25h2 Preview
The latest 25h2 Preview coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
After WSA’s Demise, These 3 Android Emulators Keep Windows 11 Complete in 2026
Microsoft’s removal of Windows Subsystem for Android left a gap, but BlueStacks, MuMu Player, and LDPlayer have evolved into mature, high-performance emulators for Windows 11 in 2026. This article compares their gaming features, system integration, and productivity strengths to help you pick the best one for your needs.
Marathon Won't Open on PC? BattlEye, Steam Integrity, and Windows Update Fixes
Marathon players on Windows frequently encounter launch failures due to BattlEye anti-cheat conflicts, corrupted Steam files, or outdated drivers. This guide presents a systematic checklist covering Steam integrity verification, BattlEye reinstallation, Windows updates, GPU driver refurbishment, and community-vetted workarounds, enabling players to resolve the most common startup crashes.
Long-Awaited Taskbar Freedom Arrives in Windows 11 25H2 Experimental Preview
Microsoft released a new Windows 11 Insider preview on May 15, 2026, that allows users to move the taskbar to any screen edge—top, bottom, left, or right. Available in the Experimental channel, this feature addresses years of user requests and marks a significant reversal from Windows 11's original locked-bottom design. Early feedback is positive, but Microsoft is still refining the vertical taskbar experience.
One Registry Key to a Snappier Windows 11 File Explorer: Disable Automatic Folder Type Discovery
Disabling Automatic Folder Type Discovery via a simple registry edit can dramatically speed up Windows 11 File Explorer, eliminating the green loading bar and reducing folder open times by up to 78%. The tweak forces all folders to use a generic template, bypassing the content-sniffing routine that often causes delays, though it sacrifices automated view switching.
Modder Defies Windows 11 Requirements, Boots OS on 2000s AGP and DDR1 Hardware
A modder named Omores successfully booted Windows 11 on a retro PC featuring a Core 2 Quad Q6600, DDR1 RAM, and an AGP Radeon HD 4650 graphics card, bypassing TPM, Secure Boot, and CPU instruction-set requirements. The achievement, likely achieved through installation workarounds and kernel patching, highlights the enduring capabilities of legacy hardware and the resourcefulness of the modding community.
Thermal Cameras Meet Windows: The Ultimate Home Diagnostic Toolkit for Detecting Leaks and Electrical Faults
Affordable thermal cameras now connect seamlessly with Windows PCs, unlocking powerful home diagnostics. Our guide explores the hardware, Windows software, and practical techniques for detecting electrical faults, moisture leaks, and insulation gaps using a laptop or tablet.
Microsoft Sued for Misleading Investors on AI Capital Expenditures, Copilot in Spotlight
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman is recruiting Microsoft shareholders for a securities class action alleging the company and executives misled investors about demand for AI services and related capital expenditures from May 1, 2025 to January 28, 2026. With Copilot at the center of the scrutiny, the lawsuit could affect how investors and enterprise IT leaders interpret Microsoft’s AI strategy, including its roadmap and pricing.
Thermal Cameras Go Mainstream: How DIY Enthusiasts and IT Pros Are Using Them to Spot Heat Leaks and Hardware Failures
Thermal cameras have evolved from expensive industrial tools to affordable consumer gadgets. Homeowners use them to find energy leaks and moisture, while IT enthusiasts and server administrators scan for overheating components. With Windows software integration, these devices offer real-time diagnostics that can prevent costly failures.
AMD Zen 6 CPUs Leaked via AIDA64 Beta: Mustang Peak and Olympic Ridge Detection Added
AIDA64 Extreme beta version 8.30.8332 adds preliminary CPU detection for AMD K1A.18 (Mustang Peak) and K1A.88 (Olympic Ridge), indicating that engineering samples of Zen 6 processors are already being tested. The update includes AVX2 and AVX-512 accelerated benchmarks, hinting at a significant vector performance boost, and follows AMD's historical pattern of early partner validation months before retail launch.
Intel Panther Lake and RTX 5070 Ti give 2026 Zephyrus G14 13-hour battery record
The 2026 ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 swaps AMD for Intel’s Panther Lake Core Ultra 9 386H and Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti, delivering exceptional gaming performance and a record-breaking 13+ hours of battery life. Its 3K OLED display, robust build, and user-upgradeable design make it a top choice for gamers who need all-day portability. At $3,199, it redefines what a compact gaming laptop can achieve.
Linux 7.2-rc1 Unveils AMD HDMI 2.1 and Rust ZerroCopy — What Windows Developers Need to Know
Linux 7.2-rc1, released by Linus Torvalds, introduces major features including AMD HDMI 2.1 support, Intel Xe platform foundations, and Rust ZerroCopy. These improvements will directly benefit Windows users through WSL2, enhancing GPU compatibility, I/O performance, and memory safety for cross-platform development workflows. The final kernel is expected in mid-August 2026.
Microsoft Rolls Out Dynamic Updates KB5102558, KB5095615, KB5095186 to Fortify Windows 11 Upgrades and WinRE
On June 23, 2026, Microsoft released three Dynamic Update packages—KB5102558 for Setup, KB5095615 for WinRE on 24H2/25H2, and KB5095186 for WinRE on 26H1—to improve Windows 11 upgrade reliability and recovery security. These updates apply during feature updates and installations, mitigating known issues and hardening the recovery environment.
Microsoft’s Forgotten Trailblazers: Surface Duo, Zune HD, and the Pocket PC Era
A MakeUseOf retrospective examines three Microsoft products—Surface Duo, Zune HD, and Pocket PC—that pioneered mobile innovation but were abandoned too soon. The article explores their groundbreaking features, the reasons behind their demise, and the lasting community loyalty that keeps their legacies alive.