On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10, despite widespread pleas from millions of users still relying on the operating system. The move risked leaving nearly 400 million PCs without updates, effectively rendering them obsolete. However, Microsoft ultimately extended Windows 10’s lifespan through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, giving users continued access to critical patches beyond the end-of-support date.
The Restart Project group, which helped co-develop the "End of 10" toolkit to support Windows 10 users who can't upgrade to Windows 11, claimed that Microsoft's move to continue pushing security updates to Windows 10 beyond its end-of-support feels like a last-minute snooze button, which only acts as a band-aid on a bleeding system.
It's no secret that Microsoft has been pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11, but soaring RAM prices have driven hardware costs sky-high, making the transition even more difficult. This is on top of the operating system's strict hardware requirements and arguments of flawed design elements.
In France, critics even staged a symbolic “funeral” for Windows 10, protesting Microsoft’s push toward Windows 11 and what they see as planned obsolescence. Yet, as recent developments suggest, the company may finally be listening.
Microsoft quietly extended Windows 10's ESU program by another year. As a result, users enrolled in the program will continue receiving support until October 14, 2027. The extension is free for those who sign in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account, ensuring critical updates remain available beyond the original cutoff.
"People might start switching to Linux and using open source software for replacements if this RAM/storage issue doesn't get resolved in the next year," a Windows Central reader indicated.
Groups like End of 10 have been pushing users to transition to Linux following Windows 10's end-of-life. The campaign encourages steadfast Windows 10 users to ditch the Windows ecosystem entirely and switch to a version of Linux on any outdated devices, using a lack of ads and telemetry tracking as the key selling points to get users to switch camps.
"I said a year ago that this was going to happen, and I'll say it again, it's going to happen next year too," another reader added. "Windows 10 will be supported till October 2028. This has nothing to do with prices. This was planned since the beginning. But like last year, Microsoft did not say until late this was happening for free, so that people did not plan accordingly and as many as possible move to 11. Same this time. Same next year."
"Windows 10 to Windows 11 is like when you need new running shoes, but Nike discontinued the kind you’ve been buying new versions of for years, and the other kinds are fine but don’t measure up," another user commented in the r/technology subreddit on Reddit. "So you’re like “f*** it, I’ll just wear these until they fall apart.”
For context, a recent HP survey found that 3 out of 10 HP PCs are still running Windows 10. This was a slight decrease from September 2025, when HP and Dell indicated that up to 50% of PCs were still running on the operating system, prompting the PC makers to suggest that users won't upgrade to Windows 11 overnight, and the process could even roll over into 2026.
Some even claimed that Microsoft's decision to extend Windows 10's support beyond 2026 is an outright admission that it's better than Windows 11. "So are they finally admitting that Windows 11 isn't good enough almost 5 years later?"
To that end, it remains unclear how Microsoft extending support for Windows 10 via its ESU program to 2027 will impact Windows 11's market share. The operating system had just started gaining some momentum and even surpassed Windows 10 as the most dominant desktop operating system in the world in July, 2025.
In the interim, you can take advantage of Microsoft's extended support for Windows 11 by enrolling in the ESU program for free by signing in with a Microsoft account, or pay for access via 1,000 Microsoft reward points or $30.
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Former Microsoft Executive Vice President Terry Myerson stands in front of a presentation about Windows 10
Former Microsoft Executive Vice President Terry Myerson stands in front of a presentation about Windows 10
Microsoft plans to begin the Windows 11 July 2026 Security Update on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. In this seventh month of the year, the company is rolling out several new features and improvements for existing features. In addition, this update is expected to deliver a number of bug fixes.
In this new quality update, Microsoft will be introducing brand new features, including the Point-in-time Restore recovery feature and the Screen tint accessibility feature.
This release also introduces the new Windows Update changes that allow users to pause updates indefinitely. The Widgets feature receives a few changes to make the experience quieter and less distracting.
Furthermore, in this release, users will also find changes to the Windows Magnifier, a new default for installing printers using Windows Ready Print support, as well as improvements to the Settings app, File Explorer, Bluetooth, network virtualization, touchpad, and much more.
In this guide, I'll highlight the most significant changes in the July 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, since both are identical.
As per usual, the company uses the Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology to roll out new improvements gradually, so it may take some time before you see them.
Starting with the July 2026 Security Update, Microsoft is introducing Point-in-time Restore, a new recovery feature designed to quickly roll back a system to a previous good working state.
The feature works automatically and creates restore points that include settings, files, and apps using the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), allowing you to recover your computer when an issue arises.
Point-in-time Restore comes enabled by default in the Home and Pro editions of the operating system. However, the system must have at least 200GB of storage.
You can always control the feature in Settings > System > Recovery by using the "View or edit" button. On the page, you can turn the recovery feature on or off, configure the restore point frequency and retention, and decide how much storage the feature uses.
At the bottom, the feature will also notice the most recent restore points.
If something is working correctly, you can always access the feature from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), and from the "Point-in-time Restore" page, select the restore point to recover your device.
In this update, the company is also rolling out Screen tint. This accessibility feature applies an overlay color on the screen designed to reduce eye strain and improve viewing comfort.
The feature is available in Settings > Accessibility > Screen tint. Once enabled, you can choose from one of the six preset color overlays or create a custom color.
In addition, there is a slider to control the overlay strength.
While the Screen tint feature seems similar to the Night Light feature, they are different, and they can work alongside each other. However, this feature automatically turns off Color filters and vice versa.
Windows Update is getting a major upgrade. In this release, Microsoft is adding the ability to pause updates indefinitely, which seems to be the closest we'll get to completely turning off automatic updates.
As part of the changes, the "Pause updates" option now includes a calendar view that lets you pause automatic updates for up to 35 days. However, you can re-pause updates as many times as you want.
The only caveat is that if you want to postpone updates for more than 35 days, you'll need to manually pause them again. Otherwise, the system will download and install updates automatically as soon as the scheduled expiration expires.
The company is trying to make the experience quieter and less distracting.
Widgets now open directly to the dashboard on first use, with hover activation disabled and notifications and Taskbar badges minimized by default.
The experience also offers more control over notifications and personalization settings, allowing users to customize Widgets from the Settings menu.
The dashboard icons can display the number of alerts, while badges clear automatically after leaving the dashboard. Microsoft notes that some settings will continue to adapt based on usage patterns to help limit interruptions.
This update also includes improvements to reliability, responsiveness, and overall visual quality across the Widgets experience.
In a continued effort to improve accessibility features, the software giant is also updating the Magnifier with more granular controls, allowing you to enter exact percentage values rather than having to use the zoom buttons to increase or decrease the zoom level.
Also, in the settings flyout, the zoom adjustment now allows users to set increments up to 400 percent.
Starting with the quality update for July 2026, the operating system will install printers by default using the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), provided the device is supported.
If you prefer to revert this configuration, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, and turn off the "Default install printer using Windows Ready Print" option.
Microsoft is making location settings easier to understand in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location.
When location services are turned off, options such as "Default location" and "Allow location override" no longer appear active, since apps and services cannot access location data.
As a result, these settings will now be greyed out until location services are enabled, helping clarify when the options are available and reducing confusion.
After installing this quality update, you'll notice that File Explorer will launch faster thanks to new speed improvements.
Also, on the Home page, when hovering over files, users who are logged in with a work or school account should now see options like "Open file location" and "Ask Copilot."
In addition, the address bar now supports paths with double backslashes and quotation marks, making it easier to paste or type folder paths from different sources.
Continuing with the improvements to the address bar, the experience now closes more reliably after selecting an option. Finally, File Explorer improves its ability to rename files.
Microsoft is rolling out a series of Bluetooth improvements focused on reliability, compatibility, and audio performance.
For example, Windows 11 now keeps the microphone mute status synchronized between the system audio controls and Bluetooth headphones that include dedicated mute buttons or indicators, providing a more consistent experience during calls.
The update also improves compatibility with certain audio accessories. For instance, AirPods should enter pairing mode faster, and Beats Studio Pro headphones should offer more reliable microphone performance.
Voice calls on devices that support the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) should be more reliable. LE Audio accessories can begin playing audio faster while the microphone is active, and Windows 11 stability has been improved for some systems affected by Bluetooth-related driver issues.
The operating system will no longer incorrectly display a "Remove failed" message when a Bluetooth device cannot be removed because the Bluetooth radio is unavailable or has changed since the device was paired.
In addition, the "Bluetooth & devices" settings page has been updated to provide a more stable and consistent experience.
Connection reliability has also been enhanced. Classic Bluetooth audio devices can reconnect more quickly after a computer resumes from hibernation. At the same time, LE Audio accessories should maintain more reliable connections when switching between devices and recover more smoothly from temporary disconnections.
Microsoft is improving how phone calls are handled between Windows 11 and a connected smartphone through Phone Link.
When you place a call from your paired phone, the audio will stay on the phone while it rings, then switch to the computer only after you answer the call on Windows 11.
This change helps prevent audio from switching between devices unexpectedly before the call connects.
The update also improves the "Do Not Disturb" experience. When Do Not Disturb is enabled, incoming calls from a connected phone will no longer ring through the computer, reducing interruptions while you're working.
As you speak, Voice Typing and Voice Access can now refine the text in real time. In addition, the feature improves its capability to adapt to background noise. However, this is only available for Copilot+ PCs.
Furthermore, Voice Access and Voice Typing are now available in German, Spanish, and French.
The software giant is introducing several networking improvements focused on reliability, performance, and virtualization.
For virtualized environments, Confidential Virtual Machines (CVMs) now use SR-IOV hardware acceleration by default to improve network performance. At the same time, a networking configuration issue affecting nested Hyper-V setups has been fixed to ensure virtual machines are provisioned correctly.
The update also enhances the reliability of the networking stack. It reduces some Wi-Fi-related blue screen errors, improves cellular (WWAN) connectivity, and adds better support for IPv6-based VPN connections.
In addition, Microsoft has improved compatibility with certain third-party VPN solutions and server configurations that use SR-IOV networking. Network adapter settings and bindings are now also preserved during operating system upgrades, helping prevent networking configurations from being reset after an operating system update.
