Click to Do Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (Dev and Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) has been released for the Dev and Beta Channels, introducing enhancements for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Key updates include an improved Windows Search feature that allows users to find cloud-stored files directly from the taskbar search box and a refined Recall (Preview) experience, which will delete previous snapshots but continue saving new ones if enabled in Settings. For Beta Channel users, the same updates are available as optional upgrades, with plans to make them recommended later this year. Insiders can switch from the Dev to the Beta Channel while both channels share identical build numbers, but this option will close once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers. The improved Windows Search feature supports finding cloud-stored photos by describing them, available for users signed into OneDrive with a personal Microsoft account. Support for third-party cloud providers is expected soon. The update also includes fixes for live captions, File Explorer reliability, and issues with Remote Desktop. Known issues include inaccuracies in build version display after a PC reset and problems with Recall not saving snapshots automatically. An update to the Snipping Tool introduces a new trim feature for screen recordings, allowing users to adjust start and end times.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

Windows Recall support for Intel & AMD PCs: Eligible PC List

Microsoft has introduced an AI feature called Recall for Windows PCs, enabling users to retrieve actions or searches by capturing and storing screenshots in an encrypted format. Users can search for specific content using keywords, but Recall will only be available to select Windows 11 PCs. Initially exclusive to Snapdragon X SoCs, Recall now supports newer Intel and AMD CPUs with a 40 teraflops Neural Processing Unit (NPU). To use Recall, the system requirements include: - Windows 11 PC enrolled in the Insider Program (Canary or Dev channel) - 16 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - CPU with 8 logical processors - NPU with 40 teraflops - Windows Hello for sign-in security and device encryption activated. Compatible devices include: - Acer Swift 14 AI - ASUS Vivobook S 15 and ProArt PZ13 - Dell Latitude 7455, XPS 13, and Inspiron 14 - HP OmniBook X 14 - Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s - Microsoft Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC - Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ PC - Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Supported CPUs are: - AMD Ryzen AI 300 series - Intel Core Ultra 200V series - Snapdragon X Elite - Snapdragon X Plus More compatible systems and CPUs are expected by 2025.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

How to get started with Windows Recall on Windows 11

Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces a feature called Windows Recall, which captures and remembers on-screen activities using AI. Users can configure settings for Windows Recall, including opting in or out, adjusting storage allocations (25GB for 256GB SSD, 75GB for 512GB SSD, and 150GB for 1TB SSD), deleting snapshots, and filtering specific apps and websites. The feature can filter sensitive information and allows users to pause and resume snapshots. Users can search for past activities using natural language queries and interact with snapshots to perform actions like copying text or erasing objects. Windows Recall operates only when the device is in use and does not upload data to the cloud. The data remains on the user's device, with encryption for security. The feature supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Final Windows 11 Dev Channel build of 2024 adds support for live captions and real-time translation to Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs

Windows 11 Build 26120.2705 introduces real-time translation and live captions for Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD and Intel processors, expanding features previously exclusive to Qualcomm Snapdragon devices. Users can access these functionalities by installing the latest build and ensuring their drivers are updated through Windows Update. The live captions feature translates over 44 languages into English, enhancing communication during video calls and streamed content. Additionally, real-time translation support for Snapdragon-powered PCs now includes Chinese (Simplified), with an expanded range of supported languages.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

You Can Now Test ‘Recall,’ Windows’ Controversial AI Feature

The Recall feature in Windows allows users to revisit their digital history by accessing past documents, photos, and webpages through captured screenshots processed by Copilot AI. Users can opt-in during installation and manage settings related to snapshot retention and storage limits. A sensitive information filter prevents the storage of critical data, and users can exclude specific apps and websites. Recall requires identity verification and encrypts all captured information locally. The interface allows users to search through snapshots using natural language and offers options to delete, transfer, or extract content from them. Recall is currently in a preview phase, with ongoing discussions about its privacy and security measures.

Winsage

December 15, 2024

Rest in peace to another undercooked Windows feature

Microsoft has discontinued the "suggested actions" feature in Windows 11, which aimed to provide contextual suggestions after copying content. The feature faced limitations and struggled to gain user traction due to its restricted availability and counterintuitive integration. Its removal may be related to the upcoming Click To Do in Copilot+, which is expected to offer similar functionalities more efficiently.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Windows 11’s ‘suggested actions’ feature is headed to the Microsoft Graveyard – but here’s what’s replacing it

Microsoft is retiring the “Suggested Actions” menu from Windows 11, a feature introduced in 2022 to provide quick shortcuts for copying information. This decision is part of Microsoft's efforts to streamline Windows 11 by removing underused features. The removal is speculated to be due to low user engagement. In its place, Microsoft is introducing a new AI-driven tool called “Click to Do,” which will only be available on newer Copilot+ PCs. Users on older devices will not have a replacement for the “Suggested Actions” feature. In 2023, Microsoft has retired a total of 16 features from Windows 11, focusing on outdated or underutilized ones.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2702 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2702 (KB5048761) has been released to the Dev Channel. New features include: - An advanced camera options page under Settings, offering configurations for multi-app camera access and basic camera functionality. - API support for third-party passkey providers to enhance login security, along with updates to WebAuthn APIs for a plugin authentication model for passkeys. Changes and improvements: - Enhanced filtering for recommended websites on the Start menu based on browsing history. - The ability for standard users to change time zones under Settings. Fixes include: - Resolved issues with pointer trails making the mouse cursor invisible and mouse cursor stuttering. - Addressed oversaturation issues in some games using Auto HDR. - Fixed a rollback issue that displayed an incorrect app control dialog. Known issues: - Incorrect build version display after a PC reset. - Issues with Recall functionality and Click to Do features that will be addressed in future updates. Microsoft Edge Game Assist (Preview) is available for Insiders, providing an in-game browser experience tailored for PC gaming. Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features gradually rolled out and subject to change based on feedback.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Windows Recall AI may sometimes capture intricate credit card details, even when Microsoft’s sensitive information filter is enabled in Windows 11

Windows Recall is a feature introduced in the Windows 11, version 24H2 update, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, which captures snapshots of the user's screen at regular intervals and uses on-device AI to analyze the content. Microsoft has implemented a setting to filter out sensitive information from these snapshots, aiming to prevent the capture of data from applications or websites that handle sensitive information. However, a report indicated that Windows Recall still captured sensitive financial information, including credit card numbers, despite the filtering setting being enabled. Testing showed inconsistent results, as sensitive fields were captured in some contexts but not in others. Windows Recall is currently in beta and available through Microsoft's Windows 11 preview program, with Microsoft actively seeking user feedback to improve the feature before its official launch.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft is killing another handy Windows 11 feature

Microsoft has updated its list of deprecated features in Windows 11, including the removal of the "suggested actions" menu, which provided quick access to actions when copying phone numbers or dates. This feature, introduced in the Windows 11 2022 Update, is being phased out likely due to underutilization. A new feature called Click To Do, powered by AI, will replace it but will only be available on Copilot+ PCs. In 2023, Microsoft removed 16 features from Windows 11, marking the most extensive removal in a single year, while the pace of removals has slowed in 2024.