Hmd Global
The latest Hmd Global coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
KB5095093 Arrives to Halt Windows 11’s Stealthy Log File That Gobbles Gigabytes
Microsoft has released KB5095093 to fix a bug in Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 that allowed the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal log file to grow unchecked, consuming significant disk space. The update automatically compacts and trims the file, restoring lost storage without requiring manual cleanup. Users on small SSDs were hit hardest, but the patch now blocks the silent leak.
Chrome's New Guided Setup Steers Users Through Windows 11's Default Browser Maze
Google is testing a new guided setup in Chrome that visually walks users through the final Windows 11 Settings step to make Chrome the default browser. The feature, spotted in early Canary builds by Windows Report, adds step-by-step callouts to the confusing per-protocol default process. While it simplifies the switch for everyday users, power users may find it chatty, and IT admins should note it won't override managed policies. The change continues the long-running default-browser tug-of-war between Microsoft and third-party developers.
MediaTek Wi-Fi Vanished After a Windows 11 Update? Here’s How to Get Back Online
After recent Windows 11 updates, many laptops with MediaTek Wi-Fi adapters lose wireless connectivity because Windows overwrites the OEM driver with an incompatible generic version. A new guide from Driver Easy details the cause and walks affected users through restoring Internet access using a wired connection and manual driver installation. The fix is free and doesn’t require a repair shop, but users must act carefully to avoid future recurrences.
July 2026 and Still No Federal Privacy Law: The Windows Data Resilience Imperative
As of July 2026, the U.S. still lacks a comprehensive federal privacy law, leaving Windows users and Microsoft 365 admins to navigate a patchwork of state regulations. This article outlines the practical impact for everyday users, power users, and IT pros, explains how we got here, and provides concrete steps for using Microsoft’s compliance tools to build data resilience. The key message: proactive data governance is the best defense in a fragmented legal landscape.
Windows Insider Builds Hide Secret 'Device Rebuild' Feature in WinRE
A hidden feature ID, Servicing_DeviceRebuild_WinREUX, found in recent Windows Insider builds points to a future 'Device Rebuild' tool for the Windows Recovery Environment. Though currently inactive, it hints at a more robust repair option that could allow users to fully rebuild a PC directly from WinRE without external media. For now, it's a signal to keep an eye on Insider flights and maintain your own recovery backups.
Sony's Disc Phaseout for PS5 Games by 2028 Has Hideo Kojima Alarmed—Here's Why Windows Users Should Care
Sony will stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation 5 games starting January 2028, and Hideo Kojima warns that digital-only distribution reduces game purchases to revocable permissions. The article analyzes the announcement's impact on Windows gamers, detailing how the shift accelerates trends already affecting PC game ownership, preservation, and consumer rights. Practical guidance is provided for everyday users, power users, and IT professionals.
Why Your Windows PC’s Plastic Parts Could Get a Safer Flame Shield
Clariant’s new halogen-free phosphorus flame retardant, Exolit OP 960, targets U.S. electronics and EV component plastics, promising safer fire protection without toxic byproducts. The announcement, made on July 6, 2026, signals that the materials inside your next Windows laptop or charger are shifting toward greener, regulation-friendly alternatives. While no immediate user action is required, the development could accelerate halogen-free certifications for consumer and enterprise devices.
Vestel's Thin Margins Could Pinch Europe's Budget Windows Laptop Pipeline
Turkish electronics manufacturer Vestel, a key supplier of budget Windows laptops to European retailers, is facing a margin squeeze as export volumes rise but European demand softens and domestic costs climb. The tension could lead to higher prices or stripped-down specs for entry-level Windows devices throughout 2025. Home users and IT buyers should consider purchasing now before inventory shifts, while monitoring alternative brands and spec sheets closely.
Jabil's Molded Fiber Packaging Push Could End Plastic Waste in Windows Device Boxes by 2026
Jabil Inc. plans to offer large-scale molded fiber packaging solutions to global brands starting in 2026, enabling a shift away from single-use plastics in electronics packaging. This could significantly reduce plastic waste in Windows device boxes, with home users, IT departments, and manufacturers all seeing practical changes in waste disposal, procurement, and design.
One Click, Three Apps: The Windows Batch File Trick That Streamlines Your Morning Routine
A vintage Windows trick lets you launch multiple applications with a single double-click by creating a simple batch file. The technique, highlighted recently by Neowin, uses the `start` command to open programs, folders, or websites in one go. This article explains how to set up your own .BAT launcher on Windows 11, practical usage scenarios, limitations, and modern alternatives like PowerShell and Task Scheduler.
Windows 11 Storage Bug Fix: Microsoft Patches Bloat-Causing Permission Log in KB5095093
Microsoft's optional KB5095093 update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 fixes a disk-space bug where a permission service log file could grow to tens of gigabytes. The fix is available now as a preview and will be part of July's Patch Tuesday.
Black Bars, Shrunken Desktops: The Simple Fixes Windows 11 Users Keep Overlooking
Windows 11’s stubborn “not full screen” issue, often triggered by updates or new monitors, stems from a mismatch between OS, GPU, and display settings. A recent troubleshooting guide from Guiding Tech confirms that most fixes are simple, ranging from correct resolution and GPU scaling to monitor OSD adjustments—no advanced expertise required.
Windows 11 on Any PC: Rufus Keeps Bypassing TPM and Secure Boot in 2026
Rufus remains the simplest tool for installing Windows 11 on PCs that fail Microsoft's TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements. A 2026 update to version 4.5 adds improved compatibility with the latest Windows 11 builds and CPU checks, keeping older hardware alive. This article explores how Rufus works, the security tradeoffs, and a step-by-step guide to creating a bypassed bootable USB.