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Microsoft's research boss reveals why Windows 11 features don't show up, and his fix half works
Winsage
September 19, 2026

Microsoft’s research boss reveals why Windows 11 features don’t show up, and his fix half works

Windows 11 has introduced new features such as a resizable Start menu, a movable taskbar, and the option to remove Bing from Windows Search. Users report not seeing significant changes after updates, leading to frustration. Marcus Ash, the design and research lead for Windows & Devices, acknowledged this issue, explaining that features may not appear immediately due to gradual rollouts. Users can enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option, but this does not guarantee instant access to new features. The September 2026 update includes a movable taskbar, a smaller taskbar option, and the ability to disable Bing results in Windows Search, though immediate visibility of these changes is not assured. Microsoft is also testing new features with Windows Insiders, including a customization tool for the context menu, enhanced File Explorer performance, a reduction in memory footprint for devices with 8GB RAM and above, a new WinUI-based Run dialog, a revamped Properties dialog, a redesigned pop-up for connected drives, the ability to remap the Copilot key, and improvements to Bluetooth connections and headset calls.
Microsoft explains why restarting Windows can shut it down more completely than actually shutting it down
Winsage
September 18, 2026

Microsoft explains why restarting Windows can shut it down more completely than actually shutting it down

The Fast Startup feature in Windows, enabled by default, allows the kernel session to remain hibernated during shutdown, which results in quicker boot times by restoring a saved state. In contrast, selecting Restart clears the kernel session entirely, performing a complete boot of Windows. The process of shutting down with Fast Startup involves closing applications, logging off, keeping the kernel loaded in memory, saving the kernel and drivers to hiberfil.sys, and powering off, while Restart closes applications, logs off, ends the kernel session, and reboots immediately without saving a kernel snapshot. Fast Startup can lead to persistent issues from previous sessions, making Restart a better option for troubleshooting. To perform a full shutdown bypassing Fast Startup, users can execute the command "shutdown /s /t 0." Microsoft advises against permanently disabling Fast Startup, as it enhances shutdown-to-boot transitions.
New Google Maps Feature on Android Auto: Gemini-Powered Destination Information
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

New Google Maps Feature on Android Auto: Gemini-Powered Destination Information

Gemini has launched on Android Auto, but user feedback has been largely negative. Google is working on improvements, including a new destination card in Google Maps that will utilize Gemini's AI to provide information about destinations, such as reviews, essential details, practical tips, and visuals. The user interface is still being optimized, and there is no guarantee that the feature will be finalized for public release. Users have reported issues with Gemini, including problems with making calls and sending texts, distractions from excessive chatter, and app crashes. The latest updates were noted in Android Auto version 17.8, which is still in development.
The real reason your Windows 11 taskbar couldn’t move for 5 years
Winsage
September 17, 2026

The real reason your Windows 11 taskbar couldn’t move for 5 years

Tali Roth, overseeing Windows core user experience, revealed that Windows 11 did not inherit significant portions of the legacy Win32 code, particularly affecting the taskbar's customization and repositioning features. Microsoft had to rebuild the taskbar from scratch, which complicated the ability to allow users to move it, as each application would need to adapt to such changes. Initially, the demand for a movable taskbar was low, but user feedback prompted Microsoft to reconsider. Similarly, the Start menu in Windows 11 offered fewer customization options compared to Windows 10 due to a design shift towards a minimalist aesthetic, making it difficult to reintegrate previous features. Microsoft is balancing user feedback with its design vision as it evolves the Windows experience.
Microsoft explained why Windows 11 dropped these Windows 10 features
Winsage
September 17, 2026

