Do Not Disturb Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

5 Free Antivirus Programs To Eliminate Malware and Viruses (2025)

Users are increasingly seeking effective malware protection without the cost of premium software, leading to the emergence of free antivirus programs that offer robust security features. This trend is particularly beneficial for Windows 11 users who want real-time protection while staying within budget. Several leading cybersecurity firms provide free antivirus solutions equipped with advanced features such as real-time scanning, phishing defenses, cloud-based malware detection, and system optimization tools. These free programs can adequately protect a diverse audience, including gamers, remote workers, students, and casual users. Top free antivirus programs for Windows 11 in 2025 include: 1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Utilizes the same malware engine as its paid version, offers real-time detection, anti-phishing protection, and is ultra-light on system resources. 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Integrated into Windows 11, provides cloud-delivered protection and built-in ransomware mitigation without ads. 3. Avast Free Antivirus: Offers additional tools like network scanning and a Do Not Disturb mode for gaming. 4. AVG AntiVirus Free: Features a simpler interface, link and attachment protection, and fewer pop-ups. 5. TotalAV Free Antivirus: A newer option with a clean interface, real-time protection, and a junk file cleaner. Key factors to consider when selecting free antivirus software include real-time protection, low resource usage, minimal intrusion, and extra security tools. While free solutions are suitable for most users, premium protection may be necessary for small businesses or those handling sensitive data. For gamers, Bitdefender and Avast are recommended for their low system impact and gaming modes. For remote workers, Microsoft Defender and TotalAV are highlighted for their ease of use and integrated protections. Essential features of effective antivirus programs include robust virus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavior shield to detect new threats. Performance should not significantly slow down the system, and the interface should be user-friendly. Experts recommend Windows Defender for basic protection, with AVG and Avast receiving endorsements for their feature balance, while Bitdefender Free is noted for its detection rates and minimal system impact. Free antivirus programs may lack advanced features and technical support compared to paid versions.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

5 essential tips to optimize Windows 11 for office work

Windows 11 includes features to enhance productivity, particularly through customization for older PCs. Key strategies include: 1. Virtual Desktops: Use Win + Tab or the Task View icon to create separate virtual desktops for work, allowing for a more organized workspace. Applications can be dragged into this desktop and will reappear upon reopening. 2. Focus Sessions: Activate Focus via Settings -> System -> Focus to set timers for work sessions and breaks, enabling Do Not Disturb mode to silence notifications during work periods. 3. System Optimization: Select a High Performance power plan in Control Panel -> Power Options or Settings -> System -> Power & battery, and disable unnecessary startup apps in Task Manager to improve performance. 4. Pinning Apps and Snap Layouts: Pin frequently used applications to the taskbar for quick access and use Snap Layouts by dragging windows to the screen edges for efficient arrangement. 5. Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize essential Windows 11 shortcuts to enhance efficiency, such as Windows key + A for Quick Settings, Windows key + E for File Explorer, and Windows key + H for voice typing.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

12 Settings You Should Immediately Change On Your New Windows Laptop

Windows 11 introduces new features and settings that may require adjustments for user preferences. 1. To clean up the lock screen, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen and set "Lock screen status" to "None" or select a relevant widget. Uncheck "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen" for a minimalist appearance. 2. To move the Start menu back to the left, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and change the alignment to "Left." You can also customize pinned apps in the Start menu. 3. To trim down notifications, visit Settings > System > Notifications and disable unnecessary notifications or set up Do Not Disturb. 4. To disable the advertising ID, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > General and turn off "Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID." Also, disable "Show me suggested content in the settings app." 5. To reduce Windows location permissions, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location and disable permissions for specific apps. 6. To disable inking and typing personalization, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Inking and Typing Personalization and toggle it to "Off." Consider disabling "Online speech recognition" under Privacy & Security > Speech. 7. To turn off diagnostic and feedback settings, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & feedback and turn off "Send optional diagnostic data." 8. To disable delivery optimization, navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery optimization and set "Allow downloads from other PCs" to "Devices on my local network." 9. To disable Copilot, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and toggle off Copilot or uninstall it via Apps > Installed Apps. 10. To disable Recall, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots and turn off the "Save snapshots" toggle. 11. To remove unwanted apps, use tools like Geek Uninstaller or Revo Uninstaller to thoroughly uninstall applications and clean up leftover files. 12. PowerToys, a collection of utilities from Microsoft, can enhance productivity and can be downloaded from GitHub or the Microsoft Store. Disable any unused utilities after installation to conserve resources.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Edge push notifications not working [Fix]

A push notification is an alert that appears when new content is added to an app or website. Users can customize these notifications through their browser, but some have experienced issues with them not working in Microsoft Edge. Solutions to resolve this include: 1. Checking notification settings in Edge to ensure the website is not blocked and that the Quiet notification requests option is disabled. 2. Creating a new profile in Edge to see if notifications work with a fresh profile. 3. Clearing cookies for the specific website to potentially fix notification issues. 4. Checking Focus settings in Windows to ensure Do Not Disturb mode is not silencing notifications. 5. Verifying system notification settings to ensure notifications for the website are enabled. 6. Resetting Edge to its factory default settings if other solutions do not work. Push notifications may not function due to being disabled in system settings or the website being blocked. To unblock notifications, users should navigate to their browser settings and enable notifications for the blocked website.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Hands-on with Phone Link Start Menu Companion: Why Does It Even Exist?

