Microsoft is testing a Windows 11 update that lets users enter their PIN without waiting for Windows Hello biometrics. Here's how it works and who can try it.
The post Windows 11 Is Fixing an Annoying Sign-In Problem: Here’s What Changes appeared first on TechRepublic.
The November 2026 TIOBE Index puts Java ahead of C++ as Go replaces Rust in the top 10. See Python's ranking, R's climb, and Dart's top-20 debut.
The post TIOBE Index for November 2026: Go Knocks Rust Out of Top 10 appeared first on TechRepublic.
Microsoft 365 Family's storage change could leave households with 2TB instead of up to 6TB. Here's when the new limit takes effect and who is affected.
The post Microsoft 365 Family Is Replacing 6TB With 2TB of Shared Storage — Who’s Affected? appeared first on TechRepublic.
"Do you want to turn on Sticky Keys?" has likely popped up on your PC at some point. That prompt appears after you press the Shift key five times and allows you to enable the feature. Soon, Windows 11 will make it easier to stop that message from appearing.
In one of the latest Windows Insider builds, Microsoft introduced an updated version of the prompt. Windows 11 will soon let you permanently disable the Sticky Keys shortcut directly from the prompt itself.
The same change is also coming to the prompt used for Filter Keys, another accessibility feature that can be enabled through a keyboard shortcut.
Windows 11 already lets you disable that shortcut, but it requires a couple of extra steps. Within Settings, you need to navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard > Sticky Keys. That section has other controls, such as turning off Sticky Keys when two keys are pressed at the same time.
The current Windows 11 prompt includes a quick link to that section of the Settings app, but the process will soon be streamlined. The updated prompt still includes a shortcut to all Sticky Keys settings.
Best news of the weekNovember 7, 2026
Sticky Keys is a useful feature that improves accessibility. It lets you press one key at a time instead of holding multiple keys at once. For example, instead of pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete simultaneously, you can press Ctrl, then Alt, then Delete.
The shortcut to enable Sticky Keys by pressing Shift five times has been part of Windows for decades. While useful, it can be triggered accidentally. Last week, I was in a creative program and pressed Shift five times as part of my normal workflow and accidentally summoned the prompt to enable Sticky Keys.
I took the opportunity to disable the shortcut through the Settings app, but soon that won't be necessary since the prompt will include a check box that prevents it from appearing again.
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In this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden break down a major architectural efficiency victory in Windows 11 under the ongoing Windows K2 initiative: reducing memory footprint and improving responsiveness by 20% on 8 GB RAM machines through WinUI conversions, OEM memory budgets, and memory compression.
We also analyze reporting on upcoming Windows 11 default wallpaper refreshes and detail why a full-blown Windows 12 release in 2027 is looking increasingly unlikely. We discuss platform fragmentation across Germanium and Bromine codebases, component cost inflation ("Ramageddon"), and why Microsoft could move toward iterative annual OS branding rather than forced migrations.
The conversation also tracks Copilot’s new opt-in integration into Windows Search, its discontinuation on LG and Samsung smart TVs, and hands-on impressions of the major performance rewrite of the Xbox PC app on handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally X20.
This episode of the Windows Central Podcast is sponsored by Surfshark VPN. Unlimited devices, access your content from anywhere, and auto-block malware on Windows, Edge, and other platforms from $2.50/mo, with 3 months extra FREE. Sign up today!
Have a question you want us to answer on the podcast? Send it to us at [email protected]
If you like the show, please let us know by give us a rating on your podcast platform of choice. It really helps us!
You can watch the live, uncut version of the Windows Central Podcast on our YouTube channel!
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Microsoft has pushed back against reports that the company has built a modernized Registry Editor app for Windows 11, clarifying that the newly discovered modern Registry Editor is just a sample app, and not intended to ship in Windows.
Windows Latest was first to report on this new Registry Editor app, but stated within their article that the app is "not a mock-up," which led some people online to believe this app is a real replacement for the existing Registry Editor.
It appears that the app is a mockup, designed to showcase Microsoft.UI.Reactor technology, meaning it was only built to show developers what is possible with the tech and not representative of any modernization work ongoing by the Windows team.
Unfortunately, some reports didn't make it clear in their headlines that this app is just a sample app, which has resulted in a lot of pushback and criticism from users due to its unfinished design. Now, two Microsoft execs have taken to X to clear up the mess.
"It’s a sample. You say it’s the new one and then in the last line of the tweet you point out it’s a sample," Microsoft VP Scott Hanselman said in a reply to Windows Latest on X. This was followed up by a post from Windows Insider lead and CVP Marcus Ash, who said "Right. A sample. Not a developer preview of a new regedit."
So, that's confirmation from Microsoft that this new Registry Editor is not coming to Windows 11, and is just a sample app designed to showcase to developers what is possible with Microsoft.UI.Reactor.
With that said, this doesn't mean the Windows team isn't working on a modernized Registry Editor. My own sources tell me the Registry Editor is on the list for a modern rejuvenation under the Windows K2 effort, but there are other pillars and higher priority items that need to be addressed first before the Registry Editor can be tackled.
The good news is a modern Registry Editor for Windows 11 is unlikely to look like the sample app being depicted in recent reports, and that a modernized Registry Editor is on the docket for the future.
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For most people, Windows 11 Home is the version I'd recommend. It includes virtually everything you need for everyday computing, productivity, gaming, and schoolwork, and paying extra for Pro won't make your PC faster.
I personally use Windows 11 Pro, but for specific reasons. I regularly rely on Group Policy, BitLocker, Remote Desktop, and Windows Sandbox, which give me more control over Windows and aren't all available with Home.
That's ultimately the decision: Pro is worth paying for if you actually need its additional tools. Otherwise, keep your money.
In this new Windows 11 guide, I'll explain the important differences between Windows 11 Home and Pro, which Pro features I think justify the extra cost, and which edition you should buy.
Both editions share the same foundation and offer most features regular users need for everyday tasks. The main differences can be found in advanced security, virtualization, remote access, hardware support, and business management.
