Throughout its history, Windows operating systems have faced repeated criticism and poor decisions, but the situation with Windows 11 has proven to be a true test for even the most loyal users. Constant bugs, performance issues, intrusive advertising, and the aggressive introduction of AI features that don't always live up to expectations have brought the system to a breaking point.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Windows 11 User Base Reaches One Billion, Surpassing Windows 10 Adoption Pace
Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella announced that Windows 11 has reached one billion users. He shared this achievement during the company's fiscal second quarter 2026 earnings call. Nadella noted the user base grew over 45 percent year over year. The milestone occurred within the recent holiday quarter.
Windows 11 Build 28020.1495 (Canary) allows using WEBP images as wallpaper
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 28020.1495 (KB5074168) to Windows Insiders in the Canary channel. The update introduces a new feature that allows users to set .webp image files as desktop backgrounds through Settings > Personalization > Background options. Microsoft also added several improvements to enhance the overall operating system experience.
Microsoft expands Cross Device Resume capabilities
Microsoft has released an update extending Cross Device Resume functionality for Windows 11 users. This feature, first introduced in the May 2025 Windows non-security update (KB5058499), enables continuity between Android devices and Windows PCs.
Windows 11 Builds 26100.7701 / 26200.7701(RP) released with new features
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Builds 26100.7701 and 26200.7701 (KB5074105) to Insiders enrolled in the Release Preview Channel. These builds correspond to Windows 11 versions 24H2 (Build 26100) and 25H2 (Build 26200). This release introduces several new capabilities.
Windows 11 Build 26300.7674 (Dev) Released
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26300.7674 via KB5074170 to Insiders in the Dev channel. Starting today, the Dev channel is switching to the 26300 build branch. This will effectively remove the ability to switch to the Beta channel. If you're still on the Dev channel and want to switch to the Beta channel, when prompted to install build 26300.7674, you should pause updates in Windows Update, switch to the Beta channel, and then resume receiving updates.
Windows 11 Build 26220.7670 (Beta) released with several fixes
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26220.7670 to Insiders in the Beta channel. This update addresses several issues, including the Extract All option not appearing for non-ZIP archives in File Explorer. There is a fix for a Start Menu issue where the Hide this panel button did not navigate to the correct setting. The Search process now correctly displays a magnifying glass icon instead of an X. And more.
Microsoft is testing a new design for Xbox Cloud Gaming website
Microsoft has started testing a new design for the web version of its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, which makes the interface more similar to that used on Xbox game consoles. Xbox Insider program members can already try out a preview version of the new interface, featuring improved navigation and a variety of animations.
More Patch Tuesday Issues: Windows 11’s KB5074109 Update Kills Modems
Users report that modems refuse to work after installing Windows 11 update KB5074109, released in January 2026. Microsoft says it is not a bug, but a desired change.
More Issues: Patch Tuesday Updates Made Some PCs Unbootable
Microsoft investigates Windows 11 boot failure following January cumulative update. There reports that the January 2026 security update, released on January 13, has left certain Windows 11 devices unable to boot. Affected systems display a black screen with the message, "Your device ran into a problem and needs a restart. You can restart," accompanied by the stop code "UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME." At this stage, the device cannot complete startup and requires manual boot recovery.
