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Windows 11 Faces Backlash as Slowest OS in 25 Years, Benchmarks Show
Winsage
January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Faces Backlash as Slowest OS in 25 Years, Benchmarks Show

Microsoft's Windows 11, launched in 2021, has been criticized for significant performance issues, making it potentially the least performant version of Windows in over two decades. Independent benchmarks reveal that Windows 11 is slower than its predecessors in areas such as boot times, application launches, and overall system responsiveness. Users with high-end hardware, including 13th-generation Intel Core processors, have reported noticeable slowdowns compared to Windows 10. Performance assessments indicate that Windows 11 struggles in various categories, including file operations, multitasking, and gaming, with longer boot speeds reminiscent of older systems. Gamers have experienced stuttering and frame rate drops, and Microsoft has acknowledged these issues in updates since 2022. The operating system is criticized for being a "resource hog," with preloaded features consuming resources even when idle. Users have reported lagging File Explorer and freezing processes, leading some to consider alternative operating systems. IT departments have noted increased support tickets related to performance issues, prompting some to delay upgrades from Windows 10. Microsoft has offered optimization advice, but critics argue these are temporary fixes for deeper architectural problems. The performance issues have implications for software developers and hardware manufacturers, increasing development costs and complicating hardware optimizations. Analysts warn that without prompt action, Microsoft's market dominance could be at risk, as users advocate for a leaner, faster Windows.
Windows 11 File Explorer Lag: Legacy XP Feature Fix via Registry Tweak
Winsage
January 12, 2026

Windows 11 File Explorer Lag: Legacy XP Feature Fix via Registry Tweak

File Explorer in Windows 11 has been reported to have performance issues, particularly delays when navigating folders with many media files or documents. This problem is linked to the auto-discovery feature, which optimizes folder display settings based on content but incurs a significant computational burden. Disabling this feature through registry modifications can lead to improved performance, with users experiencing faster navigation and reduced folder load times. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and plans to preload File Explorer for quicker launches, but the underlying problems remain largely unaddressed. Users have shared their experiences and solutions, including registry tweaks that set folder types to "NotSpecified" to eliminate scanning overhead. Despite some incremental updates from Microsoft, many users still face core lags, prompting ongoing community-driven fixes and discussions about the need for deeper audits of legacy code.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 AI Integration Draws Backlash on Performance, Privacy Woes
Winsage
January 8, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 AI Integration Draws Backlash on Performance, Privacy Woes

Microsoft's integration of artificial intelligence into Windows 11 has led to significant user dissatisfaction, with reports of sluggish performance, software bloating, and increased hardware strain. Users have experienced issues such as longer boot times, higher memory usage, and frequent glitches, particularly with features like Copilot, which disrupt multitasking. Outage trackers indicate surges in complaints about Microsoft Copilot, highlighting reliability issues. Concerns have also been raised about AI agents exhibiting hallucinations and security vulnerabilities, with users reporting risks of data leaks. Microsoft's claim that 30% of new Windows code is AI-generated has been met with skepticism due to persistent bugs. Hardware partners, such as Dell, have noted consumer disinterest in AI PCs, reflecting broader market hesitance. Privacy concerns have emerged regarding AI scanning user data, and internal reliance on AI for coding has led to notable errors. Security experts warn that deep AI integration could introduce new attack vectors. User feedback mechanisms have been criticized for slow responses, and there is a general call for AI tools that enhance rather than hinder user experience. Microsoft has adjusted its internal goals due to low demand for AI products, signaling a potential shift towards more user-centric updates.
Norton in 2026: Is the Old-School Antivirus Brand Still Worth Your Trust?
Tech Optimizer
January 7, 2026

Norton in 2026: Is the Old-School Antivirus Brand Still Worth Your Trust?

