feature updates Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

6 things you didn’t know you can do with advanced startup settings in Windows

To access the advanced startup options in Windows, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Restart now, or it may appear after repeated boot failures. System Restore allows users to revert their PC to a previous state to undo recent changes, accessible from the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System restore. Windows enables users to create a system image, an exact replica of their hard drive, which can be restored from the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > See more recovery options > System Image Recovery. Users can roll back recent system updates through the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates. Safe Mode, accessible via the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings, helps troubleshoot driver issues by loading Windows with only essential drivers. Users can access BIOS settings through the advanced startup options by navigating to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware settings. The advanced startup options allow for testing unsigned drivers by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings and pressing 7 after restarting, though this is rarely needed.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

This Is the Ultimate Tool for Setting Up a New Windows Computer

WinUtil is a free utility developed by Chris Titus that simplifies the setup process for new computers running Windows. It allows users to install multiple applications with a few clicks, featuring a user-friendly interface divided into five tabs: Software Installation, Tweaks, Config, Updates, and Microwin. Users can select desired software, make system adjustments, configure Windows preferences, manage update installations, and create customized Windows installers. The tool supports exporting application collections and tweaks for easy replication on other computers, and comprehensive documentation is available for further exploration of its features.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 10 Approaches Its End of Life: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, meaning it will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. Users will be left vulnerable to malware and other cyber threats, and existing system issues will remain unresolved. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, which offers new features, improved performance, and enhanced security. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 through Windows Update if their devices meet the system requirements. If not, they may need to consider new hardware. While Windows 10 will still receive security updates until the end of support date, it will not receive new features, prompting users to plan their migration to avoid security risks. It is advised to back up important data before transitioning to ensure a smooth upgrade process.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox features for PCs, useful tools for Windows 11, and more

Microsoft refreshed the Windows Health Dashboard, providing updated information on known bugs affecting Windows 11 version 24H2, including a fix for users unable to modify specific date and time settings and a workaround for difficulties with Windows updates via USB or CD media. A guide was shared on restoring Dolby Digital (AC-3) support in Windows 11 version 24H2, and two debloating applications, WinScript and NoBloatbox, were introduced for system optimization and bloatware removal. This week's preview builds for Windows 11 included a significant update for MIDI and allowed users to customize widgets on their lock screens. An update for the Microsoft Store now permits users to choose which components of games to download. Optical Character Recognition has returned in the Photos app for Windows Insiders with enhancements and bug fixes. Microsoft announced the dates for its upcoming developer conference, Build 2025, scheduled for May 19-22 in Seattle, Washington. Firefox 135 was released with a redesigned new tab page and privacy enhancements, while Microsoft Edge 133 launched with an updated downloads interface and an AI-powered scareware blocker. Chrome version 134 is set to enhance picture-in-picture mode. In gaming news, several Xbox titles, including Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Mythology: Retold, are being released for PlayStation 5. EA's Criterion Games is focused on the next Battlefield installment, leaving the future of Need for Speed uncertain. Microsoft will host the first ID@Xbox showcase on February 24, 2025. Valve updated Steam to include a banner for abandoned games, and Nvidia announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles, and Amazon Prime members have access to several free games.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Microsoft XR and Windows Mixed Reality: Could the HoloLens Make a Comeback?

Microsoft introduced the Windows Mixed Reality platform in 2017, enabling various PC manufacturers to create consumer-ready XR headsets. In 2016, Microsoft launched the HoloLens, followed by the HoloLens 2, which was aimed at enterprise users but struggled in the consumer market. Recently, Microsoft discontinued the HoloLens and ceased support for Windows Mixed Reality, leading to speculation about its future in XR. In December 2023, Microsoft announced the removal of Windows Mixed Reality from Windows 11, making previous devices inoperable after a 2024 update. Despite this, Microsoft is shifting towards becoming a software provider for other XR vendors, partnering with companies like Unity and Meta to develop mixed reality solutions for devices like the Quest 3. Microsoft also announced a long-term partnership with RealWear for distributing Power Apps for smart glasses. The HoloLens 2 will continue to receive security updates until December 2027, but no new HoloLens headsets are in development. Microsoft has partnered with Samsung to produce mini OLED panels for a potential new line of mixed reality headsets, with mass production expected in 2026.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Windows 10 KB5048652 out with fixes (direct download .msu)

Today marks the rollout of Windows 10 KB5048652, the final security update for this operating system. This update focuses on essential bug fixes and will automatically download and install unless auto-updates are blocked. Users can also manually install it via Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update, upgrading their system to build 19045.5427. The update addresses existing vulnerabilities and includes offline installer files (.msu) for those unable to update through the Settings app. The update omits the new Recommended section in the Start menu, which has been criticized for promoting unnecessary Microsoft Store apps. Bug fixes in this update resolve issues with copying files from cloud storage services, ensure Win32 app shortcuts back up correctly to the cloud, and address Windows 10 activation issues after a motherboard change, as well as problems with Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printers. As the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches, users are encouraged to consider their options, as security and feature updates will cease after the deadline. There is an option to extend Windows 10 security support for an additional year at a cost, but opportunities to continue using the operating system are limited.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

How to Delay Windows Updates and Tell Microsoft to Leave You Alone

Microsoft provides annual updates and monthly security patches for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Major updates have faced challenges, including a blue screen of death from an August 2023 update for Windows 11 and printer functionality issues from a July 2022 security patch for Windows 10. Users can now delay significant feature updates, a change from Microsoft's previous mandatory update policy. To pause updates, users can pause for seven days through the Settings menu, with a total pause duration of 35 days available. Windows 10 users can pause updates by clicking "Pause updates for 7 days" up to five times or selecting a specific date in Advanced Options. Windows 11 users can choose how many weeks to pause updates using a drop-down menu. Active hours can be adjusted to prevent updates during specific times, ensuring uninterrupted work. Users can set active hours manually or allow Windows to adjust them automatically. For Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education users, updates can be deferred for up to 365 days using the Local Group Policy Editor. This feature is beneficial for businesses to test updates before broader rollout. Users can also configure notifications for updates instead of automatic installations. If an update causes issues, Windows provides options to roll back changes.

AppWizard

November 20, 2024

The first Android 16 developer preview is out (much) earlier than expected

Google has released its first developer preview of Android 16, shortly after the rollout of Android 15. The company plans to introduce two significant Android APIs in 2025: a major SDK release in the second quarter and a minor SDK release in the fourth quarter. Key features for Android 16 include an API for managing SDK versions, an embedded photo picker for selective media access, a Health Connect Developer Preview for managing health records in FHIR format, and the latest iteration of the Privacy Sandbox. Developers can experiment with Android 16 on recent Google Pixel devices or through the Android emulator and are encouraged to use a preview version of Android Studio for app development.

Winsage

November 18, 2024

Windows 11 update improves Snap Layouts usability, adds new features

Microsoft will not release any further feature updates for the test channels of Windows 11 for the remainder of 2024. Windows 11 Insiders recently received a preview update (KB5046716) that includes enhancements to the Snap Layouts feature, such as descriptive text for better user understanding and activation via the Windows key + Z shortcut. Other improvements in the update include direct file sharing from taskbar jump lists, a gamepad layout for the on-screen keyboard, new narrator scan mode features, and enhancements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities.