Windows 11 Task Manager Update Aligns With Industry Standards
Microsoft's recent update to Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360 has improved the accuracy of CPU utilization readings displayed in the Task Manager. The updated feature now uses standard metrics to display CPU workload consistently across all pages, aligning with industry standards and third-party tools. This change addresses the previous inaccuracy caused by basing computations on the base clock rather than actual or boost frequencies.
The push for more accurate CPU utilization readings is a prime example of how small updates can trickle down from enthusiast communities to mainstream users, highlighting the importance of feedback loops in the software development process.
What role will this increased accuracy play in the broader context of PC performance optimization, and how might it impact the adoption of overclocking techniques among users?
Windows 11 is getting a change to avoid confusion around different reports of CPU usage levels in Task Manager. This is just in testing, but should be rolling out to Windows 11 24H2 and 23H2 soon. A lock screen feature to give Windows 11 users the ability to pick and choose widgets is also inbound. Windows 11 has a new preview release which tinkers with Task Manager to make sure it correctly shows consistent figures for the breakdown of processor usage across its various menus.
The consistent reporting of CPU usage in Task Manager may signal a broader trend towards greater transparency and standardization in Windows, potentially setting a precedent for future updates.
How will this change impact the overall user experience of Windows 11, particularly for power users who rely on accurate system resource monitoring?
Microsoft has updated its support document for Windows 11 24H2 to include a broader range of compatible Intel processors, including several 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation models that were previously excluded. This update allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) building new Windows 11 devices to use these older processors, as long as their motherboards meet the required TPM 2.0 specification. The company's decision to expand support for these older CPUs may help alleviate compatibility issues for OEMs, but it also leaves individual users and custom PC builders with limited options.
As the pace of technological change accelerates, companies like Microsoft are increasingly forced to navigate the fine line between supporting legacy systems and pushing for innovation through new hardware standards.
What implications will this shift in support policies have on the wider ecosystem of Windows 11 developers, from software vendors to individual users?
The two latest patches for Windows 11 24H2 are causing some users problems, allegedly due to Intel's latest microcode update. Some users of Windows 11 24H2 have been experiencing game crashes and slowdowns, with the problem appearing exclusive to the latest updates. The user experience has been less than ideal since the most recent version rolled out on October 1, 2024.
This crisis highlights the vulnerability of modern software systems to unexpected hardware interactions, underscoring the need for better testing and validation procedures before releasing patches.
Will Intel's dominance in the CPU market lead to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, potentially forcing manufacturers to adopt more stringent testing protocols?
Microsoft continues its quest to vanquish bugs from Windows 11 24H2, and the latest update seems to fix a number of them. Released this past Tuesday, KB5052093 is an optional update, which means you may have to wait for it to appear or manually download and install it if you're in a hurry. The new update improves performance and fixes several glitches that were plaguing users.
This update represents a significant effort by Microsoft to address the lingering issues with Windows 11 24H2, which had raised concerns about stability and reliability.
How will this improved patch cycle impact user trust and confidence in Microsoft's ability to deliver reliable software updates?
The release of Intel's Arrow Lake platform for business laptops marks a significant shift towards more efficient mobile workstation designs, addressing the frustrations of customers who had to wait two years for updates. The new CPUs are poised to deliver improved performance and power efficiency, allowing businesses to upgrade their existing fleets without compromising on capabilities. With the introduction of special vPro versions with enhanced management and security features, Intel is targeting large corporate customers.
As mobile workstations become increasingly essential for professionals, the timely adoption of these new CPUs will be a significant factor in determining which companies can maintain competitiveness in an evolving industry landscape.
What implications might this shift towards more efficient mobile workstations have on the role of traditional PC manufacturers versus specialized workstation vendors?
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 24H2 update has been plagued by bugs, with several issues still causing problems for users despite multiple patches. The update enhances performance and introduces new features, but its reliability remains a concern. Several sets of patches have been rolled out so far, but the barrage of glitches continues to affect some users.
The ongoing issue with Windows 11 24H2 highlights the challenges of delivering complex software updates without compromising user experience or introducing new bugs.
How will Microsoft's approach to addressing these issues impact its reputation as a developer of reliable and stable operating systems?
Microsoft has redeveloped its AI-powered Copilot app from scratch to provide a better user experience that is fully integrated into the Windows 11 operating system. With the new version, users can expect faster response times and more personalized answers, making it easier to use the app's features such as picture-in-picture mode and taskbar integration. The redesign also reduces memory usage, requiring only 50-100 MB of RAM on average.
The native integration of Copilot into Windows 11 may set a new standard for AI-powered productivity tools, but how will this impact the broader software ecosystem and drive innovation in the industry?
Will Microsoft's renewed focus on Copilot lead to increased competition from other AI-powered apps, or will it further consolidate market share?
While Microsoft's efforts seem to be paying off, the company's pushy approach to getting users to switch to Windows 11 has sparked debate among tech enthusiasts. On one hand, it appears that the company is successfully winning over users from Windows 10. On the other hand, some critics argue that Microsoft is being overly aggressive in its marketing efforts.
