Microsoft is finally dragging Windows Security into the Windows 11 era

windowscentral.com Oct 29, 2026

Microsoft is finally dragging Windows Security into the Windows 11 era

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 29, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Sean Endicott, a seasoned News Writer at Windows Central, has reported on Microsoft’s software and hardware since 2017, covering Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, AI initiatives, and broader ecosystem developments. He authors the weekly Windows Wrap column, curating key stories and contextualizing them within the PC landscape. Endicott holds a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and brings experience from live production and media. Outside tech, he coaches youth American football in Nottingham, earning the BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year award in 2024.

💡 Why It Matters

· Endicott’s deep, consistent coverage shapes how consumers and industry observers understand Microsoft’s evolving strategy, while his dual role in sports demonstrates the breadth of expertise that informs his tech reporting.

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Microsoft recorded $10 billion in revenue from OpenAI

Microsoft reported $10 billion in revenue from OpenAI in the quarter ended September 30, 2026, representing about 11% of its $92.3 billion quarterly total. The figure includes revenue‑sharing payments and other commercial arrangements. For the full fiscal year, OpenAI‑related revenue reached $24.1 billion, implying an annualized $40 billion at current pace. Microsoft also had $7.2 billion in receivables from OpenAI, up from $6 billion. The companies continue to share revenue through 2030 under a capped agreement.

💡 The deal underscores how Microsoft monetizes its AI partnership while still competing for the same customers, reshaping the cloud‑AI landscape.

thehackernews.com · Oct 29

Researcher Reveals How Logic Bugs Alone Cracked Microsoft Edge in $175,000 Pwn2Own…

A security researcher demonstrated that a series of logic flaws in Microsoft Edge could allow a malicious web page to escape the browser sandbox and run code on a Windows system, without any memory corruption. The exploit, built in under 100 lines, was showcased at the Pwn2Own Berlin contest, where it earned a $175,000 prize. Microsoft patched the vulnerabilities the day after the contest, and the fixed Edge version is already available to users. The chain reveals a new attack surface for cross‑site scripting.

💡 The discovery shows that even non‑memory bugs can provide full system control, expanding the threat landscape beyond traditional exploits. It underscores the need for continuous, human‑driven security research to uncover hidden weaknesses.

techcrunch.com · Oct 29

Microsoft just shared Azure’s actual revenue in dollars: $33.2 billion

Microsoft disclosed Azure’s July‑September quarter revenue at $33.2 billion, a 48% year‑over‑year increase. The figure surpasses analyst expectations of $32.3 billion and exceeds Microsoft’s CFO forecast of 44‑45% growth. Azure now accounts for roughly 36% of Microsoft’s $92.3 billion quarterly revenue, making it the company’s largest and fastest‑growing product line. Alphabet reported Google Cloud revenue of $30.7 billion, slightly below Azure, while Amazon Web Services remains the industry leader. The new Agents and Infra segment, which includes Azure, generated $76.8 billion, up 25% from a year earlier.

💡 By revealing dollar amounts, Microsoft levels the playing field with AWS and Google Cloud, enabling clearer investor comparisons and sharpening the competitive narrative in the cloud market.

9to5mac.com · Oct 29

Russia now requires Apple to store user communications and hand them over…

Apple and Microsoft were added on Oct. 2 to Russia’s “organizers of information dissemination” registry, joining services such as Google Meet, WhatsApp and Telegram. The registry, overseen by Roskomnadzor, obliges listed firms to store all Russian users’ messages, audio and video communications and to hand that data to security agencies on request. Non‑compliance can trigger fines and blocking of companies’ services in the country. The move follows a broader Kremlin effort to tighten control over foreign messaging platforms, after earlier bans on WhatsApp, Signal and restrictions on Apple’s FaceTime. Apple’s relationship with Russia has already been strained by the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, sales suspensions, payment limits and antitrust proceedings over pre‑installation. Neither Apple nor Microsoft has commented on whether they will comply.

💡 The requirement forces two of the world’s biggest software ecosystems to become de‑facto data custodians for Russian authorities, testing the limits of their global privacy commitments.

windowscentral.com · Oct 29

Windows 11’s new faster and customizable context menus are now rolling out

Microsoft began rolling out the KB5127936 feature update for Windows 11, introducing a revamped context‑menu system that opens instantly, reduces visual clutter, and lets users tailor which commands and app extensions appear. The changes are part of the “Windows K2” initiative aimed at addressing long‑standing user complaints about slow, crowded menus. New options let users restore classic cut, copy and paste actions in a vertical list and disable unwanted third‑party app entries. The update also bundles a refreshed Xbox task view, plus enhancements to File Explorer and Settings. Availability is gradual; users must enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle to receive the changes sooner, though rollout timing may still vary.

💡 Faster, customizable menus directly improve everyday productivity for millions of Windows 11 users, turning a frequent pain point into a streamlined workflow.

windowscentral.com · Oct 29

Players spotted a new “Xbox Playback” feature in the works for Xbox’s…

Microsoft is set to revive its long‑missing Year in Review feature as “Xbox Playback” for the console’s 25th anniversary. The new tool, accessible at https://xbox.com/playback, will replace the old page and provide a comprehensive view of a player’s entire Xbox history, including most‑played titles, total playtime, rarest achievements, and more. Early screenshots from user @redphx show the feature in beta, though it currently contains bugs such as misidentifying console generations. The link is not yet public, but the leak signals an upcoming official launch.

💡 The rollout marks a significant shift from annual retrospectives to a lifetime‑wide analytics platform, offering deeper engagement for long‑time players and setting a new standard for personalized gaming history.