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Analog hobbies are booming as AI burnout hits Gen Z hardest — and the Windows PC could be the unexpected winner
Winsage
July 21, 2026

Analog hobbies are booming as AI burnout hits Gen Z hardest — and the Windows PC could be the unexpected winner

The latest Creativity Trend Report from Michaels indicates a 919% increase in searches for traditional hobbies like journaling, sewing, and crafting parties, with yarn accessory sales growing by 40% compared to the previous year. This trend reflects a cultural movement, particularly among Gen Z, who are experiencing AI fatigue and seeking balance between technology and analog activities. Microsoft has faced challenges with its Copilot+ initiative, leading to user backlash and a retraction of AI features from less effective applications. The company is considering adapting AI features for GPUs and is exploring ways to enhance user focus in Windows 11, potentially aligning with the analog revival trend.
Windows 11 gets quieter, smarter, and more stable — here’s everything Microsoft changed this week (and a few deals worth grabbing)
Winsage
July 19, 2026

Windows 11 gets quieter, smarter, and more stable — here’s everything Microsoft changed this week (and a few deals worth grabbing)

Microsoft has announced a substantial upgrade to the Search functionality in Windows 11, moving away from an ad-heavy approach to prioritize local results. Users can customize their search settings to include or exclude web and Microsoft Store suggestions. The new Search feature will also be more forgiving of typographical errors. This change comes in response to user feedback advocating for a cleaner search experience, particularly for Windows 11 Pro users who expected an ad-free environment.
Microsoft announces major Windows 11 search overhaul that prioritizes clearer, local results, and removes ads: Huge effort to fix search on Windows is finally happening
Winsage
July 13, 2026

Microsoft announces major Windows 11 search overhaul that prioritizes clearer, local results, and removes ads: Huge effort to fix search on Windows is finally happening

Microsoft has rolled out a significant update to the search functionality in Windows 11, focusing on delivering more precise results and reducing reliance on web-based content. Key enhancements include improved clarity in search results, prioritization of local results, better handling of typographical errors, and the removal of MSN and Bing content along with promotional ads. These updates aim to address user concerns and provide a more efficient search experience.
Microsoft quietly sped up File Explorer in June's optional update
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.
Windows 11's cluttered and controversial context menus are going away
Winsage
June 4, 2026

Windows 11’s cluttered and controversial context menus are going away

Marcus Ash, the Vice President of Design and Research for Windows & Devices, announced that Microsoft is committed to improving context menus in Windows 11 to make them "faster and simpler by default." The company is working on a more streamlined approach that allows users to customize their menus based on frequently used options. Microsoft has previously indicated a split context menu design that categorizes options by relevance, such as a dedicated "Photos" menu for image-related actions. The broader Windows K2 initiative aims to enhance the performance of context menus, although users still report inconsistencies across the operating system and its applications. There is anticipation for changes in File Explorer, including the possible removal of the AI actions section.
In a shock move from nowhere, it seems Microsoft is finally giving Windows 11 users the ability to configure the right-click menu
Winsage
June 4, 2026

In a shock move from nowhere, it seems Microsoft is finally giving Windows 11 users the ability to configure the right-click menu

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11's right-click menu based on user feedback, aiming to make it faster and simpler by reducing the number of initial entries displayed. Users will have the ability to customize the context menu to show their most frequently used options. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve Windows 11, which includes plans to revamp the Start menu for greater customization.
Windows 11 Insider Build Adds AI Model Management Page With Limited Uninstall Support
Winsage
June 3, 2026

Windows 11 Insider Build Adds AI Model Management Page With Limited Uninstall Support

Researchers at Pureinfotech discovered a new AI Components page in the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview build 26300.8553, which provides detailed information about local AI models on Copilot+ PCs. The page includes details such as the publisher, version, installation date, size, and total usage of each model. Currently, users can only uninstall the Phi Silica model, while it's uncertain if other AI components will have similar capabilities. The build also introduces expanded customization options for the Start menu, enhanced search functionality, and support for touch swipe gestures. The management page aims to address user concerns about the automatic installation of AI features and the need for transparency regarding their usage. Although the feature is not officially accessible yet, it indicates potential plans for future updates.
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