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Microsoft design boss on why Windows 11 can’t please all 1 billion users: “Everyone has different preferences”
Winsage
October 11, 2026

Microsoft design boss on why Windows 11 can’t please all 1 billion users: “Everyone has different preferences”

Microsoft is planning a significant transformation of Windows 11, focusing on modernizing its user interface and legacy features while addressing diverse user preferences. The new Windows Search capabilities allow users to perform actions like toggling settings directly from search results, which has led to discussions about the relevance of the Start menu. Diego Baca, Vice President of Design at Windows, emphasized the challenge of designing for over a billion users while aiming to improve performance and customization. The Recommended/Recent section of the Start menu has received mixed feedback, with many users expressing discontent despite Microsoft viewing it as a valuable feature intended to enhance productivity. Scenarios for its use include displaying missed meeting recordings and suggesting frequently used apps. In March 2026, Microsoft acknowledged past oversights with Windows and committed to revitalizing the operating system, aiming to modernize interfaces and integrate more WinUI-based features. The company plans to deliver 100% native applications on the platform and is focused on providing greater customization options for users.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
October 8, 2026

Copilot Gets Control of Windows and Your Files as Microsoft’s Recall Bill Comes Due

Microsoft is inviting Windows users to grant its Copilot feature access to their files and activities, with user consent. The new iteration of Copilot can understand content on the device, perform tasks like organizing files, troubleshooting, and writing code, with some tasks processed in the cloud. Activation is opt-in, folder access is limited, and Copilot operates under separate accounts from users. Microsoft has implemented safeguards, including Microsoft Execution Containers to define agent access. However, internal warnings from Microsoft's security team highlight potential risks associated with agents capable of modifying environments. Features for enhancing auditability of agent activities are under development. Microsoft previously faced criticism for its Recall feature, which raised security concerns. The opt-in design places accountability on Microsoft, as users must grant access. The hybrid features require a Copilot+ PC and are set to roll out in the coming months, with taskbar search actions already reaching Windows Insiders. Over 40 percent of newly manufactured business laptops are Copilot+ PCs, with the Surface Laptop Ultra launching on October 16.
Microsoft Turns Windows PCs Into Command Centers for AI Agents
Winsage
October 7, 2026

Microsoft Turns Windows PCs Into Command Centers for AI Agents

Microsoft has introduced a suite of software tools and devices to prepare personal computers for the era of artificial intelligence agents, emphasizing the need for enhanced compute, security, and control. The company is transforming Windows into a platform for hybrid intelligence, allowing AI agents to run locally and access the cloud securely. Notable innovations include Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC), which help manage agent access and monitor actions, and are now available for Windows 11 and integrated with Microsoft Agent 365. This allows organizations to enforce policies on AI interactions in real-time. Microsoft has also improved the synergy between local models and cloud AI, enabling advanced functionalities on local PCs. The new Copilot feature will leverage local context to enhance user interaction with AI agents. Additionally, Microsoft has launched a new generation of PCs, including the Surface Laptop Ultra, powered by the Nvidia RTX Spark chip, aimed at improving local AI performance and positioning Microsoft as a leader in the AI agent market.
The Simpsons Game Unofficial PC Port Released
AppWizard
October 4, 2026

The Simpsons Game Unofficial PC Port Released

The unofficial PC version of The Simpsons Game has been released nearly two decades after its original console launch in 2007. It is based on the Xbox 360 version and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. The game has been rebuilt for x86-64 architecture, allowing it to run without CPU emulation, and supports Direct3D 12 and Vulkan. Players can experience fluid gameplay at 60 FPS, with menus and loading screens capped at 30 FPS. The port includes adjustable render scales for improved graphics and supports both controllers and customizable keyboard and mouse controls. The launcher features a new theme, automatic settings saving, and improved user interface. Performance enhancements include a refined timer setting for audio issues, increased frame rates on the Steam Deck, and reduced video memory usage. The game is available for download, but players must provide their own Xbox 360 ISO. Additionally, there is a growing library of unofficial PC ports of console-exclusive games, including titles like Super Mario 64 and Crash Team Racing.
Announcing Project Zenith: The ready-to-code Windows experience on developer-class devices
Winsage
September 4, 2026

Announcing Project Zenith: The ready-to-code Windows experience on developer-class devices

Windows announced Project Zenith, a developer-optimized Windows 11 experience designed for devices with over 64 GB of unified memory and memory bandwidth exceeding 250 GB/s. The project will initially launch with AMD’s Ryzen AI Halo and will include preconfigured Windows setups and a curated selection of development tools. Devices under Project Zenith will allow developers to run models with over 30 billion parameters locally, reducing reliance on cloud resources. Enhancements to Windows 11 include improved performance and a cleaner workspace tailored for coding, with features like pinned Windows Terminal and Visual Studio Code. Project Zenith also integrates the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and provides a secure environment for developing agentic applications, leveraging OS-enforced identity and Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC). The initiative aims to offer a consistent ready-to-code experience across various devices while responding to developer needs and evolving with advancements in AI and software development.
Microsoft Announces Project Zenith, A Clutter-Free Windows Experience Meant To Entice Developers
Winsage
September 4, 2026

Microsoft Announces Project Zenith, A Clutter-Free Windows Experience Meant To Entice Developers

Microsoft has launched Project Zenith to improve the Windows 11 experience for developers, requiring a system with 64GB of RAM. The project will initially be available on AMD's Ryzen AI Halo mini-desktop, with plans for future expansion. It aims to create a distraction-free environment for developers to run models with over 30 billion parameters locally, while simplifying the user experience by pre-installing tools for various programming languages and enabling settings like full file extensions by default. The initiative allows for customization based on individual developer preferences. However, the high hardware requirement may limit accessibility for independent developers, especially amid rising memory prices.
Microsoft’s Project Zenith is a ‘distraction-free Windows experience’ for developers
Winsage
September 4, 2026

Microsoft’s Project Zenith is a ‘distraction-free Windows experience’ for developers

Microsoft has launched Project Zenith, aimed at enhancing the developer experience on Windows for devices with 64GB or more of unified memory. At the IFA event, AMD introduced the first Project Zenith device, a compact PC powered by Ryzen AI Halo chips. These devices come with a preconfigured Windows setup for development and tools such as Visual Studio Code, GitHub Copilot, PowerToys, WinAppCLI, and Windows Dev Skills. The File Explorer has been optimized for developers, displaying file extensions and hidden files, and unnecessary notifications have been disabled. Project Zenith is a response to developer feedback regarding their needs from Windows.
Microsoft proves Windows 11's modern UI can beat legacy Win32, if it works hard enough
Winsage
August 31, 2026

Microsoft proves Windows 11’s modern UI can beat legacy Win32, if it works hard enough

Microsoft is modernizing Windows by transitioning legacy features to its WinUI framework, including a redesign of the Run dialog. The new Run dialog, implemented with C#/WinUI 3, shows improved performance with a median time-to-show of 94 milliseconds, compared to 103 milliseconds for the legacy version, reflecting an 8.7% speed increase. Despite this improvement, Microsoft acknowledges that WinUI requires further performance enhancements in various areas. The development of the Run dialog utilized .NET AOT compilation to achieve native code speed while maintaining C# flexibility. Concerns about performance on lower-end machines persist, as seen with the Task Manager and File Explorer. Microsoft aims to modernize Windows features without sacrificing performance, with the Run dialog serving as a potential model for future updates.
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