The following table highlights the most important differences.
Features | Home | Pro |
|---|---|---|
Device Encryption | Yes* | Yes* |
Secure Boot | Yes* | Yes* |
Parental controls | Yes | Yes |
BitLocker Drive Encryption management | No | Yes |
Hyper-V | No | Yes |
Windows Sandbox | No | Yes |
Remote Desktop | No | Yes |
Local Group Policy Editor | No | Yes |
Active Directory domain join | No | Yes |
Microsoft Entra ID join | No | Yes |
Assigned Access (kiosk mode) | No | Yes |
Windows Autopilot support | No | Yes |
Core Windows, gaming, security and everyday features | Yes | Yes |
Maximum supported RAM | 128GB | 2TB |
As you can see, Home already includes most of the features needed for everyday computing. The Pro edition adds capabilities that become useful when you need more control over your computer.
Choose Home if you primarily browse, work, study, stream, or play games.
Choose Pro if you specifically need Group Policy, full BitLocker management, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, or business-management features.
If you don't know whether you need Pro, you probably don't.
When you buy a new desktop or laptop, Windows 11 is usually included in the price. However, if you're building a new computer or installing the operating system on an empty hard drive, you may need to purchase a product key separately.
Microsoft lists the following prices for its Windows 11 editions in the United States. The retail price of Windows 11 Home is usually $139.99, while Windows 11 Pro costs $199.99. If you already have a device with the "Home" edition, you can upgrade to "Pro" for an extra $99.99.
Prices may vary depending on the retailer and available promotions.
If your computer already runs Windows 11 Home, you can upgrade to Pro without reinstalling the operating system or losing your files and apps.
To check the available upgrade options, open Settings > System > Activation and select the option to upgrade your edition through the Microsoft Store.
One thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to buy Pro just because it's the more expensive edition. Unless you need its additional capabilities, Home is usually the better value.
This is where the differences become more interesting. Windows 11 Pro includes several tools that aren't available in Home, but not all of them will be useful to everyone.
From my experience, four features make Pro particularly useful.
Group Policy Editor
The Local Group Policy Editor is one of the features I use most in Windows 11 Pro.
It provides access to advanced system settings that aren't always available through the Settings app. You can use it to configure Windows Update behavior, manage security policies, restrict access to certain features, and control other parts of the operating system.
For example, when I want to change how a feature behaves, Group Policy gives me another way to configure the system without relying on third-party apps or manually changing Registry entries.
This is particularly useful if you regularly troubleshoot the operating system, experiment with system settings, or want more control over your computer.
Windows 11 Home doesn't include the Local Group Policy Editor.
Worth it for: Enthusiasts, admins, and people frequently tweaking Windows.
My recommendation: If you're an advanced user who frequently changes system settings, Group Policy alone can make Pro more appealing. However, most everyday users won't need it.
BitLocker Drive Encryption
BitLocker is another reason I prefer Windows 11 Pro.
It lets you encrypt drives to protect your files from unauthorized access. This is especially useful if you store sensitive information on your computer or carry a laptop outside your home or office.
Windows 11 Home features "Device Encryption" on supported hardware. This feature uses the same BitLocker encryption technology, but it doesn't offer the same management options as Pro.
For example, with the full version of BitLocker, you can enable encryption and save the BitLocker key locally to retain full control. On the other hand, Device Encryption stores the BitLocker key automatically in your Microsoft account, so technically, the key isn't fully under your control.
Also, the feature gives you more control over drive encryption, including the ability to manage encryption on additional internal and removable drives.
Worth it for: People who need more control over drive encryption, particularly laptops or PCs holding sensitive files.
My recommendation: If you regularly work with sensitive files or want more control over encryption, including the ability to take full control of your decryption key, Pro is worth considering. However, don't upgrade just because you want basic drive encryption. Home already provides that capability on supported devices.
Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop is another feature I use regularly.
Windows 11 Pro allows you to connect to your computer remotely using the built-in Remote Desktop feature. This is useful when you need to access your desktop from another computer, whether you're in another room or away from home.
Windows 11 Home can connect to another PC but cannot act as a Remote Desktop host.
You can use third-party applications, such as Chrome Remote Desktop or RustDesk, as an alternative.
Worth it for: Anyone who regularly needs to remotely access the PC itself.
My recommendation: If you regularly access your main computer remotely, this is one of the clearest reasons to choose Pro.
Windows Sandbox
Windows Sandbox is another feature found in the Pro version, but I use it occasionally.
It creates a temporary, lightweight, isolated Windows 11 environment that lets you test untrusted apps, open unfamiliar files, and experiment with tools without changing your main installation.
When you close Windows Sandbox, it deletes everything inside that temporary environment.
I find this particularly useful when testing apps or checking something I don't want to install directly on my main installation.
Windows 11 Home doesn't include Windows Sandbox.
Worth it for: Enthusiasts and developers testing apps or unfamiliar files.
My recommendation: If you frequently test apps or experiment, Sandbox is a valuable addition. If you only install familiar apps, it probably isn't worth paying extra for Pro.
Beyond Windows Sandbox, Windows 11 Pro includes Hyper-V, Microsoft's virtualization platform.
Hyper-V allows you to create virtual machines that run other operating systems inside Windows 11. For example, you can install another version of Windows or a Linux distribution in a virtual machine without changing your main installation.
This is useful for developers, administrators, and advanced users who need to test software or work with different operating systems.
Windows 11 Home doesn't include Hyper-V. However, both editions support Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which allows you to run Linux distributions and command-line tools directly in the operating system.
If you need a traditional virtual machine on Home, you can also use third-party apps such as Oracle VirtualBox.
The important consideration is that you don't need Pro to use Linux on Windows 11. The upgrade becomes more useful when you need the built-in Hyper-V platform and Windows Sandbox.
For hardware support, both editions support modern processors, graphics cards, storage devices, and other computer components. However, the "Pro" edition can support many more processing cores, memory, and server-grade hardware.
