Store Reset
The latest Store Reset coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Block’s 2026 AI Trio: Builderbot, Moneybot, and Managerbot Promise Faster Software, Smarter Commerce
Block plans to roll out three specialized AI agents in 2026—Builderbot, Moneybot, and Managerbot—to automate key functions across Square and Cash App. The system is intended to speed up software development, provide smarter financial guidance to customers, and streamline operations for sellers, with an overall goal of improving velocity and margins.
Files 4.2 Lands with Native Tree View, Smoother Dual-Pane, and a Rethought Rename for Windows Power Users
Files 4.2, released in early July 2026, adds a native tree view, faster pane switching, toolbar-based 'Open With' controls, and a host of metadata and rename safety improvements. The update strengthens the popular third-party file manager as a compelling replacement for Windows File Explorer, particularly for power users and IT admins who need efficient navigation and batch operations.
Microsoft's New Patch Stops Windows 11 from Secretly Gobbling Up Gigabytes on Your Drive
Microsoft's June 23, 2026 optional update KB5095093 fixes a Windows 11 bug where the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file could silently grow to tens of gigabytes, wasting storage. The article explains the issue, how to check if you're affected, and steps to reclaim space using the update or manual workarounds.
Windows 11’s Hidden Permission Log Wastes Gigabytes: KB5095093 Preview Update Fixes It
Microsoft's KB5095093 preview update resolves a storage leak where the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file grows without bounds, reclaiming disk space for Windows 11 users. The fix, acknowledged on June 29, 2026, is now available for manual installation and will be included in July's Patch Tuesday.
Microsoft's June Preview Patch KB5095093 Fixes Windows 11 Shell Failure After PC Setup
Microsoft's KB5095093 preview update, released June 23, 2026, fixes a Windows 11 bug that broke the Start menu, taskbar, and other shell elements on newly provisioned PCs. The issue primarily struck IT departments using Autopilot or custom imaging, leaving deployed machines with a blank desktop. The fix arrives as an optional update and will be included in the July Patch Tuesday rollout.
Windows 11's Battery Drain Isn't a Mystery—Stop the Background Apps Killing Your Laptop
Windows 11's battery life in 2026 hinges on controlling background apps, not outdated folklore tweaks. By using built-in tools like Energy Saver, battery usage reports, and background app permissions, users can reclaim hours of runtime. This guide provides concrete steps for everyday users, power users, and IT admins to stop hidden drains and optimize power settings effectively.
Microsoft’s Next Windows 11 Update Lands Late 2026 — and It’s a Speedy, Small Affair
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2, its next annual feature update, will ship in the second half of 2026 as a small enablement package. The update will be quick to install for users already on a recent version, minimizing downtime and streamlining IT deployments. This continues Microsoft's pattern of alternating between full OS refreshes and lightweight updates, promising a smooth upgrade experience.
Microsoft Tests Spotify Handoff from Android to PC in Latest Windows 11 Insider Build
Microsoft is testing an Android-to-PC continuity feature for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev Channel, starting with Spotify. A new “Resume alert” lets users transfer playback from their Android phone to a Windows PC with one tap, pointing to broader cross-device handoff ambitions.
Thurrott’s 2026 Field Guide Refresh: Simplifying Windows 11 Sandbox and Hyper-V
Paul Thurrott’s Windows 11 Field Guide has been updated for 2026 with a refreshed chapter on virtualization, covering Windows Sandbox and Hyper-V Client. The guide provides clear instructions for enabling and using these built-in tools, now tailored to the latest Windows 11 interface and requirements. Home users and IT professionals alike will find practical steps to create isolated testing environments and virtual machines without third-party software.
Erling Haaland’s Xbox Setup Video Gives Microsoft the Kind of Endorsement Money Can’t Buy
Erling Haaland’s spontaneous social video of his personal Xbox setup gave Microsoft an authentic, unpaid endorsement that resonated with gamers worldwide. While scripted marketing often falls flat, this organic moment reinforced Xbox’s brand credibility, offered fans a point of pride, and highlighted the growing power of genuine celebrity influence in the gaming industry.
KB5095093 Arrives to Halt Windows 11’s Stealthy Log File That Gobbles Gigabytes
Microsoft has released KB5095093 to fix a bug in Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 that allowed the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal log file to grow unchecked, consuming significant disk space. The update automatically compacts and trims the file, restoring lost storage without requiring manual cleanup. Users on small SSDs were hit hardest, but the patch now blocks the silent leak.
Chrome's New Guided Setup Steers Users Through Windows 11's Default Browser Maze
Google is testing a new guided setup in Chrome that visually walks users through the final Windows 11 Settings step to make Chrome the default browser. The feature, spotted in early Canary builds by Windows Report, adds step-by-step callouts to the confusing per-protocol default process. While it simplifies the switch for everyday users, power users may find it chatty, and IT admins should note it won't override managed policies. The change continues the long-running default-browser tug-of-war between Microsoft and third-party developers.
MediaTek Wi-Fi Vanished After a Windows 11 Update? Here’s How to Get Back Online
After recent Windows 11 updates, many laptops with MediaTek Wi-Fi adapters lose wireless connectivity because Windows overwrites the OEM driver with an incompatible generic version. A new guide from Driver Easy details the cause and walks affected users through restoring Internet access using a wired connection and manual driver installation. The fix is free and doesn’t require a repair shop, but users must act carefully to avoid future recurrences.