Bing Archives

Winsage

April 8, 2026

I might have a reason to press my Copilot key as this absurd Windows 11 app adds some comic relief: “I can’t stop laughing”

Microsoft has announced plans for new Windows PCs that will include a dedicated Copilot key, marking a significant change to the Windows keyboard in 30 years. The option to remap this key in Windows 11 has been temporarily suspended to prevent bugs. The developer community has created a utility called NoCopilotKey to revert the key to its original function as the right-side CTRL key. Additionally, an app called TypeFart produces humorous sounds with keystrokes but does not allow users to assign unique sounds to specific keys. Microsoft has clarified that outdated language in Copilot's terms of use, which suggested it was for entertainment purposes only, will be updated to reflect its current capabilities. The company is also working on improvements for Windows 11, including the return of the movable Taskbar and better integration of Copilot.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for broken Windows Start Menu search

Microsoft has implemented a server-side remedy for an issue affecting the Windows Start Menu search functionality on select Windows 11 23H2 devices, which began impacting users on April 6. The problem was linked to a server-side Bing update aimed at improving search performance. Microsoft has rolled back the problematic Bing update and expects search issues to decrease as the fix is deployed. Users have reported blank search results in the Start Menu, but options remain clickable. Microsoft confirmed that the issue will resolve automatically with the rollout of the fix, provided devices are connected to the internet and Web Search is enabled. Additionally, there have been previous Start Menu-related issues, including crashes and error messages, with Microsoft working on permanent solutions for these problems.

Winsage

March 29, 2026

Microsoft quietly shipped 9 meaningful Windows 11 improvements this year, and they actually make the OS feel more polished

Microsoft has released a series of quality updates for Windows 11 in the first quarter of 2026, introducing several new features: - Cross-device resume allows users to resume Android apps directly on Windows 11 via the Taskbar. - Windows MIDI Services now support MIDI 0 and 2.0, including WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 support. - Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports external fingerprint readers. - A new "Device info" card in the Settings app displays key hardware specifications. - Quick Machine Recovery is now enabled by default for Windows 11 Pro. - A new network speed test feature can be accessed via the Taskbar. - Camera settings enhancements allow management of pan and tilt controls. - Sysmon is now a native feature in Windows 11, providing advanced monitoring capabilities. - Windows 11 supports WebP images as wallpapers.

Winsage

March 28, 2026

Windows 11 Update Aims to Cut Upsells and Improve User Experience

Microsoft is shifting its strategy for Windows 11 to reduce intrusive ads, upsells, and distractions based on user feedback. The company plans to scale back promotional content, particularly in the Start menu and system notifications, to create a cleaner user interface. The integration of Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant, will be reduced in various applications to minimize distractions. Users will gain more control over updates, including the timing of installations and fewer forced restarts. Additional improvements include the ability to move the taskbar, enhanced performance and reliability, and a reduction of intrusive AI elements. Microsoft has acknowledged user criticism and is focusing on meaningful improvements in response to feedback.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

The 73 Essential Windows 11 Tricks That’ll Save You Hours Every Week

Windows 11 is designed for efficiency and speed, featuring numerous keyboard shortcuts and macros that enhance productivity. Key shortcuts include: - Basic Shortcuts: - Ctrl + A: Select all items - Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy - Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste - Ctrl + X: Cut - Ctrl + Z: Undo - Ctrl + Y: Redo - Ctrl + N: Open new File Explorer window - Windows key + F1: Open Bing search for help - Alt + F4: Close current app - Alt + Tab: Switch between apps - Shift + Delete: Permanently delete item - Start Menu and Taskbar Shortcuts: - Windows key or Ctrl + Esc: Open Start menu - Windows key + X: Open secret Start menu - Windows key + T: Cycle through taskbar apps - Windows key + [Number]: Open pinned app - Windows key + Alt + [Number]: Open right-click menu for pinned app - Windows key + D: Show/hide desktop - Screenshots Shortcuts: - PrtScn: Screenshot to clipboard - Windows key + PrtScn: Save screenshot to folder - Windows key + Shift + S: Open Snipping Tool - Emoji Shortcuts: - Windows key + .: Open emoji keyboard - Desktop Shortcuts: - Windows key + M: Minimize all windows - Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows - Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize window - Windows key + Left arrow: Snap window left - Windows key + Tab: Open Task view - Shortcuts Using the Windows Key: - Windows key + A: Open Action Center - Windows key + I: Open Settings - Windows key + L: Lock computer - Shortcuts Using the F Keys: - F2: Rename item - F3: Search in File Explorer - F5: Refresh active window - Command Prompt Shortcuts: - Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy text - Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste text - Ctrl + A: Select all text on current line

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Microsoft says it’ll make Windows 11 a calmer OS with fewer upsells or ads, as it tries to win back users

Microsoft has confirmed plans to reduce the presence of "upsells" in Windows 11 to enhance user experience. This announcement was made on March 20, coinciding with a significant update focused on performance and quality-of-life improvements. The update includes a faster File Explorer, a transition of the Start menu to WinUI 3, and an option to pause Windows updates indefinitely. There will also be a reduction in the use of Copilot across applications like Notepad. Microsoft is reconsidering the necessity of a Microsoft account during the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) and aims to decrease built-in promotions within Windows 11. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft engineering leader, acknowledged user frustrations and stated the goal is to create “a calmer and more chill OS with fewer upsells.” Users have expressed dissatisfaction with aggressive marketing tactics, including ads for Microsoft services during the setup process and full-screen alerts encouraging the switch to Edge. While some ads can be disabled, many users feel that they should not encounter advertisements after purchasing the operating system or devices.

Winsage

March 16, 2026

Microsoft has lost the plot: 5 Windows “features” nobody asked for

Windows 11 has faced criticism for design choices that prioritize corporate interests over user experience, including aggressive monetization strategies and privacy concerns. The Recall app was designed to take frequent screenshots of the desktop but functioned like a keylogger, leading to privacy issues. Initially set to be enabled by default on new Copilot+ PCs, backlash prompted Microsoft to make it an opt-in feature during setup, allowing users to uninstall it. Microsoft also introduced biometric encryption and moved screenshot processing to secure enclaves for data protection. The Start Menu has shifted to include third-party advertisements in the "Recommended" section, turning it into a platform for promotions rather than a personal navigation tool. Microsoft replaced the right Control or Menu key with a dedicated Copilot key, disrupting standard keyboard layouts and complicating workflows for users. Setting up a new PC now requires an active internet connection and a Microsoft account, making it difficult to operate without relinquishing digital identity. This change illustrates a shift towards subscription revenue and data collection. Windows 11 often ignores users' default browser choices, defaulting to Microsoft Edge and Bing for web searches initiated from the taskbar, reflecting a trend of prioritizing Microsoft's ecosystem over user autonomy. These developments indicate a strategy by Microsoft to erode user control, suggesting users are becoming products rather than customers as the company focuses on data collection and subscription services.

Winsage

March 16, 2026

Windows 11 KB5079473 is not causing BSODs or an inaccessible C: drive and app failures, says Microsoft

The March 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5079473, is not causing significant issues like BSODs or reboot loops, according to Microsoft. Reports of an inaccessible C: drive and application malfunctions on Samsung PCs are linked to a recent update of the Galaxy Connect app, not the Windows update. Microsoft confirmed no known connections between the March update and major system failures. The update includes over a dozen security fixes and introduces new features, such as improvements to the File Explorer search bar and a Bing-based Internet speed test tool. Specific Samsung models are experiencing C drive accessibility issues due to the Galaxy Connect app, which has disrupted permissions.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Microsoft adds internet speed test tool to taskbar in Windows 11, but it’s no different from a desktop shortcut

Microsoft has begun rolling out its March 2026 update for Windows 11, which includes security enhancements and a new feature that allows users to test internet speed. This feature is accessible via a “Perform speed test” option when right-clicking the WiFi or Ethernet icon in the taskbar. Selecting this option directs users to their default web browser, opening a speed test page on Bing with the search query “internet speed test.” The feature serves as a shortcut to a webpage rather than a fully integrated application. It respects the system's default browser setting, allowing users to open the speed test in their preferred browser. The speed test utilizes technology from Ookla, moving away from Microsoft's previous Azure-based tool for better accuracy and reliability.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

I tested Windows 11 March 2026 Updates: Everything new, improved, and fixed

Microsoft has rolled out the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 (KB5079473, Build 26200.8037) and Windows 10, focusing on enhancements and functional upgrades. The update applies to Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, introducing new features, security enhancements, system fixes, and reliability improvements. Key features include: - Support for Emoji 16.0, allowing users to insert new emojis through the Emoji panel. - Windows Backup restore adapted for organizational use, enabling restoration of user settings and applications during sign-in. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) enabled by default on more Windows 11 Pro PCs. - A Bing-powered Internet speed test tool accessible from the taskbar. - Sysmon included as a native component for system activity monitoring. - Support for WebP images as desktop wallpapers. - Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) supported on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - Minor enhancements in Accounts and Camera settings. The update also includes reliability and stability improvements, such as enhanced responsiveness of the Windows Update settings page, improved sign-in screen reliability, and better performance for the Windows printing service. It lays groundwork for Secure Boot certificate updates and addresses BitLocker reliability issues. Additionally, internal AI components have been updated, and a servicing stack update (SSU) has been released to enhance Windows Update infrastructure reliability. Microsoft is also expanding the updated Start menu and battery icons to more devices and warns users about the importance of updating Secure Boot certificates before their expiration in June 2026.