For example, Windows 11 Home supports up to 128GB of RAM, while Windows 11 Pro supports up to 2TB.
This difference won't affect most consumers. Even demanding apps, games, and productivity workloads generally don't require more memory than Home supports.
Also, given the price of memory today, few people can afford 2TB of RAM, let alone the specialized hardware needed to support that capacity.
However, the additional capacity can be useful for specialized workstations running professional applications, large datasets, and demanding virtual machines.
Also, while the Pro edition of Windows 11 supports up to 128 processing cores and up to two processors, the Home edition supports only one processor with up to 64 cores.
If you're building a regular desktop computer or purchasing a laptop for everyday use, the hardware limits of Windows 11 Home should be sufficient.
When it comes to gaming, both editions offer essentially the same experience.
Windows 11 Home and Pro support modern gaming technologies, including DirectX 12, Auto HDR, and DirectStorage on compatible hardware for 4K gaming.
Also, both editions can run games from platforms such as Steam, the Microsoft Store, and other digital game stores.
Windows 11 Pro doesn't provide higher frame rates or better graphics simply because it includes additional features.
If you're building a computer primarily for gaming, Windows 11 Home is the edition I recommend. You can save the extra money and put it toward a better graphics card, additional storage, or more memory.
Another major difference is that Windows 11 Pro includes features designed for environments where administrators need to manage computers, configure security settings, and control how users access system features.
For example, Pro supports joining an Active Directory domain or Microsoft Entra ID, allowing a computer to connect to an organization's identity and management infrastructure.
The edition also includes additional management capabilities, including mobile device management (MDM), organizational configuration policies, and Windows Autopilot support.
These tools allow businesses to configure computers, apply security settings, and prepare devices for employees.
Some of these capabilities require additional Microsoft services, subscriptions, and organizational configuration. Purchasing Windows 11 Pro alone doesn't automatically provide access to every business management service.
For the majority of home users, these features won't make a difference. However, if you're in a work environment that requires you to bring your own computer and join the company network, the Pro edition is the right choice.
If you're wondering which edition runs faster, the short answer is neither, and they perform virtually the same.
Home and Pro share the same core foundation and offer similar performance on identical hardware.
Windows 11 Pro doesn't automatically make apps launch faster, improve gaming performance, or reduce memory usage.
The main hardware advantage of Pro is its support for more memory. For example, Home supports up to 128GB of RAM, while Pro supports up to 2TB. However, this doesn't mean upgrading to Pro will make your existing computer faster.
In my experience, the processor, available memory, storage, background apps, and system configuration have a much bigger influence on how responsive a Windows computer feels.
Unless your workload requires more memory than Home supports, you shouldn't expect a performance improvement from changing editions.
If you plan to upgrade your laptop or desktop for college, the edition doesn't matter. If you have to choose between Home and Pro and the price doesn't increase, choose Pro. Otherwise, the Home edition provides all the tools you need to tackle virtually any task, including using productivity apps, streaming media, internet browsing, and gaming.
You also have access to Windows Subsystem for Linux, which can be useful for programming and other technical courses. However, Windows 11 Pro may be useful if your coursework requires Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, or specific business management capabilities.
If your college requires one of these features, check the software and hardware requirements before purchasing a computer.
Otherwise, I recommend choosing Windows 11 Home and saving the extra money for other equipment or school expenses.
Microsoft also offers Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, a specialized edition designed for computers with more demanding hardware and professional workloads.
This edition includes the features available in Windows 11 Pro, plus additional capabilities for high-performance workstations.
For example, it supports more memory and processors than the standard Pro edition. It includes technologies such as SMB Direct and the Resilient File System (ReFS) for supported workloads and configurations.
These capabilities are designed for specialized environments, including professional workstations that handle demanding computing tasks and large amounts of data.
The majority of regular consumers and even many professionals don't need this edition.
If you're buying a regular desktop computer or laptop, Windows 11 Home or Pro is generally the better choice.
For most people, I recommend Windows 11 Home.
Home gives you virtually everything you need for everyday computing, gaming, schoolwork, and productivity. Paying extra for Pro won't make Windows faster or improve gaming performance.
Windows 11 Pro makes sense when you can name the feature you need from it. Group Policy, BitLocker management, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and business-management capabilities are legitimate reasons to upgrade.
I use Pro myself because several of those features are part of my workflow, but my needs probably aren't the same as yours.
Here's my recommendation for choosing the right edition:
If you're unsure whether you need Pro, Home is almost certainly where I'd start. You can always upgrade later without reinstalling Windows. Microsoft documents upgrading an activated Windows Home installation to Pro through the Microsoft Store or with a Pro product key.
Are you using Windows 11 Home or Pro? If you paid extra for Pro, which feature made the upgrade worthwhile? Let me know in the comments!
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Windows 11 is getting another substantial batch of changes in November, but after going through what's coming, two improvements stand out to me: the customizable context menu and Cloud Rebuild.
The first finally gives you control over some of the clutter that has plagued Windows 11's right-click menu, while Cloud Rebuild offers a much easier way to reinstall Windows without creating a bootable USB drive.
Those are only two of the 11 changes worth knowing about this month, which also include improvements for handheld gaming, Phone Link, accessibility, Edge performance, security, and more.
Availability will vary because Microsoft rolls many features out gradually, but here's what you should be watching for in our latest Windows 11 guide.
Here's all you need to know about the features and changes coming in November.
Starting with the November update, Windows 11 is getting a new context menu experience that gives you more control over the commands and app extensions that appear in the main menu.
The new menu reduces clutter and makes the experience faster by moving app extensions into a separate submenu. It also introduces a "Customize menu" option at the bottom of the interface, which opens a dedicated Settings page where you can enable or disable built-in commands, add options such as "Print" and "Send to," and control which app extensions appear in the main menu or submenu.
You can also display "Cut," "Copy," "Paste," "Rename," "Delete," and "Share" as individual commands instead of showing them in a vertical view. Windows 11 also lets you move "Properties" to the bottom of the menu as it appeared on Windows 10.
