Search Bar not using colour theme on rest of device.
I restarted my computer today and this issue has suddenly occured, It doesnt matter what I change the colour theme too, when searching in the search menu I am presented with this light grey colour with white text which is incredibly hard to read, Online searches indicated stuff to do with Bing, Cortana and the Search registry keys, but I am not finding these keys anywhere in my registry to edit them. I have tried a few other solutions such as restarting the search services from task manager, but it is not applying the theme correctly. Had this computer for several years and never ran into this problem before, Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Can't Remove Microsoft Account After Windows 10 ESU Enrollment
Hi, I enrolled my Windows 10 PC in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program using my Microsoft account so I could continue receiving security updates after Windows 10 reached end of support. The update installed successfully, but now I can't remove my Microsoft account from Windows. Here's my situation: I sign in with a local Administrator account, not a Microsoft account. netplwiz confirms my account is local. However, Settings → Accounts → Your info shows my Microsoft email address. Under Settings → Accounts → Email & accounts, my Microsoft account appears under Accounts used by other apps with "All apps can sign me in." There is no Remove, Disconnect, or Sign out option. I've already tried: Removing all Microsoft-related entries from Credential Manager. Restarting the PC. Removing the device from my Microsoft account online. None of these removed the account from Windows. Is this expected behavior after enrolling in Windows 10 ESU? Is there any supported way to disconnect the Microsoft account? Thanks in advance.A Vision for Windows 12: Familiar Power Meets Modern Innovation
Dear Microsoft Windows Development Team and Community Hub, With the inevitable speculation around Windows 12, I wanted to share a comprehensive vision for the next iteration of Windows. The goal is to blend the best elements of past versions with modern needs, creating a truly powerful and personalizable operating system. Here’s what many users like myself are hoping to see: 1. A Revitalized Start Menu & Screen Fresh, Resizable Layout: A clearly divided Start Menu with dedicated zones: Account Area (top-left), Shortcut Area (far left for common folders), List Area (pinned, most-used, and suggested apps), and a Pinned Tiles Area (right side, four-column layout). It should be resizable by dragging its edges. Full-Screen Start Screen Option: A return of the full-screen Start that combines the easy-to-browse list from Windows 7 with the dynamic Windows 8.1-style Live Tiles, supporting both horizontal and vertical arrangements. Enhanced Tile Flexibility: Tiles in five sizes (small, medium, long, wide, large, tall) with smooth resizing animations. New customization options should include colorful, gradient, light, dark, transparent, and semi-transparent tones. Migration Friendly: When upgrading from Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11, all pinned apps and websites should automatically migrate. Copilot Integration: A dedicated, prominent Copilot Tile to highlight the AI assistant's role, perhaps with a new rainbow effect for visual flair. 2. A More Functional Taskbar & Search Comprehensive Taskbar: Featuring the Cortana icon, mobile devices, Start, Search, Task View, Chat, applications, and the system tray. Prominent Search Box: The search box should be more prominent, changing from a circle to a rectangular shape, serving as a stronger entry point. Flexible Search Menu: The search interface should be highly adjustable and consistent with the new Start menu's style. 3. Personalized User Experience Lock Screen Customization: Options for left or center-aligned date and time. New photo effects that highlight the main subject, allowing it to overlay the time. Windows Hello: Facial recognition that works while wearing a mask. Enhanced Widgets: Desktop Pinning: Widgets should be pinnable anywhere on the desktop, not just in a sidebar. Full-Screen Widgets Board: A full-screen mode with a widget panel on the left and news/feeds on the right, supporting up to six columns. New Widgets: Introduction of a 'Calendar', 'People', 'Microsoft Edge', 'Cortana Suggestions', and a dedicated 'Microsoft Store' widget. 4. Peak Productivity & Multitasking Task View & Virtual Desktops: A return to the mature Windows 10 experience, allowing windows to be dragged directly to other desktops in Task View. Timeline Returns: The Timeline feature should come back, including cross-device history. Classic Alt+Tab: The Windows 10 Alt+Tab window switcher experience should be restored. Supercharged Snap Assist: Enhanced Snap Layouts supporting up to 8 segments for large screens, with specific, intelligent layouts for ultrawide (21:9, 32:9) monitors. 5. Application & Ecosystem Evolution App Updates: New versions of Mail, Calendar, and People. The new Outlook app should fully support popular third-party email services like QQ, 163, and 126. A New Cortana: Multilingual support with the return of consumer skills (music control, smart home, third-party skills). It could be offered in two visual forms and power the 'Cortana Suggestions' widget. Screenshot Tool Upgrade: Should support full-screen recording. Media Player: The return of an appearance selector and support for live tiles. Microsoft Store Revamp: UWP Return: High-quality UWP and classic Metro apps should return to the store, with PWAs transitioning to UWP. Gaming Expansion: Addition of dedicated PlayStation and Nintendo Switch apps, including a Nintendo game section. 6. Visual & Nostalgic Enhancements Refined Aesthetics: Improved window transparency with a new glass effect, rounded rectangle system avatars, and a new top bar (weather, system tray, time). Dynamic wallpaper effects would be a welcome addition. Keep the Win11 Sound: The Windows 11 startup sound is great and should be retained. The "Bold Strategy" – Legacy Feature Return: To satisfy power users and nostalgia, consider the large-scale return of beloved features like MSN apps, Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets, Windows Media Center, Groove Music, HomeGroup, a significantly enhanced Tablet Mode, and Windows Ink Workspace. 