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Key Facts1TB moved between Windows laptops using direct Ethernet
Oct 11, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Both laptops had Ethernet ports, and a direct cable connected them without a router or network switch.
- The setup used static IP addresses, a private network, network discovery, and file and printer sharing.
- Robocopy was already included with Windows and could resume interrupted copies, retry files, and create logs.
- At about 100MB/s, transferring 1TB took nearly three hours; the storage media strongly affected the duration.
Microsoft pulls out of Nscale's Essex AI data centre: Tech firm Nscale says it is still committed to building the site in Essex.
bbc.com/news/articles/c9m26kl5y7epo
I needed to see the new Windows 11 Photos app in action to fathom how fast it is — it's like switching from dial-up to broadband
windowscentral.com/software-apps/i-needed-to-see-the-new-windows-11-photos-app-in-action-to-fathom-how-fast-it-is-its-like-switching-from-dial-up-to-broadband
WindowsCentral 15h
Microsoft is celebrating 12 years of the Windows Insider Program with a fresh batch of free wallpapers inspired by the iconic Windows 11 Bloom design!
White ... Show more
WindowsCentral Oct 18
Windows 11 is getting a new Search experience, and Microsoft didn’t reveal the whole picture.
We put together a full FAQ that explains what’s changing ... Show more
Microsoft: October Windows Server updates break Exchange sign-in, mail flow: Microsoft has confirmed that this month's Windows Server security updates are ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-october-windows-server-updates-cause-exchange-issues/
Windows 11 contains code from Windows 95 - | this is the reason: 31-year-old code remnants from Windows 95 live on in Windows 11 because a SimCity bug forced ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Darum-steckt-noch-Windows-95-Code-in-Windows-11-1557091/
Key FactsWhy Windows 11 Retains Windows 95 Code
11 hours ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
- According to Microsoft developer Raymond Chen, Windows 11 version 26H2 contains EmulateHeap, based on recompiled Windows 95 memory-manager code.
- A bug in the first Windows version of SimCity made it reuse freed memory, prompting special handling in Windows 95 betas.
- In later Windows versions, EmulateHeap redirects an application's memory commands to substitute routines imitating Windows 95 when the correction is enabled.
- After updates, users reported missing sound in GTA Vice City or crashes in Need for Speed: Most Wanted with the correction enabled.
Key FactsWindows 11 26H2 Reportedly Lowers RAM Use Mainly on Larger Systems
2 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- A Reddit user with 48GB reported startup usage falling from 6.9GB to approximately 4.8GB.
- Windows Latest observed idle usage on a 16GB laptop falling from above 10GB to 7GB.
- Reported reductions involve almost exclusively systems with at least 16GB, while 8GB devices so far mostly show no benefit.
- A Lenovo Legion 5 Pro test recorded usage falling from 8.5GB to 6.7GB under 26H2.
"clear efforts around driving better utilization of memory"— Pavan Davuluri, on a May episode of Microsoft's Inside Windows podcast
Key FactsExplorerPatcher Can Restore Selected Windows 10 Features
2 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- The free ExplorerPatcher can restore Windows 10’s Start menu in Windows 11, including resizing and a visible app list.
- It replaces Microsoft’s Widgets with a streamlined weather widget, which the author said was recently failing to display data.
- The Windows 10 Ribbon interface improves File Explorer access, but removes Windows 11 features such as tabs.
- Some smaller options apparently do not work in current versions, although the author says the app remains supported.
Right off the bat, being able to restore the Windows 10 Start menu with ExplorerPatcher is an extremely welcome change, and the biggest reason to use this app, in my opinion.— João Carrasqueira, author of the XDA-Developers article on ExplorerPatcher
"Open source Windows" ReactOS finally reaching Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 level, gets NTFS support.
neowin.net/news/open-source-windows-reactos-finally-reaching-vista-7-8-81-level-gets-ntfs-support/
WindowsCentral 12h
Microsoft made its Windows Insider Program anniversary wallpaper using a Mac: The wallpapers celebrating 12 years of Windows Insiders were apparently created ...
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-made-its-windows-insider-program-anniversary-wallpaper-using-a-mac
KB5127648 breaks Windows 11 exclusive feature that helps weak PCs perform better.
^P
October Patch Tuesday KB5127648 breaks Smart App Control SAC ... Show more
KB5127648: Microsoft breaks Windows 11 exclusive feature that helps weak PCs perform better
KB5127648: Microsoft breaks Windows 11 exclusive feature that helps weak PCs perform better
Key FactsWhy Many Intel Alder Lake Owners Stay Put
3 days ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Introduced in 2021, Alder Lake processors still handle 1080p and 1440p gaming; newer chips are faster, but not dramatically.
- On suitable motherboards, they offer PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and Resizable BAR; the Core i9-12900K also handles many productivity workloads.
- A Vmin shift instability bug affected Intel’s 13th and 14th generations; updates addressed it, but damaged chips retained lasting harm.
