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Winsage

August 12, 2026

Microsoft fixes 421 bugs and a Windows zero-day in August Patch Tuesday

Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday update addressed 421 vulnerabilities across various products, including multiple versions of Windows (11 25H2/24H2, 11 23H2, and 10). A critical zero-day flaw, the "Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," allows attackers with lower-level access to gain system privileges without user interaction. Additionally, the update addresses two other zero-day flaws, including the "Windows User Profile Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," which has not yet been exploited but was publicly disclosed. The update is mandatory and should automatically install on supported PCs, with users encouraged to verify its application. The update also includes minor improvements to Windows features, such as enhancements to File Explorer, Windows Hello, Voice Access, and touchpad controls.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 & KB5120240 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB512103 and KB5120240 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. These updates include the August 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches, which address 400 vulnerabilities. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This is the eighth 'Patch Tuesday' release of 2026, with no exclusive changes for either version. Key enhancements in the August 2026 update include: - File Explorer: Improved file size display, middle-click functionality for folders, resolution of loading issues, and enhanced clarity of file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Better handling of typos in app search and improved relevance of settings in search results. - Voice Access: Introduction of Voice Isolation and Korean language support, along with reliability improvements. - Widgets: Taskbar notification badges now reflect the Windows accent color, and the Lock screen Widgets experience has been simplified. - Start Menu: Improved reliability of view preferences and enhanced keyboard navigation. - Windows Hello: Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors. - Power and Battery: Improved reliability of power settings and restored threshold setting for energy saver activation. - Accessibility: Enhanced Magnifier experience on touch devices. Microsoft has not reported any new issues related to this month's updates.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

YouTube is auto-launching Shorts, and users aren’t happy

YouTube has started auto-launching its Shorts feature upon opening the app, causing confusion and frustration among users. Reports indicate that this behavior is inconsistent across accounts, with some users experiencing the app defaulting to Shorts even if they closed it on a different screen. Complaints about this issue have been ongoing for several months, suggesting it may be part of a limited test rather than a deliberate design choice. Users can remove Shorts from their home page by setting their daily time limit to zero or choosing the Ignore Limit option, though this may lead to frequent reminders.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Microsoft delivered plenty of Windows 11 updates in July — and I’m highlighting the most important changes for your PC

Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 in July 2026, including: - An updated Windows Search that automatically identifies additional relevant folder locations based on user activity. - Enhancements to the Phone Link companion flyout in the Start menu for quick previews of recent messages or notifications. - An adaptive hibernate policy that prevents hibernation when the battery is above 80% and initiates it when below 10%. - Performance improvements in File Explorer, including faster deletion of large files and touch scrolling support. - Streamlined Windows Update process that reduces system restarts by consolidating updates. - New gesture controls for Precision Touchpads to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. - Support for removing smart card policies in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 sessions. - Improved usability of refreshable Braille displays with Narrator for instant connectivity. - Ability to reposition the Taskbar to any side of the screen for personalization. - Introduction of Voice Isolation for Voice Access to enhance speech recognition in noisy environments.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

An official Microsoft engineer gives a favorite unofficial Windows 11 app a shiny polish

Microsoft is addressing performance gaps in Windows 11, particularly with built-in applications. Users have turned to third-party applications like Files, which has received a substantial update focusing on file extraction and folder loading improvements. The update includes enhanced user experience features, such as updated sidebar icons and improved management of encrypted archives. A notable addition is the integration of WindowSill into Files, allowing users to perform various tasks directly from file selections without opening dedicated applications. This integration provides context-aware actions for different file types, including images, PDFs, videos, and Office documents. The update also includes numerous bug fixes and performance enhancements. The latest version of Files, 4.2.2, is available for download on GitHub and the Microsoft Store.

