browser settings Archives

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge is now faster than ever — again — with 40% quicker load speeds

Microsoft Edge has introduced a significantly improved user interface with a First Contentful Paint (FCP) time of under 300 milliseconds. Since February, load times have been reduced by an average of 40% across 13 features, including enhanced settings navigation, an AI-powered Read Aloud feature with multi-language support, a Split Screen function for seamless task transitions, and more responsive Workspaces. These improvements are attributed to the implementation of WebUI 2.0, which streamlines code bundles and reduces JavaScript for UI initialization. The Edge team also reported a 9% increase in speed as measured by Speedometer 3.0 earlier this year. Additional features like sleeping tabs and startup boost have been added to enhance performance, with plans for further improvements in Print Preview and Extensions.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge sets a new standard for speed and responsiveness

Microsoft Edge has achieved a global First Contentful Paint (FCP) time of under 300 milliseconds, reflecting a commitment to enhancing user experience through speed. This milestone was influenced by research indicating that delays beyond 300 to 400 milliseconds can negatively impact user satisfaction. Load times have been reduced by an average of 40% across 13 key browser features, including Settings, Read Aloud, Split Screen, and Workspaces. Future performance enhancements are expected for features like Print Preview and Extensions. FCP measures how quickly the various feature UIs of Microsoft Edge visually load.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520 (KB5060834) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, improvements, and fixes, which are being gradually rolled out. New features include: - A passwordless improvement in collaboration with 1Password, allowing users to integrate a plugin passkey provider and authenticate using Windows Hello. - Temporary disabling of Japanese support in voice access due to bugs. - Changes to default browser settings, where the new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless opted out. Fixes include: - Resolved crashes in File Explorer Home and issues with thumbnail visibility. - Addressed duplicate entries in the Start menu and animation issues with folder expansion. - Fixed a crash involving ctfmon.exe and resolved a memory leak related to the lock screen slideshow. - Improved responsiveness of system dialogs to text scaling. Known issues include: - New Beta Channel joiners may experience a rollback issue during installation. - Touch navigation in the Start menu may not function reliably, and drag-and-drop capabilities are limited. - Xbox Controller users may encounter bugchecks via Bluetooth. - Narrator scan mode may not function correctly in File Explorer for AI actions. - Limitations in pinning within the new widgets board experience. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package, with features rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Some features may not be publicly released and could change based on feedback.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: redesigned Windows 11 Start menu, Xbox handheld is here, and more

Microsoft has released Patch Tuesday updates for June 2025, with Windows 10 receiving KB5060533 and Windows 11 receiving KB5060842 and KB5060999. The Windows Insider Program has unveiled several new builds, including a redesigned Start menu in build 26200.5641 and various enhancements in other builds. Microsoft has introduced Copilot Vision with Highlights for Windows, currently available in the U.S. for two applications. A quirky bug in the latest builds causes Windows 11 to play the Windows Vista startup sound. Microsoft Edge received an update in the Dev Channel, while Firefox rolled out version 139.0.4. Microsoft announced enhancements to Outlook and OneDrive for Mac. New Xbox handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, were unveiled, optimized for gaming. Steam's Next Fest allows free trials of hundreds of games until June 16, 2025, and the Epic Games Store is offering Two Point Hospital for free.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

Microsoft is finally making the Start menu better — now fix these 5 things, too

Users have expressed frustration with the restrictive Start menu in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, prompting some to seek third-party solutions. A newly discovered Start menu design is larger, allows immediate access to the full list of applications, and offers the option to remove the Recommended section. Microsoft's inclusion of Clipchamp as a video editing tool is seen as a step forward, but it lacks features compared to Apple’s iMovie and operates as a web-based application. Widgets in Windows 11 are not well-received due to their isolated interface, and integrating them onto the desktop could improve accessibility. The gaming experience on Windows remains subpar, particularly in navigation with a gamepad, and Windows Search directs users to Bing and Edge, limiting browser choices. The initial setup process for Windows 11 is cumbersome, with numerous prompts for Microsoft services, leading to a frustrating experience.

Tech Optimizer

April 12, 2025

I abandoned third-party antivirus tools, and here’s what I do instead

The author has transitioned from using third-party antivirus solutions to relying on Windows Security, which is built into Windows 10 and 11, due to its effectiveness and lack of cost. They emphasize the importance of keeping Windows Security updated and performing regular virus scans for added peace of mind. Ransomware protection features, such as Controlled Folder Access, are highlighted as essential. The Microsoft PC Manager app is recommended for optimizing system performance and security. The author advocates for good security hygiene, including avoiding suspicious emails and enabling two-factor authentication, as effective practices to maintain security without third-party antivirus software.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

4 things holding Microsoft PC Manager back from being a great app

Microsoft PC Manager includes a Deep cleanup feature that can slow down system performance by deleting Windows Prefetch files, which are intended to improve application loading times. The System protection feature focuses on restoring default settings rather than providing robust security options, which may not appeal to users who prefer customization. The PC Boost feature offers only temporary relief from memory usage, with results quickly reverting back to previous levels. Additionally, the app promotes Microsoft Edge, often ignoring users' default browser settings, which can be intrusive and detracts from its overall utility.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Microsoft Edge tests integrating Copilot into Settings, auto-opening AI on Windows 11

Microsoft is exploring deeper integration of its Copilot feature in Edge, with potential developments including a troubleshooter in the Settings menu and automatic sidebar activation upon browser launch on Windows 10 and 11. An "Ask Copilot" button may also be introduced in the Settings app for user assistance. References suggest Copilot could activate with new tabs or browser launches. Additionally, Edge has launched an AI-driven "Scareware Blocker" in version 133 for Windows 11 to protect users from online scams by blocking harmful sites in real-time. This feature is expected to improve over time and complements Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Protection.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

The Best Minecraft Switch Mods for Enhancing Gameplay

Certain cookies are essential for the functionality of websites, activated by user actions such as adjusting privacy settings, logging in, or completing forms. Users can configure their browser settings to block these cookies, but doing so may impair website performance. These cookies do not retain personally identifiable information and are designed to facilitate website operations without compromising user privacy.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft tries again with aggressive tactics against Google and Chrome, touting Edge’s “world-class performance” with a pop-up ad promo

Microsoft is intensifying efforts to promote Bing and Edge, encouraging users to stay loyal to Edge while searching for the Google Web Store via Bing. A pop-up message promotes Edge's advantages, contrasting with straightforward Google Search results that lack similar ads. Microsoft is also using its Bing Wallpaper app to recommend Bing as the default search engine and automatically adding the Bing extension to Chrome. The company has faced criticism for mimicking Google's interface, including replicating the Google Doodle, which Google Chrome lead Parisa Tabriz described as a "new low." Mozilla has raised concerns about Microsoft's misleading designs giving Edge an unfair advantage. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged that Google generates more revenue from Windows than Microsoft does.