Smartphone Launches
The latest Smartphone Launches coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Bypass Third-Party Tools: How to Customize Folder Icons Directly in Windows 11
Windows 11 includes a built-in but often overlooked method to change individual folder icons without third-party tools. The feature, inherited from earlier Windows versions, lives in the Customize tab of a folder’s Properties dialog. This article explains how to use it, what .ico file requirements exist, practical tips for home users and professionals, troubleshooting steps for icon cache issues, and the feature’s long history from Windows 95 to today.
When Windows 11 Can’t See Your External Monitor: A No-Nonsense Fix Guide
External monitor detection failures remain a stubborn headache for Windows 11 users, often triggered by updates, driver issues, or simple cable snags. This guide walks through the most effective troubleshooting steps—from quick Win+P checks to advanced registry resets—helping you get back to a dual-screen workflow without wasting hours.
Raycast’s Windows App Kills Six Separate Tools with One Search Bar
Raycast for Windows is now generally available, offering a unified command bar that replaces clipboard history, calculator, file search, emoji picker, task killer, and snippet expansion. The free tool aims to simplify workflows for home users and IT pros alike, with an extension store for further customization.
Windows 11 Won't Let You Turn Off All Tracking — Here's What Still Gets Sent
A new report confirms Windows 11's diagnostic data collection can be minimized but never fully disabled. Even the most restrictive setting sends device and usage information to Microsoft. Our article breaks down what data is always shared, who it affects, and how to limit telemetry through settings, group policy, and network controls.
No, AdGuard Home Won't Free Up 2GB of RAM: The Real Numbers Explained
A MakeUseOf headline claimed 2GB of RAM could be freed by switching to AdGuard Home, but the actual article reported only up to 500MB saved. This analysis breaks down the real memory impact of DNS-level ad blocking, why browser extensions consume more, and what users should realistically expect when setting up AdGuard Home.
Codex Comes to Desktop as OpenAI Launches GPT-5.6 and ChatGPT Work on July 9
OpenAI announced a July 9, 2026 platform update featuring the GPT-5.6 model family and ChatGPT Work, a desktop workspace bringing Codex-powered coding tools to Windows and macOS. The update also introduces Sol, Terra, and Luna model tiers across ChatGPT, Codex, the API, and Microsoft 365 Copilot, giving consumers, developers, and businesses access to the same reasoning technology with different performance and cost options.
Why Windows 11 Still Generates Short 8.3 Filenames Like DOWNLO~1 for Every File
Windows 11 still generates 8.3 filenames like DOWNLO~1 for every file and folder, a relic of the DOS era. While invisible to most users, this legacy feature can impact performance, security, and file management. Our guide explains the history, practical effects, and shows you how to turn off short filename creation using built-in tools.
HyperX Splits NGENUITY into Current and Legacy Editions for Windows
HyperX has split its NGENUITY configuration software for Windows into separate Current and Legacy streams, requiring users with mixed old and new peripherals to run two apps. This service-journalism piece explains the change, its practical impact, and how to navigate the new dual-software setup.
Windows 10’s Settings About Page Gets a Permanent Makeover—Here’s What Changed
Microsoft has quietly redesigned the Windows 10 Settings About page through the November 2024 update (KB5046613), with no supported rollback. The visual refresh modernizes the layout and groups information into cards but does not alter any system data or APIs. Home users may need a moment to adjust, while IT pros should update documentation and scripts—uninstalling the update is the only way to revert, but that removes all security patches and is not recommended.
Microsoft's Bing Search Now Shows a Biased Edge vs. Chrome Comparison—Here's What to Do
Microsoft is displaying a biased comparison chart on Bing that promotes Edge over Chrome. The panel, spotted on July 11, 2026, gives Edge a checkmark for four cherry-picked features while ignoring Chrome's strengths. Users can avoid the manipulation by switching default search engines or using content blockers, and should be aware that the information is not an objective review.
Windows 11 NVMe Drives Still Use a SCSI Mask, but Server 2025 Drops the Disguise
Windows 11 continues to route NVMe SSD commands through a legacy SCSI translation layer using the StorNVMe driver, while the upcoming Windows Server 2025 enables a direct NVMe path via the dormant nvmedisk.sys driver. This architectural split means consumer SSDs still carry a small performance overhead in exchange for broad compatibility, whereas servers will soon enjoy lower latency and higher I/O throughput.
New Guide Diagnoses Common Windows PC Gaming Crashes: Stutters, Memory, and Heat
A recent troubleshooting guide from NoticiasNQN argues that most Windows PC gaming crashes stem from frame pacing issues, memory overclocking instability, GPU heat, and Windows background tasks. The article translates those findings into a practical, step-by-step plan for gamers and IT pros, with specific advice on drivers, XMP/EXPO tuning, undervolting, and system monitoring.
These 3 Free Apps Aim to Replace Your Windows Essentials — Only 2 Succeed
A hands-on Windows evaluation found that open-source apps MarkText and RustDesk are capable replacements for paid writing and remote-access tools, offering solid stability and usability. Ghostty, however, remains less polished than established terminal emulators, so users should adopt the first two while waiting for further development on Ghostty.