SCOOBE Archives

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Remembering what Windows 10 did right—and how it made modern Windows more annoying

The Microsoft Account sign-in requirement for Windows 11, which began with Windows 10, now applies to both Home and Pro versions starting with version 22H2, necessitating an internet connection and account sign-in for new installations. Users are also confronted with a cluttered desktop and a Start menu with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar apps, making the initial experience overwhelming. Windows 11 introduces additional annoyances, including promotions for Microsoft services and a feature called SCOOBE that nudges users about these services during setup, which can be disabled but not easily removed. Microsoft is expected to close loopholes that allow bypassing the sign-in requirement in future updates.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682 (KB5065782) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. The update includes new features such as a redesigned Copilot prompt box, visual animations for Click to Do, and new action tags in the context menu. The Emoji 16.0 release introduces new emojis, including Face with Bags Under Eyes and Fingerprint. Improvements for Xbox game controllers include a short press of the Xbox button opening Game Bar. Enhancements to Narrator focus on smoother document navigation and clearer announcements. Advanced Settings are being reintroduced, and a SCOOBE screen will notify users of subscription issues. Fixes include resolving hibernation bugchecks, improving taskbar reliability, and addressing issues in File Explorer and the Start menu. Known issues include problems with Click to Do visuals and media controls on the lock screen. The Microsoft Store update includes new AI Hub features and the ability to launch apps directly from product pages.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

Windows 11’s annoying post-installation prompts are being simplified

Microsoft has updated the beta version of Windows 11 to improve the installation process by redesigning the Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience (SCOOBE). The new SCOOBE features a single-screen interface with a concise list of toggles for optional features and buttons labeled “Keep current settings” and “Accept and continue,” allowing users to bypass multiple prompts and transition more quickly to their desktop. This change is particularly beneficial for users who frequently reset their Windows installations. Microsoft states that some Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels will see this refreshed SCOOBE screen, which aims to be more intuitive and streamlined.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Microsoft finally fixes one frustrating Windows 11 pop-up – just as a more irritating one arrives to take its place

Windows 11 users are experiencing improvements and challenges as Microsoft refines the operating system. The 'second-chance out-of-box experience' (SCOOBE) has been streamlined to enhance user experience. However, a new pop-up in the Start menu encourages users to consider a OneDrive subscription for backing up files, which could lead to additional costs due to limited free storage. This notification is classified as 'required' and cannot be disabled, unlike SCOOBE prompts. In the EU region, a test installation did not show this alert, possibly due to regional data regulations.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Microsoft is finally fixing this irritating Windows 11 feature

Windows 11 includes a feature called the Second-chance out-of-box experience (SCOOBE), which can disrupt user experience by requiring users to navigate through multiple prompts before accessing the desktop. In a recent update to the Windows 11 Dev build, Microsoft has streamlined the SCOOBE process into a single-screen interface with a list of optional features that can be toggled on or off. The new interface includes intuitive buttons for accepting or declining all offers with a single click. The SCOOBE feature typically appears on systems using local accounts or the oobebypassnro command, as well as on devices with Microsoft accounts. Users can disable SCOOBE by going to Settings > System > Notifications > Additional Settings and toggling off the relevant options.