To access these options, right-click a file, folder, or the desktop and select Customize menu, or open Settings > Personalization > Context menu.
You can keep the default configuration if you prefer. Holding down "Shift" while right-clicking also reveals the legacy context menu.
The ability to customize the menu is particularly useful because it gives users more control over which commands they see without forcing everyone to use the same layout.
Microsoft is also refreshing the Gaming Task View experience in XBOX mode. The updated interface retains the familiar design but adds a navigation bar that makes it easier to access options such as "Exit to Desktop" and "Power Options" using a game controller.
It's a relatively small change, but it makes basic actions easier to navigate using a gaming controller.
The Settings app is getting a few usability refinements. The "Privacy & security" page now groups Location, Microphone, and Camera controls more clearly, making it easier to review these permissions.
Microsoft is also expanding the "Device Info" card on the "Home" page to more markets. Available to users signed in with a Microsoft account, the card provides an overview of key hardware specifications and a shortcut to the "About" page.
The "Storage" page is also getting visual changes to its temporary files section.
These aren't major additions, but they make some commonly used Settings pages easier to navigate.
Phone Link integration is getting a small convenience improvement. When your phone is connected, you can hover over a recent message or notification in the Start menu's "Recent" section of the mobile pane to preview its contents without opening it.
It's a minor addition, but it makes checking incoming messages more convenient without opening your phone or the Phone Link app.
The Magnifier feature is getting three useful improvements, including independent zoom levels for multiple monitors, viewport locking, and a new contrast theme. These additions give you more control over magnified content while making it easier to work across multiple displays.
The biggest improvement is per-monitor zoom, which lets you assign a different magnification level to each display. For example, you can keep one monitor at 150 percent and another at 200 percent.
The feature is enabled by default, but displays must use "Extend" mode. Adjust each screen with the Magnifier toolbar or shortcuts ("Windows key + Plus/Minus").
Viewport locking keeps one magnified screen fixed while you move the pointer to another. Use "Ctrl + Windows key + K" to lock/unlock or "Windows key + Esc" to release all.
A new dark contrast theme reduces glare while keeping colors intact. Enable it from the Magnifier toolbar or Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier. Color inversion is separate.
The Narrator feature now supports reading and navigating math equations, making it easier for people with low vision to understand formulas, equations, and scientific notation.
The feature works with supported Microsoft 365 apps, including Word and PowerPoint, as well as web content in Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
You can use it with the "Narrator key + Alt + N" shortcut to enable math navigation, and then use the arrow keys to explore individual parts of an equation. Use the "Esc" key to exit. Math reading supports six languages, including English, German, Spanish, Finnish, and Traditional Chinese.
You can change the language and other preferences under Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Math reading.
Browser support requires Microsoft Edge version 153.0.4234.32 or later, or Google Chrome version 153.0.8010.18 or later.
Windows 11 is making recovery easier by allowing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles saved in the main operating system.
This allows computers to connect automatically to supported wireless networks during recovery operations such as Quick Machine Recovery and Cloud Rebuild, without requiring administrators to configure Wi-Fi credentials separately during recovery.
The feature is enabled by default and supports certain certificate-based enterprise networks, though it doesn't currently support TPM-backed certificate keys. Network administrators can turn off the capability through the Recovery Configuration Service Provider (CSP).
WinRE only accesses saved network credentials when a recovery operation requires connectivity, rather than maintaining a permanent network connection.
I've been testing Cloud Rebuild, and eliminating the need to create installation media is easily its biggest advantage. However, I also ran into an important limitation: the feature depends on Windows Update having the drivers your PC needs.
Unlike a traditional local reinstall, it doesn't depend on the existing Windows installation or require a bootable USB drive or a custom recovery image. You can also start it from the Windows Recovery Environment when the device cannot boot.
You can start the process under Settings > System > Recovery and use the "Rebuild this PC" option, or from WinRE by selecting Troubleshoot > Recovery and uninstall > Cloud Rebuild. After connecting to Ethernet or Wi-Fi, the system will display the target build, edition, and language before installation.
The feature includes two options to clean the drive. For example, the "Remove files" option reformats the system drive, although specialized recovery tools might still recover some data. On the other hand, the "Remove and sanitize files" option uses the storage hardware's erase capability to erase the selected drives before reinstalling the operating system. Sanitization can't be undone and can take several hours to complete.
In my testing, one of the things I like most about Cloud Rebuild is that it eliminates the need to create installation media before reinstalling Windows 11. However, my testing also revealed an important limitation. The process depends on Windows Update to find the required drivers, which means it may not work on every configuration. I encountered this problem when testing the feature inside a virtual machine.
If you plan to use Cloud Rebuild, the device must also meet some requirements. For instance, the computer needs a working recovery environment, a network connection, and compatible drivers available through Windows Update. If a required networking or storage driver isn't available, the process can fail and may require recovery media from the device manufacturer or an installation USB drive.
For managed devices, administrators can also configure and initiate Cloud Rebuild remotely through the Recovery CSP, including specifying a target Windows build. Once the reinstall finishes, the device starts the Out-of-the-Box Experience (OOBE), allowing managed devices to be automatically reprovisioned through Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Intune.
Microsoft Edge is getting faster and more consistent launches through a new Accelerated App Launch feature. Microsoft says most users should see launch times improve by around 15 percent when Edge is already running, with gains of up to 33 percent under heavy multitasking.
The new feature lets the operating system check for an existing Edge process when you open the browser from the Start menu, Taskbar, or a supported link. In the past, the system had to start an additional process to check whether the browser was already running before forwarding the request. As a result, removing that extra step helps reduce launch delays, especially when the device is under load.
Accelerated App Launch requires Microsoft Edge version 150 or later and Windows 11 versions 26H2, 25H2, or 26H1 with the November 2026 update or later installed on the computer.
One thing I wanted to point out is that the feature isn't limited to the default system browser. Developers can also implement this feature in their apps.