If you use a compatible touchpad, there's a touchpad customization option that lets you adjust the size of the bottom-right right-click area.
In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad, you can choose between "Default," "Small," "Medium," or "Large" to control how much of the touchpad responds to a one-finger right-click.
This feature is available only on devices with a pressable touchpad surface. If your computer manufacturer provides touchpad customization through its own software, the system will display a "Custom" option to reflect those settings.
I find it interesting that one of the biggest additions in this update is a feature designed to help when Windows 11 breaks rather than when everything is working perfectly.
Microsoft has spent the last few years talking a lot about AI, Copilot, and new experiences, but Point-in-time Restore addresses a much more fundamental problem. Every user eventually runs into a bad update, problematic driver, or software conflict. When that happens, recovery tools suddenly become far more important than whatever new feature was added to the Start menu.
The Windows Update changes also stand out to me because they give users a little more breathing room. The software giant clearly isn't interested in letting people permanently turn off updates, but repeatedly extending the pause period feels like a practical compromise between security and user control.
As for the rest of the update, I see it as evidence that Microsoft is continuing to chip away at long-standing annoyances. Faster File Explorer performance, Bluetooth reliability improvements, and less intrusive Widgets aren't headline-grabbing changes. However, they're often the updates that have the biggest impact on how the system feels after months of daily use.
Which feature in the July 2026 update are you most looking forward to trying on Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
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Windows 11 desktop showing the Point-in-time Restore feature settings.
Windows 11 desktop showing the Point-in-time Restore feature settings.
In case you didn't notice (I'm joking, because you definitely did), PC gaming has become a painfully expensive hobby. Amazon Prime Day is supposed to help offset that with massive discounts, but does it really count when it brings components back to near-MSRP levels? We take what we can get, I suppose.
Either way, it's difficult to recommend building your own PC from scratch right now. If you've never tried it, the anxiety of handling now-overinflated RAM will surely feel worse than ever — and that's one of the easiest parts to install. On the bright side, iBUYPOWER has some merciful discounts on pre-builts.
Never owned a gaming PC before? Start here. These are entry-level parts, but you still get 1TB of storage and enough upgradeable memory (RAM) to get you going. iBUYPOWER throws in a mouse and keyboard, as usual, so this is a great starter build!View Deal
Got some extra budget to spare? Doubling your storage memory puts you in the modern "sweet spot" of 32GB RAM, and AMD's Radeon 9060 XT with 16GB of VRAM will run modern AAA games more comfortably. For under $2,000, this is a steal.View Deal
If you're already well-versed in PC gaming and you'd rather lean on DLSS upscaling, then this RTX 5060 Ti build will be more attractive for an extra $50. As graphical demands increase, NVIDIA's tech will feel more like a cost-saving crutch.View Deal
And if we're going all-out, why not go for Intel's powerful 270K Plus CPU in a variation of the Trace X I reviewed earlier this year? The RTX 5070 Ti GPU is the perfect middle ground without burning money away, and you won't struggle to run any games. A monster.View Deal
Yeah, I might get some pushback from die-hard gaming PC builders, but I don't have any qualms with a pre-built option. I've been there — installing a CPU for the first time, losing my mind about installing thermal paste correctly (just a pea-sized amount, guys), and stressed about RAM profiles alongside other BIOS options. You don't have to do any of it.
Installing and setting up Windows 11 is the same wherever you go, and iBUYPOWER's decision to ship graphics cards (GPUs) separately isn't as intimidating as it looks. They slot in just like an old-school game cartridge and hold in place with a few screws. That's really all there is to it, and each rig comes with clear instructions anyway. I'd know, I tested a Trace X PC earlier this year. Treat yourself, PC gaming is the best.
The "4th of July Mega Sale" ends on July 6, 2026, and is already live. iBUYPOWER runs limited-time deals on coupons and extras throughout the event, but the pre-built gaming PCs should remain available while stocks last.
iBUYPOWER has a dedicated store on Amazon, and lists a collection of its pre-built gaming PCs there, too. If you're an Amazon Prime member, it's worth checking listings on both storefronts to see which works best for you.
Prime Day is a four-day event that started at 12:01 AM PDT on Tuesday, June 23, and runs until the end of Friday, June 26.
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ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU on top of an iBUYPOWER RDY Trace X R01 pre-built gaming PC in a white case
Installing a GPU is about the only thing iBUYPOWER asks you to do, and that's easy.
Over the past few years, we've seen generative AI cement its footprint in the workplace and even take over redundant, repetitive tasks entirely. Last year, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei claimed that AI was on the verge of slashing up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs, making it harder for Gen Z to enter the job market.
Even Microsoft's AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, recently cleared up the intent of his statement that AI would eliminate white‑collar jobs in less than 18 months. The executive indicated that the statement was blown out of proportion, further clarifying that he meant AI would augment repetitive, mundane tasks — not replace humans.
In 2025, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates indicated that AI would replace humans for most things. However, the philanthropic billionaire claimed that it'd be mostly up to humans to decide how they interact with the next-gen technology.
The executive previously indicated that biologists, energy workers, and coders would survive the AI revolution, citing that their complex nature constantly requires human intervention.
