Cortana Archives

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.

Winsage

November 17, 2024

Wait, what? Windows 11 Pro is just £14.24 for life.

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for £14.24, reduced from £251.10, with the offer valid through 21 November at the Mashable Shop. It supports a wide variety of hardware and legacy software, features a refined user interface with integrated Cortana, allows activation on three devices, and includes robust security features such as data encryption and remote desktop access.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

How to get started with Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11 and 10

Microsoft's Copilot chatbot is available on Windows 11 and Windows 10, with Windows 11 featuring a more integrated app experience compared to the web application format on Windows 10. Users can access Copilot through the Start menu or a pinned Taskbar button. To interact with Copilot, users can type prompts or use voice commands, provided they have a microphone. The app allows customization of voice, language, and themes, and users can adjust privacy settings to prevent data usage for AI training. Copilot includes a discovery feature with AI-generated news summaries and prompt suggestions. Users can install or uninstall the Copilot app via the Microsoft Store and system settings. Future updates may introduce new features like "Copilot Vision" and "Copilot Suggestions."

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 now rolling out, here are the new features

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11, version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which has been gradually rolling out since May. Initially available to enterprise customers in the Release Preview Channel, it became accessible on Copilot+ PCs by June. This update includes new foundational elements for AI experiences and resets the 24-month support cycle for Home and Pro editions. A non-security preview update from May 2024 is required for users on versions 22H2 and 23H2 to transition to version 24H2. Key features of the update include AI-powered capabilities, HDR background support, an improved Energy Saver, enhanced Bluetooth LE Audio support for hearing aids, Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, Sudo for Windows, integration of Rust into the Windows kernel, and improvements in voice clarity, taskbar functionality, File Explorer, and Settings. The new AI features will initially be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs and will be rolled out to a broader audience starting in November. The update also enhances Windows search with natural language comprehension, introduces super-resolution for low-resolution images, and adds generative fill/erase functions in Paint. The Click to Do feature aims to streamline workflows without transmitting data to Microsoft’s servers. The rollout will begin for eligible devices running versions 22H2 and 23H2, with users encouraged to check for updates in Settings. Devices deemed ineligible will be placed on a "safeguard hold" until issues are resolved. Version 24H2 is available through Windows Server Update Services, Windows Update for Business, and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Additionally, the Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 version is introduced for specialized environments, receiving five years of support, while the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 will receive ten years of support. Microsoft will also remove the Cortana, Tips, and WordPad applications as part of the update.

Winsage

September 29, 2024

From Internet Explorer to Edge: How Windows 10’s Project Spartan redefined Microsoft’s web game

Microsoft Edge began as Project Spartan in January 2015, developed to replace Internet Explorer. It featured a new web rendering engine and included innovations like Cortana integration and inking capabilities. By April 2015, it was officially rebranded as Microsoft Edge. Initially, Edge struggled with a lack of extensions compared to Chrome and Firefox, which hindered its adoption. In early 2020, Microsoft transitioned Edge to the Chromium platform, improving compatibility and allowing access to the Chrome Web Store. Since then, Edge has added various features, including different modes for speed, access to Microsoft 365, security tools, a built-in reader mode, and advanced tab management. In 2024, Edge has evolved into a serious competitor in the browser market, addressing its initial limitations while still facing some user concerns about its default setup. AI capabilities, such as the Copilot feature, have also been integrated to enhance productivity.