Can we get Microsoft to make the CorePC modular OS into a windows 12 smooth experience?
Guys I was thinking microsoft should change the software architecture for windows on ARM devices since they chose to use a unified memory architecture and ram consumption is nuts, I thought we could maybe convince them into making it so that the Os they seem to be planning to make for arm devices is rlly lightweight and modular, if compatibility was an issue they could maybe make a wine-like compatibility layer that doesnt run unless the program is categorized as x64 rather than arm, like a "better prism" which is the current compatibility layer, and maybe make better use of the npu so it actually helps the OS rather than just idling there, unmenacingly, MICROSOFT TEAM IF U SEE THIS PLEASE DO I NEED THIS, THESE ARM DEVICES HAVE SO MUCH POTENTIAL BUT RIGHT NOW THEY ARE KINDA BAD PLEASEEEEEE, GET EM BOYS
New Outlook Unable to Close Since build 26220.8754 Update
Since build 26220.8754, I (and others) have been unable to close New Outlook using the X. I went into Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Outlook > click the 3 dots to the far right, select Advanced Options. Then select Reset. It worked for 1 time, but then the issue just showed right back up. I am not the only one with this issue, it has been reported here https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5933524/new-outlook-doesnt-close-with-x-any-longer?source=docsMicrosoft Print to PDF not working/missing.
The Microsoft Print to PDF was not working on my PC so I tried reenabling it via Windows Features in Optional Features and it won't turn back on. It gives error code: 0x800f0922. I also tried other various methods online and none work. All end with various error codes which all result in the service not working/turning on. I even filed feedback about 2 weeks ago with no response yet. I contacted support, where I was recommended to perform a repair via ISO but was then canceled by the agent as I am on an Insider build. I am on build 26300.8687. This is a summary of my diagnostic from Gemini which I had used to try to solve my issue. Here is a summary of the diagnostic, tracking every command I executed in PowerShell and the specific roadblocks the Windows subsystem threw back. The Add-Printer Layer attempted to use modern PowerShell commands to register the printer onto both the interactive prompt port and the standard local file port. Commands Ran: PowerShell Add-Printer -Name "Microsoft Print to PDF" -DriverName "Microsoft Print to PDF" -PortName "PORTPROMPT:" Add-Printer -Name "Microsoft Print to PDF" -DriverName "Microsoft Print to PDF" -PortName "FILE:" * **Errors Faced:** * `ObjectNotFound: (MSFT_Printer:ROOT/StandardCimv2/MSFT_Printer)` * `HRESULT 0x80070002,Add-Printer` --- ## 2. The Legacy PrintUI Layer To bypass the modern PowerShell cmdlet, I tried using the legacy Windows user interface print engine via standard command prompt syntax and escaped quotes. * **Commands Ran:** ```powershell cmd /c "rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /if /b `"Microsoft Print to PDF`" /r `"PORTPROMPT:`" /m `"Microsoft Print to PDF`"" rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /if /b "Microsoft Print to PDF" /f "C:\Windows\System32\spool\DRIVERS\x64\3\prnms009.inf" /r "PORTPROMPT:" /m "Microsoft Print to PDF" Errors Faced: A graphical dialog box error: Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000002). The system cannot find the file specified. The Deployment Script Layer (WMI/CScript) I tried deploying the printer using Windows’ built-in visual basic administrative scripts to side-step the user interface layer completely. Command Ran: PowerShell cscript $env:windir\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnmngr.vbs -a -p "Microsoft Print to PDF" -m "Microsoft Print to PDF" -r "PORTPROMPT:" * **Errors Faced:** * `Unable to add printer Microsoft Print to PDF Error 0x80041002 Not found` * `Operation PutInstance` * `Provider Win32 Provider` * `Description The system cannot find the file specified. Win32 error code 2` Ultimately, every single command failed with an identical variation of **"File Not Found" (Error 2 / 0x80070002 / 0x80041002)**.
