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Windows 11

"Control Panel gets tricky" Microsoft CVP explains why killing Windows legacy code takes so long, and how it's evolving its tools to make modernizing apps like File Explorer and Registry Editor faster
Winsage
August 3, 2026

“Control Panel gets tricky” Microsoft CVP explains why killing Windows legacy code takes so long, and how it’s evolving its tools to make modernizing apps like File Explorer and Registry Editor faster

Marcus Ash, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Design and Research for Windows and Devices, discussed the company's efforts to refine the user interface of Windows 11, focusing on modernizing the Control Panel. This initiative began with Windows 8 over 13 years ago and is still ongoing.
Data Doctors: What the deadline extension for Windows 10 means
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Data Doctors: What the deadline extension for Windows 10 means

Microsoft has extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 consumers until October 12, 2027, providing critical security updates for eligible systems. Windows 10 remains functional, but no new features will be introduced, and users must ensure their devices are enrolled in the ESU program to receive updates. Users are advised to check their computer's compatibility with Windows 11 and consider upgrading, as it is available as a free upgrade for eligible machines. If a computer does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, the ESU extension allows additional time to plan for replacement. Users should keep their internet security software and applications updated and maintain backups of important data.
Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?

Windows Insiders can access new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, available through the Experimental Preview Channel. Key updates include: - Windows Search: Introduces customizable options for integrating personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and OneDrive in search results. It can automatically expand indexing based on user activity, which can be managed in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. - Phone Link: Users can now preview recent messages or notifications by hovering over them in the Start menu, enhancing visibility into mobile activity. This feature is gradually rolling out and requires a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. - Settings App: Improved search functionality for quicker navigation to relevant settings. - Adaptive Hibernate Policy: Enhancements for instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and better battery preservation based on battery levels. - Start Menu: A fix for an issue causing crashes when dragging apps. - Taskbar: Resolved an issue where hovering over app window previews in an overflow state dismissed them. - File Explorer: Home now retains the state of sections, and improvements have been made for reliability when dragging files to disconnected network drives. Issues with files on DFS mapped drives being misidentified have also been addressed. - Windows Spotlight: Changes to enhance reliability on the lock screen. - Storage: Fixes for File History automatic backups to network shares that displayed false "invalid credentials" errors.
Can Microsoft Really Make Windows 11 Suck Less on Weak PCs?
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Can Microsoft Really Make Windows 11 Suck Less on Weak PCs?

Microsoft is refining Windows 11 to improve user experience by reducing unnecessary AI integration, enhancing control over widgets and taskbar configurations, and streamlining File Explorer. The company aims to decrease the operating system's memory usage, particularly for devices with 8GB of RAM, addressing concerns about excessive memory consumption. Historically, Microsoft recommended 16GB of RAM for new PCs, but rising prices have led to a shift towards lower RAM configurations to attract budget-conscious consumers. For example, Dell offers an XPS 13 with 8GB of memory for 9, while a model with 16GB costs ,299. The minimum requirement for Windows 11 is 4GB of RAM, which is barely sufficient to run the OS. Microsoft is working on optimizing the OS by remaking components to reduce reliance on the memory-intensive WebView2 and implementing a more efficient memory allocator. These enhancements aim to improve the experience for users with 8GB laptops, but potential buyers must decide between purchasing a less powerful machine or investing in a more capable system.
Microsoft finally has a Windows 11 upgrade everyone can get behind
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Microsoft finally has a Windows 11 upgrade everyone can get behind

Microsoft is focusing on enhancing Windows 11 by addressing fundamental improvements, as highlighted by CEO Satya Nadella during the fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter earnings call. The company is investing in maintaining high quality and fundamentals for the operating system, with ongoing efforts to fix user concerns. Enhancements include testing a movable taskbar, reducing RAM consumption, fixing memory leaks, improving slow startup times, and updating File Explorer and Windows Search. The introduction of the Low Latency Profile update aims to improve responsiveness in the Start menu and shell. Microsoft has also removed the Copilot branding from certain applications to streamline the user experience. This renewed focus follows a challenging year with problematic updates, including a mandatory update in June that caused boot failures and other issues, prompting an emergency update in July. Financially, Microsoft's More Personal Computing revenue declined by 4%, with Windows OEM and Devices revenue dropping by 7%.
Linux didn't just eat 10% of Windows market share, AI bots are inflating the numbers
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Linux didn’t just eat 10% of Windows market share, AI bots are inflating the numbers

The Linux desktop market share has not exceeded 10% in North America, and Windows is not experiencing a significant loss of users. Recent claims about Linux's market share reaching over 10% are based on misinterpreted data from StatCounter, which tracks page views rather than actual users. StatCounter's methodology can lead to inflated Linux numbers due to increased bot activity. In July 2026, it was reported that Windows market share remained above 60%. Cloudflare Radar also noted a spike in Linux usage, but this was largely attributed to automated traffic, with human-only traffic showing Linux at approximately 4.7%. Microsoft reports that Windows 11 is currently operating on 1.6 billion PCs.
Windows 11: Microsoft optimizes memory requirements for systems with 8 GB RAM
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Windows 11: Microsoft optimizes memory requirements for systems with 8 GB RAM

Microsoft is focusing on enhancing the efficiency of Windows 11 for systems with 8 GB of RAM, identifying memory optimization as a key priority. The company is revising multiple technical areas, including a more efficient memory allocator and adaptations to WinUI 3 to reduce RAM usage. Improvements are also planned for Chromium and WebView2 to decrease resource consumption. Microsoft has not committed to specific metrics for memory reduction or paging activity but aims to improve performance for budget-friendly devices. The official minimum requirement for Windows 11 is 4 GB, but higher memory allocations may be necessary for certain applications. Microsoft plans to roll out improvements tested since March more broadly in the autumn, although it remains unclear if these changes will apply to all supported versions of Windows 11. Users with 8 GB of RAM will not need to take immediate action, as the new memory management features will be revealed in future updates.
Microsoft warns Windows 11 Insiders of crucial mandatory upcoming deadline
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Microsoft warns Windows 11 Insiders of crucial mandatory upcoming deadline

Microsoft is updating Secure Boot certificates for Windows 11 PCs, as the previous certificates are 15 years old and nearing expiration. Users can check their certificate status easily. An advisory was issued in early September regarding changes for Windows Insider channels, particularly affecting the Experimental and Beta channels, with a deadline for certificate updates set for August 11, 2026. The Release Preview builds will not be affected by this update requirement. Users in the impacted channels must update to specific builds to obtain the new certificates, or they may stop receiving updates after the deadline. The minimum build requirements for each channel are outlined, and users can check their current Windows 11 Insider build by using the winver command. Microsoft has confirmed that these updates will not impact activation or licensing status.
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