The September Windows 11 update set a new patching record with almost 1,000 security flaws fixed. Lance Whitney is a technology journalist with an IT background. He's written for TechRepublic, PCMag, Macworld, and Time, among others, He also teaches classes in AI, cybersecurity, and social media. The September Windows update finally lets you move the taskbar to any side. It also enhances the Start menu and Search window.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. With optional update KB5120998, Microsoft is making the taskbar repositionable again. But the update comes with some risks. Microsoft just released optional update KB5120998 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. On top of numerous minor improvements, it introduces a few big changes that'll be noticeable in day-to-day use.

PCWorld recalls how Windows 95, launched on August 24, 1995, became a cultural phenomenon, selling 7 million copies in just seven weeks. The OS introduced the iconic Start menu, taskbar, Plug and Play, and multitasking, transforming how everyday users interacted with computers. Despite issues like the Blue Screen of Death, its massive marketing campaign featuring the Rolling Stones and boost to 32-bit app development made it a landmark commercial success. Just over 31 years ago, on August 24th, 1995, Microsoft began selling Windows 95 in the US. At midnight, many computer shops across the US opened their doors to sell the first Windows 95 floppy discs at "Midnight Madness" events.

PCWorld reports Microsoft is planning another Windows 11 Start menu redesign for later this year, addressing criticism about the current menu being too large. The redesigned Start menu will be rebuilt with native WinUI for better performance and responsiveness, including a new Low Latency Profile feature. New customization options include resizing toggles between Large and Small modes and the ability to hide specific sections for a more personalized experience. Microsoft revamped the Windows 11 Start menu design last year, a redesign that's still gradually rolling out to users on versions 24H2 and 25H2. While an evolution on the Start menu is sorely welcome, there's been widespread criticism of its new look and behavior, including the fact that it's simply too big and takes up too much screen space .

Instead of integrating Copilot as a function in Windows, Microsoft has presented its AI assistant as a new app. The app seems to automatically install itself onto your machine via the monthly updates, but only if you're in the US. However, if you're from the EU, the app is only available on the Microsoft Store. We'll show you how to manually install it (if you chose to embrace Copilot and its features that is). Here's how I fixed it To install the app, open the Microsoft Store via the Start menu, type Copilot into the search field, and click on "Microsoft Copilot."

It's impossible to ignore the rapid rise in the capabilities of artificial intelligence tools in recent months. Microsoft hasn't been shy in stuffing Windows full of AI features: Windows computers now come with a dedicated key for launching Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant, which has been integrated into the operating system. We'll guide you through everything you can use Copilot for on your Windows laptop or desktop, and how you can get it up and running. We'll also explain the difference between Copilot and a Copilot PC, which is a label you might have spotted if you've been shopping for a Windows computer lately. When it comes to the Copilot assistant inside Windows, it's very similar to the Copilot app on the web.

Windows PCs are incredibly powerful and flexible, and that's true even before you install any apps. As it turns out, Windows itself is chock-full of useful features that few people actually know about. If you're a college student who wants to take your college laptop to the next level, here are several obscure Windows features that'll help you whether you're taking notes, researching projects, or otherwise. Windows 11 has a feature called Live Captions that listens to audio and automatically generates readable captions on the fly. It works when you're watching a video, but it also works with audio captured by your microphone.

Defense companies exploring artificial intelligence will help the U.S. military "keep up" with rivals like China, a former fighter pilot told Fox News. Did you know that your boss can watch what you're up to when you're working, especially if you're using the company's equipment or networks. That's their legal right, but they also have to play by some rules, be transparent, and tell you about it. This way, you can trust them and they can avoid legal issues. CLICK TO GET KURT'S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO'S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER Is your boss spying on you? (Cyberguy.com)

AI-powered chat and search apps are smoking hot right now, but there's a small problem: They run in a browser, and that requires navigating to each site individually. But what if you didn't have to? The new AI-powered Bing, ChatGPT, and (eventually) Google's Bard search engine can all be stored as an app in Windows and called up when necessary. Websites can either be pinned to the Windows Start menu, or saved as direct "application" at any location. The resulting application is still a web app, but it will load in its own separate window, and can be easily tucked away in a corner, minimized, or otherwise managed via Windows.

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Our devices are packed full of settings that keep us safe and secure. You just need to know which ones to adjust. Tap or click for Windows and Mac security settings to check now.