button Archives

Winsage

July 30, 2026

How to remap the Windows 11 Copilot key and restore your missing Right Ctrl button

The Copilot key, introduced by Microsoft on Windows laptops over two years ago, is located to the right of the spacebar and provides access to Microsoft's Copilot AI. This key has been adopted by various manufacturers, including Lenovo, Dell, and HP, and is now found on many laptops even if they are not labeled as Copilot+ models. The key can replace the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key, which may disrupt users' workflows. Microsoft plans to release an update for Windows 11 that will allow users to remap the Copilot key to function as the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key. Two methods to remap the Copilot key include using Windows settings and Microsoft's PowerToys Keyboard Manager. Users can test the remapped functionality and revert changes if needed.

Winsage

July 30, 2026

A major Windows 11 UI redesign is coming, Microsoft is dumping legacy code for WinUI

Microsoft is transitioning more Windows UI elements to WinUI3, moving away from legacy UI inconsistencies that have led to increased RAM usage. WinUI serves as the native UI framework designed to replace older technologies like Win32 and UWP. An early preview of the redesigned Properties dialog, rebuilt in WinUI, showcased new native elements. Microsoft plans to bring more Windows UI to WinUI3, despite previous issues with hastily integrating dark mode into legacy code. The decision to rebuild the Properties dialog indicates a commitment to investing resources in this initiative. Updates across various dialogs and system components are ongoing, with the file copy dialog already rewritten in WinUI. The Run dialog has also transitioned to WinUI, loading faster than its predecessor. However, the Start menu rewrite is being cautiously managed due to current memory usage issues with WinUI. Microsoft is actively working to enhance WinUI’s memory usage and integrate it with the Windows system compositor for improved performance.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

New on Java Realms Monstrous Summer

In Sweden, the weather is warm and sunny, with people enjoying outdoor activities and wearing summer attire. July is filled with summer-themed adventures, including games like Armada and Codenames, and explorations of locations such as Island of the Crown, Prismatic Mines, and Overgrown Canopy. Players can also take a boat ride through Dune Rush or engage in alternative activities like walking through Haunted Hotel, playing Snack Attack, or exploring Pallid Gardens. To access the new Java Realms maps in Minecraft, players should launch the game, go to the Minecraft Realms option, and choose to reset a world or explore minigames.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Windows 11’s August Patch Tuesday update brings several important changes, and I break down the biggest ones

Microsoft will release the Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update on August 11, 2026, featuring new functionalities and enhancements. Key additions include Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, the ability to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, new touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluid Dictation for Voice Typing, and a redesigned Start menu with parental controls notice. File Explorer improvements include displaying file sizes in appropriate units, middle-clicking to open folders in new tabs, and fixes for bugs. Users can manage AI models through Settings, and the Lock screen will default to the Weather widget. Touchpad settings will allow customization of scroll and zoom speeds. Fluid Dictation will be deactivated by default, with tooltips for guidance, while Voice Access will feature enhanced speech recognition settings. The Account Control interface will be redesigned for clarity, and power settings will apply across all plans. Windows Update will provide better progress estimates and improved post-update cleanup. Enhancements to system sounds in dark mode will also be included.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Google Play Store could soon make app search easier for millions of users

The Google Play Store is introducing a new feature in version v52.4.41-34 that includes a dedicated language selector for its voice search tool, allowing users to choose from over 20 languages. Currently, the voice search only recognizes English, but the upcoming feature will enable users to select their preferred language directly, facilitating search queries in that language. Early testing has shown successful recognition of Hindi terms, although the feature does not yet support automatic language detection. The Play Store will also remember recently used languages for easier toggling. This feature is still in development and not yet available to the public.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Gemini app’s latest UI change makes it easier to set up thinking levels, control notifications

Google is updating its Gemini app to improve user experience with a refined interface and new notification controls. The model picker dropdown now only includes the “Extended Thinking” option, removing the redundant “Standard” option. Users can manage notifications for categories such as Daily Brief, Scheduled actions, Responses, and Product updates and tips, with toggles enabled by default. Gemini Spark is also being redesigned with a top navigation bar for better task management and a search icon replacing the previous menu button. The rollout of these updates may vary by device.

Winsage

July 28, 2026

Windows 11 ruined my old laptop, but this lightweight Linux distro brought it back to life

An early 2019 Acer Aspire laptop, previously slow and deemed obsolete after updating to Windows 11, was transformed by installing Zorin OS Lite. The laptop, equipped with 4GB of RAM and an Intel Core i3-8145U processor, experienced significant performance improvements, including faster boot times and quicker application launches. The user found the transition to Zorin OS Lite seamless, with familiar keyboard shortcuts and a smooth interface. Performance metrics showed a Speedometer score increase from 5.68 on Windows 11 to 12.0 on Zorin OS Lite, and the system utilized less RAM while idle. The laptop regained functionality, suitable for travel and quick tasks, and the user felt encouraged to explore more complex Linux distributions.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

After leaving Epic Games last month, its former ‘Unreal evangelist’ is now building his own game engine

Sjoerd De Jong left Epic Games after 12 years as the lead evangelist for Unreal in June. He plans to create his own game engine, tentatively named Immens, to address the complexities of established engines like Unreal and Unity. De Jong believes there is a need for a modern engine designed from the ground up and envisions incorporating large language models and generative AI tools into the gaming ecosystem. He aims for Immens to be adaptable for AI integration while emphasizing the importance of developers in maintaining the artistry of game creation.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Quick ways to clear cache and fix software conflicts on Android phones

Modern Android smartphones can experience sluggish behavior over time due to the accumulation of temporary data files or conflicts between applications. To enhance performance without a factory reset, users can follow these six methods: 1. Clear individual app cache by navigating to settings, selecting the app, and choosing the clear cache option. 2. Wipe browser cache and saved cookies by accessing browser settings, going to the privacy menu, and selecting the clear browsing data option. 3. Use built-in device care and optimization tools found under "device care" or "storage optimization" in settings to remove unnecessary files and cache. 4. Boot into safe mode to identify problematic third-party apps by pressing and holding the power button and selecting the safe mode prompt. 5. Reset app preferences to fix permission bugs by navigating to the main Apps menu, tapping the menu icon, and selecting the reset app preferences option. 6. Keep the system and apps fully updated by checking for system updates in settings and ensuring all installed apps are up to date in the Google Play Store.

Tech Optimizer

July 26, 2026

How to Stop McAfee from Running on Windows

McAfee offers features such as file scanning, network traffic filtering, VPN services, and browser warnings to protect users. Users can pause Real-Time Scanning by opening the McAfee app, selecting Real-Time Scanning under My Protection Widgets, and turning it off. To disable the Advanced Firewall, users must access the Advanced Firewall section in the app and turn it off. Scheduled scans can be stopped by navigating to Scheduled Scans in the app and clicking Turn off. To prevent Secure VPN from reconnecting, users can toggle it off in the Home tab and set Auto Connect to Never connect automatically. Browser protection features can be managed by toggling off McAfee WebAdvisor in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Users can block fake McAfee popups by adjusting notification settings in their browsers. To prevent McAfee startup helpers from opening, users can manage startup settings in Windows. To completely remove McAfee, users should uninstall it through Settings or Control Panel and follow the prompts. If remnants remain, the MCPR tool can be used for complete removal. Microsoft Defender will reactivate automatically after McAfee is uninstalled.