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Microsoft Releases July 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Microsoft Releases July 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the July 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2, introducing several key features: - A new recovery feature allows users to revert their PCs to a recent restore point. - The Widgets experience has been revamped to minimize distractions, including no longer opening upon hover and reduced memory usage. - Users can pause Windows updates for up to 35 days and re-pause them as needed. - A new screen tint feature applies a color overlay to reduce eye strain. - Magnifier now offers preset zoom increments and allows specific zoom percentages to be input. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements include quicker pairing for Apple’s AirPods and better reliability for Beats Studio Pro headphones. - Voice access and voice typing features are now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Users can customize the right-click zone size on touchpads with a pressable surface. - The emoji panel now uses GIPHY for GIF content. - Taskbar notification counts and badge visuals will update accurately. For Qualcomm-powered PCs running Windows 11 version 26H1, the KB5101649 update includes the Point-in-time restore feature and introduces new NPU usage metrics in Task Manager, the option to assign a custom user folder name during setup, and allows multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously. Improvements have also been made to Windows Hello authentication and Microsoft Store performance, along with enhancements to Windows Search for better file location and prioritization.
I tested the new ASUS Zenbook A14 Windows laptop, and its 2026 upgrade to Snapdragon X2 Elite impressed me
Winsage
July 5, 2026

I tested the new ASUS Zenbook A14 Windows laptop, and its 2026 upgrade to Snapdragon X2 Elite impressed me

ASUS has released the Zenbook A14 (UX3407) featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, retailing at ,999.99. It includes 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB SSD, with a 14-inch non-touch OLED display at 1920 x 1200 resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. Best Buy offers a version for ,349.99 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, and another for ,799.99 with the same RAM and storage as the ASUS configuration. The laptop weighs 2.18 lbs (0.99 kg) and has a "Ceraluminum" chassis with a 'Zabriskie Beige' finish. It has a maximum brightness of 407 nits, with a peak brightness of 600 nits for certain areas, and covers 100% of the sRGB and P3 color gamuts. The Snapdragon X2 Elite processor outperforms Apple's M5 chip in benchmarks and shows significant improvements over its predecessor. Battery life is claimed to be over 33 hours under ideal conditions, but real-world testing showed a maximum of 23 hours and 38 minutes. The laptop features decent speakers and an adequate webcam, though some pre-installed applications may not be preferred by all users.
Microsoft is turning Windows 11 into an AI operating system
Winsage
June 26, 2026

Microsoft is turning Windows 11 into an AI operating system

Darren Oberst, co-founder of LLMWare.ai, highlighted the benefits of using local models on neural processing units (NPUs) for optimized AI performance and suggested that businesses can enhance efficiency by scheduling automated agent runs. Leonard Lee, principal analyst at Next Curve, emphasized the importance of safe deployment of agentic AI features being introduced by companies like Samsung and Lenovo. Jack Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates, noted that Microsoft is embedding AI into its Windows operating system, requiring support for multiple AI chip types to provide flexibility for enterprises.
Microsoft admits 8GB RAM is fine for Windows 11, after years of pushing 16GB as the baseline
Winsage
June 25, 2026

Microsoft admits 8GB RAM is fine for Windows 11, after years of pushing 16GB as the baseline

Microsoft has revised its Surface buying guide, now recommending 8GB of RAM for everyday tasks, while stating that 16GB or more is necessary for fully utilizing Copilot+ PC features. Previously, Microsoft had advocated for 16GB as the minimum for a satisfactory Windows 11 experience. Earlier this year, Microsoft suggested 32GB of RAM for serious gamers but retracted this recommendation due to backlash over costs. The introduction of Apple's MacBook Neo with 8GB of RAM at an attractive price has influenced Microsoft's stance, leading to the launch of Surface devices with 8GB of RAM. The buying guide promotes 8GB for everyday tasks, while an AI store assistant suggests 16GB for a "future-proof" laptop. Historically, Windows 10 had a minimum RAM requirement of 2GB, with 4GB recommended for optimal performance, but Windows 11 has increased these requirements. Microsoft's investments in AI infrastructure have contributed to a RAM shortage. The Copilot+ PC branding aimed for a new hardware tier but has not met expectations. The introduction of the MacBook Neo has prompted reactions from PC manufacturers, and concerns exist about the optimization of Windows 11 on ARM architecture.
I tested Norton's Deepfake Protection — and it finally convinced me my next laptop needs an NPU
Tech Optimizer
June 18, 2026

