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Windows Wrap: Windows 11’s new Start menu is a masterclass in frustration — I just scored you an exclusive deal to save 25% on Start11 to fix it
Winsage
March 1, 2026

Windows Wrap: Windows 11’s new Start menu is a masterclass in frustration — I just scored you an exclusive deal to save 25% on Start11 to fix it

Microsoft's recent updates to the Start menu in Windows 11 have led to user disappointment, with popular applications being placed in an "Other" folder and illogical groupings of apps. A poll by Windows Central indicated that 43% of respondents find the new Start menu more cluttered than the previous version, while 25% miss the control they had over its layout. Users desire greater customization options, including the elimination of advertisements, the ability to reposition the taskbar, customizable categories for app organization, resizing the Start menu, and collapsing sections within the menu. Microsoft has committed to allowing users to move the taskbar, aligning Windows 11 more closely with Windows 10 functionality. An exclusive 25% discount on Start11 from Stardock is available for 14 days from publication.
Windows 11’s February Insider update adds new features — but which ones actually matter? Here are the 11 biggest.
Winsage
March 1, 2026

Windows 11’s February Insider update adds new features — but which ones actually matter? Here are the 11 biggest.

Microsoft has released enhancements to Windows 11 in build 26300.7877, including: - Modern content menu improvements, showing application icons for specific file types when right-clicked. - Updates to File Explorer with dark mode improvements for the Folder Options dialog. - Changes to the Settings app for better clarity and usability. - A redesigned "About" settings page focusing on key hardware specifications. - Introduction of the Cross-Device Resume feature, allowing users to resume applications from Android devices on Windows 11. - New customization options for the Narrator tool, enabling users to select which properties are read aloud. - Windows Hello now supports external biometric fingerprint readers for enhanced security. - Voice Typing updates allowing users to set a wait time before executing voice commands. - Redesigned SCOOBE page for a streamlined setup process. - Expansion of the AI agent in the Settings app to support additional languages. - Quick Machine Recovery feature enabled by default on Windows 11 Pro editions. - Camera support for pan and tilt settings accessible from device properties. - A new network speed test feature available from the Taskbar. - Improvements to the Widgets dashboard with a new settings page. Additionally, changes from build 28020.1619 are related to version 26H1, designed for new ARM64 hardware expected in 2026, and the Canary Channel has been divided into two paths for different versions.
Microsoft confirms a wider roll out of Windows 11's new colourful battery icons on the taskbar
Winsage
February 28, 2026

Microsoft confirms a wider roll out of Windows 11’s new colourful battery icons on the taskbar

Windows 11 users will see colorful battery icons on the taskbar as Microsoft rolls out updates, including the new Start menu, with the update KB5077241. The vibrant battery icons have been in development for nearly two years, with initial testing starting in late 2024. The rollout began last year but was limited to select PCs. An optional update in February 2026 will further expand the availability of these icons and the updated Start menu. The new battery icon replaces the plain white bar with a green icon when charging, featuring a charging bolt during the process. The icon changes color based on battery levels: it turns orange at 30% and red below 6%. Users can display the battery percentage on the taskbar by enabling it in Settings > System > Power & Battery. Recent improvements to the Windows taskbar include the return of drag-and-drop functionality, the ability to resize the taskbar, and potential options to reposition it. Microsoft is also updating Secure Boot certificates, set to expire in June 2026, and distributing new certificates issued in 2023 to more PCs. A tutorial is available for users to verify the application of these new Secure Boot certificates.
Microsoft testing Windows 11 batch file security improvements
Winsage
February 28, 2026