Incidentally, Gates may have just identified a fourth profession that could be safe from AI replacement — athletes. During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, he suggested that while AI might take over many human tasks, no one would want to watch computers playing baseball (via LADbible Group).
With that in mind, it’s safe to say we’ll continue to savor the moments when our favorite players like Arsenal’s right winger Bukayo Saka grace the pitch with their talent and keep us entertained, even now during the World Cup season.
As AI gains broad adoption and becomes more prevalent, it will undoubtedly reshape how we work or even redefine what the term means. Last year, a study by Microsoft Research highlighted 40 job roles that are at risk of extinction in the age of AI, including customer service representatives, interpreters, technical writers, editors, web developers, and more.
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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates speaks to the press.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates speaks to the press.
Microsoft has quietly announced that Windows 10's extended support updates program will continue for an extra year, now until October 2027 for free if you sign-in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account.
Originally, Windows 10's extended support program was only supposed to last one year, until October 2026 for consumers. However, a new support page published by Microsoft today has confirmed that the Windows 10 ESU program will now last until October 2027 instead.
"Windows 10 support has ended. You can enroll in ESU any time until the programme ends on 12 October, 2027. If you’re already enrolled, your coverage will automatically continue through that date—no action needed," says the support page.
All Windows 10 users that are already enrolled in the ESU program will get this extended year of updates automatically. You can enroll in the program for free by signing in with a Microsoft account, or pay for access via 1,000 Microsoft reward points or $30 USD.
Microsoft has likely extended support for Windows 10 by an extra year due to the ongoing RAM crisis, which has pushed new PC prices through the roof making them difficult to justify financially, especially if you already have a working Windows 10 PC.
There are still hundreds of millions of PCs running Windows 10, and with extended support originally ending this October, many people would have been without the latest security patches keeping their devices secure.
The Windows 10 ESU program is vital to ensuring a PC that is connected to the internet is secure. Microsoft is still updating Windows 10 with security patches through the ESU program, and not being enrolled leaves your device open to attackers that might be trying to exploit vulnerabilities in the Windows 10 OS.
The good news is if you're already enrolled in the program, there's nothing you need to do to remain supported until October 2027. Your PC will keep getting security updates automatically until that date.
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Windows 10 ESU program displayed on an ASUS Zenbook laptop screen
Windows 10 ESU program displayed on an ASUS Zenbook laptop screen
It was inevitable. Razer has successfully attached Chroma RGB to mice, keyboards, streaming keylights, mousepads, microphones, and probably a stray toaster if you leave it in their California design headquarters long enough (see their history of weird and experimental hardware). So, it was only a matter of time before they targeted the ultimate piece of battle station real estate: your backside.
Meet the Razer Soma Chroma, a wireless RGB gaming chair launching worldwide today, June 25, 2026, for $499.99 (€529.99) at Razer.com.
Do you absolutely need a glowing throne that dynamically syncs with your desktop gameplay? No, of course not. Your skill in Valorant isn't going to magically jump three tiers just because your headrest is radiating neon green. But do we desperately want it anyway? Yes, obviously. It’s Razer, and adding immersive RGB to things we didn't know needed it is exactly why we love them.
The Razer Soma Chroma is the wireless RGB gaming chair your setup did not know it needed. It blends reactive lighting with all‑day comfort and cuts cable clutter entirely thanks to an ultra‑low latency HyperSpeed wireless connection powered by a simple USB‑C power bank. The dual‑density cold‑cured foam seat and built‑in ergonomic lumbar arch keep your posture neutral and your backside relaxed through marathon sessions.View Deal
The marquee feature here is the fully integrated, reactive RGB lighting embedded seamlessly into the headrest's shoulder wings. Powered by the venerable Razer Chroma RGB engine, it hooks directly into the Chroma SDK to react in real-time to in-game events across more than 300 integrated titles—including heavy hitters like Fortnite, Valorant, and Cyberpunk 2077. If you aren’t actively gaming, you can cycle through 10 dynamic presets and 16.8 million colors via Razer Synapse to perfectly dictate your setup's vibe.
But here is the genuinely clever bit: it's entirely wireless. Nobody wants to roll their chair over a rigid power cord and accidentally yank a $4,000 gaming rig off their desk. Instead, the Soma Chroma transmits data wirelessly via ultra-low latency Razer HyperSpeed 2.4 GHz for your PC, alongside Bluetooth LE for mobile devices.
To juice the actual LEDs, Razer integrated a tidy storage pocket on the back designed to house a standard external power bank (they recommend a hefty 20,000 mAh or larger unit pushing 20W+ and PD 2.0+) via an included 200 mm USB-C cable. If you don't care about a clean, wire-free aesthetic, you can also just run it straight to a wall adapter. There’s even a built-in control panel directly on the edge of the seat base to let you tweak brightness, cycle effects, or switch wireless inputs on the fly without opening an app.
When Razer dropped the original Iskur, it blew us away with an aggressive, mechanical piston-powered lumbar support system. The premium Iskur V2 doubled down on that adaptive lumbar tech, earning massive praise for back health—but it also brought a punishingly firm seat pan. Meanwhile, the mid-range Iskur V2 X ($299) offered a much softer high-density foam seat but stripped out the adjustable lumbar support completely.