- According to the article, a typical 32GB DDR5-6000 kit costs at least $480, four times more than twelve months earlier.
WindowsCentral Oct 14
INTERESTING:
Microsoft is surveying players about whether Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and even Minecraft should become Xbox‑exclusive👀
It’s not confirmation ... Show more
Microsoft admits Windows 11 KB5127648 KB5126646 break WPA 802.1X auth, shares fix.
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WindowsCentral Oct 18
Surface Laptop Ultra shows what Microsoft can do when it gets everything right, but Windows 11 still feels like the variable holding the equation back ... Show more
Windows 11 up to 20 percent faster: Microsoft improves RAM usage: Microsoft continues to work on the everyday usability of Windows 11. New improvements are ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Win-11-soll-im-Vergleich-zu-frueher-bis-zu-20-Prozent-schneller-reagieren-1556957/
Key FactsMicrosoft Reports Windows 11 Responding Up to 20% Faster
3 days ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
- Microsoft measured interactions up to 20 percent faster between two builds; this does not represent a blanket acceleration of all programs.
- Optimized memory management can keep up to 2 GiB more active data in RAM on suitable systems.
- On computers with up to 8 GiB RAM, widgets load only when opened, freeing more than 200 MiB for other applications.
- The redesigned search will initially be tested with Windows Insiders and is intended to become more broadly available later this year.
WindowsCentral Oct 18
Xbox is hiring a "Physical Games Supply Strategist" — will the next-gen Xbox Helix snub PlayStation and support discs?
windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-is-hiring-a-physical-games-supply-strategist-is-it-swerving-left-on-playstations-anti-disc-stance
Microsoft's special Windows 11 26H2 tweak makes PCs faster especially on hard disks.
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Microsoft says Windows 11 26H2 up to 20% more responsive from ... Show more
Microsoft's special Windows 11 26H2 tweak makes PCs faster especially on hard disks
Microsoft's special Windows 11 26H2 tweak makes PCs faster especially on hard disks
WindowsCentral 13h
Hello Hybrid intelligence PCs: Microsoft is evolving Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs with new AI capabilities that are smart enough to run on device or in the cloud
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/hello-hybrid-intelligence-pcs-microsoft-is-evolving-copilot-pcs-with-new-ai-capabilities-that-are-smart-enough-to-run-on-device-or-in-the-cloud
12 years of the Insider Program: Microsoft offers a free wallpaper pack: To celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft has released ...
winfuture.de/news,162057.html
Microsoft axes AI deal in setback for UK data centre pioneer
telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/10/18/microsoft-axes-ai-deal-setback-uk-data-centre-pioneer/
Your PC could lose Windows Update access in 2027. Here's what to do: Microsoft's Windows Update certificates expire in May and June 2027. Fortunately ...
pcworld.com/article/3259575/your-pc-could-lose-windows-update-access-in-2027-heres-what-to-do.html
dlvr.it 14h
Admin: 'I spent all weekend on my servers' after Microsoft breaks Exchange Server with October updates
theregister.com/software/2026/10/19/admin-i-spent-all-weekend-on-my-servers-after-microsoft-breaks-exchange-server-with-october-updates/5303724
Windows 11: Secure Boot certificate expiring, what to do?: The important Windows Secure Boot certificate expires on October 19, 2026. Microsoft explains what ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Secure-Boot-laeuft-ab-das-ist-jetzt-zu-tun-1557038/
Windows 11: Microsoft will soon block all external drives with ReFS: Windows 11 users must prepare for a change regarding external storage media ...
winfuture.de/news,162030.html
Windows 11 KB5127648 ISO now available for USB install via official Microsoft tool.
^P
Media Creation Tool now serves latest Windows 11 26H2 October Patch ... Show more
Windows 11 KB5127648 ISO now available for USB install via official Microsoft tool
Windows 11 KB5127648 ISO now available for USB install via official Microsoft tool
Microsoft fixes game, app crashes caused by recent Windows update: Microsoft has resolved a bug that caused games and apps using AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-fixes-game-app-crashes-caused-by-windows-kb5124010-preview-update/
How to enable the new context menu in Windows 11 with ViVeTool: Microsoft's redesigned right-click menu is getting closer to a public rollout ...
neowin.net/guides/how-to-enable-the-new-context-menu-in-windows-11-with-vivetool/
Meta is building one of the world’s biggest undersea cable networks. It’s just one piece of a growing seafloor empire spanning 6 continents
fortune.com/2026/10/03/meta-building-undersea-cables-petal-us-france-mark-zuckerberg/
Paid articlePaywall WindowsCentral Oct 16
Xbox Mode is getting a smart new feature that makes switching back to the Windows desktop effortless
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/a-new-xbox-mode-feature-will-make-it-easier-to-jump-back-to-the-desktop
Microsoft Job Post Hints Xbox Won't Ditch Game Discs Like Sony In 2028: While Sony plans to phase out game discs by 2028, a recent Microsoft job posting hints ...
hothardware.com/news/microsoft-job-post-hints-xbox-wont-ditch-game-discs-like-sony
Microsoft deleted a Windows command that decades of scripts still depend on, and it's gone for good
xda-developers.com/microsoft-deleted-windows-command-decades-scripts-still-depend-gone-for-good/
Key FactsMicrosoft removes WMIC permanently from Windows 11
Sep 22, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- WMIC enabled administrators and developers to manage Windows-based systems locally or remotely through WMI.
