Windows ecosystem Archives

Winsage

March 3, 2026

This third‑party Windows 11 app just fixed one of its most annoying design problems — because someone had to step in and do it

Microsoft introduced Windows 11 nearly five years ago, but its market adoption has been slow due to challenges such as design flaws and high hardware requirements. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. In response to these issues, third-party applications like the 'Files' app have emerged, with the latest update (version 4.0.28) improving the right-click context menu and fixing bugs. Microsoft is working on changing perceptions of Windows 11 and addressing user feedback, including reassessing its AI strategy. Last year, the rollout of a new File Explorer feature to display "recommended" files was halted.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Microsoft Won’t Kill Support For Your Legacy Printer In Windows 11 After All

Microsoft has confirmed that if an older printer is currently functioning within the Windows ecosystem, it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The company clarified that it has not ended support for legacy printer drivers, despite earlier indications that V3 and V4 drivers would no longer be supported starting in January. However, as of January 15, 2026, new legacy drivers will be approved on a case-by-case basis for Windows Update.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Will Microsoft ever stop messing with Notepad? Windows 11 app could soon get another feature — and I’m predicting a backlash

Notepad in Windows 11 is expected to gain a significant enhancement that allows users to embed images, according to reports from Windows Latest. This feature aims to expand Notepad's functionality, making it more similar to Microsoft Word. Notepad has already introduced markdown support, enabling various formatting options. However, longtime users express concerns that adding features may compromise the app's simplicity and performance. Microsoft claims that users can disable certain features and that the new image support will not significantly affect performance. There are also security concerns related to vulnerabilities in the markdown formatting system. This change follows Microsoft's decision to remove WordPad from Windows 11, prompting questions about Notepad's evolving role in the Windows ecosystem.

Winsage

February 19, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer says this is what Windows’ Task Manager would “probably” look like today — but it’s a “good thing” he stuck to his OS design lane

Dave W. Plummer, a former Microsoft employee, contributed to the Windows ecosystem, notably with the Task Manager, Calculator, and a classic pinball game. He left Microsoft in 2003 and recently expressed on Reddit that "there should be nothing that TaskMgr can't kill." Plummer shared a concept design for a modern Task Manager on his X account, inspired by his Tempest AI project, featuring a cyberpunk theme, various graphs, speedometer-style gauges, and music with a synthwave vibe. He selected Tempest for his AI project due to its challenging gameplay and holds the world record for it. The project utilizes about 75% of the GPU at 30 frames per second on his M2 Mac Pro.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Contain your Windows apps inside Linux Windows

WinApps and WinBoat are two solutions for running Windows applications on Linux. WinApps, developed since 2020 by Ben Curtis, allows users to run a genuine copy of Windows in a virtual machine (VM) and export individual applications to the Linux desktop using Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). It supports various methods, including Docker, Podman, and KVM virtualization, with KVM offering extensive customization but requiring a more complex setup. WinBoat, a newer application at version 0.9.0, simplifies the user experience by automating much of the setup process and requires only Docker and FreeRDP to be installed. WinBoat is designed for ease of use, making it accessible for users less comfortable with technical configurations. Both tools allow users to run Windows software that may not work well under WINE, but running a full Windows OS in a VM involves licensing, maintenance, and resource considerations.

Winsage

February 15, 2026

Microsoft Refreshes Secure Boot Certificates via Windows Update

Microsoft will begin rolling out new Secure Boot certificates through Windows Update starting in March 2026, coinciding with the expiration of original certificates from 2011, which will phase out in June 2026. The new certificates include Microsoft Corporation KEK 2K CA 2023, Microsoft UEFI CA 2023, Microsoft Option ROM UEFI CA 2023, and Windows UEFI CA 2023. Not all Windows users will receive the update simultaneously; eligibility will focus on high-confidence devices with strong update histories. Newer PCs sold from 2024 will already have the 2023 Secure Boot certificates, while some devices may require additional firmware updates from their OEMs. PCs that do not receive the new certificates will still boot but will operate with diminished security, increasing vulnerability to exploits and compatibility issues with anti-cheat software and future Windows versions. Users on unsupported Windows versions will not receive the new certificates, leading to heightened security risks after June 2026.

Winsage

February 13, 2026

Microsoft Refreshes Secure Boot Root of Trust Certificates

Microsoft is refreshing Secure Boot certificates across its Windows ecosystem ahead of their expiration in June 2026 to enhance firmware-level security. Most systems will automatically receive the new certificates via Windows Update, while older or specialized devices may require firmware updates from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Devices that do not receive the update will still boot but will gradually lose access to critical boot-level mitigations and future compatibility improvements. The deployment of the new certificates has started with regular monthly Windows updates and applies to home users, businesses, and educational institutions. Organizations can manage updates independently using tools like Group Policy. Many devices produced since 2024 and nearly all systems shipped in 2025 already have the updated certificates. If systems are not updated, they will continue to function but will enter a degraded security state, unable to adopt new Secure Boot mitigations. This could increase exposure to threats and lead to compatibility issues with newer operating systems and software. IT administrators should ensure that Windows Update is deploying the latest updates and that device firmware is current, especially for older hardware or specialized systems.

Winsage

February 13, 2026

Microsoft Introduces New Secure Boot Certificates Before June Deadline

The foundational security certificates supporting Windows Secure Boot, introduced in 2011, will expire in mid-2026, specifically in June and October. Microsoft and PC manufacturers are updating the Windows ecosystem to address this. Devices that do not receive updated certificates may face security limitations and compatibility issues with newer operating systems and hardware. The transition is described as a "generational refresh" of the trust infrastructure for Windows. Systems failing to update will still function but may enter a "degraded security state," unable to install new security mitigations or newer operating systems. Most users will receive updates automatically through Windows Update, while older systems may require manual intervention. Systems at risk include those running unsupported Windows versions, with Secure Boot disabled, or not enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Users should check their Secure Boot status using PowerShell commands to ensure they are using the new certificates. The update affects not only Windows PCs but also other devices utilizing UEFI Secure Boot.

Winsage

February 12, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: Microsoft to bring back movable Taskbar on Windows 11 as part of big plan to fix OS

Microsoft is developing features for Windows 11 based on user feedback, including the long-requested ability to reposition the Taskbar, which was removed during its redesign at launch in 2021. After five years of requests, Microsoft plans to reinstate this functionality to improve user experience and show responsiveness to community needs. Users are encouraged to share their thoughts on platforms like Reddit.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Refreshing the root of trust: industry collaboration on Secure Boot certificate updates

Secure Boot is a security feature in Windows and Windows Server that protects devices from untrusted software at startup. It has been in operation since 2011 and relies on certificates embedded in a PC’s firmware. The original Secure Boot certificates will begin to expire in late June 2026. New certificates are being rolled out through regular Windows updates for supported devices, with OEMs preparing new devices with updated certificates since 2024. If devices do not receive the new certificates before the expiration of the old ones, they will continue to function but will enter a degraded security state, limiting future protections. Users generally do not need to take action, as updates will be installed automatically, but some specialized systems may require separate firmware updates. Organizations can monitor the update status through the Windows Security App and should ensure devices are running the latest updates and firmware. Support is available for individuals and organizations facing issues during the update process.