Cloud Storage Pricing
The latest Cloud Storage Pricing coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Android Backup Gets Stingier, Samsung Ditches Its Messages App: What Users Need to Know
Google is reducing free Android backup storage, Samsung is pushing users toward Google Messages, and Microsoft has an unspecified announcement that tightens its ecosystem. This article breaks down the concrete changes, what they mean for everyday users, IT admins, and developers, and provides actionable steps to prepare for the shifts.
Microsoft Purview On-Demand Scans Promise to Unearth Sensitive Dormant SharePoint Data
Microsoft is developing on-demand sensitive data scans for SharePoint and OneDrive via Purview, enabling admins to retroactively classify dormant files. The feature addresses compliance risks from overlooked data, with reports suggesting a December 2026 deadline for government cloud customers to complete scanning. Organizations should begin inventorying dormant data and preparing Purview policies now.
Windows 11 Insiders Can Now Reinstall the OS from the Cloud, No USB Required
Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 Insider builds introduce Cloud Rebuild Recovery, letting users reinstall the entire OS from the cloud without local media. The update also adds subscription account badges in Settings. The feature is being tested in Beta and Experimental channels, with integration into Windows Update for Business for IT admins.
AWS EVS Now Supports VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0, Unlocks Hybrid Cloud with Full VPC Control for Windows Environments
AWS now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0/9.1 on Elastic VMware Service, allowing customers to deploy EC2 bare-metal hosts into their own VPC. This gives Windows administrators full control over networking and licensing, simplifying hybrid migrations. The move reshapes the competitive landscape as enterprises seek to preserve VMware investments while moving workloads to AWS.
Windows 11 Insider Builds Introduce Cloud Recovery and Account Control Flyout for Beta and Experimental Channels
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Insider builds for Beta and Experimental channels introduce a cloud-based recovery tool and a redesigned account control flyout. Cloud Rebuild Recovery allows users to download a fresh Windows image during a reset, while the new flyout streamlines account management with subscription status and quick actions. Additional refinements include smarter driver update classification and SDK updates for developers.
Azure Mbv4 VMs Hit Preview with Faster NVMe Throughput for SAP and Memory-Hungry Workloads
Microsoft's new Mbv4 VM series enters public preview with dramatically faster NVMe local storage, targeting SAP HANA and other memory-intensive workloads. Available in East US, the preview instances offer up to 3.2x throughput gains over Mbv3, with full Azure Boost acceleration. IT teams can begin testing now, but production workloads should wait for general availability and SAP certification.
Windows 11's Hidden Cloud Rebuild Tool Could Banish Boot Failure Headaches for Good
Microsoft is testing a Cloud Rebuild recovery option in Windows 11 Insider builds that lets users reinstall the OS from the cloud directly within WinRE, eliminating the need for a USB drive after boot failures. The feature, unearthed in 25H2 experimental builds, offers a lifeline for non-technical users but could disrupt IT workflows if not managed carefully. Most users should wait for official release while maintaining traditional recovery backups.
Microsoft Hosts Office Hours to Tackle 2026 Secure Boot Certificate Transition for Cloud VMs
Microsoft announced a Tech Community Office Hours event to discuss the 2026 Secure Boot certificate transition for virtual machines. The live Q&A will cover impact on Hyper-V, Azure, and Windows 365, giving IT pros a chance to ask questions and plan ahead. Early preparation is essential to avoid boot failures when the old certificates expire.
Commvault Cloud Goes Native on Azure: What the Summer 2026 Preview Means for Your Data Resilience
Microsoft and Commvault announced on June 24, 2026, that Commvault Cloud will become a native Azure ISV service, with public preview arriving this summer. The integration promises unified billing, deeper Azure management tooling, and streamlined procurement through the Azure Marketplace, reshaping how enterprises approach data resilience on Azure.
Two Councils Walk Away from Managed Cloud, Deploy 800 Windows 11 Laptops In-House
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have completed an exit from a decade-long outsourced IT model, bringing 800 Windows 11 laptops, 14 servers, and Teams-based telephony in-house. The move highlights the growing viability of self-managed public sector IT environments and offers a practical template for other organizations considering a similar migration away from managed cloud services.
Scaleway to Host French Health Data Hub Starting 2026, Replacing Azure
France's selection of Scaleway to replace Microsoft Azure for its Health Data Hub marks a major shift in cloud sovereignty, ending years of legal wrangling over US surveillance risks.
Computacenter Tackles SAP Cloud Complexity with New Azure Managed Service
Computacenter announced its Hosted SAP on Azure service, bundling migration planning, Azure management, and ongoing cost optimization. Aimed at large enterprises facing SAP’s 2027 deadline, it promises to reduce complexity and cloud spending. The service reflects a growing trend toward full-lifecycle managed offerings for SAP on public cloud.
How a 2017 Broadcom 100GbE Adapter Still Runs Modern Windows Server Networks
An in-depth look at why Broadcom's 2017 BCM57454 100GbE Ethernet controller remains a cornerstone of Windows Server data centers in 2025, from its feature set to driver support and practical tips for Hyper-V admins. The article explains the adapter's lasting value, offers upgrade and tuning advice, and examines the future of 100GbE networking.