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Windows Update will soon roll back problematic drivers automatically
Winsage
May 15, 2026

Windows Update will soon roll back problematic drivers automatically

Microsoft has introduced a feature called Cloud-Initiated Driver Recovery (CIDR) for Windows 11, which allows the automatic rollback of problematic drivers without user intervention. This feature aims to restore system stability by reverting to a previously verified, stable driver directly from the Hardware Dev Center when a driver update causes issues. CIDR will begin a gradual rollout starting in September. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing user control over update management, allowing users to pause or skip updates and manage restarts without immediate installation. The company also launched the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) to improve kernel-mode driver security and reliability.
A PvE-only mode is coming to Marathon as Bungie lays out plans for seasons 3, 4 and 5
AppWizard
May 15, 2026

A PvE-only mode is coming to Marathon as Bungie lays out plans for seasons 3, 4 and 5

Marathon director Joe Ziegler discussed Bungie's plans for upcoming seasons of Marathon, highlighting the introduction of a new map featuring "alien elements and mind-warping debuffs" and the next Runner shell, Sentinel, which will offer a defensive kit. Two new PvE-focused modes will debut in Season 2: one experimental mode at the beginning of the season that combines PvE with a light touch of PvP, and a second PvE-only mode focused on crew objectives. Ziegler emphasized that while PvE options are being introduced, PvP will remain a core aspect of the game. Further details on Season 2 changes, including faction progression enhancements and new runner stat boosts, will be revealed the week of May 25.
Microsoft Fixes Windows Autopatch Bug Installing Restricted Drivers on Windows 11
Winsage
May 14, 2026

Microsoft Fixes Windows Autopatch Bug Installing Restricted Drivers on Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows Autopatch service mistakenly deployed restricted driver updates to some managed Windows devices without proper approval, affecting Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2. This led to unexpected restarts and stability issues. Microsoft implemented a server-side fix to address this problem, confirming that only a limited subset of devices in the EU region was impacted and that no client-side action was required. Additionally, some users faced difficulties installing Office on Windows 365 machines due to a configuration change from a recent service update.
Windows Update will soon automatically roll back faulty drivers
Winsage
May 14, 2026

Windows Update will soon automatically roll back faulty drivers

Microsoft is introducing a feature in Windows 11 that allows users to pause updates indefinitely, enhancing user control over their systems. Additionally, they are rolling out a "Cloud-Initiated Driver Recovery" feature that enables automatic reversion of problematic drivers installed via Windows Update, allowing Microsoft to replace faulty drivers directly from the cloud without user intervention. This updated Windows Update experience is currently being tested with hardware partners and is expected to begin a gradual rollout in September. Users will also gain the ability to extend pause dates, skip updates during device setup, and restart or shut down their PCs without needing to install pending updates.
Raising the bar together. Introducing the Driver Quality Initiative at WinHEC 2026
Winsage
May 14, 2026

Raising the bar together. Introducing the Driver Quality Initiative at WinHEC 2026

The Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2026 took place in Taipei, marking Microsoft's return to the event after a hiatus since 2018. The conference focused on the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), aimed at improving driver quality, reliability, and security on the Windows platform. The DQI is built on four pillars: Architecture, Trust, Lifecycle, and Quality Measures. Key themes discussed included the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, enhancing Windows 11 quality, and fostering innovation through strong foundational practices. Attendees participated in workshops and hands-on labs to deepen their understanding of driver development and compatibility testing. Partners expressed a shared commitment to improving driver and platform quality, emphasizing the need for transparency and ongoing engagement. Microsoft plans to continue investing in reliability, security, performance, compatibility, and quality in collaboration with its partners.
Microsoft unveils MDASH, its AI agent-driven security platform — and it's already spotted a host of new Windows flaws
Winsage
May 14, 2026

Microsoft unveils MDASH, its AI agent-driven security platform — and it’s already spotted a host of new Windows flaws

Microsoft has introduced MDASH, a platform that enhances vulnerability discovery using artificial intelligence, developed by the Autonomous Code Security Team and the Windows Attack Research and Protection group. MDASH has identified 16 previously unknown vulnerabilities in various Windows components, including four critical remote code execution vulnerabilities (CVE‑2026‑33827 and CVE‑2026‑33824). The platform achieved zero false positives during testing and is currently used internally at Microsoft and in a private preview for select partners.
Windows 11 Emoji Picker Search Box Disappears in Some Builds, Restarting Explorer Restores It
Winsage
May 14, 2026

Windows 11 Emoji Picker Search Box Disappears in Some Builds, Restarting Explorer Restores It

A glitch in Windows 11 has caused the search box in the emoji picker to disappear, affecting users' ability to search for emojis by name. This issue has been reported by multiple users and confirmed by Windows Central in the Insider Beta channel, but Microsoft has not acknowledged it or provided a fix. A temporary solution involves restarting Windows Explorer through Task Manager, which can restore the search box functionality. The bug's prevalence varies among users, and it is unclear if it affects stable releases of Windows 11.
Windows 11 26H1: Microsoft keeps the special branch on track for new hardware
Winsage
May 14, 2026

Windows 11 26H1: Microsoft keeps the special branch on track for new hardware

Microsoft has released an update to Windows 11 version 26H1, OS Build 28000.2113, through cumulative update KB5089548 on May 12, 2026. This update includes essential security fixes and non-security enhancements from the previous month's optional preview. Windows 11 version 26H1 is specifically designed for new devices launching in early 2026 and will not be available as an in-place update for existing systems running versions 24H2 or 25H2. The update focuses on maintenance for this branch, with improvements in SSDP notifications and gaming compatibility. It also includes AI enhancements exclusive to Copilot+-enabled PCs. Microsoft continues to support versions 24H2 and 25H2 for enterprise deployments, while 26H1 is relevant only for new hardware platforms. Currently, there are no known issues reported for Windows 11 26H1 or update KB5089548.
Former Windows boss reveals why modern Windows 11 apps feel slower, says Microsoft once gave every engineer a stopwatch
Winsage
May 13, 2026

Former Windows boss reveals why modern Windows 11 apps feel slower, says Microsoft once gave every engineer a stopwatch

Steven Sinofsky, former head of the Windows Division at Microsoft, discussed the company's engineering culture and its focus on resource management from 1980 to 2000, where every engineer was given a physical stopwatch to measure various performance metrics. This practice emphasized optimizing software for speed and efficiency, a stark contrast to modern applications that consume significant RAM due to shifts in market dynamics and hardware advancements. The current trend prioritizes rapid feature deployment over optimization, leading to performance issues in applications. Microsoft is responding to criticism by enhancing the performance of Windows 11, focusing on native desktop applications and optimizing core components, including the Start menu and File Explorer. They are also testing new CPU scheduling profiles to reduce micro-lags during user interactions.
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