Microsoft’s Phone Link app has introduced a companion feature for the Windows 11 Start menu, currently available to Windows Insider Program users with Phone Link version 1.24061.93.0 or higher. To enable or disable this feature, users can access Windows Settings, navigate to Personalization, select Start, and toggle "Show mobile device in Start." The Phone Link companion displays a preview of the mobile device's wallpaper, connection status, Bluetooth icon, and battery percentage, along with shortcuts for Messages, Calls, and Photos. It also features a "Recents" section for recent photos, calls, and messages. However, it lacks interactive capabilities within the Start menu, requiring users to open the Phone Link app for detailed interactions. The app also requires permissions for mirroring applications and allows file transfers and displays active Edge pages from Android.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

Use Android’s Built-In Settings to Cut Your Phone Usage Time in Half

The author experienced declining battery life on their Google Pixel 9 Pro due to excessive phone usage, particularly through social media and email. They utilized Android's Digital Wellbeing tools, such as app usage timers, to limit time spent on apps like Google Chrome, Gmail, Instagram, and TikTok, reducing daily usage from 4.5 hours to 3.5 hours. By implementing bedtime mode and placing the phone face down to silence notifications, they further decreased usage to about 2 hours daily. These changes led to increased productivity and a greater sense of freedom, allowing the author to engage in more offline activities.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Gemini app widely rolling out Utilities Extension on Android

The "Utilities" Gemini Extension has been rolled out for the Gemini app, enhancing functionality for Android users by eliminating the need for Google Assistant for basic tasks. Users can activate the extension through the app's multitasking feature. Once enabled, it allows users to perform various tasks directly from the lock screen, such as setting alarms, controlling device features, checking battery levels, taking photos, and managing media playback. The extension also enables the app to extract information from Pixel Screenshots. Users can issue multiple commands at once, open websites and apps, control device features, take photos, and manage alarms and timers. The extension prioritizes the Google Clock app for alarm and timer functions.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Windows 11 KB5046732 23H2 out with new features, direct download .msu

Windows 11 has released an optional update, KB5046732, for versions 23H2 and 22H2, accessible via Windows Update or direct download from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Installing this update upgrades users to Windows 11 Build 22631.4541, introducing several changes: - The "Tailored Experiences" feature is now called "Personalized Offers" and is located in the Privacy & Security section. - Touchscreen settings now allow disabling edge gestures, and mouse options include pointer precision and scroll direction controls. - The taskbar features a more compact date and time format, with the notification bell icon disappearing when "Do Not Disturb" is activated. - File Explorer enhancements enable sharing content directly to Android devices via the context menu, and it resolves spacing issues and search box functionality in smaller windows. - The Start menu allows pinned apps to display jump lists, and users can open items with administrative privileges using Shift and CTRL. - The Dynamic Lighting Settings page shows placeholder messages for unconnected devices and new directional options for lighting effects. - Task Manager's disconnect and log-off dialogs now support dark mode, and users can view disk types in the Performance section. Additional improvements include enhanced audio streaming for Bluetooth LE devices, a fix for mouse issues in multi-monitor setups, resolution of Windows activation problems after motherboard replacements, fixes for IPP USB printer-related system freezes, and more secure operation for Windows Search processes. The update is being rolled out gradually.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 gets a more streamlined taskbar and some much-needed bug fixes in Microsoft’s latest update

Windows 11 24H2 has an optional update, patch KB5046740, currently in testing. The update features enhancements to the taskbar and Start menu, including a more compact system tray that displays only the day and month, and a bug fix for the taskbar's auto-hide function. Users can now access a jump list for pinned applications in the Start menu. In File Explorer, a new Phone link option allows users to share files directly to smartphones, and a bug fix has improved icon spacing in the left panel. The update also includes various bug fixes related to Windows Update failures and clipboard history. Users can disable the new system tray features if they prefer the traditional display. This preview update may have glitches, and it will transition into the official December patch on December 10, with a minor update expected in January.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 get KB5046732 with File Explorer, Start menu improvements, and more

The latest non-security update for Windows 11, designated as KB5046732, is available for users on versions 23H2 and 22H2 (Enterprise and Education editions), with build numbers 22621.4541 and 22631.4541. This update introduces several new features and fixes: - The feature formerly known as Tailored Experiences is now called Personalized Offers, accessible via Settings > Privacy & Security. - The system tray now shows a shortened date and time, and clicking on it allows access to notifications. - The search box appears as an icon when the taskbar is set to auto-hide. - The IME toolbar automatically hides in full-screen mode when typing in Chinese or Japanese. - Right-clicking pinned apps in the Start menu reveals jump lists. - Users can share content directly to an Android device from File Explorer if Phone Link is configured. - Fixed excessive space between items in the left pane of File Explorer and the search box being cut off in smaller windows. - A new section for touchscreen edge gestures allows disabling left or right screen edge touch gestures. - Users can turn off enhanced mouse pointer precision and adjust scrolling direction in mouse settings. - A placeholder message appears in the Dynamic Lighting Settings Page when no compatible device is connected, with brightness and effects controls turned off. - The Wave effect in Dynamic Lighting now includes additional directional options. - Holding Shift and CTRL while clicking a jump list item opens it with administrative privileges.