configuration interface of Windows 8 or later
Key FactsWindows 11 settings may reduce SSD longevity
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
- When enabled, hiberfil.sys typically occupies around 40 percent of RAM, meaning about 13GB with 32GB installed.
- Disabling hibernation removes that file, turns off Fast Startup, and frees storage space on drive C.
- Specific folders can be excluded from indexing; their files remain searchable but may take longer to find.
- Windows uses TRIM to maintain unused SSD data blocks; a value of 0 confirms that it is enabled.
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
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
Windows 11 hides a Windows 7 folder that beats the Settings app, and I use it every day
xda-developers.com/windows-11-hides-a-windows-7-folder-that-beats-the-settings-app-and-i-use-it-every-day/
WindowsCentral Oct 11
Windows 11 version 26H2 is rolling out now — here’s how to get the update now and get the most out of the 2026 update
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/how-to-make-the-switch-to-windows-11-version-26h2-2026-update
How to switch off AI on Android, Apple and Windows devices: AI is becoming increasingly tricky to avoid, but there are still ways to switch off or limit some of ...
which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-turn-off-ai-aY7hh1g54QGj
Key FactsTest: Windows 11’s Ultimate Performance Mainly Benefited Fortnite
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
- The hidden plan is unlocked through an administrator Command Prompt by running the powercfg command.
- Ultimate Performance keeps the minimum processor state at 100% and disables core parking.
- In testing, Fortnite’s average frame rate rose from 101 to 108 FPS, while the other three games remained within the margin of error.
- However, the plan increases heat and idle power use; the author recommends Balanced or customized High Performance for laptops.
One Galaxy AI feature was quietly draining my Samsung phone, and turning it off made it last all day
xda-developers.com/galaxy-ai-feature-draining-samsung-phone-turning-off-made-last-all-day/
Windows 11 26H2 is now generally available for users to download.
^P
Check via Settings then Windows Update. Rollout is gradual so it may not show yet ... Show more
Windows 11 26H2 is now generally available for users to download
Windows 11 26H2 is now generally available for users to download
I spent more time tweaking emulators than playing games until this one app changed everything
xda-developers.com/i-spent-more-time-tweaking-emulators-than-playing-games-until-one-app-changed-everything/
Windows 11's Dev Drive isn't just for developers, and I moved my game library onto one
xda-developers.com/windows-11s-dev-drive-isnt-just-for-developers-and-i-moved-my-game-library-onto-one/
Key FactsTest: Dev Drive speeds game launches on Windows 11
6 days ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- A Dev Drive is a Windows 11 storage volume using ReFS instead of NTFS, designed for specialized workloads.
- On a trusted Dev Drive, Microsoft Defender uses performance mode and scans files asynchronously; fewer default filters reduce I/O overhead.
- For the comparison, the author moved his Steam library and installed Backrooms: Escape Together on the same PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD.
- On the Dev Drive, initial shader compilation took under two minutes, later runs under one second; game and level loading was nearly instantaneous.
My Windows install stopped bloating once I actually configured Storage Sense properly
xda-developers.com/windows-install-stopped-bloating-storage-set-up-properly/
Wccftech Oct 15
Microsoft Quietly Kills Windows 11’s Easiest Local Account Bypass, Making Forced Sign-In Harder To Avoid
wccftech.com/microsoft-quietly-kills-windows-11s-easiest-local-account-bypass-making-forced-sign-in-harder-to-avoid/
WindowsCentral Oct 07
Windows 11's October 'Patch Tuesday' lands on the 13th with a smarter File Explorer and new controls — I found 7 of the biggest changes coming ...
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11s-october-patch-tuesday-update-on-the-13th-here-are-the-biggest-changes-coming-to-your-pc
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
Google Maps was destroying my battery on long drives until I changed these settings
xda-developers.com/google-maps-destroying-battery-on-long-drives-until-changed-these-settings/
Windows Search's default indexing mode could be writing gigabytes to your SSD every day for a feature almost nobody uses
xda-developers.com/windows-searchs-default-indexing-mode-could-be-writing-gigabytes-to-your-ssd-every-day-for-a-feature-almost-nobody-uses/
Key FactsWindows Search: Large indexes can consume substantial storage
Sep 17, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Windows Search stores file contents and reindexes changed files; on some systems, Windows.db can reach 200GB.
