Windows 11

Microsoft has removed an upgrade block that was previously in place for Windows 10 PCs with certain Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers. The company has recently updated the Windows Health Dashboard to indicate that the compatibility hold has been removed, and these PCs can now upgrade to Windows 11. In 2021, Microsoft discovered a compatibility…

On this episode of First Ring Daily, Brad Sams and Paul Thurrott reflect on Intel’s recent talks about new AI, discuss why ARM continues to be the hope, and wonder if neural processing units (NPUs) really matter.

Microsoft released yesterday the April Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10. This month, the company addressed 149 security vulnerabilities in Windows, Microsoft Office, and other components, with one already being exploited. On the quality and experience updates front, Microsoft released the KB5036893 update that enables the “Moment 5” features for all Windows…

In this episode of First Ring Daily, Brad Sams and Paul Thurrott discuss what Paul learned from a recent briefing with Qualcomm about the company’s Snapdragon X Elite chips, which will power a new wave of ARM-based AI PCs coming later this year.

Microsoft has unveiled the pricing details for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) as Windows 10 approaches its end of support in October 2025. This Windows 10 ESU program offers organizations and consumers a means to protect their devices if they’re not yet prepared to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft notes that commercial customers will have different…

Microsoft is hosting its Surface and Windows AI event today, where the company has announced several updates coming to Windows 11 and Windows 365. The company also highlighted its efforts to simplify user access to the new Copilot AI assistant on Windows devices. Copilot in Windows allows users to ask questions in natural language commands,…

In this episode of First Ring Daily, Brad Sams and Paul Thurrott discuss Microsoft’s unified Teams client that just entered public testing with Windows Insiders, and the consequences of Microsoft not completely killing the Windows 10 taskbar in Windows 11.

In this episode of First Ring Daily, Brad Sams and Paul Thurrott discuss Microsoft’s decision to drop support for the Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon App Store on Windows 11 in March 2025.

In this episode of First Ring Daily, Brad Sams and Paul Thurrott discuss the first big update for Windows 11 in 2024, which brings new Copilot features and accessibility improvements.