convenience Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

How (and why) to roll back Windows updates on your PC

Windows update KB5043145 caused some users to experience the blue screen of death instead of performance improvements. Before rolling back updates, users should check for adequate hard drive space, restart the system, attempt to reinstall updates, disconnect non-essential hardware, check for conflicts in Device Manager, ensure antivirus software is not interfering, and verify that the Windows Update service is activated. To troubleshoot update issues, Windows 11 users can run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings, while Windows 10 users can access it through Update & Security. Users can also utilize system restore points to revert to a previous state, use the Reset Windows Update Tool to repair update components, manually install updates from the Microsoft update catalog, or reset and restart update services via command prompt. If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be necessary, though it could result in data loss.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Best Android app price drops today

This afternoon, there are discounted and complimentary apps available on the Google Play Store, including Evoland 2, World Cruise Story, Convenience Stories, Hot Springs Story 2, and Human Fall Flat. Other notable mentions are SPHAZE, OctaRing, Octa Dark, Verticons, Survival Dungeon: Loot RPG Pro, Sudoku Premium, Fairy Knights, and Planet Craft: Mine Block Craft. The current deals include 3D EARTH PRO, Rectangles PRO, Crossword Quest Premium, High Sea Saga DX, Dungeon Village 2, Pocket Stables, Mega Mall Story, Candy Disaster TD: Premium, Hero of the Kingdom: Tales 2, Pencil Sketch HD, Random Adventure Roguelike II, Redsun RTS Premium, Endurance: Dead Space Premium, Water Reflection Pro, and Turn It On!. Evoland 2 offers an epic RPG adventure that spans over 20 hours, transitioning through various gaming genres.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

5 tips for setting up BitLocker on Windows to secure your files

BitLocker drive encryption is a feature in Windows 11 that protects files from unauthorized access by encrypting the drive. It is enabled by default in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions, while a limited version is available in Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 automatically encrypts all fixed drives upon connection, and users should verify that all permanently attached drives are encrypted. Users can set drives to automatically unlock on the current PC or protect them with a password. BitLocker is a Windows-specific feature, making encrypted external drives inaccessible on other operating systems like macOS or Linux. Recovery keys for BitLocker-encrypted drives are automatically backed up for users with a Microsoft account, and it is recommended to create a Microsoft account for easier access to recovery keys. Users should also keep a second backup of the recovery key in case of internet outages, which can be printed or saved as a digital file.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Best Android app price drops and freebies: Evoland 2, World Cruise Story, Human Fall Flat, more

- Bose QuietComfort Headphones are now priced at 9 after a price drop. - OnePlus 12 has a price cut and is bundled with OnePlus Buds Pro 3, valued at 0. - Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 with LTE is available at a new low price. - Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is priced at 9. - Notable app highlights include Evoland 2, World Cruise Story, Convenience Stories, Hot Springs Story 2, and Human Fall Flat.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Upcoming Google Play update could strengthen protection against harmful apps (APK teardown)

Google is developing a feature for its Play Store that allows users to temporarily pause Play Protect for one day instead of disabling it completely. This feature aims to enhance user safety by automatically reactivating Play Protect after the pause period and includes a warning prompt about potential scams when users attempt to pause or turn off the security feature. The feature is expected to be available to users in the near future.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

How to install Paint 3D on Windows 10 and 11

Paint 3D is no longer available in the Microsoft Store but can still be installed on Windows 10 and Windows 11, including version 24H2. Users can download the necessary appx file from various sources, extract the files, and double-click the appx file to install it. Microsoft’s official ISO images for Windows 10 also include Paint 3D pre-installed for consumer installations.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Google could soon address several key issues in Pixel Screenshots app (APK teardown)

Google is preparing a significant update for the Pixel Screenshots app, which will include several new features: - Two new app shortcuts for quick access to the Gallery and Camera. - A new gesture for selecting multiple screenshots. - The ability to incorporate multiple images from other applications. - Enhanced actions for interacting with email addresses and phone numbers in screenshots. The app's home page will be updated to allow users to view all screenshots directly, replacing the current arrow icon with a layout option. A long-press and drag gesture will facilitate selecting multiple screenshots. New shortcuts will be accessible through a long-press on the app icon. The update will also improve integration with the Android system share sheet and provide options for managing email addresses and phone numbers from screenshots. These features are expected to be rolled out in future updates.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11’s feature to allow typing with your Xbox controller has vanished in a blow for owners of handheld gaming PCs

Windows 11 users will not receive the new gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard as it has been temporarily shelved. Microsoft announced this pause in rollout due to unresolved issues, which was communicated through a recent Beta channel preview build. The feature had been in testing since early September 2024 and was expected to be available with the Windows 11 24H2 update at the end of October. The gamepad on-screen keyboard was designed to enhance typing convenience using an Xbox controller, incorporating shortcuts for functions like backspace and spacebar.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

You can now try Microsoft’s more modern Windows Hello UI

Microsoft is transforming its Windows Hello authentication system for Windows 11, currently in beta testing with Windows Insiders. The overhaul includes a new visual design, updated iconography, and improvements to passkey functionality. The revamped interface will streamline the sign-in process for websites and applications using passkeys, providing a cleaner user experience. A new API will allow third-party password and passkey managers to integrate with Windows Hello. Users will be able to authenticate apps and websites on their PCs using passkeys from mobile devices and save them to third-party applications or sync them with Microsoft accounts. Beta testing is ongoing in the 23H2 channel, with plans to extend updates to the dev channel (24H2) and a rollout to all Windows 11 users expected in the coming months.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

9 ways to decrease power consumption on your Windows server

Excessive power consumption in Windows Server management can result from misconfigurations and inefficient component management. Strategies to enhance energy efficiency include: 1. Adjusting power settings through the Power Options menu, which offers Balanced, High Performance, and Power Saver plans, and fine-tuning Processor Power Management settings. 2. Disabling unnecessary services and roles via Server Manager to lower CPU load. 3. Investing in energy-efficient hardware, such as processors with low thermal design points, energy-efficient RAM, and solid-state drives instead of hard disk drives. 4. Scheduling resource-intensive tasks during off-peak hours to balance power load. 5. Utilizing virtualization with Hyper-V to consolidate workloads and reduce the number of active devices. 6. Optimizing the cooling system with variable-speed fans and maintaining proper airflow. 7. Using remote management tools like Windows Admin Center and PowerShell to manage servers without physical access, reducing the need for peripherals. 8. Regularly updating firmware and drivers to ensure hardware operates efficiently. 9. Reducing display power consumption by turning off inactive monitors and setting them to sleep mode after inactivity.