enhancements Archives

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft Releases March 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5079473, for all supported versions of Windows 11 (25H2 and 24H2). Key changes include: - A Network Speed Test Tool in the Taskbar for measuring Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular performance. - New pan and tilt options for supported cameras in the Settings menu. - Built-in System Monitor (Sysmon) available as an optional feature; users should uninstall previous versions before enabling it. - Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) support for Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - Quick Machine Recovery tool enabled for Windows Professional devices not domain-joined or enrolled in enterprise management. - Ability to use .webp image files for desktop backgrounds. - Introduction of new emojis from Emoji 16.0, including a face with bags under the eyes and a fingerprint. - BitLocker improvements for device responsiveness after entering a recovery key. - Enhanced reliability of search functions in File Explorer. Additionally, Microsoft is publishing patch notes for the upcoming version 26H1, which is currently available to Windows Insiders on the Canary Channel but not yet public. The KB5079466 patch for version 26H1 includes features already seen in earlier Windows 11 versions.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Hotpatching goes default in Windows Autopatch whether you like it or not

Microsoft will enable hotpatch security updates by default starting with the May 2026 Windows security update. Hotpatch updates allow security enhancements to be applied without system restarts, while quarterly baseline updates will still require a restart. Windows Autopatch will manage updates using "testing rings" to progressively roll out updates and address any issues. Devices must run Windows 11 24H2 or later and have the April 2026 security update installed to receive hotpatch updates automatically. Existing update policies will remain intact, and administrators can opt out of hotpatch updates at the tenant or group policy level.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

ChatGPT changes could mean you never lose your place again

The ChatGPT Android app is set to receive several enhancements in version 1.2026.062, including a memory function that remembers the user's position within the app, a revamped image editing interface with a direct "Edit" button for easier access to tools, and a redesigned profile section featuring a "fun facts" area and a "Generate bio" button. Additionally, the app is exploring a full-screen menu option for improved navigation. These features are still in development and may be refined before release.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Google is optimizing Android’s core to make your phone feel faster

Google is implementing Automatic Feedback-Directed Optimization (AutoFDO) within the Android kernel to enhance the performance of Android devices. The Android kernel accounts for approximately 40% of CPU time, and improvements in this area can significantly boost overall performance. AutoFDO uses real-world data to optimize code based on actual smartphone usage patterns, rather than general assumptions. Tests conducted on Pixel phones analyzed kernel usage with the top 100 popular Android applications, identifying frequently accessed code segments for targeted optimization. This approach is expected to lead to faster app launches, smoother transitions, and improved battery life. The kernel AutoFDO is currently being deployed in the android16-6.12 and android15-6.6 branches, with plans to extend optimizations to additional kernel components and hardware drivers.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

New Windows-native NVMe driver benchmarks reveal transformative performance gains, up to 64.89% — lightning-fast random reads and breakthrough CPU efficiency

Microsoft's native NVMe driver, initially released for Windows Server 2025, is now available for Windows 11, enhancing SSD performance. Users can achieve performance gains through registry tweaks. Benchmark tests showed significant improvements in random read bandwidth and input/output operations per second (IOPS). In a test with AMD EPYC 9754 processors and Solidigm P5316 SSDs, the following results were observed: - 4K Random Read: Non-Native Driver 6.1 GiB/s, Native Driver 10.058 GiB/s (+64.89%) - 64K Random Read: Non-Native Driver 74.291 GiB/s, Native Driver 91.165 GiB/s (+22.71%) - 64K Sequential Read: Non-Native Driver 35.596 GiB/s, Native Driver 35.623 GiB/s (+0.08%) - 128K Sequential Read: Non-Native Driver 86.791 GiB/s, Native Driver 92.562 GiB/s (+6.65%) - 64K Sequential Write: Non-Native Driver 44.67 GiB/s, Native Driver 50.087 GiB/s (+12.13%) - 128K Sequential Write: Non-Native Driver 50.477 GiB/s, Native Driver 50.079 GiB/s (-0.79%) Random read latency decreased significantly, with 4K and 64K read times dropping by 38.46% and 13.39%, respectively. However, 64K sequential write latency increased by 39.85%, while 128K sequential write latency rose by 12.43%. The NVMe driver also showed favorable CPU usage results during sequential read and write operations. It is not enabled by default in Windows 11, requiring users to make registry changes to activate it.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Now Playing is my favorite Pixel feature — and the new app just made it perfect

