user interface element
Key FactsExplorerPatcher Can Restore Selected Windows 10 Features
3 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
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/
How to find Windows apps that don't appear in the Start menu: The Start menu doesn't show everything installed on your Windows PC. Here's how to uncover apps and ...
neowin.net/guides/how-to-find-windows-apps-that-dont-appear-in-the-start-menu/
Apple reportedly has a surprise in store for iPhone Duo buyers: Anyone buying an iPhone Duo in an Apple Store can apparently look forward to a small surprise ...
winfuture.de/news,161855.html
Windows 11 26H2: What's in the new update: Windows 11 26H2 is being rolled out. Many features are already included in 24H2 and 25H2 ...
connect.de/news/windows-11-26h2-update-neue-funktionen-was-ist-neu-3213777.html
Microsoft May Have Finally Fixed Windows Search By Turning It Into A Chatbot: Microsoft's Copilot search redesign arrives this fall.
engadget.com/2280310/microsoft-may-have-finally-fixed-windows-search-by-turning-it-into-a-chatbot/
New 3D animation: Microsoft revamps PowerToys start screen: Microsoft is planning a new start screen for its PowerToys tool collection. After installation ...
winfuture.de/news,161784.html
Improve Your Windows 11 Experience By Changing These Settings: Windows 11 is solid out of the box, but it shines when you tune some settings. Power options ...
engadget.com/2265283/improve-windows-11-experience-change-these-settings/
Logan's globe-trotting journey is reflected in the changing Start Menu screens in Marvel's Wolverine, out now on PS5: Marvel's Wolverine
Windows 11: Fresh preview update available - | Here's what's new: Users in the Windows Insider Program can now test a new preview version ...
winfuture.de/news,161553.html
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 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.
Build your own widgets: Google launches a new Android app: The new Google app Create My Widget promises customized Android controls without any programming ...
winfuture.de/news,161549.html
How to clean up and declutter the Start menu in Windows 11 (25H2 and 26H2): Microsoft introduced a lot of new options for Windows 11's Start menu ...
neowin.net/guides/how-to-clean-up-and-declutter-the-start-menu-in-windows-11-25h2-and-26h2/
Windows 11 Preview: Users finally get control over the Start menu: A new Insider update for Windows 11 brings extensive adjustments to the Start menu ...
winfuture.de/news,161391.html
Windows 11 Future Platforms build 29671.1000 gets the latest Start menu changes: Microsoft brought the already known Start menu changes to Windows 11 Insider ...
neowin.net/news/windows-11-future-platforms-build-296711000-gets-the-latest-start-menu-changes/
Quick tip: How to hide your name and profile picture from Windows 11 Start menu. August KB5120998 update adds toggle to hide account info at bottom of Start ... Show more
Quick tip: How to hide your name and profile picture from the Windows 11 Start menu
Quick tip: How to hide your name and profile picture from the Windows 11 Start menu
Latest Windows 11 update restores your taskbar control, patches 995 security flaws - ZDNET
zdnet.com/uncategorized/windows-11-september-2026-update/
Key FactsWindows 11 update enables new taskbar positions, fixes 995 flaws
Sep 8, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: zdnet.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: zdnet.com
- The taskbar can be positioned at the top, left, or right, but auto-hide still works only at the bottom.
- The Start menu supports size changes and independent showing or hiding of its content sections.
- The Search window now shows suggested or recent searches instead of top apps, AI tools, and promotions.
- According to Action1, the update contains 995 security fixes, including 121 critical vulnerabilities and two zero-days; one has already been actively exploited.
Microsoft’s September 2026 Patch Tuesday is the largest on record, with 995 patches, a volume unlike anything we’ve seen before and just shy of the 1,000 mark. The release includes 121 critical vulnerabilities and two zero-days, both elevation-of-privilege flaws: CVE-2026-81963 in the Windows Update Stack and CVE-2026-85880 in Windows Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC).— Action1 (patch management provider) said in a post on the latest update.