The Soma Chroma chart-corrects here with a brand-new Dual-Density Cold-Cured Foam Seat Cushion. It utilizes two distinct layers working in tandem: a softer upper layer that contours snugly to your body, sitting atop a firmer base layer that maintains its structural integrity over time. The goal is to keep the seat from collapsing or hardening prematurely during marathon sessions while actually offering plush, pressure-relieving comfort.
For back health, Razer ditched the complex, dial-driven mechanical pieces of the Iskur series in favor of a Built-In Ergonomic Lumbar Arch. It's a static, contoured support curve integrated directly into the backrest. While you lose the active left-and-right swiveling of the Iskur V2, you get a reliable curve that won’t shift out of place like a loose lumbar pillow.
To hit that $499.99 sweet spot while packing custom diffusers, a wireless control module, and a built-in control panel, Razer did have to make a few expected concessions:
On the mechanical side, it remains a total tank. You get a reinforced steel frame, a 5-star powder-coated steel wheelbase, a Class 4 gas lift, and premium 6 cm PU caster wheels—the latter being a massive upgrade over the friction-heavy plastic wheels that held back the Iskur V2. It reclines up to 155° with a butterfly tilt mechanism, safely supports up to 150 kg (331 lbs), and comfortably accommodates gamers up to 6'6".
The shining throne literally just rolled through our doors. We'll be assembling it, unboxing our beefiest power banks, and seeing if the dual-density foam can truly save our glutes during late-night gaming sessions.
Stay tuned for our full, deep-dive review coming shortly (and you'll be able to see it on future Windows Central Podcasts).
The Razer Soma Chroma is the wireless RGB gaming chair your setup did not know it needed. It blends reactive lighting with all‑day comfort and cuts cable clutter entirely thanks to an ultra‑low latency HyperSpeed wireless connection powered by a simple USB‑C power bank. The dual‑density cold‑cured foam seat and built‑in ergonomic lumbar arch keep your posture neutral and your backside relaxed through marathon sessions.View Deal
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Press images of the Razer Chroma gaming chair, in black, with RGB lighting on the headrest
Press images of the Razer Chroma gaming chair, in black, with RGB lighting on the headrest
Microsoft and OpenAI are no strangers in the corridors of justice, particularly when it comes to copyright infringement disputes. It is well established that advanced AI models such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT rely heavily on vast amounts of online content, including material from outlets like Windows Central, for training purposes.
In court proceedings, Microsoft and OpenAI have consistently argued that copyright law does not explicitly prohibit the use of online content to train AI models. However, with Google racing ahead by embedding AI directly into search, the industry finds itself at a tipping point. As traditional outlets struggle to compete, many are shutting down, leaving thousands of experienced journalists in the lurch.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has openly acknowledged that building tools like ChatGPT would be virtually impossible without relying on copyrighted material. That admission now looms large as a coalition of publishers, representing nearly 400 newspapers, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accusing them of copyright infringement (via Bloomberg).
The complaint indicates that the two companies are unlawfully using their content to develop and train the AI chatbots without consent or compensation. According to the complaint:
"Defendants systematically and secretly crawled the Publishers’ websites—including content behind paywalls and other access restrictions—and copied the Publishers’ articles, stories, and other original works onto their own servers without authorization."
The publishers argue that the companies have generated billions from stealing their work and have not paid a dime for it. They are now seeking statutory damages and injunctive relief, citing copyright infringement and violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
Speaking to Bloomberg, OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri indicated:
“Our models empower innovation, are trained on publicly available data, and are grounded in fair use."
“It would be inequitable if at the end of this you have a resolution that only benefits the largest players in the marketplace and not the people who are doing hard work reporting on things that frankly very few outlets still cover in America today,” former New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin added.
The publishers argue that the AI revolution could be a "death knell for local journalism" if these AI firms aren't held accountable and continue to steal content without compensation.
Elsewhere, a separate 2024 report suggests that AI companies, including Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI, had hit a wall due to a lack of high-quality content for training, which prevented them from developing advanced AI models.
This opens up a broader discussion about the future of AI models if Google is hell-bent on integrating AI into search, after it has practically run every publication into the ground.
The dead internet theory, in particular, comes to mind. It suggests that prolonged exposure of large language models to low-quality training data negatively impacts accuracy, comprehension, and thought process. What's worse is that the phenomenon could only be less than 3 years away if recent studies are anything to go by.
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ChatGPT and Microsoft Logo
ChatGPT and Microsoft Logo
I found the one Prime Day deal I can recommend above all others. At $67.67, the Logitech MX Vertical is an excellent purchase.
I hate the fact that Prime Day still requires hunting for deals. You'd think an event centered around shopping would guarantee great prices, but that's not the case.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the Logitech MX Vertical discounted by 44% on Prime Day.
"I honestly can't think of a thing I'd change about the Logitech MX Vertical. I dislike having to use other mice because I've been spoiled by the Logitech MX Vertical. " ~ Sean Endicott, news writer, Windows CentralView Deal
Some Prime Day deals are worth it. The shopping event is genuinely a good way to save money on some items. But that doesn't mean anything you see on sale during Prime Day is a good deal.