Google celebrates nearly a decade since the introduction of its Now Playing feature, which identifies songs automatically. The recent launch of the new Now Playing app is its most significant update yet. In a poll, 53% of users view it as a significant improvement, while 35% find it satisfactory, and 12% are indifferent. The app retains its core functionality but features aesthetic enhancements, such as larger text on the lock screen and always-on display, and allows easier access to song history and preferred music apps. The transition to a standalone application improves accessibility and user experience. Users can manually identify songs by tapping a prominent button in the app. The updated Now Playing app is available for download in the Google Play Store.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

5 Windows 11 Features That Are Slowing Down Your Computer

OneDrive automatically backs up essential folders and personalized settings for Windows users, allowing seamless data synchronization upon signing into a Microsoft account. However, uploading data can strain computer resources, particularly RAM and CPU, and consume significant bandwidth. Users can pause syncing by clicking the OneDrive icon, selecting the gear icon, choosing "Pause syncing," and selecting a duration of 2, 8, or 24 hours. Windows 11 features modern transparency effects and smooth animations that enhance user experience but can impact system performance, especially on older hardware with less than 8 GB of RAM. Users can disable these effects by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Visual Effects and toggling off Transparency effects and Animation effects. The startup apps feature allows essential applications to load automatically at boot, but too many startup apps can prolong boot time and strain resources. Users can manage startup apps by right-clicking the Start button, selecting Task Manager, navigating to the Startup app tab, and disabling unnecessary apps. Windows allows certain applications to run in the background for tasks like notifications and updates, but excessive background apps can hinder performance. Users can prevent specific apps from running in the background by going to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, clicking the three-dot icon next to the app, selecting Advanced options, and setting Background app permissions to "Never." Windows Update can cause temporary slowdowns, and while blocking updates is not advisable, users can pause updates for one to five weeks by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting the desired pause duration.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Google’s warning over battery-draining Android apps

The Google Play Store has introduced a warning system for Android applications that exhibit excessive background activity, which can lead to battery drain. This feature alerts users to apps that may consume a high amount of battery power due to background operations and was officially launched at the beginning of this month. Google, in collaboration with Samsung, has developed a beta metric called "excessive partial wake locks" to measure how often apps wake a device from sleep mode for background tasks. Not all apps will receive warnings; those with high energy consumption for essential functions, like music playback or location services, are exempt. The rollout of this system will occur gradually over the coming weeks.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Windows 11 keeps forcing unwanted updates with “too many coincidences” — Microsoft’s plan or just user error?

Windows updates in Windows 11 can be rolled out automatically or manually through the Settings app. Users have reported an increase in unsolicited upgrades to the latest version of Windows, prompting concerns and frustrations directed towards Microsoft. IT expert Günther Born noted "too many coincidences" regarding these updates. Microsoft plans to automatically install the latest feature update (25H2) on older versions that have reached their end of service. Speculation suggests that unwanted upgrades may be linked to Microsoft's enablement packages, which facilitate version transitions. A user reported an automatic upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 while they were away. Disabling TPM 2.0 should theoretically prevent automatic upgrades, but this has proven complex. Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 version 24H2 on October 13, 2026, after which users will need to upgrade to version 25H2 for continued security updates.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 10 KB5078885 extended security update

Microsoft has released the Windows 10 KB5078885 extended security update, which addresses vulnerabilities identified during the March 2026 Patch Tuesday. This update resolves two zero-day vulnerabilities and a critical issue preventing certain devices from shutting down properly. Users of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or those in the ESU program can install it via Settings under Windows Update. The update upgrades Windows 10 to build 19045.7058 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 to build 19044.7058. The update focuses on security enhancements and bug fixes, addressing a total of 79 vulnerabilities, including two actively exploited ones. Key fixes include: - A new warning dialog in Windows System Image Manager for confirming trusted catalog files. - Enhancements to File History for backing up files with specific Chinese and Private Use Area characters. - Stability improvements for specific GPU configurations. - Additional high-confidence device targeting data for Secure Boot certificates. - Adjustments to Chinese fonts for compliance with GB18030-2022A standards. - A fix for Secure Launch-capable PCs with Virtual Secure Mode unable to shut down or hibernate after a previous security update. - Resolution of an issue affecting folder renaming with desktop.ini files in File Explorer. The update also addresses a known issue preventing Windows 10 devices from shutting down or hibernating when System Guard Secure Launch is enabled. Microsoft is deploying new Secure Boot certificates to replace those expiring in June 2026, which are crucial for validating boot components and preventing security risks. There are currently no known issues associated with this update.