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OpenAI's Codex is now on Windows
Winsage
March 4, 2026

OpenAI’s Codex is now on Windows

OpenAI has launched its Codex agentic coding application for Windows, expanding its reach beyond the Mac platform. The Mac version received over 1 million downloads in its first week and currently has 1.6 million weekly active users, with over 500,000 developers awaiting the Windows version. The Windows version is designed for real-world usage, featuring native sandboxing capabilities and OS-level controls for secure operation. It includes a WinUI skill for Windows application development and mirrors the Mac version in functionality while introducing Windows-specific features. Codex emphasizes managing the agent over just coding, providing a unique interface described as a "command center for agents." It operates on OpenAI’s latest coding model, GPT-5.3-Codex, with options to switch to earlier versions and adjust reasoning levels. Codex for Windows is available to users across various tiers, including ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu.
Windows 12 Forecast Six Expert Predictions
Winsage
February 22, 2026

Windows 12 Forecast Six Expert Predictions

Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 12, which is expected to feature an AI-native experience with deep integration of Copilot, showcasing capabilities like on-screen comprehension, voice activation, and task automation. The hardware requirements will be elevated, necessitating 16GB of RAM, rapid NVMe storage, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for advanced features. Windows on Arm is gaining momentum, with improvements in app compatibility and battery life, while a modular architecture called CorePC is being developed to facilitate faster updates and enhance security. Licensing for Windows 12 is expected to remain unchanged for consumers, with optional cloud-enhanced services available. The update cadence will increase, allowing for faster feature drops independent of major OS releases, with the Windows Insider Program continuing to test new features. Upon its release, Windows 12 will integrate Copilot, provide a more cohesive OS core, and support both x86 and Arm architectures.
This third-party project is exactly the type of Copilot I'd want to use every day on my Windows 11 PC
Winsage
February 13, 2026

This third-party project is exactly the type of Copilot I’d want to use every day on my Windows 11 PC

Copilot is a prominent AI tool that users find overwhelming and intrusive, leading to a desire for a more streamlined experience. Hayden Barnes has developed a third-party tool that enhances GitHub Copilot's capabilities, allowing it to recognize Docker instances, interact with Windows Subsystem for Linux, and summarize text from images in File Explorer. This tool is designed to be an unobtrusive AI assistant on Windows 11 PCs, remaining discreet when not in use. The traditional Copilot app can be visually distracting, while Barnes' GitHub Copilot Taskbar GUI offers a minimalist interface that integrates seamlessly with the operating system. The tool is available for download on GitHub.
Microsoft’s Quiet Exodus: Why Enterprise Developers Are Abandoning Windows for Linux Workstations
Winsage
January 29, 2026

Microsoft’s Quiet Exodus: Why Enterprise Developers Are Abandoning Windows for Linux Workstations

Microsoft developers and enterprise technology leaders are increasingly choosing Linux over Windows for development tasks, driven by performance concerns, workflow inefficiencies, and the rise of cloud-native development. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has facilitated this shift by allowing developers to work in a Linux environment while still using Windows. Tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, which are primarily designed for Linux, have led to a reevaluation of desktop strategies across various industries. Linux provides direct access to the same kernel and toolchain used in production, reducing discrepancies that can lead to bugs. It typically requires less memory at idle compared to Windows, making it more efficient for developers managing multiple containers or virtual machines. Microsoft has responded by investing in platform-agnostic tools like Visual Studio Code and embracing Linux on its Azure cloud platform, where over 50% of virtual machines run Linux. The introduction of WSL2 has improved compatibility and performance, but it has also highlighted Windows' limitations, leading to frustrations among developers. Security considerations favor Linux due to its open-source nature, allowing for greater customization and auditing. Financially, Linux can be more economical for enterprises due to lower licensing costs and reduced hardware requirements. Organizations that have switched to Linux report significant improvements in build times and overall developer experience. Hybrid strategies are emerging to accommodate developer preferences while ensuring security, with cloud-based development environments gaining traction. The trend toward Linux workstations reflects broader industry movements toward open source and platform independence, as companies adapt to attract and retain technical talent.
We’re talking about the best of Windows 11, and we want your input.
Winsage
January 26, 2026

We’re talking about the best of Windows 11, and we want your input.