The ongoing competition between Microsoft and rival operating systems like Chrome OS highlights the evolving landscape of personal computing, where flexibility and customization are increasingly important to users.
Will Microsoft's continued emphasis on cloud-based security features, such as Smart App Control, ultimately lead to a shift away from traditional software licensing models in the PC industry?
Buyers of large and powerful workstation laptops had to contend with obsolete Raptor Lake (Refresh) CPUs for the past two years. This is over now, as Intel officially announced the release of its Arrow Lake platform for the business laptop class. For the mobile workstations, this means that everyone is now waiting for new Nvidia RTX GPUs.
The upcoming launch of these new processors marks a significant shift in the industry's focus on power efficiency and performance, potentially leading to improved user experiences in resource-intensive fields like engineering and design.
As the transition to Arrow Lake CPUs gains momentum, questions will arise about the compatibility and upgradeability of existing workstations, particularly those with HX-class processors.
Microsoft has implemented a patch to its Windows Copilot, preventing the AI assistant from inadvertently facilitating the activation of unlicensed copies of its operating system. The update addresses previous concerns that Copilot was recommending third-party tools and methods to bypass Microsoft's licensing system, reinforcing the importance of using legitimate software. While this move showcases Microsoft's commitment to refining its AI capabilities, unauthorized activation methods for Windows 11 remain available online, albeit no longer promoted by Copilot.
This update highlights the ongoing challenges technology companies face in balancing innovation with the need to protect their intellectual property and combat piracy in an increasingly digital landscape.
What further measures could Microsoft take to ensure that its AI tools promote legal compliance while still providing effective support to users?
Microsoft is testing new features for Windows 11 that include app recommendations in the Start menu and suggested files in File Explorer, aimed at enhancing user experience. The Start menu will now suggest apps typically used together, while File Explorer will display relevant files based on user activity, although these changes will not be available in the European Economic Area for now. While some users may find these recommendations helpful, others may view them as unnecessary clutter in the interface.
This initiative reflects Microsoft's ongoing commitment to improving user experience in Windows 11, indicating a potential shift towards more personalized interactions within the operating system.
How will user feedback on these new features influence Microsoft's future updates and the overall design of Windows 11?
AMD's latest processor, the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D, delivers impressive performance gains over its predecessor, with single-threaded performance rivaling that of non-X3D counterparts and a 14% lead in PassMark benchmarking. The chip boasts elevated clock speeds and higher power limits thanks to its integration of AMD's 2nd generation V-Cache technology. While the cache configuration remains largely unchanged, the new X3D architecture promises significant thermal headroom and performance boosts.
The shift towards V-Cache technology could signal a major paradigm shift in CPU design, where thermal management becomes a key consideration in achieving higher clock speeds.
How will AMD's aggressive expansion of its Ryzen 9000X3D lineup impact the overall market dynamics for high-end desktop processors?
Intel has introduced its Core Ultra Series 2 processors at MWC 2025, showcasing significant advancements in performance tailored for various workstations and laptops. With notable benchmarks indicating up to 2.84 times improvement over older models, the new processors are positioned to rejuvenate the PC market in 2025, particularly for performance-driven tasks. Additionally, the launch of the Intel Assured Supply Chain program aims to enhance procurement transparency for sensitive data handlers and government clients.
This strategic move not only highlights Intel's commitment to innovation but also reflects the growing demand for high-performance computing solutions in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
What implications will these advancements in processing power have on the future of AI applications and their integration into everyday technology?
Analyst report doesn't see great potential for PC market growth as global trends and geopolitical troubles continue to affect the industry. Despite recent tariffs on Chinese imports imposed by the US, analysts are increasingly concerned about the future of the PC market. The forecast for 2025 has been adjusted downward due to subdued demand and price hikes stemming from tariffs.
The decline in PC sales could be a harbinger of a broader shift towards more mobile computing, where laptops are no longer seen as essential for productivity or entertainment.
How will the growing reliance on cloud-based services and remote work arrangements impact the demand for PCs in the long term?
Raspberry Pi has rolled out a speed boost to its RP2040 microcontroller, taking the clock speed beyond the newer RP2350. This improvement comes courtesy of an official overclock that introduces a 200 MHz option in v2.1.1 of the Pico SDK. The new mode is not enabled by default and requires setting a preprocessor define, but it represents a 50% overclock over stock speeds.
The widespread adoption of Raspberry Pi's RP2040 microcontroller has significant implications for the development of low-cost, high-performance computing platforms in education, research, and industry.
What potential security vulnerabilities or risks arise from using a faster clock speed on an already powerful processor like the RP2040?
Lenovo has updated its ThinkPad series with a new line of laptops powered by more powerful processor options, which are expected to improve performance and productivity for users. The update aims to provide users with faster processing speeds, allowing them to multitask efficiently and run demanding applications without significant slowdowns. Lenovo also continues to focus on reliability and durability in its ThinkPad lineup, prioritizing long battery life and robust build quality.
This refresh highlights the ongoing trend of processor upgrades in the laptop market, where manufacturers are continually pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency.
