App Recommendations Archives

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Windows 11 KB5055627 update released with 30 new changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5055627 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which introduces new features and bug fixes. This update is part of optional non-security preview updates and does not include security updates. Users can install it via Settings under Windows Update or download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.3915 and includes features such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), improved Windows Search, Narrator enhancements, Phone Link, interactive Widgets, curated views in File Explorer, updated Settings for app recommendations, and Windows Studio Effects. It also addresses bugs related to blue screen errors, DHCP Client connectivity issues, Windows Hello functionality, and provides estimated offline times for updates. Notable issues include potential installation blocks for Citrix components and download issues for Roblox players on Windows Arm devices, with workarounds available.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Is using Google’s apps better than using the ones already on my phone?

Jerry, a tech professional with over 15 years of experience, addresses questions about Android and technology. He emphasizes the dual nature of preinstalled apps on Android phones, which can provide functionality but also clutter the user experience. He suggests that manufacturers should improve backup processes similar to Apple’s. Key apps recommended for Android users include Google Chrome, Google Messages, Google Photos, and Google Assistant. Alternatives to consider are Samsung's web browser, WhatsApp for messaging, Samsung's file browser, and music services like Spotify and Apple Music. Users are encouraged to explore app recommendations and experiment with different applications to enhance their smartphone experience.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

How to lower pop-ups, ads and ‘suggestions’ on your Windows 11 computer

Many users of Windows 11 have observed an increase in promotional content within the operating system, often presented as helpful suggestions. Microsoft has been enhancing the visibility of ads across various features. Users can make several adjustments to reduce this promotional clutter: 1. Start Menu Suggestions: To disable app recommendations in the Start Menu, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more." 2. Lock Screen Ads: To turn off ads on the lock screen, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, change "Personalize your lock screen" from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow, and disable "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen." 3. File Explorer Promotions: To eliminate promotions in File Explorer, open File Explorer, click the three dots in the menu bar, select Options, go to the View tab, and uncheck "Show sync provider notifications." 4. Taskbar Search: To adjust ads in Taskbar search, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions and disable "Show search highlights." 5. Notification Ads: To turn off ads presented as tips, go to Settings > System > Notifications and uncheck "Show the Windows welcome experience ..." and "Get tips and suggestions ..." 6. Microsoft Account Prompts: To prevent prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and select "Sign in with a local account instead." 7. Notifications from Other Apps: Users can review and disable unnecessary app notifications in Settings > System > Notifications.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Windows 11 annoying you? How to quiet ads and more

Users of Windows 11 have reported an increase in promotional content within the operating system. To reduce these distractions, several adjustments can be made: 1. Start Menu Suggestions: To disable app recommendations in the Start menu, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more." 2. Lock Screen Ads: To eliminate ads from the lock screen, open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, switch from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow, and turn off "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen." 3. File Explorer Promotions: To turn off promotions in File Explorer, open File Explorer, click on the three dots in the menu bar, select Options, go to the View tab, and uncheck "Show sync provider notifications." 4. Taskbar Search Ads: To disable ads in Taskbar Search, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions and disable "Show search highlights." 5. Notifications for Tips: To stop receiving tips that are advertisements, go to Settings > System > Notifications and uncheck "Show the Windows welcome experience…" and "Get tips and suggestions…" 6. Microsoft Account Prompts: To stop prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and select "Sign in with a local account instead." 7. Other App Notifications: To manage notifications from other applications, review the list in Settings > System > Notifications and disable unnecessary ones.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Data Doctors: How to quiet ads and suggestions in Windows 11