Windows 11: The new features for Patch Tuesday in September 2026: The current September Patch Tuesday brings numerous new features to Windows 11 users' ...
winfuture.de/news,161155.html
dlvr.it Sep 07
Feel peak Windows was 7? You might like Kumander Linux: Debian and Xfce – solid, sensible choices – with a pretty skin
theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/09/07/feel-peak-windows-was-7-you-might-like-kumander-linux/5294760
Microsoft Finally Backs Down: The Windows 11 Taskbar Update You've Been Waiting For
uk.pcmag.com/migrated-3765-windows-10/167037/microsoft-finally-backs-down-the-windows-11-taskbar-update-youve-been-waiting-for
Windows 11 is cluttered by design, so I changed these 4 settings to take back control
xda-developers.com/turn-off-windows-11-features-to-reduce-bloat/
Google Clock’s new timer UI is here, and your muscle memory won’t like it: Google Clock has a new UI for the Timers tab that introduces a new design ...
androidauthority.com/google-clock-app-new-timer-ui-3705710/
Windows Start bar stolen from Steve Jobs' NeXT? Microsoft explains: A somewhat curious discussion on social media has finally clarified how Windows got its ...
winfuture.de/news,161005.html
Duffy thanks Zeldin for getting rid of ‘stop-start’ feature in cars: ‘I hate it’: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Monday commended Environmental ...
thehill.com/homenews/administration/6062792-sean-duffy-lee-zeldin-start-stop-features-cars-emissions-rules/
I spent years waiting for Windows to match macOS Spotlight, then discovered Raycast does it better
xda-developers.com/didnt-realize-how-much-time-was-wasting-until-started-using-this-launcher/
Windows 11 KB5120998 update released with 35 changes and fixes: Microsoft released the KB5120998 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/windows-11-kb5120998-update-released-with-35-changes-and-fixes/
Windows 11 Update: Taskbar now movable, Start menu more flexible: With the Windows 11 update KB5120998, Microsoft delivers long-awaited interface features ...
winfuture.de/news,160911.html
Mozilla: Firefox 154.0.1 fixes password issues and a Windows Start menu bug: Mozilla has released the first maintenance update for the current major version ...
stadt-bremerhaven.de/mozilla-firefox-154-0-1-behebt-probleme-bei-passwoertern-und-windows-startmenue-bug/
Hands-on: Windows 11's new context menu is a step in the right direction: The new, redesigned right-click menu in Windows 11 is finally here. These are the first ...
neowin.net/handson/hands-on-windows-11s-new-context-menu-is-a-step-in-the-right-direction/
dlvr.it Aug 17
Windows 11 movable taskbar edges closer to general release: Preview also brings compact icons, Start menu sizing, and the final shove for WMIC
theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/08/17/windows-11-movable-taskbar-edges-closer-to-general-release/5288393
New Windows 11 build brings redesigned context menu to Insiders: Check out what's included in the new builds 26340.9212 and 28120.2738 (26H1) for the ...
neowin.net/news/new-windows-11-build-brings-redesigned-context-menu-to-insiders/
Windows 11: OneDrive Photos disappears from the Start menu - | but it's still there - | Golem.de
golem.de/news/windows-11-onedrive-photos-verschwindet-aus-startmenue-ist-aber-noch-da-2608-212152.html
Xbox Series X|S: New Update for Dashboard, Storage & Game Saves: Microsoft is equipping the Xbox Series X|S with new dashboard features via an Insider Update ...
