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Microsoft accepts defeat on the Windows 11 Copilot key with a "Do nothing" switch, but PCs still ship with it
Winsage
July 23, 2026

Microsoft accepts defeat on the Windows 11 Copilot key with a “Do nothing” switch, but PCs still ship with it

Windows 11 is testing a new feature that allows users to reassign the Copilot key to do nothing. The Copilot key has been present on newer Windows PCs since its introduction in 2024, and Microsoft considers a PC an AI PC only if it includes this key. Users can remap the Copilot key to preferred applications or restore it to its original function as the Right Ctrl key. An additional option, “Do nothing,” will make the Copilot key inactive. This feature is currently available in Windows Insider preview builds, with a public rollout expected soon. Microsoft acknowledged that the Copilot key has created challenges for users who rely on the Right Ctrl key or Context menu key, and it plans to allow customization of the Copilot key through Settings. Initially, only two remapping options were planned, but the “Do nothing” option was added in response to user feedback. Microsoft cautioned that remapping the Copilot key to the Right Ctrl key may cause inconsistencies with certain keyboard shortcuts.
I think the latest record-breaking Windows 11 update messed up my monitor
Winsage
July 20, 2026

I think the latest record-breaking Windows 11 update messed up my monitor

The latest Windows Insider update, KB5101650, is the first to use artificial intelligence to identify and address security vulnerabilities, featuring 570 patches aimed at enhancing system security. Users have reported various display and graphics problems, including performance dips and graphical glitches, following the update. Microsoft has temporarily halted the update for certain Dell PCs due to compatibility issues affecting performance and power consumption. Users are experiencing difficulties reverting the update, and there are concerns about a drop in refresh rates from 400 Hz to 240 Hz.
Microsoft Is Finally Cleaning Up Windows 11 Search By Stripping Away Ads
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Microsoft Is Finally Cleaning Up Windows 11 Search By Stripping Away Ads

Windows 11 users have expressed frustrations with the operating system's search function, which has been cluttered and confusing. Microsoft is implementing a comprehensive overhaul to improve the search experience, currently rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. Key enhancements include the removal of promotional content from web results, prioritization of local results, and the introduction of a setting to disable web and Microsoft Store suggestions. Local content will be ranked higher in search results, and the search function will better tolerate typographical errors. Additionally, file searches will support two-character queries, and results will clearly indicate their sources. These changes are being tested first and will not be immediately available to all Windows 11 PCs.
Microsoft just decluttered Windows 11 Search after years of MSN tiles, ads, and trivia
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Microsoft just decluttered Windows 11 Search after years of MSN tiles, ads, and trivia

Microsoft is rolling out significant enhancements to Windows Search, starting on July 13, aimed at creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for Insiders. The update eliminates clutter from the interface, removing web suggestions and ads, and replacing them with a clean home screen that displays recent searches. Each search result now includes clear labels indicating its source, and the layout has been improved for better organization. Sponsored product cards have been removed from web results, leading to direct answers without promotional content. Users can customize their experience with toggles to disable Bing web results or Microsoft Store suggestions. Local matches now take precedence over web results, improving search accuracy. File search has been enhanced to display results more quickly and include cloud files alongside local ones. Microsoft has also improved the reliability of Search, reducing crashes and loading issues. Users can enable the new features through the Feature flags page if they do not activate after a reboot. There is no official timeline for when these changes will be available to all Windows users.
Windows Insiders Can Test a Decluttered Windows Search Experience
Winsage
July 13, 2026

Windows Insiders Can Test a Decluttered Windows Search Experience

Windows Insiders in the Experimental Channel can explore enhancements to the Windows Search experience, including features to conceal recommended content and trending searches, and improvements to the quality of search results by emphasizing local outcomes. Users can streamline the search home interface to display only recent searches and benefit from a redesigned preview pane with clearer headers and informative metadata. New options in the Settings menu allow users to hide web and Microsoft Store suggestions from search results, and when web results are activated, promotional content will not appear in the preview pane. Ranking improvements have been initiated to ensure more relevant settings appear higher in search results, with local results prioritized over web and Store suggestions. The search functionality has been enhanced to accurately locate content even with typographical errors and now supports two-character file searches. These improvements will be gradually rolled out to Insiders, with manual activation available through the new feature flags menu in Windows Settings.
Microsoft explains the different types of Windows updates you get
Winsage
July 10, 2026

Microsoft explains the different types of Windows updates you get

Microsoft provides various types of Windows updates, including Patch Tuesday updates, which occur on the second Tuesday of each month. An example is the KB5094126 update for Windows 11, released on June 9, which includes both security and non-security content. IT administrators can use tools like Autopatch, Intune, and WSUS to deploy these updates. Hotpatching allows security updates to be applied without restarting devices. Optional non-security preview updates are released in the fourth week of each month for testing purposes and can be accessed by users on non-IT-managed devices. Out-of-band (OOB) updates can be issued at any time to address significant issues or vulnerabilities. Microsoft also enhances Windows 11 through annual updates, monthly updates, and Microsoft Store offerings, utilizing Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) for feature deployment. Users are encouraged to keep their systems updated and can join the Windows Insider Program for early access to new features.
Microsoft to enable Windows settings backup by default for orgs
Winsage
July 7, 2026

Microsoft to enable Windows settings backup by default for orgs

Microsoft will enable the Windows settings backup and restore tool by default for enterprise systems joined to Microsoft Entra or operating in a hybrid environment with the upgrade to Windows 11 version 26H2. This tool, previously known as Windows Backup for Organizations, assists users in backing up and restoring Windows settings after events like device resets or upgrades. The tool debuted at the Microsoft Ignite conference in November 2024, became publicly available in August 2025, and requires the September 2025 Windows Monthly Cumulative Update for access. The default-on setting applies only to eligible devices where administrators have not set the policy otherwise, and IT administrators can manage this through mobile device management solutions. Restore functionality will not be enabled by default and requires administrative configuration. The default-on behavior will also be available in the Windows Insider Program Experimental channel starting July 2026.
Point-in-Time Restore Now Generally Available for Windows 11 -- Campus Technology
Winsage
July 7, 2026

Point-in-Time Restore Now Generally Available for Windows 11 — Campus Technology

Microsoft has rolled out a point-in-time restore feature for Windows 11, available to all client PCs running version 24H2 and later, including Enterprise, Pro, and Home editions. This feature automatically creates local restore points every 24 hours, stored for up to 72 hours and limited to 2% of disk space. It is enabled by default on Windows Home and unmanaged Windows Pro devices with at least 200 GB OS volume, while it is disabled by default on Windows Enterprise, Education, and organization-managed Windows Pro systems. Users can initiate restores locally via the Windows Recovery Environment, but any changes made after the selected restore point will be lost. Microsoft plans to introduce remote initiation capabilities through Intune recovery. The upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2 will maintain a low-disruption update experience, allowing devices on versions 24H2 or 25H2 to transition via a small enablement package. Devices running version 26H1 cannot upgrade directly to 26H2.
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