Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 search box for Windows Insiders on the experimental channel, reducing visual clutter and removing unwanted adverts. 

According to the blog post, the search box now shows the exact source of a result, clarifying whether it originates from an application, setting, file, web result, or a Microsoft Store suggestion. Recent searches are also easier to find within the revised layout.

Promotional content has been entirely removed from the menu. Previously, Microsoft pushed related product promotions to the top of the results, but the update prioritises local matches like applications, settings, and files ahead of web results. If you don't want web or Microsoft Store results at all, you can completely disable them under Settings > Privacy & Security > Search.

File searching is also getting an overhaul to make finding data much faster and more reliable. The system will even find your applications if you make a spelling mistake.

KitGuru says: Cleaning up the Windows 11 Search Box by removing ads and focusing on local files is a long-overdue update. People have been complaining about the ads in Windows since Windows 8, maybe Microsoft is finally listening. 

OCCT v17 has officially launched as a stable release, introducing a completely redesigned modular Memory Test alongside a new launcher, reduced memory consumption, and QoL improvements.

This launch follows an initial beta testing phase in April. The developers previously stated that while the overhaul draws inspiration from established testing methodologies such as TestMem5 and MemTest86, the entire implementation was built from the ground up. The updated Memory Test replaces the older framework with a modular architecture featuring 16 individual testing blocks. According to OCCT (via Videocardz), these blocks allow users to create customised memory stress tests by tweaking how data is written, moved, looped, and verified during system validation.

This update also includes six distinct configuration presets, highlighted by a community-contributed option named AM5 Margin Probe, designed by ‘srshanks'. Further entries are planned for future updates.

System performance also gets a notable bump through a brand-new launcher that reduces application startup times by up to 30%. Furthermore, overall software memory consumption has decreased by 15-30%, as OCCT now streams monitoring data directly to disk. The release notes also highlight improved support for portable installation paths, a new automatic update delivery engine, and hardened crash recovery procedures.

KitGuru says: The overhaul to the memory testing suite on OCCT should give overclockers and system builders far more granular control when tracking down memory instability.