indexing Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2025

I disabled these 5 Windows services to improve my PC performance

Windows operating systems have numerous background services that can consume system resources and slow down performance. Users can improve responsiveness by disabling non-essential services. 1. Windows Search: Indexes files and data for quick searches; can tax CPU and RAM. To disable: press Ctrl + R, type services.msc, locate Windows Search, stop the service, and set Startup type to Disabled or Manual. 2. SysMain (formerly Superfetch): Preloads frequently used applications into memory but can lead to unnecessary disk activity on SSDs. To disable: access services.msc, find SysMain, stop the service, and set Startup Type to Disabled. 3. Windows Update Delivery Optimization: Shares update files with other PCs, consuming bandwidth. To disable: go to Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced Options and turn it off. 4. Remote Desktop Services: Enables remote connections, which can drain resources and pose security risks. To disable: locate Remote Desktop Services in services.msc, stop it, and set Startup type to Disabled. 5. Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects usage data and can transmit sensitive information. To disable: turn off the service and navigate to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Diagnostics & Feedback to disable Diagnostic data. Additional services that may be disabled include Print Spooler, Fax, Bluetooth Support, and Windows Error Reporting Service for further performance optimization.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551 (KB5055617) has been released to the Dev Channel. The Dev Channel has advanced to the 26200 series builds, and the option to switch to the Beta Channel is no longer available. This build is based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and shares features with the 26120 series in the Beta Channel. New features include enhanced Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to search for settings using phrases. Narrator now provides detailed image descriptions powered by AI for improved accessibility on Copilot+ PCs. Improvements are being rolled out for widgets, including the ability to read content directly from the MSN feed. Fixes include resolving crashes in Settings, File Explorer, and issues with app icons in the taskbar. Known issues include problems with Windows Recovery Environment and certain apps failing to launch post-update. The Dev Channel updates are based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback. Users can enable a toggle to receive updates more quickly.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (KB5055613) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as natural language search functionality in the Windows search box for Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to find settings easily. Additionally, the Narrator feature has been enhanced to provide detailed descriptions of images for accessibility. Other updates include improvements to widgets, fixes for issues in Settings, File Explorer, Taskbar, Desktop Icons, Input, and Graphics. Known issues include non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users and problems with the Windows Recovery Environment. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Tech Optimizer

April 10, 2025

PostgreSQL vs. MySQL in 2025: Choosing the Best Database for Your Backend

In 2025, PostgreSQL has a usage rate of 45.55%, while MySQL has a usage rate of 41.09%. PostgreSQL is preferred for applications requiring complex queries and robust data management, while MySQL is favored for speed and efficiency in read-heavy environments. PostgreSQL was named DBMS of the Year 2023 for the fourth time since 2017, with its latest version released in September 2023 featuring performance and replication enhancements. Developer surveys show PostgreSQL adoption has increased from 33% in 2018 to nearly 50%. MySQL is recognized for its rapid performance and ease of implementation, particularly in e-commerce and content management systems. Performance tests indicate PostgreSQL is approximately 1.6 times faster than MySQL in complex query scenarios. PostgreSQL offers built-in row-level security and encryption, while MySQL provides a user-friendly interface and solid security measures. PostgreSQL excels in managing large datasets and complex operations, whereas MySQL uses a distributed systems approach for workload management.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft releases KB5055523 update to fix a glut of Windows 11 problems

Microsoft has released the KB5055523 update for Windows 11, which includes various fixes and enhancements. Key improvements include a fix for the Explorer context menu issue, increased reliability of ctfmon.exe, and resolution of a Kerberos authentication problem related to RC4 encryption. New features for Copilot+ PC users include an improved Windows Search with semantic indexing, natural language search for cloud-stored photos, enhanced communication capabilities with live captions and real-time translation, and support for real-time translation into Simplified Chinese on Snapdragon-powered devices. The update also addresses issues with machine password rotation in the Identity Update Manager, updates for Daylight Saving Time in Chile, and unexpected behavior in the PcaUiArmUpdate feature. KB5055523 will be automatically installed for users.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Windows 11 KB5055523 & KB5055528 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5055523 for version 24H2 and KB5055528 for version 23H2. These updates address security vulnerabilities and system issues and include critical security patches from the April 2025 Patch Tuesday. The build number for Windows 11 24H2 will update to Build 26100.3775, while 23H2 will change to 226x1.5191. New features include: - Enhanced Windows Search powered by semantic indexing models. - Improved search for cloud-stored photos on Copilot+ PCs. - A Gamepad keyboard layout added to the touch keyboard. - A new system tray icon for easier access to emoji and panels. - Live captions and real-time translation for communication on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. - "Top cards" in Settings for quick access to PC specifications. - Voice access now supports natural language commands and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. - Lock screen widgets available on devices in the European Economic Area (EEA). - An icon in the system tray for apps using Windows Studio Effects. - General fixes for various system reliability issues. Some persistent issues include problems playing Roblox from the Store on ARM PCs and an incorrect Event 7023 error regarding SgrmBroker.exe. Users are encouraged to install the updates promptly.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft squashes one of File Explorer’s strangest UI bugs in April’s Patch Tuesday

