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Microsoft admits Windows 11's context menus are "cluttered and sluggish": Announces major upgrades to the right-click menu that increases performance and customizability
Winsage
August 19, 2026

Microsoft admits Windows 11’s context menus are “cluttered and sluggish”: Announces major upgrades to the right-click menu that increases performance and customizability

Microsoft has announced a major redesign of the context menus in File Explorer and on the desktop for Windows 11, aimed at improving the right-click experience by making it faster, less cluttered, and more customizable. Preview builds with the new context menu are being rolled out for Windows Insiders for testing and feedback. The updated menu addresses previous issues of clutter and sluggishness, allowing for a simpler and quicker user experience. Users can customize their context menus by enabling or disabling specific actions and hiding third-party app extensions. Additionally, users have the option to revert to the Windows 10 context menu layout within Windows 11. The new layout presents fewer actions and allows main commands to be listed inline, with Properties moved to the bottom. A broader rollout of these features is expected later this fall.
China’s State-Linked Firms Are Moving Away From Windows 10 Due To Security Concerns, Despite The Custom OS Developed By Microsoft Under Stringent Supervision
Winsage
August 19, 2026

China’s State-Linked Firms Are Moving Away From Windows 10 Due To Security Concerns, Despite The Custom OS Developed By Microsoft Under Stringent Supervision

The Ministry of State Security in China has ordered the removal of the "Government Edition" of Windows 10 from state-operated organizations due to concerns over cyber vulnerabilities. This version was developed through a collaboration between Microsoft and C&M Information Technologies (CMIT) starting in 2016. The plan to transition away from Windows 10, originally set for February 2027, has been accelerated amid rising national security concerns regarding reliance on U.S. technology. China is exploring alternatives for software, including a custom version of Windows 11, Huawei's HarmonyOS, and state-backed Linux distributions like UnionTech’s UOS and Kylinsoft's Kylinsec. Following the announcement, domestic operating system vendors saw a rise in stock prices. The motivations for this shift are linked to geopolitical tensions with the United States, as China emphasizes its commitment to digital security and technological sovereignty.
Pre-registration for Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris for iOS and Android has started
BetaBeacon
August 18, 2026

Pre-registration for Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris for iOS and Android has started

Feral Interactive announced the release of Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris on iOS and Android devices on September 8. The game features four-player co-op gameplay and is set in Egypt, where players must gather fragments of the god Osiris to stop Set from enslaving humanity. The mobile version allows players to play the first level for free and unlock the full game with a .99 in-app purchase.
I used to use the stock Windows 11 Media Player to rip CDs but it's such a letdown now — here's what I started using instead
Winsage
August 18, 2026

I used to use the stock Windows 11 Media Player to rip CDs but it’s such a letdown now — here’s what I started using instead

Many users who prefer physical media are transitioning to digital formats for convenience and archival purposes. Windows 11 Media Player can rip CDs but has issues with metadata handling due to the discontinuation of its online metadata tool, leading to incomplete tracks and missing artwork. Exact Audio Copy (EAC) is a free application that offers a more effective solution, providing accurate digital copies in FLAC format with standardized filenames, metadata, and album artwork. EAC includes a setup wizard and uses MusicBrainz for metadata after the first ten rips. It features AccurateRip, which verifies CD quality against a database, and can handle scratched discs, making it a reliable choice for digitizing CDs.
Microsoft disables Windows 11's new "Ask Copilot" Taskbar feature to "incorporate feedback" as it pivots to unified Copilot app
Winsage
August 18, 2026

Microsoft disables Windows 11’s new “Ask Copilot” Taskbar feature to “incorporate feedback” as it pivots to unified Copilot app

Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 Taskbar, integrating Copilot into the search experience. The feature, initially called "Ask Copilot," allows users to interact with Copilot while accessing traditional app and file searches. It has been gradually rolled out in a preview format to select users, primarily in commercial settings using Microsoft 365 Copilot. A consumer version is also in development, but the Ask Copilot feature has been temporarily removed to update the experience based on user feedback. Users will revert to the traditional Windows Search experience automatically during this transition. The Windows Search functionality is being redesigned for improved accuracy and speed. The Ask Copilot search pane includes a chat box for interactions with Copilot and shortcut buttons for Copilot Vision, but the full rollout of Ask Copilot will require further refinement.
Game Pass needs to nail three things to stay alive
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

Game Pass needs to nail three things to stay alive

Microsoft raised the price of Game Pass Ultimate to .99 per month during the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, but later reduced it to .99 per month after layoffs and leadership changes. New Call of Duty titles will now be available on the service a year after their initial release. Microsoft has invested nearly a decade and approximately 0 billion into Game Pass, which is central to its gaming strategy. An Xbox console ranges from 9 to 9, and many gamers already own devices like smartphones or laptops. Game Pass allows access to a vast library of games on various devices, including tablets and unconventional devices, as long as there is a stable internet connection.
Best Android Emulators 2026: 4 of 7 Play Store Banned
BetaBeacon
August 18, 2026

Best Android Emulators 2026: 4 of 7 Play Store Banned

- Ads: No - Funding model: Open-source community RetroArch - Base price: Free - Optional paid tier: None - Ads: No - Funding model: Open-source community Winlator - Base price: Free - Optional paid tier: None - Ads: No - Funding model: Donation-funded DraStic - Base price: Free - Optional paid tier: None - Ads: No - Funding model: None public
Microsoft pulls "frustrating" Drag Tray file sharing feature from Windows 11 in latest preview builds: Promises to "explore improvements" after feedback from users
Winsage
August 18, 2026

Microsoft pulls “frustrating” Drag Tray file sharing feature from Windows 11 in latest preview builds: Promises to “explore improvements” after feedback from users

Microsoft has decided to discontinue the Drag Tray file sharing feature in Windows 11 due to mixed feedback from users, with many finding it cumbersome. The traditional file-sharing method of right-clicking and selecting the share option remains available. Microsoft plans to explore improvements and promises a future replacement for the Drag Tray in upcoming updates. Users are encouraged to share their thoughts on Reddit.
How to Find Every Major PC VR Mod in One Place
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

How to Find Every Major PC VR Mod in One Place

The PCVR Central database, initiated by Reddit user ‘camracks’, serves as a centralized hub for VR mods that allow users to play flatscreen PC games in virtual reality. It currently catalogs over 1,500 games and nearly 900 VR mods, featuring popular titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Cyberpunk 2077. The database provides links to mod repositories rather than hosting mods directly, enhancing searchability and allowing users to connect their Steam accounts for personalized mod displays. It includes a user rating and review system, categorizes mods by VR compatibility, and offers details on modder activity and installation complexity. The creator plans to expand the database with additional tools and features for PC VR enthusiasts.
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