Microsoft explained why Windows 11 dropped these Windows 10 features

Windows 11 was released in 2021 and received mixed reactions, with users noting the removal of several familiar features from Windows 10. The taskbar was locked in place, preventing repositioning, and the ability to drag files onto taskbar applications was initially absent but restored within a year. The Start menu lost flexible resizing options, and Microsoft faced challenges in transferring established features due to the new framework. By 2026, Microsoft announced changes allowing users to relocate the taskbar, responding to user demand. The Start menu remained less flexible than its predecessor, leading to user frustration. Microsoft acknowledged the need for a movable taskbar, which was implemented in a preview by May 2026, coinciding with the September 2026 Patch Tuesday update. The integration of AI into development processes has accelerated feature implementation, but also introduced new stability issues.
Your Windows 11 woes may soon be over as Insiders confirm a faster, snappier OS overall
Winsage
September 16, 2026

Your Windows 11 woes may soon be over as Insiders confirm a faster, snappier OS overall

Microsoft is rolling out improvements to Windows 11, including enhanced responsiveness for the Start menu and taskbar, with more updates expected this fall. An experimental build for Windows Insiders features a File Explorer that loads instantly. User feedback through the K2 initiative is influencing these changes, indicating that Microsoft is responding to user needs for better performance.
Microsoft rolls out emergency update for Windows 11's latest patch — recent update causes crashes on AMD graphics, Explorer hang-ups, and broken third-party integrations
Winsage
September 15, 2026

Microsoft rolls out emergency update for Windows 11’s latest patch — recent update causes crashes on AMD graphics, Explorer hang-ups, and broken third-party integrations

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update to address issues from the September 2026 Windows 11 patch, which introduced new features and fixed nearly 1,000 security vulnerabilities. The update includes a movable taskbar, adjustable height, configurable Start menu layouts, enhanced Windows Search, and size indicators in File Explorer. However, users with AMD Radeon GPUs are experiencing crashes due to driver instability, and reinstalling drivers has not resolved the issue. Microsoft did not address these GPU concerns in its communication. The update also fixed instability issues with Remote Desktop Services, but users still report audio output and microphone input failures, which Microsoft has included a fix for in the emergency patch. Lenovo users have reported unexpected black screens or shutdowns linked to power management issues.
This open-source Windows launcher does what Microsoft’s new Start menu should have done
Winsage
September 15, 2026

This open-source Windows launcher does what Microsoft’s new Start menu should have done

Microsoft is set to introduce a significant overhaul of the Windows Start menu in its upcoming 26H2 update, responding to user feedback about limited customization options. Flow Launcher is a keyboard-centric app launcher that offers superior functionality compared to the traditional Start menu. The installation of Flow Launcher is straightforward, with options for portable versions and package managers. It features a sleek search bar and allows users to quickly search for apps and files, enhancing productivity. Flow Launcher is highly customizable, with settings for behavior and appearance, including nearly 20 themes and various visual options. Its plugin ecosystem expands its capabilities, allowing users to install and manage plugins for added functionality. Notable plugins include Speed Test and Google Translate. Flow Launcher provides a more customizable and efficient experience compared to Microsoft’s current offerings.
Not Google Maps, Not Waze: Here Are 5 Navigation App Alternatives For Android Auto
AppWizard
September 14, 2026

Not Google Maps, Not Waze: Here Are 5 Navigation App Alternatives For Android Auto

Users are exploring alternatives to Google Maps for navigation solutions, focusing on data privacy and unique features. Several apps have emerged, particularly for Android Auto users, based on feedback from the Google Play Store and evaluations. TomTom offers a free navigation app compatible with Android Auto, featuring turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, offline maps, and a focus on privacy. It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5. Sygic GPS Navigation includes turn-by-turn navigation, offline navigation, and live traffic alerts, but its full functionality requires a Premium+ subscription. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5. OsmAnd provides extensive mapping capabilities with downloadable maps and turn-by-turn voice navigation, but Android Auto support requires a paid subscription. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5. Calimoto is designed for motorcycle riders, offering scenic route navigation and offline maps, with a premium subscription needed for full features. It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5. MapQuest supports Android Auto and offers maps and navigation for the U.S. and Canada, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5, although it is still in beta and may have performance issues. The selection of these apps was based on their compatibility with Android Auto, user ratings of at least four out of five stars, and a combination of qualitative and quantitative data from user feedback.
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