- In August 2026, Microsoft removed WMIC from Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2; optional reinstallation also disappeared.
- WMI remains fully supported; PowerShell provides equivalent commands, but older WMIC scripts must be adapted.
- WMIC can be abused, potentially including code execution on remote machines, but its removal does not eliminate WMI-related risks.
aka.ms Oct 16
🛡️ Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized Donald Trump’s Russian diesel deal, warning it could put more money into Moscow’s war effort as tensions rise over peace ... Show more
Greenland contradicts Trump’s claim that massive oil and gas drilling is about to begin there
Greenland contradicts Trump’s claim that massive oil and gas drilling is about to begin there
How to remove banners, pop-ups, and other annoying elements from websites.
^P
Beyond ads, sites have banners, newsletter boxes, floating videos ... Show more
How to remove banners, pop-ups, and other annoying elements from websites
How to remove banners, pop-ups, and other annoying elements from websites
Microsoft Defender now supports Linux desktops.
^P
Public preview announced today. All server distros supported on desktops too: RHEL CentOS Ubuntu Debian ... Show more
Microsoft Defender now supports Linux desktops
Microsoft Defender now supports Linux desktops
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 - | Preload starts today: The preload for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 begins today, Thursday. Those who pre-ordered can start ...
pcgameshardware.de/Call-of-Duty-4-Modern-Warfare-Spiel-19624/News/Preload-Kampagne-Multiplayer-DMZ-1556784/
Microsoft Edge is getting Watermark Protection later this year.
^P
Microsoft to GA Watermark Protection in Edge for Business in Dec 2026 ... Show more
Microsoft Edge is getting Watermark Protection later this year
Microsoft Edge is getting Watermark Protection later this year
Windows 11: This part of Windows 95 is still active in the system: Even the 26H2 version of Windows 11 still uses a feature from Windows 92 ...
t3n.de/news/windows-11-windows-95-aktiv-1768805/
This couldn't have come at a worse time.
Xbox Live servers are having some serious problems right now, and for many fans ... Show more
Xbox Live Is Officially Down
Xbox Live Is Officially Down
Quick machine recovery is now available in Windows Server 2025: Microsoft's latest Windows Server 2025 update brings several useful additions ...
neowin.net/news/quick-machine-recovery-is-now-available-in-windows-server-2025/
Big Tech’s enabling of the ballroom is the worst symbol of our times: The wealthiest companies since the robber baron days -- like Microsoft and Amazon -- ...
seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/big-techs-enabling-of-the-ballroom-is-the-worst-symbol-of-our-times/
New strategy at Microsoft? Minecraft, Fallout and other brands exclusive to Xbox: Is Microsoft returning to console exclusivity for Fallout, The Elder Scrolls ...
pcgameshardware.de/Microsoft-Xbox-Konsolen-18125/News/Xbox-startet-Umfrage-zu-Exklusivspielen-1556803/
WindowsCentral Oct 15
Gears of War: E-Day adds Ranked Versus alongside a huge patch with fixes across every mode — Here's what changed
windowscentral.com/gaming/gears-of-war-e-day-adds-ranked-versus
KB5127648: Microsoft breaks Windows 11 exclusive feature that helps weak PCs perform better
neowin.net/news/kb5127648-microsoft-breaks-windows-11-exclusive-feature-that-helps-weak-pcs-perform-better/
No more updates: Support ends for many Microsoft products in October: Support ended for several Microsoft products on October's Patch Tuesday ...
winfuture.de/news,162024.html
Why Microsoft and others are on the sidelines of WA ‘millionaires tax’ fight: Washington biggest private employers, including Microsoft, are neutral in the ...
seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/why-microsoft-and-others-are-on-the-sidelines-of-wa-millionaires-tax-fight/
WIRED 17h
How the Xbox’s Disc-to-Digital Program Works: Microsoft is letting players digitize their game discs for free, but don't sell your physical collection just yet.
wired.com/story/xbox-disc-to-digital/
Windows 11 26H2 reportedly uses shockingly low RAM with a Rufus installation trick.
^P
Rufus 4.14 and 4.15 Quality of Life option disables Teams, Outlook ... Show more
Windows 11 26H2 reportedly uses shockingly low RAM with a Rufus installation trick
Windows 11 26H2 reportedly uses shockingly low RAM with a Rufus installation trick
New Windows 11 build improves Gaming Task View and revamps the Run dialog.
^P
Microsoft rolls Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview build 26340.9750 ... Show more
New Windows 11 build improves Gaming Task View and revamps the Run dialog
New Windows 11 build improves Gaming Task View and revamps the Run dialog