Microsoft is giving Windows 11 users the option to remove some bloat
Few people would argue with the notion that Windows 11 comes with more than a little baggage. If you buy a computer with the operating system pre-installed, you can almost always expect the inclusion of bloatware from the manufacturer, but there are plenty of unwanted components even after a clean installation.
With the latest build of Windows 11, however, this is changing. Microsoft is apparently aware, and -- more importantly -- taking notice, of the fact that users are annoyed by having apps forced upon them without the option of uninstalling them. So the company is making it possible to remove more of Windows 11's built-in apps and components.
Microsoft reveals a secret keyboard shortcut that makes Task Manager easier to manage
For power users, people troubleshooting problems, and anyone looking to kill a troublesome app, Windows' Task Manager is a seriously useful utility. Having been around for so many years, you might think there would be nothing new to learn about the tool. Think again!
Microsoft has just shared details of a keyboard shortcut that works in the Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions of Task Manager. For anyone who has been frustrated by the speed at which the list of processes changes, this tip is absolute gold.
Microsoft rolls back KB5028244 update and issues advice following ClickOnce issues in Windows 10
Windows 10 users who installed the recent KB5028244 update have been experiencing issues with apps deployed with ClickOnce. The problems have seemingly been widespread as Microsoft has been forced to implement a Known Issue Rollback (KIR).
No details about the cause or scale of the issues have been revealed but KIRs are relatively rare, pointing to serious concerns. Microsoft has also issued some advice to those who have run into problems.
Microsoft is working on a big UI facelift for PowerToys
There can be few tech-heads out there -- particularly if they are readers of BetaNews -- that are not aware of PowerToys. This outrageously useful collection of Windows utilities has an avid following, and each new release is eagerly lapped up as new modules are added.
The latest project for the PowerToys team is to give the app a "new homepage experience". What this means in practice is an update to the app that introduces a central dashboard that provides an overview of which modules are currently enabled, also showing helpful information such as useful keyboard shortcuts for individual utilities.
From humble beginnings to tech giant: Microsoft's trailblazing journey
In the annals of technological history, few narratives are as enthralling as the creation and rise of Microsoft. This powerhouse has been instrumental in shaping our interaction with technology today and owes its inception to two young, passionate, and ambitious individuals: Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
In 1975, Gates and Allen, childhood friends hailing from Seattle, were captivated by the introduction of the MITS Altair 8800, a microcomputer that set their imaginations alight. They envisioned transforming this piece of technology into something more user-friendly and accessible to the everyday person. Their innovative idea was to design a programming language that would simplify interaction with the computer.
Microsoft is bringing Windows 11's new backup tool to Windows 10
A few months back, we learned of Microsoft's new Windows Backup app. At the time it was only made available to users of Windows 11 signed up as Insiders on the Dev channel.
Now this handy utility is making its way to Windows 10 as well. For now, it is included in the build pushed to the Release Preview Channel last week, but this means it won't be long until Window 10 users have access to an official backup tool from Microsoft which is about more than just safeguarding files.
Best Windows apps this week
Five-hundred-and-fifty-five in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Soon, Windows 11 users will be able to uninstall the Cortana application. Microsoft announced the deprecation of the app, in favor of Windows Copilot and other AI-integrations, this week.
Microsoft adds a hidden System Components section to Windows 11 Settings
With the latest Canary build of Windows 11, Microsoft is at it again, hiding new features for anyone who knows where to look. In Windows 11 build 25926, it is a new section in the Settings app that has been secreted away.
Added with no announcement, and no mention in the release notes, a hidden System Components section in Settings can be enabled with the likes of ViVeTool or Microsoft’s own StagingTool. It provides a list of Windows 11's built-in apps and tools, and allows many to be uninstalled.
Windows 11 Build 23521 comes with Windows Copilot, taskbar and system tray improvements
Yesterday, Microsoft rolled a new flight to Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary Channel. Today the company has a new build for those on the Dev Channel.
Build 23521 introduces a number of changes and improvements, as well as fixes for known problems.
Microsoft releases Windows 365 Switch to simplify moving between a cloud PC and the desktop
Microsoft has announced the availability of the public preview of Windows 365 Switch. The utility makes it easy for Windows 11 users to jump between a Windows 365 Cloud PC and the local desktop.
The company highlights the benefits of the feature to BYOD scenarios, pointing to a seamless experience from within Windows 11 via the Task view feature. Using Windows 365 Switch, switching between a Cloud PC and a local desktop can be achieved with keyboard commands, as well as a mouse-click or a swipe gesture.
Microsoft releases experimental Windows 11 Build 25926
Microsoft today releases a new Windows 11 flight for those Windows Insiders who like to live on the cutting edge.
Canary build 25926 comes with new features from the Dev Channel, such as improvements for Windows Ink, advanced screen casting, and local file sharing tweaks, as well as a number of other changes and improvements.
All Windows 11 users should install the KB5029263 update as soon as possible
Microsoft has released a large new cumulative update for Windows 11 in the form of the KB5029263 update.
As this release fixes a series of security issues in the operating system, everyone running Windows 11 22H2 should install it as soon as possible. KB5029263 is a mandatory update so it will be installed automatically -- eventually -- but it is important enough to justify taking manual action to ensure you have it immediately.
Forget Windows 12, Windows Utopia is the ideal Microsoft operating system
Microsoft is steadily working to improve Windows 11 and, if the rumors are true, it's already developing the successor to that operating system, Windows 12.
Although we don't know too much about that forthcoming OS yet -- Microsoft hasn't even officially announced it -- it's widely expected to be built around the AI-powered Windows Copilot.
Microsoft announces indefinite postponement of multi-account search in Outlook
With few people having just one email address nowadays, the problem of searching for email across two or more accounts is one that affects many users. Just last month, Microsoft announced an upcoming feature for its Outlook email client -- the ability to search across multiple email accounts simultaneously.
Now the company has had a change of heart, updating its plans to indicate that the handy option is now "postponed indefinitely".
Watch Microsoft Windows 1.0 running on an Apple MacBook Air
It's always fun to try and run old games and apps on modern versions of Windows, if only to see if you can, and how they'll look.
If that's not challenging enough, you could consider trying to run a really old version of Windows on hardware it was never intended for, such as a MacBook Air.
Recent Headlines
© 1998-2025 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy.