automate Archives

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (KB5058496) has been released for the Beta Channel, specifically for Windows 11, version 24H2. Users on version 23H2 can choose to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. The update introduces a new AI-powered agent in Settings for easier navigation and task automation, currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel PCs coming soon. Enhanced intelligent text actions have been added to Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text. A dedicated FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page. Several fixes have been implemented, including improvements to the Start menu, File Explorer, and voice access. Known issues include problems with PC reset display and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft unveils new AI agents that can modify Windows settings

Microsoft has introduced a suite of Windows experiences for Copilot+ PCs, featuring AI agents that help users adjust settings on their computers by interpreting user intent and automating tasks with consent. Users can communicate in natural language to receive guidance or have changes executed directly. This feature will initially be available to English-speaking Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered devices, with plans for broader support. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Windows search capabilities and expanding Click to Do actions, allowing users to schedule meetings, send messages, consult M365 Copilot, convert data in Excel, and draft documents in Word. Creative tools like Photos, Paint, and the Snipping Tool are receiving updates, including dynamic lighting controls in Photos, a sticker generator in Paint, and new capture capabilities in the Snipping Tool. Upcoming features for Windows 11 Insiders include a phone companion for the Start menu, AI-driven actions in File Explorer, and a new writing function in Notepad for generating text from prompts. Microsoft is also testing a "Draw & Hold" feature in the Snipping Tool and has introduced a text rewriting tool called "Rewrite."

Winsage

May 4, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro before this deadline for $15 (Reg. $199)

Windows 11 is available for an upgrade price of .97, as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support deadline in fall 2025. The upgrade includes features such as Microsoft Copilot, an intuitive user interface, enhanced security measures including biometric login, and built-in parental controls. Microsoft will cease technical support for Windows 10 after the deadline, making the upgrade to Windows 11 essential.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

I use these 5 File Explorer add-ons to make my life a lot easier on Windows 11

Windows 11's File Explorer can be enhanced with third-party add-ons to improve user experience and productivity. 1. TeraCopy: A tool for transferring large files and folders efficiently, queuing jobs, adjusting block sizes, and skipping problematic files. It has a free version and a paid option for enhanced features. 2. Peek: Part of the PowerToys suite, it allows users to preview images or documents without fully opening them by pressing Ctrl + Space. 3. DropIt: Integrates with File Explorer to automate file organization by setting rules for files dropped onto its icon, allowing actions like sorting, renaming, or compressing. 4. Image Resizer: An add-on from PowerToys that adds a "Resize with Image Resizer" option to the right-click menu, enabling bulk resizing of images with customizable options. 5. PowerRename: Also from PowerToys, it simplifies bulk renaming of files through advanced features in the right-click menu, allowing users to delete words, concatenate names, or replace text across multiple files.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

These 7 WSL programs changed how I use Windows

Windows users previously faced challenges using Linux tools via virtual machines until the introduction of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which was further improved with WSL2. WSL2 integrates a lightweight virtual machine into Windows, allowing users to run Linux applications seamlessly. Runtipi and CasaOS can be easily set up on WSL2 to host self-service applications without complex configurations. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) offers a WSL extension that enables code execution directly in Linux distributions from Windows, enhancing the coding experience. Gigolo is a frontend for managing network shares, which can also be integrated into Windows 11 through WSL2. Ansible can automate the provisioning of virtual machines and containers on WSL2, making it easier for users engaged in DIY projects. Rsync can be installed via WSL2 for efficient file synchronization and backups on Windows. Podman Desktop allows Windows users to explore container runtimes using WSL2, providing a GUI for managing containers. Lastly, WSL2 enables users to access the Linux terminal and run various Linux distributions directly within Windows 11.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

The Google Home app seemingly has a few small changes for its UI in the works

Google is enhancing its Home app to simplify smart device management with user interface modifications. Upcoming updates will include a dedicated QR scanner in the Devices tab and a search bar in the Favorites section. In December, Google began a Public Preview test for the "Help me create" feature, which uses Gemini AI to help users automate their smart home systems by defining a Starter, Condition, and Action. Additionally, a separate Public Preview test for "Gemini in Assistant" aims to improve responses for Nest devices, allowing users to interrupt or request clarification from the Assistant.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini’s rumored automated tasks might borrow from the competition

Google is developing a feature called "Scheduled Actions" for its Gemini app, which will use a card-based interface to manage tasks with status markers like "Completed" and "Paused." This feature aims to automate task management and may integrate elements from Google Tasks and OpenAI's ChatGPT. The introduction of "Scheduled Actions" could change how users handle reminders and tasks on Android, especially as it appears to draw inspiration from OpenAI's similar feature for managing tasks with AI capabilities. The development of this feature is still in early stages, and its final form may change before release.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Windows Server 2025 may lose DC connectivity after restart

Microsoft has warned about potential accessibility issues with Windows Server 2025 domain controllers after a restart, where affected servers revert to the default firewall profile, disrupting applications and services. A temporary workaround involves manually restarting the network adapter on the impacted servers using the PowerShell command: Restart-NetAdapter *. This workaround needs to be reapplied after each restart of the domain controller, and Microsoft recommends setting up a scheduled task to automate this process. Windows Server 2025, launched earlier this year, introduced new features and security enhancements but has faced previous issues, including freezing Remote Desktop sessions and accidental upgrades from Windows Server 2022. Developers are currently working on a permanent solution for the domain controller issue.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Windows Server 2025 Restart Bug Breaks Connection with Active Directory Domain Controller

Microsoft has warned IT administrators about a significant issue affecting Windows Server 2025 domain controllers, which may struggle to manage network traffic after a system restart. This problem arises because the domain controllers revert to the standard firewall profile instead of the required domain firewall profile, leading to potential inaccessibility on the domain network, application failures, and open ports that could pose security risks. The issue specifically affects Windows Server 2025 systems with the Active Directory Domain Services role, while client systems and earlier server versions remain unaffected. To address this, Microsoft recommends a temporary workaround: manually restarting the network adapter using PowerShell with the command Restart-NetAdapter * after each reboot. Administrators are advised to create a scheduled task for automation, monitor domain controllers for disruptions, and minimize unnecessary restarts. Microsoft is working on a permanent fix, with an update expected in the future.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Schedule your YouTube downloads: A simple guide for Android users

Download manager apps for Android allow users to schedule and queue multiple video downloads, helping them manage data usage effectively. These apps automate the downloading process, enabling users to download videos during off-peak hours or when connected to Wi-Fi, which conserves mobile data and minimizes interruptions.