emoji panel Archives

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Microsoft is finally adding a real em-dash shortcut to Windows 11 – just as AI made you want to stop using it

Microsoft has introduced a new keyboard shortcut for Windows 11 users to easily access the em dash, part of the September preview update. The shortcut allows users to input an em dash with a simple three-key combination, improving efficiency compared to previous methods that required the Alt key and a series of numbers or navigating through the emoji panel. This update addresses the inconvenience faced by users of tenkeyless keyboards, who found previous methods particularly cumbersome.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

I don’t use the Windows Start menu anymore, because I have Raycast instead

Complaints about the Windows 11 Start menu are common, with users finding it sluggish and unreliable. Raycast, currently in beta for Windows, is an application launcher that allows for faster access to applications and system settings through customizable keyboard shortcuts. It includes built-in extensions like an emoji picker and clipboard history, enhancing its functionality. Raycast can be activated using various keyboard shortcuts, including the Windows key, making it easy to transition from the Start menu. It is effective across all operating systems, with a similar open-source alternative called Vicinae available for Linux users. Raycast has proven to enhance productivity significantly.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682 (KB5065782) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. The update includes new features such as a redesigned Copilot prompt box, visual animations for Click to Do, and new action tags in the context menu. The Emoji 16.0 release introduces new emojis, including Face with Bags Under Eyes and Fingerprint. Improvements for Xbox game controllers include a short press of the Xbox button opening Game Bar. Enhancements to Narrator focus on smoother document navigation and clearer announcements. Advanced Settings are being reintroduced, and a SCOOBE screen will notify users of subscription issues. Fixes include resolving hibernation bugchecks, improving taskbar reliability, and addressing issues in File Explorer and the Start menu. Known issues include problems with Click to Do visuals and media controls on the lock screen. The Microsoft Store update includes new AI Hub features and the ability to launch apps directly from product pages.

Winsage

August 30, 2025

Windows 11 just leveled up again

Microsoft has released several enhancements for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program, including: 1. The ability to resume Android apps from the Taskbar using the "Link to Windows" app. 2. An updated battery icon on the Lock Screen that changes color based on battery status. 3. New keyboard shortcuts for typing En dashes (Windows key + Minus) and Em dashes (Windows key + Shift + Minus). 4. An updated Windows Share interface that allows users to pin favorite apps and find apps to share content with. 5. Enhanced dark mode in File Explorer, including a dark color scheme for file-related dialogs. 6. New selection options in Click to Do for Copilot+ PCs, including "Freeform Selection" and "Rectangle Selection." 7. Transition of legacy Control Panel features into the Settings app, including multiple clocks in the Notification Center and updated language options. 8. A new Braille viewer in Windows Narrator for accessibility. 9. Replacement of the "For developers" page with an "Advanced" page that introduces new functionalities.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Windows 10 update KB5063709 prepares support extension until October 2026

Official mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. Users without the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will not receive security updates after this date, while those enrolled in the ESU can receive critical updates until October 13, 2026. The KB5063709 update introduces an "Enroll now" button in the Windows Update section, allowing users to register for the ESU program. This update also fixes issues with the ESU logon wizard crashing and includes enhancements such as core file system optimizations, input method adjustments, secure boot improvements, and updates for mobile profile settings. KB5063709 upgrades Windows 10, version 22H2, to build number 19045.6216 and version 21H2 to build number 19044.6216. Users can register for the ESU program through a Microsoft account, Microsoft Rewards points, or a one-time fee, and those with local accounts must create a Microsoft account to enroll.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Windows 10 KB5063709 update fixes extended security updates enrollment

Microsoft has released the KB5063709 cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, addressing a critical bug that prevented users from enrolling in extended security updates. This mandatory update includes Microsoft's July 2025 Patch Tuesday security updates, resolving one zero-day vulnerability and 136 other flaws. After installation, Windows 10 version 22H2 will be upgraded to build 19045.6216, and version 21H2 will transition to build 19044.6216. Users can manually check for updates in Settings under Windows Update, and they can also download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Key changes and fixes in the KB5063709 update include: - Fixed an issue affecting the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates enrollment wizard. - Updated enhancements to Country and Operator Settings Asset profiles. - Introduced the capability to deploy SKUSiPolicy VBS Anti-rollback protections via Secure Boot. - Fixed stability issues on certain devices following the May 2025 security update. - Fixed issues with the Microsoft Changjie Input Method, emoji panel search functionality, and phonetic input methods for Hindi and Marathi keyboards. Microsoft has confirmed there are no known issues associated with this update.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Windows 10 update messes up emoji picker, proving that even though the OS is about to shuffle into its grave, Microsoft can still break stuff

Windows 10's July update (KB5062554) has caused the emoji picker functionality to malfunction, particularly affecting the search feature, which now returns error messages indicating no results. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix for users on Windows 10, version 22H2. Some users have reported that uninstalling the July update resolves the problem. The update has sparked discontent among users, with discussions occurring on platforms like Reddit. Speculation exists regarding Microsoft's motivations for making changes to Windows 10 as it approaches its End of Life in October 2025.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

You might want to skip this Windows 10 update: Emoji feature hit by new bug

Microsoft's July Patch Tuesday update for Windows 10, identified as KB5062554, aimed to fix security vulnerabilities but caused the emoji search panel to malfunction. Users reported that while the emoji picker is accessible via the Win + dot shortcut, keyword searches for emojis result in error messages. Discussions about the issue have emerged on online forums, with many users finding that uninstalling the update temporarily resolves the problem, which reoccurs upon reinstallation. Microsoft has not acknowledged the issue publicly, raising concerns about the quality of future updates as Windows 10 approaches its end of life in October 2025. A temporary workaround for affected users is to restore their system to a point before the update and avoid reinstalling the patch until a fix is released.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

July’s Windows 10 update borked the emoji panel for some users

Microsoft released an update for Windows 10, KB5062554, aimed at enhancing security and quality. However, users are experiencing issues with the emoji panel, specifically with the search functionality, which is not working correctly. Users report receiving an error message when trying to search for emojis. There are concerns that this issue will be resolved before official support for Windows 10 updates ends on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

July 13, 2025

Windows 10 KB5062554 update breaks emoji panel search feature

The KB5062554 cumulative update for Windows 10, released in July 2025, has rendered the emoji panel's search feature inoperative, causing frustration among users. Reports indicate that the search function worked correctly before the update, but now users encounter an error message stating, "We couldn't find this one" when attempting to use the search bar. Microsoft is being contacted for clarification on a potential fix for this issue.