enhancements Archives

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

This small change makes transferring data to your new Android phone a lot easier

The Android data transfer feature allows users to migrate data from an old device to a new one, taking under an hour for setup. Google introduced enhancements, including a QR code for sharing network details and a percentage indicator for data transfer progress. Recently, a user experienced a 20-minute estimated transfer time, with the transfer showing 54% completion after some time. A USB-C to USB-C cable is recommended for reliable connections, though wireless data migration is also effective. Android's data transfer may not be as fast as some Chinese manufacturers' tools, but it provides consistency across global smartphones.

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

Meta rolls out new scam detection tools across Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger

Meta is introducing new scam-detection features across Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger to enhance user safety. Facebook will implement a warning system for suspicious friend requests, alerting users to accounts with few mutual friends or unusual locations. WhatsApp will provide alerts for suspicious device-linking attempts, informing users of the request's origin. Messenger will expand its scam detection system to more countries, analyzing conversations for scam patterns and providing warnings. Over the past year, Meta has removed over 159 million scam-related ads and deactivated millions of scam-related accounts.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 11 KB5079473 & KB5078883 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5079473 and KB5078883 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2 as part of the March 2026 Patch Tuesday. These updates address security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and introduce new features. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The build numbers will change to 26200.8037 for 25H2, 26100.8037 for 24H2, and 22631.6783 for 23H2. Key enhancements include improved device targeting data for Secure Boot certificates, better reliability in File Explorer searches, and various new features such as a curated selection of emojis, a new backup and restore experience, automatic activation of Quick Machine Recovery, a built-in network speed test on the taskbar, and the ability to set WebP images as desktop backgrounds. Additionally, improvements have been made to the Windows Update settings page and the reliability of waking from sleep. No new issues have been reported with this month's updates.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 11 reaches new milestone as Microsoft comes closer to finally killing off Windows 10

Microsoft's Windows 10 global share has decreased to 26.27% as of February, down from 35.77% in January, while Windows 11's adoption rate has risen to 72.77%. Windows 11 is now used by 1 billion individuals worldwide. Official support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, leaving users vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft is phasing out the Security Boot feature, and users must upgrade to Windows 11 for ongoing protection and updates. Windows 11 offers features like default encryption and improved virtual desktop support. Users with eligible Windows 10 systems can upgrade for free, but the minimum hardware requirements include a 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. As many as 240 million functioning laptops may be unable to upgrade due to these requirements. New hardware is available with Windows 11 pre-installed, and Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs with unique AI functionalities.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 10/11 Patch Day March: Microsoft delivers the big security update, but as usual, the real message is in the fine print

In March, Microsoft released cumulative security updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11, with support for certain versions continuing until March 2026. The updates include KB5079466 for Windows 11 version 26H1, KB5079473 for versions 24H2 and 25H2, KB5078883 for version 23H2, and KB5078885 for Windows 10 version 22H2. These updates will be distributed via Windows Update, the Microsoft Update Catalog, and WSUS for enterprise environments. This month, Microsoft combined the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) with the Latest Cumulative Update, simplifying the update process. Key enhancements include improvements to Secure Boot, with expanded device target data for new certificates, and security enhancements for Explorer’s search functionality in Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. A fix for Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) was also implemented, addressing issues with COM objects under certain policy configurations. The Windows System Image Manager received a new warning dialog for confirming the trustworthiness of catalog files, which is important for enterprise environments. Updates for Windows 10 22H2, despite its end-of-life status, included fixes for secure boot issues and improvements for file version history in the Control Panel. An SSU for Windows 11 (KB5077869) was also released to maintain update stability. Microsoft's updates scheduled for March 2026 will address vulnerabilities in components like the Windows App Installer, SQL Server, and Microsoft Office. The Security Update Guide provides detailed information on specific vulnerabilities and affected components.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Microsoft’s year of fixing Windows 11 is off to a promising start, as latest update improves stability — but it still has a lot more work to do