It's normal to see an item marked up a few weeks before Prime Day to make the Prime Day "discount" look better.
In the worst cases, an item actually becomes more expensive than usual during Prime Day. Retailers manipulate price history to make a bad price look good.
These are the types of things our team of experts looks out for when finding Prime Day deals. It's also why hand-picked Prime Day deals are better than blindly trusting a sale tag.
The Logitech MX Vertical is currently $67.67 for Prime Day. According to CamelCamelCamel, that is almost the lowest price ever for the mouse (it once hit $63.79 on Amazon). Perhaps more importantly, the price is significantly lower than what we've seen the majority of this year.
The Logitech MX Vertical is an ergonomic mouse that allows your wrist and arm to rest at a natural angle. That results in less muscle strain and reduced wrist pressure.
Because of the shape of the mouse, you don't have to move your hand as much. Tiny movements add up, and being able to keep your hand in place does a lot to reduce strain.
The Logitech MX Vertical is by far the best mouse I've used.
Over the years, its rubber grip has held up well. The mouse still lasts for ages when running on battery. It's easy to top up through USB-C when it's time to charge.
It checks all the boxes I want in a mouse.
The only downside of the Logitech MX Vertical is its retail price, but the massive discount on the mouse makes that a non-factor.
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Logitech MX Vertical Mouse
My Logitech MX Vertical mouse has sat on my desk for years, and it has aged incredibly well.
Windows 11 brings major changes to the Start menu and Taskbar in 2026, finally giving users more control over customization.
Microsoft spent the first years of Windows 11 simplifying the Start menu and Taskbar, often at the expense of features that users had relied on for years. In 2026, the company is correcting its direction.
In recent preview builds, the operating system has revealed a growing list of improvements that bring more customization and control back to the experience. From Taskbar positioning and resizing to Start menu layouts and recommendation controls, the software giant is restoring capabilities that many users have been complaining about since the original release of Windows 11.
However, the company's approach isn't about recreating Windows 10. Instead, Microsoft is rebuilding these experiences around the design principles of Windows 11 while giving users more flexibility than they have today.
The biggest change is the reversal of positioning controls. Users will once again be able to place the Taskbar to the top, left, right, or bottom edge of the screen.
For many users, this feature never should have disappeared in the first place. The ability to place the Taskbar where it works best has been part of the operating system for decades.
At the same time, the company isn't restoring the exact Windows 10 experience. Previously, users could unlock the Taskbar and drag it directly to a different edge of the screen, or change its position through the Settings app. On Windows 11, changing the position requires using the option available through the Settings app, more specifically in the Taskbar settings under the "Taskbar behaviors" section.
Taskbar sizing is also making a comeback. However, the company is updating the "Show smaller taskbar buttons" option so that enabling it makes the buttons and Taskbar smaller, not just the buttons.
The feature improves flexibility, but it still doesn't offer the same freedom available on Windows 10, where users could manually resize the Taskbar and even create multi-row layouts.
The Start menu is being updated with some of the most significant improvements since the operating system's launch.
One of the biggest additions is support for different Start menu sizes. Instead of relying entirely on the automatic layout, users will be able to choose between different menu configurations based on their preferences.
You will find these settings on the updated "Start" page from the Settings app.
Microsoft is also introducing dedicated controls to show or hide sections such as Pinned, Recommended, and All apps. These changes address one of the most common complaints about the Start menu, which has often felt too limited compared to previous versions of the operating system.
The company is also separating recommendation settings from recent files and activity history. As a result, users will gain more granular control over what appears in the Start menu without affecting other parts of the operating system.
Privacy is also receiving attention, with a new option that lets users hide their account name and profile picture from the Start menu.
The Start menu and Taskbar updates are part of Microsoft's wider Windows K2 initiative, an effort focused on improving performance, reliability, and usability across Windows 11.
While much of that work happens behind the scenes, the Start menu and Taskbar provide visible evidence that Microsoft's priorities have evolved since 2021.
When this version of Windows launched, the company emphasized simplicity and consistency, even when it meant removing long-standing customization features. A lot of users felt those decisions made the operating system less flexible than Windows 10.
The changes expected to roll out in 2026 suggest Microsoft is rethinking and taking a more balanced approach. Rather than limiting customization in the name of simplicity, the company is finding ways to offer more control while preserving the modern design introduced on Windows 11.
Microsoft's reinstatement of Taskbar positioning and sizing, Start menu layouts, and recommendation controls may not seem revolutionary on their own. However, these changes represent one of the most notable shifts.
The company is not abandoning its vision for Windows 11, nor is it trying to turn the operating system into Windows 10. Instead, the company is acknowledging that flexibility remains one of the operating system's greatest strengths.
For years, many of the conversations around Windows 11 focused on features that were removed. In 2026, the conversation is increasingly focused on the features Microsoft is bringing back and what that says about the operating system's future direction.
I think the most interesting part of these Start menu and Taskbar changes isn't any individual feature. It's what they reveal about Microsoft's evolving approach to Windows 11.