Microsoft testing Windows 11 batch file security improvements

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds that enhance security and performance for batch files and CMD scripts. IT administrators can now activate a secure processing mode by adding the LockBatchFilesInUse registry value, which prevents modifications to batch files while they are running. This update also requires signature validation only once per batch file, improving performance. Additionally, the Shared Audio feature has been refined, allowing users to share audio across multiple devices with individual volume sliders and a new taskbar indicator. The feature now supports more Bluetooth LE Audio accessories, including Samsung Galaxy Buds 4, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset. These updates are available for Windows Insiders in the Beta and Dev channels with specific preview builds installed.
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (Beta Channel)
Winsage
February 27, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (KB5077242) has been released to the Beta Channel. Key updates include: - Enhanced security and performance for batch files with a new secure mode that ensures batch files remain unchanged during execution, improving performance and security. - Shared audio feature now includes individual volume sliders for each listener and a taskbar indicator for ongoing audio sharing sessions. - A new command for Narrator users allows reading the status bar contents in applications like Word and Excel. - The rollout of improved taskbar animations has been temporarily paused. - Reliability improvements for removing Windows Update files and windows.old files. - Enhanced typing reliability with the ADLaM keyboard. - The Paint app has introduced a freeform rotate feature for shapes, text, and selections. Insiders can access these updates through Settings > Windows Update, and features may be gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. A desktop watermark is displayed for Windows Insider pre-release builds.
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (Dev Channel)
Winsage
February 27, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (KB 5077243) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include enhanced security and performance for batch files through a new secure mode, individual volume sliders for shared audio between Bluetooth LE Audio devices, a new Narrator command to read status bar contents in applications, improved reliability for removing Windows Update files, and enhanced typing reliability with the ADLaM keyboard. The rollout of improved taskbar animations has been temporarily paused. Updates are gradually being rolled out to Insiders who have opted in through Settings > Windows Update.
Android 17 Beta 2 brings a pop-out windowed mode to all apps with ‘bubbles’
AppWizard
February 26, 2026

Android 17 Beta 2 brings a pop-out windowed mode to all apps with ‘bubbles’

Android 17 Beta 2 introduces a new windowing mode that expands the concept of "bubbles" beyond messaging apps to include floating windows for non-messaging applications. This feature allows users to interact with multiple applications simultaneously. The term "bubbles" now refers to both the traditional messaging mode and the new floating windows, which can be resized and moved, similar to multitasking features from other manufacturers. Any Android device can utilize these floating app bubbles, but foldables and tablets will have a shortcut for launching windowed apps from the taskbar. Developers are advised to follow existing multi-window mode guidelines for compatibility with the new feature.
Windows Update KB5077241 February 2026 Issues Nvidia GPU Bugs Task Manager Errors and ViVeTool Guide
Winsage
February 26, 2026

Windows Update KB5077241 February 2026 Issues Nvidia GPU Bugs Task Manager Errors and ViVeTool Guide

Windows Update KB5077241, released in February 2026, is a 4.5GB feature update for the 24H2 and 25H2 versions. It poses significant performance risks for older hardware, particularly laptops and desktops without a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Users with outdated Nvidia graphics cards, specifically the 900 Series (Maxwell) and 1000 Series (Pascal), report issues such as game stuttering, screen flickering, and system boot failures. The update also contains a flaw that inaccurately displays CPU usage in Task Manager, showing 0% utilization even under load. Many users face installation issues, encountering Error 0x800F0983, requiring them to delete update cache files and run repair tools. The update introduces features like a Taskbar Speed Test, Sysmon Security, improved Sleep/Wake functionality, and WebP wallpaper support, but many remain locked. Users can enable these features using ViVeTool with specific commands. Overall, the update is advised against for those with older Nvidia GPUs due to potential conflicts and performance issues.
Windows 11 February 2026 Update Is Now Available With 3 New Features
Winsage
February 26, 2026

Windows 11 February 2026 Update Is Now Available With 3 New Features

Microsoft has released a non-security feature preview update for Windows 11, designated as version KB5077241, which introduces performance and visual enhancements. This optional update is available for all Windows 11 users and is not yet part of the stable channel, with a full release expected on March 10. Key features of the update include: 1. A built-in network speed test accessible via the taskbar, allowing users to evaluate their network connection's performance. 2. Improvements to the taskbar search function, enabling result previews without opening additional windows. 3. Minor system upgrades, including backup and restore options for select Windows Professional devices, new emojis, an updated accounts menu, a built-in system monitor, and a revamped widgets settings menu. 4. Enhancements to printing services, nearby sharing features, and Windows Update, along with new camera settings for supported devices. 5. Performance improvements in File Explorer, including more reliable window opening using shortcuts and the introduction of an "Extract All" option for non-ZIP archived folders. 6. Optimizations in the Network page of File Explorer for better device display and improvements in display responsiveness after sleep.
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