feature of the Windows software
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
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
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
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 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.
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
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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 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
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
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
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/
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
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/
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/
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
Windows 11's big performance boost is finally available for all: Microsoft is finally rolling out a special mode that makes Windows 11's UI snappier ...
neowin.net/news/windows-11s-big-performance-boost-is-finally-available-for-all/
WindowsCentral Jun 11
Windows 11 is finally giving the Start menu the kind of customization power users have been asking for. Honestly, it’s a bigger upgrade than I expected ... Show more
Windows 11 Sucks Slightly Less Now, Thanks To A June Update: The update brings a low-latency profile, speeds up search, and patches hundreds of flaws.
engadget.com/2191909/windows-11-sucks-slightly-less-now-thanks-to-a-june-update/
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
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 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
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
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
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/
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
Open-Shell makes Windows 11 feel like the Windows people actually liked, and it costs nothing
xda-developers.com/open-shell-makes-windows-11-feel-like-windows-people-actually-liked-costs-nothing/
KB5089573: Microsoft shuts down critics, confirms Windows 11 "low latency" performance fix
neowin.net/news/kb5089573-microsoft-shuts-down-critics-confirms-windows-11-low-latency-performance-fix/
Windows 11 is testing a low-latency mode and it visibly speeds up app launch: Even on powerful hardware, you have probably noticed that Windows 11 can feel less ...
digitaltrends.com/computing/windows-11-is-testing-a-low-latency-mode-and-it-visibly-speeds-up-app-launch/
Is Windows 11 actually getting faster, or is Microsoft just getting better at hiding the bloat? 💻
There’s a new "Low Latency Profile" coming to ... Show more
Windows 11 is getting faster the lazy way - Neowin
Windows 11 is getting faster the lazy way - Neowin
VideoCardz May 07
Windows 11 “Low Latency Profile” may speed up app launches: Windows 11 may get CPU burst mode for faster app launches Microsoft is reportedly working on a new ...
videocardz.com/newz/windows-11-low-latency-profile-may-speed-up-app-launches
VideoCardz Apr 29
Microsoft’s Windows secrete K2 plan aims to cut Windows 11 bloat and improve gaming performance
videocardz.com/newz/microsofts-windows-secrete-k2-plan-aims-to-cut-windows-11-bloat-and-improve-gaming-performance
OpinionGoogle Pixel: Search bar on the home screen likely to be removable soon: Pixel users without a third-party launcher know the drill. For years ...
stadt-bremerhaven.de/google-pixel-suchleiste-auf-dem-startbildschirm-wohl-bald-entfernbar/
Microsoft's secret "K2" plan leaks, could bring big Windows 11 performance upgrade
neowin.net/news/microsofts-secret-k2-plan-leaks-could-bring-big-windows-11-performance-upgrade/
Windows 11: Microsoft reportedly rebuilding Start menu from scratch: Microsoft is reportedly working again on a major overhaul of the Start menu for Windows 11 ...
winfuture.de/news,158174.html
Windows 11 listens to your wishes: The Start menu is getting a complete overhaul: Microsoft is reportedly planning to make the Start menu faster and more ...
gamestar.de/artikel/windows-11-startmenue-verbesserung,3451758.html
WindowsCentral Apr 17
NEW: Microsoft is working on major customization and performance upgrades for the Start menu on Windows 11!
As part of its WinUI 3 rebuild ... Show more
10 quick tweaks that make Windows 11 a lot better: Ten quick tweaks can make Windows 11 faster, cleaner, and less annoying, with each change taking under a ...
neowin.net/guides/10-quick-tweaks-that-make-windows-11-a-lot-better/
Disable YouTube Shorts: New limit completely stops short videos: Google has released an update for the mobile YouTube app that allows users to set the time limit ...
winfuture.de/news,158130.html
Microsoft Weekly: Start menu in rework again and Recall is on fire: Catch up with this week's Microsoft stories in the latest recap. Patch Tuesday updates ...
neowin.net/news/microsoft-weekly-start-menu-in-rework-again-and-recall-is-on-fire/
How to Make Your Old Computer Feel New Again: A sluggish computer might need only an afternoon of TLC to get back on its feet. We have tips ...
nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-to-clean-up-your-computer/
Windows is finally killing off the Control Panel: Speaking to Windows users on X this week, Microsoft's Director of Design, March Rogers ...
techspot.com/news/111981-microsoft-engineer-confirms-plans-kill-off-windows-control.html
Microsoft rolls out fix for broken Windows Start Menu search: Microsoft has pushed a server-side fix for a known issue that broke the Windows Start Menu search ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-rolls-out-fix-for-broken-windows-start-menu-search/
These 5 Windows 11 Features Drive Me Nuts, But I Figured Out How to Fix Them: You don't have to put up with Windows 11's worst features. Here's how I replaced ...
uk.pcmag.com/migrated-3765-windows-10/164292/these-5-windows-11-features-drive-me-nuts-but-i-figured-out-how-to-fix-them
Windows 11: Microsoft bug disabled basic Start menu function: Microsoft has confirmed that the Start menu search function stopped working on some Windows ...
winfuture.de/news,157985.html
