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“Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me
Winsage
May 2, 2026

“Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me

Microsoft will begin rolling out the May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on May 12, 2026. Key features of this update include: 1. Xbox Mode: Transforms PCs into a console-like experience, prioritizing system resources for gaming and freeing up to 2GB of memory. 2. Voice Typing Improvements: Redesign of Voice Typing elements on the touch keyboard. 3. New Arabic 101 Legacy Keyboard Layout: Available for addition from the Region page in Settings. 4. Drop Tray Changes: Renamed from Drag Tray and can be disabled in Settings > System > Multitasking. 5. Taskbar AI Agents Support: Allows monitoring of AI agents directly from the Taskbar, starting with the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. 6. Debloat Policy with Dynamic List Support: Enables administrators to specify additional apps for removal beyond the default list. 7. Windows Driver Policy Update: Changes how the kernel manages trust for third-party drivers, eliminating default trust for cross-signed drivers. 8. Batch File Security Changes: Enhances security for batch files and Command Prompt scripts, with an option for a hardened processing mode. 9. Format FAT32 up to 2TB: The format command-line tool now supports formatting volumes up to 2TB using FAT32.
Microsoft rolls out Windows security changes to prevent another CrowdStrike meltdown
Winsage
June 26, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows security changes to prevent another CrowdStrike meltdown

Last summer's CrowdStrike incident caused significant disruptions in healthcare, banking, and air travel, resulting in billions of dollars in damages. In response, Microsoft held a security summit with experts from CrowdStrike and other firms to address vulnerabilities. Microsoft announced Safe Deployment practices and architectural changes to enhance Windows security, including relocating third-party security drivers from the Windows kernel to user space. This change aims to reduce risks associated with kernel-level flaws. Upcoming features in Windows 11 24H2 include a streamlined crash report process, replacing the Blue Screen of Death with an "unexpected restart" screen, and a quick machine recovery (QMR) capability to automate fixes during outages. Additionally, Windows Autopatch will allow network administrators to deploy updates with fewer required restarts for Windows 11 Enterprise PCs, limiting them to once every three months.
Streaming Android apps from your phone to your Windows 11 PC just got easier (if you're lucky enough to have the right phone)
AppWizard
August 14, 2024

Streaming Android apps from your phone to your Windows 11 PC just got easier (if you’re lucky enough to have the right phone)

Recent updates to Samsung's One UI, specifically version 6.1.1, have improved the streaming experience from Samsung smartphones to PCs. Users no longer need to press a button each time they want to stream an app through Microsoft's Phone Link, which previously required a button press due to security changes in Android 14. The update allows for an "Always allow" setting for screen mirroring, eliminating repeated confirmations. Currently, One UI 6.1.1 is available only on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, but it is expected to be rolled out to older Galaxy devices like the S22, S23, S24, and earlier Fold models.
Recall Recalled: Is AI On Windows 11 Already Doomed?
Winsage
June 14, 2024

Recall Recalled: Is AI On Windows 11 Already Doomed?

Recall was a major selling point of the new Copilot+ PCs unveiled by Microsoft, but the pre-release version had a major security flaw where the database storing sensitive information was left unencrypted. Microsoft later announced security measures to improve Recall's security, including turning it off by default and encrypting the database. The launch of Recall was postponed to ensure proper testing with Windows Insiders.
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