feature Archives

Winsage

September 23, 2025

7 ancient Windows commands that are still helpful for troubleshooting today

The Windows Command Prompt is a key tool for PC troubleshooting, especially for IT professionals. - Netstat -a -n -o: Initial release in 1983; used for diagnosing network errors by revealing active connections, ports, and their states. Parameters -a, -n, and -o provide additional insights. - Ping -n 100 IP or webaddress: Initial release in 1983; checks connectivity to a network location, measuring latency and hops. The -n parameter specifies the number of packets, and the -t option allows continuous testing. - ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew: Initial release in 1998; essential for displaying network hardware status and resolving IP conflicts by refreshing network configurations. - DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth: Initial release in 2009; maintains Windows installation images by checking and repairing the Windows Component Store. - Sfc /scannow: Initial release in 1998; verifies and repairs the integrity of the operating system, useful for resolving certain errors. - powercfg.exe /hibernate off: Initial release in 2004; disables hibernation to free up disk space by deleting the hiberfil.sys file. - OOBEbypassnro: Initial release in 2020; allows bypassing Microsoft account registration during Windows 11 installation, though its future is uncertain due to planned removal in an upcoming update.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows 10 holdouts to buy ARM-based Copilot+ Windows 11 AI PCs

Microsoft is urging users to transition from Windows 10 to its new Snapdragon ARM-based Copilot+ PCs, highlighting the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The company has introduced a feature for users to trade in or recycle their Windows 10 devices through Windows Update. Microsoft emphasizes the advantages of ARM technology, stating that native ARM versions of applications now account for 90% of total user minutes. Users can expect significant benefits from upgrading to ARM Copilot+ PCs, including on-device AI capabilities, extended battery life, and performance enhancements, with devices reportedly being up to 85% faster than the MacBook Air M2 and 47% faster in AI tasks compared to the M3 chip. Microsoft is targeting Windows 10 users and IT departments to encourage adoption of ARM Copilot+ PCs during their next upgrade cycle.

Winsage

September 22, 2025

New Windows 11 25H2 update is about to land on your PC – but where’s the excitement?

Microsoft is preparing to roll out the 25H2 update for Windows 11, with the final build version 26200.6584 designated as the release to manufacturers (RTM) candidate. The update is expected to be available in early October, just before Windows 10's end of support deadline. Notably, many features of the 25H2 update, including a redesigned Start menu, will also be available to Windows 11 24H2 users. The Start menu redesign allows users to remove the recommended section and will be rolled out in phases to both 25H2 and 24H2 users. While 25H2 is primarily a minor upgrade, it offers an extended support timeline of an extra year. Early testing has not shown significant performance improvements, and the overall value of upgrading to 25H2 may be questioned due to the availability of features in 24H2.

Winsage

September 22, 2025

How did I miss this Windows 11 volume trick that was added years ago?! — It’s blown my mind because I’ll use it every day

A feature in Windows 11 allows users to adjust the volume by scrolling over the volume icon in the taskbar. This feature was introduced in Windows 11 22H2 and has been overlooked by some users.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

Black Ops 7 adds even more layers to CoD’s already bloated loadout system

The multiplayer aspect of Black Ops 7 is a primary focus, building on the success of Black Ops 6. The game introduces a complex loadout system with Overclock upgrades that enhance equipment and field upgrades, including scorestreaks. Players can share weapon builds through Build Codes, which simplifies loadout sharing. The game features 18 maps, with 16 being core 6v6 maps and only three remakes from Black Ops 2. A new game mode called Overload combines elements of Hardpoint, Control, and Capture the Flag. The Wall Jump mechanic allows players to scale walls for strategic advantages. The CoD Next showcase is scheduled for September 30, followed by the Black Ops 7 beta on October 2.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

