Windows 11 Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Windows 11 Pro plus 10 hours of training is $20 through June 14

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from an MSRP of 9. Users can also access the Essential Windows 11 Pro Course, which includes 150 lectures and 10 hours of content covering productivity features, Microsoft 365 applications, desktop customization, cloud storage management, keyboard shortcuts, troubleshooting, and privacy settings. The offer is valid until June 14.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Microsoft’s veteran engineer says Windows 8 was all built around “modern” codenames — including the polarizing Start menu

Microsoft unveiled Windows 8 on June 1, 2011, and ceased support for it on January 12, 2016. During its development, the team referred to it as "the modern experience" to distinguish it from Windows 7, known as "the classic experience." The new shell was called "modern shell" or "MoSh," while the old shell was referred to as "classic shell" or "ClaSh." The Start menu was initially called "Go page" and later renamed "MoGo." Other components were similarly named, such as "MoSet" for the settings control panel and "MoCo" for the ListView control. Microsoft is currently working on a project called Windows K2 to address issues in Windows 11, allowing users to postpone updates indefinitely and reducing the visibility of Copilot based on feedback. A status tracker for Windows K2 is available.

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.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Hands-On: The New Windows 11 Taskbar

Microsoft is refining the Taskbar in Windows 11 as part of its updates within the Windows Insider Program. The Taskbar has undergone significant changes, including a centered layout and the removal of features like relocating it to different screen edges. Users can now align the Taskbar to the left, toggle visibility for Search, Task view, and Widgets, and drag files to app shortcuts. A Mute/Unmute microphone button has also been introduced. Microsoft has acknowledged user feedback regarding the Taskbar's size and functionality, with plans to allow repositioning and a smaller version of the Taskbar. As of late May, a new build introduced options for Taskbar positioning and smaller taskbar buttons, allowing users to place the Taskbar at the top or sides of the screen.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

OpenAI’s Codex can finally control Windows 11 PCs on its own

OpenAI has announced that the Codex desktop's Computer Use feature is now available on Windows 11 systems, previously exclusive to macOS. This feature allows Codex to control applications on a user's computer using a virtual mouse and keyboard, enabling it to autonomously navigate the system and execute tasks. Users can direct Codex by referencing their computer or specific applications in their instructions. The feature is integrated with mobile applications, allowing users to manage tasks on their Windows systems from mobile devices. Currently, it is available across all Codex plans, including free tiers, but access may eventually be limited to premium plans.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Microsoft’s new developer-optimized Windows embraces Linux even more

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows operating system by integrating Linux-like command line utilities and further developing its Linux subsystem. This includes the introduction of frequently used command line utilities, a streamlined setup process, and a built-in mechanism for creating and interacting with Linux containers on Windows. Notable advancements include the introduction of Coreutils for Windows, which brings Linux-like command-line utilities to the platform, and deeper integration of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) with WSL containers that allow developers to create, run, and manage Linux containers within Windows. A command-line interface and API for WSL containers will be available in public preview soon. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing the Windows Terminal with a new feature called the Intelligent Terminal, which provides contextual assistance for tasks like querying and debugging. Microsoft is also rolling out Windows Developer Configurations to simplify the setup of new machines with developer-friendly settings, installing essential tools such as WSL, PowerShell 7, and Visual Studio Code.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Build 2026: Furthering Windows as the trusted platform for development

Build is an annual event focused on connecting with the global developer community and sharing innovations. Feedback from developers emphasizes the need for a frictionless and adaptable platform for seamless development across various environments. Key announcements include: - Coreutils for Windows: A suite of Linux-like command line utilities available natively on Windows. - WSL containers: A forthcoming public preview feature for creating and interacting with Linux containers. - Windows Development Skills: Structured knowledge for building native Windows apps using WinUI3 and WinApp CLI, now generally available. - Intelligent Terminal: An experimental feature integrating context-aware intelligence into the terminal for improved debugging and task execution. - Windows Developer Configurations: A WinGet-powered setup for distraction-free development, now generally available. - Windows 365 with Developer Configuration: A pre-configured cloud-based development environment in public preview. For security, the announcements include: - Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) SDK: A policy-driven execution layer for agent access and containment, available in early preview. - Agent 365 integration: Enhances security for agents with protections from Defender, Entra, Intune, and Purview, available in preview. - OpenClaw: Runs securely on Windows using MXC for easy installation of agent connections. - NVIDIA's OpenShell: A deployment package for autonomous agents on Windows, built on MXC. - Windows 365 for Agents: Secure Cloud PCs for executing enterprise workflows, now generally available. For AI capabilities: - Aion 1.0 Instruct: An on-device small language model for local workloads, available soon. - Expanded Windows AI APIs: Now accessible on more Windows 11 PCs, enhancing local AI capabilities. - Surface RTX Spark Dev Box: A device for developers featuring NVIDIA RTX Spark silicon for local AI workloads. - DGX Station for Windows: A powerful AI supercomputer for developing agents, coming in Q4. - Project Solara: A platform for agent-driven experiences, simplifying development across environments. - New Speech Recognition API: Real-time, on-device transcription capabilities. - Expansion of Windows AI APIs across GPUs and CPUs: Now available for broader hardware support. Windows is enhancing its security framework to reduce risks and ensure robust protection for applications.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

How to Use New Windows 11 Screen Tint Feature

Microsoft has introduced a "Screen tint" feature in Windows 11, aimed at enhancing accessibility for users with varying visual needs. This feature is currently available only to Windows Insiders running build 26300.8497 and provides a full-screen color overlay to reduce eye strain. Users can activate it through the Accessibility settings by toggling the "Show a color overlay" option and customizing the tint color and intensity. Alternatives to the Screen tint feature include the Night Light, which reduces blue light emissions, and Color Filters, designed for individuals with color blindness.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Building the next generation of devices for developers: Surface RTX Spark Dev Box

Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop Ultra and the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, specifically designed for software developers and technical professionals. The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box features the NVIDIA RTX Spark superchip, providing up to 1 petaflop of AI compute and 128 GB of unified memory, enabling local execution of complex AI models. It comes pre-configured with Windows 11 Pro and essential development tools, ensuring a focused environment for developers. The device incorporates security features aligned with Microsoft’s Zero Trust principles, including secured-core PC architecture and BitLocker encryption. It will be available later this year in the U.S. exclusively through Microsoft.com.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Microsoft plans Linux tools and an RTX Spark desktop for Windows developers

Microsoft's Build developer conference featured the introduction of Microsoft Scout, an AI tool designed to automate tasks by integrating with Microsoft 365 data. The conference also announced "Codename MDASH," a multi-model agentic scanning system for identifying and fixing software vulnerabilities. Additionally, the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box was unveiled, a compact developer PC with Nvidia's RTX Spark chip, up to 128GB of memory, preloaded with Windows 11 Pro, and tailored for developers. The Windows Dev Kit 2023 was also highlighted, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, facilitating the development of Arm-based Surface devices with improved code translation technology.