From a massive push for faster, native apps to monster new desktop hardware, Microsoft just gave us a genuine reason to be excited about the PC on your desk.
Great, affordable Windows laptops, powerful high-end silicon, platform improvements, and more came together this week to send a message: Windows is back.
This week brought big Windows‑related news from Computex and Build, including Surface Laptop Ultra, NVIDIA’s RTX Spark platform, Dell’s new XPS 13, Microsoft IQ, and the first Surface‑branded mini PC.
Build 2026 delivered new tools, models, and platform updates for the age of AI agents, but the story did not start this week. The foundation was set at Build 2025, where Microsoft introduced the standards, context systems, and early agent tooling that shaped its roadmap.
Microsoft’s Marcus Ash says Windows 11 context menus will soon be faster, simpler, and more configurable. I just hope we don't have to wait until 2027 to see the improvements.
Microsoft veteran admits Windows 8’s codename lacked creativity. A veteran engineer adds that the Start menu was derived from earlier ‘Go page’ explorations.
After Windows Phone, Microsoft is eager to get ahead of the next paradigm shift in computing, and it's betting big on an agentic hardware and software future.
Microsoft assures researchers they can report flaws without fear of lawsuits following uproar from the community, but promises to work with law enforcement against individuals who cause harm to customers.
Microsoft Build kicks off this week, and you can watch the keynote and dozens of sessions online. This guide shows you how to follow the event, what’s free, what’s in‑person only, and what to expect from the event.