Platform Power
The latest Platform Power coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Windows 11 26H2 Start Menu Overhaul Introduces Compact Mode, Advanced Privacy Controls, and a Performance Boost
Microsoft is planning a major Start menu redesign for Windows 11 version 26H2, set for release in late 2026. Leaked Insider builds reveal a compact layout option, the ability to hide sections like Recommended, enhanced privacy controls, and significant performance improvements—addressing years of user feedback and making the launcher more customizable and efficient.
Windows 11 Update Gets Major Control Overhaul: Skip, Pause, and Restart Without Forced Installs
Microsoft is testing major Windows Update improvements in Insider builds that let users skip updates during initial setup, repeatedly extend the 35-day update pause, and shut down or restart without forced installs. These changes address long-standing frustration over update control and represent a significant shift toward user agency in Windows 11.
How Microsoft PowerToys Text Extractor Makes OCR a Keystroke Away on Windows
Microsoft PowerToys Text Extractor is a free tool that uses OCR to copy text from anywhere on screen with Win+Shift+T. This article explores its features, installation, and practical applications.
Canon imageFormula DR-S150: A 45ppm Duplex Network Scanner Built for Windows-Powered Workgroups
Canon’s imageFormula DR-S150 is a network-ready desktop scanner that delivers 45 ppm duplex scanning and transforms shared office workflows. With built-in Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, and a responsive touchscreen, it operates independently of a PC and sends scans directly to email, cloud services, or network folders. The bundled Kofax VRS and deep Windows integration make it an exceptional choice for small workgroups demanding speed, reliability, and enterprise-grade features.
Anthropic’s Claude Mythos AI Model Uncovers Thousands of Critical Flaws in Windows Enterprise Software
Anthropic’s restricted Claude Mythos AI model, launched in April 2026 through Project Glasswing, has already helped vetted partners discover thousands of serious vulnerabilities in enterprise software, many affecting Windows systems. The governed approach to AI-powered bug hunting could dramatically accelerate patching cycles and reshape vulnerability management for Windows enterprise environments.
Microsoft Launches Copilot Cowork for M365: Pay-as-You-Go Agentic AI Arrives with Enterprise Controls
Microsoft has made Copilot Cowork generally available for commercial Microsoft 365 Copilot subscribers, bringing pay-as-you-go agentic AI that can both answer questions and take actions across Office applications starting in June 2026. The offering includes Work IQ, native Dataverse querying, and broad enterprise compliance controls via Microsoft Purview to support responsible deployment of autonomous workplace AI.
Android Antitrust Verdict Stands: EU Court’s Defaults Warning Resonates Across Windows Ecosystem
The EU Court of Justice upheld a €4.1 billion antitrust fine against Google for using Android defaults to entrench its services, setting a precedent that directly threatens Microsoft’s Windows bundling practices. The ruling reinforces that platform owners cannot exploit pre-installation and default settings to block competition, echoing historic EU cases against Windows and foreshadowing scrutiny of Microsoft’s AI integrations.
Google’s €4.1 Billion EU Fine Upheld: A Stark Default Apps Warning for Windows
The EU Court of Justice dismissed Google’s final appeal on July 2, 2026, upholding a €4.1 billion antitrust fine for illegal Android tying practices. The ruling serves as a stark warning to Microsoft and other platform owners that forced default apps will face severe penalties, reinforcing the Digital Markets Act’s push for genuine user choice on Windows and beyond.
Windows 11’s Find My Device: A Lifeline for Lost Laptops—and a Threat to Your Location Privacy
Windows 11’s Find My Device helps users recover lost laptops by showing a device’s last known location and allowing remote lock actions from a browser, but it requires using a Microsoft account instead of a local one. The trade-off is significant location privacy risk, since the feature depends on continuous location sharing with Microsoft.
Windows 11 KB5095093 Eliminates the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal Storage Nightmare
Microsoft's optional Windows 11 update KB5095093, released June 23, 2026, fixes a bug that caused the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file to grow uncontrollably, eating up disk space. The update also includes other quality improvements and will be part of the July Patch Tuesday release. Affected users can now install the preview to reclaim lost storage and prevent future runaway log growth.
How to Enable Windows 11's Secret Predictive Text for Physical Keyboards
Windows 11 includes a hidden predictive text feature for physical keyboards that can speed up typing and reduce errors. This guide explains how to enable it via Settings, customize options, troubleshoot common issues, and compares it with other platforms. The feature offers system-wide word suggestions and is especially useful for productivity and accessibility.
Breathing New Life into Old PCs: Official Guide to ChromeOS Flex USB Creation on Windows 10/11
Google offers an official, straightforward method to create a ChromeOS Flex bootable USB on Windows 10 or 11 using the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension. This guide covers prerequisites, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting, and the benefits of reviving old PCs with a secure, cloud-first OS.
Windows 11 Surpasses 70% Market Share on Steam as 1440p Displays Gain Ground
Valve's June 2026 Steam Survey shows Windows 11 surpassing 70% share, fueled by Windows 10's end-of-support deadline. The survey also reveals a shift toward 1440p displays, a 16GB RAM resurgence, and growing storage capacity concerns as game install sizes balloon.