Windows 11
The latest Windows 11 coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Valve’s $1,049 Steam Machine Arrives June 2026, Bringing SteamOS 3.8 to Living Room PCs
Valve plans to launch a $1,049 Steam Machine in June 2026, running SteamOS 3.8 with full Proton support. The new hardware aims to offer a console-like living room PC experience while making Windows optional for gamers. This move could intensify competition in the PC gaming market and challenge the dominance of Windows 11.
Android Earthquake Alerts Save Lives in Venezuela; Will Windows Devices Follow Suit?
On June 25, 2026, Android phones in Venezuela provided early earthquake warnings, demonstrating the life-saving potential of phone-based detection. This event spotlights the absence of similar features on Windows devices, raising questions about Microsoft’s strategy for public safety technology.
No More Registry Hacks: Windows 11 Adds Official Taskbar Compact Mode
Microsoft is adding an official Taskbar “Compact” option to Windows 11, removing the need for unsupported registry hacks that users have relied on since the OS launched in 2021. The feature, seen in recent Insider Preview builds as a new “Taskbar Size” setting, lets users switch between Compact and larger modes directly from the Settings app.
ASUS Delivers Beta BIOS Restoring Transparent Secure Memory Encryption to Ryzen 9000 AM5 Motherboards
ASUS has released broad beta BIOS updates for many AM5 motherboards that restore Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) support on non-PRO Ryzen 9000 processors, using AMD’s AGESA 1.3.0.1b Patch A. The update addresses months of consumer frustration after TSME was removed from BIOS menus for CPUs like the Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and Ryzen 9 9950X.
Zorin OS 18.1 Can Mimic Windows 11 for Free—Here’s the Step-by-Step Guide
ZDNET’s Jack Wallen has published a step-by-step guide showing how the free Core edition of Zorin OS 18.1 can be transformed to look and behave almost exactly like Windows 11. Using free GNOME extensions like Dash to Panel and ArcMenu, along with theme tweaks, anyone can achieve a centered taskbar, Windows-style Start menu, and complete visual makeover without paying for the Pro edition. The guide arrives as Windows 10’s end-of-support deadline nears, offering a cost-free migration path for aging PCs.
Tinkerer Runs Windows 11 on a 2005-Era DDR1 AGP PC, Proving Microsoft’s OS Has ‘Elastic Compatibility’
A tinkerer has successfully run Windows 11 on a vintage ASRock ConRoe865PE motherboard with a Core 2 Quad Q6600, DDR1 RAM, and an AGP Radeon HD 4650. The system's clock was set to June 2026, highlighting that even future Windows 11 builds can work on hardware nearly two decades old. The demonstration reignites debate over Microsoft’s strict hardware requirements and the community’s ability to bypass them.
Intel’s Nova Lake-S Flagship Tipped to Feature 52 Cores and 474W PL2: Z990 Boards Brace for Extreme Cooling
Intel’s rumored Nova Lake-S flagship CPU may pack 52 cores with a 474W PL2 power limit. The extreme power draw would necessitate advanced cooling solutions on Z990 motherboards, potentially redefining high-end desktop performance and power efficiency for Windows power users.
Samsung Faces Critical Display Patent Suit—Here's What It Means for Windows Users
Tau Ceti Ventures LLC has sued Samsung Electronics over multiple display patents in the Eastern District of Texas, a move that could disrupt the supply of screens for Windows laptops and monitors. The lawsuit, filed June 23, 2026, seeks damages and an injunction, potentially raising costs for OEMs and consumers. As Samsung is a dominant panel supplier for Windows devices, the case merits close attention from the tech industry.
Oppo’s Compact Powerhouse Reno16 Pro Arrives in Europe — But the €1,099 Price Is a Tough Sell
Oppo's Reno16 Pro launches in Europe in June 2026 with a compact 6.32-inch OLED display, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 200MP camera, but its €1,099 price makes it difficult to recommend against established rivals like Samsung and Apple.
Honor Magic V6 and vivo X Fold6 Sweep Top Awards at MWC Shanghai 2026, Signaling Foldable Takeover
At MWC Shanghai 2026, foldable smartphones dominated as Honor's Magic V6 won Best Smartphone and Disruptive Device Innovation awards, while vivo's X Fold6 took Best in Show. The wins underscore foldables' transition to mainstream flagships, with implications for the Windows ecosystem and the future of mobile computing.
Windows Update Gains Calendar Pause Picker as Microsoft Targets Single Monthly Reboot
Microsoft is rolling out a calendar-based pause control for Windows Update that lets users pick an exact end date up to 35 days away. Simultaneously, the company is developing a unified update stack that aims to cut mandatory monthly restarts to just one. The UI change is in Insider testing now; the single-reboot goal is targeted for future Windows 11 releases.
Xbox Wireless Controller Drops to $54: The Best Budget Pick for Windows PC Gaming Right Now
The Xbox Wireless Controller is now $54 on the Microsoft Store, making it the most affordable official gamepad for Windows PCs. It offers seamless Bluetooth connectivity, solid build quality, and broad game support, undercutting premium and third-party alternatives alike. This deal is a prime opportunity for PC gamers to upgrade to a reliable wireless controller.
Windows 11 Gets Point-in-Time Restore via KB5095093: Here’s How the 50GB Rollback Works
Microsoft's optional preview update KB5095093 introduces Point-in-time restore for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, featuring a 50GB storage cap and deep integration with WinRE for rollback even when Windows fails to boot. The feature modernizes system recovery with comprehensive snapshots and is expected to reach all users via July's Patch Tuesday.