7. Hardware, Compatibility & Core System Broad Controller Support: Native compatibility with DualShock 4/5, Joy-Con, and others. Android Subsystem (WSA) Return: WSA should return with a focus on fixing previous pain points, especially full-screen landscape app support. Separated Notification Center: The Notification Center and Calendar quick actions should be separated for a cleaner interface. "Next-Gen PC" Promise: Windows 12 should deliver on larger storage, longer battery life, more power, and enhanced security/stability. Enhanced Backup & Transfer: Windows Backup should expand to more regions and add support for backing up personal files and apps to external drives, including migration from old PCs or to new hard drives. 8. Core Versioning & Hardware Requirements A Fresh Start: Version 26H1, with an internal OS version reset to 12.0.0.0. Tiered Editions: Windows 12e (for education, 2GB RAM), Windows 12 (mainstream, 4GB RAM, removing strict TPM restrictions), and Windows 12 Ultra (flagship, 8GB RAM, unlocking all AI and performance features). Extensive Free Upgrade Path: A critical strategy, offering free upgrades from Windows 11 (including SE), Windows 10 (including S), Windows 8/8.1 (including RT), and Windows 7. Doubled Support Lifecycle: Home/Pro/Workstation: 24 months → 48 months. Enterprise/Education/IoT: 36 months → 72 months. In summary, we envision a Windows 12 that isn't afraid to learn from its rich history while pushing forward with modern innovation. It should be a system that respects user choice, empowers productivity, and welcomes everyone from legacy users to those with the latest hardware. If you like this vision and want to support it, you can upvote it here: https://aka.ms/AAylqhw Thank you for considering this feedback. Sincerely, A Passionate Windows User
Your device is missing important security and quality fixes.
Does anyone know how to fix Windows update saying “you’re not up-to-date” “your device is missing important security and quality fixes” i’ve reinstalled windows several times using a USB media and also the upgrade now feature neither of them have worked for me. I’ve tried clearing the update cache to clear out any corrupt files also didn’t work, I really don’t understand what could be causing this because the drives have been completely wiped and it’s a fresh install of windows, I even tried re-downloading it onto the USB just in case the download was messed up somehow, It also says my pc is enrolled in ESU so I should be getting the newest updates, at this point I think it might be something on Microsoft end
Windows 10 activation lost after hardware change – Troubleshooter didn’t detect my linked device
Hello, I am having an issue with Windows 10 activation after replacing hardware in my PC. Before the hardware change, my Windows 10 installation was properly activated, and Windows showed that the digital license was linked to my Microsoft account. The PC was signed in with that Microsoft account, and the device was also visible on my Microsoft account page. After the hardware replacement, Windows automatically deactivated because it detected a hardware change. I tried the Activation Troubleshooter and selected the option “I changed hardware on this device recently”, but the original device was not offered in the list, even though it had been linked to my Microsoft account before the change. I also tried entering my original Windows 7 product key (the one on the sticker attached to the PC), which was used to activate Windows 7 before I upgraded to Windows 10 for free. However, Windows rejected the key with error code 0x803FA067. This is not an OEM license, so as far as I understand it should be transferable after a hardware change. Has anyone experienced this before? What should I do next to restore activation? Is there a way to manually re-link the digital license to this hardware? Thank you.
High CPU usage by Antimalware Service Executable (Windows Defender) on every login
Hello, I am experiencing a persistent issue with Windows Defender. The background process Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) consumes extremely high CPU usage every time I log in, making the system nearly unusable. The only temporary workaround I have found is disabling real-time protection, which immediately stops the high CPU usage. However, I do not want to permanently disable protection for security reasons. Here is what I have already tried and what did not help: Reducing Windows Defender CPU usage from 20 percent to 5 percent did not help, the process still uses most of the CPU. Excluding my drives from scanning did not help, I excluded both drives I use but Defender still appears to be scanning something in the background. Removing Windows Defender entirely seems like the only effective solution, but I understand this is not recommended since it is a built-in system component and could cause system issues. For several months now, my routine has been logging in and manually turning off real-time protection just to be able to use my system, which is not a sustainable or secure solution. Is there any way to resolve this issue while keeping Windows Defender enabled? Any guidance or recommended troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated.
Windows update in settings not showing up (something went wrong. Try open settings later)
i've had this problem a while now but didnt think much of it until i needed newer versions of windows to run apps. tried many ways like resetting settings to refresh. tried pc health check, troubleshoots which gave results that the problem was no identifiable. im not sure what i should do. i am trying to update to the lastest win 10 version as my pc does not support win 11.
I accidentally turned off my laptop during complete factory reset.
So I took an old laptop of mine and decided to wipe it clean. I set it for factory reset, the problem is that the screen doesn't work. All this time I've been using my TV as a monitor. Before that it worked perfectly but during the reset it said no signal. That's when I decided to turn it off and on again. Now the problem is that when I turn it on at no point I can see what's going on in my computer and it seems as if it restarts sometime (my mouse and extra keyboard keep turning on and off). I reset another laptop that is just as old but after losing the HDMI signal it came back later in the last blue loading screen. Should I install windows again using creative tool? Is it possible to do it by using a monitor or tv instead of the original screen? IDC about the data in the PC so it's fine if its lost.
