Valve has released the Lepton project on GitLab, which aims to bring Android games to Linux devices, with a focus on VR Android games for the Steam Frame.
Microsoft is modernizing the user experience in Windows 11 by redesigning all legacy dialog boxes in response to user feedback. March Rogers, Microsoft's design director, is leading this initiative to ensure consistency across the platform. Specific examples of outdated interfaces include the Speech settings dialog and the Windows recovery menu. Microsoft is using two strategies for updates: incremental updates, which introduce a dark theme across system dialogs, and comprehensive redesigns using the WinUI 3 framework. The Run menu has been completely revamped with a dark theme and improved features, while the previous version remains available for user preference. These updates are currently in test builds of Windows 11. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out security patches and an emergency patch for issues from the September update.
Microsoft has issued a caution regarding the File History backup feature in Windows, indicating potential functionality issues on certain systems after installing the September 2026 security updates. Users may experience application crashes related to FileHistory.exe and KERNELBASE.dll, and may be unable to create or update backups. Misleading messages such as “Reconnect your drive” may appear, and the “Last Backup” timestamp may fail to update. Affected Windows versions include Windows 10 21H2 or later, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016/2019, and Windows 11 23H2 and later. Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing issues related to the September 2026 updates and is working on solutions.
Microsoft is modernizing outdated dialogs in Windows 11, including the Voice packages dialog, which currently lacks the rounded corners characteristic of the operating system's design. March Rogers, Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, confirmed that this dialog is scheduled for redesign, along with other legacy interfaces from older Windows versions. Microsoft is using a dual strategy for modernization: some dialogs are receiving dark mode support, while others are being rebuilt using WinUI 3. The File Properties dialog has already been successfully updated with this framework. The new Run dialog, developed with C# and WinUI 3, features dark mode and improved performance, while the legacy version will still be available. Additionally, the AutoPlay feature and Print Management app are also being redesigned in WinUI 3. Outdated interfaces, such as the local-account switching flow and the Windows 8-style input switcher on the login screen, are also set for redesign. Microsoft is updating various pages in the Settings menu, but the Control Panel will remain part of the Windows ecosystem.
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.
Microsoft is continuing the rollout of Secure Boot certificate updates, with the next significant deadline on October 19, 2026, when the Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 certificate expires. The September 2026 Patch Tuesday update has expanded eligibility for Secure Boot certificates to more PCs classified as “high confidence.” Users may need to reboot their PCs to install these updates, and some may require firmware updates beforehand. Microsoft has confirmed that the update process will persist beyond established deadlines, and older certificates are expiring in stages, with the first two deadlines having already passed. Users should ensure they have the latest updates installed and check their Secure Boot status in Windows Security. Microsoft has assured that PCs without the newer certificates will continue to boot normally and receive standard updates while the rollout continues.
Microsoft integrated games into the Windows operating system from its early versions, starting with Reversi in Windows 1.0 in 1985 and introducing Solitaire in Windows 3.0 in 1990. Over the years, various versions of Windows included a range of built-in games, peaking with Windows Vista and Windows 7, which featured titles like Chess Titans and Mahjong Titans. However, with the release of Windows 8, Microsoft removed classic games from the operating system and transitioned to an app-centric model, directing users to the Windows Store for gaming. The Microsoft Solitaire Collection became a single app, while other games were made available as separate downloads. This shift marked a change in how Microsoft approached gaming, moving from integrating games as part of the OS to treating Windows as a platform for independent applications and services.
Three Android emulators have emerged: MuMu Player 6.0, LDPlayer 14, and BlueStacks 5.22.
- MuMu Player 6.0, released by NetEase on July 7, 2026, is the only mainstream emulator operating on Android 15.
- LDPlayer 14 transitioned from beta to full release on June 25, 2026, utilizing Android 14 after previously using Android 9.
- BlueStacks 5.22 operates on the Android 9 Pie framework, which it adopted in 2021.
MuMu Player is designed for gacha and open-world mobile games, while LDPlayer focuses on lightweight design and multi-instance capabilities. BlueStacks caters to a broad audience with lower system requirements.
MuMu Player 6.0 is free on Windows, while its macOS version requires a subscription after a trial. LDPlayer and BlueStacks use a freemium model with optional paid tiers for ad-free experiences.
LDPlayer 14 requires 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, while MuMu Player and BlueStacks support older Windows versions. All three emulators support multi-instance functionality, but LDPlayer has specific RAM recommendations for this feature.
As of August 2026, there have been no significant reports of bans associated with any of the emulators.
Windows 8 Remastered is a new concept by YouTuber AR 4789 that combines modern design with the original Windows 8 interface. It features a desktop experience with Live Tiles and Widgets, a traditional Taskbar with a Start button, and a redesigned lock screen. The File Explorer has been overhauled with Fluent Design principles and larger tiles, while the Charms bar has received cosmetic enhancements. The concept also includes Snap Assist and a redesigned Windows Settings app that retains personalization options from Windows 11. It is designed to work across various devices, catering to both touch-friendly and traditional desktop users.
Windows 11 is undergoing a significant design transformation, with updates to key components like Print Management, the Properties Sheet in File Explorer, and the AutoPlay dialog from Windows 8, all receiving a WinUI makeover. The Control Panel's future is uncertain, but it will remain until Microsoft can transition its features into Windows Settings. Microsoft plans to minimize the need for legacy features and is cautious about removing the Control Panel due to its importance for enterprise compatibility.
Upcoming features include a modern Windows Run dialog set to launch in 2026, which will be faster and allow users to navigate to their user directory more efficiently. A modern Properties dialog is also being developed to replace the legacy version, and the AutoPlay dialog will be revamped to remember user preferences. A new Print Management app is in testing, aimed at improving printer management. The overall modernization of Windows 11 suggests that the Control Panel may eventually be phased out, but the timeline for this change is still unclear.
