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Microsoft is keeping Secure Boot alive with Windows updates
Winsage
February 10, 2026

Microsoft is keeping Secure Boot alive with Windows updates

Microsoft is enhancing the security of Windows devices by replacing boot-level security certificates that are nearing expiration, with this initiative integrated into regular Windows platform updates. The original Secure Boot certificates from 2011 will expire between June and October 2026, prompting Microsoft to issue new certificates in 2023, which are included in many new Windows devices sold since 2024. Older hardware will require updates to remain compliant. Devices with expired certificates will continue to operate but will enter a "degraded security state," potentially hindering future updates and causing compatibility issues. The new Secure Boot certificates rollout began with the Windows 11 KB5074109 update. Most Windows 11 users will have the new certificates installed automatically, while specialized systems may have different update protocols. Windows 10 users must enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates to receive the new certificates.
This New Windows Smartphone Does Something Most Android Phones Can't
Winsage
January 27, 2026

This New Windows Smartphone Does Something Most Android Phones Can’t

NexPhone is a new smartphone from Nex Computer, marking the first Windows phone launch in a decade, with an official launch planned for 2026. It supports Android, Windows 11, and Linux, allowing users to connect it to any monitor and use it as a computer. The device runs Windows 11 on Arm, ensuring a smooth user experience. It features 256GB of expandable storage and aims to consolidate various digital tasks into one device. The last notable Windows phone was the Microsoft Lumia 650, released in 2016, and Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 Mobile in 2019.
We’re talking about the best of Windows 11, and we want your input.
Winsage
January 26, 2026

We’re talking about the best of Windows 11, and we want your input.

Expressions of affection for Windows are common, and while the author acknowledges some shortcomings in Windows 11, it remains an essential tool for productivity, creativity, and communication. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus platform is expected to indicate a significant transition toward Arm-based Windows devices. The Microsoft Store has become a reliable platform for discovering and downloading applications on Windows. Recent enhancements in Windows 11 have improved the experience for handheld gaming PCs. The Windows Package Manager, or winget, is highly regarded, and PowerToys is recommended as essential for Windows 11 users. The Command Palette allows users to launch applications using the keyboard and execute commands. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) provides a genuine Linux experience within Windows 11. Phone Link facilitates effortless photo transfers. The 12-inch Surface LCD is slightly thinner than the Surface Pro 11. The Windows Central community is engaged in discussions about the standout features of Windows 11.
January Xbox Update: Xbox Expands to Arm-based PCs, Game Save Sync Indicator, and More
AppWizard
January 22, 2026

January Xbox Update: Xbox Expands to Arm-based PCs, Game Save Sync Indicator, and More

Xbox is introducing updates to enhance gaming experiences, including the Xbox PC app for Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, allowing downloads from the Xbox PC app catalog and access to Xbox Game Pass. A new Game Save Sync Indicator feature provides real-time visibility into cloud save status for seamless gameplay across devices. Xbox has partnered with Hisense and V homeOS to enable cloud gaming on select Smart TVs. The Handheld Compatibility Program highlights games optimized for portable play, with recent additions such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. The Xbox Play Anywhere initiative now supports over 1,000 games for cross-platform play, including titles like Abyss DX and Cyberpunk Hacker. The Stream Your Own Game feature allows Xbox Game Pass subscribers to stream from a library of over 1,000 owned games, including Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. Xbox is reviving retro classics through a collaboration with Antstream Arcade, featuring over 100 titles and community challenges. Support for mouse and keyboard navigation has been expanded to over 230 games, and touch controls are available on cloud. Community feedback is encouraged to shape future developments, and players can join the Xbox Insider Program for early access to new features.
Tanium named Leader in IDC report on Windows tools
Winsage
January 21, 2026

Tanium named Leader in IDC report on Windows tools

Tanium has been recognized as a Leader in endpoint management software for Windows devices in the latest IDC MarketScape vendor assessment for 2025-2026, marking the second consecutive time it has received this designation. The IDC assessment evaluates vendors providing tools for managing Windows endpoints, including desktops, servers, and specialized devices. Tanium's core offering is the Tanium Autonomous IT Platform, which integrates endpoint management, exposure management, and security operations. The platform supports Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server, and Windows IoT endpoints, and is noted for its synergy with Microsoft's tools. Tanium's approach, termed Autonomous IT, consolidates IT and security operations under a unified model, featuring tools like Tanium Ask, Tanium Confidence Score, and Adaptive Actions. Additionally, Tanium has been recognized as a Leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Management Tools.
Microsoft Edge finally lets you hide the Copilot icon from the browser's toolbar — Are you clicking “remove”?
Winsage
January 20, 2026

Microsoft Edge finally lets you hide the Copilot icon from the browser’s toolbar — Are you clicking “remove”?

Microsoft has released an update for its Edge browser, version 144.0.3719.82, which includes bug fixes, feature enhancements, and improvements. Key fixes include resolving a browser crash during file uploads. New features include: - Default Profile for External Links: Uses the Primary Work Profile for opening external links. - Management Enrollment Token Policy Update: Requires configuration directly from the platform. - Performance Settings Update: Renames efficiency mode to "Energy Saver" and PC gaming feature to "PC Gaming Boost." - Tenant Restrictions v2 (TRv2): Blocks access from unauthorized Microsoft 365 tenants. - Copilot Icon Management: Users can manage the visibility of the Copilot icon in the toolbar. - Contextual Nudges: Provides summaries of open pages from the address bar. - Enhanced Autofill Experience: Prompts users to save addresses intentionally. - Desktop Visual Search: Allows sending images to Bing Visual Search for identification. The update also allows users to hide the Copilot icon and discontinues the Collections feature.
Copilot Uninstall Lands On Managed Windows But With Catches
Winsage
January 19, 2026

Copilot Uninstall Lands On Managed Windows But With Catches

IT administrators can now uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app from managed Windows devices under specific conditions. This option is available only for devices running an Insider Preview of Windows 11 and is designed for Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions. The Group Policy named RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp allows this uninstallation, but it requires that the Microsoft 365 Copilot and the Microsoft Copilot app are installed, the app must not have been user-installed, and it must remain unopened for 28 days. The policy aims to prevent accidental removals and ensure organizations consider the app's deprecation thoughtfully. For unmanaged PCs, users can hide the Copilot button and disable it in Startup Apps to minimize its presence, but a straightforward uninstallation method is not yet available.
Microsoft: Windows 11 update causes Outlook freezes for POP users
Winsage
January 16, 2026

Microsoft: Windows 11 update causes Outlook freezes for POP users

Microsoft is addressing an issue with the classic Outlook desktop client freezing and hanging, particularly for users with POP email accounts, following the January security update KB5074109 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The problem causes Outlook to fail to exit properly and not restart after being closed. Microsoft is investigating the issue but has not provided a timeline for a resolution. Users can temporarily resolve the issue by uninstalling the KB5074109 update through the Settings app, although this may expose their devices to security vulnerabilities.
Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices
Winsage
January 11, 2026

Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices

Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to completely uninstall its Copilot AI assistant from managed Windows devices. This policy, named “RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp,” is being deployed through management tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and addresses concerns about data privacy, resource consumption, and unwanted software in commercial settings. The feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and reflects feedback from IT professionals who prefer controlled environments. While this option is exclusive to enterprise-tier Microsoft 365 subscribers, smaller businesses and individual users have limited options for removal. The policy aims to balance innovation with risk management, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, where data privacy is critical.
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