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Windows taskbar

Which came first, Windows 95's taskbar or NeXT's Dock? Neither
Winsage
September 4, 2026

Which came first, Windows 95’s taskbar or NeXT’s Dock? Neither

The tech community recently celebrated the 31st anniversary of Windows 95, sparking discussions about its design influences, particularly regarding the potential British roots of its interface. Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer's post on X led to exchanges among ex-Microsoft employees, including Joe Belfiore, who clarified that the Windows taskbar was not inspired by the NeXT dock but rather by developments from the Cairo team, specifically a persistent "tray" for file transfers. The debate references Paul Fellows, who led the Arthur project at Acorn, which introduced the first "icon bar" in 1987, influencing both NeXTstep and Windows. Acorn's Arthur, initially a BASIC demo, became RISC OS by 1989, maintaining its foundational design elements. The timeline shows that Acorn's icon bar predated NeXTstep's dock and the Windows taskbar, with Windows 2.0 and OS/2 1.1 released in late 1987 and 1988, respectively, showing visual similarities to NeXTstep. The Microsoft Cairo project, which ran from 1991 to 1996, coincided with Windows NT 4 development. The Windows 95 taskbar and NeXT's dock served different functions, but their historical context is significant.
Everyone assumed the Windows taskbar copied a rival OS. Microsoft says no
Winsage
September 1, 2026

Everyone assumed the Windows taskbar copied a rival OS. Microsoft says no

The Windows taskbar originated from the Microsoft project "Cairo," launched in 1991, which introduced a design with visible fields at the bottom of the screen. The Windows 95 taskbar combined this design with the window-minimizing functionality from Windows 3.1. Although a similar concept appeared in the 1988 NeXTSTEP operating system, Microsoft veterans assert that the Windows taskbar was developed independently, without inspiration from NeXT. The NeXTSTEP solution later influenced the macOS Dock. The taskbar continues to evolve while maintaining its significance in user interface design.
Windows 26H2 Is Nearly Here: 7 Features Worth Knowing About
Winsage
August 28, 2026

Windows 26H2 Is Nearly Here: 7 Features Worth Knowing About

Microsoft has released Windows version 26H2 on the Release Preview Channel, with a public launch expected later this year. Key features include: 1. Taskbar Customisation: Users can reposition the taskbar and adjust its size. 2. Local-only Search: A feature that allows searching only local files without web results. 3. Ask Copilot Integration: An optional AI feature for accessing settings and launching applications from the taskbar. 4. Start Menu Redesign: Customization options for hiding user information and a streamlined layout. 5. Low Latency Profile: Improved performance for quicker app launches and responsiveness. 6. Pause Windows Updates for Longer: Users can pause updates for up to 35 days, with smarter update bundling. 7. Modern Run: A redesigned run window with a larger input field and dark mode option.
Firefox vs Edge: fresh shots fired in browser wars as Mozilla report accuses Microsoft of using 'harmful design' to undermine choice in Windows 11
Winsage
July 16, 2026

Firefox vs Edge: fresh shots fired in browser wars as Mozilla report accuses Microsoft of using ‘harmful design’ to undermine choice in Windows 11

Mozilla's report raises concerns about Microsoft's practices regarding browser choice in Windows 11, alleging that Microsoft uses harmful design tactics to promote its Edge browser. Key strategies identified include trick wording, obstruction, visual interference, preselection, nagging, and forced action, affecting users at various stages of their experience. For example, users trying to download Chrome encounter pop-up banners encouraging them to use Edge, which is also pre-pinned to the Windows taskbar. Migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 resets Edge as the default browser, ignoring user preferences. The report also highlights that Microsoft's AI, Copilot, opens links in Edge instead of the user's default browser, and minor consent requests may compromise user privacy by funneling data into Microsoft's advertising systems. Users in Germany face fewer issues due to stricter regulations. The report indicates that while Microsoft's promotion of Edge hasn't significantly impacted Chrome's dominance, it may have affected smaller competitors like Firefox. Mozilla calls for Microsoft to change its approach and urges regulators to take action to ensure fair competition in the browser market.
Windows 11 finally gets an undo button for your entire PC
Winsage
July 15, 2026