Norton has evolved into a comprehensive cybersecurity suite by 2026, transitioning from traditional antivirus software to a holistic solution under Gen Digital Inc. Its offerings include Norton 360, which provides real-time malware and ransomware protection, a built-in unlimited data VPN, password management, dark web monitoring, and identity protection on higher tiers. The Norton 360 Deluxe plan is popular for households, offering high protection scores, a usable VPN, dark web monitoring, cross-platform support, and identity protection features. Users appreciate its ease of use, strong protection record, and the value of the VPN, while some express frustration with upselling, auto-renew pricing, and performance on older machines. Norton competes with brands like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and McAfee, with its all-in-one convenience being a key advantage. It is suitable for families and less tech-savvy users but may not be ideal for those preferring minimalist setups or who have older hardware.
Wearable Devices Brings the Touchless Magic to Android with Neural Gesture Control
AppWizard
January 6, 2026

Wearable Devices Brings the Touchless Magic to Android with Neural Gesture Control

Wearable Devices Ltd. has announced the upcoming release of its Mudra Link Android app, which will provide Android users with access to the full suite of Mudra features, including gesture customization and command mapping. The app will allow for out-of-the-box onboarding with seamless pairing and guided setup, eliminating the need for a macOS or Windows PC for initial setup. The Mudra Link Android app is set to launch in January 2026 and will be showcased at CES 2026.
Remember when setting up a Windows PC didn’t feel like harassment?
Winsage
January 2, 2026

Remember when setting up a Windows PC didn’t feel like harassment?

A prominent software company has acquired a well-regarded startup known for its artificial intelligence solutions to enhance its product offerings and expand its market reach. The acquisition aims to integrate advanced technologies, improve user experiences, and foster innovation through collaboration. Initial market reactions have been positive, with a modest increase in stock prices for the acquiring company. The integration is expected to lead to more intelligent software solutions, broader market reach, and accelerated product development timelines.
PUBG creator's take on a metaverse is radically different from Roblox or Fortnite: "Everyone's doing it the wrong way"
AppWizard
January 1, 2026

PUBG creator’s take on a metaverse is radically different from Roblox or Fortnite: “Everyone’s doing it the wrong way”

Prologue is a new survival game from PlayerUnknown Productions that utilizes advanced machine learning technology to create expansive maps. It is the first of three initiatives aimed at developing a broader metaverse concept called Artemis. Brendan Greene, the creator of PUBG, envisions Prologue as a community-driven experience and a testing ground for features that will contribute to Artemis. He aims to create a 3D internet where millions can share ideas and create content, contrasting with existing models that limit user experiences. Greene discussed the challenges of creating a viable metaverse, referencing limitations in current server infrastructure. Prologue's game world is generated using a machine learning agent and Unreal Engine, while another project, Preface, demonstrates the potential for creating environments on players' devices without server reliance. Greene emphasizes that Artemis will be open-source, allowing various experiences across platforms, and he projects it will take about a decade to fully realize. Prologue will remain in early access for about a year, with continued support expected after its official launch.
Microsoft bets on AI agents in Windows, dusting off a familiar playbook
Winsage
December 30, 2025

Microsoft bets on AI agents in Windows, dusting off a familiar playbook

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Microsoft Optimizes Windows 11 File Explorer to Slash RAM Usage
Winsage
December 28, 2025

Microsoft Optimizes Windows 11 File Explorer to Slash RAM Usage

Microsoft is addressing criticism regarding Windows 11's File Explorer performance, particularly its excessive RAM consumption during searches. The company is testing optimizations aimed at reducing memory usage while maintaining speed, originating from an Insider Preview build. These changes involve eliminating duplicate indexing tasks, which could lead to a 20-30% reduction in RAM usage during intensive search sessions. Additionally, the update includes a streamlined context menu in File Explorer to enhance usability. Insider feedback has been positive, with users reporting smoother performance across various devices. The optimizations may also improve system stability and scalability in enterprise environments. However, some users express skepticism about whether these fixes are temporary solutions to deeper architectural issues. The full benefits of the update are expected to materialize once it reaches general availability, anticipated in early 2026.
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