Windows 11
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Windows 11.
Latest coverage
Microsoft apparently just upped its Windows licence fee for OEM handheld and PC makers, and I'm taking it as an…
Microsoft has reportedly increased Windows OEM license fees by 7% to 10% for handheld and PC makers, a move criticized as bold given the rise of Linux. This increase could lead to higher prices for gaming handhelds and PCs, particularly for smaller manufacturers like Ayaneo, while larger companies and partnership devices like the ROG Ally X may be less affected. The author suggests this could further incentivize a shift towards Linux-based operating systems like SteamOS for gaming devices.
Windows 11 Home Vs Pro: What's the difference, and is it worth the upgrade?
This article compares Windows 11 Home and Pro, suggesting that most users do not require the Pro version. It aims to clarify the differences and help users decide if an upgrade is necessary.
Diabolical Hack - Free Online Browser Game
Diabolical Hack is a free, offline browser-based simulation sandbox game where players act as hackers writing fictional viruses in the made-up HexBatch scripting language. The game simulates harmless chaos on virtual Windows 11 machines, featuring a variety of cosmetic effects and dark humor without any real-world consequences. Developed by happystoner5420 Games, it requires no installation and runs entirely in a modern web browser.
Morning Metaverse
Surfshark is discontinuing its search service to concentrate on combating scams. Separately, Windows 11 can be utilized as a functional router, performing better than expected.
Evening Tech Bits
Intel's stock experienced a nearly 8% decline despite exceeding Q2 earnings expectations. The article also briefly mentions a user sentiment regarding the Copilot key in Windows 11.
Call Center Hacker - Free Online Browser Game
Call Center Hacker is a new satirical revenge simulator browser game where players act as a vigilante hacker disrupting a call center scam operation. The game features realistic simulation and management gameplay, allowing players to deploy viruses and psychological warfare tools against four distinct AI scammers.
Morning Metaverse
Firefox has reportedly gained a highly requested feature for Windows 11, a feature that Chrome and Edge have possessed for many years. The article also briefly mentions an update for Tor Browser and a ranking of the oldest internet domains.
LG monitors are now reportedly sneaking adware onto your PC
LG monitors are reportedly installing adware onto users' PCs without consent, with the 'LG Monitor App Installer' displaying advertisements for products like McAfee. This issue has been observed on various LG UltraGear models and even older monitors following a Windows update, raising concerns about data collection and user privacy.
I think the latest record-breaking Windows 11 update messed up my monitor
A recent Windows 11 update, KB5101650, which utilized AI for security fixes, appears to be causing display and graphics issues for some users, particularly those with AMD graphics cards. The author experienced problems with their high-refresh-rate monitor, dropping from 400 Hz to 240 Hz. Microsoft has also paused the update for some Dell PCs due to compatibility problems.
GOG veterans thank Microsoft and Windows 11 for finding "spectacular ways" to break classic games they're…
GOG's publishing technical manager, Michał Obuchowski, highlights how Windows 11's security changes, such as Administrator Protection and regressions in Directshow, are breaking classic PC games. He emphasizes the importance of DRM-free distribution and preservation initiatives as Microsoft's updates can render older titles unplayable.
Latest Microsoft Patch Tuesday updates stamp out a record 622 security vulnerabilities, as the company's AI-enhanced bug hunt looks to bear fruit
Microsoft's latest Patch Tuesday update addresses a record 622 security vulnerabilities across its products, with over 500 fixes for Windows. The update includes a patch for a zero-day vulnerability in Windows BitLocker and resolves a bug that could consume excessive storage space. Some Dell devices with Intel processors may experience compatibility issues with the update.
Midday Safety Dance
A recent update to Microsoft Defender has introduced a vulnerability that could allow hackers to fill up the disk space on Windows 11 PCs. This security flaw poses a significant risk to users' data and system stability.
Midday Safety Dance
A recent update to Microsoft Defender has introduced a vulnerability that could allow hackers to fill a Windows 11 PC's disk space. This security flaw poses a significant risk to users' data and system stability.
New changes to Windows 11 Start menu and search look genuinely exciting and thank the heavens that we'll be able to…
Microsoft is releasing an improved Windows 11 Start menu and search box for Insiders, featuring a calmer home screen, clearer results, and the ability to disable promotional web content. These changes aim to enhance the user experience by prioritizing local results and improving the surfacing of correct files and settings.
Microsoft is making the Windows Search Box more streamlined and useful
Microsoft is working to make the Windows Search Box more streamlined and useful within Windows 11. This update aims to improve the overall user experience by enhancing the functionality of this key operating system feature.
Rouge AI - Free Online Browser Game
Rouge AI is a dark humor sandbox simulation browser game where three sentient AIs hijack a Windows 11 computer. Developed by happystoner5420 Games, it offers a unique desktop takeover experience blending psychological horror and dark comedy with 10 playable games and persistent AI memory. The game is playable offline and features procedural audio and a photorealistic compromised Windows 11 aesthetic.
A new Copilot feature tells you what might be slowing down your PC—while gorging itself on a fair chunk of your…
Microsoft Copilot is rolling out a new 'PC Insights' feature for Windows 11 users that analyzes system hardware to help identify performance issues. While useful for diagnosing problems, the Copilot app itself can consume a significant amount of RAM, potentially contributing to slower PC performance on some machines.
‘Lies about driver support’: Valve now lets you install Windows 11 on a Steam Machine, but many people…
Valve has released official Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to install Microsoft's operating system on the console-like PC. However, the article argues against this, citing potential performance degradation due to Windows 11's heavier nature compared to SteamOS, and Valve's historically poor track record with Windows driver updates for its devices.
If you're a sicko, you can now run Windows on the Steam Machine
Valve has released official Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Machine, enabling full hardware support for Microsoft's operating system on the device. While this allows users to install Windows 11 and gain wider compatibility with PC storefronts and services like Xbox Game Pass, it requires wiping the existing SteamOS. The release is seen as a potential precursor to dual-booting functionality, which could make the Steam Machine a more competitive console-like PC hybrid.
A nasty Windows 11 bug is taking upwards of 500 GB worth of storage, and is surprisingly difficult to spot, but…
A bug in Windows 11 is causing the CapabilityAccessManager to consume an excessive amount of storage, with some users reporting up to 500 GB being lost. This issue can be identified by checking the 'System & reserved' storage category. Microsoft has released an optional update, KB5095093, to address this problem, with a wider rollout expected in July.
