file types Archives

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

Slack Messenger Review: Why This Workplace Chat App Still Owns the Modern Office

Slack Messenger is a cloud-based collaboration and messaging platform owned by Salesforce Inc. It is designed to organize workplace communication through channel-based messaging, allowing separate discussions for projects, teams, or topics. Key features include powerful search capabilities, integrations with over 2,000 apps like Google Drive and Zoom, audio/video huddles, workflow automation, enterprise-grade security, and cross-organization collaboration via Slack Connect. Users generally appreciate its organization, user experience, and integration capabilities, although some express concerns about notification overload, cost at scale, and a learning curve for new users. Compared to alternatives like Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, and Discord, Slack is seen as more responsive and suitable for structured environments. It is particularly beneficial for organizations already using Salesforce due to enhanced integration with Salesforce workflows.

Winsage

January 9, 2026

Microsoft may integrate Copilot Chat directly into the File Explorer on Windows 11 next

A non-functional button has been discovered in the File Explorer app of the latest Windows 11 preview builds, which appears when users hover over a vacant area in the navigation bar. This button is speculated to be related to a feature called "Chat with Copilot," suggesting an interactive element for user experience. Users may soon be able to detach the Copilot interface from the File Explorer window, potentially as a sidebar or pop-up, allowing direct engagement with Copilot regarding selected documents and files.

Winsage

December 28, 2025

Microsoft Optimizes Windows 11 File Explorer to Slash RAM Usage

Microsoft is addressing criticism regarding Windows 11's File Explorer performance, particularly its excessive RAM consumption during searches. The company is testing optimizations aimed at reducing memory usage while maintaining speed, originating from an Insider Preview build. These changes involve eliminating duplicate indexing tasks, which could lead to a 20-30% reduction in RAM usage during intensive search sessions. Additionally, the update includes a streamlined context menu in File Explorer to enhance usability. Insider feedback has been positive, with users reporting smoother performance across various devices. The optimizations may also improve system stability and scalability in enterprise environments. However, some users express skepticism about whether these fixes are temporary solutions to deeper architectural issues. The full benefits of the update are expected to materialize once it reaches general availability, anticipated in early 2026.

TrendTechie

December 16, 2025

В торрентах с одним из самых популярных фильмов года рассылают опасный вирус

Recent reports indicate that torrent files for the film "Battle for Battle" are concealing a Trojan known as Agent Tesla, which can steal credentials, monitor computer activity, and take control of infected systems. The infection occurs when users download what appears to be the film file, which contains files like CD.lnk or Part2.subtitles.srt. Opening the first file executes a PowerShell script that interacts with the second file, leading to the installation of the Trojan. This malware can evade detection by Windows and antivirus programs by using harmless file types and PowerShell, complicating identification and mitigation efforts.

Winsage

December 8, 2025

Windows is rolling out the ability to handle all app updates from just your OS, but with limited support right now

The latest Windows update introduces the Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP), allowing applications to autonomously download and install updates based on user activity and system state. UOP enables individual apps to use their own backend updating services, facilitating app updates during periods of inactivity. It supports both Windows and non-Windows applications and provides a centralized update history for all installed software. Currently, no applications have adopted UOP, but users in the Dev and Beta channels will gradually gain access. The update also includes AI enhancements, such as support for the Model Context Protocol, improved natural language search capabilities, and a more intuitive "open with" feature that suggests suitable applications for file types.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

ClickFix attack uses fake Windows Update screen to push malware

Recent observations have identified ClickFix attack variants where cybercriminals use deceptive Windows Update animations on full-screen browser pages to hide malicious code within images. Victims are misled into executing harmful commands through specific key sequences that copy and execute commands via JavaScript. Security researchers have documented these attacks since October, noting the use of LummaC2 and Rhadamanthys information stealers. Attackers utilize steganography to embed malware payloads within PNG images, reconstructing and decrypting them in memory using PowerShell and a .NET assembly called the Stego Loader. A dynamic evasion tactic known as ctrampoline complicates detection by initiating calls to numerous empty functions. The shellcode extracted from the encrypted image can execute various file types directly in memory. Following a law enforcement operation on November 13, the Rhadamanthys variant's payload delivery through fake Windows Update domains ceased, although the domains remain active. Researchers recommend disabling the Windows Run box and monitoring suspicious process chains to mitigate risks.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

How to manage AI actions in File Explorer on Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced AI enhancements in Windows 11, particularly in File Explorer, featuring "Ask Copilot" and "Semantic Indexing." AI actions have been added to the context menu, allowing users to perform tasks based on file types, with integration into Microsoft 365 apps, Photos, or Paint. The rollout began with the September 2025 Security Update, but users in Europe may experience delays in access. To enable AI actions in File Explorer, users should open Settings, click on Apps, select the Actions page, and turn on the AI actions. Users can engage with AI actions by right-clicking on image files (JPG, JPEG, PNG) and selecting options like Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, Remove Background, and Describe Image. If Microsoft 365 apps are installed, users can summarize documents and convert tables without opening the apps. To disable AI actions, users can follow the same steps as enabling them but turn off the AI actions instead. The "AI actions" menu will still appear, but no active features will be displayed.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

NotebookLM now automates your tedious research, so you can focus on big ideas

NotebookLM has introduced a "Deep Research" feature that automatically searches hundreds of websites and compiles a sourced report. It now supports a wider range of file types, including Google Sheets, Word documents, and images of handwritten notes, allowing users to upload materials without needing to convert them to PDFs. Users can input a topic and choose between "Fast Research" for a brief overview or "Deep Research" for a more detailed exploration. The update consolidates user uploads, external web research, AI-generated summaries, and analysis into one space, and will be rolled out to all users within the next week, though some may experience delays. Users are advised to verify the relevance and credibility of the gathered materials.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Windows 11 issue shows “Edit in Notepad” for all file types, including .exe and images

Windows 11's File Explorer context menu includes the "Edit in Notepad" option for various file types, which is intended only for plain text files. Users can remove this option by editing the Windows Registry. Notepad now registers as a general-purpose text editor, causing it to appear for all file types, including images. To remove "Edit in Notepad," users can create a subkey in the Registry Editor under Shell Extensions and add the specific GUID. Other Shell Extensions can also be removed using a similar method by adding their respective GUIDs. Microsoft is reportedly working on improvements for the context menu.