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.

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.

Microsoft updated its Windows 11 support documentation to clarify that AI agents now require explicit user permission to access six key folders: Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Music, Pictures, and Videos. PCWorld reports that users can manage these permissions through Windows 11 Settings under System > AI Components > Agents, with options including'Allow Always,' 'Ask Every Time,' and'Never Allow.' The permission settings apply collectively to all six folders rather than individually, giving users control over AI agent access to their personal files. Back in October, Microsoft released a new support page for Experimental Agentic Features, which details how AI agents and agent connectors work with Windows 11, Copilot, etc. Recently, that page was updated to say that AI agents would be able to access the contents of six select folders in Windows 11--Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Music, Pictures, Videos--which understandably raised concerns. Now, Microsoft clarifies that you'll need to give your permission for AI agents to access the contents of those six folders. When selecting permissions, you'll have options for "Allow Always" (the agent can access these folders whenever it needs to), "Ask Every Time" (you'll be prompted when the agent needs access to the folders), and "Never Allow" (the agent will be denied the request every time). Note that it isn't possible to allow individual access settings per folder. The setting applies to all six folders or none of them.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. The December update for Windows 11 will be huge. Today, Microsoft will release December's monthly patch for Windows 11. The last Patch Tuesday in 2025 will be huge, because according to Windows Central, there will be no fewer than new features included in the update. These include various design changes to important elements such as the Start menu, specific improvements to existing functions and completely new features.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Don't want AI Actions in File Explorer? Microsoft seems to have heard the criticism against AI Actions in File Explorer and will let users turn them off if desired. Across the recent fall months, Microsoft added a number of AI features to Windows File Explorer, which not all users appreciated. We're talking features like AI-powered file search, various AI Actions in the Context Menu, and even AI integrations with third-party apps .

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. The December update for Windows 11 will be huge. On Tuesday the 9th, Microsoft will release December's monthly patch for Windows 11. The last Patch Tuesday in 2025 will be huge, because according to Windows Central, there will be no fewer than new features included in the update (though given the nature of Windows 11 previews, none of these are guaranteed until they appear on home PCs). These include various design changes to important elements such as the Start menu, specific improvements to existing functions and completely new features.