Microsoft's strategy Archives

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Microsoft is finally fixing my biggest issue with Windows Studio Effects on Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft has enhanced the Windows Studio Effects feature for Windows 11, allowing users to apply AI-powered webcam effects to external cameras, such as USB webcams, in addition to built-in webcams. This functionality can be accessed in the "Advanced camera options" settings. Microsoft has also improved the webcam and microphone pipeline, enabling simultaneous webcam feed sharing across multiple applications. New AI features are being tested, including an "Ask Copilot" button in File Explorer and a "fluid voice" dictation feature that corrects grammar and punctuation in real-time. These features will require a Copilot+ PC and will be rolled out to both Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2.

AppWizard

September 5, 2025

Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming Expands to Game Pass Core, Standard With Select PC Games

Microsoft is expanding its Xbox Cloud Gaming offerings to include subscribers of the Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard tiers, which previously only included Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This expansion is currently being tested with Xbox Insiders, allowing Core and Standard users to access various titles in their subscriptions and other cloud-playable games. Users must join the Xbox Insider Program and download the Xbox Insider Hub to participate. Additionally, Game Pass Core and Standard users will have access to select PC games during this testing phase.

Winsage

September 2, 2025

Love Windows, hate the rules? Try this Linux distro instead.

Microsoft's end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Windows 11's market share has decreased by 4% to 49.08%, while Windows 10's market share has increased by 2.65% to 45.53%. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users wishing to continue using Windows 10 after support ends. Users have reported access issues but Microsoft assures enrollment will be available before the end date. Windows 11 has struggled with adoption due to strict system requirements and design flaws, prompting aggressive marketing tactics from Microsoft. An alternative, Windows Theme Over Linux (WINUX), has been updated to mimic Windows 10 and 11, requiring minimal hardware (2GB RAM and a dual-core 64-bit CPU) and offering up to five years of free updates. Advocacy groups are encouraging users to explore Linux alternatives, citing benefits like the absence of intrusive ads and telemetry tracking. Critics view Microsoft's extended support as a temporary solution rather than a sustainable fix.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

If Windows 12 is anything like this concept, I’d switch from Windows 11 (or 10) in a heartbeat

A new concept video titled 'Windows 12.2' has been created by YouTuber 'AR 4789', showcasing a refined vision for Microsoft's operating system. The video features a clean interface inspired by Apple's Liquid Glass and includes elements like the Aero transparency effect from Windows Vista. It presents nostalgic features such as a Windows 7 theme and various customizable taskbar options. However, the likelihood of Microsoft adopting these ideas is uncertain, especially given the mixed reception of Windows 11. Observers suggest that any future iteration will need to represent significant advancements rather than incremental updates. Microsoft may focus on maintaining Windows 11 with annual updates while investing in a more AI-centric operating system.

Winsage

August 17, 2025

The Windows 11 Start menu is getting a new addition, but you’re not going to like it

Microsoft is integrating Copilot recommendations into the Windows 11 Start menu, encouraging users to utilize the AI assistant for tasks like drafting documents and exploring topics. This move is part of Microsoft's strategy to promote Copilot as a key subscription service, with significant resources allocated to its development despite recent layoffs. The company aims to increase user subscriptions to Copilot Pro through enhanced marketing efforts and recommendations within the Windows experience.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows future is built on AI, voice, cloud, and context

Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows + Devices at Microsoft, discussed the integration of artificial intelligence, voice interaction, and cloud computing in Windows. He introduced Windows 365 Link, a device for seamless access to Windows 365, emphasizing a streamlined user experience. The hybrid computing model, first mentioned by CEO Satya Nadella, is central to Microsoft's strategy, with features like Copilot enhancing productivity. Davuluri noted a revival of voice interaction in Windows, with advancements in multimodal computing and features like Copilot Vision for conversational user interaction. He acknowledged uncertainty about the future of Microsoft's Surface devices but emphasized a commitment to hardware innovation.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Windows Users Get Exclusive Taskbar Apps That Integrate with Microsoft 365

Microsoft is introducing three lightweight companion applications—People, File Search, and Calendar—designed to enhance the user experience for Microsoft 365 customers by transforming the Windows taskbar into a command center. These apps will be automatically launched upon startup and provide immediate access to Microsoft 365 functionalities. The People app allows users to initiate Teams calls and manage contacts, the File Search app simplifies file location across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and the Calendar app offers visibility into upcoming commitments and integrates with other tools. The rollout is scheduled for this month through standard update channels. This initiative reflects Microsoft's strategy to deepen integration of its services within the Windows experience, aiming to enhance user productivity and strengthen its competitive position. However, it has faced scrutiny from regulators, particularly the European Commission, regarding its bundling strategies, leading to commitments to unbundle Teams from its offerings and enhance interoperability with competing platforms.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

A guy in California is suing Microsoft for discontinuing Windows 10, demanding free extended support

Lawrence Klein, a San Diego resident, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft challenging the company's decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 in October. Klein argues that Microsoft should maintain free support for Windows 10 until its user base falls below 10% of all Windows users, claiming the discontinuation pressures users to purchase new devices and helps Microsoft establish a monopoly in the generative AI market. As of April 2025, Windows 10 users make up approximately 52.94% of all Windows users, while Windows 11 adoption has been slow. Klein estimates that over 240 million devices may become obsolete due to Windows 11's hardware requirements, leading to increased e-waste. He criticizes Microsoft's strategy as atypical, noting that the transition to Windows 11 is being mandated only four years after its release, and he describes Windows 11 as "wildly unpopular." Klein seeks judicial intervention to stop misleading advertising, ensure clear communication about support discontinuation, and mandate continued updates for Windows 10 at no extra cost until its user base declines significantly. Klein is only requesting reimbursement for attorney's fees.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

California man sues Microsoft for discontinuing Windows 10 — says company is doing this to “monopolize the generative AI market”

Lawrence Klein has filed a complaint against Microsoft in the San Diego Superior Court due to the company's announcement to stop support for Windows 10 by October 14, 2025. Klein owns two laptops running Windows 10 and argues that this decision will render his devices obsolete. He believes Microsoft's strategy is aimed at forcing customers to buy new hardware compatible with its generative AI software, including the Copilot feature in Windows 11. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free, but requires TPM 2.0 technology, which many devices lack, making them ineligible for the upgrade. Users can bypass this requirement but will not receive official support from Microsoft. The Enhanced Security Updates program requires a Microsoft Account, which has deterred many users from upgrading. As the deadline nears, some users may need to invest in new devices, while others are considering transitioning to Linux to avoid hardware costs.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Windows 11’s new Start menu pop-ups are pushing users to pay for Microsoft 365

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Windows 11 that includes persistent pop-ups in the Start menu, encouraging users to back up their data to the cloud via Microsoft 365. The pop-up contains a message advising users to back up their PC and directs them to Windows Backup, which uses OneDrive for storage. Users have expressed frustration over the inability to disable these pop-ups, as attempts to turn off notifications do not affect what Microsoft classifies as "required notifications."

Microsoft’s strategy