feature enhancements Archives

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows quality update: Progress we’ve made since March

The Windows Insider Program is undergoing changes to improve transparency and user control. Two main channels, Experimental and Beta, are being introduced, with the Beta channel eliminating controlled feature rollouts. Users will have the ability to select features in the Experimental channel and switch between channels more easily. Updates to the Feedback Hub are aimed at enhancing user experience. Windows updates will now be consolidated into a single monthly restart, providing users with more flexibility. AI features are being refined, with a focus on intentional integration. File Explorer is receiving architectural improvements for better performance, and there will be more control over widgets and notification settings. System performance enhancements include memory optimization and improved app launch responsiveness. Upcoming features include Taskbar customization, and the team is engaging with Insiders in various cities for feedback.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

The latest PowerToys update brings a useful Linux-like feature to Windows 11

The latest version of PowerToys, 0.99.0, introduces several new features: - "Grab and Move" functionality allows users to drag windows with ALT+left-click and resize them with ALT+click. - The Power Display System Tray Tool enables brightness, contrast, and color-profile adjustments, though compatibility with some external monitors may vary. - Enhancements include a persistent calculator and pinning options in the Command Palette, manual remaps in the Keyboard Manager, scrolling capture in ZoomIt, and a WinUI3 update for Image Resizer.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

New Android Automotive version will control more of your car

Google has introduced Android Automotive OS for Software Defined Vehicles (AAOS SDV), which expands beyond infotainment systems to control a wider range of vehicle functionalities. AAOS allows automakers to create premium infotainment experiences and customize user interfaces while integrating Android applications. The new AAOS SDV features an open infrastructure for non-safety vehicle components, enabling advanced in-car voice assistants and proactive maintenance reminders. It will also support over-the-air (OTA) updates for feature enhancements. This platform aims to address the inefficiencies of fragmented software architectures in the automotive industry. Google is collaborating with Qualcomm and Renault Group to advance this initiative, with an open-source version expected to be released later this year.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

5 reasons why Windows 11 Pro is so much better than Windows 10

Windows 11 Pro is actively promoted by Microsoft as the future operating system, with Windows 10 reaching its end of support in October 2025, meaning no more free security updates or technical assistance. Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced built-in security features, including mandatory TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, making it a more secure choice. It includes useful features like BitLocker for drive encryption, Remote Desktop support, Group Policy controls, and Hyper-V for creating virtual machines. Windows 11 Pro also enhances productivity with features like Snap Layouts and File Explorer tabs for better organization and navigation.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

Microsoft Edge finally lets you hide the Copilot icon from the browser’s toolbar — Are you clicking “remove”?

Microsoft has released an update for its Edge browser, version 144.0.3719.82, which includes bug fixes, feature enhancements, and improvements. Key fixes include resolving a browser crash during file uploads. New features include: - Default Profile for External Links: Uses the Primary Work Profile for opening external links. - Management Enrollment Token Policy Update: Requires configuration directly from the platform. - Performance Settings Update: Renames efficiency mode to "Energy Saver" and PC gaming feature to "PC Gaming Boost." - Tenant Restrictions v2 (TRv2): Blocks access from unauthorized Microsoft 365 tenants. - Copilot Icon Management: Users can manage the visibility of the Copilot icon in the toolbar. - Contextual Nudges: Provides summaries of open pages from the address bar. - Enhanced Autofill Experience: Prompts users to save addresses intentionally. - Desktop Visual Search: Allows sending images to Bing Visual Search for identification. The update also allows users to hide the Copilot icon and discontinues the Collections feature.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

The (slow) end for Windows 10

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft retired Windows 10, ending its support for security updates, bug patches, and technical assistance. Users can still operate Windows 10, but the lack of updates raises security concerns, making outdated systems targets for cybercriminals. Businesses using Windows 10 may face compliance risks and reliability issues as new applications and hardware become incompatible. Users with compatible hardware can upgrade to Windows 11, while those unable to upgrade can access Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for a fee, except in the EU where ESUs are free. Alternatives include migrating to Windows 365 Business or installing ChromeOS Flex or Linux on older PCs. Investing in new machines with Windows 11 is recommended for better security and performance.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Microsoft to remove WINS support after Windows Server 2025

Microsoft will remove the Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) from all future Windows Server releases after November 2034. WINS was officially deprecated with Windows Server 2022 in August 2021, and Windows Server 2025 will be the last version to support it. Standard support for WINS will continue until November 2034. Organizations are encouraged to migrate to DNS-based name resolution solutions before this deadline. The removal will include the WINS server role, management console snap-in, automation APIs, and related interfaces. Microsoft recommends auditing services dependent on NetBIOS name resolution and migrating to DNS solutions. Static host files are not advised as a workaround. Organizations should begin migration planning to avoid operational disruptions.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

5 third-party tweaks Microsoft needs to implement into Windows 11 natively

Windows 11 has evolved since its launch, but many users feel it lacks certain features. Third-party enhancements can improve the operating system. StartAllBack allows users to customize the Start menu and taskbar, resize icons, re-enable classic context menus, and restore quick access to the Control Panel. PowerToys is a collection of utilities from Microsoft that enhances Windows 11 with tools like PowerRename, a Color Picker, and Keyboard Manager, but these are not included by default. EarTrumpet simplifies audio management, allowing users to switch devices and adjust levels more easily than the default sound settings. Everything (Voidtools) offers a fast alternative to Windows Search by indexing files quickly and providing real-time results. OneCommander modernizes file management with a dual-pane interface, keyboard shortcuts, and cloud service integration. Many of these enhancements could benefit a wider audience if made available for users to enable as needed, rather than being pre-installed.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

UK govt spent £312M upgrading to Windows 10 before support ended

Windows 10 will reach the end of its lifecycle on October 14, 2025. Microsoft is focusing on Windows 11, which is receiving regular feature enhancements and security updates. The UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is investing significantly in upgrading its systems to Windows 11, reflecting a trend among organizations responding to Windows 10's end-of-life status. Upgrading to Windows 11 offers enhanced security features, an improved user experience, and long-term support. Organizations are encouraged to consider the advantages of transitioning to Windows 11 as the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches.