Innovation
The latest Innovation coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Windows 11 Gets Its First Four Original Xbox Games — Here’s How to Play Them
Microsoft launched Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC as an early release on July 22, 2026, bringing four original Xbox games to Windows 11. Digital console license holders get free PC access, and all four titles are included with Game Pass. The launch comes with PC-specific enhancements, modest system requirements, and a promise of Achievements later in 2026.
Weak Microsoft 365 Governance Turns Copilot Into a Data Sprawl Nightmare
Info-Tech Research Group’s new blueprint warns that poor Microsoft 365 governance turns Copilot into a data exposure risk by surfacing overshared files. The advisory offers five policy-first actions and six high-risk paths to prioritize. This article breaks down what it means for organizations and provides concrete steps admins can take immediately.
Build 26220.8925 Brings Auto-Unit File Sizes and Tab Middle-Clicks to Windows 11 File Explorer
Windows 11 Beta Build 26220.8925 introduces three File Explorer refinements: automatic unit-based file sizes in Details view, middle-click tab support in the address bar and Home page, and clearer screen reader announcements for copy/move conflicts. The update is available to Insiders and will ship to all users as part of the future 25H2 release.
Snapdragon X2 Lands in Surface Pro 13: 53% Faster Graphics, Starting at $1,499
Microsoft's Surface Pro 13-inch (12th Edition) is now available with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors, delivering up to 53% faster graphics than its predecessor. It starts at $1,499.99 for the Snapdragon X2 Plus LCD model and scales to $2,699.99 for a maxed-out OLED configuration. While the design remains unchanged, the GPU boost and 80-TOPs NPU make it a compelling upgrade for creators, though keyboard and Arm-compatibility caveats deserve careful consideration before purchase.
You Can Now Download and Play Original Xbox Games Locally on Windows 11
Microsoft has launched an early release of Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC, letting Windows 11 users locally download and play four original Xbox games—Blinx, Conker, Crimson Skies, and Fuzion Frenzy—with enhanced graphics options, cross-device ownership via Xbox Play Anywhere, and full support for ROG Ally handhelds.
SageThumbs 2K Update Cuts Thumbnail Wait Times for Big Design Files, Fixes Windows 11 Menu Glitch
SageThumbs 2K version 1.3.1 fixes a Windows 11 context-menu bug, speeds up thumbnail generation for large Photoshop, AutoCAD, and G-code files by reading only necessary data, and improves EPUB cover detection. The update targets creative pros, CAD users, and ebook collectors who rely on File Explorer previews for non-standard formats.
Original Xbox Games Hit Windows 11: How to Play, What’s Free, and Why It Matters
Microsoft has brought its Xbox backward compatibility program to Windows 11, launching with four original Xbox games that are playable natively on PC and handhelds. Digital license owners get free access, and achievements will be added retroactively. The move signals a serious commitment to game preservation on Windows.
GMKtec G10 Mini PC Review: What $290 Actually Buys You in a Windows 11 Pro Desktop
The GMKtec G10, powered by a Ryzen 5 3500U, is currently $290 for Prime members. It offers a genuine Windows 11 Pro experience, 16 GB RAM, and user‑upgradeable storage and memory in a compact, VESA‑mountable chassis. While it’s fine for everyday productivity and home‑lab tinkering, its older processor, Wi‑Fi 5, and USB‑C 4K@30Hz limit make it a purpose‑built tool rather than a do‑everything desktop.
Original Xbox Games Finally on PC: 4 Classics Now on Windows 11 With Free License Carryover
Microsoft brings original Xbox backward compatibility to PC for the first time, launching four classic games on Windows 11 with digital license carryover and modern visual enhancements. While the library is small and limited to Windows 11, the move signals a broader preservation effort and adds value to Game Pass and Windows handhelds.
Four Original Xbox Games Now Playable on Windows 11 as Microsoft Expands Backward Compatibility
Microsoft launched Xbox backward compatibility on Windows 11 in early release, starting with four original Xbox games: BLiNX, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies, and Fuzion Frenzy. The program honors existing digital licenses, includes Game Pass access, and adds PC-specific enhancements like up to 4x resolution upscaling. Achievement support, Windows on Arm compatibility, and Xbox 360 games are not yet available, signaling a promising but incomplete start.
Microsoft Hands Disability Groups the Keys to AI Image Datasets
AI-generated article about Windows technology.
Windows’ Hidden Device ID Exposed in Court: What It Means for Your Privacy and How to Respond
A federal court filing revealed Windows' Global Device Identifier (GDID), a persistent identifier that can link activity across Microsoft services even when using a VPN. The story explores what GDID is, its privacy implications, and practical steps users can take to limit its reach—including adjusting diagnostic settings, using local accounts, and auditing cloud sync features.
LG Monitors Now Auto-Install McAfee Ads on Windows 11—Here’s How to Block Them
LG monitors are silently installing the LG Monitor App Installer on Windows 11, which then serves unsolicited McAfee ads. The root cause is Windows' device metadata auto-download feature. Users can block future installations via Group Policy or registry tweaks and remove the app if already present.