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Windows Update

All articles tagged with #windows update

technology5 days ago•10 min saved

Swift bust, Oura Ring suit, Windows RGB hiccups, and ASCII CITY prototype

Hackaday’s links for August 23, 2026 cover four tech notes: NASA’s Swift Observatory mission suffers a setback as the LINK spacecraft can’t safely dock, leading to an expected reentry; TechCrunch reports a class-action against Oura Ring over sleep-stage claims, with Oura defending its methodology; Microsoft investigates Windows August updates that disrupt certain games due to the inpoutx64 component, offering registry workarounds; and ASCII CITY releases a playable prototype of a single-file HTML‑5 3D cyberpunk city.

via Hackaday|

#ascii-city #nasa #oura-ring

technology24 days ago•110 min saved

Five major Windows 11 upgrades speed up Microsoft’s repair of the OS

Windows Central reports that Microsoft is rolling out five major Windows 11 improvements this year as part of its Windows K2 effort: smarter Windows Update that batches driver/framework/security updates and lets users restart only once a month (with a postponable restart option); fewer ads and AI prompts across Widgets, Search, and the Start menu; a trimming of Copilot UI to fewer surfaces; notable performance boosts via a new Low Latency Profile and System Composer to reduce latency and memory use; and a more customizable Start/Taskbar with repositioning and the ability to hide certain sections. Some changes are shipping now or in preview, with Microsoft aiming to bring most updates by the end of 2026 (some possibly in 2027).

via Windows Central|

#copilot #start-menu #technology

technology24 days ago•111 min saved

July's Windows 11 updates sharpen Start menu, search, and taskbar across Insider builds

Microsoft’s July Windows 11 Insider updates introduce a slate of refinements: Windows Search now auto-discovers additional locations based on activity, Phone Link previews get easier, and adaptive hibernate policies optimize power. File Explorer gains performance boosts, Widgets get updated icons, and the overall update flow is becoming less disruptive with a unified monthly reboot. Start Menu customization, Taskbar positioning, and refreshed Account/ Narrator features also arrive, reflecting a broader push to align Insider channels ahead of a broader release. The changes are mostly incremental rather than groundbreaking, as Microsoft tightens consistency across builds.

via Windows Central|

#file-explorer #start-menu #technology

technology1 month ago•10 min saved

Windows 11 KB5101684 Preview Brings 42 Fixes and Usability Enhancements

Microsoft released the KB5101684 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, adding 42 fixes and new features as part of the optional non-security preview. It can be installed via Settings > Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, updating 24H2 to build 26100.8973 and 25H2 to 26200.8973. Highlights include File History/DFS fixes, improved File Explorer usability (unit display and tabbed navigation), Voice Isolation for Voice Access (with Korean support), Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security support for peripheral fingerprint readers, and broader reliability improvements across Start, Taskbar, Search, and Widgets; no known issues are reported.

via BleepingComputer|

#file-explorer #kb5101684 #preview-update

technology1 month ago•5 min saved

Microsoft intervenes as LG monitor software pushes McAfee ads through Windows Update

LG’s Monitor App Installer, which some LG gaming monitors install via Windows Update, is pushing McAfee ads (and occasional LG apps) on startup. After scrutiny, Microsoft said LG would disable the McAfee pop-up, highlighting broader worries about perimeter devices automatically installing software and potentially collecting data without explicit user consent. LG’s role and the scope of affected models remain under discussion as users report long-running ad prompts.

via Ars Technica|

#automatic-installation #lg-monitor-app-installer #mcafee-ads

technology1 month ago•10 min saved

Microsoft Forces LG to Drop McAfee Popup Amid Windows 11 Bloatware Crackdown

Microsoft intervened after backlash over LG's Monitor App Installer pushing a McAfee trial popup on Windows 11; LG says consent is required and blames the distribution process, while Microsoft confirms LG will disable the popup as part of a broader effort to curb bloatware with ecosystem partners.

via Windows Latest|

#bloatware #ecosystem-partners #lg

technology1 month ago•11 min saved

LG monitor update covertly pushes McAfee adware through Windows Update

LG’s monitor app updater uses Windows’ device metadata to silently install software via Windows Update, with LG’s changelog mentioning McAfee as an added app and a 30‑day trial, effectively serving adware without user consent. Microsoft’s Store policy notes the automatic app installation is by design. Users can block it via Group Policy or uninstall the app, but the incident highlights a broader OEM practice of bundling software through the update pipeline on Windows. There are no public statements from Microsoft or LG at the time of writing.