General Improvements to Windows and Apps
I’ve been thinking about how Windows could improve, especially around Fluent Design. I wrote down six ideas that I’d love to hear opinions on. I will be sharing them here to see what you all think: 1: Two branches for Windows and content updates; Trying to please everyone with a single version of Windows is difficult, so Microsoft could maintain two official branches of the system: a “Vintage Windows” (like Windows 10), for those who prefer the classic interface and a more traditional look, with extended support indefinitely. And a “Modern Windows” (Windows 11), consistent with Fluent Design, constantly updated, and focused on introducing new features. Both would use the same kernel and APIs for developer compatibility. This approach would offer users greater freedom of choice and demonstrate that a trillion-dollar company is dedicating teams to simultaneously deliver traditional features and modernity. I’ve seen many people complain about the lack of consistency and lack of content. Additionally, I miss feature updates for Windows and hope that Microsoft brings more flexibility, apps, and Fluent 2-style fixes in future updates. And, yes, this would increase the efforts and costs, but it's a cost that a trillionary company could take. 2: Modern Flyouts and Windows volume limits; In Windows 11, the multimedia controls displayed by apps like Fluent Flyouts are very limited; they only allow you to pause or skip tracks, with no option to adjust the volume or use repeat or shuffle buttons. This makes the experience less convenient compared to Android, where users can control the app’s volume or the music’s volume separately, and the operating system allows third-party apps to do so. My suggestion is that Microsoft should be more flexible and give apps like Modern Flyout the ability to adjust the volume, so you could turn the music up or down without affecting the overall system volume. Honestly, it’s surprising that something as basic as this hasn’t been implemented yet in the most widely used operating system. 3: Lack of flexibility in the Windows 11 search bar; It’s unbelievable that even in Windows 11, the system still limits users and developers to a rigid and impractical search bar. Apps like Fluent Search, Flow Search, and Everything Toolbar are much faster and more powerful, but they’re confined to taskbar icons or floating search bars, while the native search bar takes up space without offering the same efficiency. Microsoft needs to be more flexible and release an API that allows third-party apps to appear as a search bar directly on the taskbar. This isn’t a complex feature; it’s something simple and obvious that should already exist. If the official search bar itself isn’t improved, the least they could do is give other apps the freedom to offer a superior experience. It’s frustrating to see Windows remain limited in such basic aspects, while other systems offer more modern and practical solutions. Microsoft needs to listen to users and stop holding Windows back with an outdated model. 4: Windows Task Scheduler and other menus and tools need to be updated The native Windows Task Scheduler is completely outdated and inconsistent with the Fluent 2 style. Independent projects like the Fluent Task Scheduler show that it’s possible to have a modern, organized, and much more user-friendly interface. It’s frustrating that these apps have to coexist with outdated system tools, without being able to replace them or integrate with the system. Microsoft, as a trillion-dollar company, should invest in modernizing its own utilities or hire independent developers who have already proven capable of creating superior solutions, such as the Fluent Task Scheduler. The lack of visual and functional consistency in Windows is glaring and needs to be addressed 5: Lack of flexibility in naming user folders Compared to the Android system; Windows is very inflexible and lacks practicality in many ways. Here’s one example: C:\Users\eagl<- Here for example, I can’t correct my name—which would simply involve adding an “e”—; I have to create an entirely new account and move all my files to that account because of a typo. This should be a basic and simple fix. On Android, I was already so used to the system’s practicality that when I switched to Windows—which was supposed to be a more robust and powerful system—I was surprised to find it lacks even such a basic feature. 