TechCapsules

Richard Devine, Managing Editor at Windows Central, focuses on Windows, PCs, open‑source software and gaming. He writes about the Windows ecosystem while personally favoring terminal‑based workflows, frequently scouting GitHub for emerging tools. Devine regularly experiments with Windows Subsystem for Linux to bridge Windows and Linux functionality. Outside work, he spends extensive time on gaming titles such as The Division 2, Forza Horizon and the Call of Duty series, tracking evolving metas. He emphasizes community engagement, aiming to provide [...]

Microsoft clarified that Windows’ default Fast Startup feature does not fully shut down the operating system. When a user clicks Shut Down, the kernel session is hibernated and stored in hiberfil.sys, allowing the next boot to resume the saved state and boot quickly. Restart, however, terminates the kernel session entirely, forcing a cold boot that reloads drivers and clears potential driver‑related issues. The article explains the technical differences, the purpose of Fast Startup, and its impact on troubleshooting. [...]

Microsoft reintroduced the ability to move the Windows 11 taskbar and resize the Start menu after five years of omission. The features were removed when Windows 11 launched because the new OS did not inherit much of the legacy Win32 code that handled taskbar positioning, forcing engineers to rebuild the component from scratch and prioritize functionality. Tali Roth, then head of Windows core user experience, explained that supporting a movable taskbar required extensive reflow work for every [...]

Microsoft has quietly altered Windows 11’s lock screen, making Weather the sole default widget and removing other MSN‑powered cards such as Sports, Money, and Daily Discovery. The change, documented in the August 27 preview update and rolled out in the September 8 Patch Tuesday release, follows user complaints about clutter. Users can still add or remove widgets via Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, or disable widgets entirely. The update reflects Microsoft’s effort to streamline the lock screen after earlier [...]

A 2026 review ranks five paid Windows antivirus products and Microsoft Defender. Norton 360 tops the list, completing a full scan in 13 minutes 22 seconds and offering a robust firewall and 250 GB cloud backup. Bitdefender excels on older PCs, keeping CPU usage at 11 % and memory at 183 MB during a sweep. Avast One delivers a free, lab‑certified solution. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro provides full Windows protection for VPN subscribers. McAfee + offers unlimited device coverage but has the slowest scan. Microsoft [...]

Sean Endicott, a seasoned journalist at Windows Central, specializes in Windows 11, Surface hardware, Microsoft 365, AI, and broader Windows ecosystem coverage. Since 2017, he has authored over a thousand pieces, ranging from breaking news to in‑depth analysis. Endicott also writes the weekly Windows Wrap column, curating key stories and contextualizing them within the PC landscape. With a First Class Broadcast Journalism degree from Nottingham Trent University, he brings a background in live production to his tech [...]

At IFA 2026, Microsoft’s partners unveiled a broad lineup of Windows PCs, ranging from everyday models to premium designs, gaming rigs, commercial workstations, and developer-focused machines. The showcase highlighted new AI‑enabled features, such as the OpenClaw Windows App for local model execution and Project Zenith devices that provide high‑memory, high‑bandwidth environments for coding. Acer introduced the Vero 16, a sustainability‑focused laptop built with recycled aluminum and PCR plastic, while other partners expanded repairability and performance options across price [...]

Windows 11 and 10 now manage system cleanliness automatically, reducing the need for frequent reinstallations that were common with older versions like Windows 95 and XP. However, a fresh install remains useful when upgrading to Windows 11, clearing persistent junk, or simplifying system maintenance. Before reinstalling, users should back up data, create a disk clone, inventory installed programs, and deactivate software licenses that limit installations. These precautions ensure data recovery and a smoother post‑install setup. The guide [...]