Windows 11 finally gets an undo button for your entire PC

Microsoft unveiled its July 2026 Patch Tuesday update, identified as KB5101650, for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update introduces the Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) feature, allowing users to take full backups and create snapshots every 4 to 24 hours, with snapshots retained for a maximum of 72 hours. PITR can restore local files and applications. Users can now pause Windows updates for up to 35 days. Other enhancements include discreet widget operation, optimized taskbar notifications, faster File Explorer startup, quicker disk image mounting, improved Bluetooth functionality, reduced eye strain through screen tinting, and enhancements in voice control and input capabilities. Not all features will be available immediately after installation, with security-related improvements being deployed universally.
Dark patterns in Windows are steering users to Edge: Mozilla-commissioned report
Winsage
July 15, 2026

Dark patterns in Windows are steering users to Edge: Mozilla-commissioned report

A report by Mozilla, titled "Over The Edge 2.0," reveals that Microsoft is using various tactics to promote its Edge browser, including misleading banners on Bing and pre-pinning Edge on the Windows taskbar. The report indicates that Microsoft hinders users' ability to download or set alternative browsers as default. It also notes that Microsoft's AI tool, Copilot, fails to recognize the default browser when opening links, and data-sharing settings are preselected to ON in regions like the US and India. Despite these efforts, Edge's market share has declined from 13 percent in June 2025 to just over 10 percent, while Mozilla's Firefox has increased from 5.84 percent to 6.44 percent. The Browser Choice Alliance and other browser developers have criticized Microsoft's practices, calling for fair competition.
Microsoft U-turns on  'infuriating' Copilot update
Winsage
May 31, 2026

Microsoft U-turns on  ‘infuriating’ Copilot update

Microsoft introduced a floating button for its Copilot assistant in the bottom-right corner of Office applications to enhance accessibility. However, this change faced backlash from users, leading Microsoft to revert the button to its original location in the ribbon at the top of the screen. Users can now choose from three options regarding the Copilot button: keep the floating button, dock it to the side, or return it to the ribbon. Microsoft noted that only about 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users currently pay for Copilot and is recalibrating its approach to integrating AI across its platforms. The company remains committed to introducing AI agents to the Windows taskbar as an optional feature, which will answer questions, automate tasks, interact with files and applications, and act on behalf of the user.
Microsoft confirms plans to integrate Copilot with the Taskbar on Windows 11 this summer: Ask Copilot expected to debut "mid-2026"
Winsage
May 26, 2026

Microsoft confirms plans to integrate Copilot with the Taskbar on Windows 11 this summer: Ask Copilot expected to debut “mid-2026”

Microsoft plans to introduce the Ask Copilot Taskbar feature for Windows 11 this summer, following testing with Insiders. This feature will replace the traditional search box on the Taskbar with a chat interface for engaging with Copilot. It aims to integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI agents into the taskbar and Start menu, facilitating quicker actions and minimizing context switching. The new search experience will include a floating popup that allows users to search for local files and interact with Copilot, showing improved accuracy compared to the current Windows Search. Although not available to the public yet, the launch is anticipated by mid-2026, subject to potential delays. Additionally, the Windows K2 initiative is focused on streamlining Copilot integration throughout the operating system.
Microsoft starts to remove AI from some of its Windows 11 apps
Winsage
April 28, 2026

Microsoft starts to remove AI from some of its Windows 11 apps

Microsoft is recalibrating its Copilot AI assistant, which enhances productivity across its applications. In Microsoft Word, Copilot assists with drafting, restructuring, and tone adjustment. Excel users receive help with formulas and data analysis, while PowerPoint users get support for presentations. Notepad has rebranded its Copilot features as "Writing Tools," allowing users to generate text, rewrite content, and adjust tone, but the Snipping Tool has removed all AI functionalities. Microsoft plans to introduce AI agents to the Windows taskbar for answering questions, automating tasks, and interacting with files, although this feature is still in testing.
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