Bing Archives

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Windows 10 will die this fall — here’s how to survive

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, but users will not lose access to their systems immediately. Microsoft is launching an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to receive critical security updates until October 13, 2026, for a fee. Individual users can also access these updates for free by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or by backing up their data using the Windows Backup app and storing it on OneDrive. To upgrade to Windows 11, users should check their PC's compatibility with the PC Health Check app and back up their files before proceeding with the upgrade through the Windows Update app. If a PC does not meet the upgrade requirements, users may need to consider purchasing a new device.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

Microsoft’s New Windows Warning—Pay $20 To Save All Your Data

Microsoft is intensifying its efforts to integrate its services into users' daily lives, promoting its products like Copilot, Edge, and Bing over competitors. Persistent notifications in the Start menu urge users to back up data to OneDrive, indicating that a Microsoft 365 subscription is required for those exceeding the complimentary 5GB of storage. The backup solution is priced at a specified amount per year for individual users and businesses. Clicking “continue” leads to the OneDrive backup setup, which is viewed as an upsell tactic. Users, including those with Microsoft 365, express frustration over constant reminders and intrusive prompts regarding data backup preferences. Notifications are persistent for Windows 11 users, while Windows 10 users are encouraged to upgrade for better security. Microsoft offers support for up to 10 devices under a single account, though the target audience for this option is unclear.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Microsoft’s 2030 Vision: AI Windows That Sees, Hears, and Anticipates

Microsoft envisions a future for Windows by 2030 where devices will have sensory capabilities, allowing them to see, hear, and engage in conversation. This shift towards "agentic" AI aims to transform the operating system into a proactive assistant that anticipates user needs. Recent advancements, such as Copilot Vision in Windows 11, exemplify this evolution by enabling real-time analysis of on-screen content. The integration of AI features, including Bing Chat, positions Windows 11 as the first operating system with a centralized AI assistant. Sensory AI will facilitate devices interpreting visual and auditory inputs, offering proactive suggestions based on user context. Microsoft is addressing privacy concerns through responsible AI frameworks while promoting a hybrid model where AI augments human capabilities. This evolution could redefine industries, with potential applications in healthcare and creative sectors.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends In October: Did You Get The Free Update?

Microsoft is offering a free upgrade option for Windows 10 users, allowing them to continue using their systems for an additional year as support ends in October. Users can access this free extension by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points or by backing up their data using the Windows Backup cloud application. Accumulating the points requires engaging in various activities, and the cloud backup option has a free limit of 5GB, which may require additional payments. This initiative aims to address user concerns over the upgrade requirements for Windows 11 and to provide a practical solution for those hesitant to transition to new systems.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows 11 is testing Taskbar companions and it might be another AI feature

Microsoft is exploring a new taskbar feature called "companions," which may integrate artificial intelligence into the Windows experience. This initiative is in early stages, with references to "Agentic Companions" found in recent Windows 11 preview builds. A specific string indicates users may manage these companions from their settings, although the features are not yet operational. Previously, Microsoft aimed to introduce a "recommendations" feature for the taskbar to enhance engagement with Bing and web content, but the project was abandoned after the departure of Mikhail Parakhin. Additionally, Microsoft is testing features such as support for "shared audio" for multiple devices and a clock displaying seconds in the Calendar flyout, with the latter already available to Windows 10 users.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft to Open-Source WinUI Components for Windows 11

Microsoft Corp. plans to open-source key components of the Windows 11 user interface framework, WinUI, over the next six months. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and collaboration, driven by demands from developers and the tech community. The process involves carefully disentangling publishable code from sensitive areas to ensure system security and protect intellectual property. Industry observers believe this could empower developers to customize Windows interfaces, potentially accelerating innovation in app design. Microsoft is adopting a phased approach, starting with isolating components and establishing new governance models for contributions. Developer feedback indicates cautious optimism, with hopes for quicker bug fixes and feature additions, though concerns about the scope of the initiative persist. Microsoft intends to share more details and potentially previews of open-sourced repositories on GitHub. Balancing openness with user data security and system integrity remains a critical challenge for the company.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Microsoft kills Windows 11 SE, another in a long line of failed ChromeOS competitors

Microsoft will discontinue updates for Windows 11 SE, a version of the operating system aimed at competing with ChromeOS in education. This was announced through a support document, which stated that Windows 11 SE will not receive the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update. Support for Windows 11 SE, including updates and security fixes, will end in October 2026. Microsoft recommends users transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11 for ongoing support.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5733 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5733 (KB5062673) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as people icons in File Explorer for work or school accounts, and the removal of the option to manage Bing search history from Settings. Fixes include resolving crashes in the Start menu and lock screen widgets, and issues with multi-finger touchpad gestures. Known issues involve potential rollbacks during installation, unexpected categories in the Start menu, and display issues in dark mode for drive space indicators. There are also specific issues related to Xbox controllers and live captions on Copilot+ PCs. Windows Insiders can receive updates gradually by enabling a toggle in Settings.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

New Windows 11 Dev and Beta Builds Are Available for Insiders

Microsoft has released two new preview builds of Windows 11 for Insiders on the Dev and Beta Channels: the 25H2 Dev build 26200.5733 and the 24H2 Beta build 26120.5733. The updates enhance File Explorer by revamping the Home section for users with work or school accounts, featuring people icons that display Microsoft 365 contact details. In the Settings app, the option to clear Bing Search history has been removed from the Privacy & Security section, requiring users to use the web-based Privacy dashboard instead. Additionally, several bugs have been fixed, including a crash issue with the updated Start menu and a problem with multi-finger touchpad gestures.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5733 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5733 (KB5062673) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Changes and Improvements: - File Explorer now shows people icons for work or school accounts under the “Activity” column and in the “Recommended” section, revealing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365 when hovered over or clicked. - The option to manage or clear Bing search history has been removed from Settings and can now be accessed directly through the Privacy dashboard. Fixes: - The Start menu crash issue has been resolved. - A fix has been implemented for taskbar preview thumbnail unresponsiveness. - The lock screen widget crash has been addressed, allowing users to add new widgets. - Multi-finger touchpad gestures have been fixed. Known Issues: - Some users may experience a rollback with a 0x80070005 error during installation. - An issue with dao360.dll causing application crashes is being addressed. - Blank icons may appear in the Start menu's “All” section after updating. - Reports of all apps being unpinned from the taskbar are under investigation. - In dark mode, low storage drive indicators may appear inaccurately. - Delays in intelligent text actions on Copilot+ PCs are noted. - Live captions may crash during live translation on Copilot+ PCs. - Connecting Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth may cause a bugcheck; users can resolve this by uninstalling a specific driver. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are gradually rolled out. Users should ensure that the toggle for the latest updates is turned ON to receive new features promptly. Some features may not be released beyond Windows Insiders and may change over time.