Windows News
The latest Windows News coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
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.
HP's New Guide Tackles the 'USB Device Not Recognized' Error on Windows 10 and 11
HP's new 2026 Tech Takes guide details a step-by-step approach to fixing the 'USB device not recognized' error in Windows 10 and 11, from clean restarts to driver reinstalls. This analysis covers the most effective fixes, explains why the error persists, and offers tailored advice for home users, power users, and IT admins.
Windows 11's Snap Suggestions Make Multitasking Effortless—Here's How They Work
Windows 11's latest Snap Suggestions feature, detailed in Paul Thurrott's Field Guide on July 8, 2026, brings proactive, AI-driven layout predictions to Snap Assist. Hovering over the maximize button now shows a "Suggested" section that recommends snap arrangements based on your open apps and past behavior, automatically placing windows into slots. The feature, rolling out with the July 2026 update, saves clicks for everyday users and power users alike while learning locally without cloud processing.
Genshin Impact 7.0: Windows PC Minimum Now a GTX 1050, Older Android GPUs at Risk
HoYoverse's Genshin Impact 7.0 update raises Windows PC minimum GPU to a GeForce GTX 1050 and introduces an Android crash warning for older GPUs, while other platforms remain unchanged. Here's what it means for your gaming setup and how to prepare.
Apple’s DMA Defeat Is a Win for Platform Choice – and Microsoft Could Be Next
Apple’s legal challenge to the EU Digital Markets Act gatekeeper designation was rejected by the General Court, confirming its obligations for iOS and the App Store. The ruling strengthens the DMA, with direct implications for Microsoft’s compliance on Windows, meaning users could see even more platform openness, alternative app stores, and interoperability features on their PCs.