Microsoft has auto-enabled the OneDrive Folder Backup feature in Windows 11 version 25H2 without notifying users, syncing the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders automatically. Many users may not want these folders synced due to containing sensitive or large files. Disabling Folder Backup can be cumbersome, as it requires users to decide where to store contents, complicating content management. Unlike previous versions, this feature is activated post-login without user consent.
To uninstall OneDrive, users can go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, locate Microsoft OneDrive, and select "Uninstall." Uninstalling does not delete cloud-stored files, which remain accessible via the OneDrive website or app.
Users can prevent OneDrive from enabling Folder Backup during PC setup by acting quickly after the Windows Setup Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and canceling the backup process when prompted. If Folder Backup is already enabled, users can disable it by accessing OneDrive settings and managing backups for the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders.
OneDrive offers only 5 GB of free cloud storage, with additional storage requiring a subscription to Microsoft 365. Users can disable “On this day” memory notifications in OneDrive settings. To move OneDrive to a different disk, users must unlink their account and select a new folder path during re-sign-in.
A bug in Windows 11 has been causing disruptions, particularly affecting the Explorer.exe process, leading to the desktop user interface and taskbar disappearing for users. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and will release a fix in the optional update, Windows 11 KB5074105, in January 2026. The problem affects Windows installations with certain startup applications configured, causing Explorer.exe to stop responding upon signing in. Users are advised to manually restart Explorer.exe via Task Manager if it becomes unresponsive. The KB5074105 update will also fix issues with Explorer not displaying custom folder names correctly and resolve problems with an unresponsive lock screen and black screens linked to a previous update.
Windows 11 is facing significant issues following the January Patch Tuesday, particularly with boot failures on commercial devices. These problems are linked to both the January update and a flawed December update, leading to a "UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME" Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error. Microsoft has indicated that devices that did not successfully install the December security update are left in an improper state, which can prevent booting when subsequent updates are attempted. While Microsoft is working on a partial solution to prevent further installations that could cause boot failures, this fix will not resolve issues for devices already affected. The company is investigating the causes of these update failures and their consequences.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Windows 11 has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, following the end of support for Windows 10. Despite this milestone, there is significant customer dissatisfaction. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri acknowledged the need for improvements in system performance, reliability, and overall user experience. Recent updates have been problematic, with glitches reported during the first Patch Tuesday update of 2026. The integration of AI features has left some users feeling overwhelmed, while the constant upsell prompts for services like Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft 365 have been criticized as bloatware. Users have also expressed frustration over forced migrations to OneDrive, where files have been deleted without consent. Additionally, there is a notable disparity in support for home users compared to corporate users, raising concerns about Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the consumer experience.
Microsoft has released the KB5074105 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, which includes 32 enhancements to improve user experience. This optional update allows administrators to test upcoming fixes and features before the next Patch Tuesday. It addresses issues such as Explorer.exe hanging during login with specific startup apps, system unresponsiveness during startup with Windows Boot Manager debugging enabled, iSCSI boot failures, and problems with Windows license migrations during upgrades. The update elevates Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to builds 26200.7705 and 26100.7705, respectively. Key highlights include enhanced Cross-Device Resume functionality, support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, fixes for unresponsiveness when running Windows Terminal with elevated permissions, resolution of GPU-related system errors, and improvements to Windows Sandbox. Microsoft will also introduce distinct identifiers for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 updates starting with the January 2026 security update, and has simplified update titles for better accessibility.
Microsoft's Windows 11 version 24H2 shows performance improvements in gaming, with frame rate enhancements ranging from 2% to 8% across various titles, particularly benefiting newer DirectX 12 games. However, users report significant stability issues, including Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, crashes during gameplay, and compatibility problems with certain hardware and software. These issues affect a wide range of systems, suggesting systemic challenges rather than isolated incidents. The operating system's hardware compatibility requirements, such as TPM 2.0 support, have also limited upgrade eligibility for many users. Microsoft has acknowledged specific issues related to Intel and AMD processors, antivirus software conflicts, and outdated drivers. Despite ongoing patch deployments, user frustration persists due to the slow pace of fixes. The stability concerns have led some businesses to delay Windows 11 24H2 deployments, prioritizing reliability over performance gains. The driver ecosystem's lag in updates from hardware manufacturers has further complicated stability. The gaming community remains divided, with many users opting to stay on Windows 10 due to these stability risks.
Team Ninja's recent release, Rise of the Ronin, faced performance issues on PC, including stuttering, framerate fluctuations, and crashes, similar to problems seen in their earlier title, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Nioh 2 also had launch challenges, while Ninja Gaiden 4 performed decently but lacked customizable settings. Players with a Ryzen 5 5600H and 16GB RAM experienced mixed results with Nioh 3, achieving around 60 fps at 1080p on "very low" settings, but framerate could drop to 44 fps in the open world. The introduction of frame generation support in Nioh 3 improved performance, allowing players to use higher graphics settings while maintaining at least 60 fps. Players reported minimal input lag during the demo, and the game was found to be demanding on platforms like the Steam Deck OLED.
Monster Hunter Wilds, released in 2025, faced performance issues on PC, leading to declining frame rates and technical problems. In response, Capcom released patch version 1.040.03.01 to address these issues, identifying an unintended process related to the Support Desk at Base Camp and the Grand HHub as a significant factor causing increased CPU load and reduced FPS. The patch includes optimization improvements for Steam-specific processes and options to reduce processing load. An upcoming update, Version 1.041, is scheduled for release on February 18th, promising further enhancements.
Windows 11 version 25H2 has outperformed Windows 10 (22H2) in gaming benchmarks, a shift from earlier assessments where Windows 10 was faster than Windows 11 23H2. The improvements in Windows 11's gaming capabilities were largely due to the 24H2 update. Testing was conducted on high-end hardware, specifically with an AMD Ryzen 9800X3D processor and Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU, and results may vary with different setups. Games like Arc Raiders and Borderlands 4 showed performance increases of 11% and 9% to 13%, respectively, on Windows 11. However, Windows 11 has faced bugs and glitches, including boot failures and sleep mode issues, particularly on older PCs, leading to hesitation among gamers about upgrading from Windows 10, which remains stable with only security updates. The deadline for Windows 10's extended support is October 2026, prompting users to consider upgrades or new purchases.
