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Windows Experience

I went digging through Windows 11’s settings and found a 90s feature Microsoft never bothered to remove
Winsage
June 17, 2026

I went digging through Windows 11’s settings and found a 90s feature Microsoft never bothered to remove

Screensavers originated in the 1980s and 1990s to prevent burn-in on CRT monitors and evolved into a form of personal expression. In modern computing, particularly with Windows 11, screensavers have become a legacy feature, as advanced power management and lock screens have diminished their necessity. While screensavers are no longer actively developed, they could still provide value by transforming into functional tools that display personal photos or useful information during inactivity. Windows 11 has the components for a modern idle experience, but these features are not cohesively integrated. The future of screensavers depends on whether Microsoft chooses to reimagine them as sophisticated ambient modes rather than simple animations.
"My jaw dropped": Dell just launched its new $599 XPS 13, and I don't think the Windows 11 laptop market will ever be the same
Winsage
June 16, 2026

“My jaw dropped”: Dell just launched its new $599 XPS 13, and I don’t think the Windows 11 laptop market will ever be the same

Dell's XPS 13 has been released with a starting price of 9 for students and ,199 for other customers. It features Intel Core Series 3 processors, a 13.4-inch display with 2.5K resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The laptop includes Dolby Atmos tuning, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and a 1080p webcam with an IR sensor. Upcoming models will have Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and an additional Storm color option. The XPS 13 allows RAM upgrades to 16GB or 32GB, unlike the MacBook Neo, which has a fixed 8GB limit. Initial reviews have been positive, highlighting its design and pricing.
WhatsApp is eating 1.2GB RAM on Windows 11, even as Microsoft kills web app slop
Winsage
June 13, 2026

WhatsApp is eating 1.2GB RAM on Windows 11, even as Microsoft kills web app slop

WhatsApp for Windows, despite having a large user base of 3 billion globally and 1.6 billion on Windows, suffers from significant performance issues, including high RAM usage (400 MB before logging in and up to 1.2 GB while idling), slow message delivery, and a choppy scrolling experience. The app operates as a web wrapper using the WebView2 framework, which leads to inefficient resource consumption compared to native applications. Users across various hardware configurations report freezing, delayed messages, and instability. Microsoft’s Teams app also faces similar performance challenges due to its reliance on the same framework. There is a growing concern about the trend of developers opting for web applications over native ones, driven by a lack of trust in native frameworks. Despite Microsoft's push for native app development through WinUI, there is currently no native version of WhatsApp for Windows, while Meta has developed optimized versions for other platforms.
Microsoft Makes Windows 11 an Agentic Platform
Winsage
June 9, 2026

Microsoft Makes Windows 11 an Agentic Platform

Microsoft announced a suite of agent-centric features for Windows 11 at the Build 2026 conference, introducing the Microsoft Agent Platform for local AI agents. This includes enhanced integration with Microsoft Foundry, GitHub, and the M365 suite. The developer documentation covers local agent runtimes and isolation patterns, highlighting the Microsoft Execution Containers SDK and Entra Agent ID. Enterprise controls like Intune and Agent 365 are also featured. The upcoming Copilot Actions will allow agents to interact with local files and applications, aimed at improving workflows. Microsoft is addressing security concerns with resources outlining strategies to mitigate risks such as cross-prompt injection. Industry commentary indicates a growing discussion about privacy and security in relation to these changes.
Microsoft reveals Windows 11 will bulk delete files at least 30% faster, and it's only the start
Winsage
June 9, 2026

Microsoft reveals Windows 11 will bulk delete files at least 30% faster, and it’s only the start

Microsoft is working on enhancements for File Explorer on Windows 11 to improve speed and efficiency, particularly in batch file deletions. Internal testing is underway for a performance boost, with potential speed increases of over 30% for bulk deletions following an upcoming update. Other file operations, such as transfers and copies, are also set to become faster. The company aims to improve launch times, reduce flickering, and eliminate distracting flashes in dark mode. Users have already noticed faster launch times and better handling of file names and paths. Microsoft is testing a preloading feature for File Explorer and plans to revamp the right-click menu for faster loading and a streamlined appearance. Additionally, the company is exploring ways to minimize File Explorer’s memory footprint and modernize legacy elements. Microsoft plans to introduce up to 19 new features by 2026, including a movable taskbar and a customizable Start menu.
Is Microsoft finally going to de-spam Windows 11 search? It looks that way — and I'm shocked that my most-wanted change could be incoming
Winsage
June 8, 2026

Is Microsoft finally going to de-spam Windows 11 search? It looks that way — and I’m shocked that my most-wanted change could be incoming

Microsoft is reportedly exploring the option to disable web results in the Windows 11 search feature, allowing users to turn off web-based search results, including those from Bing. Currently, Microsoft has deprioritized web results in Windows search, focusing on local files and relevant settings. The anticipated update is expected to roll out to Windows 11 testers within weeks, aiming to provide a cleaner search experience by eliminating unwanted web results and Microsoft Store recommendations.
Windows just had an amazing week: Between silicon, devices, and OS improvements, I am excited to be a Windows user again
Winsage
June 7, 2026

Windows just had an amazing week: Between silicon, devices, and OS improvements, I am excited to be a Windows user again

The Windows platform has seen a resurgence, particularly during Microsoft Build and Computex 2026, with a focus on enhancing the Windows experience. NVIDIA introduced the RTX Spark superchip, advancing Windows on Arm technology and competing with Apple's offerings. Intel's Wildcat Lake chips promise better performance and battery efficiency for laptops. Recent tests of the Dell XPS 13 and Acer Swift Air 14 showed high quality, with the Dell XPS 13 being a strong competitor to the MacBook Air. Microsoft is improving Windows 11 for devices with 8GB of RAM and launching features like Low Latency Profile. The Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface Dev Box, powered by RTX Spark, aim to support developers and position Windows as a leading platform for software and AI development. Microsoft is shifting its strategy to compete directly with Apple in the professional space, with the Surface Laptop Ultra appealing to users of the MacBook Pro. The Windows K2 initiative addresses concerns about the platform, aiming to improve its reputation. Windows now has viable alternatives to Apple's MacBook lineup, with upcoming RTX Spark laptops offering competitive pricing and quality. Qualcomm's Snapdragon C SoC targets the low-end market, competing with Chromebooks. The growing number of compelling Windows laptops makes it harder for reviewers to recommend MacBooks as the default choice for consumers, indicating a significant market shift.
It's not just you: Microsoft says Windows 11's right-click menu has been quietly slow for years
Winsage
June 7, 2026

It’s not just you: Microsoft says Windows 11’s right-click menu has been quietly slow for years

Windows 11's modern context menu has been criticized for being slower than Windows 10, especially for users with lower-end PCs. Enabling extensions like “Edit with Clipchamp,” “Edit with Notepad,” and “Ask Copilot” can cause delays, leading to misclicks. Microsoft has acknowledged these performance issues and is working on solutions. In March 2026, the company announced plans for a significant update to improve Windows 11, focusing on core functionalities. The right-click context menu has been a key area for improvement, with delays in loading options causing frustration. Microsoft confirmed that these delays are due to late-loading extensions and is testing a streamlined context menu that reduces vertical space by 25% or more. A new nested menu titled “Manage file” has been introduced to organize file-related operations. Additionally, Microsoft is developing a configurable context menu for user personalization, addressing previous customization limitations.
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