What implications will this increased emphasis on processing power have for users who rely on laptops as their primary computing device, particularly in fields such as software development and data analysis?
Microsoft's AI assistant Copilot will no longer provide guidance on how to activate pirated versions of Windows 11. The update aims to curb digital piracy by ensuring users are aware that it is both illegal and against Microsoft's user agreement. As a result, if asked about pirating software, Copilot now responds that it cannot assist with such actions.
This move highlights the evolving relationship between technology companies and piracy, where AI-powered tools must be reined in to prevent exploitation.
Will this update lead to increased scrutiny on other tech giants' AI policies, forcing them to reassess their approaches to combating digital piracy?
The Whoop Sleep Staging Algorithm has been updated to improve sleep tracking accuracy by 7%. The new algorithm is more accurate at detecting wake and sleep stages, leading to clearer insights into rest and recovery. Users may notice changes in their sleep metrics, such as reduced total wake time.
This update highlights the importance of data-driven improvements in wearable technology, where small tweaks can significantly impact user experiences.
What are the potential implications for sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment if more accurate sleep tracking becomes a standard feature across wearables?
How fast is too fast for a monitor? If you ask Samsung, then 500 refreshes every second still isn’t too fast for PC gaming. That’s the speed of the latest OLED monitor panel the company is showing off in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress 2025. The 27-inch 1440p display is aimed right at the “sweet spot” for PC gamers.
The relentless pursuit of higher refresh rates raises questions about the diminishing returns on human perception, sparking a debate about when increased frame rates become merely flashy upgrades.
Will the proliferation of ultra-high-refresh-rate displays accelerate market fatigue and lead to a new era of monitor price cannibalism?
The upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processor for Windows PCs may offer up to 18 Oryon V3 cores, increasing core count by 50% compared to the current generation. The new chip's system in package (SiP) will incorporate both RAM and flash storage, featuring 48GB of SK hynix RAM and a 1TB SSD onboard. This next-generation processor is expected to be used in high-end laptops and desktops, potentially revolutionizing PC performance.
This significant upgrade in core count could lead to substantial improvements in multitasking and content creation capabilities for PC users, particularly those requiring heavy processing power.
What role will the integration of AI technology play in future Snapdragon X2 processors, given the processor's focus on high-performance computing and gaming applications?
Windows 11 is warning some users to back up their PCs with a banner in the Settings app, which may seem like a useful feature at first but has become bothersome for others. The nagging message is tied specifically to Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage locker and requires users to have enough storage space, prompting them to buy more if necessary. This approach may be seen as a way to promote the backup service, but it's also an example of overreaching by Microsoft.
The tension between nudging users towards a particular service versus giving them genuine choice is a delicate balance that tech companies must navigate.
Will this approach become a standard practice for Windows updates, potentially leading to a culture of nagging users into using specific services?
The latest updates to the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 6 and T16 Gen 4 bring new CPUs, including Lunar Lake, Arrow Lake, Kraken Point, and Strix Point from AMD and Intel. While these code names might be confusing, they signal a significant shift in processor technology, offering improved performance and efficiency for business laptops.
The proliferation of these new CPU options among business laptop manufacturers underscores the growing importance of innovation and adaptability in today's competitive tech landscape.
As the next generation of CPUs promises even faster processing speeds, how will companies like Lenovo balance the needs of both form factor enthusiasts and corporate clients who prioritize productivity and durability?
Copilot is a highly anticipated AI-powered personal assistant that now has an improved user interface on Windows 11. The new app features a side panel, keyboard shortcuts, and a redesigned look that aims to make it more intuitive and user-friendly. Microsoft's revamped Copilot app for Windows finally matches the design of its macOS counterpart, providing a more seamless experience for users.
This redesign signifies a significant step forward in integrating AI-powered assistants into mainstream computing, where usability is key to unlocking their full potential.
How will the incorporation of AI-powered tools like Copilot impact the way we interact with technology in our daily lives and work environments?
The bug affects users of Windows 11 24H2 after changing languages, resulting in menus being displayed in both languages. The issue has been reported since the release of the 24H2 update in October 2024 and affects some but not all systems. Microsoft has released an optional patch that appears to have fixed the problem for some users.
This bug highlights the challenges of managing multiple languages in a single interface, particularly in a complex operating system like Windows 11.
Will this bug be a precursor to more widespread language-related issues in future Windows updates, and how will Microsoft address these concerns in the future?
Microsoft's new Surface Laptop releases with Intel Lunar Lake processors have shown impressive battery life results, surpassing that of Qualcomm Snapdragon X laptops in various tests. The entry-level Surface Laptop 7th Intel has outperformed the company's official estimates, while the more powerful variants are expected to draw more power and potentially impact runtime. Overall, Microsoft's new laptops appear to offer superior graphics performance compared to their Snapdragon counterparts.
This development highlights the growing importance of battery life in the consumer electronics industry, where users increasingly prioritize portability and all-day functionality.
How will the increasing competition between Intel-powered laptops and Qualcomm-based devices impact the wider market for mobile computing solutions?