Usb Install
The latest Usb Install coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Microsoft to Retire Free Copilot Deep Research; Researcher Requires $20/Month Premium
Microsoft is retiring its free Deep Research feature in Copilot on August 18, 2026, replacing it with Researcher—available only in the $19.99/month Microsoft 365 Premium subscription. This guide explains what changes, who’s affected, and how to save existing reports while deciding whether to upgrade or switch to alternatives.
Windows 11 July Preview Update Delivers Voice Isolation, Touchpad Tuning, and File Explorer Smarts
Microsoft’s July 2026 Windows 11 Release Preview update (KB5101684) delivers practical improvements like Voice Isolation, customizable touchpad settings, and smarter File Explorer features. With corrected build numbers 26100.8968 and 26200.8968, this preview signals a focus on usability refinements before they reach all users in a future production update. Most should wait, but Insiders can test the changes now.
How a Hidden Windows File Ate 500GB of Your SSD — and the July Patch That Stops It
Microsoft’s July 2026 update fixes a Windows 11 bug that allowed a privacy database log file to grow unchecked, consuming up to 500GB of SSD space. The update stops future growth and often shrinks the file automatically, but users with already‑bloated logs may need to safely delete the file in Safe Mode. IT admins should audit endpoints for the issue and watch for Dell‑specific compatibility patches.
Windows 11 Running Slow? PCMag's 16 Fixes Are a Start—Here's How to Apply Them Right
PCMag UK’s newly published guide offers 16 practical fixes for a slow Windows 11 PC, but the real key is ordering: diagnose the bottleneck with Task Manager before applying any tweak. This article walks you through the most impactful software and hardware changes, warns against common pitfalls, and provides a weekly maintenance plan to keep your system snappy.
Microsoft’s Carbon Emissions Jump 25%—AI Datacenters Strain Climate Targets
Microsoft’s FY2025 greenhouse gas emissions rose 25% to 20.3 million metric tons, driven by AI datacenter expansion and more rigorous renewable energy accounting. At its Seoul supplier summit, the company focused on decarbonizing its vast supply chain, especially Scope 3 emissions from manufacturing and construction. For enterprise IT, cloud users, and Windows device buyers, this highlights the need for carbon-aware cloud decisions, longer device lifetimes, and demand for transparent sustainability data.
Windows 11’s Quiet Tune-Up: What the Latest Refinements Mean for Your Daily Workflow
Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 updates that prioritize polish over novelty, reducing intrusive Copilot prompts, speeding up File Explorer, quieting widgets, and improving update controls. These changes aim to reduce daily friction for home users, power users, and IT-managed workplaces alike, but many are still in phased rollout and require active testing before broad adoption.
16 Free Windows 11 Fixes to Reclaim Your PC's Speed, According to PCMag
PCMag’s 16-step guide, published July 22, 2026, shows how to revive a slow Windows 11 PC using free, built-in tools and sensible hardware upgrades. Our service-oriented analysis breaks down which fixes matter most for home users, power users, and IT admins—with a clear action plan you can follow today.
Manulife’s 30K-Copilot Deal Is a Blueprint for AI Governance—and a Wake-Up Call for Windows Admins
Manulife’s five-year Microsoft deal deploys Copilot to over 30,000 employees and adopts Agent 365 to govern AI agents. The announcement is a real-world blueprint for tying AI governance to Windows endpoint management, identity, and security. IT teams should audit permissions, tighten device controls, and build agent lifecycle processes now.
Samsung’s U.S. HQ Move to Texas: What Windows Users and IT Pros Need to Know
Samsung is relocating its U.S. consumer-electronics headquarters from New Jersey to Plano, Texas, affecting 739 positions and triggering layoffs in both states. The move, driven by diverging fortunes between its booming chip business and struggling device units, could impact Galaxy Book laptops, Phone Link integration, and enterprise Knox deployments. IT administrators should take immediate steps to secure account continuity.
Forget That Top 10 List: The Gaming CPUs You Should Actually Buy in July 2026
A July 2026 gaming CPU buyer’s guide from Propel RC anoints the Ryzen 7 7800X3D as the top pick, but overlooks newer and faster processors like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 7700X3D, and Intel’s Core Ultra 200S Plus. This analysis explains which chips you should actually consider for a current gaming PC, how platform and Windows 11 compatibility impact performance, and why balancing your CPU and GPU budget remains the most critical decision—especially at 1440p and 4K.
Apple Quietly Discontinues the Mac Pro, Leaving Windows as the Only Game for Workstation Users
Apple has permanently discontinued the Mac Pro, killing ambitious “Extreme” chip projects, a last-ditch Intel prototype, and an M3 Ultra update. The decision cedes the modular workstation market entirely to Windows and Linux PCs, leaving professionals with only the sealed, non-expandable Mac Studio as the company’s top desktop.
ASUS ROG Gjallar Pairs Dolby Atmos With Acoustic Echo Cancellation for Desktop Gaming
ASUS Republic of Gamers announced the ROG Gjallar, a 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos gaming soundbar that integrates acoustic echo cancellation microphones in an external control hub—designed to enable clear speaker-based voice chat without headset isolation. The system includes a wireless subwoofer, HDMI 2.1 eARC, USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.3, targeting multiplatform gamers who want cinematic audio and practical communication in one device. Pricing and availability are not yet announced, and its success hinges on real-world AEC performance and Windows configuration simplicity.
Your Next Windows Upgrade Might Be a Mouse: Logitech’s 2026 Father’s Day Guide Explains Why
Logitech's 2026 Australian Father's Day gift guide showcases five profiles of existing peripherals—from a foldable travel mouse to a $1,199 racing wheel—that reflect the merging of work and play on Windows PCs. The curated selection highlights how premium hardware and software ecosystems are redefining daily computing, with practical considerations for buyers, power users, and IT pros alike.