file retrieval Archives

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft 365 Is Gaining Brand-New Apps — Here’s What’s on the Way to Windows 11

Microsoft 365 is introducing new companion apps for Windows 11 users, including People, File Search, and Calendar, set to roll out soon. These apps utilize Microsoft Graph to enhance search capabilities and user experience. The People app allows users to look up colleagues and access organizational charts, while the File Search app helps locate and share Microsoft 365 files. The Calendar app provides easy access to the Microsoft 365 calendar and upcoming events. Currently, access to these apps is limited to Microsoft 365 Insider Program for Business members, and they are exclusive to Windows 11.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

I have a lot of Windows PCs, and these are my 6 tips for managing multiple Windows PCs at home

To manage multiple Windows 11 PCs effectively, consider the following practices: 1. Use Windows Backup to back up settings and app lists to the cloud, simplifying device setup and restoration. A Microsoft account is required for this feature. 2. Disable OneDrive folder backups to avoid complications from limited free storage and syncing issues. 3. Utilize the Windows Package Manager (winget) to manage applications across devices by exporting and importing lists of installed apps. 4. Enable nearby sharing in the Settings app to transfer files between devices without internet reliance. 5. Use a software KVM, like Microsoft's Mouse Without Borders, to control multiple PCs with a single keyboard and mouse. 6. Implement a remote desktop tool, such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk, for remote access and control of other PCs.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

I disabled Windows Search indexing to improve performance and replaced it with this free tool

Windows 11's built-in search functionality is criticized for being slow and resource-intensive, particularly when users choose to index all files, which can degrade performance. Alternatives like Everything and Listary offer improved search capabilities, with Everything being a fast, free option, while Listary is preferred for its speed, user-friendly interface, and integration with File Explorer. Listary also functions as an efficient app launcher, allowing quick access to installed software and custom actions on files. Transitioning to Listary can lead to reduced system resource usage and enhanced productivity, despite a brief adjustment period.

TrendTechie

July 1, 2025

Благодаря платформе Google западные потребители могут качать

A new method for downloading torrent files using Google Colab has been developed to avoid notifications from internet service providers and copyright infringement penalties. This method uses the aria2 utility to mask the user's IP address by executing scripts in Google Colaboratory, which runs aria2 on a Google-hosted virtual machine. Users can download files via magnet links while their IP address remains hidden, displaying the Google server's IP instead. Downloaded files are stored in Google Drive for later access, enhancing privacy and simplifying file retrieval.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

The Windows File Explorer is still so bad when it comes to networked drives

File Explorer in Windows 11 has usability issues, particularly with sluggish search functionality and problems accessing networked drives. Users often experience drives disappearing after reboot, inaccessibility to files, and freezing of File Explorer, with error codes like c0000375 indicating deeper issues. The networked drive feature relies on outdated technology, as Microsoft has deprecated older protocols like SMBv1, complicating file sharing. Users can mitigate freezing by restarting File Explorer and ensuring network settings are correctly configured, such as setting Wi-Fi to private and enabling file sharing options. Excessive pinned items in Quick Access can cause crashes, and clearing the cache may resolve these issues. Alternatives to File Explorer, like XYplorer and File Pilot, can provide better access to networked drives. Overall, the challenges stem from outdated technology and the corruption of the Quick Access cache, with third-party solutions available for relief.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Microsoft Recall finally launches for AI PC users, along with some other new features, almost one year after Copilot+ was announced

Microsoft has reintroduced its Recall feature, initially designed for Qualcomm Snapdragon X-powered laptops, which captures snapshots of users' desktops to help locate old documents, images, and web pages. Enhanced security measures have been implemented, including Windows Hello sign-in, data encryption, and isolation protocols, with all data processed locally on users' devices. Recall is an opt-in feature that can be removed. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced an AI-powered Windows search mechanism that allows users to search for files by description. These features are currently exclusive to devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors, with support for AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V series chips expected later this year. Users without compatible hardware must rely on traditional file management methods.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

Search Bar Not Working in Windows 11? Follow these Fixes

Numerous users have reported issues with the search bar functionality in Windows 11. A guide has been compiled to offer effective solutions, including: 1. Restarting File Explorer by opening Task Manager, finding "Windows Explorer," right-clicking it, and selecting "Restart." 2. Rebuilding the search index by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to Privacy & Security, selecting "Searching Windows," clicking on "Advanced indexing options," and choosing "Rebuild." 3. Starting the Windows Search service by opening the Run dialog, typing services.msc, locating "Windows Search," stopping the service, starting it again, setting the Startup type to "Automatic," and restarting the PC. 4. Ending the SearchHost.exe task in Task Manager by finding "Search," right-clicking it, and selecting "End task." 5. Using the Recovery tool via Windows Update by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to System -> Recovery, and clicking "Reinstall now" next to "Fix problems using Windows Update." Rebooting after these steps should restore the search bar's functionality. Rebuilding the search index can enhance local search speed, and users may also consider removing Bing search results from the Start menu.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

How to Try Copilot’s New ‘Vision’ and File Search Updates

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Copilot application, including Copilot Vision and an advanced file search capability, now rolling out to Windows Insiders. Copilot Vision allows the AI to "see" what is displayed on the user's screen, enabling users to ask questions about their browsing, documents, or music without needing screenshots. Microsoft assures users that they maintain control over accessible information, with data deleted after each session. The updated file search feature allows the AI to locate, open, and discuss files stored locally, enabling natural language queries for file retrieval. Users can manage permissions for Copilot through application settings. These features will eventually be available to all Windows users, and those interested can join the Windows Insider Program for early access. To use the new features, users need version 1.25034.133.0 or later from the Microsoft Store. Copilot Vision can be activated by clicking the glasses icon in the app, while file search is integrated for easy queries.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Windows 11 tests sharing apps screen and files with Copilot AI

Copilot on Windows 11 is being tested for OS-level integration that allows users to share app screens with the AI assistant, currently available to Windows Insiders in the U.S. This feature, known as Copilot Vision, enables real-time assistance by analyzing screen content and providing guidance. The functionality is cloud-based, not relying on local AI models. Users can share their screens by clicking an icon in the Copilot app and can stop sharing at any time. Additionally, a "File Search" feature allows users to find documents using natural language queries, capable of reading various file formats like .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, and .json. Both features are being gradually rolled out within the Windows Insider Program, with more information on data processing and privacy expected as they progress beyond testing.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Windows 11 Just Made Copilot+ Smarter

Microsoft announced a new search feature for Copilot+ PCs that allows users to locate files by descriptions rather than just names. This semantic indexing capability works alongside traditional file indexing on Intel and AMD devices and can be used across platforms like File Explorer, the Windows search box, and Settings. Users can search for files by describing them, such as typing “bridge at sunset” to find an image or “Europe trip budget” for a document. The feature operates offline on Copilot+ PCs, utilizing the 40+ TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for enhanced search capabilities.