via Windows Latest|

#bloatware #device-metadata #lg-monitor-app-installer

technology1 month ago•4 min saved

LG Monitor Adware Pushes McAfee Ads Without User Consent

LG monitors reportedly auto-install a Windows driver that runs an LG Monitor App Installer without user consent, aggressively promoting McAfee subscriptions. The app, which gains broad permissions and displays ads after each boot, was independently tested by GamersNexus and flagged as spyware by Jiangmin. Removal is possible but preventing reinstallation requires complex manual steps or disabling the Windows Store. The controversy raises privacy concerns about data collection in LG’s software and may extend to other vendors pushing bundled software.

via Cybernews|

#adware #lg #mcafee

gadgets1 month ago•16 min saved

LG Monitors Push Hidden Adware to PCs via Windows Updates

Gizmodo reports that LG monitors, including high-end UltraGear models, secretly push an 'LG Monitor App Installer' to PCs via Windows Update, installing adware that displays McAfee ads and may track usage; the app reportedly lacks an opt-out, has appeared on models dating back to 2024, and LG has not fully explained the scope of deployment or data collection.

via Gizmodo|

#adware #gadgets #lg

technology1 month ago•3 min saved

Microsoft tackles WSUS sync delays; mitigations rolled out for new installs

Microsoft says a known WSUS synchronization issue has delayed metadata downloads and blocked deployment of the latest Windows updates via WSUS or Configuration Manager since around July 13, 2026. A mitigation was deployed to restore sync times for new WSUS installations and rebuilds, while engineers continue work to remove affected metadata from existing servers and help customers recover previously impacted environments.

via BleepingComputer|

#microsoft #mitigation #synchronization

technology1 month ago•120 min saved

Microsoft refreshes Windows 11 Insider with cloud recovery, smarter search, and flexible taskbar

Microsoft’s early July Windows 11 Insider builds add Cloud rebuild for a cloud-based reinstall, a redesigned account flyout and default backup settings for Entra ID devices, new Taskbar position options, a unified Windows Update cycle to reduce restarts, and revamped Windows Search that prioritizes local results and offers more control over search behavior, plus an expanded path to upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro Education for K-12 schools.

via Windows Central|

#cloud-rebuild #taskbar-position #technology

technology1 month ago•120 min saved

Cloud Rebuild: Windows 11’s USB-free path to a fresh OS

Microsoft’s Cloud rebuild for Windows 11, currently in preview, reformats the system drive and reinstalls Windows 11 by downloading the OS and drivers from Windows Update via WinRE, offering a USB-free recovery that can return a PC to a known-good state. It isn’t a repair tool: locally installed apps and settings on the system drive are erased (OneDrive-synced files can be restored later), and the process requires compatible hardware, internet access, and WinRE to work; enterprise-use scenarios with Windows Autopilot and Intune are planned for future releases.

via Windows Central|

#cloud-rebuild #technology #windows-11

technology1 month ago•4 min saved

Microsoft previews Cloud rebuild to reinstall Windows 11 from the cloud, even if the PC won’t boot

Microsoft is previewing Cloud rebuild, a Windows 11 recovery option that reinstalls the OS from the cloud even if the PC won’t boot. It downloads the Windows image and drivers from Windows Update and applies the latest updates, but personal files, settings, and applications aren’t restored. Accessed via WinRE in Insider builds (Preview Build 26300.8772+), with general availability expected after testing; other recovery options include Reset this PC, Quick Machine Recovery, and Point-in-Time restore.

via ZDNET|

#cloud-rebuild #microsoft #recovery-tool

technology1 month ago•87 min saved

Windows 11 gains USB-free Cloud Rebuild to reinstall OS and drivers over the internet

Microsoft is adding a new recovery option for Windows 11 called Cloud Rebuild. It lets you reinstall the OS and your device drivers via the internet (no USB drive), even if Windows won’t boot. The process downloads the Windows image and drivers from Windows Update and installs them as a clean slate, without preserving apps or personal files. It’s in preview for Windows Insiders and is expected to roll out to all users in coming months; Reset this PC remains the option to download a cloud OS with data retention, but Cloud Rebuild focuses on a full OS reinstall.

via Windows Central|

#cloud-rebuild #drivers #recovery

technology2 months ago•115 min saved

Windows 11 July 2026 update adds a safety net and daily-use refinements

Microsoft’s July 2026 Windows 11 quality update (for versions 25H2 and 24H2) focuses on reliability with features like Point-in-time Restore for automatic rollback via VSS, Screen tint accessibility overlays, and a new, more flexible Windows Update pause (up to 35 days). It also tightens daily-use polish—Widgets defaults become less disruptive, Magnifier gains precise zoom, File Explorer and printers see improvements, and Bluetooth, location, and networking get reliability tweaks. Additional enhancements cover Phone Link call handling, Voice Typing/Voice Access for Copilot+ PCs, and incremental touchpad and SR-IOV networking refinements, all delivered via CFR rollout to gradually reach users. Overall, the update emphasizes safer updates and smoother everyday use rather than flashy new features.

via Windows Central|

#july-2026-update #point-in-time-restore #technology