winfuture.de/news,160731.html
Windows 11: Floating taskbar returns, WMIC gone: Microsoft is bringing the freely positionable taskbar to the Windows 11 Release Preview Channel ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Windows-11-Microsoft-bringt-verschiebbare-Taskleiste-zurueck-und-entfernt-WMIC-1551251/
Windows 11 26H1 gets appropriate file size units in the latest Release Preview build
neowin.net/news/windows-11-26h1-gets-appropriate-file-size-units-in-the-latest-release-preview-build/
WindowsCentral Aug 18
Windows 11’s latest File Explorer tweak is tiny (microscopic, even), but somehow it still managed to split the community in half ... Show more
WindowsCentral Aug 16
Windows Wrap for the week of August 16th
Windows 11’s next update is huge — movable taskbar, redesigned Start menu, faster performance, and major UI glow‑ups ... Show more
WindowsCentral Aug 06
Microsoft is updating even more parts of the Windows 11 UI with modern designs: Here's what's next on the list of overhauls
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-is-updating-even-more-parts-of-the-windows-11-ui-with-modern-designs-heres-whats-next-on-the-list-of-overhauls
InsideEVs Aug 03
Why Do So Many EVs Still Have On Buttons?: The start/stop button isn't technically necessary in a car without an engine. But car some companies are keeping it ...
insideevs.com/features/803439/ev-start-stop-button-why/
WindowsCentral Jul 30
Microsoft plans to fix Windows 11's slow context menus with major overhaul designed to improve performance and reliability: New compact menu design will ...
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-plans-to-fix-windows-11s-slow-context-menus-with-major-overhaul-designed-to-improve-performance-and-reliability-new-compact-menu-design-will-be-faster-and-user-customizable
WindowsCentral Aug 03
Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but does anyone actually use it?
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-is-testing-deeper-phone-link-integration-in-windows-11-but-does-anyone-actually-use-it
Key FactsSix Small Open-Source Alternatives for Windows 11
Aug 3, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- ShareX is presented as a configurable alternative to Snipping Tool and, in version 17.1.0, requires a little over 50 MB to download and 181 MB after installation.
- Notepad++ expands basic text editing with tabs, syntax highlighting, and Markdown support, while Windows reports that it uses just over 17 MB after installation.
- Flow Launcher speeds up app launches and web searches, can be extended with plug-ins, and occupies about 200 MB after installation according to Windows.
- KDE Connect synchronizes notifications and files with smartphones, LocalSend transfers files across platforms on a local network, and VLC plays numerous media formats; their Windows downloads are about 81 MB, under 15 MB, and 43 MB respectively.
"tiny" is subjective, but I aimed to include the smallest apps I could find that still offer a great experience.— The article's author explains that the term 'tiny' is subjective and that they aimed to include the smallest apps possible that still offer a good experience.
Facebook Wants to Be Like TikTok and Is Testing a New Full-Screen Video Feed: Meta is overhauling Facebook on a massive scale and will test a new TikTok-style ...
winfuture.de/news,160252.html
Missing the Windows 10 Taskbar? Try These Windows 11 Tweaks to Move, Resize, and Customize It
pcmag.com/explainers/miss-windows-10-taskbar-how-to-move-resize-and-customize-it-windows-11
Windows 11: Microsoft installs new OneDrive Photos app: Microsoft is currently rolling out a new application called OneDrive Photos to Windows 11 systems without ...
stadt-bremerhaven.de/windows-11-microsoft-installiert-neue-app-onedrive-photos/
Windows 11 is getting faster: What the major update KB5101684 really improves.: Microsoft is distributing KB5101684 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/KB5101684-Update-Explorer-Performance-1549687/
New Windows 11 Beta Insider builds bring a resizable Start menu and new touchpad gestures
neowin.net/news/new-windows-11-beta-insider-builds-bring-a-resizable-start-menu-and-new-touchpad-gestures/
windowslatest.com Jul 28
Microsoft admits Windows 11 native apps hog RAM, promises a WinUI performance boost before Start menu rewrite
windowslatest.com/2026/07/27/microsoft-admits-windows-11-native-apps-hog-ram-promises-a-winui-performance-boost-before-start-menu-rewrite/
Key FactsWindows 11 Targets WinUI RAM Usage Reduction
Jul 27, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: winfuture.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: winfuture.de
- Windows 11's high RAM usage is mainly caused by native apps and the WinUI framework.