Windows 11's March update includes several enhancements aimed at improving user experience, focusing on performance and reliability. Key features include: - File Explorer improvements allowing users to open new instances more reliably by holding the Shift key or using the middle mouse button. - Enhanced reliability in displaying network devices and improved search functionality across multiple drives. - An 'Extract all' command added for archived folders not in ZIP format. - Taskbar enhancements that prevent stacking of application instances, moving only overflow instances to a separate area for better organization. - Refined taskbar search functionality, allowing users to preview results by hovering and selecting 'Preview,' with group headers indicating the number of results. - Visual consistency improvements, particularly with the taskbar's auto-hide feature, print dialog box, and credential fields in the Windows Security panel. - Security enhancements for login and lock screens, the projection menu, and Nearby Sharing. - New features include updates to the emoji picker, a revamped widgets board, and an internet speed test feature in the taskbar, which received mixed reviews. - A new option in the Start menu's account menu directs users to a 'benefits' page, criticized as unnecessary promotion for Microsoft accounts.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Microsoft adds internet speed test tool to taskbar in Windows 11, but it’s no different from a desktop shortcut

Microsoft has begun rolling out its March 2026 update for Windows 11, which includes security enhancements and a new feature that allows users to test internet speed. This feature is accessible via a “Perform speed test” option when right-clicking the WiFi or Ethernet icon in the taskbar. Selecting this option directs users to their default web browser, opening a speed test page on Bing with the search query “internet speed test.” The feature serves as a shortcut to a webpage rather than a fully integrated application. It respects the system's default browser setting, allowing users to open the speed test in their preferred browser. The speed test utilizes technology from Ookla, moving away from Microsoft's previous Azure-based tool for better accuracy and reliability.

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

Meta Upgrades Safety Features of Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp to Protect Users From Fraud

Meta is implementing new safety measures to enhance user protection against online scams on its platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The company is expanding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) for scam detection, integrating a system that analyzes text, images, links, and account behavior to identify impersonation attempts. User alerts will be introduced to warn Facebook users about suspicious friend requests and to flag risky messages in Messenger. WhatsApp users will receive notifications for suspicious device linking requests. Meta has removed over 159 million scam advertisements and disabled 10.9 million accounts. It is collaborating with global law enforcement to combat scam networks, including a recent effort that led to the disabling of more than 150,000 accounts linked to scam centers in coordination with the Royal Thai Police.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Microsoft’s ‘Xbox mode’ is coming to every Windows 11 PC

Microsoft is merging Xbox and Windows, with the next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, set to support PC games, and its alpha phase starting in 2027. A new “Xbox mode” for all Windows 11 devices will launch in April. The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was previously available in preview since November 2025 for Windows Insider and Xbox Insider Program members. The Xbox Ally handhelds have received updates for improved reliability. At the 2026 Game Developers Conference, Microsoft announced Advanced Shader Delivery for developers to enhance game load times and hinted at reviving classic Xbox titles for PC. Additionally, advancements in DirectX and DirectStorage were discussed, along with updates on graphics debugging.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

I tested Windows 11 March 2026 Updates: Everything new, improved, and fixed

Microsoft has rolled out the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 (KB5079473, Build 26200.8037) and Windows 10, focusing on enhancements and functional upgrades. The update applies to Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, introducing new features, security enhancements, system fixes, and reliability improvements. Key features include: - Support for Emoji 16.0, allowing users to insert new emojis through the Emoji panel. - Windows Backup restore adapted for organizational use, enabling restoration of user settings and applications during sign-in. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) enabled by default on more Windows 11 Pro PCs. - A Bing-powered Internet speed test tool accessible from the taskbar. - Sysmon included as a native component for system activity monitoring. - Support for WebP images as desktop wallpapers. - Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) supported on Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - Minor enhancements in Accounts and Camera settings. The update also includes reliability and stability improvements, such as enhanced responsiveness of the Windows Update settings page, improved sign-in screen reliability, and better performance for the Windows printing service. It lays groundwork for Secure Boot certificate updates and addresses BitLocker reliability issues. Additionally, internal AI components have been updated, and a servicing stack update (SSU) has been released to enhance Windows Update infrastructure reliability. Microsoft is also expanding the updated Start menu and battery icons to more devices and warns users about the importance of updating Secure Boot certificates before their expiration in June 2026.