Survey Branching
The latest Survey Branching coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Your Windows 11 'remove everything' isn't a true wipe — here's how to fix that
Windows 11's Reset this PC 'Remove everything' option doesn't securely erase data by default. The hidden 'Clean data' toggle is essential to prevent file recovery. This guide explains how to use it, avoid BitLocker traps, and choose between cloud and local reinstall.
Apps Not Opening or Showing Blank Screens? Here’s How to Repair the Hidden Microsoft Edge Component
When a hidden Microsoft Edge component called the WebView2 Runtime breaks, Windows apps can show blank screens, crash, or display missing-runtime warnings. This article explains the symptoms, provides step-by-step repair and reinstall instructions, and offers advanced fixes for stubborn cases.
Genshin Impact 7.0 Won't Force a PC Upgrade, but Android Users Are on Notice
HoYoverse's upcoming Version 7.0 for Genshin Impact, arriving August 2026, brings visual upgrades but keeps PC and iOS requirements unchanged, while Android users must pay attention to new hardware minimums that will leave older devices behind.
Microsoft Is Testing a Default Browser Walkthrough in Edge That Opens Windows Settings for You
Microsoft is experimenting with a new guided walkthrough in pre-release versions of Edge that opens Windows Settings and physically points users toward making Edge the default browser. The feature marks an escalation in Microsoft's push to reclaim default status, prompting concerns about user autonomy as it bypasses existing opt-out toggles.
Windows 11 Search Box Grows by 4 Pixels in Latest Preview Build – A Tiny Change with Big Implications
Microsoft has made a subtle UI tweak in a recent Windows 11 preview build, increasing the height of the taskbar and Start menu search box by four pixels. While the difference is tiny, it underscores Microsoft’s ongoing effort to fine-tune Windows’ interface for varying aesthetics and usability needs, including touch and different scaling settings.
Sick of Windows 11's Snap Pop-ups? Here's How to Turn Off Top-of-Screen Layouts for Good
Paul Thurrott’s new “snap-guide” on Thurrott.com details how to disable the Snap layout flyout that appears when dragging a window to the top of the screen in Windows 11. The setting, found under Settings > System > Multitasking, offers a simple toggle that stops the intrusive pop-up while leaving other Snap features intact. The article explores the history of Windows Snap, the practical impact for different user types, and step-by-step instructions for turning off the behavior.
Microsoft Arms Windows 11 with Point-in-Time Restore to Prevent Another CrowdStrike-Style Meltdown
Microsoft has introduced Point-in-Time Restore for Windows 11, a new recovery feature that automatically creates system snapshots before updates, drivers, or app installs. Triggered by the July 2024 CrowdStrike outage, this feature allows users to roll back the entire OS to a known good state without losing personal files. It works even on unbootable machines and integrates with BitLocker encryption, marking a significant step in the Windows Resiliency Initiative.
Paul Thurrott's Field Guide Exposes Underused Alt+Tab and Snap Assist Tricks in Windows 11
Paul Thurrott's updated Windows 11 Field Guide pages delve into the often-overlooked depths of Alt+Tab and Snap Assist, offering practical tweaks, shortcuts, and settings that can transform your daily workflow. This article breaks down the key takeaways, explains what they mean for different types of users, and provides actionable steps to master Windows 11 multitasking.
Forget Always-Online: HP Names 9 Single-Player FPS Campaigns Every PC Gamer Should Revisit
HP Tech Takes has released its 2026 list of nine offline first-person shooters that run on Windows, highlighting beloved campaigns like Doom (2016), Titanfall 2, and Borderlands 2. The guide underscores a growing appreciation for single-player, DRM-free gaming, and offers practical advice for getting these classics running on modern PCs without an internet connection.
Windows 11 Clipboard History Quietly Gains a Plain-Text Paste Option
Microsoft has added a new “Paste as Text” option to Windows 11’s clipboard history (Win+V), letting users strip all formatting before pasting. Reported by Paul Thurrott on July 8, 2026, it avoids the need to paste into Notepad or similar tools just to remove stray fonts, colors, or hyperlinks.
Paul Thurrott’s Windows 11 Field Guide Spotlights a Multitasking Feature Users Keep Overlooking
Paul Thurrott’s Windows 11 Field Guide added a Snap-focused attachment page on July 8, 2026, highlighting the operating system’s underused window-management features. The guide comes years after Windows 11’s launch, proving many users still overlook Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and keyboard shortcuts that can dramatically speed up multitasking. This article breaks down how to use Snap now, what the guide reveals, and why all Windows 11 users—from home workers to IT admins—should revisit the feature.
Paul Thurrott's New Field Guide Spills the Secrets of Windows 11's Do Not Disturb Button
Paul Thurrott has released a new Windows 11 Field Guide attachment that explains exactly what the Do Not Disturb button suppresses. The guide clarifies that DND silences toast pop-ups and sounds but still collects notifications in the Notification Center, while alarms, reminders, and Phone Link calls can break through if exceptions are set. It also highlights how legacy Focus Assist rules still influence behavior, and offers practical steps for users and admins to configure the feature.
Microsoft's Swiss AI Report: Focus on Two Processes, Not Awareness, for 65% Gains
Microsoft's Swiss AI research, published on July 9, 2026, found that enterprises achieve 65% efficiency gains and faster time-to-value when they embed AI into one or two specific workflows rather than running broad awareness campaigns. The study highlights a 24% leadership-IT alignment rate and provides a concrete, process-first playbook for business, IT, and development teams.