Users have reported an increase in promotional content in Windows 11, which many find intrusive. To minimize this, users can adjust settings in several areas: 1. Start Menu Suggestions: Disable app recommendations by going to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggling off "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more." 2. Lock Screen Ads: Turn off lock screen ads by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, changing the setting from Windows Spotlight to "Picture" or "Slideshow," and disabling "Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen." 3. File Explorer Promotions: Remove promotions for OneDrive and Microsoft 365 by opening File Explorer, selecting the three dots in the menu bar, going to Options > View, and unchecking "Show sync provider notifications." 4. Taskbar Search: Eliminate ads from taskbar search by going to Settings > Privacy and security > Search permissions and disabling "Show search highlights." 5. Notification Ads: Turn off tips that are advertisements by navigating to Settings > System > Notifications and unchecking "Show the Windows welcome experience" and "Get tips and suggestions." 6. Microsoft Account Prompts: Prevent prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account by going to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and selecting "Sign in with a local account instead." 7. Notifications from Other Apps: Review and disable unnecessary notifications from other applications in the system notifications section of settings.

BetaBeacon

December 27, 2024

Free Apps: Last-minute Gifts After Christmas!

Android apps and games that are free for a short time include Evertale, Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD, Sphaze, Last Plant on Earth, Rooftop Snipers, Dino Rush, and Out There Chronicles - Ep. 2.

Winsage

November 30, 2024

Microsoft to make Microsoft 365, OneDrive files searchable via Windows 11 taskbar

Microsoft is developing a feature called "File Search" for Windows 11, which will allow users to quickly locate recently accessed and shared files or folders from the taskbar through a web-based interface using Microsoft Edge WebView. The File Search app will feature a user-friendly design with icons for popular file types and a search bar, and it will be pinned to the taskbar during testing. Users can apply quick filters to narrow searches, and relevant items will be displayed with full names and last modified dates. The feature aims to simplify the retrieval of Microsoft 365 files, including local and cloud-stored documents, and will provide notifications for shared files and mentions in documents. Users can manage notifications through a Preferences Tab, and privacy controls ensure that only individuals can view their private files unless shared. The app will support multiple languages and can be unpinned or opted out of if desired. Additionally, Microsoft is exploring enhancements for the taskbar, including app recommendations and a new People app for managing Outlook contacts.

BetaBeacon

October 19, 2024

The New Week’s Here! Get Your Free Android and iOS Apps

Android apps and games that are free for a limited time include Clock Widget - Word Clock, Shout Screen, DJ Mix Studio, Equalizer and Volume Booster Pro, and Reminder Pro.

BetaBeacon

October 11, 2024

Explore These Free Apps Before They Expire!

The deals for the apps mentioned were live as of the publishing date.

Winsage

September 24, 2024

My essential Windows 11 tweaks: 22 Settings to change for a better experience

Windows 11 offers extensive customization options, with specific settings to adjust during new installations. Key areas to configure include: - Start Menu: - Show more pins by selecting the "More pins" option. - Show folders by choosing shortcuts next to the power button. - Disable account notifications by turning off the "Show account-related notifications" toggle. - Disable app recommendations by turning off the "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more" toggle. - Taskbar: - Align icons to the left by selecting the "Left" option in Taskbar behaviors. - Remove Widgets and Search icons by choosing the Hide option and turning off the Widgets toggle. - Disable badge notifications by clearing the "Show badges on taskbar apps" option. - Notifications: - Enable "Do not disturb" by turning on the toggle in the Notifications settings. - Clock: - Enable automatic time and zone adjustments by turning on the relevant toggles in Date & time settings. - Apps: - Set default applications by selecting the desired app in Default apps settings. - Control startup apps by turning off the toggle for each app in Startup settings. - Display: - Change screen scaling and refresh rate in Display settings. - Enable Night light by adjusting the settings in the Display page. - Privacy: - Disable the "Find My Device" feature and Settings notifications in Privacy & security settings. - Connect Phone: - Use the Phone Link app or Mobile devices feature to connect an Android phone to Windows 11. - File Explorer: - Change the startup page to "This PC" and show file extensions in the View menu. - Mouse: - Change the mouse cursor and pointer style in Accessibility settings.