26h1 Experimental
The latest 26h1 Experimental coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Windows 11 Experimental Build 29617 Tests Screen Tint Color Overlay
Windows 11 Insider Experimental Build 29617.1000 introduces Screen Tint, a customizable system-wide color overlay for reducing eye strain. Found under Accessibility settings, it allows users to apply any hue and adjust intensity, offering a persistent alternative to Night Light. Early feedback highlights its potential for photophobia and visual stress, though HDR compatibility and per-app exceptions are still missing.
Valve’s 2026 Steam Machine Drops Windows for SteamOS 3.8 on AMD Hardware
Valve is planning a 2026 Steam Machine revival that skips Windows entirely, running the new SteamOS 3.8 on AMD hardware. The console-like device aims to challenge Windows 11's dominance in living-room gaming by offering a streamlined, controller-friendly experience with near-seamless game compatibility via Proton. While Windows 11 remains entrenched, SteamOS 3.8's maturity and Valve's tighter hardware control could make this second attempt a credible threat.
Kill Phantom Taps Instantly: How to Permanently Disable Your Windows 10/11 Touch Screen
A faulty touch screen can make a Windows 10 or 11 laptop unusable with phantom taps and random cursor movements. This comprehensive guide shows how to instantly disable the touch digitizer using Device Manager, PowerShell, or other built-in tools, explains the impact on pen and tablet mode, and troubleshoots common issues. It's a one-minute fix that restores normal operation without third-party software or a restart.
Locked Out of Windows 11: The Ultimate Guide to Recovering Admin Access When You've Deleted the Only Administrator
Accidentally deleted the only administrator account in Windows 11? Don’t panic. This guide explains how to enable the hidden built-in Administrator account via Safe Mode or recovery USB, recover admin access, and prevent future lockouts. No third-party tools needed.
SteamOS 3.8 Lands on AMD PCs: Valve’s $1,049 Steam Machine Takes on Windows
Valve has launched a new $1,049 Steam Machine running SteamOS 3.8, which now supports AMD PCs beyond the company's own handhelds. The move directly challenges Windows gaming with a Linux-based, console-like experience powered by Proton compatibility. With aggressive pricing and an open approach, Valve aims to shift the PC gaming market toward a more competitive landscape.
Windows 11 Experimental 26H1 Build 28120.2374 Adds Native Phone Settings Hub with WinRE MDM and GIPHY
Microsoft's Windows 11 Insider Experimental 26H1 Preview Build 28120.2374 introduces a unified mobile-device settings page, a WinRE MDM plugin for enterprise recovery, and GIPHY GIF integration in the emoji picker. The build also includes improvements to live captions, widgets, and voice access, while carrying expected known issues typical of an Experimental channel release.
Windows 10 Users Get Free 11 Upgrade in 2026—But Only If Your PC Meets These Specs
Microsoft continues offering free Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrades into 2026, but strict hardware requirements like TPM 2.0 lock out many older PCs. Users can pay $30 for Extended Security Updates on Windows 10 or use tools like Rufus to bypass compatibility checks, though unsupported upgrades come with update risks.
Valve’s $1,049 Steam Machine Arrives June 2026, Bringing SteamOS 3.8 to Living Room PCs
Valve plans to launch a $1,049 Steam Machine in June 2026, running SteamOS 3.8 with full Proton support. The new hardware aims to offer a console-like living room PC experience while making Windows optional for gamers. This move could intensify competition in the PC gaming market and challenge the dominance of Windows 11.
Android Earthquake Alerts Save Lives in Venezuela; Will Windows Devices Follow Suit?
On June 25, 2026, Android phones in Venezuela provided early earthquake warnings, demonstrating the life-saving potential of phone-based detection. This event spotlights the absence of similar features on Windows devices, raising questions about Microsoft’s strategy for public safety technology.
No More Registry Hacks: Windows 11 Adds Official Taskbar Compact Mode
Microsoft is adding an official Taskbar “Compact” option to Windows 11, removing the need for unsupported registry hacks that users have relied on since the OS launched in 2021. The feature, seen in recent Insider Preview builds as a new “Taskbar Size” setting, lets users switch between Compact and larger modes directly from the Settings app.
ASUS Delivers Beta BIOS Restoring Transparent Secure Memory Encryption to Ryzen 9000 AM5 Motherboards
ASUS has released broad beta BIOS updates for many AM5 motherboards that restore Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) support on non-PRO Ryzen 9000 processors, using AMD’s AGESA 1.3.0.1b Patch A. The update addresses months of consumer frustration after TSME was removed from BIOS menus for CPUs like the Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and Ryzen 9 9950X.
Zorin OS 18.1 Can Mimic Windows 11 for Free—Here’s the Step-by-Step Guide
ZDNET’s Jack Wallen has published a step-by-step guide showing how the free Core edition of Zorin OS 18.1 can be transformed to look and behave almost exactly like Windows 11. Using free GNOME extensions like Dash to Panel and ArcMenu, along with theme tweaks, anyone can achieve a centered taskbar, Windows-style Start menu, and complete visual makeover without paying for the Pro edition. The guide arrives as Windows 10’s end-of-support deadline nears, offering a cost-free migration path for aging PCs.
Tinkerer Runs Windows 11 on a 2005-Era DDR1 AGP PC, Proving Microsoft’s OS Has ‘Elastic Compatibility’
A tinkerer has successfully run Windows 11 on a vintage ASRock ConRoe865PE motherboard with a Core 2 Quad Q6600, DDR1 RAM, and an AGP Radeon HD 4650. The system's clock was set to June 2026, highlighting that even future Windows 11 builds can work on hardware nearly two decades old. The demonstration reignites debate over Microsoft’s strict hardware requirements and the community’s ability to bypass them.