cursor Archives

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Top 6 new features and changes coming to Windows 11 in August 2025 — from AI agents to redesigned BSOD screens

Microsoft is rolling out new features for Windows 11, with most users expected to access them by August. Users can enable "Get the latest updates as they become available" in Windows Update for early access. Key features include: - Copilot Vision: An AI assistant that can view the user's desktop in real-time, facilitating discussions about projects and modifying settings through natural language commands. - Relight in Photos: A feature that uses on-device AI to enhance images with virtual lighting sources, allowing manipulation of up to three light sources and offering built-in presets. Currently exclusive to Copilot+ devices powered by Snapdragon, with future support for Intel and AMD systems. - Object Select in Paint: An AI tool that identifies and isolates objects in images for easy cutting, along with a sticker generator for creating custom stickers. This feature is exclusive to Copilot+ but works across Snapdragon, Intel, and AMD platforms. - Perfect Screenshot in Snipping Tool: An AI feature that automatically crops screenshots to eliminate background elements, along with a color picker for identifying hex codes. - Quick Machine Recovery: A redesigned BSOD that appears for about two seconds, improving the recovery process, along with automatic detection and troubleshooting of boot issues to restore the operating system.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

6 PowerToys features I can’t believe don’t ship with Windows 11 by default

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several features that enhance productivity for Windows users, yet many of these tools have not been integrated into the Windows operating system. 1. Registry Preview: Allows users to view the contents of a registry file before importing it, enhancing safety and accessibility in modifying the Windows Registry. 2. Quick Accent: Simplifies the insertion of accented characters by displaying options when a user holds down a key, making it easier to type in multiple languages. 3. Find My Mouse: Dims the screen around the cursor to help users locate the mouse pointer more effectively than the basic highlighting feature in Windows. 4. Command Palette (or PowerToys Run): An efficient application launcher that allows for quick and reliable launching of applications, addressing a gap in Windows' functionality compared to other operating systems. 5. Peek: Enables users to quickly preview files without opening them, improving file management and accessibility. 6. FancyZones: A window management tool that allows for customizable window layouts, providing enhanced control over desktop environments. These features could significantly improve user experience if integrated into the core Windows operating system.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733 (KB5062651) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the "describe image" action in Click to Do, which provides detailed descriptions of images and is currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices expected soon. An upcoming administrator protection feature will secure floating admin rights for users and is disabled by default. Improvements include updated privacy dialog designs for app permissions, activation of Smart App Control in evaluation mode, and various fixes for issues in File Explorer, taskbar, live captions, Dynamic Lighting, graphics, and settings. Known issues include potential rollback errors during installation, touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, Xbox Controller issues, and problems with the Microsoft Changjie Input method. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may be rolled out gradually.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702 (KB5062653) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. A new "describe image" action in Click to Do is now available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered PCs expected soon. An upcoming security feature called Administrator protection allows for just-in-time admin privileges and is disabled by default. The design of privacy dialogs for app permissions has been updated, and Smart App Control may be activated in Windows Security for Insiders in evaluation mode. Windows PowerShell 2.0 has been deprecated and removed in this build. Fixes include resolving issues with File Explorer, search animations, live captions, Dynamic Lighting, and graphics synchronization. Known issues include error pop-ups in Group Policy Editor, touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, and Xbox Controller bugs via Bluetooth. Windows Insiders may experience a rollback error (0x80070005) when installing this update.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key features include: - Taskbar Icon Scaling: Icons on the taskbar can automatically resize when the taskbar is full, with options to keep them at original size or always small. - Quick Machine Recovery: This feature identifies and resolves common issues automatically via the Windows Recovery Environment, reducing downtime. - Custom Words in Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary to improve dictation accuracy. - Screen Curtain in Narrator: This feature blacks out the display for privacy while using Narrator. - Privacy Dialogs Update: Privacy dialogs for app permissions have been redesigned for better focus. - Accessibility Enhancements: Text descriptions for assistive technologies have been added to the Accessibility flyout. - File Explorer Improvements: Dividers have been added to the context menu for better organization. - Adaptive Energy Saver: An opt-in feature that manages energy saver settings based on power state and system load. - Windows Share Updates: Visual previews are now shown when sharing links or web content. - Expanded Voice Access Support: Voice access now supports Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. - Narrator Guidance: Narrator will guide users through its features with modal windows. - Settings Adjustments: The selected country or region during setup is now displayed in Settings. Fixes include performance improvements in File Explorer, resolution of input issues with the touch keyboard, and fixes for crashes in Settings. Known issues involve potential loss of Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and graphical issues with Remote Desktop on Arm64 PCs.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

