update catalog Archives

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft shares some details on Azure outage that blocked Windows 11 update downloads

This week, Meta experienced a global outage affecting Facebook users, followed by Microsoft facing performance issues with its M365 services, including Teams and SharePoint. Microsoft also reported difficulties with Azure, impacting Windows 11 updates and the Microsoft Store. The issues began around 11:15 AM PST on July 23, 2026, with a notification to users about the Azure outage affecting Windows Update and related services. Microsoft initiated recovery efforts and by 1:45 PM PST, announced that the issues were resolved and services were restored. Currently, there are no ongoing issues reported on the Microsoft Service Health Status page, but the incident is documented on the Windows Release Health page.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Microsoft fixes the Windows 11 bug slowing down some Dell PCs

Microsoft released an unscheduled update for Windows 11, designated as KB5121767, targeting users on versions 24H2 and 25H2 to address performance issues on certain Dell PCs and laptops with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers. The update aims to fix degraded battery life, increased power consumption, and unexpected system behavior caused by conflicts with these drivers. Affected devices primarily include newer Dell models such as the Precision, XPS, and Pro Max series. Users can obtain the update automatically if they have enabled the relevant option in Windows Update or manually through Settings or the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update modifies the Windows build number to 26200.8894 for 25H2 and 26100.8894 for 24H2 and includes previous security and quality enhancements. Microsoft recommends the update for users experiencing sluggish performance or erratic behavior after July updates, particularly those with recent Dell devices with Intel processors.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

July 2026 Patch Tuesday: KB5101650 Windows 11 Update

On July 14, 2026, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5101650 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, addressing OS Builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875. This update includes essential security fixes, updates to Secure Boot certificates, and enhanced Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) defenses against phishing attacks. It consolidates July 2026's security content, addressing known vulnerabilities and introducing functional improvements. The update is critical for minimizing exposure to identified threats and is prioritized for systems managing remote access or nearing certificate expiration. The update enhances Remote Desktop security by supporting SHA-2 certificate thumbprints while retaining SHA-1 for legacy compatibility. It includes new Group Policy options to mitigate phishing risks associated with malicious .rdp files. The curl upgrade to version 8.21.0 incorporates security patches for command-line tools in Windows environments. Secure Boot certificates are automatically updated through Windows updates, ensuring boot security across various hardware. KB5101650 installs primarily through the Windows Update interface, requiring a restart to activate changes. Enterprise environments can use the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual distribution. A temporary restriction affects certain Dell devices with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers, which Microsoft plans to address in a future update. The cumulative update resolves a total of 622 Microsoft CVEs, including 416 affecting Windows components. Users are advised to verify and install the update promptly to secure the full suite of improvements.

Winsage

July 13, 2026

Microsoft demystifies how Windows updates work

Microsoft has released a guide on the Windows servicing model, detailing monthly security updates, optional preview releases, hotpatch updates, and feature rollout mechanisms. Patch Tuesday occurs every second Tuesday of the month, delivering cumulative security updates to supported Windows versions. For consumers and small businesses, updates are managed through Windows Update, while enterprises can use various tools like Windows Autopatch and WSUS. Hotpatch updates, which focus on security fixes, can be installed without a restart, unlike quarterly baseline updates that require one. Optional non-security preview updates are released in the fourth week of each month for testing upcoming fixes and new features, available only for the latest supported Windows versions. Unmanaged devices can access these updates through Windows Update settings, while IT-managed devices depend on organizational policies. Microsoft also issues out-of-band updates to address urgent issues, which can be deployed through enterprise management tools. New features for Windows 11 are rolled out throughout the year via various channels, with a gradual rollout strategy to monitor quality and compatibility, using the Controlled Feature Rollout approach.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

Microsoft fixes GIF functionality in the Windows Emoji Panel

Microsoft has restored GIF functionality in the Emoji Panel for Windows 11 users after the retirement of the Tenor GIF search engine's API, which caused disruptions starting June 30. The company has transitioned to GIPHY as the new GIF provider, implemented in the preview cumulative update KB5095093 released on June 23 for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. Users are advised to install the latest updates to restore GIF functionality. Microsoft is also working on a solution for users on Windows 11 23H2 and Windows Server 2025. The KB5095093 update includes the Point-in-Time Restore feature and addresses various bugs and known issues.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Microsoft quietly sped up File Explorer in June’s optional update

A recent Microsoft update, KB5095093, enhances the user experience on Windows 11, particularly by significantly accelerating File Explorer. The update reorganizes the "Home" tab in File Explorer for improved performance, resulting in faster access and functionality. It also improves the reliability of the address bar with quicker suggestions and enhances responsiveness when mounting disk images and adjusting folder view case sensitivity. This update is part of June's optional Windows update and will become mandatory in July. Users can install it via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

You weren’t imagining it: Windows 11’s slow shutdowns are finally fixed

Windows 11 users are experiencing delays during the shutdown process, attributed to the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). Microsoft has released an optional update, KB5095093, to address this issue by improving the shutdown time of the BITS service. The update is expected to reduce unexpected freezes linked to BITS and also includes enhancements in Bluetooth functionality. Users must manually install the update via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, with improvements set to be included in July’s main update.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Windows 11’s June Update Added A Cool New Feature That Could Speed Up Your Old PC

Windows 11 users have received a significant update featuring the Low Latency Profile, aimed at enhancing performance by improving responsiveness during actions like launching applications and accessing the Start menu. This feature was initially previewed in May 2026 and is now available in the mainstream branch as of June. It temporarily boosts the CPU's clock speed for 1 to 3 seconds to improve loading times, particularly benefiting users with older hardware. To check for the update, users can navigate to Settings > System > Windows Update for the KB5094126 update. If it’s not listed, it may still be rolling out. Users can also check their build number under Settings > System > About; the update is present if the build number is 26200.8655 (Windows 25H2) or 26100.8655 (Windows 24H2). Manual installation is possible via the Microsoft Update Catalog, and there are no visual cues or toggle settings for the Low Latency Profile.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Windows’ June update finally makes your sluggish PC feel snappier

Microsoft has rolled out the "Low Latency Profile" feature for Windows 11 as part of the June update KB5094126, available for all Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 PCs. This feature enhances responsiveness during tasks like launching applications and accessing the Start menu by temporarily increasing CPU clock speed to its maximum for 1 to 3 seconds during actions that cause lag. Users must install update KB5094126 and check for a build number of 26200.8655 for 25H2 or 26100.8655 for 24H2 to access the feature. The activation of the Low Latency Profile may not be immediately visible, and the HWiNFO app can be used to monitor CPU activity for confirmation of its activation.

Winsage

May 27, 2026

Windows 11’s new update actually makes your PC faster. Here’s how to get it

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11, designated as KB5089573, aimed at enhancing the operating system's performance. This update introduces a feature called the “Low Latency Profile,” which improves responsiveness, particularly for essential tasks. The feature temporarily boosts CPU clock speeds to maximum capacity for up to three seconds to eliminate lag. Insider testers have reported performance improvements, with potential boosts of up to 70% for opening flyouts and 40% for launching applications. The update is currently in a preview phase and can be manually installed. It also includes enhancements to audio, the Task Manager, and the Camera app, with a broader rollout expected in June 2026.