Windows 11 is also improving its adaptive hibernate policy on devices that support Modern Standby. The system will hibernate less often when the battery charge is above 80 percent, helping the computer resume more quickly. When the charge drops below 10 percent, the system will hibernate sooner to help preserve the remaining battery power.
Microsoft is expanding Memory Integrity protection to more eligible devices. During updates, supported devices may automatically enable memory integrity, also known as Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI), to help protect the Windows kernel against malicious code.
The feature uses Virtualization-based Security (VBS) to help prevent untrusted code from modifying critical kernel components and ensures that only trusted kernel-mode code and drivers can run.
The new setting change works by checking the hardware capabilities, driver compatibility, and performance requirements before enabling the protection. The rollout also respects existing user and administrator configurations, so the system won't automatically turn memory integrity back on if it was explicitly disabled.
Although the expansion is a welcome security improvement, the feature isn't without trade-offs. Virtualization-based security can introduce performance overhead, and incompatible drivers or software can cause problems on some systems.
I wouldn't recommend turning off the protection simply because the operating system now enables it by default. If you stumble upon performance problems or hardware compatibility issues, check for updated drivers first and determine whether Memory Integrity is responsible before changing your security settings.
Cloud Rebuild and context menu customization are easily the two November changes I'd watch most closely. Both address genuine Windows 11 pain points rather than simply adding another visual tweak or secondary feature.
Cloud Rebuild is especially promising. Being able to reinstall Windows without creating installation media could make recovery considerably easier, but my testing exposed an important limitation: it still depends on Windows Update having the drivers your PC needs. I ran into that problem while testing the feature in a virtual machine.
I'd like to see Microsoft make that process more resilient before calling it a replacement for traditional recovery media. If Microsoft can solve the driver problem, Cloud Rebuild could become one of Windows 11's most useful recovery tools.
Which November change would make the biggest difference to how you use Windows 11? Or is there something Microsoft still hasn't fixed that you'd rather see prioritized? Let me know in the comments.
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When faced with a RAM shortage and dropping PC sales, companies have limited options. PC makers can't do much to increase the supply of memory chips in the short term, and expanding production takes time. That leaves app makers and developers under pressure to make their software more memory-efficient.
Microsoft led the charge recently in optimizing apps for systems with less RAM, though Discord also made a strong effort by ditching Electron. Everything from Windows 11 features to built-in Microsoft apps have been upgraded to use less RAM.
Microsoft is enforcing "memory budgets," such as restricting PCs with 8GB of RAM from having bloatware.
My question is, why did it take a RAM crisis for Microsoft, Discord, or any other company to care about efficiency?
With Microsoft and third-party developers working to make apps more efficient, PCs with only 8GB of RAM should perform better (though it's worth noting 8GB of RAM is already fine for some workflows). It's a welcome change, but I can't help but wonder why it's needed.
The latest version of Windows 11 proves that the operating system can run more efficiently than what we had even just a few months ago.
A lot of factors contributed to Windows 11 getting too bloated and RAM-hungry. The operating system has grown significantly since launch, adding features and expanding preexisting functionality. It seems that much of that growth happened without RAM overhead being a priority.
There also wasn't as much pressure to optimize apps until the RAM shortage kicked in. RAM was relatively inexpensive and many systems allowed you to upgrade later if you ever needed more memory.
Just as one example, back in 2023 we covered a deal that dropped the Corsair Vengeance 32GB 5200MHz to $180. Back then, it was noteworthy because the same module had previously cost $250. That price remained stable until about September 2025.
Now, that same RAM costs over $500.
Considering the relatively low cost of even a 32GB DDR5 RAM module back then, Windows 11 could chug along while eating up memory without affecting performance.
Now, out of necessity, Microsoft needs to optimize Windows 11 and as many apps as possible to reduce the total RAM demand across the PC industry. If companies like Discord hop on board, all the better.
Due to the ongoing RAM shortage, it is increasingly difficult to find PCs with 16GB of RAM paired with premium specs for under $1,000. The current discount on the Acer Swift 16 AI slashes $550 off a laptop that can handle local AI workloads and creative work like video and photo editing. It also has an OLED panel our friends at Tom's Guide called its "standout feature" due to its sharp image quality and 120Hz refresh rate.
Swift 16 AI (Core Ultra X7 358H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD): was $1549.99 now $999.99
"Impresses with its vibrant 16-inch OLED panel, powerful Panther Lake-powered performance, ultraportable design, and long-lasting battery life." — Tony Polanco, Senior Computing Writer, Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐View Deal
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Windows Insiders have a bunch of new builds to check out. Microsoft released five Insider builds to wrap up the week, and they include everything from tiny changes and fixes to a massive update to Magnifier.
Rather than stretching a single magnified view across all of your displays, Magnifier will remember distinct zoom percentages to each monitor.
Magnifier also has a new contrast theme to reduce glare. This is different from the color inversion. Magnifier's contrast theme leaves photos, charts, and videos untouched.
This release of Windows Insider builds also serve as a reminder that Microsoft is reducing that amount of storage that comes with a Microsoft 365 Family plan. Of course, Microsoft does not phrase it that way, but it's true.
The build shipping to Beta channel Insiders adds a section in the Settings app that shows how much shared storage is used across your Microsoft 365 Family plan. That plan currently includes up to 6TB of OneDrive storage spread across six users. That will soon be reduced to 2TB of OneDrive storage shared across the entire family.
Setting the zoom on each screen is easy. Choose whichever method feels natural:
Magnifier new contrast theme
What's changing
What stays the same
Notes
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The Discord app will soon use less RAM and power, all without losing a single feature. Discord is rebuilding its desktop app in Rust, replacing the Electron-based client it uses today. Discord has used Rust in parts of its technology stack for years, but the desktop application itself has historically been built on Electron.
The new app is faster and more efficient, as demonstrated by Discord CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy. He showed the current Discord app and the new Rust client of Discord on a pair of Lenovo ThinkPads running Windows 11.
