PCWorld reports that Microsoft is restoring the missing'Refresh' and'Print' options to Windows 11 File Explorer's right-click context menu after user complaints. These essential features are currently being tested in Windows 11 preview Build 26300.8376

Windows 11's April update KB5083769 is causing black screen crashes and visual glitches, particularly affecting HP and Dell laptops with NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti GPUs. PCWorld reports that users are experiencing boot loops, automatic repair issues, and system instability, with Dell Support Assist suspected as a contributing factor. The only current solution is uninstalling the problematic update, as Microsoft has not yet acknowledged these widespread crash issues. Microsoft's big April patch ( update KB5083769) has been causing numerous problems on Windows 11 machines these past few weeks, including BitLocker lockouts, reboot loops, and breakage of third-party backup apps . Now another issue has surfaced: black screen crashes. According to Borncity (machine translated), affected users are complaining of PC crashes and "distorted, mosaic-like graphics."

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Get a lifetime of Microsoft Office 2021 Pro + Windows 11 Pro for $34.97. Others just clean up your entire setup in one move--this is closer to the second. No subscription fees every month, no renewals--just a clean, one-time upgrade to both your workflow and your system. On the productivity side, Office 2021 Pro gives you the full stack: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher.

PCWorld reports that Windows 11 still relies on code from the 1990s, particularly the Win32 API from Windows 95, for basic functions like right-clicking. Microsoft CTO Mark Russinovich acknowledges the unexpected longevity of this legacy code, which remains fundamental to many applications and core Windows operations. Previous attempts to modernize the Windows API, including WinRT, failed to fully replace the enduring Win32 system that continues powering today's operating system. Windows 11 is the most modern, secure, and updated Windows ever--at least that's what Microsoft keeps saying. But a senior Microsoft executive recently revealed just how much of the underlying technology in Windows 11 is still legacy, all the way from decades ago. One such relic in Windows 11 comes into play whenever you right-click a file or launch a desktop app. When you perform such tasks, you're executing code that was written in the 1990s. We're talking about the Win32 API, for which Microsoft still maintains a programming reference support document . Although the Win32 API became widespread with Windows 95, it had already been implemented in Windows NT prior to that.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Older PCs need two things to still be useful: an updated operating system and software they can actually run. Between Windows 10 and Microsoft 365, you have an outdated OS and apps you're paying for every month that aren't even optimized for your machine. If you want a simple alternative, you can now get Windows 11 Pro and a lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2019 together for only $25.99 (reg. This bundle gives you both pieces at once.

PCWorld reports that Windows 11's new Xbox mode brings console-like gaming performance by disabling unnecessary processes and optimizing for controller navigation. The feature rollout is gradual across North America and Europe, but users can manually activate it using the free ViVeTool command-line program. This Xbox mode allows seamless switching between work and gaming while providing full-screen optimization and improved system resource management. One of the new features in the optional April 2026 update for Windows 11 ( KB5083631) is the long-awaited Xbox mode, which boosts gaming performance by disabling unnecessary processes . It's already been a few days, though, and many who have installed the update still aren't seeing Xbox mode yet due to the gradual rollout. As of now, users in North America have top priority for the Xbox mode rollout, followed by users in Europe. Even so, many in North America are still left hanging.

PCWorld outlines five essential Windows Defender configuration changes to optimize security and performance on new Windows PCs. Key adjustments include disabling redundant system tray icons, turning off unnecessary "no threats found" notifications, and enabling Controlled Folder Access for ransomware protection. Strategic exclusions for trusted files and adjusting Core Isolation settings can improve performance while maintaining robust built-in antivirus protection. Windows Defender is a capable antivirus solution built into Windows itself. Unless you've installed a different antivirus program on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC, your PC is using it right now.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Windows 11 Pro is normally $199, but through May 3, you can get it for only $10. Windows 11 Pro retails for $199, but through May 3, you can lock in a lifetime license for just $9.97. That's one of the lowest prices we've seen for Microsoft's latest operating system, making it an easy upgrade if your PC meets the requirements. Windows 11 Pro isn't just a fresh coat of paint -- it's meant to be a productivity powerhouse. Features like Snap Layouts and multiple desktops make multitasking a breeze, while upgraded security tools like BitLocker and Smart App Control keep your data safe.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft is overhauling Windows 11 with significant performance improvements targeting File Explorer, Start menu, and system responsiveness through better CPU scheduling and memory management. The updates separate Widgets from the Discover feed and adopt a "calm" approach with fewer notifications, though concerns arise about AI-summarized content potentially harming creators. These changes aim to make Windows 11 "feel faster" and more competitive with macOS, rolling out through the Windows Insider program. This is the new, more productive Windows 11. On Friday, Microsoft said that it has begun making improvements to File Explorer, speeding up Windows under the hood, and minimizing distractions from the Windows widgets, all in the name of getting more done. Microsoft's moves underscore what it began talking about in March: emphasizing a cleaner, more efficient Windows while scaling back on Copilot and moving toward adding features that customers have demanded, such as a configurable taskbar .

PCWorld reports that Samsung may replace Windows 11 with Android 17 and One UI 9 on future Galaxy Book laptops for a more unified device experience. This potential shift coincides with Google introducing Aluminium OS, a new ChromeOS replacement, at their upcoming I/O conference. The move could significantly impact the laptop market by challenging Windows dominance, though Samsung's launch timeline remains unclear. It appears that Samsung is considering dropping the Windows 11 operating system on its future Galaxy Book laptops. SamMobile reports that the company is working on Galaxy Book laptops that will instead run Android 17 and One UI 9. It's unclear why Samsung would choose to switch operating systems, but SamMobile speculates that it may be to achieve a more consistent user experience across all the company's products, most of which run some version of Android and One UI.