reliability Archives

Winsage

July 2, 2026

‘The problem with Windows machines is that they have Windows on them’: Microsoft clearly faces an uphill struggle as it defends Windows 11 laptops, firing shots at MacBook Neo

A viral video on X showcased the MacBook Neo's superiority over a generic Windows laptop, specifically an HP Victus gaming model, which raised questions about the fairness of the comparison. Microsoft responded by highlighting the Dell XPS 13's features and competitive pricing, especially as Apple increased the MacBook Neo's price. However, Microsoft is facing challenges with its Surface lineup, including price hikes and rumors of discontinuing more affordable models like the Surface Go 4 and Surface Laptop Go 3. Reports indicate that these devices are becoming harder to find, and the Surface Laptop Go 3 has been replaced by a more expensive model. Additionally, public sentiment on platforms like Reddit reflects skepticism towards Windows laptops, with concerns about Windows updates and overall reliability persisting despite improvements in Windows 11.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

Bottles is how you should actually run Windows apps on Linux

Wine enables users to run Windows applications on Linux by translating Windows calls into POSIX calls. It has evolved significantly, especially with contributions from Valve's Proton project, but can be complex and unpredictable, leading to potential glitches with updates. Bottles enhances this experience by creating isolated containers for each application, allowing users to run specific versions of Wine tailored to individual applications. This approach improves compatibility and organization, as users can group applications with similar settings. Bottles also features Eagle, a tool that recommends optimal Wine setups, and allows easy backup and restoration of configurations, ensuring a clean system.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

Microsoft Boosts File Explorer Launch Speed in Windows 11

Microsoft has released the optional Windows 11 June update, KB5095093, which improves the performance of File Explorer by addressing launch speed and overall functionality. The update includes a redesign of the Home tab for better file indexing, new quick actions for file management, improved responsiveness when mounting disk images, and enhanced address bar functionality. This update will become mandatory by July 2026.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Microsoft is finally fixing the Windows 11 taskbar

Windows 11 is introducing a feature that allows users to resize the taskbar, available in the latest builds for Windows Insiders. The new Taskbar Size setting enables customization, allowing toggling between a standard and smaller taskbar, which can also utilize smaller icons. Enhancements have been made to thumbnail previews for cloud files in File Explorer, a OneDrive shortcut issue has been resolved, and system sounds have been improved for dark mode users. Additionally, the Xbox mode has been rebranded to XBOX mode as part of the Windows K2 initiative, which aims to improve performance, design, and reliability in Windows 11.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Microsoft is finally fixing the Windows 11 taskbar

The latest updates for Windows 11, particularly for Windows Insiders, include a new option to resize the taskbar, allowing users to adjust its height and icon size. The "show smaller taskbar buttons" feature has been enhanced to include a "small" setting for the taskbar. Additionally, improvements have been made to File Explorer, including better reliability of thumbnail previews for cloud files, a fix for the OneDrive shortcut, and a correction for the confirmation dialog when deleting files. System sounds have also been improved for dark mode users. The Xbox mode has been rebranded to XBOX mode, and the Windows K2 initiative is focused on addressing various issues within Windows 11.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Progress! Microsoft is finally giving Windows 11 users the taskbar they actually asked for

Windows Insiders can now experiment with a new feature that allows them to resize the taskbar in Windows 11. The update includes a toggle for a "small" setting, which decreases the height of the taskbar and enables smaller icons. This feature is part of Windows 11 Experimental Preview Build 26300.8758. Additionally, Microsoft is working on the Windows K2 initiative to address various performance, design, and reliability issues within the operating system.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Microsoft quietly sped up File Explorer in June’s optional update

A recent Microsoft update, KB5095093, enhances the user experience on Windows 11, particularly by significantly accelerating File Explorer. The update reorganizes the "Home" tab in File Explorer for improved performance, resulting in faster access and functionality. It also improves the reliability of the address bar with quicker suggestions and enhances responsiveness when mounting disk images and adjusting folder view case sensitivity. This update is part of June's optional Windows update and will become mandatory in July. Users can install it via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Microsoft is killing New Outlook’s notification spam, but Classic still loads emails faster on Windows

Microsoft is introducing a feature in New Outlook that groups email notifications to reduce interruptions and notification fatigue. Users have reported that New Outlook is slower than Outlook Classic, with email opening times taking up to 30 seconds compared to just a few seconds in the Classic version. There are also reliability issues with notifications in New Outlook, which can be inconsistent or absent for connected accounts on Windows 10 and 11. Despite the planned improvements, Outlook Classic remains more efficient for managing notifications and opening emails quickly.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most

Microsoft will launch the Windows 11 July 2026 Security Update on July 14, 2026, introducing new features and bug fixes. Key features include the Point-in-time Restore recovery feature, which allows users to revert to a stable system state using restore points, and enhancements to Bluetooth, network virtualization, and touchpad functionality. The update will be available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, managed through Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology. The update enhances the "Pause updates" functionality with a calendar view for pausing updates for up to 35 days. The Magnifier tool will allow users to input exact zoom percentages, and printer installations will default to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Location settings will be simplified, and File Explorer will see performance improvements, including new options on the Home page. Bluetooth enhancements will improve reliability and audio performance, while Phone Link will refine call handling between Windows 11 and smartphones. Voice Typing and Voice Access will be improved for real-time text refinement and support multiple languages. Networking improvements will focus on reliability and performance, particularly in virtualized environments, and touchpad customization options will allow adjustments to the right-click area.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Apple has removed this Russian application from the App Store

Apple has removed VKontakte (VK) from its App Store, as confirmed by VK Group. VK stated that its apps are no longer available for download or updates on Apple devices, which they claim restricts access for Russian users to popular services. Apple justified the removal by stating it complies with laws and sanctions, though VK noted it has never been subjected to U.S. sanctions. The Kremlin has called Apple's decision "bizarre" and is seeking clarification, with Russia's digital development ministry labeling the action as politically motivated and asserting there are no grounds for blocking VK apps.