- An administrator PowerShell query shows the size; a few hundred megabytes is considered unremarkable, while larger values warrant investigation.
- Rebuilding the index may temporarily make results incomplete; in the author’s example, the process took about 20 minutes.
- The default Classic mode indexes selected folders, while Enhanced searches the entire PC and can index considerably more files.
Disable this Windows 11 setting for a faster, longer-lasting laptop: Windows 11 can sometimes run slowly on older PCs. Here’s how to disable transparency and ...
pcworld.com/article/3248040/disable-this-windows-11-setting-for-a-faster-longer-lasting-laptop.html
Windows 11 on Proxmox can replace your daily driver, if you know which settings to tweak
xda-developers.com/windows-11-on-proxmox-can-replace-your-daily-driver-provided-you-know-which-settings-to-tweak/
Key FactsProxmox Windows 11 VM Can Replace Daily Driver, Report Says
Oct 6, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Installation required EFI and TPM state drives plus VirtIO; the Red Hat SCSI driver enabled detection of virtual drives.
- The author preferred Windows 11 Pro with Remote Desktop because the QEMU console remained too slow despite additional resources.
- The author's GTX 1080 enabled 1080p game streaming through GPU passthrough, alongside Blender and Adobe applications.
- Anti-cheat games such as Elden Ring: Nightreign and Arc Raiders reportedly refused to start inside the virtual environment.
Remember how I said “most games” run well on this virtualized instance of Windows 11?— Ayush Pande, referring to his earlier claim about Windows 11 VM performance on Proxmox
My Windows install stopped bloating once I actually configured Storage Sense properly
xda-developers.com/windows-install-stopped-bloating-storage-set-up-properly/
Windows 11 KB5127648 & KB5126653 cumulative updates released: Microsoft has released Windows 11 KB5127648 and KB5126653 cumulative updates for versions ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-kb5127648-and-kb5126653-cumulative-updates-released/
Microsoft is redesigning Windows Search to act like an AI agent: Microsoft is giving Windows Search the ability to do things for you, instead of just searching ...
neowin.net/news/microsoft-is-redesigning-windows-search-to-act-like-an-ai-agent/
Windows 11 26H2 is now generally available for users to download: Microsoft just released Windows 11 26H2 to the general public. You can go to Settings and check ...
neowin.net/news/windows-11-26h2-is-now-generally-available-for-users-to-download/
Key FactsMicrosoft makes Windows 11 26H2 generally available
Sep 29, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: windowscentral.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: windowscentral.com
- The release uses the same platform as 25H2 and 24H2, activating features delivered throughout the past year.
- According to Microsoft, downloading and installing take only a few minutes; there are no compatibility concerns or bugs to be aware of.
- Home and Pro editions receive 24 months, while commercial editions receive 36 months of security and feature updates from September 29.
- Devices running Windows 11 26H1 cannot currently install 26H2 directly because the versions use different platform releases.
Windows 11, version 26H2 brings together all the Windows innovations, security improvements, and enhancements delivered over the past year to version 25H2.— Microsoft says
I moved my Windows page file off my main SSD, and my drive stopped doing work it never needed to do
xda-developers.com/i-moved-my-windows-page-file-off-my-main-ssd-and-my-drive-stopped-doing-work-it-never-needed-to-do/
Windows has been sending your typing data to Microsoft this whole time, and a single toggle can disable it
xda-developers.com/windows-sends-typing-data-to-microsoft-single-toggle-disables-it/
WindowsCentral Oct 08
You can now try Windows 11's new Search that's faster and can perform tasks for you
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/you-can-now-try-windows-11s-new-search-thats-faster-and-can-perform-tasks-for-you
Microsoft shared Windows 11 26H2 Group Policy templates, settings guidance for admins.