I tested Norton’s Deepfake Protection — and it finally convinced me my next laptop needs an NPU

The landscape of online security has evolved significantly, with deepfake technology introducing new challenges. Users must be vigilant against both traditional malware and convincing fake images and videos. Antivirus software developers are enhancing their products by integrating cloud-based AI for better threat detection. For users with computers featuring neural processing units (NPUs), local solutions are available, such as Norton’s Deepfake Protection, which analyzes synthetic voices and images to flag potential threats. This feature operates in the background, providing peace of mind during online interactions. Norton 360 includes options for Deepfake Protection, Safe Web, and Safe SMS, but requires sufficient system resources to function effectively. Running this protection on older laptops may hinder performance, making NPUs a worthwhile investment for enhanced security against deepfakes and other online threats.
Microsoft reveals Teams can't run well on low-RAM PCs, builds Efficiency Mode after years of bloat
Winsage
June 17, 2026

Microsoft reveals Teams can’t run well on low-RAM PCs, builds Efficiency Mode after years of bloat

Microsoft Teams is testing a new feature called "Efficiency mode," which will be available to all users by the end of June 2026. This mode aims to enhance performance on PCs with limited RAM, particularly those with 8GB RAM. Efficiency mode activates automatically when Teams detects that a device is hardware-constrained, optimizing performance by reducing video resolution and minimizing resource usage. The initial implementation includes changes such as dynamically adjusting video output and opening with a pre-selected chat. Users can opt out of Efficiency mode via the Settings menu. Microsoft is also exploring additional enhancements to improve chat access and reduce lag.
Windows 11’s June update makes PCs feel faster. Here's what's new
Winsage
June 15, 2026

Windows 11’s June update makes PCs feel faster. Here’s what’s new

On Patch Tuesday in June 2026, Microsoft released a significant update for Windows 11, designated as KB5094126. Key enhancements include: - Low Latency Profile: Boosts CPU clock speeds temporarily for specific tasks, reducing lag during operations. - Simultaneous Webcam Access: Allows multiple applications to use the webcam simultaneously. - Shared Audio: Enables two users to connect headphones to one PC for shared audio enjoyment. - NPU Usage Monitoring: Task Manager displays Neural Processing Unit usage for individual processes, with new columns for NPU and NPU Engine. - Enhanced Windows Search: Users can locate files with just two characters instead of three. The update also introduces new Secure Boot certificates for improved security. After installation, Windows 11 build numbers will show either 26200.8655 (25H2) or 26100.8655 (24H2). Updates are rolled out gradually, so some users may experience delays in accessing features.
Microsoft is reportedly testing Copilot+ AI features with discrete GPUs instead of NPUs — a feature available on Windows App SDK with a Windows Insider Experimental Channel build and Developer Mode turned on
Winsage
June 15, 2026

Microsoft is reportedly testing Copilot+ AI features with discrete GPUs instead of NPUs — a feature available on Windows App SDK with a Windows Insider Experimental Channel build and Developer Mode turned on

Copilot PCs were introduced by Microsoft in 2024 to integrate advanced AI capabilities into personal computing. An experimental Windows App SDK is now available on GitHub, allowing users to run Language Model APIs on supported Nvidia GeForce RTX 30-series GPUs with a minimum of 6GB of VRAM. This capability requires a Windows Insider Experimental Channel and Developer Mode activation, enabling local AI inferencing on devices without dedicated NPU hardware. Microsoft's shift from promoting Copilot+ PCs may be influenced by fluctuating RAM prices and aims to make AI functionalities more accessible to a broader user base. In 2024, a research firm noted that consumer interest in AI PCs was driven by the need to upgrade to available models, a trend continuing into 2026 due to a shortage of memory and storage chips, resulting in rising computer prices and declining sales of PCs and components. Projections indicate that entry-level laptops may disappear by 2028. The lack of consumer interest in NPU-equipped PCs could impede the adoption of Copilot+ features, prompting Microsoft to expand AI functionalities to non-Copilot+ devices to enhance its user base and differentiate Windows 11 from competitors like macOS and Linux.
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