Smart Layouts
The latest Smart Layouts coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Google quietly adds new PC controls to Play services, plus tablet-friendly Play Store layout
The July 2026 Google system updates include Play Store v52.3 with a denser layout for tablets and AI image labels in the EU, plus Play services v26.26 which lets you transfer work profiles to Wear OS watches and adds new location-sharing controls for PC users. The updates roll out gradually, but here’s what you need to know.
Microsoft's Record 570-Patch Tuesday Closes Active AD FS, SharePoint Zero-Days — Here's What to Do
Microsoft’s July 14, 2026 Patch Tuesday delivered a record 570 security fixes, including actively exploited elevation-of-privilege vulnerabilities in Active Directory Federation Services and SharePoint Server. It also disclosed a BitLocker security-feature bypass without an available patch, so organizations should prioritize the available updates and review mitigation guidance.
Plex's New Subscription Rules Are Causing a Surge in 'Not Available Outside Your Network' Errors
Since April 2025, Plex requires a subscription for remote video playback, causing many users to mistake a billing block for a network failure. This article explains how to tell the difference and, for genuine connection issues, outlines the key steps to restore remote access on Windows by configuring port forwarding, firewall rules, and eliminating double NAT and CGNAT.
Windows 11 Bluetooth Won’t Connect? The 2026 Fix Is Simpler Than You Think
A newly updated July 2026 guide from Technobezz streamlines Windows 11 Bluetooth troubleshooting, emphasizing quick fixes over outdated Control Panel methods. The most common issue—devices that appear but won’t connect—is resolved by removing and re-pairing, with escalations like the Get Help troubleshooter and driver updates only when needed. Practical steps and Microsoft-backed advice make this the definitive 2026 approach.
Microsoft Edge Still Locks Custom New Tab URLs Behind Extensions, 2026 Guide Confirms
A mid-2026 how-to guide reminds Windows users that Microsoft Edge’s startup, home button, and new tab page are controlled separately. Consumer builds still lack a native field to set a custom new tab URL, forcing reliance on extensions or administrator policies.
Edge’s Collections Are Dead: What Microsoft’s Tab Restoration Overhaul Means for You
Microsoft Edge version 149 removed the Collections feature and redesigned Workspaces for individual use only, reshaping how users save and restore tabs. This analysis explains the changes, impacts on home and business users, and actionable steps to migrate to Favorites and the new Workspaces.
Forget Facebook Phone Support: The 2026 Reality for Windows Users and How to Get Real Help
Facebook still doesn't offer a public phone support line in 2026, leaving users vulnerable to scams. A new guide highlights official recovery tools, in-product reporting, and Meta Verified paid support. Windows users should start from Facebook's Help Center or app and never trust unsolicited recovery offers.
RCS Messaging Is Finally Mainstream on iPhone and Android—Here’s How to Set It Up and Avoid Common Pitfalls
RCS messaging is now available on both Android and iPhone, but outdated tutorials and carrier quirks can make setup confusing. This service-journalism guide explains what changed, how to enable RCS on Google Messages and iOS 18, and how to avoid common pitfalls like the Samsung Messages shutdown and Google's changed web pairing method.
Windows 11's Hidden Upload Drain: Stop Delivery Optimization From Hogging Your Data
Windows 11’s Delivery Optimization feature may quietly use your upload bandwidth by sharing updates with PCs beyond your local network. Users can reduce data usage by changing Delivery Optimization settings to limit or disable internet-based peer-to-peer sharing.
Windows 11 Search Gets a ‘No Web’ Switch as Microsoft Strips Ads from Results
Microsoft has begun rolling out a redesigned Windows 11 Search to Insiders that removes promotional web content, prioritizes local results, and adds a toggle to disable web and Store suggestions entirely. The overhaul, currently in the Experimental channel, answers years of user complaints about ad-filled searches.
Bluetooth Toggle Gone? The Windows 11 User's Guide to Finding It and Pairing Anything
Bluetooth controls can vanish from Windows 11's Quick Settings, causing unnecessary panic. This service piece explains why the toggle disappears, walks through both Settings and Quick Settings enablement methods, and provides a step-by-step troubleshooting workflow for missing switches, driver issues, and hardware detection problems. It also includes a cross-platform quick reference for Bluetooth activation on major operating systems.
Microsoft’s Update Troubleshooter Has a New Home—and the Old One Is Gone for Good
Microsoft has retired the legacy MSDT-based Windows Update troubleshooter, moving all official diagnostics to the Get Help app in Windows 11. The shift streamlines the repair process but requires users to launch the tool through Get Help or Settings, and it marks the end of command-line or Easy Fix repairs. Most update failures can still be resolved with the new flow, but power users and admins may miss the old transparency.
Logitech Gaming Software Still a Safe Download for Legacy Gear on Windows 11—But Only from Official Source
Logitech Gaming Software version 9.04.49 remains available for Windows 11 in 2026, but only for specific legacy gaming devices. Users must verify their hardware through Logitech's official product page, download the digitally signed installer from that trusted source, and avoid third-party downloads. The article provides a detailed guide on compatibility checks, safe installation, and troubleshooting when detection fails.