browser settings Archives

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Windows 11 Start menu nags you to use OneDrive for backup to ensure you always have access to files, apps

Microsoft has introduced a new yellow alert in the Start menu of Windows 11, titled “Action advised – back up your PC,” urging users to back up their files and app data using OneDrive. The alert emphasizes the importance of cloud backup and directs users to the OneDrive-based Windows Backup app. Users in the European Union may see different options, while those in the United States currently do not have alternatives for third-party backup solutions. The alerts cannot be disabled but can be temporarily dismissed. Additionally, users frequently encounter prompts for various Microsoft services, such as reminders to engage with Bing features after installing the Bing Wallpaper app, which includes suggestions to change browser settings to favor Bing. Users can choose to delay these changes or close the prompts without immediate alterations.

Tech Optimizer

December 7, 2025

How to find and remove viruses on your Windows PC – 12 free methods that I can attest to

Modern antivirus solutions have reduced PC infections, but risks persist as cybercriminals develop stealthy methods to infiltrate systems. Signs of infection include unfamiliar programs, missing files, slow performance, and disabled security settings. If infection is suspected, disconnect from the internet, boot into Safe Mode, and run a full system scan with Windows Security or Microsoft Defender. To enhance cybersecurity post-infection, users should clear temporary files, reset browser settings, uninstall suspicious applications, scan external drives, keep Windows updated, use strong passwords, and verify sources before engaging with links or attachments. Tools like VirusTotal can help scan files from unverified sources. If performance issues continue, a complete reinstallation of Windows 11 may be necessary, ensuring essential files are backed up first.

Tech Optimizer

November 20, 2025

Windows Has Another Hidden Malware Scanner Tool – How and When to Use It

Microsoft Defender is the primary security tool for Windows systems, while the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) serves as an additional defense against malware. MSRT is updated monthly through Windows updates and operates in Quiet Mode, targeting common malware infections such as trojans, rootkits, and worms. It enhances its capabilities with each update by adding new malware families and removing outdated ones. MSRT not only eliminates infections but also aims to reverse any damage caused by malware. MSRT is beneficial in several scenarios: it can be used alongside third-party antivirus programs to enhance security, it can undo changes made by malware, and it remains effective even when other security tools are compromised. By default, MSRT runs monthly but can also be initiated on demand by typing "mrt" in the Run dialog. Users can choose from Quick, Full, or Customized scans, and the tool automatically addresses any detected infections. After scanning, a report detailing the findings is available for review.

Tech Optimizer

November 13, 2025

12 ways to find viruses on your PC for free (and how to remove them)

In cybersecurity, modern viruses operate subtly, making them hard to detect while stealing data. Signs of infection include unfamiliar programs, missing files, erratic browser behavior, frequent error messages, and disabled security settings. If infected, disconnect from the internet, boot into Safe Mode, and run a full scan with Windows Security or trusted antivirus software. To protect your PC, delete temporary files, reset browser settings, uninstall suspicious apps, scan external drives, install updates, change passwords, and avoid suspicious links. For suspicious files, use VirusTotal to check for malware. If problems persist, a complete reinstallation of Windows 11 may be necessary after backing up important files.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

‘Real Cash Value’—How Windows Users Get Microsoft’s Free New Offer

Microsoft is offering Rewards points to Chrome users who switch to its Edge browser, allowing them to earn 1,300 points redeemable for gift cards, including Amazon. This promotion appears when users search for "Chrome" on Bing. The Browser Choice Alliance, representing various browsers, has criticized this initiative, claiming it employs manipulative tactics to encourage users to adopt Edge, including forced resets and misleading prompts. They argue that Microsoft is prioritizing financial incentives over fair competition and manipulating the default browser selection process. Chrome holds a 78% market share, while Edge has nearly 9%. Microsoft has not publicly responded to these criticisms.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

“Windows doesn’t really suck” — ex‑Microsoft engineer calls for a ‘Pro Mode’ to cut the clutter

Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 10, pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11 or use the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Critics view the ESU as a temporary solution. Windows 11 is reported to be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10, but many users are hesitant to switch due to strict hardware requirements and design issues. Approximately 400 million Windows PCs are now unsupported, raising concerns about increased electronic waste. User dissatisfaction with Windows 11 includes issues with AI integration, the Start menu, mandatory Microsoft Account usage, default browser settings, inability to remove CoPilot, frequent ads, and resource-heavy background processes. Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer suggested a professional mode for advanced users, proposing features like centralized settings, a default Windows terminal, transparency in telemetry, a predictable update schedule, and a paid professional mode to reduce upselling. Plummer emphasized that current frustrations stem from the user experience being compromised by aggressive marketing tactics.

Winsage

September 28, 2025

Windows 11’s Start menu search might finally respect Google Chrome as your default browser

A recent update to Microsoft Edge indicates that the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu search may soon respect users' default browser preferences. Currently, links clicked from Windows Search redirect to Edge, even if Chrome is set as the default browser. Future updates are expected to allow links to open in the user's chosen browser, such as Chrome. New flags in a recent Edge Canary build suggest users may soon select different search engines and browsers beyond Bing and Edge. The flags identified include: - msEdgeSearchboxHandlerSendsFaviconData - msExplicitLaunchNonBingDSE - msExplicitLaunchNonBingDSEAndNonEdgeDB - msExplicitLaunchNonEdgeDB - msSettingsMatchWordStart - msWSBLaunchNonBingDSE - msWSBLaunchNonBingDSEAndNonEdgeDB - msWSBLaunchNonEdgeDB The term "Non-Edge-DB" refers to the Default Browser, which could be Chrome or Firefox. "WSB" likely stands for Windows Search Bar, while "DSE" denotes Default Search Engine. Currently, searches via the taskbar yield results from Bing through Edge, regardless of the default browser. The msWSBLaunchNonBingDSE flag will allow searches to be conducted using the user's preferred search engine, while the msWSBLaunchNonEdgeDB feature will ensure links open in the default browser. The msWSBLaunchNonBingDSEAndNonEdgeDB flag will enable both the default search engine and browser to be honored. Additionally, the msEdgeSearchboxHandlerSendsFaviconData flag suggests improvements in search engine queries, ensuring accurate favicon data is passed to results. Microsoft also aims to enhance search functionality within Edge settings by matching search terms from the beginning. The timeline for these changes is uncertain, and it is unclear if they will be limited to the European region.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

Google launches standalone Password Manager app for Android

Google has launched its Password Manager as a standalone app for Android, separating it from the Chrome browser. This app provides easier access to saved passwords, passkeys, and login details on mobile devices. It serves as a shortcut to existing functionality without introducing new features. The app's presence in the Play Store enhances visibility and allows Google to compete with services like LastPass and 1Password. The app features Google's Material 3 design for a modern interface, with potential for future enhancements.

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.