- Microsoft is preparing a significant update focused on improving memory management and overall performance.
- Switching to a system compositor is expected to boost performance and its changes are publicly visible in the Git repository.
- The Start menu will be transitioned to WinUI to offer smoother operation and lower resource use on older hardware.
He would rather invest the time in the fundamentals before dealing with 'new and exciting things'.— Chris Anderson, developer in the Windows UI team at Microsoft, speaking at Build 2026
dlvr.it Jul 21
Windows 11 Start menu changes trickle into Beta, movable taskbar still MIA: Users asked for flexibility, but a leaner OS for older PCs might matter more as ...
theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/07/21/windows-11-start-menu-changes-trickle-into-beta-movable-taskbar-still-mia/5275549
Windows 11 Beta: New Start Menu and Touchpad Gestures in Test Run: How can the daily workflow in Windows 11 be further accelerated? Microsoft provides the answer ...
winfuture.de/news,160122.html
Microsoft polishes Windows 11: This is what's new in Insider Beta Build 26220.8925
stadt-bremerhaven.de/microsoft-poliert-windows-11-auf-das-ist-neu-in-der-insider-beta-build-26220-8925/
VideoCardz Jul 14
Microsoft removes promotional content from Windows 11 Search: Windows 11 Search is removing promotional cards and recommendation content. Users will also gain ...
videocardz.com/newz/microsoft-removes-promotional-content-from-windows-11-search
Windows 11's Start Menu Is Getting Better...But These 3 Launchers Still Run Circles Around It
uk.pcmag.com/migrated-3765-windows-10/166012/windows-11s-start-menu-is-getting-betterbut-these-3-launchers-still-run-circles-around-it
Newsday Jul 14
Rolling car in Lindenhurst hits woman after grandson, 8, starts vehicle, police say
newsday.com/long-island/car-child-grandmother-lindenhurst-kad1v70f
Everyone's Freaking Out About Microsoft's Leaked AI Windows. They Shouldn't Be: A recently uncovered Project Aion video shows Microsoft's vision for an ...
pcmag.com/news/everyones-freaking-out-about-microsofts-leaked-ai-windows-they-shouldnt
Microsoft releases new Windows 11 Start menu, and list of customization policies out too
neowin.net/news/microsoft-releases-new-windows-11-start-menu-and-list-of-customization-policies-out-too/
Microsoft extends Windows 10's extra security updates program to October 2027 for free
xda-developers.com/microsoft-extends-windows-10-extra-security-updates-program-october-2027-for-free/
Key FactsJuly 2026 Windows 10 Update KB5099539 Released
Jul 14, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
- The cumulative update KB5099539 for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2 addresses several known issues.
- Fixes include problems with OLE Automation, File Explorer's OneDrive shortcut, Recycle Bin dialogs, and hotkey handling.
- Security enhancements feature dynamic reporting of Secure Boot status and expanded certificate deployment.
- Networking and Remote Desktop components received updates, adding SHA-2 certificate support and network security hardening.
Finally: Microsoft fixes persistent XAML error in Windows 11: For a year, a Windows 11 bug caused frustration, and it still does for users who don't apply ...
winfuture.de/news,159802.html
WindowsCentral Jul 05
Windows 11 version 26H2 is packed with surprising upgrades, and these 7 features might change how you use your PC
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/7-features-im-most-excited-to-use-on-windows-11-version-26h2
Windows Alternative: Microsoft's Secret AI Operating System Leaked: A video leak shows a secret, but now discontinued, Microsoft project called Aion ...
