OOBE Archives

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft finally fixes bug that broke all major Windows 11 core UI components on some PCs

Microsoft introduced an update to the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for Windows 11, identified as KB5095189, targeting versions 25H2 and 24H2. This update includes enhancements and fixes, coinciding with additional updates KB5102558 and KB5095615 from the June C-release preview update (KB5095093). A major fix addresses a storage issue caused by the Capability Access Manager process, which was consuming significant disk space. Another fix resolves a malfunction affecting Shell components, impacting the Start menu, Search bar, Settings, Taskbar, and File Explorer, primarily on provisioned PCs due to compatibility issues with XAML. This bug had been present since July 2025 and is being resolved with updates released starting June 23, 2026 (KB5095093), with full deployment expected in the following month. Users are advised to use previous workarounds until the fix is fully available. Further details can be found in support article KB5072911 on Microsoft's website.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Microsoft released Windows 11 KB5095189 OOBE (initial OS setup) update for 25H2, 24H2

Microsoft released a preview update designated as C-release under KB5095093, along with dynamic updates KB5102558 and KB5095615, focusing on setup and recovery enhancements for Windows 11. A new Out of Box Experience (OOBE) update has been introduced for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The OOBE is the initial setup phase after Windows installation. The cumulative update KB5095189, dated June 23, 2026, enhances the OOBE process for these versions. OOBE updates are installed automatically for users with an active internet connection. During OOBE, Windows automatically downloads and installs critical driver updates and zero-day patches once connected to a network. If a newer version of Windows is available, it may also be downloaded and installed during the OOBE process, ensuring the device has the latest security measures and features upon completion of the setup.

Winsage

June 20, 2026

Microsoft is killing the Microsoft account lock-in across products, Windows 11 may be next

Microsoft is introducing a feature in Microsoft Edge that allows users to sign in with a Google account, expected to roll out in July 2026 for Windows and macOS. This change signifies a shift from the previous requirement of a Microsoft account for various services. Users will see their Gmail address on the Edge profile card after signing in, and synchronization will be enabled. Microsoft has also allowed users to create a Microsoft account using a Gmail address, although this option was not widely known. Additionally, Microsoft is considering removing the mandatory Microsoft account sign-in during the Windows 11 setup process, responding to user feedback. The introduction of Google account sign-in aims to attract Chrome users and ease their transition to Edge.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Windows 11 users say Microsoft account requirements are creeping into everything and they are tired of it

Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative aims to improve the Windows 11 experience by enhancing customization, refining the interface, and addressing bugs based on user feedback. A significant issue remains the requirement for a Microsoft account during the initial setup, which has frustrated users who want the option to create a local account. Discussions on Reddit have highlighted this concern, with users expressing a desire for more control and transparency regarding account choices and features like encryption. Some Microsoft employees, including Vice President Scott Hanselman, have shown support for reconsidering the mandatory account requirement, but no commitment has been made to reinstate the local account option. Users are seeking clarity and genuine choice in their computing experience.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Here are the 6 biggest features and improvements coming to Windows 11 in the June 2026 update on Tuesday

Microsoft will roll out the June 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on June 9, 2026. Key features include: - Introduction of the Low Latency Profile feature, allowing two users to share audio from a single source and improving application launch times by up to 40% and interaction times by up to 70%. - Updates to Task Manager for enhanced monitoring of Neural Processing Unit (NPU) usage, including metrics for NPU utilization and memory usage. - Enhanced webcam controls allowing multiple applications to access the same camera stream simultaneously. - Ability to select a custom name for the user profile folder during installation. - Optimizations to Windows Hello for faster authentication when resuming from Modern Standby. - Improvements to Windows Search for locating files with just two characters and more precise color matching for desktop backgrounds in Personalization settings.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why these updates matter for how the OS evolves through the rest of 2026

