Windows versions Archives

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Microsoft just brought four OG Xbox games to PC, with more console classics to come

Microsoft has enabled players to access original Xbox titles on Windows PCs and handheld devices through the Xbox Backward Compatibility scheme, eliminating the need for third-party emulators. The initial game lineup includes titles like Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy, available via the Xbox app or Game Pass subscriptions. Players who previously purchased these games do not need to buy them again due to the Xbox Play Anywhere program. The games utilize Microsoft's emulation technology, allowing enhancements such as increased resolution up to 2560×1920, anisotropic filtering, and MSAA anti-aliasing. The minimum system requirements include an AMD Ryzen 3 3100 or Intel Core i3-10300 CPU, 8GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 550 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 GPU, 4GB VRAM, and Windows 11 with updates until January 2026. Microsoft plans to expand the Xbox Backward Compatibility library on PC in the future.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Microsoft is Modernizing Decades-Old Properties Window in File Explorer

Microsoft is updating the File Properties window in Windows 11's File Explorer to use the WinUI 3 framework, aiming to improve design consistency across the operating system. This change addresses longstanding user interface inconsistencies caused by a mix of legacy frameworks, including elements from Windows 7. The transition to a desktop-only WinUI 3 framework is intended to reduce application latency and enhance the user experience. All desktop elements are expected to operate on the WinUI 3 framework for the first time since Windows 11's launch in late 2021. Additionally, the classic Win32 Control Panel is being gradually integrated into the modern Settings app, with careful consideration to avoid disruptions.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

July 2026 Patch Tuesday: KB5101650 Windows 11 Update

On July 14, 2026, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5101650 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, addressing OS Builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875. This update includes essential security fixes, updates to Secure Boot certificates, and enhanced Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) defenses against phishing attacks. It consolidates July 2026's security content, addressing known vulnerabilities and introducing functional improvements. The update is critical for minimizing exposure to identified threats and is prioritized for systems managing remote access or nearing certificate expiration. The update enhances Remote Desktop security by supporting SHA-2 certificate thumbprints while retaining SHA-1 for legacy compatibility. It includes new Group Policy options to mitigate phishing risks associated with malicious .rdp files. The curl upgrade to version 8.21.0 incorporates security patches for command-line tools in Windows environments. Secure Boot certificates are automatically updated through Windows updates, ensuring boot security across various hardware. KB5101650 installs primarily through the Windows Update interface, requiring a restart to activate changes. Enterprise environments can use the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual distribution. A temporary restriction affects certain Dell devices with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers, which Microsoft plans to address in a future update. The cumulative update resolves a total of 622 Microsoft CVEs, including 416 affecting Windows components. Users are advised to verify and install the update promptly to secure the full suite of improvements.

Winsage

July 16, 2026

Microsoft is ending support for some versions of Windows 10 and 11 soon

Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2027. Windows 11 version 24H2 will reach end of support on October 13, 2026, along with Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016. Windows 11 versions typically offer 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions, while Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 had five years of mainstream support followed by five years of extended support. Windows 11 version 23H2 is also expected to sunset around the same time. Users on Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro are recommended to upgrade to version 25H2, with version 26H2 anticipated soon. Windows 11 Enterprise and Education SKUs of version 24H2 have an extra year of support until October 12, 2027. Organizations using Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 should consider transitioning to Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2024 or purchasing ESUs separately.

Winsage

July 13, 2026

Microsoft demystifies how Windows updates work

Microsoft has released a guide on the Windows servicing model, detailing monthly security updates, optional preview releases, hotpatch updates, and feature rollout mechanisms. Patch Tuesday occurs every second Tuesday of the month, delivering cumulative security updates to supported Windows versions. For consumers and small businesses, updates are managed through Windows Update, while enterprises can use various tools like Windows Autopatch and WSUS. Hotpatch updates, which focus on security fixes, can be installed without a restart, unlike quarterly baseline updates that require one. Optional non-security preview updates are released in the fourth week of each month for testing upcoming fixes and new features, available only for the latest supported Windows versions. Unmanaged devices can access these updates through Windows Update settings, while IT-managed devices depend on organizational policies. Microsoft also issues out-of-band updates to address urgent issues, which can be deployed through enterprise management tools. New features for Windows 11 are rolled out throughout the year via various channels, with a gradual rollout strategy to monitor quality and compatibility, using the Controlled Feature Rollout approach.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Windows 10 is still getting Windows 11 features, but it’s only for developers