New Windows 11 update delivers a host of new features and fixes – here are 4 things I’m looking forward to

Windows 11's July update includes several new features and fixes, particularly benefiting gamers by resolving issues with mouse cursor behavior when Alt-Tabbing and addressing app freezes and display resets during full-screen gameplay. The update automatically resizes taskbar icons to fit more applications, with an option to disable this feature. Accessibility improvements include the ability to add custom words to the Voice Access dictionary and a new privacy feature for the Narrator tool that blackens the display while reading aloud. For European users, the update allows the chosen default browser to be linked to all file types, reducing unexpected launches of Microsoft Edge. Additionally, a new PC-to-PC migration feature is being introduced in the Windows Backup app to facilitate file and installation transfers over a shared network, with a full rollout expected before the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Windows 11 update chaos: Another patch brings more bugs and issues

Microsoft temporarily halted the rollout of June's Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 due to user complaints and issued an emergency patch. A new issue has arisen with the Print to PDF feature on Windows 11 24H2, where the option is missing from the Settings app and cannot be activated via PowerShell, primarily affecting corporate users. Microsoft is working on a solution through the optional preview update KB5060829, which has also introduced performance problems, including cursor delays in games and erratic Windows Firewall behavior. Users are advised to consider postponing the installation of KB5060829 and may roll back the update if they encounter issues.

Tech Optimizer

June 30, 2025

Supercharging AWS database development with AWS MCP servers

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) facilitates integration between AI systems and various data sources, including databases, APIs, and business applications. AWS has released open-source MCP servers for Amazon Aurora, Amazon DynamoDB, and Amazon ElastiCache to enhance developer productivity by allowing AI-assisted tools to access structured metadata. MCP standardizes connections between AI assistants and external environments, enabling intelligent suggestions and context-aware query assistance. Traditional development challenges include time spent on boilerplate queries and context switching between different database technologies, which MCP aims to alleviate. The MCP servers provide secure access to structured metadata and streamline the development process by integrating database context directly into development environments. Developers can utilize these servers to generate tests based on live metadata, monitor database performance, and troubleshoot issues efficiently. The MCP servers are available for local deployment using Docker and can be configured for various AWS database services.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

7 tools I use to customize my Windows 11 desktop

Microsoft Windows has a range of customization features, with third-party utilities emerging to restore lost functionalities and enhance user personalization. - Wallpaper Engine: Offers motion-reactive wallpapers and allows users to create dynamic backgrounds; available on Steam for a one-time purchase. - Rainmeter: A utility for creating desktop widgets that display system performance metrics; can be integrated with HWInfo for detailed monitoring. - Nexus Dock: A Mac-style desktop dock alternative that enhances desktop organization; available in free and Ultimate editions with various themes. - Translucent Taskbar: A lightweight utility that adds translucency to the Windows taskbar, allowing dynamic appearance changes based on user activity. - Custom Pointers: Users can enhance their experience with creative cursor designs available online, particularly on DeviantArt. - Tabbed Navigation for Windows: Stardock's Groupy 2 allows users to group applications into a tabbed interface, improving workflow; available for a one-time fee. - Hiding Your Icons: Users can hide desktop icons for a minimalist workspace, with a macro option for quick access. These third-party applications provide tools for users to tailor their Windows experience, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

GIF export in Snipping Tool begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

A new update for the Snipping Tool (version 11.2505.21.0) is now available for users in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. This update introduces a GIF export feature for screen recordings, allowing users to transform captures into shareable GIFs. Users can access the screen recorder by pressing Win + Shift + R or launching the app and switching to screen recording mode. After recording, a preview appears, and users can click the “Export GIF” button to choose GIF quality and save or copy the GIF. GIF export is limited to videos of 30 seconds or less, with the tool automatically exporting only the first 30 seconds for longer recordings.