^P
ADMX package plus Group Policy Settings Reference Spreadsheet now ... Show more
Microsoft shared Windows 11 26H2 Group Policy templates, settings guidance for admins
Microsoft shared Windows 11 26H2 Group Policy templates, settings guidance for admins
Windows 11: Search changes settings and sends SMS messages: Microsoft is redesigning Windows Search: In the future, the taskbar will not only find content but ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/windows-11-taskleisten-suche-einstellungen-sms-aktionen-1555966/
Windows hides its fastest power plan from most PCs, and unlocking it takes one line
xda-developers.com/windows-hides-fastest-power-plan-most-pcs-unlocking-takes-one-line/
Microsoft shared Windows 11 26H2 Group Policy templates, settings guidance for admins
neowin.net/news/microsoft-shared-windows-11-26h2-group-policy-templates-settings-guidance-for-admins/
Windows has been sending your typing data to Microsoft this whole time, and a single toggle can disable it
xda-developers.com/windows-sends-typing-data-to-microsoft-single-toggle-disables-it/
I stopped letting Windows decide where my files go, and my SSD stopped filling up
xda-developers.com/i-stopped-letting-windows-decide-where-my-files-go-and-my-ssd-stopped-filling-up/
I tested Microsoft's new Windows 11 context menu against the app I've been recommending for years
xda-developers.com/microsoft-is-copying-the-best-context-menu-app/
I stopped clearing Windows caches after discovering it was silently costing me performance
xda-developers.com/clearing-your-cache-is-the-cleanup-tip-everyone-repeats-and-its-quietly-making-your-pc-slower/
Google Chrome is a privacy nightmare. Fix these settings: While Chrome is a popular browser, it tends to collect a lot of data about its users ...
pcworld.com/article/2941324/google-chrome-is-a-privacy-nightmare-by-default-fix-these-settings.html
Windows hides its fastest power plan from most PCs, and unlocking it takes one line
xda-developers.com/windows-hides-fastest-power-plan-most-pcs-unlocking-takes-one-line/
Microsoft makes Windows 11 Settings faster with latest Insider build: Microsoft has released new Windows 11 builds under the Beta and the Experimental channel ...
neowin.net/news/microsoft-makes-windows-11-settings-faster-with-latest-insider-build/
All versions of The Witcher 3 "that exist in the world" will be upgraded with the free Remastered edition today
eurogamer.net/all-versions-of-the-witcher-3-that-exist-in-the-world-will-be-upgraded-with-the-free-remastered-edition-today
I gave Windows 11’s Start menu a complete overhaul with one open-source app: The Flow Launcher app changed how I use the Start menu.
xda-developers.com/gave-windows-11s-start-menu-a-complete-overhaul-with-one-open-source-app/
Key FactsAuthor uses Flow Launcher instead of Windows 11 Start menu
Sep 25, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Flow Launcher launches apps and searches files and folders; it runs on Windows 10 and 11 normally or portably.
- Alt + Space opens the interface; the author says it finds files and apps faster than Windows Search.
- Integrating Everything extends searches across all connected drives through one unified, keyboard-focused interface.
- Its plugin store adds tools for weather, Spotify, bookmarks, and enhanced calculator functions.
My Nvidia Shield TV Pro worked much better after I changed these key settings: I put the "Pro" in my Nvidia Shield TV Pro by adjusting these settings.
xda-developers.com/my-nvidia-shield-tv-pro-worked-much-better-after-i-changed-these-settings/
Windows 11 KB5124010 update released with 46 changes and fixes: Microsoft released the KB5124010 September 2026 non-security preview update for Windows 11 24H2 ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-kb5124010-update-released-with-46-changes-and-fixes/
New Windows 11 Experimental build brings more Start menu improvements. Insider Preview Build 26340.9577 adds scrollable recent activity in Phone companion and ... Show more
New Windows 11 Experimental build brings more Start menu improvements
New Windows 11 Experimental build brings more Start menu improvements
I changed one Windows 11 setting in Storage Sense, and freed 30GB without breaking anything
xda-developers.com/changed-storage-sense-setting-and-freed-30gb-without-breaking-anything/
Key FactsWindows 11 Storage Sense freed 30GB
Oct 2, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- After activation, Storage Sense automatically removes temporary files, but its default schedule starts only when storage space is low.