In that side-by-side comparison, the new Rust-based client launched more quickly than the current Electron version.
Electron apps often draw criticism because they use a lot of system memory. The apps rely on web technology, which means every single Electron app essentially ships with a mini browser. As a result, Electron apps are often more resource-heavy and less efficient than native desktop applications.
The new Discord client using less RAM is just part of the story. Clicking around feels instant, I can't go back. Check out the boot time. https://t.co/x7ayyWBVQJNovember 5, 2026
Some workloads can benefit from native code rather than web technologies, especially when performance and efficiency are priorities. That may make you question why Discord has had an Electron app for so long, but there are plus sides to the framework.
The biggest benefit of Electron is that it allows developers to use the same codebase across major platforms. Rather than maintaining separate applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, developers can build a single application.
That advantage has kept Electron popular for years, powering everything from Discord and Slack to Microsoft Teams and Visual Studio Code. But some companies and developers have deemed the tradeoff too great and have migrated to other frameworks in pursuit of better performance and efficiency.
Discord's new app comes at a time when RAM is at a premium. Due to the ongoing RAM crisis, many people cannot upgrade to PCs. Even those looking to purchase new computers may have to pick models with only 8GB of RAM because of the increased cost of memory.
Microsoft is working to optimize Windows 11 for systems with 8GB of RAM. Alongside optimization efforts for Windows 11, Microsoft is reducing the memory needs of many of its apps.
Even with Windows 11 performing better on low-RAM devices, it's nice to see Discord ditch Electron and create a more efficient app. Discord has long been criticized for eating up memory and performing slowly. The new app should fix both those issues.
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Microsoft Teams meeting transcripts are about to become more profane, at least if your organization's admin enables a setting. This week, Microsoft rolled out the option to have profane words appear uncensored in meeting transcripts.
Depending on your workplace culture, the change may have little impact. Other organizations may discover that their meeting transcripts suddenly become a lot more colorful.
The feature applies to both live transcription and saved meeting transcripts. Profanity filtering remains enabled by default. Live captions work differently and continue to follow each participant's existing profanity settings.
The release notes do not indicate whether meeting participants will be notified when an organization chooses to disable profanity filtering in transcripts.
Censorship can be a sensitive topic, even in professional environments in which people have worked together a long time. Many people draw different lines when it comes to profane language, so it makes sense to have individual settings as well as organization-level settings.
There are situations in which exact wording matters. Internal investigations, HR complaints, legal disputes, or compliance reviews may benefit from an unfiltered transcript that reflects precisely what was said during a meeting.
Microsoft describes the feature in more depth in its release notes for admin features:
Microsoft Teams: Admins can control profanity filtering in meeting transcripts: Teams administrators will be able to use a meeting policy to control whether profane words are masked in live transcription and saved meeting transcripts. Filtering remains on by default. When an organizer is assigned a policy that turns filtering off, profane words can appear without masking in both the live and saved transcript, while live captions continue to follow each participant's existing profanity setting.
In addition to the profanity setting, Microsoft added a feature that pops calls in a new window to improve multitasking. The company also added a way to require pre-meeting consent for all participants of a meeting.
For most Teams users, this change probably won't alter day-to-day meetings. But for organizations that rely on transcripts for records, compliance, or investigations, having the option to capture conversations word-for-word could matter far more than a few colorful words.
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The OnePlus Open was one of the best foldables on the market when it launched. Its large displays and solid cameras were ahead of the competition, leading our colleagues at TechRadar to call it "the only foldable phone that doesn't compromise." So, how do you improve on what was already an excellent foldable? You put Windows 11 on it, of course.
Okay, that may be taking things too far, but Windows 11 does look incredible on a folding phone. I can say that with confidence because Kevin Shroff managed to get Windows 11 to run on the OnePlus Open.
To get Windows 11 onto the OnePlus Open, Shroff removed Android entirely, dimmed the external display, and focused on the large folding screen.
Windows 11 on a folding phone is surprisingly INCREDIBLE https://t.co/55WcY2K0MxOctober 23, 2026
The project uses a combination of Windows 11, OEM firmware, and custom components. An impressive number of features work, considering the nature of the setup.
Getting Windows 11 to boot at all on the OnePlus Open is a feat, but Shroff got touch to work as well.
Several key functions do not work, however, including audio, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity. Even charging and Wi-Fi are listed as "in progress" on the project's GitHub page.
With projects like this, it's more about seeing how far limits can be pushed than creating a daily driver. While I'd love a dual-booting foldable that can run Android and Windows 11, that's not realistic.
Whenever I see a phone forced to run Windows, my mind jumps to thoughts of Windows Phone. I imagine that's the case for many long-time readers here at Windows Central. But seeing Windows 11 on a foldable hits differently.
Windows 11 looks incredible on the nearly square inner display of the OnePlus Open. Because of folding laptops, dual screen PCs, and gaming handhelds, Windows 11 adapts well to screens with different aspect ratios.
The Windows 11 desktop almost looks built for devices like this. Compare Windows 11 on the OnePlus Open to Windows 10 on an early Lenovo X1 Fold.
Windows 11's taskbar shrinks perfectly onto the nearly square screen of the OnePlus Open. When opened, the Start menu fills most of the screen but leaves enough room around the edges to make it clear you're still on the desktop.
Earlier this year, we saw what could have been for the Surface Duo through the iPhone Duo. Now, a passion project illustrates how Windows 11 could have scaled to a foldable Surface Duo if Microsoft ever went in that direction.
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Last month, Microsoft announced a brand new, overhauled Windows Search experience that has been rebuilt from the ground up with more accurate file and app results as well as the ability to modify settings and initiate actions that you ask for.
The new Windows Search is powerful, letting users control their PC, modify settings, answer text messages, open apps, and preview images, files and rich content all from within the search UI. It reduces web content and uses native Windows UI frameworks for a faster and more fluid UX.
