confirmed the exploit's functionality, although the specific mechanism within the FsTx folder that enables the bypass is not fully understood.
I can’t shake the feeling Xbox’s Project Helix has a major flaw, and Windows K2 might decide its future
Winsage
May 15, 2026

I can’t shake the feeling Xbox’s Project Helix has a major flaw, and Windows K2 might decide its future

In April 2026, Zac Bowden reported on Windows K2, an initiative by Microsoft aimed at improving Windows for gaming, with a focus on surpassing Valve's SteamOS in performance. Project Helix, the next-generation Xbox console platform, will be built on Windows 11 but has faced criticism due to SteamOS outperforming Windows 11 in gaming tests. Users have noted that SteamOS provides a more polished user experience compared to Windows 11, which currently has limitations for gaming handhelds. Windows K2 is intended to address issues such as reducing bloat, enhancing UI responsiveness, and optimizing gaming performance. The success of Windows K2 is seen as crucial for the future of Xbox, as it aims to create a seamless integration between Windows and Xbox products.
Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge hacked at Pwn2Own Berlin 2026
Winsage
May 14, 2026

Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge hacked at Pwn2Own Berlin 2026

On the inaugural day of Pwn2Own Berlin 2026, a total of ,000 was awarded to security researchers for exploiting 24 unique zero-day vulnerabilities. Orange Tsai earned ,000 for chaining four logic bugs to achieve a sandbox escape on Microsoft Edge. Windows 11 was targeted by Angelboy, TwinkleStar03, Marcin Wiązowski, and Kentaro Kawane, each earning ,000 for demonstrating new privilege escalation zero-days. Valentina Palmiotti earned ,000 for rooting Red Hat Linux for Workstations and an additional ,000 for a zero-day in the NVIDIA Container Toolkit. Other notable exploits included k3vg3n earning ,000 for taking down LiteLLM, Satoki Tsuji and haehae earning ,000 for exploiting NVIDIA Megatron Bridge zero-days, Compass Security and maitai earning ,000 each for hacking OpenAI's Codex, haehae earning ,000 for a Chroma zero-day, and STARLabs SG earning ,000 for exploiting a LM Studio zero-day. The DEVCORE Research Team leads the competition with ,000 in earnings, followed by Valentina Palmiotti with ,000. The contest is held at the OffensiveCon conference from May 14 to May 16, with over ,000,000 in cash and prizes available. Participants must target fully patched products and demonstrate arbitrary code execution. Vendors have a 90-day window to release security fixes after zero-day flaws are disclosed. Last year, the TrendMicro Zero Day Initiative awarded ,078,750 for 29 zero-day vulnerabilities.
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