Windows 11’s new hidden setting opens every app maximized by default, rolling out to Insiders

windowslatest.com Aug 20, 2026

Windows 11’s new hidden setting opens every app maximized by default, rolling out to Insiders

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Windows 11 Insider Preview Experimental build 26340.9212 now includes a hidden “Open apps maximized” toggle in Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects. When enabled, any newly launched application opens fully maximized, bypassing the previous window size. The feature is currently available only to a subset of Insiders and can be activated via the ViVeTool utility. Microsoft has not announced the setting publicly, suggesting it remains in early testing. Feedback from users will determine if it moves to Beta or stable releases.

💡 Why It Matters

· The toggle streamlines workflow on small screens and touch‑based devices, reducing repetitive clicks.
· It also signals Microsoft’s willingness to experiment with UI ergonomics ahead of broader rollout.

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Microsoft Surface and other Windows on Arm PCs can’t use Outlook or…

Microsoft is currently experiencing a widespread outage affecting Outlook and Teams applications on Windows on Arm devices, including Surface laptops. Users report that these essential productivity tools are failing to launch or function correctly, disrupting workflows for professionals relying on the ARM-based architecture. The issue specifically impacts the native versions of these apps, while desktop alternatives may remain operational. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is actively investigating the root cause. This incident highlights potential stability concerns within the Windows on Arm ecosystem, which the company has been aggressively promoting as a viable alternative to traditional x86 computing. Affected users are advised to use web-based versions of Outlook and Teams as temporary workarounds until a patch is deployed. The outage underscores the ongoing challenges in optimizing enterprise software for ARM processors, despite Microsoft’s significant investments in improving compatibility and performance for its newer hardware lineup.

💡 Enterprise adoption of Windows on Arm hinges on seamless reliability for critical communication tools. A simultaneous failure of Outlook and Teams exposes a fragile dependency that undermines confidence in the platform’s readiness for widespread corporate deployment.

windowslatest.com · Aug 20

Will Windows 11 remove the Windows 10-era right-click menu? Microsoft reveals what’s…

Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 will retain the legacy Windows 10 right‑click menu, accessible via “Show more options,” but it will appear less frequently as the new modern menu improves speed and organization. The company acknowledged that the original menu became cluttered and sluggish, and it has been redesigning it to be faster and more useful. While the classic menu remains for legacy app support, it will no longer be the default choice.

💡 The decision preserves backward compatibility for third‑party extensions, ensuring older software continues to function while users gradually transition to a streamlined, faster context menu.

windowslatest.com · Aug 20

Microsoft is killing the Windows 11 feature that hijacked your drag and…

Microsoft announced that the “Drag Tray” feature in Windows 11 will be removed in an upcoming update after extensive user complaints. Drag Tray appeared when users dragged a file toward the top of the screen, presenting a share pane with options such as WhatsApp and Outlook. While intended to streamline file sharing, the floating tray often obstructed ordinary drag‑and‑drop actions, especially for power users reorganizing desktop icons or moving files within File Explorer. Microsoft first reduced its size, but feedback remained negative, prompting the company to pull the feature for Insider testers and roll it out to all users in the coming weeks. A replacement sharing experience is still under consideration, and users can manually disable Drag Tray via Settings → System → Nearby sharing.

💡 The rollback underscores how even well‑intentioned UI tweaks can disrupt core workflows, forcing Microsoft to rethink file‑sharing shortcuts for both touch and traditional desktop users.

windowscentral.com · Aug 20

Is Microsoft Defender crashing on your PC? A bad update is breaking…

Microsoft Defender, the built-in security application for Windows PCs, is experiencing widespread crashes following a recent software update. Users report that the malfunction specifically disrupts scanning processes, rendering the antivirus protection ineffective during critical operations. The issue stems from a defective update that introduced instability into the core scanning engine. Affected systems are unable to complete routine or on-demand scans, leaving devices potentially vulnerable to threats. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is working on a resolution. The bug impacts a significant portion of the Windows user base, causing frustration and security concerns. Reports indicate that the crashes occur immediately when scans are initiated. The company is expected to release a patch to restore functionality. Until the fix is deployed, users may need to disable automatic scanning or rely on alternative security measures. The incident underscores the risks associated with automated update deployments. Technical support channels are currently flooded with reports of the same error. Microsoft aims to minimize downtime and restore full security capabilities as quickly as possible. The situation highlights the importance of rigorous testing before releasing security updates.

💡 A broken native antivirus leaves millions of Windows users exposed to malware during the outage. This failure erodes trust in Microsoft's ability to deliver reliable security patches without introducing critical vulnerabilities.

windowscentral.com · Aug 19

5 more must-have Windows 11 apps — this time from Reddit and…

Sean Endicott, a News Writer at Windows Central, reports on Windows 11, Surface hardware, Microsoft 365, AI, and the broader Windows ecosystem. With over a thousand articles since 2017, he covers breaking news, feature stories, and analysis of Microsoft’s software and hardware developments. Endicott also authors the weekly Windows Wrap column, curating key stories across Windows and the PC landscape. Prior to Windows Central, he earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism and worked in live media production. He coaches youth American football in Nottingham, earning the 2024 BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year award.

💡 Endicott’s dual expertise in journalism and technical reporting provides readers with timely, context-rich insights into Microsoft’s evolving ecosystem, enhancing informed decision‑making for users and professionals alike.

windowscentral.com · Aug 19

Windows 11 will soon let you block camera and mic access for…

Sean Endicott, a News Writer at Windows Central, has covered Microsoft’s software and hardware since 2017, authoring over a thousand articles on Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, AI, and ecosystem services. He also publishes the weekly Windows Wrap column, curating key industry stories. Endicott earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and previously worked in live media production. Outside tech, he coaches youth American football in Nottingham, earning the BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year award in 2024.

💡 Endicott’s deep, consistent reporting provides a reliable lens on Microsoft’s evolving strategy, helping readers navigate rapid platform changes. His dual expertise in journalism and sports coaching illustrates how diverse experiences can enrich technology coverage.