5 Essential Android Auto Apps You Need To Install

Android Auto allows users to manage messaging, music, and various functions through their vehicle's touchscreen, enhancing safety and the driving experience. It is compatible with over 500 vehicle models and can be set up by connecting a smartphone via USB or Bluetooth. Essential apps for Android Auto include: - Google Maps: Offers turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, lane guidance, speed limit notifications, and automatic rerouting, with over 10 billion downloads. - GasBuddy: Helps users find the lowest gas prices nearby and allows contributions from users for price updates, also showing stations with amenities like restrooms and car washes. - Spotify: Provides access to millions of songs and podcasts, integrating smoothly with Android Auto, with over 1 billion downloads. A premium subscription offers ad-free listening and offline access. - Angry Birds 2: A game available for use when the vehicle is parked, providing entertainment during waits, and is free to download. - MyRadar: Delivers real-time weather data, animated maps, and alerts for severe weather, helping drivers stay informed about conditions along their route.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

Chrome On Android Just Nabbed One Of NotebookLM’s Biggest Features

Google is gradually rolling out the Audio Overviews feature, which allows users to transform online written text into a dialogue between two AI speakers. Initially launched in NotebookLM, it has now expanded to Google Docs and is accessible in the latest stable version of the Chrome app for Android (version 140.0.7339.124). Users can find this feature in the Listen to this page settings within Chrome, and by tapping a new icon, they can generate a podcast based on the current webpage's content.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

How to Stop Android Battery Optimization from Killing Apps

Users and developers managing Android devices must navigate the balance between battery life and app functionality. Android's aggressive power-saving features can mute notifications or suspend background processes, leading to a state known as “sleeping.” To maintain app functionality, users can exempt specific applications from battery optimization through the Settings app under “Battery” or “Apps & notifications.” This feature, introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows apps to operate seamlessly in the background. For example, disabling sleep mode for essential apps like WhatsApp can prevent missed notifications. Samsung's Adaptive Battery is particularly aggressive, often pushing unused apps into a “deep sleep” state after a few days, which can disrupt vital functions. Users may need to manually exempt applications in Samsung’s “Device care” settings. Other manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi impose similar restrictions, while Google’s stock Android offers more straightforward adjustments. Developers can incorporate foreground services or request permissions like “android.permission.WAKE_LOCK” to keep apps awake, balancing user privacy and battery health. Android’s Doze mode activates during inactivity and organizes background tasks into maintenance windows, but apps can request exemptions. Monitoring battery usage statistics can help identify problematic apps. In enterprise environments, tools like Ivanti’s mobile device management can automate these settings. Combining exemptions with notification settings ensures that apps remain active, although blanket exemptions may lead to faster battery depletion. The dynamic between operating system efficiency and app demands continues to evolve, particularly with Android 14’s enhanced foreground service requirements.

Winsage

September 22, 2025

Windows 11 Revives DreamScene With Live Video Wallpapers Returning

Microsoft is reintroducing live wallpapers to the Windows operating system, originally known as DreamScene from the Windows Vista era. The feature is currently in testing, with the latest Windows 11 Dev/Beta build (26x20.6690) revealing an option to use video files as live wallpapers. Users can participate in the Windows Insider program to access this feature by enabling feature ID 57645315 and restarting the explorer.exe process. The official rollout timeline is uncertain, but it may debut in next year's major updates. The current focus for updates is on security enhancements rather than significant visual changes. More bug fixes and refinements are expected before the feature's stable release.

Winsage

September 22, 2025

4 reasons Windows Terminal profiles are better than old-school shortcuts

Microsoft has developed the Windows Terminal, which integrates Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) into a single interface. Users can create multiple profiles within Windows Terminal, allowing them to access different tools without opening separate windows. The terminal features a split view option for displaying multiple profiles side by side and offers automatic generation of shortcuts for new profiles as command tools are installed. Users can customize the appearance of each profile, including color-coding and background images, to enhance usability. Windows Terminal is not enabled by default on Windows 10, and users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 to access it.