Neural Processing Units Archives

Winsage

January 20, 2026

Windows 11, not AI, kick-started the PC upgrade cycle

The global PC market saw a 9.3 percent increase in shipments in the fourth quarter of 2025, resulting in an annual growth of 9.1 percent, according to Gartner. This rebound is mainly due to corporate IT departments upgrading aging hardware rather than consumer demand or interest in AI devices. The transition is driven by the shift to Windows 11, as businesses must replace machines that do not meet new hardware requirements. A report from Context indicates that buyers prioritize price, battery life, and performance over AI functionalities. Lenovo led the market with approximately 19.4 million units shipped, followed by HP with around 15.4 million and Dell at 11.7 million. The upgrades are primarily motivated by compliance with Windows 11 deadlines and security mandates, rather than excitement for new technologies.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.

Winsage

January 13, 2026

Microsoft fixes 114 flaws in year’s first Windows 11 Patch Tuesday

Microsoft's January 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5074109, addresses 114 vulnerabilities, including a critical zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2026-20805) in the Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM) that has been actively exploited. The update is applicable to Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 and includes security enhancements and updates to AI components. Other high-severity vulnerabilities addressed include CVE-2026-20816 (privilege escalation in Windows Installer), CVE-2026-20817 (elevation of privilege in Windows Error Reporting), CVE-2026-20840 (vulnerability in Windows NTFS), CVE-2026-20843 (flaw in Routing and Remote Access Service), CVE-2026-20860 (vulnerability in Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock), and CVE-2026-20871 (another DWM vulnerability). The update removes legacy modem drivers to minimize the attack surface and resolves reliability issues in Azure Virtual Desktop and WSL networking. It also changes the default setting for Windows Deployment Services (WDS) to disable hands-free deployment. Users can install the update through Windows Update, and a system reboot is required for full application.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Surprise surprise, people are still in no hurry to switch to Windows 11, Dell reveals

Dell's Q3 earnings call revealed a delay in the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with COO Jeffrey Clarke stating that the upgrade is progressing slower than the previous shift to Windows 10. The adoption rate for Windows 11 is lagging behind Windows 10 by approximately 10 to 12 percentage points. Currently, around 1.5 billion PCs are installed, with about 500 million capable of running Windows 11 but not yet upgraded, and another 500 million requiring new hardware for the transition. Dell's server and networking segment reported .1 billion in revenue, a 37% year-over-year increase. Rising component prices may further complicate the transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Windows: Notepad gets tables and streaming AI

Microsoft is updating its Notepad editor to version 11.2510.6.0, introducing native support for Markdown tables and enhanced AI functions through streaming technology. The new features include the ability to insert tables via a toolbar button or Markdown syntax, and AI functions such as Write, Rewrite, and Summarize that generate results word by word. The Rewrite function currently supports streaming only on Copilot+ PCs, and a Microsoft account is required to access the AI functions. The update is available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels, with no timeline for broader release. Users can disable the new features in settings or revert to older versions of Notepad if desired.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Windows 10’s End Forces UK SMEs to Rethink Technology

The end of Windows 10 support in October has prompted UK small businesses to reconsider their technology and security measures. Brian Horsburgh from Dell highlights the urgency for firms to upgrade to Windows 11 and integrate AI into their operations. Statistics show that 43% of businesses experienced a cyber breach last year, with 46% of IT decision-makers citing high-profile incidents as reasons to refresh their PC fleets. Despite budget concerns, Dell is addressing hesitations by showcasing the benefits of AI technology, such as improved productivity and security. AI PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) enhance data security and streamline operations, allowing for tasks like automatic meeting note summarization. Dell offers flexible financing options to ease the financial burden of upgrading. The company promotes a phased approach to digital transformation, encouraging businesses to automate repetitive tasks and partner with technology providers for expert guidance. By leveraging AI, small businesses can improve customer experiences and make data-driven decisions, positioning themselves competitively in the market.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Microsoft Integrates System Monitor (Sysmon) into Windows 11

Microsoft will integrate its forensic tool, System Monitor (Sysmon), into the Windows kernel with the upcoming releases of Windows 11 and Server 2025. This integration will transform Sysmon from a standalone utility into a native “Optional Feature” that will be serviced automatically through Windows Update. Administrators will no longer need to manually distribute Sysmon; instead, it can be activated through the “Turn Windows features on or off” dialog or command-line instructions. The integration will ensure that updates flow through the standard Windows Update pipeline, providing official support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Sysmon. Microsoft plans to utilize local computing capabilities for AI inferencing to enhance security measures, focusing on detecting credential theft and lateral movement patterns. Sysmon will maintain backward compatibility with existing workflows, allowing the use of custom configuration files and adhering to the XML schema while continuing to log events to the Windows event log. Community-driven configuration repositories will remain operational, preserving established community knowledge.

Winsage

November 15, 2025

Best Laptops to Get the Most Out of AI

Consumers are now prioritizing speed, extended battery life, and intelligent features powered by artificial intelligence in personal computers. Copilot+ PCs are equipped with advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs), offering performance up to five times faster than a typical Windows laptop from five years ago. They provide up to 22 hours of video playback, making them suitable for professionals who need long-lasting battery life. Additionally, these PCs integrate AI capabilities within the Windows 11 environment to enhance productivity and creativity.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Windows Moves To Agentic OS As Backlash Erupts

Microsoft's Windows chief, Pavan Davuluri, introduced the concept of an "agentic" operating system, which aims to integrate applications, cloud services, and devices for a more autonomous user experience. This vision has generated skepticism among users, who fear it may lead to intrusive AI interactions. The term "agentic" refers to systems capable of performing multi-step tasks on behalf of users, potentially enhancing integration with file systems, notifications, and cloud services. However, past experiences with intrusive advertisements and privacy concerns have led to a trust deficit among users. The introduction of such systems raises privacy and security issues, prompting regulatory scrutiny and calls for explicit permissions, human confirmation for significant actions, and robust local processing. Hardware manufacturers are investing in AI PCs to support these developments, while developers will have access to new APIs for application integration. Microsoft faces a messaging challenge in promoting this vision, needing to demonstrate clear benefits and prioritize user agency to alleviate concerns.