Windows updates Archives

Winsage

May 21, 2026

Windows 11’s new SecureBoot folder isn’t malware. Here’s what it does

Users have observed a new folder named “SecureBoot” in the Windows system folder following the installation of Windows 11's May update (KB5089549). This update may cause installation issues for some devices and introduces a directory that contains example scripts for IT professionals to manage Secure Boot certificate updates. Windows Secure Boot certificates are set to expire next month, and outdated certificates will lead to loss of support starting in June, potentially compromising Secure Boot functionality. Microsoft is distributing new certificates through Windows Update. The SecureBoot folder does not require individual users to take action, and deleting it is discouraged as it may cause complications with future Windows updates.

Winsage

May 20, 2026

Windows 11 Will Finally Let Users Move and Resize the Taskbar

Microsoft is making improvements to Windows 11 based on user feedback. Changes include extending the delay for Windows updates and testing new settings for taskbar and start menu customization. Users can now relocate the taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen and customize icon alignment. A new option allows for a vertical layout with full labels for open windows. For smaller screens, users can reduce the taskbar size. The Start menu customization is being simplified, allowing users to show or hide sections like Pinned and Recommended, and choose between a Small or Large Start menu. Users can also conceal their name and profile picture from the Start menu.

Winsage

May 19, 2026

Microsoft confirms patching issues in restricted Windows networks

Microsoft has issued a service alert indicating that customers in restricted network environments may encounter Windows Update failures, specifically error code 0x80010002, after installing the January 2026 optional non-security preview updates. Affected devices might download the February monthly Windows security update but could struggle with updates released in March and beyond due to changes in download timeout requirements. Microsoft is working on a resolution, and IT administrators can use Known Issue Rollback (KIR) as a workaround by configuring the appropriate Group Policy for their Windows version. A device restart is required to apply these settings. Historical issues include a bug fixed in April 2025 affecting WSUS installations and another issue resolved in August 2025 related to the Windows 11 24H2 cumulative update. Additionally, a KIR fix was provided for a known issue causing the May 2026 Windows 11 security update to fail with error code 0x800f0922.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Why Your Windows 11 PC Doesn’t Get AI Features

Several hundred million Windows 11 users are experiencing frustrations due to the absence of Microsoft features like Recall and Cocreator, which are only available on Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft has divided Windows 11 into two tiers, with the latest AI functionalities requiring specific hardware known as Copilot+ PC. To qualify, a device must have: - An NPU capable of at least 40 TOPS - A minimum of 16 GB of RAM (DDR5 or LPDDR5) - At least 256 GB of SSD storage - Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer - A processor from specific families: Qualcomm Snapdragon X series, Intel Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake), or AMD Ryzen AI 300 series Many PCs lack these features due to missing NPUs, insufficient TOPS ratings, unsupported processor generations, outdated Windows versions, rollout delays, or regional limits. Features locked behind Copilot+ include Recall, Click to Do, Cocreator in Paint, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions with Translation, Improved Windows Search, and Auto Super Resolution. To check for Copilot+ compatibility, users can verify the presence of an NPU in Task Manager, ensure they have Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, and confirm their processor against the approved list. While some workarounds exist to enable features on unsupported PCs, they are often unstable and not recommended for primary use. Most users may not need to upgrade their laptops unless they require on-device AI features or their current device is significantly outdated. The AI feature gap is not currently critical for most users, as many features are optional or not essential.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 security update install issues

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue with the May 2026 Windows 11 security update, KB5089549, where users are encountering difficulties in installation, specifically the 0x800f0922 error code. This issue is primarily due to insufficient free space on the EFI System Partition (ESP), especially for devices with 10 MB or less available. The installation may fail during the reboot phase at around 35–36% completion, with users receiving notifications like "Something didn't go as planned. Undoing changes." Log entries may indicate insufficient ESP free space, such as "SpaceCheck: Insufficient free space" and "ServicingBootFiles failed. Error = 0x70." Microsoft recommends affected users utilize the Known Issue Rollback feature to reverse problematic updates and advises IT departments to install and configure the relevant Group Policy to address the issue.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Microsoft fixes a major BitLocker bug… but leaves Windows 10 users hanging (for now)

Microsoft confirmed a BitLocker-related issue caused by the April 2026 Security Update (KB5083769) for Windows 11, which led some devices to boot into the BitLocker recovery screen. A fix has been released, but it is currently available only for Windows 11, version 25H2, with Windows 10 and Windows Server users awaiting a solution. Administrators are advised to remove the "Configure TPM platform validation profile for native UEFI firmware configurations" Group Policy setting before installing the April 2026 update. Additionally, a security researcher named Chaotic Eclipse has developed a zero-day exploit called YellowKey, which can bypass BitLocker security using a USB stick, affecting Windows Server 2022 and 2025 but not Windows 10.

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.

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Windows 11 Gets Its First Major Feature Updates of 2026

Users of Windows 11 received feature and security updates on Patch Tuesday, with significant enhancements introduced after four months of less notable updates. The cumulative update KB5089549 is available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, raising their build numbers to 26200.8457 and 26100.8457, respectively. Windows 11 version 26H1, available on Snapdragon X2-based laptops, received update KB5089548, bringing its build to 28000.2113. Key features in KB5089549 include: - Xbox Mode: Replaces Game mode and Full Screen Experience for a streamlined gaming interface. - Agents on the Taskbar: Allows interaction with AI agents directly from the Taskbar, supporting first- and third-party agents. - File Explorer Enhancements: Improved support for various archiving formats, retention of View and Sort preferences, resolution of the white “flash bang” bug, and enhanced reliability of explorer.exe processes. - Windows Driver Improvements: The Windows kernel will no longer trust cross-signed third-party drivers by default; only WHCP drivers and those on a trusted legacy list will be accepted after auditing for 100 hours and three reboots. - Drag Tray Enhancements: Rebranded as the Drop tray with a new management interface and smaller peek view to reduce accidental activation. For version 26H1, KB5089548 includes improvements to Narrator and Smart App Control, increased Microsoft 365 advertising visibility in Settings, refined Pen settings, a new Settings About page, and minor updates to File Explorer.

Winsage

May 10, 2026

‘One Time Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows After 15 Years

Microsoft is implementing changes to Secure Boot certificates for Windows PCs, marking the first expiration since 2011. New certificates must be installed on all devices before a deadline in June. Users can check their status via the Windows Security App. The new certificates will be distributed through regular monthly security updates, with some users already receiving them in April and others expected to see changes in May. Following these updates, users may experience additional restarts on their PCs. The update applies only to PCs eligible for security updates, meaning many Windows 10 PCs will not receive the new certificates, potentially exposing them to risks. Affected users are advised to enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program.

Winsage

May 9, 2026

I left Windows for Linux, but Microsoft’s K2 pivot just gave me a reason to reconsider

Microsoft has shifted its focus from the Copilot rollout to addressing core issues with Windows 11, prompted by user feedback. The new initiative, Windows K2, aims to refine user experience by reducing Copilot's presence in unsuitable applications. Reports indicate that Windows K2 was created to restore user pride in the Windows experience, with plans to introduce a System Compositor for WinUI 3 to enhance the responsiveness of the Start menu and Taskbar, and to improve gaming performance to compete with SteamOS. Evidence of progress includes a May 1, 2026 article detailing improvements in the Windows Insider program and changes to Copilot, such as the removal of the “Ask Copilot” button from Snipping Tool and Photos, and renaming the Copilot icon in Notepad to “Writing Tools.”