Microsoft has released preview builds for Windows 11 in May 2026 as part of the Windows Insider Program, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key improvements include: 1. The reinstatement of Taskbar position settings, allowing users to place the Taskbar at the top, left, or right edges of the screen. 2. An upgraded Voice Typing experience on the touch keyboard with a new design and animations. 3. Significant changes to the Windows Update system, allowing users to skip updates during the Out-of-box Experience and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks. 4. The introduction of a "Shared Audio" feature enabling two users to share the same audio stream from a single computer using Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Switcher 2026: Minimizing the Microsoft in Windows 11 ⭐

Many users of Windows 11 seek to minimize reliance on Microsoft products while still utilizing the operating system's capabilities. This can be achieved through a thoughtful configuration of the system. Two laptops, the Surface Laptop 7 (Windows 11 Pro) and the HP OmniBook 5 (Windows 11 Home), were reset using the "Reset this PC" feature for a clean setup. A local account can be created during the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) by bypassing the online requirement. After connecting to Wi-Fi, updates were installed, and account security was enhanced by adding a password, PIN, and facial recognition. For Windows 11 Pro users, BitLocker can be enabled for disk encryption, while Windows 11 Home users may need to upgrade to Pro for this feature. Unnecessary Microsoft applications, such as OneDrive, OneNote, and Microsoft 365, were uninstalled, and the Start menu was cleaned up. Preferred applications were installed using web-based methods and the Windows Package Manager (winget). A preferred web browser was set as the default, and measures were taken to prevent Microsoft Edge from launching unexpectedly. OneDrive was uninstalled in favor of an alternative cloud storage client, and File Explorer was configured to improve usability. The Copilot key was repurposed to avoid accidental activation, and optional diagnostic data transmission was disabled to enhance privacy. Additional configurations included removing unnecessary taskbar items and adjusting power settings for a more personalized experience.

Winsage

May 16, 2026

Microsoft is making Windows 11’s Start menu resizable after years of complaints, adds Small and Large options

Microsoft is updating the Start menu in Windows 11 based on user feedback about its size and functionality. The new Start menu will feature a categories layout and enhanced customization options. Users will soon be able to choose between two layouts: small and large. Additionally, users can hide specific sections within the menu, such as the Pinned section or the Recommended feed, to create a more streamlined experience. The Recommended feed can be disabled without affecting the Recent section in the taskbar or File Explorer. Users will also have the option to hide their name and profile picture in the Start menu. These updates will be rolled out in the coming weeks, with plans for further enhancements, including a movable and smaller taskbar and up to 18 major changes to Windows 11.

Winsage

May 10, 2026

I dug into the new Windows Update rules coming to Windows 11, and these are the 5 things you need to know

Microsoft is implementing enhancements in Windows 11 to improve the Windows Update experience for users. Key changes include new pause controls, a redesigned Power menu, reduced forced restarts, and smarter recovery features for failed updates. A new system will automatically resolve installation issues in the background, reducing the need for manual troubleshooting. Users can now skip system updates during the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE), but doing so will prevent the download of the latest drivers, features, or security patches until a manual download is initiated or automatic updates resume. Despite these improvements, there are still limitations on user control over updates, such as the need for manual extensions to pause updates indefinitely and the requirement to confirm skipping updates twice during setup.

Winsage

May 9, 2026

Windows 11 is changing how Windows Update works — here are the 5 things Microsoft says will matter most

Microsoft is making changes to Windows Update in Windows 11 to improve the user experience. Key updates include: 1. Users can now pause automatic updates indefinitely, although they must reschedule the pause before the initial 35-day limit expires. 2. The Power menu will clearly separate update-related actions from standard power options, allowing users to choose "Update and shut down" or "Update and restart" without unintentionally installing updates. 3. Driver updates will have more descriptive labels, and a collapsible "Available updates" section will organize updates awaiting installation. Microsoft plans to consolidate updates into a single monthly cycle to reduce required restarts to one per month. 4. A new system will automatically resolve installation issues during updates, reducing the need for user intervention. 5. Users can skip system updates during the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE), but doing so will prevent the download of the latest drivers, features, or security patches until updates are manually triggered or resumed automatically.