When the operating system launched in 2021, the software giant removed a noticeable amount of customization in favor of simplicity. The Taskbar lost positioning and resizing controls, and the Start menu became significantly more limited compared to Windows 10. At the time, those choices felt deliberate, almost like a firm design reset.
In 2026, that direction looks less fixed. The reintroduction of Taskbar positioning and resizing options, along with more granular Start menu controls, suggests Microsoft is recalibrating how much flexibility the operating system should offer without undoing its modern design language.
What are your thoughts on the Start menu and Taskbar changes coming to Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.
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Windows 11 desktop with Taskbar docked at the top, smaller Start menu, and Settings app.
Windows 11 desktop with Taskbar docked at the top, smaller Start menu, and Settings app.
The Steam Machine is getting a fair amount of heat due to its $1,049 price, but no matter how you look at it, Valve's new device is a particularly powerful mini PC.
Here's the rub. Not everyone needs that much power or wants to pay that much, which is where the Windows mini PC market comes into play.
• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals
Amazon Prime Day has knocked prices down considerably on a bunch of our favorite mini PCs, and while they won't match the Steam Machine's discrete graphics, they're still fully capable of running a wide range of games AND Windows 11, no extra effort necessary. Just plug in an HDMI cord, hook it up to your TV, and start gaming.
Prime Day wraps up today, June 26, and most of these mini PC deals are expected to expire before the weekend. I'm in fact already seeing some retailers run out of stock. Translation? If you see something you can use, you should grab it before it's gone.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
RAM: 16GB DDR5
SSD: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe
This is the best sub-$600 mini PC I could find that features a Ryzen 9 CPU and Radeon 780M integrated graphics. 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD help sweeten the deal.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 255
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
RAM: 24GB LPDDR5x
SSD: 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe
"The SER9 Pro is another all-round excellent mini PC from Beelink, now powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 H 255. The GPU is very good for an integrated one, capable of handling most games on medium to high settings at 1080p, though some really demanding games will struggle."
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
RAM: 16GB DDR5
SSD: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe
This is one of the more reasonably priced mini PCs featuring a Ryzen 7 CPU, 1TB SSD, and integrated Radeon 780M graphics.
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
GPU: Intel Arc
RAM: 16GB DDR5
SSD: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe
Those who prefer Intel can land this Core Ultra 9 185H CPU with integrated Arc graphics that closely match those of AMD's Radeon 780M. Plenty of RAM and storage are a great perk.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
RAM: 32GB DDR5
SSD: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe
Extra RAM and storage plus a Ryzen 9 CPU make this mini PC particularly attractive, and the integrated Radeon 780M graphics do a decent job of running most modern games that aren't particularly demanding.
The Steam Machine is causing a ruckus in the tech world, namely due to its price-to-performance ratio now that reviews have gone out into the wild. It's true that you can build a full-size gaming PC or buy a pre-built gaming PC for less money and with superior power, but what about a mini PC that's a closer match to the form factor?
Well, that's where the real genius of Valve's device comes into play. It is indeed capable of delivering quite a bit of gaming performance in a super compact form factor, something that most of the mini PCs on the market for a similar or lower price simply aren't capable of doing.
The Steam Machine's discrete custom AMD Radeon GPU with 8GB of VRAM is fairly close to a desktop-class AMD Radeon RX 7600 card, which the integrated graphics in most mini PCs can't touch.
Regardless, at $1,049, the Steam Machine isn't for everyone. There are plenty of PC users who just want a compact, capable PC that runs Windows 11 without breaking a sweat, while at the same time having capabilities to handle lighter games. That's where these great mini PCs excel.
The mini PCs I've highlighted in this roundup all have an integrated AMD Radeon 780M GPU or a comparable Intel Arc integrated GPU. I can't stress enough that these GPUs will not match the Steam Machine's gaming power.
However, the Radeon 780M will still do a bang-up job of gaming, and for a lot less money in a significantly smaller package, often with more RAM and storage.
Just how powerful is the integrated GPU? It will effortlessly run esports games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and DOTA 2 at 1080p, hitting somewhere between 60 and 90 FPS with medium to high settings. Games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox are in the same boat.
I'd venture to say that the Radeon 780M is an indie game superstar, and those who prefer roguelikes, platformers, deck builders, puzzle games, and simulators will have no issues.
Those hoping to play demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Baldur's Gate 3, and others will find that the Radeon 780M can get the job done at 1080p, albeit with lower frame rates and with AMD's FSR enabled. If you're going to mainly focus on AAA games, I'd recommend checking out pre-built desktop PCs with discrete graphics.
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Beelink SER9 PRo
Beelink SER9 PRo
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warned that AI must demonstrate real‑world value or risk losing public support. His comments came amid mounting community backlash over the technology’s heavy demand for electricity and cooling water to power data centers, although Microsoft and NVIDIA have seemingly found a fix.
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal recently, Nadella echoed his earlier stance, stressing that leading players in the AI industry must advance the technology in ways that deliver the greatest public benefit.