6: Differences in user experience between home and business users, and inconsistencies in Fluent 2; Microsoft seems to be focusing more and more on businesses, consistently applying Fluent 2 to apps like Teams, Outlook, and Office, while everyday users are left with a Windows full of outdated and inconsistent menus. This contradicts the marketing that promotes Fluent 2 as the standard, yet is frequently violated by the official apps themselves. It’s frustrating to see that Microsoft can’t deliver on its promises. If it really wants to preserve old elements for the sake of businesses, then it should separate the systems: a legacy one for compatibility and a modern one for home users. Or, at the very least, adhere to the Fluent 2 style across all of Windows. I love Fluent 2 and really want to see significant progress in this area, but seeing that Microsoft itself hasn’t made much effort in this regard has been a disappointment. The trillion-dollar company that talks so much about innovation shouldn’t be delivering a fragmented and outdated system. 7: Digital Wellness and productivity; Microsoft should make a native app with fluent style to help users watch their screen/app time. In 2026 there haven't any app that's free, solid and that feels native in Windows 11, because there aren't any API for that. Apps like Activity Watch for some reason don't work in my PC and apps like SolidTime are paid and not really fluent. Naturally, something like this should be made by Microsoft itself. Android has it since the beginning, why Windows doesn't have it yet?A Vision for the Start Menu/Screen in Windows 12
Hi Windows Community, After exploring various Start menu designs across Windows versions (from 7 to 11), I’ve put together a concept for what Windows 12’s Start Menu/Screen could look like. The goal is to blend productivity, flexibility, and visual personalization while respecting the strengths of past designs. Here’s my wishlist: 1. Streamlined Layout Four dedicated zones: Top-left: User account (quick switch/lock). Far-left: Shortcuts to folders (Documents, Downloads, etc.). Left-center: App list (with “Most used” and “Recommended” sections). Right: A resizable, four-column tile area (drag edges to adjust width). 2. Full-Screen Start Screen Returns Combine Windows 7’s vertical app list (easy scanning) with Windows 8.1-style live tiles (dynamic updates). Tiles can be arranged horizontally or vertically—your choice. 3. Tile Flexibility Six sizes: Small (1x1), Medium (2x2), Long (4x1), Wide (4x2), Large (4x4), Tall (4x6). Smooth animations when resizing tiles. 4. Deep Personalization Tile color options: Solid, gradients, light/dark, transparent (default), semi-transparent, and even rainbow effects. Match your mood or desktop theme effortlessly. 5. Seamless Upgrades When moving from Windows 7/8.1/10/11, your pinned apps, websites, and layout should automatically migrate—no rebuilding from scratch. 6. Rainbow Glow A subtle rainbow shimmer option for tiles (because why not add a bit of fun?). Why This Matters A Start menu should be both a launchpad and a reflection of your workflow. By combining the clarity of Windows 7, the visual energy of Windows 8.1, and the adaptability of Windows 10/11, Windows 12 could finally deliver a "best of all worlds" experience. What do you think? Would you add or change anything? Let’s discuss! Welcome to the 'Feedback Hub' upvote the individual customization requests that interest you: https://aka.ms/AA105dd9Bring Back Timeline Feature in Windows 12
Dear Microsoft Engineers, I'm writing to request the return of the Timeline feature in Windows 12. Timeline was a powerful productivity tool that allowed users to seamlessly continue activities across devices. Its removal disrupted workflows for many who relied on cross-device continuity. Key Benefits of Timeline: Cross-device activity sync (PC, Android, iOS) Quick access to recent files across time Seamless workflow continuity Request: Please bring back Timeline in Windows 12, ideally with: Enhanced cross-platform support Better integration with Microsoft 365 Optional cloud sync control for privacy This feature truly embodied Microsoft's vision of seamless computing. I hope the engineering team will consider its return. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please go to the 'Feedback Hub' to cast a vote in favor: https://aka.ms/AA1048j9 Sincerely, —— A Windows Enthusiast
Insider Program watermark
Having never enrolled in the insider program I was surprised to find that there was a watermark after a recent update. Every solution I have found either wipes your computer, disables wallpapers completely, or uses a third party that for some reason breaks file explorer. Every day I become more and more annoyed with windows and they don't seem to be able to think of the simple things like a button that just hides or disables the watermark from appearing. If windows wasn't required for the programs I need for my job I would switch to Linux so fast. Anyone have a solution that doesn't disable some other part of the computer or require me having to back up all my files?
