Cortana Archives

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows 11 KB5053656 update released with 38 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5053656 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, featuring 38 enhancements, including real-time translation capabilities for Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel processors. This update addresses authentication issues and blue-screen errors, and is classified as an "optional non-security preview update." It introduces live captions and real-time translation support for over 44 languages, enhances Windows Search with improved capabilities, and fixes issues related to the MsiCloseHandle API and boot menu entries. The update also phases out the Location History feature and acknowledges known issues affecting Citrix components and Roblox on Windows Arm devices. Users can install the update via Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update upgrades systems to build 26100.3624. Windows 11 24H2 is broadly deployed and accessible to all users.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Microsoft accidentally wipes out Copilot in latest Windows 11 update

Microsoft's Copilot app for Windows 11 was unintentionally uninstalled following the March 11 Patch Tuesday updates. Users reported that the app was removed from devices and unpinned from the taskbar. Microsoft acknowledged the issue and is working on a resolution, advising users to reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store and manually pin it back to the taskbar. Some users may view the uninstallation as a feature. Microsoft is also rolling out a native version of Copilot with an enhanced user interface and a press-to-talk hotkey. Additionally, Microsoft plans to unveil more updates for Copilot during a special event on April 4th, where CEO Mustafa Suleyman will announce new features. There are indications that Microsoft is developing proprietary AI reasoning models to compete with OpenAI.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Windows’ Cortana is back from the dead, and you’re not going to like her new form

Cortana has been reintroduced as Copilot, which allows voice interaction through a hotkey. The Copilot update features voice commands and a microphone icon, aiming to enhance productivity in Windows 11. Users can engage with Copilot by holding the Alt + Spacebar for two seconds and can end the conversation by pressing the Esc key. Unlike Cortana, Copilot does not permit users to adjust system settings via voice commands; instead, it directs users to the Copilot app for interaction.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Chrome OS vs. Windows 11 [Performance and Features]

Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome OS are the most widely adopted desktop operating systems. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0, but offers greater flexibility and compatibility with a wide array of devices. In contrast, Chrome OS is tied to its hardware, making transitions to Windows typically require a new device. Chrome OS supports Android applications and includes a built-in Linux virtual machine, allowing for some offline functionality and development tools, while also featuring Google Assistant. Windows 11 supports a vast range of software, offers browser choice, excels in gaming performance, and provides seamless compatibility with applications, including Linux GUI applications through the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Microsoft trims File Explorer’s Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content in Europe

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 24H2 Preview Build 26120.3281 in the Dev and Beta channels. This update removes several features from File Explorer, including the Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content sections, as well as the Details Pane, to comply with the EU's GDPR. The change primarily affects Entra ID users in the European Economic Area. The update also addresses the Location API, previously used by Cortana, which is now deemed unnecessary following Cortana's discontinuation. Microsoft has not clarified whether location data will still be stored online. These updates are currently in Preview and may not be included in the final version. Past updates have caused issues, such as disrupting sound output and making File Explorer unusable.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

New Windows 11 preview build improves privacy for European users

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, 26120.3281 (KB5052086), introduces several privacy-focused changes. The Location History API has been removed, meaning Windows will no longer retain location data locally. Additionally, the update removes "account-based content" from File Explorer sections for users of Entra ID, aligning with GDPR regulations and affecting only customers in the European Union. Other features include improved OneDrive document resumption between devices and updates to the Recall feature, which will delete existing Recall snapshots.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Microsoft declutters Windows 11 File Explorer for GDPR

Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 preview build, 26120.3281, in the Dev and Beta channels, marking the end of the Location History API and addressing European privacy regulations. The Location History feature, which allowed Cortana to access location data for up to 24 hours, has been removed, meaning location data will no longer be saved locally. Microsoft has also disabled account-based content in File Explorer for Entra IDs within the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with privacy laws, affecting sections like Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content. Additionally, a new feature will allow users to resume OneDrive files from mobile devices to PCs with one click, but an upcoming change will delete all existing snapshots in Recall. There is no timeline for when these updates will be available to the general public.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

Microsoft removes Windows 11 feature responsible for collecting and storing location data

Microsoft has begun deprecating certain features in Windows 11 in 2025, starting with the Location History feature, which has been used to collect and store location data for users. The Location History feature will be removed from the latest preview build for Dev and Beta insiders, meaning that location data will no longer be saved locally, and the corresponding settings will be removed from the Privacy & Security > Location page in Settings. Other recently deprecated features include Suggested Actions, Paint3D, and Legacy DRM services.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Did you know Windows 11 Pro is only $20?

Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Pro includes productivity tools like the Microsoft Copilot AI Assistant, which is powered by GPT-4 Turbo. A promotional offer allows users to purchase Windows 11 Pro for .97 until January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Key features of Windows 11 Pro include Snap layouts, enhanced photo editing, improved voice typing, and an upgraded search experience. It also offers security upgrades such as biometric login and encrypted authentication. For gamers, Windows 11 Pro supports DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced graphics.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Microsoft is giving Copilot a new taskbar UI and keyboard shortcut on Windows

Microsoft is updating Copilot on Windows, enhancing its functionality as a Progressive Web App (PWA) for testers. The new version includes a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Space) and a quick view user interface that hovers above the taskbar, improving accessibility. Users can activate this feature through the system tray, and it remains visible above other applications until dismissed. However, the use of Alt + Space may cause conflicts with other applications that use the same shortcut, leading Windows to prioritize the first launched app. Microsoft is considering adjustments to the keyboard shortcuts based on user feedback. The new features will be available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, despite plans to phase out Windows 10 support by October 2025. Initially launched as Windows Copilot in Windows 11, the application has evolved from a sidebar to a more integrated web view.