- Because more than 700GB remained free on his 2TB SSD, the feature might not have triggered for months.
- After a manual run freed about 30GB, the author changed Storage Sense to a monthly schedule.
- Storage Sense can delete Downloads left unopened for a while and potentially free over 30GB; the author will not enable it.
Cleaning up temporary files isn't going to break anything, so I'd rather have Windows get rid of them before they pile up in the first place.— Hamlin, describing his personal experience with Storage Sense in Windows 11.
4 Samsung Galaxy features I disabled to make my phone way better: One UI works better without the features I don't need.
xda-developers.com/samsung-galaxy-features-i-disabled-to-make-my-phone-way-better/
Windows has been so buggy I paused monthly updates, and now I wait for reports before installing anything
xda-developers.com/windows-been-buggy-paused-monthly-updates-wait-reports-before-installing-anything/
Key FactsXDA Writer Checks Reports Before Windows Updates
Sep 22, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- In September, users reported problems involving the Windows Subsystem for Linux and Claude Cowork after the latest update.
- In July, Microsoft held back an update after some Dell PCs randomly shut down afterward.
- Microsoft releases updates on the second Tuesday each month; the writer then waits until the weekend for major problem reports.
- Windows 11 allows pauses of up to five weeks, after which updates must install unless the pause is manually extended.
It often feels like end users are beta testers for Microsoft.— João Carrasqueira, author of the XDA article 'Windows has been so buggy I paused monthly updates, and now I wait for reports before installing anything'.
A One-Click Fix for Slow PCs? I Put Microsoft's Free App to the Test: Microsoft says its PC Manager app can make your Windows machine faster ...
pcmag.com/explainers/a-one-click-fix-for-slow-pcs-i-put-microsofts-free-app-to-the-test
I changed one Windows 11 setting, and my PC instantly looked cleaner and felt faster
xda-developers.com/changing-one-windows-11-setting-made-my-pc-instantly-cleaner-and-faster/
Your Nvidia GPU is probably running wrong, and these Control Panel changes fix it
xda-developers.com/your-nvidia-gpu-probably-running-wrong-these-control-panel-changes-fix-it/
Windows has been sending your typing data to Microsoft this whole time, and a single toggle can disable it
xda-developers.com/windows-sends-typing-data-to-microsoft-single-toggle-disables-it/
My Nvidia Shield TV Pro worked much better after I changed these key settings: I put the "Pro" in my Nvidia Shield TV Pro by adjusting these settings.
xda-developers.com/my-nvidia-shield-tv-pro-worked-much-better-after-i-changed-these-settings/
What to do if your email has been hacked, according to a tech expert: A compromised inbox puts your personal data at risk - our experts explain how to regain ...
which.co.uk/news/article/what-to-do-if-your-email-has-been-hacked-aQag71v05nMN
5 BIOS settings gamers forget to change: Gamers shouldn't overlook these crucial BIOS settings
xda-developers.com/5-bios-settings-gamers-forget-to-change/
I disabled this Windows 11 feature and instantly reclaimed almost 25GB of storage
xda-developers.com/disabled-windows-11-feature-instantly-reclaimed-almost-10gb-storage/
Key FactsWindows 11 Hibernation Freed About 25GB on One Desktop
Sep 6, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Windows saves RAM contents to hiberfil.sys during hibernation, and the file usually occupies about 40% of installed RAM.
- On the author’s 64GB system, disabling hibernation recovered slightly over 25GB; 32GB and 16GB systems could free over 12GB and 6GB.
- The administrator command powercfg /hibernate off removes the file, although Settings may not immediately show the rounded change.
