Laptop Boot Time
The latest Laptop Boot Time coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
ChromeOS Flex Revives Dying Windows 10 PCs Before October 2025 Support Cliff
Windows 10 end of support in October 2025 leaves many older PCs vulnerable. ChromeOS Flex by Google offers a free, lightweight operating system that can be installed from a USB drive, providing automatic security updates and fast performance on aging hardware. This guide walks through the entire process—from creating the installer to setting up Linux apps—while addressing compatibility, trade-offs, and the environmental benefits of repurposing old computers.
AMD Patches Radeon Driver Disaster: Hotfix Rescues Windows 10 FSR 4.1 Setup
AMD issued Emergency Hotfix 26.6.3 after driver 26.6.2 with FSR 4.1 support failed to install on many Windows 10 systems. The preview driver fixes the installation bug and restores FSR 4.1 for Radeon RX 7000 owners, though it lacks WHQL certification.
Microsoft PowerToys to Introduce Alt+` Shortcut for Same-App Window Switching on Windows 11 and 10
Microsoft is developing an Alt Window Cycle feature for PowerToys on Windows 10 and 11, enabling quick switching between windows of the same application using the Alt+` shortcut. The utility, inspired by macOS's Command+` behavior, is currently in development on GitHub. Once released, it will enhance multitasking by providing a focused alternative to Alt+Tab.
Exclusive: PowerToys Alt+` Shortcut Brings Same-App Window Cycling to Windows 10 and 11
Microsoft is adding a new PowerToys utility called Alt Window Cycle, giving Windows 10 and 11 users the ability to switch between windows of the same application using Alt+`. This long-requested feature fills a gap in window management, offering a productivity boost for power users and bringing Windows closer to macOS and Linux functionality. The feature is currently in development and expected to arrive in an experimental PowerToys build soon.
EU Commission Moves to Designate AWS and Azure as Gatekeepers Under DMA
The European Commission's preliminary finding designates AWS and Microsoft Azure as DMA gatekeepers, which could force interoperability mandates and phase out cloud lock-in tactics. This move directly impacts Windows Server, Azure AD, and hybrid environments, promising greater choice and lower costs for European businesses.
Riot Vanguard Goes On-Demand on Windows 11 25H2, Ends Mandatory Boot-Time Loading
On June 24, 2026, Riot Games announced that its kernel-level anti-cheat Vanguard will load on-demand on Windows 11 25H2 instead of at startup, improving boot times and system performance while maintaining robust cheat detection through hypervisor-based checks. The change leverages Windows 11 25H2's enhanced virtualization security and requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, marking a shift toward less intrusive but highly secure anti-cheat architecture.
EU Moves to Classify AWS and Azure as DMA Gatekeepers in Major Cloud Regulation Push
The European Commission has launched a DMA investigation into AWS and Microsoft Azure, a move that could force sweeping interoperability and data portability rules on the two cloud giants. If designated as gatekeepers, they would face mandates that reshape cloud licensing, AI integration, and pricing—with major implications for competition and for Microsoft's Windows ecosystem. The probe is expected to last six months, with potential fines of up to 10% of global turnover.
Windows 11 Update KB5095093 Brings Long-Awaited Bluetooth Fixes and Faster AirPods Pairing
Microsoft's optional KB5095093 preview update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 fixes Bluetooth reliability issues, speeds up Apple AirPods pairing, and resolves a mute synchronization bug. These improvements target long-standing user frustrations, but cautious adoption is recommended until the fixes roll out in a mandatory patch.
EU Commission Proposes AWS and Azure as DMA Gatekeepers, Reshaping Cloud AI Landscape
The European Commission has preliminarily proposed designating Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure as “gatekeepers” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), after an investigation focused on cloud AI infrastructure and platforms. If finalized, the ruling would impose new obligations on both companies, potentially forcing them to open up their ecosystems and revise established practices.
Krita’s AI Diffusion Plugin: How to Set Up ComfyUI and Stable Diffusion on Windows 10/11
The Krita AI Diffusion plugin brings local Stable Diffusion image generation to Windows 10 and 11 artists using the ComfyUI backend. This guide covers installing Krita, importing the plugin, configuring ComfyUI, downloading models, and solving common errors like connection refusals and CUDA out‑of‑memory crashes.
Windows 11 Gains a 72-Hour 'Rewind' Feature: Everything You Need to Know About Point-in-Time Restore
Microsoft is rolling out point-in-time restore, a Windows 11 feature that lets you roll back your system state by up to 72 hours from the Windows Recovery Environment. It automatically creates daily snapshots, stores them in a secure TPM-bound partition, and provides a faster, more reliable alternative to legacy System Restore. The feature requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and an intact recovery partition, and is reaching general availability through a server-side update.
WidBar Beta Injects Now Playing and System Widgets Right into Windows 11's Taskbar
WidBar, a free beta app from developer Andrea Del Bello, places customizable live widgets directly on the Windows 11 taskbar. It currently offers Now Playing and System Metrics modules, with plans for extensibility, giving users at-a-glance information Microsoft's default taskbar lacks.
Acer Unveils Four Copilot+ Aspire AI PCs, Bringing AI to Everyday Computing
Acer announced four new Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs on May 29, 2026: the Aspire X 16 AI, Aspire 18 AI, Aspire C27 AI, and Aspire C24 AI, including both laptops and all-in-one desktops. These devices integrate AI capabilities through Microsoft's Copilot+ platform, offering enhanced productivity, creativity, and security features. The new Aspire AI range targets mainstream users seeking powerful and intelligent computing experiences.