Expressions of affection for Windows are common, and while the author acknowledges some shortcomings in Windows 11, it remains an essential tool for productivity, creativity, and communication. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus platform is expected to indicate a significant transition toward Arm-based Windows devices. The Microsoft Store has become a reliable platform for discovering and downloading applications on Windows. Recent enhancements in Windows 11 have improved the experience for handheld gaming PCs. The Windows Package Manager, or winget, is highly regarded, and PowerToys is recommended as essential for Windows 11 users. The Command Palette allows users to launch applications using the keyboard and execute commands. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) provides a genuine Linux experience within Windows 11. Phone Link facilitates effortless photo transfers. The 12-inch Surface LCD is slightly thinner than the Surface Pro 11. The Windows Central community is engaged in discussions about the standout features of Windows 11.
This midrange Android phone also runs Windows and Linux
Winsage
January 21, 2026

This midrange Android phone also runs Windows and Linux

Nex Computer has introduced the NexPhone, a midrange smartphone that can transform into a fully functional computer when connected to a monitor. It features dual-boot capabilities into Windows 11 and offers both Android and Linux operating systems. The device has a mobile interface similar to Windows Phone when unplugged. It is powered by a Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset, meets MIL-STD-810H standards, and is rated IP68 and IP69 for dust and water resistance. The NexPhone includes a 5,000mAh battery, a 64-megapixel rear camera, and supports wireless charging. It is expected to ship in the third quarter of 2026, with a price of 9, and customers can reserve it with a refundable deposit of .
I always make these 9 tweaks in Windows Terminal for a more readable and consistent experience on Windows 11 — and they're for more than just aesthetics
Winsage
January 19, 2026

I always make these 9 tweaks in Windows Terminal for a more readable and consistent experience on Windows 11 — and they’re for more than just aesthetics

Windows Terminal serves as a unified shell for various command-line tools, including PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL. Users can enhance their experience by customizing settings, which improves readability and consistency across devices. To back up Windows Terminal settings, users can export configurations to a JSON file by accessing the Settings option, opening the JSON file, saving it as backup-settings.json, and selecting a save location. To restore settings, users must locate the backup file, edit it in Notepad, copy the content, and replace the existing configuration in Windows Terminal before saving the changes. Additionally, users can set a different default shell in Windows Terminal.
Microsoft's Windows AI Features Lack Official Disable Options, Forcing Users To Third-Party Tools
Winsage
January 5, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows AI Features Lack Official Disable Options, Forcing Users To Third-Party Tools

Microsoft's latest Windows 25H2 builds have introduced AI features, but users cannot easily disable them through the interface, leading many to use third-party tools like the RemoveWindowsAI PowerShell script to eliminate components such as Copilot, Recall, and Input Insights. Windows Recall captures screenshots for AI-driven searches, raising privacy concerns due to the creation of a local database of full screenshots. Microsoft has also disabled phone activation for Windows 11, requiring internet connectivity for activation. The RemoveWindowsAI tool removes appx packages associated with AI, ensuring they cannot be reinstalled. Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of support for Windows 11 SE by October 13, 2026, impacting schools that rely on this version. Virtualization, such as using Proxmox, is recommended for users wary of telemetry practices. The RemoveWindowsAI project is evolving to enhance its capabilities in response to Microsoft's AI feature additions. Enterprise deployments are advised to test removal strategies in controlled environments, though some antivirus programs may flag the tool as malicious. Privacy advocates are concerned about the implications of Microsoft's changes on user control and data collection.
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