default apps Archives

Winsage

June 16, 2025

With Windows 10 EOL On the Horizon, It’s Time to Replace Rather Than Upgrade

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, exposing them to cyber threats. Many legacy PCs do not meet the system requirements for Windows 11, leading to potential compatibility issues and performance problems if upgraded. Investing in a new Windows 11-compatible PC ensures better performance, energy efficiency, and long-term support, with built-in security features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Transitioning to Windows 11 offers advantages such as an improved user interface, integrated AI tools, enhanced default apps, personalizable workspaces, and better visuals. Continuing to use an unsupported Windows platform after 2025 can result in compliance issues, data loss, and increased maintenance costs. Replacing hardware rather than upgrading can mitigate these risks and ensure access to ongoing security features.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

New Windows 11 and Windows 10 Builds Are Available on the Release Preview Channel

Microsoft has released new builds for Windows 11 and Windows 10 for Insiders on the Release Preview Channel, focusing on user experience improvements, especially for European Union users. The Settings app has been updated to enhance the default app settings, allowing the “Set Default” button to automatically associate additional file and link types with the newly designated default browser, which will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless opted out. A new one-click button for browsers has also been added to simplify changing the default app for opening PDF files, addressing previous concerns about Microsoft Edge being set as the default for PDFs. Windows 11's latest build 23H2 (22631.5545) introduces a visual preview feature in the Windows Share window, allowing users to see a representation when sharing links or web content. This update also resolves a performance issue that caused the Windows Search box to take over 10 seconds to load.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.6029 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.6029 (KB5061087) has been released to the Release Preview Channel. Key updates include enhancements to mobile operator profiles, resolution of COM functionality issues, and an upgrade of the curl tool to v8.13.0. Adjustments in the EEA region for default browsers include automatic pinning to the Taskbar and Start menu, and a one-click button for changing default settings for .pdf files. Issues fixed include device registration in Entra ID WAM, removal of unused language packs, problems with USB-connected Multi-Function printers, jump lists in the Start Menu, incorrect version display in Settings, unresponsiveness in Kiosk devices, and system hangs on SMB shares.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft will stop pestering Windows users about Edge in EU

Microsoft has made adjustments to its Windows operating system to comply with Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Designated as a "gatekeeper" under the DMA in 2023, Microsoft is required to modify its core platform services. The changes announced in March 2024 for European users include the ability to uninstall Edge and Bing, support for third-party web applications on the Windows taskbar, and revisions to sign-on practices. Users will now only receive notifications to set Edge as their default browser after opening it, and the "Set Default" button will cover more file types in the EEA. Some enhancements are available in the Beta Channel, with a broader rollout expected in July. Windows Search will allow EEA users to install applications that designate alternative web search providers, and users will soon be able to uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Store. Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO of Vivaldi, praised the changes but noted that the process for setting a preferred default browser still needs improvement.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Tweak your settings in Windows 11 to make it feel more familiar

Users transitioning to Windows 11 can realign the Start menu to the left by opening the Settings menu (Windows + I), searching for Taskbar Settings, scrolling to the Taskbar Behavior section, and selecting Left under Taskbar Alignment. To disable search trends and news teasers in the Start menu, navigate to Privacy and Security in Settings, select Search Permissions, then More Settings, and disable the Show Search Highlights option. Users can change the default browser by going to Apps in Settings, selecting Default Apps, and choosing their preferred browser from the list.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to edit images and summarize documents via right-click options. Four image actions are available: Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, supporting .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. Upcoming AI actions for Microsoft 365 files include generating document summaries and creating FAQs, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot. Advanced settings have been redesigned for easier access, introducing features like Enable long paths and Virtual workspaces. Improvements include updates to the taskbar, search functionality, and accessibility features. Known issues involve problems with Xbox Controllers and various features in File Explorer and Narrator.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

4 things holding Microsoft PC Manager back from being a great app

Microsoft PC Manager includes a Deep cleanup feature that can slow down system performance by deleting Windows Prefetch files, which are intended to improve application loading times. The System protection feature focuses on restoring default settings rather than providing robust security options, which may not appeal to users who prefer customization. The PC Boost feature offers only temporary relief from memory usage, with results quickly reverting back to previous levels. Additionally, the app promotes Microsoft Edge, often ignoring users' default browser settings, which can be intrusive and detracts from its overall utility.

BetaBeacon

November 28, 2024

“Google’s statement is deceitful. Shame on them.” Epic CEO Tim Sweeney lays the smackdown on Google after its new statement that Microsoft was “always able” to offer an Xbox store on Android

Android-based gaming devices have struggled to take off due to Google's steep cut on app sales, forcing manufacturers to price themselves out of the market to make a profit.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Microsoft seemingly redesigning Windows 11 settings UI for default apps like browsers

In September 2023, Microsoft acknowledged the importance of default app choices in improving user workflow and performance. The company has been directing users towards its own products as defaults, particularly in web browsers, which sparked controversy from third-party developers, including Vivaldi, who criticized Microsoft's practices. Microsoft introduced a "UCPD" driver to block third-party Registry hacks for changing default apps. Recently, changes were observed in the Windows 11 Settings app regarding default app choices, noted in build 26120.2213 under update KB5045885, with updated text indicating a new approach to setting defaults for file and link types. The final details of these changes remain unclear.