Pay Equity
The latest Pay Equity coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
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.
Sarawak Bets on Homegrown Medical Chips to Power Next-Gen Smart Cities
Sarawak announces development of a medical semiconductor chip at the Miri Smart City Command Centre opening. The chip, designed by local talent for cardiology applications, marks a strategic shift into front-end design and could impact the global medical device market, where Windows-based systems are common.
Microsoft Copilot's Big Reset: One App to Rule Them All and a Line-Item Bill for AI Agents
Microsoft is planning to merge its consumer and enterprise Copilot apps into a single experience by August 2026, according to a leaked roadmap. The move will cut underused features and introduce paid AI agents, turning the free AI assistant into a more monetized platform. Users face a mixed bag of a simpler interface and potential feature losses, while admins gain easier management but must prepare for migration.
India Flips the Switch on First Commercial OSAT Plant: How It Could Reshape the Global Chip Pipeline for Windows PCs
Prime Minister Modi opened CG Semi’s OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat on July 4, 2026, marking India’s first commercial chip packaging plant. While the immediate impact on Windows PC buyers is limited, the plant diversifies the concentrated global semiconductor supply chain, potentially easing future chip shortages and reducing price volatility. IT admins should track this as a sign of India’s growing role in hardware manufacturing, which could influence enterprise refresh cycles by decade’s end.
Microsoft Edge Is Lurking in Every Corner of Windows 11 – Here’s How to Rein It In
Paul Thurrott’s updated Windows 11 Field Guide urges users to defensively configure Microsoft Edge, even if they never use it as a browser. Edge’s background processes and privacy-eroding settings can leak data and slow your system, but a quick checklist of tweaks can lock it down.
Android’s New ‘Continue On’ Feature Could Be the Cross-Device Glue Windows Users Have Been Missing
Google is testing a new Android feature called ‘Continue On’ that allows seamless app handoff from a phone to a tablet. While the feature is currently limited to Android devices, it could signal a push toward better cross-device integration that might eventually reach Windows through Chrome.
The $1,000 Handheld: How Memory Prices Are Erasing the Budget PC Gaming Market
Rising memory prices are pushing budget handheld gaming PCs toward the $1,000 mark, erasing the value segment. PC Gamer's July 4, 2026 report details how soldered DRAM and NAND costs are forcing manufacturers to raise prices, leaving buyers with fewer affordable options. This analysis explains the impact, the root causes, and practical steps to still get a portable PC gaming fix without overspending.
MSI Bets Its 2026 Laptops and Peripherals on a Unified Windows Ecosystem—What That Means for You
MSI has unveiled a strategic shift toward a connected Windows PC ecosystem, integrating gaming laptops, desktop components, and peripherals through a revamped MSI Center 3.0. The 2026 product roadmap brings AI-driven performance profiles, unified driver updates, and cross-device synchronization, with practical benefits for gamers, creators, and power users—but also raises concerns about vendor lock-in.
PowerToys Awake Redesign to Introduce Timer Flyout and Per-App Keep Awake Controls
Microsoft is redesigning the PowerToys Awake utility to include a new flyout with timer presets and per-app keep awake controls. The change streamlines the experience for users who need temporary sleep prevention, offering one-click timers and an improved process-aware mode. Expect it in a future PowerToys update after community review on GitHub.
Thurrott’s Revamped Windows 11 Virtualization Guide Unlocks Hyper-V and Sandbox for Everyday Users
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