Artifacts
The latest Artifacts coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Why 2026’s AI Chatbots Are Great at Explaining Interest Rates—and Terrible at Protecting Your Nest Egg
AI chatbots in 2026 are emerging as valuable educational tools for personal finance, helping users grasp concepts like compound interest and tax relief. However, they pose risks when used for actual financial decisions, as they can generate inaccurate advice or be exploited by scammers. Users should treat these bots as tutors, not advisers, and follow strict safety practices.
Windows 11 Media Player 11.2605.14.0 Rolls Out to Insiders with Fixes; Performance Issues Persist
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Media Player update (version 11.2605.14.0) delivers crucial fixes for captions, codecs, and library management to Insiders, but early reports indicate that RAM usage and launch slowdowns persist. The update, rolling out on June 12, 2026, targets multiple playback and organization bugs while leaving some performance complaints unaddressed.
Microsoft Wallet, Subway Surfers Ignite Windows 10 Mobile’s Most Eventful App Week
The June 20–26, 2016 period saw Windows 10 Mobile gain Microsoft Wallet for NFC payments, hit game Subway Surfers, India-focused FreeCharge, and major updates to Maps, Crunchyroll, and Township. While the app gap remained, the flurry of UWP releases signaled developer interest and gave loyal users a reason for optimism ahead of the Anniversary Update.
Windows 11 and Server 2025 to Favor Microsoft IPP Driver Over Third-Party Printers Starting July 1, 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 will always prefer the Microsoft IPP inbox class driver over third-party printer drivers. This change aims to improve security and simplify printing, but may disrupt enterprise workflows that rely on vendor-specific features. IT administrators should begin testing and preparing for the transition now.
Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Killed in Plane Crash at 69
Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft and one of the five Guillemot brothers who built the video game empire, died at age 69 when his Cessna 421 crashed near La Baule-Escoublac Airport in France on June 19, 2026. The article explores his role in Ubisoft's global expansion, his contributions to PC gaming on Windows, and the outpouring of industry tributes following his death.
The 5 Gaming Forums Windows PC Enthusiasts Still Swear By in 2026
Despite the dominance of Discord and Reddit, dedicated gaming forums like ResetEra, PCGamingWiki, TrueAchievements, and AtariAge remain indispensable for Windows PC enthusiasts in 2026. Their searchable, threaded archives and strict moderation provide unparalleled technical support, achievement hunting coordination, and retro preservation that ephemeral chat platforms cannot match.
Minimalist Arcade Action Returns: One Button Games Vol. 7 Windows Release Set for July 7, 2026
One Button Games 5-in-1 Vol. 7 is set to land on Windows on July 7, 2026, according to a TrueAchievements listing. Developed by ABA Games and published by Xitilon, this seventh compilation continues the beloved series of five one-button arcade games, emphasizing minimalism and accessibility.
Scripting the Switch: How a North Wales MSP Ditched Kaseya VSA for Datto RMM and Slashed Tool Sprawl
Stability IT, a Welsh MSP, migrated from Kaseya VSA 9 to Datto RMM by scripting agent deployment through VSA itself, completing the transition in two weeks. The move slashed tool sprawl, boosted patch compliance from 85% to 98%, and eliminated redundant remote access tools. The MSP’s phased, script-driven approach offers a blueprint for others facing similar operational bottlenecks.
Windows 10 WHCP Deprecation Begins: Microsoft Forces Hardware Makers to Certify for Windows 11
Microsoft has begun deprecating the Windows 10 Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) effective September 26, 2025, pushing OEMs to certify new hardware solely for Windows 11. Exceptions only remain for devices targeting Windows 10 LTSC editions or those covered by Extended Security Updates, accelerating the industry’s migration away from the aging OS.
How to Diagnose Your Gaming Bottleneck: A Practical Guide to Resolution Scaling, Frame Time, and PresentMon
PC gaming bottlenecks are dynamic—they shift with resolution, settings, and even the game scene. Rather than relying on static calculators, savvy gamers can use resolution scaling as a quick test, frame time analysis to expose stutters, and Intel's free PresentMon tool for deep, per-frame CPU vs. GPU bottleneck data. This guide explains how to combine these methods to identify the true performance limiter in any game, busts common bottleneck myths, and provides step-by-step instructions for using PresentMon to gather hard evidence.
Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Killed in Cessna 421 Crash at Age 69
Claude Guillemot, one of the five founding brothers of Ubisoft, died at age 69 when his Cessna 421 crashed near La Baule, France. His strategic contributions helped establish Ubisoft as a dominant force in Windows PC gaming. The tragedy leaves questions about the Guillemot family’s long-term control of the company but is not expected to immediately alter Ubisoft’s commitment to the Windows platform.
Microsoft’s 2026 Secure Boot Certificate Deadline: How to Verify Your PC Stays Bootable
Microsoft will revoke the 2011 Secure Boot certificate on June 24, 2026, requiring every Windows PC to trust the new 2023 certificate. Users can verify their systems are ready through Windows Security, System Information, or a dedicated diagnostic tool. Older or custom‑built hardware may need manual firmware updates to keep Secure Boot functioning after the deadline.
Microsoft Turbocharges Windows 11 Start Menu and Explorer with New Low Latency Profile in KB5094126
Microsoft's June 9, 2026 cumulative update KB5094126 introduces a Low Latency Profile that briefly boosts CPU frequency during Start menu, search, and File Explorer interactions, significantly improving responsiveness without noticeable battery impact. The feature is active by default on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 and has garnered positive early feedback from users and enthusiasts.