Microsoft says months of fixes to Windows 11 have made the OS up to 20 percent more responsive, with improvements to Start, File Explorer, Search, Edge and memory management. The company says PCs with 8GB of RAM or less can now keep up to 2GB more active data in memory, and Widgets now load on demand to free over 200MB of memory. Microsoft also cited less disruptive Windows Update behavior, faster Windows Hello sign-in, quicker Bluetooth/AirPods pairing, and a new taskbar repositioning option.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-15
Microsoft confirmed that Windows Server 2022 passed its mainstream support deadline on October 13, 2026, with the October update being the last mainstream security release. The OS now moves into extended support, which provides free monthly security updates through October 14, 2031. Microsoft also extended hotpatching for Datacenter: Azure Edition systems until October 2027.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-10-15
The makers of multiplayer game Big Walk announced they deliberately excluded an Xbox release as part of a boycott targeting Microsoft, citing the company's involvement with Israel. The developers said they are following the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement's designation of Microsoft and Xbox as boycott targets, and will not bring the game to the platform until that designation is lifted.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-15
Microsoft has fixed a known issue that caused black screens, delayed desktop loading, and Windows Explorer crashes following updates released since August, mainly on Azure Virtual Desktop hosts using FSLogix. The fix shipped in this month's Patch Tuesday cumulative updates dated October 13, 2026, with Microsoft urging affected users to install the latest update.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-10-15
Microsoft has launched a public preview extending Defender for Endpoint to Linux desktop distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and RHEL, not just servers. The expanded offering includes antivirus, endpoint detection and response, vulnerability management, threat hunting, and device isolation, using the same deployment methods as server onboarding. Access requires a Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 or Microsoft 365 E5/E7 subscription.
linux.slashdot.org
· 2026-10-14
Microsoft has released the Xbox Nano controller, its smallest ever at just over 5 inches long and 3.5 ounces, making it lighter and more compact than most smartphones. The controller retains all 18 standard gameplay inputs and a customizable Action Button, and supports both Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity via a rechargeable battery. It costs $50 and is available for preorder in the US now, with other markets like the UK, Canada and Australia getting it in November.
cnet.com
· 2026-10-14
Microsoft Threat Intelligence and its Digital Crimes Unit disclosed a Chinese-language phishing ecosystem built around a marketplace called Yam Store, tracked as Storm-3119. The operation sold phishing kits and infrastructure, including repurposed Microsoft and Google domains, and since January has sent over one billion phishing emails and texts to more than 75,000 organizations worldwide. Microsoft and Resecurity identified three kits used in the campaigns—CoGUI, Haozi/Phoenix, and Iron Man System—linked to developers tracked as Storm-2990.
darkreading.com
· 2026-10-14
Microsoft has rejected claims that it ordered Azure division leaders to cut expenses by 20% to help fund rising AI spending. A company spokesperson called the reports 'inaccurate and careless' and said no such directive was issued.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-10-14
Microsoft and Japan's National Police Agency disrupted a cybercrime operation centered on a marketplace called YAM Store and two phishing kits, CoGUI and Iron Man. Since January 2026, the network had reportedly sent over one billion malicious messages to more than 75,000 organizations in 150+ countries, including 750 million aimed at Microsoft customers, generating tens of millions of dollars for operators.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-14
A Hacker News poster warns that domains using the third.level.name format are scheduled to be permanently expunged next year, and asks others how they are migrating away. The poster describes being stuck with Azure, saying admin emails on the account cannot be changed and that Microsoft support has been unable to help.
news.ycombinator.com
· 2026-10-14
The Netherlands' Tax and Customs Administration has cancelled its planned rollout of Microsoft 365 on the public cloud after about 5,000 employees had already migrated. The government paused the project in July following a June recommendation from the Dutch Advisory Council on ICT Assessment, and State Secretary Eelco Eerenberg has now outlined a replacement plan moving mail and calendar functions on-premises in 2027, followed by European open-source tools for storage and collaboration in 2027-2028.
news.slashdot.org
· 2026-10-14
Microsoft has officially unveiled the Xbox Nano, a smaller, lighter controller aimed at younger players or those with smaller hands who want portable gameplay. Priced at $49.99, it measures just over five inches, includes a rechargeable battery, Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, and a customizable Action Button. It's available for pre-order now and ships in November.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-14
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