Microsoft has confirmed that WSL Containers, which allows users to create and manage Linux containers directly from Windows, is now available on Windows 10. Users must have Windows 10 version 2004 (Build 19041) or later to utilize WSL Containers. The installation process involves checking the Windows build, installing WSL, updating to the container build, confirming the version, and running a test command. WSL Containers support GPU passthrough, enabling CUDA capabilities directly from Windows 10. A text-based UI dashboard for managing WSL Containers, named lazywslc, has also been introduced.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, is recreating Notepad in 2.5 kilobytes with a project called TinyRetroPad, which includes features like Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and unsaved changes prompt. TinyRetroPad leverages existing Windows infrastructure, utilizing built-in resources to function efficiently. It is based on Matt Power’s Dave’s Tiny Editor and operates as a wrapper around RICHEDIT50W. The size of TinyRetroPad increased with each feature added, reaching 2,476 bytes with printing. The project uses Crinkler, a compression linker, to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad currently lacks a dedicated Releases page and may trigger false positives from antivirus software. Users have reported issues such as excessive memory usage and compatibility problems with older Windows versions. In contrast, the modern Notepad in Windows 11 has grown to approximately 352KB, with a total disk footprint nearing 5MB, leading to user backlash over its complexity. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential of leveraging existing OS capabilities rather than adding unnecessary features.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

‘Pure old-school Windows’: Ex-Microsoft engineer shrinks down Notepad to 2.5 kilobytes with ‘no bloat, no telemetry, no nonsense’

A former Microsoft software engineer, Dave Plummer, has launched TinyRetroPad, a minimalist text editing application designed as an alternative to the increasingly complex Notepad. TinyRetroPad is a fork of Tiny Editor, which was based on Plummer's earlier project, HelloAssembly. The application aims to provide a simple and efficient user experience, reminiscent of earlier Windows versions, by utilizing existing Windows components to maintain a small footprint. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with Notepad's growing complexity, prompting a search for lightweight alternatives. TinyRetroPad offers a compact interface without unnecessary features or telemetry.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Microsoft confirms Recycle Bin glitch affecting all supported Windows versions — yes, even the trash needs debugging

Microsoft is addressing issues from its June 2026 Patch Tuesday update, which has caused critical flaws for Windows 11 users, including BitLocker lockout problems. Additionally, a new complication linked to Update KB5094126 affects all supported versions of Windows, where users may see the "internal" filename in the Recycle Bin confirmation dialog instead of the user-friendly filename. This glitch is limited to the dialog box and does not affect the actual file or deletion process.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

China-Linked SprySOCKS Backdoor Expands to Windows with Driver-Based Stealth

Cybersecurity researchers have identified two new Windows variants of the SprySOCKS backdoor, named WINDRV and WINPLUS, which were previously thought to be exclusive to Linux systems. Both variants feature hard-coded command-and-control configurations and can communicate via TCP, UDP, and WebSocket protocols. They support over 30 commands for operations such as system information collection and file management. WINDRV employs kernel drivers for stealth, obscuring network connections and allowing TCP traffic diversion. SprySOCKS was first documented by Trend Micro in September 2023, linked to the Chinese state-sponsored threat actor Earth Lusca, also known as FishMonger. The Windows variants belong to version 1.8 of SprySOCKS and utilize a kernel driver named RawWNPF for enhanced stealth. The attack chain begins with an initial access method that drops a batch script, leading to the installation of the backdoor. Evidence suggests these variants may have been used in attacks against government organizations in Honduras, Taiwan, Thailand, and Pakistan between 2023 and 2024. The WINPLUS variant was first detected in July 2024 in Pakistan. There are indications of a potential UEFI bootkit involvement exploiting CVE-2023-24932, a vulnerability in the Windows Boot Manager.