Tech Optimizer

August 3, 2026

How to Turn Off McAfee

McAfee provides various cybersecurity features, including real-time antivirus protection, firewalls, VPNs, and browser extensions. Users can adjust settings based on their device. To pause real-time scanning on Windows, open the McAfee app, click on My Protection Widgets, select Real-Time Scanning, and turn it off. For Mac, click the McAfee icon in the menu bar, access the product console, and turn off Real-Time Scanning. To shut down the Advanced Firewall, open the McAfee app, select Advanced Firewall, and turn it off. Scheduled scans can be stopped by navigating to Scheduled Scans in the McAfee app and using the Turn off control. To turn off Secure VPN, open the app, find the Secure VPN tile, and toggle it off. For disabling McAfee WebAdvisor in browsers, users should manage extensions in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. To stop notifications and alerts, users can adjust settings in Windows and various browsers. Uninstalling McAfee involves navigating through the device's settings, and to stop renewal billing, users must log in to their McAfee account and disable auto-renewal. Users should be aware of older and managed-device guides and how to stop notifications on mobile devices. Disabling features does not uninstall McAfee, and turning off auto-renewal does not remove the application from the device.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Windows 11’s August Patch Tuesday update brings several important changes, and I break down the biggest ones

Microsoft will release the Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update on August 11, 2026, featuring new functionalities and enhancements. Key additions include Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, the ability to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, new touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluid Dictation for Voice Typing, and a redesigned Start menu with parental controls notice. File Explorer improvements include displaying file sizes in appropriate units, middle-clicking to open folders in new tabs, and fixes for bugs. Users can manage AI models through Settings, and the Lock screen will default to the Weather widget. Touchpad settings will allow customization of scroll and zoom speeds. Fluid Dictation will be deactivated by default, with tooltips for guidance, while Voice Access will feature enhanced speech recognition settings. The Account Control interface will be redesigned for clarity, and power settings will apply across all plans. Windows Update will provide better progress estimates and improved post-update cleanup. Enhancements to system sounds in dark mode will also be included.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Everything we know so far about Windows 11’s big 2026 (26H2) update arriving this fall, including changes for Start menu, Taskbar, and Search

Windows 11's 2026 update, version 26H2, enhances the Start menu, Taskbar, and Windows Search. Taskbar Changes: - Users can reposition the Taskbar to the top, bottom, left, or right of the screen. - The interface adapts to the Taskbar's position, with the Start menu and Search opening downward when at the top. - Vertical Taskbar layouts have an abbreviated year display and lack a seconds option, but support app ungrouping and labels with the "Never combine" setting. - Users can reduce the Taskbar's size, which will also make icons smaller. Start Menu Changes: - Users can select from various size options for the Start menu, though drag-to-resize and full-screen layouts are not available. - Users can choose which sections ("Pinned," "Recent," and "All") to display. - A new setting allows users to hide their account name and profile picture while sharing screens. Search Changes: - The Search home page emphasizes recent searches and minimizes distractions from trending topics and promotional content. - Web results are prioritized over products or sponsored content when they are the best match. - Users can disable web results and Microsoft Store suggestions for a local search experience. - The ranking system prioritizes local content, ensuring apps, settings, and files appear before web results. - The Search box height has been increased by four pixels for improved usability.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Microsoft is finally modernizing Windows 11’s decades-old File Explorer properties window with a new UI

Microsoft is modernizing the File Explorer app in Windows, gradually introducing modern UI elements while much of the application retains its older design. A hidden modernized File Properties window has been found in the latest Windows 11 preview build, indicating plans for a complete overhaul of the File Properties dialog. This effort is part of Microsoft's broader initiative to integrate WinUI across the Windows Shell, including enhancements to the Start menu and in-box applications, as part of the Windows K2 project. The modernized File Properties feature has not yet been officially announced, but its appearance in preview builds suggests further updates are forthcoming.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

The Samsung Browser app on Wear OS now lets you download images and GIFs

Samsung has updated its Browser app on Wear OS, allowing users to download images and GIFs directly to their smartwatches. Users can long-press on images to prompt a "Download image" option, supporting formats like PNG, JPG, JPEG, and GIF, with a maximum file size of 10MB. Downloaded images are stored in a "Downloads" folder in the watch's internal memory and can be viewed as thumbnails on the app's home page. To access full images, a third-party file manager or gallery app is needed. Users can delete individual images or select multiple images for bulk deletion through a long-press action.