Microsoft has also confirmed that this new Windows Search UI will integrate Copilot later this year. This is unsurprising given the new interface builds upon the Ask Copilot experience that the company first announced last year, but never shipped outside of preview.
Ask Copilot testing was paused over the summer, likely because Microsoft decided to integrate it into this new Windows Search experience instead. The new Windows Search looks almost identical to Ask Copilot, meaning I expect the Copilot integration to function very similarly to how it already did before.
"We will also begin adding the option to integrate the new Copilot with Search on the taskbar, so you can get quick answers inline from Search, and if you want to have a richer conversation, you can jump from Search directly to the full Copilot app," Microsoft says. "This experience will be opt-in, and will first start rolling out to select markets later this year."
The good news is that unlike Ask Copilot, which had no option to turn off Copilot integration in the new interface, Microsoft says the Copilot integration in Windows Search will now be opt-in. That means users who don't want Copilot in their search UI won't have to see it.
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it will be reducing Copilot bloat across the Windows OS, which likely drove the decision to retire Ask Copilot and make it an optional feature in the new Windows Search instead. While both features share the same UI and backbone, Copilot will no longer be a mandatory part of it.
Microsoft says the new Windows Search will begin rolling out before the end of 2026, which is a quick turn around for a feature that was announced in October. But when you consider the fact that the new Windows Search is actually just Ask Copilot without Copilot, it becomes apparent that the feature has actually been in testing for almost a year.
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The Windows 11 Start menu has received a lot of updates recently, but if you want to fully customize your Start menu, you need to use an app like Start11. A major update to Start11 is now in beta, and it brings a bunch of new features.
Start11 v3 adds support for widgets within the Start menu. There are 20 widgets available at launch, though most are fairly straightforward. Widgets like a clock or calendar may serve better as proof of concept than a core part of the Start menu.
The updated app also adds Taskbar Islands, which are a dock-like experience. They feel a little bit like macOS because they split the taskbar into smaller pieces that do not take up an entire section at the bottom of your screen. But the Taskbar Islands very much match the overall design and feel of Windows 11.
Start11 adds support for grouping applications directly in the taskbar by holding Alt and dragging applications together. You can pin those groups as workspaces to launch multiple apps with a single click.
A new button in the taskbar provides quick access to recently closed applications, overflow items, and taskbar tools.
Stardock also added the ability to explore Start menu layouts from the community.
As much as I love apps that customize the look of Windows 11 and add new features, I only keep a few installed on my PC. Start11 is on the short list of apps I install right away, alongside PowerToys.
With Microsoft's recent improvements to the Start menu, an app like Start11 needs to do more to stand out. Start11 v3 does that with taskbar islands, widgets in the Start menu, and other new features.
(per year): was $10 now $8
Start11 lets you customize the Windows Start menu with several layouts, visual styles, and positioning options. If Microsoft's default Start menu isn't quite right for your workflow, Start11 gives you plenty of alternatives. Right now, it's on sale for $8 while v3 is in beta.View Deal
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Finding a place for a game console usually means clearing a shelf, not making room for a reptile. Microsoft’s Xbox Series X-BITE puts a working Series X inside an artificial alligator measuring more than five feet long. The one-off creation trades a discreet electronics box for something closer to a wildlife exhibit, complete with a controller between its teeth.
The alligator rests on slim posts above a rectangular, wood-grain base, with its legs hanging below and its tail curling toward the floor. Dark, ridged scales and a lighter belly give it the appearance of a mounted specimen. That familiar display format does much of the work, making the oversized enclosure feel deliberately theatrical rather than like an ordinary console wearing a novelty cover.
Designer: Microsoft (Xbox)
A raised section on its back interrupts those scales, with an illuminated Xbox Nexus symbol worked into the surface. It’s the clearest clue that the animal has supposedly swallowed something it shouldn’t. The branding stays small against the length of the body, allowing the fabrication to carry the joke before the glowing logo explains why there’s an alligator underneath your television in the first place.
The head gets a less subtle treatment. Xbox-green irises surround pupils shaped around the Nexus symbol, turning the creature’s stare into another brand reference. Between the open jaws sits a custom Xbox Wireless Controller with artificial bite marks. It gives the sculpture a little unfinished business, as though the console wasn’t quite enough of a meal and the accessories were next on the menu.
The commission went to creature-effects specialists, who used 3D modeling, sculpting, and fabrication to build the animal around the hardware. That process gives a promotional console the attention normally associated with a film prop. Florida supplied the inspiration, according to Xbox, although the animal itself is entirely artificial. No actual alligators were used or harmed in creating this unusually elaborate console enclosure.
For the person who eventually owns it, the obvious challenge is finding a suitable place to put it. More than five feet of reptile won’t disappear into the usual gap beside a television. Its long base asks for a substantial display surface, and the raised mounting makes the whole assembly something to plan a room around rather than tuck away.
There’s also a qualification behind the playable-console claim. Xbox says the Series X inside works, but its fine print recommends the finished creation for display. The announcement doesn’t explain ventilation, access to ports, or servicing inside the sculpted body. That leaves a distinction between functioning hardware and a practical replacement for the console you switch on every evening after work.
Only one Series X-BITE exists, and it’s being offered through a sweepstakes rather than a retail release. There isn’t a shelf price to weigh against a standard console or a choice of less toothy finishes. The appeal is owning the fabrication itself, with a working Xbox as its unlikely inhabitant. The controller has a home, provided you don’t mind the teeth.
The post Xbox Put a Working Series X Inside a Giant Fake Alligator first appeared on Yanko Design.
Microsoft's big news this week is about how Windows 11 is now considerably more responsive on 8GB of RAM. A couple of weeks ago, it was the Xbox Series X|S and AMD-powered gaming handhelds getting AMD's FSR 4.1 upscaling to help boost performance.
What do these stories have in common? To me, they're evidence that the standard tech market model is breaking down in the face of unprecedented hardware shortages.
