Windows 11 laptops Archives

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Microsoft admits Windows users ‘experienced some challenges’ with the forced CoPilot key — now it’s finally doing something about it

Microsoft introduced a dedicated Copilot key with its Copilot+ PCs, marking a significant change in Windows keyboard design after three decades. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the key, particularly those who rely on the Right Ctrl or Context menu keys for shortcuts and assistive technologies. Microsoft acknowledged these challenges and announced that a future Windows 11 update will allow users to remap the Copilot key to function as either the Context menu key or Right Ctrl key. While some PC manufacturers have provided their own remapping solutions, they often require additional steps. The timeline for the update is unspecified, but major updates typically occur in October or September.

Winsage

May 9, 2026

Microsoft is adding four new Touchpad options to Windows 11, and they look pretty useful

Microsoft has introduced four new touchpad features in its Experimental preview build for Windows 11 laptops: 1. Scroll / Zoom Speed: Users can adjust the speed for scrolling and zooming gestures. 2. Automatic Scrolling: Enables continuous scrolling without lifting fingers, activated by moving fingers near the edge of the touchpad or pressing down harder (hardware support required). 3. Accelerated Scrolling: Increases scrolling speed with repeated gestures for quicker navigation through documents. 4. Single-Finger Scrolling: Allows vertical scrolling with a single finger from either side of the touchpad. Users can join the Experimental Insider channel to explore these features, which are still in the experimental phase. Additionally, Microsoft has merged the patch notes for the Experimental and Beta channels into a single article for streamlined communication of updates.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux

The author switched from a MacBook Air to a nine-year-old ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5, which does not meet the requirements for Windows 11 due to its 7th-gen Intel processor. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October, leaving many devices like the ThinkPad considered "obsolete." The author installed Linux Mint on the ThinkPad, which is compatible with older hardware and provides a user-friendly experience. The ThinkPad has 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and was purchased for 0. Despite some challenges, such as reduced battery life and minor driver issues, the device remains functional for everyday tasks. Linux Mint is free and open source, requiring no mandatory agreements for installation.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

New Windows 11 emergency update fixes preview update install issues

Microsoft released an out-of-band update (KB5086672) to address installation issues caused by the March 2026 non-security preview update (KB5079391) for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The initial update led to errors indicating missing or problematic update files, prompting Microsoft to halt its rollout. The new emergency update consolidates previous updates and is available through Windows Update for automatic installations or can be manually accessed via Settings. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed issues from earlier Patch Tuesday security updates affecting sign-ins with Microsoft accounts and has released two other out-of-band updates targeting Bluetooth visibility bugs and security vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service. Guidance has also been provided for resolving access issues on C: drives of Samsung Windows 11 laptops linked to specific Samsung applications.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Microsoft: March Windows updates break Teams, OneDrive sign-ins

Microsoft has acknowledged that the March update for Windows 11 (KB5079473) has caused sign-in complications with Microsoft accounts in various applications, including Teams, OneDrive, Microsoft Edge, Excel, Word, and Microsoft 365 Copilot. Users may receive error messages indicating a lack of Internet connection during sign-in attempts, despite being online. This issue affects Microsoft account sign-ins but does not impact businesses using Entra ID for app authentication. Microsoft is working on a fix and suggests users restart their PCs while connected to the Internet as a temporary workaround. If restarted without an Internet connection, the sign-in problem may persist. Additionally, Microsoft has released two emergency out-of-band updates for Bluetooth visibility issues and security vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service. Guidance has also been provided to resolve access issues related to the C: drive and app failures on certain Samsung Windows 11 laptops due to a problematic version of the Samsung Galaxy Connect app.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 11 reaches new milestone as Microsoft comes closer to finally killing off Windows 10

Microsoft's Windows 10 global share has decreased to 26.27% as of February, down from 35.77% in January, while Windows 11's adoption rate has risen to 72.77%. Windows 11 is now used by 1 billion individuals worldwide. Official support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, leaving users vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft is phasing out the Security Boot feature, and users must upgrade to Windows 11 for ongoing protection and updates. Windows 11 offers features like default encryption and improved virtual desktop support. Users with eligible Windows 10 systems can upgrade for free, but the minimum hardware requirements include a 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. As many as 240 million functioning laptops may be unable to upgrade due to these requirements. New hardware is available with Windows 11 pre-installed, and Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs with unique AI functionalities.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 — Uninstall, Hide, and Stop It from Coming Back

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into various parts of Windows 11, including the taskbar, Edge, and Notepad. Users have expressed a desire to remove Copilot, leading to the creation of a guide detailing methods to disable it. Copilot can be uninstalled through Settings, but additional steps are required to remove it from Edge, Notepad, and Windows Search. Users can also prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates by adjusting registry settings. The Copilot app is categorized as a standalone application in Windows 11 24H2, making it easier to uninstall compared to previous versions. Methods to disable Copilot include: 1. Uninstalling the app via Settings. 2. Hiding the icon from the taskbar. 3. Using Group Policy Editor (limited to Pro, Enterprise, Education). 4. Removing Copilot for all users using PowerShell. 5. Adjusting settings in Edge and Notepad to disable Copilot features. 6. Editing the registry to remove Copilot from Windows Search and Paint. 7. Remapping the physical Copilot key on newer laptops. 8. Disabling silent reinstallation of Copilot through registry edits. Disabling Copilot will not affect core Windows functionality but will remove AI-specific features such as the chatbot and writing assistance.

Tech Optimizer

February 16, 2026

How to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 11 (3 Methods Including winget)

To uninstall McAfee on Windows 11, go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find McAfee, and select Uninstall. Alternatively, use the command winget uninstall --id "McAfee.TotalProtection" in an elevated terminal. After uninstalling, run McAfee’s MCPR removal tool to remove any leftover files and registry entries. Windows Security (Defender) will automatically activate after McAfee is removed. McAfee is often preinstalled on Windows 11 laptops by manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS. It is recommended to create a system restore point before uninstalling and ensure you have administrative rights. After uninstalling, check for any remaining McAfee entries in installed apps, running services, Task Manager processes, leftover folders, and scheduled tasks. If issues arise during uninstallation, booting into Safe Mode or using the MCPR tool can help. Windows Security is a built-in antivirus that activates automatically after McAfee removal, providing protection.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Windows 11 laptops could get advanced haptic feedback for trackpads – and it’s about time, MacBooks have had this for ages

Windows 11 is introducing a feature called haptic signals to enhance user interaction with trackpads and mice, currently hidden in Dev and Beta builds. This feature, which offers nuanced haptic feedback beyond existing functionality, can be activated using a configuration utility called ViVeTool. While not yet available for official testing, it aims to provide a more tactile experience for users. The existing haptic feedback simulates mechanical clicks on touchpads and has received positive feedback. Microsoft may offer options to adjust the intensity of haptic effects to cater to user preferences. This development is seen as a response to Apple's established haptic technology.

Winsage

October 22, 2025

Windows 11 now forcibly updates apps from the Microsoft Store – and not everyone is happy

Windows 11 users are now required to have applications from the Microsoft Store update automatically, with the option to postpone updates for a limited time. Microsoft has removed the ability for users to opt-out of these automatic updates to enhance security and ensure timely application of patches and improvements. This change has been noted in discussions on platforms like Reddit and aims to protect users from vulnerabilities. While this decision may streamline security, it raises concerns about user autonomy, particularly for those on mobile connections or who prefer older app versions. The automatic update policy only applies to Microsoft Store apps; other applications still require manual updates.