winfuture.de/news,159748.html
Windows 11: New Start menu for everyone before major update: Microsoft plans to roll out the latest redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu to everyone before ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/11-Neues-Startmenue-kommt-vor-grossem-Update-fuer-alle-1547035/
windowslatest.com Jul 02
Watch: Leak from 2024 shows off Microsoft’s Copilot OS for AI PCs, and it’s nothing like Windows 11, as it drops the Start menu
windowslatest.com/2026/07/02/watch-leak-from-2024-shows-off-microsofts-copilot-os-for-pcs-and-its-nothing-like-windows-11/
I stopped opening the Start menu once I discovered this PowerToys feature: It's faster, less cluttered, and does much more than launch apps.
xda-developers.com/stopped-opening-start-menu-once-discovered-powertoys-feature/
VideoCardz Jun 11
Microsoft Windows 11 Low Latency Profile CPU boost for Start Menu is now available Microsoft Windows 11 Low Latency Profile CPU boost for Start Menu is now available
Ziff Davis Jun 12
Windows 11's Low Latency Profile Is Available Now. Here's How to Use it: The new update boosts feature responsiveness across Windows.
extremetech.com/computing/windows-11s-low-latency-profile-is-available-now-heres-how-to-use-it
Wccftech May 28
Windows 11’s New Low Latency Profile Pushes Your CPU Into Short Overclocking Bursts To Kill Start Menu Stutter
wccftech.com/windows-11s-new-low-latency-profile-pushes-your-cpu-into-short-overclocking-bursts-to-kill-start-menu-stutter/
WindowsCentral Jun 03
Veteran Microsoft engineer Raymond Chen says Windows 8 was all built around being "modern" codenames.. including the polarizing Start menu ... Show more
WindowsCentral Jun 02
I dug into the Windows 11 features insiders got in May 2026 and here’s what matters most
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/i-dug-into-windows-11-features-that-insiders-received-in-may-2026-and-heres-what-you-need-to-know
More flexible Windows 11 Start menu: Update brings numerous adjustments: Microsoft is fundamentally redesigning the Windows 11 Start menu. A recent test update ...
winfuture.de/news,159052.html
Ready for a Speed Boost? Microsoft Rolls Out Low Latency Profile on Windows: The update is optional, but it should increase load times for key Windows features ...
thestreet.com/investing/nvidias-150-billion-bet-trumps-amd
Windows 11 is getting new Start menu customizations, here is a closer look - Neowin
neowin.net/news/windows-11-is-getting-new-start-menu-customizations-here-is-a-closer-look/
VideoCardz May 28
Microsoft starts rolling out Windows 11 Low Latency Profile: Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 CPU boost in optional May update Microsoft has released Windows 11 ...
videocardz.com/newz/microsoft-starts-rolling-out-windows-11-low-latency-profile
Five years later, Windows 11 brings back much-missed taskbar options (and more): Microsoft is also testing a smaller taskbar and more customizable Start menu.
arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/05/five-years-later-windows-11-brings-back-much-missed-taskbar-options-and-more/
Microsoft Weekly: Big Start menu upgrade and a new era of PC - Neowin
neowin.net/news/microsoft-weekly-big-start-menu-upgrade-and-a-new-era-of-pc/
windowslatest.com May 30
Tested: Windows 11’s new Start menu lets you fully customize it, and it works surprisingly well
windowslatest.com/2026/05/30/tested-windows-11s-new-start-menu-lets-you-fully-customize-it-and-it-works-surprisingly-well/
Ready for a Speed Boost? Microsoft Rolls Out Low Latency Profile on Windows: The update is optional, but it should increase load times for key Windows features ...
pcmag.com/news/ready-for-a-speed-boost-microsoft-rolls-out-low-latency-profile-on-windows
Windows 11 Insider: New Builds, Start Menu Updates, and Details on Version 26H1: Microsoft is currently rolling out a whole series of new Insider Preview Builds ...
stadt-bremerhaven.de/windows-11-insider-neue-builds-startmenue-updates-und-details-zur-version-26h1/