Microsoft released its Patch Tuesday updates on the second Tuesday of April, including the KB5055523 patch for Windows 11 24H2, which addresses a File Explorer menu issue and includes security enhancements. This patch encompasses improvements from the previous KB5053656 build. The update resolves a glitch with the three dots menu in File Explorer, fixes a critical issue causing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) when waking from sleep, and upgrades Task Manager to display standardized CPU usage metrics. For Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon chips, it introduces AI-driven Windows Search capabilities and improves Live Captions for real-time translation in over 44 languages. New features include an enhanced search functionality, a Gamepad keyboard layout for touch, and a new system tray icon for emoji. The update also provides a quick overview of key specifications in the Settings menu and resolves issues with Credential Roaming. KB5055523 is a mandatory security update, and older versions of Windows 10 have also received updates.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Is it time to ditch Windows File Explorer? 6 signs you’ve outgrown it

Windows File Explorer is the default file management tool for Windows but often disappoints power users due to several limitations. The search function is slow, taking several minutes for results, especially in large folders or external drives, and requires careful configuration of indexing settings. Customization options are limited, lacking advanced features like split views or custom color labels, while third-party tools offer extensive customization. File Explorer's reliance on traditional folder structures is outdated, missing features like tagging or smart folders, which are crucial for professionals in creative fields. File transfers can be frustrating, with stalls and unpredictable speeds, whereas alternatives like TeraCopy provide faster and more reliable transfers. Filtering and sorting options are basic and insufficient for managing large collections, lacking advanced capabilities found in third-party explorers. Additionally, the absence of dual-pane navigation hinders efficiency, despite recent updates introducing tab functionality.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

7 PowerToys Run plug-ins I use to boost my productivity

PowerToys is a suite of productivity tools for Windows 11, featuring over two dozen modules. PowerToys Run is a launcher and search bar that simplifies launching applications and finding files. It can be enhanced with plug-ins, including: - Window Walker: Allows users to search for running applications for quick window switching. - OneNote: Enables quick access to notebooks and pages after activation. - WinGet/Scoop: Streamlines app installation and uninstallation from a trusted repository. - BrowserSearch: Facilitates quick searches of browser history across different web browsers. - FastWeb: Allows users to create shortcuts for websites accessible via text commands. - Everything: Provides a fast search engine for files, improving upon the basic file search capabilities. - Clipboard Manager: Makes clipboard history searchable for easier reuse of text clips.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (KB5054687) has been released to the Dev Channel. The Dev Channel has transitioned to the 26200 series builds, closing the opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel. The 26200 series is based on Windows 11, version 24H2. Enhancements to Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs include semantic indexing for more intuitive searches, allowing users to find documents, photos, and settings using natural language. Users can manage indexed locations in Settings and the feature supports multiple languages and document formats. The improved Windows Search can also locate cloud-stored photos, with users needing to sign into OneDrive for access. A new feature called speech recap has been introduced in Narrator, allowing users to track what has been spoken and providing quick access to the last 500 strings spoken. A streamlined UI for unexpected restarts is being previewed. The Copilot can now be launched with Win + C, and users can personalize their experience through Settings. Click to Do is available from the Start menu and supports intelligent text actions in multiple languages. The Windows share window now includes a visual preview for shared links and image editing capabilities. Several fixes have been made to improve performance and address issues in Taskbar, File Explorer, Login and Lock, Windowing, and Settings. Known issues include problems with Recall and File Explorer crashes for some users. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and feature rollouts are monitored for feedback.