- Without hiberfil.sys, Fast Startup is unavailable; reduced hibernation mode uses 20% of RAM while retaining Fast Startup.
I just disabled a feature I don't recall ever using on a desktop and got back about 25GB of free space immediately.— From the XDA article by Hamlin describing his personal experience disabling hibernation on Windows 11 to reclaim storage
I changed these 5 Windows settings, and my Wi-Fi immediately became faster: The unoptimized Windows defaults keep stealing Wi-Fi performance
xda-developers.com/windows-11-settings-i-change-speed-up-wi-fi/
Ubuntu's snap obsession and GNOME pushed me to Fedora, and I'm not going back: Ubuntu may have been king of the hill for a long time, but I've finally made the ...
xda-developers.com/ubuntu-snap-obsession-gnome-pushed-me-fedora-not-going-back/
4 Samsung Galaxy features I disabled to dramatically improve battery life: And I don't even miss them one bit.
xda-developers.com/samsung-galaxy-features-i-disabled-to-dramatically-improve-battery-life/
I turned my 7-year-old Kindle Fire into a second monitor, and it’s useful again: Instead of collecting dust, my Kindle Fire tablet has a purpose.
xda-developers.com/turned-my-7-year-old-kindle-fire-into-second-monitor-its-useful-again/
I changed these 5 Windows settings, and my Wi-Fi immediately became faster: The unoptimized Windows defaults keep stealing Wi-Fi performance
xda-developers.com/windows-11-settings-i-change-speed-up-wi-fi/
What to do if your email has been hacked, according to a tech expert: A compromised inbox puts your personal data at risk - our experts explain how to regain ...
which.co.uk/news/article/what-to-do-if-your-email-has-been-hacked-aQag71v05nMN
Windows has been sending your typing data to Microsoft this whole time, and a single toggle can disable it
xda-developers.com/windows-sends-typing-data-to-microsoft-single-toggle-disables-it/
dlvr.it Sep 19
Firefox 156 arrives with a forest of forks in its wake: From Waterfox to LibreWolf and Pale Moon, there's a browser for almost every Mozilla dissenter
theregister.com/software/2026/09/19/firefox-156-arrives-with-a-forest-of-forks-in-its-wake/5297194
Microsoft's optional KB5120998 update just broke desktop customization in Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. Custom wallpapers show as solid black and themes and ... Show more
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 KB5120998 update breaks mouse and desktop settings
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 KB5120998 update breaks mouse and desktop settings
6 places you should never store your passwords – unless you want to get hacked: Strong passwords help protect your online accounts, but saving them in the wrong ...
which.co.uk/news/article/places-you-should-never-store-your-passwords-aAOLf3H9vTbd
Your entire PC build might be bottlenecked by a setting you enabled years ago and forgot about
xda-developers.com/your-entire-pc-build-might-be-bottlenecked-by-a-setting-you-enabled-years-ago-and-forgot-about/
Windows hides its fastest power plan from most PCs, and unlocking it takes one line
xda-developers.com/windows-hides-fastest-power-plan-most-pcs-unlocking-takes-one-line/
Key FactsWindows 11 hides the Ultimate Performance power plan
Sep 9, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- The plan keeps the CPU at maximum speed, potentially increasing power use, heat, and noise.
- In Windows Terminal, the command powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61 can add the plan.
- The author's tests found only Balanced on two laptops and a mini PC; the command worked on desktops and virtual machines.
- Because benefits are usually negligible and hardware or battery damage is possible, the article generally advises against using it.
Windows 11 KB5121003 allegedly corrupts BIOS leading to installation fails on HP systems
neowin.net/news/windows-11-kb5121003-allegedly-corrupts-bios-leading-to-installation-fails-on-hp-systems/
Your entire PC build might be bottlenecked by a setting you enabled years ago and forgot about
xda-developers.com/your-entire-pc-build-might-be-bottlenecked-by-a-setting-you-enabled-years-ago-and-forgot-about/