Redstone 3
The latest Redstone 3 coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Microsoft Clears KB5063878 of SSD Failures, but Uncertainty Persists
Microsoft and SSD controller maker Phison have found no reproducible link between the Windows 11 KB5063878 security update and reported disk failures. Despite extensive testing and flat telemetry, some users remain unconvinced, and the absence of a confirmed root cause leaves room for caution. For now, data backups and firmware updates are the best protection.
As Windows 10 Support Ends, Linux Distro WINUX Delivers a Windows 11-Like Experience on Aging Hardware
As Windows 10 nears its October 2025 end-of-support, Linux distributions that mimic Windows 11’s look and feel—such as the latest WINUX release—are drawing users away from Microsoft’s platform. While Windows 11 adoption hits record highs on Steam and approaches 50% worldwide, these lightweight distros offer a familiar experience on older hardware without licensing, telemetry, or strict system requirements. Practical migration steps, compatibility trade-offs, and the broader implications for the Windows ecosystem are examined.
Windows 10 Still Dominates Half of PCs as End-of-Support Deadline Looms
With Windows 10 support ending on October 14, 2025, roughly half of all PCs worldwide are still running the old OS. PC makers Dell and HP confirm a drawn-out upgrade cycle, while Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program offers a temporary patch. The transition’s complexity, hardware barriers, and environmental concerns are fueling a fragmented, multi-year migration.
Windows 11 Preview Lets Users Copy on PC and Paste Directly on Android Phone Keyboards
Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 Insider builds that lets users copy text on a PC and instantly paste it on an Android phone via the keyboard, without needing SwiftKey. The native clipboard sync, enabled through Phone Link, promises greater convenience but raises security and privacy concerns that require careful evaluation.
GPT-5 Arrives in Microsoft 365 Copilot as August Update Delivers On-Device AI and Admin Wins
Microsoft's August 2025 update to Microsoft 365 integrates GPT-5 into Copilot, enabling on-device AI processing for privacy, and adds practical tools like a Teams meeting timer, Outlook send button fix, and tighter admin controls. IT teams must navigate staged rollouts and governance challenges to safely adopt these AI-driven productivity gains.
Microsoft Ends Surface Go and Laptop Go Lines: Future of Small Windows PCs in Doubt
Microsoft has silently discontinued its Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go lines, ceasing manufacturing in June 2026 and selling through remaining stock. The move reflects shifting hardware priorities toward premium devices and the difficult economics of budget Windows PCs, leaving consumers with limited compact Windows tablet and laptop options from third-party vendors.
Microsoft Crushes Windows 11 Storage Bloat With KB5095093 Preview Update for CapabilityAccessManager
Microsoft's June 23, 2026 optional preview update KB5095093 eliminates the disk space hogging CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file, which grew uncontrollably on Windows 11 systems. The fix ensures proper database log truncation and performs a one-time cleanup upon installation, freeing up to dozens of gigabytes of wasted space.
Unsigned Executable Spikes Restaurant Kiosk: Windows 10 Security vs. POS Automation
When a Portuguese restaurant's self-service kiosk went down during lunch, the culprit was Windows 10's SmartScreen blocking an unsigned executable. The incident underscores why code signing is no longer optional for business-critical automation software. Experts urge developers and businesses to prioritize digital signatures to avoid similar point-of-sale meltdowns.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8758 Brings Back the Coveted Small Taskbar Feature
Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8758, released on June 26, 2026, finally introduces a native Taskbar Size setting with Small, Medium, and Large options. The small taskbar mode restores a compact layout that many users have been requesting since Windows 11 launched, while the build also includes File Explorer reliability fixes and other quality-of-life improvements.
Cinder City's PC Specs Stun Gamers with 32GB RAM Minimum, 64GB Recommended
Cinder City's Steam page reveals unprecedented 32GB minimum and 64GB recommended RAM requirements, sparking debate on whether PC gaming is becoming financially exclusive. The open-world shooter, built on Unreal Engine 5 for Windows 10 and 11, targets high-end visuals that may push mainstream gamers to upgrade their rigs.
Rufus 4.15 Final Release Fixes ARM64 Boot Crashes and Adds RISC-V 64 Support
Rufus 4.15, released on June 30, 2026, is the final update to the popular bootable USB tool, addressing Windows 11 customization bugs, silent installation failures, and UEFI:NTFS crashes on Snapdragon X ARM64 devices. It also introduces experimental RISC-V 64 support, marking the end of an era as developer Pete Batard steps away from the project.
SteamOS Outpaces Windows 11 on AMD iGPUs: How Proton and Lower Overhead Tip the Scales
SteamOS, Valve's Linux-based gaming OS, is outperforming Windows 11 on AMD integrated graphics processors thanks to the Proton compatibility layer and a leaner, console-like runtime. Tests on Ryzen APUs and Steam Deck show tangible frame rate boosts, challenging Windows' dominance in the growing handheld PC market. While Proton enables most games to run, compatibility gaps and anti-cheat issues remain, but Valve's rapid improvements signal a serious contender.
Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary Bloom Wallpaper: From Surface Exclusive to Community Sensation
Microsoft's exclusive 50th Anniversary Bloom wallpaper, originally bundled with a limited-edition Surface Laptop, has been widely shared by the community, offering a dark, gold-accented design optimized for OLED displays. The wallpaper merges nostalgia with modern aesthetics, sparking discussions about exclusivity and the evolving role of digital personalization in Windows 11.