Weekly Windows Wrap: Microsoft finally reads the room…

Weekly Windows Wrap: Microsoft finally reads the room — right as it loses $440 billion

Friends Pivot meme with Ross as Microsoft.

"Positive steps deserve positive reinforcement" is a mantra I say often when discussing incremental growth. It's a nice reminder to myself when coaching youth sports and also sound advice for working with anyone who is trying to make a significant change in their life.

It's tempting to be disappointed when someone tries to be better but only takes a small step in the right direction. Obviously, there are times when swift and large steps are required. But change is often gradual, and good choices need to be rewarded to see more good choices down the line.

I'm hoping that's what's happening with Microsoft and its leadership. After weeks of negative feedback, Microsoft promised to improve Windows 11 and focus on "pain points" of the OS flagged by users.

It's a shame that Windows 11 is in a state of flux, because there's some great hardware coming out these days. The Xbox Ally (currently on sale for $490) is a unique handheld that runs Windows 11.

Microsoft is also reviewing its integration of Copilot into apps such as Notepad and Paint, according to reports.

The tech giant's plans came to light the same week Microsoft lost $440 billion in market value. The company had the second-largest single day stock decline ever. Its share price dropped 5.37% in one day and was down 14% in January as of midweek.

It's worth pointing out that the stock market is a tricky thing. Gaming stocks stumbled after Google unveiled Genie 3 AI, which should serve as a reminder that the stock market is a weird and volatile place.

Microsoft's stock value dropping was more about AI overspending and investor concerns about Azure than anything to do with negative feedback about Windows 11. The stories just happened to develop in the same week.

The stock market is the weirdest most delusional bullshit man. https://t.co/LT2ZMk7Td1January 30, 2026

But somewhere between stock prices falling, Windows 11 having a disastrous January, and people complaining about AI, Microsoft listened.

Now we just have to see if that positive step leads to meaningful change.

Weekly Windows Wrap: The Big News

Microsoft wants 2026 to be a better year for Windows 11 (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)

You won: Microsoft is walking back Windows 11’s AI overload (Image credit: Microsoft | Future | Edited with Gemini)

Microsoft loses a massive $440 billion in market cap 📉 (Image credit: MSN Money, edit by Windows Central, Satya Nadella photograph via Getty Images)

Microsoft explores bringing Linux-like top menu bar to Windows 11 with new PowerToys feature (Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft confirms the botched Patch Tuesday update might prevent PCs from booting (Image credit: Windows Central | Edited with Gemini)

Satya Nadella insists Copilot is widely used, despite investor concerns (Image credit: Getty Images | Stephen Brashear)

Windows 11 adoption might have flatlined — and some users appear to be rolling back to Windows 10 (Image credit: Future | Edited with Gemini)

Windows 11 just crossed 1 billion users in only four years (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Weekly Windows Wrap: How-to guides

Sales on Windows 11 PCs

While we wait for the software side of the house to get its act together, our team at Windows Central has been keeping an eye on the hardware that’s actually getting it right. Our experts scoured the web for the best gadgets worth grabbing this week —the stuff we'd recommend to our own friends and family.

The best deal this week is on the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally. That unique gaming handheld is even tempting our Editor-in-Chief with its low price.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here