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Windows 11 security update fixes critical Bing and Azure flaws
Winsage
May 13, 2026

Windows 11 security update fixes critical Bing and Azure flaws

Microsoft released its May 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, addressing 97 security vulnerabilities across various components, including Windows, Microsoft Office, Azure services, SQL Server, SharePoint, Hyper-V, and .NET. The updates are encapsulated in KB5089549 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, elevating systems to builds 26100.8457 and 26200.8457. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2026-32169, a critical flaw in Azure Cloud Shell with a CVSS score of 10.0, and CVE-2026-21536, a critical remote code execution vulnerability in the Microsoft Devices Pricing Program with a CVSS score of 9.8. Other critical vulnerabilities include CVE-2026-32191 and CVE-2026-32194, impacting Microsoft Bing Images, both with CVSS scores of 9.8. The update also addresses multiple Windows privilege escalation vulnerabilities and remote code execution vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office and Excel. Microsoft has warned of upcoming Secure Boot certificate expirations starting in June 2026 and has improved boot reliability related to BitLocker recovery issues. Users can install the updates via Settings → Windows Update, with a system restart required.
I dug into the new Windows Update rules coming to Windows 11, and these are the 5 things you need to know
Winsage
May 10, 2026

I dug into the new Windows Update rules coming to Windows 11, and these are the 5 things you need to know

Microsoft is implementing enhancements in Windows 11 to improve the Windows Update experience for users. Key changes include new pause controls, a redesigned Power menu, reduced forced restarts, and smarter recovery features for failed updates. A new system will automatically resolve installation issues in the background, reducing the need for manual troubleshooting. Users can now skip system updates during the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE), but doing so will prevent the download of the latest drivers, features, or security patches until a manual download is initiated or automatic updates resume. Despite these improvements, there are still limitations on user control over updates, such as the need for manual extensions to pause updates indefinitely and the requirement to confirm skipping updates twice during setup.
Windows 11 is changing how Windows Update works — here are the 5 things Microsoft says will matter most
Winsage
May 9, 2026

Windows 11 is changing how Windows Update works — here are the 5 things Microsoft says will matter most

Microsoft is making changes to Windows Update in Windows 11 to improve the user experience. Key updates include: 1. Users can now pause automatic updates indefinitely, although they must reschedule the pause before the initial 35-day limit expires. 2. The Power menu will clearly separate update-related actions from standard power options, allowing users to choose "Update and shut down" or "Update and restart" without unintentionally installing updates. 3. Driver updates will have more descriptive labels, and a collapsible "Available updates" section will organize updates awaiting installation. Microsoft plans to consolidate updates into a single monthly cycle to reduce required restarts to one per month. 4. A new system will automatically resolve installation issues during updates, reducing the need for user intervention. 5. Users can skip system updates during the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE), but doing so will prevent the download of the latest drivers, features, or security patches until updates are manually triggered or resumed automatically.
Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter
Winsage
April 30, 2026

Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users regarding its user experience and strict hardware requirements. Many users feel the OS is overloaded with features, including unwanted AI elements and pre-installed applications. In response, a customization community has emerged, with developers like Raditya Aryaputra proposing alternative designs, such as a "Refined" version of Windows 11 that focuses on a streamlined experience. Aryaputra's concept includes a compact Start menu without ads, a revamped Windows Search, and a simplified Widget panel. Microsoft is reportedly planning to reintroduce the movable and resizable project feature in its Windows K2 initiative, set for 2026. User options are limited as mainstream support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, although an Extended Security Updates program is available temporarily. Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu based on user feedback and is actively seeking input through Windows Insider meetups. Additionally, Microsoft has streamlined its AI strategy within Windows 11, removing Copilot from certain applications. A status tracker is available for users to follow changes related to the Windows K2 initiative.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 30, 2026

Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users regarding its hardware requirements and perceived overload of features. A customization community has emerged, with developers like Raditya Aryaputra proposing a "Refined" version of Windows 11 that focuses on essential features and a cleaner interface. This concept includes a compact Start menu without ads or forced recommendations and a more intuitive Windows Search. Microsoft is planning enhancements for Windows 11, internally referred to as Windows K2, set for a 2026 release, which may incorporate user feedback and ideas from Aryaputra's project. Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu but received feedback that it is too large and lacks customization. The company is reintroducing Windows Insider meetups for user feedback and reassessing its AI strategy within Windows 11. Mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pushing users towards Windows 11.
I investigated Windows 11's massive 5GB monthly .msu updates. AI is only part of the problem.
Winsage
April 28, 2026

I investigated Windows 11’s massive 5GB monthly .msu updates. AI is only part of the problem.

Windows 11 updates have significantly increased in size, with monthly cumulative updates often exceeding 4GB and some approaching 5GB. One update can expand to nearly 9GB when extracted. Microsoft has shifted to delivering Latest Cumulative Updates (LCUs), which include all previous fixes, leading to larger update sizes over time. The introduction of Checkpoint Cumulative Updates aims to reduce this growth by establishing periodic baselines, but the effectiveness has been mixed. The May 2025 cumulative update saw a size increase from approximately 6.5GB to nearly 9GB, with new MSIX files related to semantic search and on-device AI contributing to this growth. Windows Update uses applicability logic to minimize download sizes for users, but enterprises must download full packages, resulting in increased storage costs. The average yearly storage cost for enterprises rose from about 11 GB in 2024 to 52 GB by 2026. Users can check their actual download sizes through the Windows Update settings and Event Viewer logs.
I got an inside look at the plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11 — Microsoft’s bet on quality, community, and making the OS feel human again
Winsage
April 24, 2026

I got an inside look at the plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11 — Microsoft’s bet on quality, community, and making the OS feel human again

Microsoft is implementing significant changes to the Windows Insider Program and Windows 11 to enhance user engagement and address feedback from the community. Key changes include: - A simplified channel strategy with clearer purpose-driven channels: an Experimental track for early feature flags and a Beta track for a more predictable experience. - Introduction of a feature-flags page in Experimental builds, allowing testers to opt into visible features. - Easier transitions between channels without the need for complete reinstalls. - The appointment of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) for each priority area to synthesize feedback and telemetry for improvements. Upcoming enhancements for Windows 11 include new taskbar positioning options, improved integration of Copilot, updates to File Explorer, and better user control over updates and widgets. A redesigned Feedback Hub will streamline the feedback submission process. Microsoft acknowledges the need for accountability and aims to rebuild trust within the community by ensuring quality in Beta builds and publicly recognizing community contributions. The focus will remain on refining Windows 11 rather than launching a new version like Windows 12. The company is committed to reengineering the Windows experience to provide users with more control and flexibility.
Microsoft is finally adding the right kind of AI support to Windows 11
Winsage
April 20, 2026

Microsoft is finally adding the right kind of AI support to Windows 11

Windows 11 will enhance the Taskbar and Search Box with support for AI agents next month, allowing developers to integrate AI functionalities through new APIs. This feature will not be activated by default, giving users the option to opt out. Microsoft aims to make Windows AI-ready in response to trends where AI tools are more popular on Mac systems, while facing pushback from Windows users regarding AI integration. The company seeks to balance innovation with user concerns and prioritize quality across the platform to regain user trust.
Microsoft is reportedly giving you a ton of Start menu customization options
Winsage
April 18, 2026

Microsoft is reportedly giving you a ton of Start menu customization options

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 Start menu by introducing customization options that allow users to select between a larger or smaller layout. Users will also be able to edit or remove sections within the Start menu, such as the Recommended section. Additionally, Microsoft aims to improve the responsiveness of the Start menu for better performance during multitasking. There is no official timeline for the rollout of these features.
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