Laptops and desktop PCs keep rising in price, even as they're stripped of memory and storage. Xbox consoles have never been pricier. The latest gaming handhelds, including the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, are ballooning in price, to the point that they cost as much as a high-end gaming laptop from just a few years ago.
Consumer hardware that used to brute-force its way to acceptable performance in Windows, games, and beyond is no longer on the table for a lot of people because of AI-inflated prices.
What's left? Microsoft, despite its major role in the AI race, can't directly make hardware cheaper. It can, however, make it last longer by focusing on optimizations and innovations that offset the current economic reality that's keeping old hardware in our hands.
The bigger story surrounding Windows 11's 8GB improvements is that Microsoft is putting significant engineering efforts into improving the OS for low-end hardware. And it's not afraid to show it off.
To me, this is a reversal of tradition. For what feels like all my life until recently, the answer to a sluggish PC was to upgrade the hardware. Microsoft and its OEMs loved this tradition, of course, because it let them sell more products.
Now, the focus is shifting to making the hardware we have feel like it can indeed last until an upgrade becomes affordable.
This shift comes a couple of years after Microsoft's massive Copilot+ PC initiative, which I'm sure was conceived as an ultimate ploy to get users to buy new hardware.
That didn't turn out so well for Microsoft. The AI tools built into the OS failed to capture the whimsy of the average user. Adoption was slow, no doubt largely because of rising prices. The Copilot+ PC badge was eventually phased out in September 2026.
Microsoft must have realized at some point during this transition that the millions of Windows users still running old hardware are not going to upgrade any time soon.
Optimization used to be a nice bonus when it arrived, but it's now becoming a major pillar in Microsoft's consumer strategy.
Microsoft isn't just working on optimizations for Windows users. AMD recently announced it's bringing its FSR 4.1 upscaling technique to its older hardware, which includes Xbox Series X|S, Radeon RX 6000 GPUs, and a host of Ryzen-powered gaming handhelds, including the ROG Xbox Ally X.
I've discussed how this update gives the current console generation some much-needed legs in the face of next-gen uncertainty. It improves image quality, makes rendering easier, and boosts framerates (maybe not all at the same time).
It won't turn your Xbox into a supercomputer, but it is the next best thing to buying an entirely new device with more power. This is particularly important as rumors of the next-gen Xbox Helix's $1200-$1800 price begin to swirl.
If Helix indeed launches at that price, Microsoft has to know that adoption won't be fast. But the company also knows it can't afford to lose those Xbox gamers.
Keeping the Series X|S relevant longer into the future ensures that gamers keep buying Game Pass subscriptions, keep buying new games, and, ultimately, remain inside the ecosystem.
Microsoft used to make ungodly amounts of money from licensing Windows on PCs. However, it's arrived at a point where licenses are a tiny fraction of revenue. It's all about the subscriptions now, including Game Pass, Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Copilot, Azure, and many more.
Don't get me wrong; I'm sure Microsoft would still love to be selling a ton of PCs. That's just good for business. That's not what's happening these days. PC sales are on a steep decline because of rising prices.
But as long as people are still using some sort of Windows PC that doesn't frustrate them with sluggish performance, there's a good chance that Microsoft will receive at least one monthly payment and remain within the ecosystem.
Microsoft realized at some point that the upgrade cycle we're currently in is going to last for a lot longer than usual, especially as prices keep climbing.
And although I'm sure there were external circumstances playing a role in these recent optimizations I laid out, the big story is that Microsoft knows software is the answer to unaffordable hardware.
Do you agree with my opinions above? Do you think we'll be seeing a lot more software optimization in the years to come if PC prices don't drop? Do you think this is all just a small bandage on a seeping wound? Let me know in the comments section below!
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Microsoft Authenticator's Android backup switch is coming in January. Existing recovery settings may not carry over automatically.
The post Microsoft Authenticator’s Android Backup Switch Is Coming in January — Google One Takes Over appeared first on TechRepublic.
Searching for a specific email in Outlook can prove challenging. Outlook search can sometimes return irrelevant results while missing the exact email you need. Microsoft is looking to improve that frustrating experience with a revamped search.
The new search has a feature that genuinely removes the most frustrating part of Outlook for me. That phrase is thrown around a lot online and is often clickbait, but I mean it here emphatically.
Outlook now handles stop words better. Those words, such as "the," "and," and "is," often clog search results with irrelevant emails. I can't tell you how many times those tiny words have led to terrible searches that made me fish through the results that appear chronologically.
Microsoft's example from a blog post shows how drastically different the results are when searching "the FY27 budget" using the old Outlook search versus the new one.
The improvements highlighted by Microsoft center around ranking emails better. Microsoft focused on three areas when building the new search tool in Outlook: better ranking, improved performance when connectivity is poor, and a tighter feedback loop.
When you search for an email within Outlook, you will see seven ranked results rather than three. Those emails are ranked based on recency, sender, how much the message has been interacted with, and other factors. Expanding the number of ranked messages presented should show users more relevant emails while also helping Microsoft improve its ranking systems over time.
The new ranking layout is available across several versions of Outlook, including the new and Classic versions.
There are other upgrades as well. Classic Outlook now automatically falls back to locally indexed content when connectivity is poor. That same functionality is on the way to new Outlook but will ship later.
Users of Classic Outlook should also see faster search results. Microsoft also said recent improvements reduced latency for the slowest 5% of Outlook searches.
The improved rankings in Outlook are the result of a small language model ranker built specifically for Outlook. That model is trained through distillation, meaning it is built under the supervision of a larger model.
Distillation helps Outlook search be more efficient than if it had to run a larger model just to look through and rank emails.
I'd probably be okay with using a larger model in Outlook if it cut out irrelevant results that appear simply for using an article or common verb like "is." I bet I'd still save some time that way. But I don't have to test that theory because the new Outlook search is lightweight.
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A familiar Windows frustration is getting a fix. New menu settings let users bring back text commands, manage app extensions, and reduce clutter.
The post Windows 11 Lets You Customize the Right-Click Menu — Here’s What Changes appeared first on TechRepublic.
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