accessibility feature Archives

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Copilot fails badly in a new Windows ad, and users are understandably fuming

Microsoft's Windows chief Pavan Davuluri referred to the evolution of Windows as an "Agentic OS," which sparked backlash and led him to disable replies to his post on X (formerly Twitter). Criticism intensified following a Copilot advertisement featuring YouTuber @uravgconsumer, where Copilot failed to effectively assist a user in adjusting text size. The ad showed Copilot directing the user to "Display settings" but not completing the necessary steps, and users pointed out that it overlooked a built-in accessibility feature for text size adjustments. Social media reactions highlighted frustrations with the ad and Microsoft's approach to Windows 11, with users expressing concerns over bloat, mandatory accounts, and disruptive updates, calling for a focus on usability improvements rather than AI features.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

9 new features coming with the October 2025 Security Update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will roll out its Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, introducing various features and security enhancements. Key updates include: 1. A feature allowing users to reposition hardware indicators on their desktops. 2. AI actions in File Explorer, enabling users to perform tasks like image searches and background removal directly from the file manager. 3. Improvements to the Windows Share interface, including a "Pin" option for favorite apps. 4. A new "Advanced" settings page that organizes settings into distinct sections. 5. Administrator Protection, which enhances security by generating an authorization dialog for unsigned or untrusted app elevation requests. 6. Support for third-party passkey providers, starting with 1Password. 7. Migration of legacy features from the Control Panel to the Settings app, including additional clocks and date/time format options. 8. A new Braille viewer in Windows Narrator to enhance accessibility. 9. Updates to the Click to Do actions menu with new tags and refined summary generation.

Winsage

September 5, 2025

Windows 11 still can’t do it — but PowerToys will be able to next month

Microsoft's PowerToys has been updated to version 0.94, introducing several new features, including a search feature in PowerToys Settings, a hotkey conflict detection system, an accessibility feature in Mouse Utilities, an upgraded installer for improved security, bug fixes for the Command Palette, a new option in the Hosts Editor, and support for Maltese in Quick Accent. A notable upcoming feature is the ability to automatically switch between light mode and dark mode based on a schedule, set to debut next month. Users can currently use the Auto Dark Mode app to switch modes based on specific times or sunrise and sunset, which has been updated to run natively on Windows on Arm devices. The Auto Dark Mode app also allows toggling modes based on whether the PC is plugged in, benefiting battery life on laptops with OLED displays.

Winsage

September 3, 2025

PowerToys finally fixes two major problems, but the real surprise is what’s coming next

PowerToys version 0.94 introduces a new search feature in the Settings menu, allowing users to quickly find toggles by typing in a search box. A keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + F) has been added for direct access to this search box. The update also highlights shortcut conflicts in red and displays the total number of conflicts on the Home dashboard. Version 0.95 is expected to include an automatic dark mode switch, a revamped Keyboard Manager UI, and enhancements to the Peek utility.

Winsage

September 3, 2025

Microsoft PowerToys 0.94 adds shortcut conflict detection, fuzzy search and more!

Microsoft has released PowerToys 0.94, which includes a shortcut conflict detection system to identify and resolve overlapping keyboard shortcuts. The update features a fuzzy search option in the Settings menu for easier navigation, allowing users to find settings without exact names. The Command Palette has been updated, and a new accessibility feature called the Gliding Cursor has been introduced, enabling users to control the mouse cursor with a single shortcut. Future updates are expected to include a revamped Keyboard Manager UI and a utility for automatic light and dark mode switching. Users can download PowerToys 0.94 or check for updates within the application.

Winsage

September 3, 2025

Solve shortcut chaos with PowerToys

PowerToys has introduced a hotkey conflict detection system in its latest update, which helps users identify and resolve overlapping keyboard shortcuts. The update also includes a search function in PowerToys Settings, a new "Gliding cursor" feature in Mouse Utilities, and enhancements to the installer for improved security and reliability. Additional improvements include bug fixes and updates across various utilities, such as Command Palette, Hosts File Editor, and Quick Accent, with a focus on usability and accessibility.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Android Will Let You Force Apps Into Dark Mode

Dark mode is a lifestyle choice for many users, with some preferring it consistently while others switch based on mood or time of day. Android users have faced challenges as some applications do not support dark mode, leading to frustration. Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 introduces a feature that inverts the user interface of apps that remain bright, enhancing accessibility for users with low vision or photosensitivity. This enhancement aims to create a more cohesive visual experience across applications.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (KB5055632) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. New features include: - A profanity filter setting for voice typing that allows users to manage the masking of profane words. - Click to Do is now available in preview, allowing users to configure pen shortcuts to launch it. - Improved Windows Search for OneDrive users, which now only displays matches for keywords found within cloud file text. - Enhanced Accessibility flyout in quick settings, organizing assistive technologies into categories. Fixes include: - Addressed issues causing certain apps to appear blank after installation. - Resolved problems with Windows Hello facial recognition and input issues with the touch keyboard. - Fixed issues preventing Quick Assist from functioning for non-administrator users and problems with USB devices disconnecting after sleep. Known issues include: - Users may initially receive an older build upon joining the Dev Channel. - Windows Sandbox may fail to launch with a specific error. - Reports of core Windows surfaces failing to load in safe mode are under investigation. - A bugcheck issue when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth is noted. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Microsoft finally makes this inaccessible accessibility feature more…accessible

Microsoft has introduced a toggle for voice access in the Quick Actions panel of Windows 11 with the latest preview builds (26120.3872 and 26200.5562). This feature allows users to enable voice access directly from the taskbar, improving accessibility for those with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. Voice access is available on devices running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Additionally, users can now add custom words to the voice access dictionary, supporting multiple languages such as English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft expands AI features across Intel and AMD-powered Copilot Plus PCs

Microsoft is enabling all Copilot Plus PCs powered by Intel and AMD processors to generate Live Captions, which translate audio into English subtitles in real time. This feature was initially tested on devices with Intel and AMD chips and is now part of the latest Windows 11 update. The update also includes Cocreator, an AI tool in Paint for generating images from text descriptions, and enhancements to the Photos app's AI image editor and generator. Previously, these features were exclusive to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs. Microsoft is also testing Recall, an AI feature for capturing screenshots of user activity, though its release timeline is not yet announced. Additionally, Voice Access is being refreshed for improved communication, with plans to extend updates to Intel and AMD devices, including the ability to translate 27 languages into Simplified Chinese.