Microsoft is implementing a major Windows 11 reset focused on improving performance, reliability, and user experience following widespread user complaints about system quality and AI integration. PCWorld reports that Copilot's presence will be significantly scaled back, removing it from apps like Notepad, Snipping Tool, and Photos due to user pushback against excessive AI features. Expected improvements include enhanced system stability, repositioned Taskbar, better Start menu functionality, and a more responsive overall experience with tangible progress visible in preview builds. Over the past few months, Microsoft senior executives have quietly made a promise to me directly, as well as to other journalists: They're going to improve Windows.

PCWorld reports that Windows 11's March update KB5079473 is causing login failures across Microsoft apps including Teams, OneDrive, Xbox app, and Microsoft Store. Users encounter "You'll need the Internet for this" errors or code 0x800704cf despite having active internet connections after the problematic update. Microsoft recommends restarting your PC while connected to the internet as a temporary workaround, with an official patch expected soon. Ever since Windows 11's big March update, users have reported login issues with certain apps. At the very least, apps that require a Microsoft account are affected, including Teams, OneDrive, Microsoft 365 Copilot, the Xbox app, and the Microsoft Store.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft's Clipchamp video editor in Windows 11 now mandates OneDrive for saving and editing video projects. This change significantly impacts users who prefer local storage, as locally saved projects become uneditable archives that cannot be modified. New Clipchamp projects automatically sync to OneDrive accounts, though media files within projects may not always require cloud synchronization. Microsoft is changing how Clipchamp--the built-in free video editor for Windows 11--works. The program now requires video projects to be saved to Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage service in order to continue editing them, reports Windows Latest .

PCWorld reports Microsoft is scaling back Copilot AI integration in Windows 11 after widespread user dissatisfaction and poor reception. The company has shelved plans to embed Copilot into notifications and settings, reversing its previous commitment that every Windows 11 PC would be an AI PC. This strategic shift comes as Copilot+ PCs have underperformed in the market, prompting Microsoft to reduce AI bloat across the operating system. Microsoft apparently doesn't know what to do with itself, at least as far as Copilot, AI, and Windows are concerned. Recent reports suggest that Microsoft is backing away from more AI in Windows 11.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft is launching Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs by April 2026, creating a console-like gaming interface with optimized controller support and improved performance. This integration benefits gamers seeking seamless full-screen gaming experiences and developers through easier cross-platform game development via Project Helix. The upcoming Xbox console will blur platform boundaries by supporting both PC and Xbox titles, fundamentally changing how games are developed and played. Microsoft is expanding the connection between Xbox and Windows 11. Starting in April 2026, all Windows 11 PCs--from laptops to desktops to tablets--will receive the new Xbox mode, which replaces the previous Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) and offers a console-like interface for games, optimized for full-screen display and controllers.

PCWorld explains how Safe Mode serves as a critical troubleshooting tool when Windows fails to boot by loading only essential system components. Safe Mode enables users to identify problematic drivers, uninstall recent programs, run system repairs like SFC and DISM, and access System Restore. Key diagnostic tools include boot logging to identify crash-causing drivers, Device Manager for driver rollbacks, and startup management through Task Manager. If your Windows PC won't start properly or keeps crashing, Safe Mode can help you identify the cause and fix the problem. In Safe Mode, Windows only loads the most essential drivers and services, skips third-party autostart programs, and uses a simple graphical user interface. This allows you to disable faulty drivers, software, or malware-since these do not run in Safe Mode.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft's latest Windows 11 preview update brings AI text generation and improvement tools to Notepad, similar to chatbot functionality. The update also expands Markdown support for easier formatting and adds AI-generated coloring book pages plus a smarter Fill tool to Paint. These AI features remain optional and can be disabled in settings, requiring a Microsoft account for users who choose to enable them. Microsoft has released a preview update for Windows 11 Insiders that adds AI features and easier formatting options to Notepad. The otherwise stripped-down text editor has also been given a new welcome screen that describes the app as "the essential text editor, enhanced."

PCWorld reports that laptop manufacturers rushed to meet Microsoft's 40 TOPS NPU requirement for Copilot+ PCs, only to see Microsoft shift strategy away from NPU dependence. Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm now offer powerful NPUs (48-80 TOPS) in new processors, but limited software applications currently utilize this specialized AI hardware.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft will launch Windows 11 26H1 specifically for Snapdragon X2 systems by April 2026, breaking the usual update cycle. This version represents a technical adjustment optimizing performance for next-generation AI PCs rather than introducing major user-facing features for existing systems. A more significant Windows 11 26H2 update with substantial new features and an intelligent AI agent is expected in late 2026. Microsoft is currently working on a new version of Windows 11 that breaks from the usual update cycle. Windows 11 version 26H1 will be a variant that's specially adapted for Snapdragon X2 systems, which we reported on previously .

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Did Microsoft do anything right in 2025? From AI overload to price hikes, little Microsoft did during 2025 was worth applauding. Can you name one single, solitary, success Microsoft had in 2025? In the years that PCWorld has catalogued Microsoft's wins, failures, and head-scratching "WTF" moments, there's always been a mix of high points and lows.