Windows 11
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Windows 11.
Latest coverage
Microsoft is reportedly fixing Windows 11 to take on the Steam Machine, but here's what else it needs to do
Microsoft has reportedly launched an internal initiative called K2 to improve Windows 11's performance and reliability, aiming to compete with Linux-based gaming systems like the Steam Deck. The company plans to address user complaints regarding AI integration, performance issues, and unreliability, with goals to achieve performance parity with SteamOS within two years. Additionally, Microsoft is looking to reintroduce features like taskbar customization and simplify the installation process by reducing mandatory Microsoft account usage and prompts for other services.
Microsoft's Xbox mode starts making its way to Windows 11 PCs
Microsoft is rolling out an Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs, which provides a console-like interface. This feature aims to integrate the Xbox experience more seamlessly into the PC operating system.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft has begun rolling out 'Xbox Mode' to players on Windows 11 PCs, aiming to improve the gaming experience on the operating system. This feature is intended to optimize performance and provide a more integrated gaming environment for users.
The new 'Xbox mode' for Windows 11 has arrived, but don't get your hopes up for performance improvements:…
Microsoft has begun rolling out its new Xbox mode for Windows 11, offering a controller-optimized, full-screen gaming experience. While intended to make jumping into games easier across various devices, early impressions suggest it may not significantly improve performance. The feature aims to create a more consistent Xbox experience across different platforms.
Xbox Mode Arrives on Windows 11 PCs with Controller-Focused Full-Screen UI; I Guess That's Cool?
Microsoft has begun rolling out Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs, introducing a full-screen, controller-focused user interface. This mode integrates the user's game library, including Xbox Game Pass titles and games from other PC storefronts, into a simplified layout designed for easier navigation with a controller.
Xbox Mode Begins Rolling Out to Players on Windows 11 PCs Today
Microsoft is rolling out a new 'Xbox mode' to Windows 11 PCs, offering a console-inspired, controller-optimized full-screen experience for gaming. This feature aims to make jumping into games easier on desktops, laptops, and handheld PCs, integrating with Xbox Game Pass and other PC storefronts.
Microsoft has an ambitious plan to win users back, and go toe-to-toe with Valve's SteamOS for gaming — but…
Microsoft is reportedly working on a project codenamed 'K2' to significantly improve Windows 11's gaming performance and reduce bloatware, aiming to compete directly with Valve's SteamOS. This initiative focuses on enhancing performance, craft, and reliability to regain user trust and optimize the operating system for gaming.
Microsoft predicts memory crisis will affect its revenue as struggling OEMs won't be as liberal with Windows…
Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood stated that the ongoing memory crisis is expected to negatively impact revenue from Windows OEM purchases. This decline is attributed to increased component costs leading to higher PC prices, reduced PC market demand, and a decrease in inventory levels for original equipment manufacturers.
Microsoft CEO says the company is focused on 'fundamentals' to 'win back fans and strengthen…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated the company is focusing on foundational work to improve its consumer business, including Windows and Xbox, to "win back fans and strengthen engagement." This shift involves addressing user-requested improvements in areas like desktop performance and bugginess, while scaling back AI features where they are not essential. Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's Windows president, also confirmed this focus on fundamental improvements.
Philips Evnia Introduces AmbiScape to Expand Gaming Lighting Ecosystem | Invision Game Community
Philips Evnia is expanding its gaming lighting ecosystem with AmbiScape, a new feature that synchronizes smart lighting devices in a room with on-screen action. Building on existing technologies like AI-Enhanced Ambiglow and Windows Dynamic Lighting, AmbiScape aims to create a more unified and immersive gaming environment. The feature will be available at no additional cost for compatible Evnia monitors with Precision Center version 1.9, scheduled for release on April 29, 2026.
Microsoft is updating Windows Update, creating a fractal of fixes that target shutdown and reboot settings, scheduling…
Microsoft is implementing significant changes to Windows Update to improve user experience and provide more control over the update process. New features include the ability to skip updates during installation, a calendar interface for pausing updates up to 35 days in advance, and options to shut down or restart without forced updates. These changes aim to reduce the frequency of reboots and address user complaints about update obtrusiveness.
Forced Windows updates can now be paused forever
Microsoft is implementing significant changes to Windows Update, allowing users to indefinitely pause updates for up to 35 days at a time. These updates, which can now be reset as often as desired, are a response to user feedback regarding disruptive update schedules. The company is also ensuring users can shut down or restart their devices without installing updates, with these features currently rolling out to Windows Insiders.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft has announced significant improvements to Windows Update for Windows 11. Details on the changes were shared by Windows Central, with a separate mention of LINUX on UNIX on the PDP-11/44 from Dave's Garage.
April's Windows 11 update reportedly causes blue screens and boot loops on HP and Dell PCs
A recent Windows 11 update, specifically KB5083769, has reportedly caused blue screens and boot loops for users of HP and Dell PCs. Affected users experienced visual glitches followed by a persistent boot loop after the update. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix.
'A performance tool that requires a graduate seminar before breakfast has already lost the room': Why Windows Task Manager looks like it's getting CPU usage wrong
The creator of the original Windows Task Manager, Dave Plummer, explains why the Windows 11 Task Manager's CPU usage reporting may seem inaccurate. He details how the tool uses averaging and compromises in calculations, especially with modern CPUs featuring dynamic frequency scaling, rather than real-time pinpoint accuracy. Microsoft has announced a fix for this in a recent preview build, aiming to align Task Manager's metrics with industry standards.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft is reportedly redesigning the Start menu for Windows 11, aiming to improve the user experience. Additionally, a special 10-year anniversary edition of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor for the AM4 platform has been spotted.
How Battlefield 6 Redefines the Modern Shooter Experience
Battlefield 6 aims to redefine the modern shooter experience with a focus on large-scale destruction, a complex single-player campaign set in 2027, and enhanced teamplay mechanics. Developed by EA's largest-ever Battlefield team, the game introduces a new Kinesthetic Combat System and the Portal Builder for custom matches. Electronic Arts is targeting a massive player base, potentially leveraging a free-to-play battle royale component, and is scheduled for release by March 31, 2026.
Windows 11 now lets you skip the time-consuming updates on a fresh install. Neat!
Windows 11 now allows users to defer time-consuming updates during a fresh installation, giving them more control over the setup process. This feature aims to reduce disruption and streamline the initial user experience, bringing it closer to competitors like ChromeOS and macOS. While updates are still recommended for security and stability, the option to postpone them offers greater flexibility.
Morning Tech Bits
Linux Kernel version 7.0 has been released. Microsoft has increased the FAT32 partition size limit from 32 GB to 2 TB in a beta version of Windows 11.
Nearly here! Microsoft ups the partition size limit of FAT32 from 32 GB to 2 TB in the latest beta of Windows 11
Microsoft has increased the FAT32 partition size limit in the latest beta of Windows 11, allowing users to format drives up to 2 TB instead of the previous 32 GB limit. This change, available in build 26220.8165 for Insider Preview members, simplifies the process for users who need larger FAT32 partitions for older hardware or specific setups.