There’s growing concern around AI, particularly when it comes to security, privacy, and even its impact on jobs. "You can't say, hey, all white-collar jobs are gone and this could even be a weapon, and we will use all the power to build data centers," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted.
Perhaps more interestingly, the executive called out key investors in the AI landscape who see the technology primarily as a tool to cut jobs and reduce operational costs. He indicated that this would be the wrong way to look at the technology.
Instead, he recommended that AI should be viewed as a tool designed to help skilled workers better leverage their capabilities. He further painted a picture where AI tools and human capital co-exist in the same space, a phenomenon he referred to as "token capital."
While the executive claimed that it'd be a recipe for how companies can leverage both AI and workers simultaneously, he admitted that: "it's a lot of change management, it's a lot of displacement, but there is a path."
Nadella indicated that leveraging AI and humans at the same time at work can create a "continuous learning system." He indicated that companies in the future could be characterized by the "tacit knowledge that they contain from both sources."
The executive acknowledged that the idea might face public resistance but emphasized that it would be up to corporations to convince people of the economic opportunities AI could unlock in the future.
Over the past few years, key investors and leaders in the AI landscape have shared several theories, highlighting how the technology could reshape work. Last year, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei claimed that AI was on the verge of slashing up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs, making it harder for the next generation to enter the job market.
No amount of just narrative is going to do it because where we are now, we have to sort of walk the walk. We now have to do the hard work in earning the social permission.
Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella
Interestingly, Microsoft's AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, recently cleared up the intent of his statement that AI would eliminate white‑collar jobs in less than 18 months.
The executive indicated that his statement was widely misconstrued. Rather than replacing humans entirely from work, he indicated that AI would be used to augment repetitive and mundane tasks.
At the same time, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella wants AI agents to be treated like human employees. It'll be interesting to see how AI is adopted in the workplace, and whether organizations choose to view the technology as a supplement rather than a replacement for the workforce.
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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks during an event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Microsoft on April 4, 2025 in Redmond, Washington.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks during an event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Microsoft on April 4, 2025 in Redmond, Washington.
Generative AI has made a significant impact across education, computing, medicine, entertainment, and more. However, all that progress comes with a hefty price tag. The amount of electricity these systems burn through, plus the insane amounts of water needed to keep them cool, is honestly outrageous.
For context, Microsoft and Google's electricity consumption in 2024 surpassed the power usage of over 100 countries. Similarly, OpenAI's GPT-4 AI model consumes up to 3 water bottles to generate 100 words.
Earlier this month, Microsoft shared an interesting concept that may potentially address the water concerns riddling the progression and advancement of AI. CEO Satya Nadella revealed that the tech giant uses a liquid loop in its data centers, which is filled once. As a result, the company's data centers' water consumption has reduced significantly, down to "what a single restaurant would use."
And now it looks like NVIDIA is taking a page from Microsoft’s playbook. Speaking at London Climate Week on Monday, a top executive suggested that water concerns tied to data center development could be addressed through the company's next-generation AI infrastructure.
The executive further disclosed that the company's new next-gen AI infrastructure can be fully cooled with a liquid warm enough to alleviate the need for additional chilling equipment (Axios).
According to NVIDIA's Chief Sustainability Officer, Josh Parker:
"The water consumption challenge for data centers is largely solved."
How does this liquid work? It’s basically a recirculated mix of water and propylene — think automotive antifreeze. It’s worth noting that the system can operate at temperatures up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
As such, this allows it to function reliably in hotter environments compared to older systems. In practical terms, data centers equipped with NVIDIA’s next-generation AI infrastructure will require significantly less water and energy for cooling, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.
This announcement comes at a time when concerns over water and energy use are mounting, as data centers continue to expand into community corridors. Microsoft has seemingly embraced the "Community-First" AI infrastructure, which addresses some of the issues raised by communities themselves, including reducing its water consumption and promising not to increase electricity bills.
Elsewhere, Microsoft’s plan to build a $1 billion data center in Kenya came to an abrupt halt in early May after the government declined to commit to covering the annual capacity costs Microsoft had requested to run Azure in the region. President William Ruto remarked that the facility’s power demands would be so immense that it would effectively require “switching off half the country” to keep it operational.
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PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Co-founder and chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., Jensen Huang attends the 9th edition of the VivaTech trade show at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles on June 11, 2025, in Paris. VivaTech, Europe's largest tech trade show, offers a unique digital format for four days of reconnection and recovery through innovation. The event brings together startups, CEOs, investors, technology leaders, and all the digital transformation players shaping the future of the internet. Founded in 2016 by Publicis Groupe and Groupe Les Echos, this annual technology conference, also known as VivaTech, is dedicated to promoting innovation and startups.. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Co-founder and chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., Jensen Huang attends the 9th edition of the VivaTech trade show at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles on June 11, 2025, in Paris. VivaTech, Europe's largest tech trade show, offers a unique digital format for four days of reconnection and recovery through innovation. The event brings together startups, CEOs, investors, technology leaders, and all the digital transformation players shaping the future of the internet. Founded in 2016 by Publicis Groupe and Groupe Les Echos, this annual technology conference, also known as VivaTech, is dedicated to promoting innovation and startups.. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)
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