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Microsoft promises to speed up context menus, folder navigation, file transfers, and search on Windows 11

As part of Microsoft's big plan to address quality issues on Windows 11, the company has confirmed that it's working on fixing performance of menus, folders, and search in File Explorer.

Windows 11 file Explorer

Windows 11 file Explorer

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People inside Microsoft are fighting to drop Windows 11's mandatory Microsoft Account requirements during setup

Microsoft's big sweeping set of improvements coming soon to Windows 11 don't address its controversial Microsoft account requirements, but that might soon change.

Windows 11 UI with option to specify user directory

Windows 11 UI with option to specify user directory

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Microsoft unveils MAJOR improvements coming to Windows 11 this year — movable Taskbar, reduced RAM usage, less AI and ads, and much more CONFIRMED: "We are evolving how Windows is built behind the scenes to raise the quality bar"

After feeling the heat from macOS and Linux, Microsoft is getting its act together and making significant changes to Windows 11 that will bring it up to par with the competition.

Windows 11

This is the moment Windows fans have been hoping would come.

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Microsoft quietly scraps plans to bring Copilot to notifications and Settings on Windows 11 as it moves to reduce AI bloat across the OS

Originally announced in 2024, Microsoft's plan to integrate Copilot across various areas of the Windows 11 shell has been shelved as the company reevaluates its AI approach in the OS.

A copilot logo with the word "Windows" next to it on an abstract background.

A copilot logo with the word "Windows" next to it on an abstract background.

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Microsoft just fixed my BIGGEST gripe about the Windows 11 setup experience — power users rejoice!

The latest Windows 11 preview build introduces the ability to specify a custom user directory for your account, something both macOS and Linux have supported for decades.

Windows 11 UI with option to specify user directory

Windows 11 UI with option to specify user directory

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Mac Neo vs. Windows’ future, Windows 12 misinformation, and the truth behind Project Helix — Windows Central Podcast

Podcast: Daniel and Zac discuss Apple's new MacBook Neo and how it might impact the Windows market going forward. Also on this episode: Windows 12 rumors, what's real and what's not? Plus, the latest on Project Helix, the next-gen Xbox.

Mac Neo vs. Windows’ future, Windows 12 misinformation, and the truth behind Project Helix — Windows Central Podcast

Mac Neo vs. Windows’ future, Windows 12 misinformation, and the truth behind Project Helix — Windows Central Podcast

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Microsoft's Windows and Devices lead now reports directly to CEO Satya Nadella in important leadership shakeup

Microsoft's EVP of Experiences & Devices is retiring, and four new leads are taking his place who will now report directly to the CEO instead going forward.

AI-Generated image of a Microsoft Surface laptop on a desk visualized.

AI-Generated image of a Microsoft Surface laptop on a desk visualized.

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Ex-Windows chief calls MacBook Neo "a paradigm shifting computer" — reflects on Surface failure and Windows on Arm while lamenting "we were early, but not wrong"

The mastermind behind Windows 8 and Surface RT has thoughts on Apple's new MacBook Neo, and says it validates his efforts from 2012 that the market originally rejected.

A citrus MacBook Neo laptop displaying Microsoft apps

A citrus MacBook Neo laptop displaying Microsoft apps

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Microsoft brings new "Xbox mode" to Windows 11 PCs next month — Prepares major gaming advancements that lay foundations for the next Xbox

At GDC 2026, Microsoft outlined the future of PC and Xbox game development, positioning Windows as the foundation for the next-generation of gaming via unified GDK.

Windows 11's new Xbox Mode interface

Windows 11's new Xbox Mode interface

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Microsoft confirms that a highly anticipated new Taskbar feature coming to Windows 11 in 2026 has been delayed — promises to "ensure it meets our quality standards"

Microsoft's upcoming agenda view for the Taskbar on Windows 11 has been pushed back, with the first preview now expected to debut "in the coming months" instead of last year.

Windows 11 agenda view on a Dell XPS

Windows 11 agenda view on a Dell XPS

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Microsoft splits Windows 11's most experimental preview channel in two as it begins testing next major OS platform release

Windows 11 Insiders can now begin testing early foundational builds that are expected to work towards the next platform release, which is likely to debut in 2027 with version 27H2.

Windows Update

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Microsoft needs to bring back the annual Windows event and stop acting ashamed of the platform

Is Microsoft ashamed of Windows? I wouldn't blame you for thinking so, given every year Google and Apple are eager to get on stage and talk about what's next for their platforms. Microsoft hasn't done this for Windows in a long time.

AI-generated Microsoft event graphic

AI-generated Microsoft event graphic

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