image search Archives

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 AI components are getting their own changelogs (release history), as Microsoft plans model updates

Microsoft has released a support document titled “Release information for AI components” that details the AI components integrated into Windows 11, which can be installed through Windows Update or accessed via the Microsoft Update Catalog. These components are essential for enabling various AI models to operate locally on devices, and installations typically occur automatically on compatible PCs with 40+ TOPs of NPU. The size of Windows 11 Patch Tuesday updates has increased significantly, now ranging from 4-5GB, compared to previous updates that were under 800MB. Users can manage AI components through Settings > System > AI Components, although this page is empty for older PCs. The changelog includes individual components like the Settings Model, Image Search, Semantic Analysis, and Content Extraction, as well as lower-level elements such as Execution Provider. Updates for these AI models occur every few weeks, often without visible changes.

Winsage

December 11, 2025

Why You Should Install Windows 11’s December 2025 Patch ASAP

Recent trends in cybersecurity emphasize the importance of timely security updates to protect sensitive data. Two significant vulnerabilities addressed in recent updates include one that allowed privilege escalation through the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver and another that made GitHub Copilot for JetBrains susceptible to remote code injections. The KB5072033 update also includes bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements for Windows 11 users, such as recommendations to disable AI features like Recall for better performance and fixes for erratic behavior in the "Ask Copilot" extension. Additionally, it resolves an issue in the networking stack affecting external virtual switches and a visual glitch in File Explorer that caused a bright white flash when switching directories. However, a known issue with the new patch may make it difficult for some users to locate the password icon on the lock screen, which can be temporarily resolved by hovering the cursor over the area. Users can check for updates through the system tray or by navigating to Start > Settings > Windows Update.

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.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

9 new features coming with the October 2025 Security Update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will roll out its Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, introducing various features and security enhancements. Key updates include: 1. A feature allowing users to reposition hardware indicators on their desktops. 2. AI actions in File Explorer, enabling users to perform tasks like image searches and background removal directly from the file manager. 3. Improvements to the Windows Share interface, including a "Pin" option for favorite apps. 4. A new "Advanced" settings page that organizes settings into distinct sections. 5. Administrator Protection, which enhances security by generating an authorization dialog for unsigned or untrusted app elevation requests. 6. Support for third-party passkey providers, starting with 1Password. 7. Migration of legacy features from the Control Panel to the Settings app, including additional clocks and date/time format options. 8. A new Braille viewer in Windows Narrator to enhance accessibility. 9. Updates to the Click to Do actions menu with new tags and refined summary generation.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

File Explorer’s best features available in 2025 on Windows 11 version 25H2 and 24H2

In 2025, Microsoft is enhancing File Explorer on Windows 11 with AI features and improved usability. Key updates include: - Microsoft 365 Files: New "Activity" column and "Recommended" section display people icons for users with Microsoft Entra ID accounts. - Windows Share Experience: Users can pin favorite apps in the "Share using" section, generate preview thumbnails when sharing links, and adjust image compression settings. Basic image editing tools for cropping, rotating, and applying filters are now available before sharing. A new flyout suggests apps for quick sharing when dragging files. - File Explorer Address Bar: A file backup reminder can be snoozed or disabled if not already backing up files via OneDrive. - AI Integration: An "AI Actions" menu in the context menu offers features like Bing Visual Search, background blurring, object erasure, and background removal. Microsoft 365 subscribers can summarize files stored in OneDrive and SharePoint. - Performance Improvements: Faster archive extraction for large files and improved loading times for folders with extensive media collections and cloud files. Overall, these enhancements aim to refine and elevate the user experience in file management.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Microsoft testing new AI features in Windows 11 File Explorer

Microsoft is piloting AI-driven features in File Explorer for Windows 11, called "AI actions," which allow users to interact with images and documents without opening files. Users can perform tasks on JPG, JPEG, and PNG files such as removing backgrounds, erasing unwanted objects, and blurring backgrounds. A reverse image search tool is also integrated, enabling searches through Bing. Windows Insiders can access these features by right-clicking on supported image files and selecting "AI actions." This functionality is available to users in the Canary Channel with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938. The latest build also includes enhancements to user privacy and security, providing transparency on third-party applications using Windows' generative AI models. Additionally, Microsoft introduced new AI agents that simplify changing settings on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs using natural language processing.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Data breach causes dating app to take down messaging system

Tea, a dating app for women to review and conduct background checks on men, experienced a data breach on July 25, which was disclosed on July 28. The breach compromised sensitive information, including direct messages and approximately 72,000 user photos. Tea took the affected system offline and reported no evidence of other parts of the system being accessed. Launched in 2023, the app allows women to vet potential dates using crowdsourced information and public records, and over 1.7 million women have engaged with the app. Following the breach, Tea is investigating the incident and encourages users to contact their support team with concerns.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

9 new features that arrived on the Windows 11 Insider Program during the second half of July 2025

During July 2025, Microsoft released seven preview builds for Windows 11, including updates from version branches 24H2 and 25H2, and builds 27913, 27909, and 27902 in the Canary Channel, with build 27902's ISO file available for download. Key enhancements included: 1. Click to Do improvements allowing image descriptions on AMD and Intel devices, previously exclusive to Qualcomm Snapdragon. 2. Windows Narrator now generates detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs for Intel and AMD processors. 3. A new "Recent activity" feature in the Privacy & security section lets users monitor third-party app access to AI functionalities. 4. AI agent functionality is being gradually introduced in the Settings app, starting with the August 2025 Security Update. 5. The Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience page has consolidated recommendations into a single interface. 6. Windows Search is testing a grid view for image search results. 7. The Notification Center now supports a fly-out from secondary monitors, displaying a full clock. 8. Task Manager has reintroduced a view showing processor usage metrics across various pages, with an option to revert to legacy metrics.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

The newest Windows 11 Beta and Dev builds make searching for images a lot easier

Microsoft has introduced a grid view feature in the Windows 11 Beta and Dev branches that enhances the image search experience by displaying thumbnails of search results, making it easier for users to identify and locate desired images. Other updates include configuration options for lock screen widgets, expanded notification center functionality for secondary monitors, and a fix for CPU reporting in Task Manager.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Update for Windows 11 brings more resilience (and Recall)

The optional update KB5062660 for Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces several new features, including Microsoft Recall in Europe, which allows users to export snapshots of their activities with a unique export code for privacy. The Click to Do functionality expands with a new Practice in Reading Coach feature and integration with Microsoft Teams for drafting messages. An AI agent is added to the settings app for Copilot+ PCs, while non-Copilot+ systems have a centered search bar for accessibility. The update includes rapid machine recovery options, enhancements to the Start menu, improved snap functionality, and a new Gamepad keyboard layout for gamers. It also resolves various issues from previous versions, including bugs in File Explorer and system stability problems. AI components related to Image Search, Content Extraction, and Semantic Analysis have been enhanced, and there are no known issues with this update. Features will be rolled out gradually to users.