Key settings Archives

Winsage

June 10, 2025

6 essential steps that Windows 11 users often miss after a fresh install

Many users overlook crucial default settings after installing Windows 11, which can lead to performance issues, privacy vulnerabilities, and complications during recovery. Key settings to configure include: 1. System Restore: This feature is disabled by default and allows users to revert system files and settings to a previous state. To enable it, users must access the System Properties page, select the main drive, click Configure, and turn on system protection. 2. BitLocker Recovery Key: Windows 11 automatically activates BitLocker on new installations. Users should back up their recovery key in their Microsoft account to avoid issues during startup. 3. Power Settings: Users should adjust power settings to prevent underperformance. This includes selecting "Best Performance" for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" modes and configuring screen and sleep timeouts. 4. Privacy Settings: Windows 11 collects diagnostic data by default. Users can enhance privacy by turning off features like "Find my device," "Personalized offers," and "Advertising ID," as well as disabling optional diagnostic data transmission. 5. Device Drivers: Users should verify that all device drivers are correctly installed, as the operating system may not install drivers for critical components. This can be checked in Device Manager, and updates can be managed through Windows Update. 6. System Backup: Establishing a backup is essential for data protection. Users can set up regular backups using the "Backup and Restore" feature by connecting an external drive and following the setup process in Control Panel.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Oblivion Remastered loses the most helpful settings on PC thanks to a botched Game Pass update

A recent update for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered has caused dissatisfaction among PC Game Pass users, as it removed several key settings, including DLSS support, which enhances gaming performance on older hardware. Although a patch was released to address some issues, players remain frustrated with the lack of advanced graphical features. Additionally, there are limitations with cross-save functionality; while the Xbox Series X|S version supports Xbox Play Anywhere for save transfers, Steam users do not have this option, leading to further frustration in the gaming community.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

3 Settings to Disable on Your Windows PC and Why?

Users can enhance their PC's privacy and performance by adjusting three key settings in Windows: 1. General Privacy Settings: Users should disable the default settings that allow tracking of user activity and sharing of data with Microsoft and third-party advertisers. This includes turning off personalized ads, tracking app launches, content suggestions based on activity, and sending diagnostic data. 2. Diagnostic and Feedback Settings: Users can prevent their PC from sending detailed reports about device usage to Microsoft by turning off optional diagnostic settings or selecting "Required Diagnostic Data." 3. Background Apps: To improve performance and reduce battery drain, users should disable the option that allows apps to run in the background. These adjustments help regain control over data tracking and optimize system efficiency.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

3 Settings to Disable on Your Windows PC and Why?

Many PC users experience security concerns and unusual system behavior, such as sluggish performance and excessive personalized ads, often due to default Windows settings that allow data collection and tracking by Microsoft. Users can regain control by adjusting settings to limit data tracking, improve system efficiency, and enhance privacy. Three key settings to disable include: 1. General Privacy Settings: Access through Windows key + I, then navigate to Privacy & security or Privacy, and click on General. Disable features that allow tracking of activity and data sharing with Microsoft and third-party advertisers. 2. Diagnostic and Feedback Settings: Found under Privacy & security or Privacy, select Diagnostics & feedback. Disable optional diagnostic settings that send detailed reports about device usage to Microsoft, or choose Required Diagnostic Data. 3. Background Apps: Go to Privacy & security or Privacy, then Apps permissions, and click on Background Apps. Toggle off "Let apps run in the background" to prevent apps from consuming resources when not in use. These adjustments can enhance privacy and system performance.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: The Legend Continues on PC

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is developed by Square Enix and will be released on PC on October 23, 2025. The game features stunning graphics and a rich narrative, with battles that resemble cinematic events. The lighting in certain areas is inconsistent, particularly in dungeons and towns, while open-world areas are well-illuminated. The gameplay recommends using a controller, but it performs well with mouse and keyboard, despite some cumbersome controls. The game runs smoothly on an RTX 2070 Super graphics card and AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, even at high settings, with minimal slowdowns.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

Windows 11 KB5046617 and KB5046633 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5046617 for version 24H2 and KB5046633 for version 23H2. The updates address security vulnerabilities and system issues. After installation, the build number for 24H2 will be 26100.2314 and for 23H2 will be 22631.4460. Key fixes include: - Task Manager: Accurate group count on the Processes tab. - WSL: Access to Dev Drive without issues. - Internet connection: Resolved duplicate DHCP options affecting IPv4 connections. - Notifications: Option to disable suggestions from specific apps. - Wi-Fi password dialog: Updated visual design. - Narrator: New shortcut to copy last spoken content and auto-read email contents in new Outlook. - Start menu: "All apps" section renamed to "All." - ALT + Tab: Fixed black screen issue when switching windows. - Scanning apps: Correct detection of connected scanners. - Web sign-in: Resolved unresponsive screen issue. - Copilot key settings: Configuration options for opening applications or Search. - Windows Disk Cleanup app: Improved accuracy of free space estimates. For version 23H2, similar fixes include disabling notification suggestions, renaming "All apps," new Narrator features, Copilot key configuration, battery consumption fixes during Modern Standby, Microsoft Teams meeting access from Outlook reminders, added product activation phone numbers, and resolved printing issues with Multi-Function Printers (MFP). Users are advised to install these updates to address four actively exploited vulnerabilities.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

Say goodbye to the Copilot key on Windows 11, or at least say hello to the option to make the key open other apps

Microsoft has released the KB5046617 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, elevating the OS to Build 26100.2314 for users on the 24H2 version. This update allows users to reprogram the Copilot key on compatible keyboards to launch any application within a signed MSIX package. It includes all improvements from the previous KB5044384 preview update and addresses several issues, such as fixing an error in Task Manager, restoring access to the Dev Drive for WSL, and resolving connectivity problems related to duplicate DHCP options. A known issue for Arm device users playing Roblox persists, with a workaround available. Users can install the update via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. Additional updates in Build 26100.2161 include new notification settings, a redesigned Wi-Fi password dialog, a new Narrator shortcut, renaming of the "All apps" section in the Start menu, and fixes for web sign-in issues and the Copilot key settings. Improvements have also been made to the Windows Disk Cleanup app.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

KB5044384: Microsoft fixes Windows 11 24H2 UI, 8.63GB update data, SFC, DirectAccess bugs

Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11, version 24H2, identified as KB5044384 and build 26100.2161, categorized as a non-security preview update for October 2024. The update will be rolled out gradually and includes various enhancements and bug fixes. Key features include the ability to disable notification suggestions from specific apps, a redesigned Wi-Fi password dialog, new shortcuts for the Narrator, a Gamepad keyboard layout for Xbox controllers, and changes to the Start menu. Fixes address issues with ALT + Tab, scanner detection, web sign-in problems, and the Windows Disk Cleanup app. Additional quality improvements include a new button for detaching virtual hard disks, support for UTF-8 encoded SSIDs, the introduction of the Windows Sandbox Client Preview, and various UI fixes. The update also expands the list of drivers vulnerable to BYOVD attacks and resolves issues with the sfc /scannow command and DirectAccess connections.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 KB5044384 update fixes sfc /scannow corrupt file errors

Microsoft has released the optional KB5044384 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which includes twenty-four enhancements, such as fixing the sfc /scannow command's false corrupt file errors. This update is aimed at power users and IT administrators and can be installed via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 to build 26100.2161 and features gradual rollout, new notification management options, an updated Wi-Fi password dialog, new Narrator shortcuts, a new Gamepad keyboard layout, and fixes for various issues, including signing in to accounts from the web and inaccuracies in the Windows Disk Cleanup app. A known issue affects gamers on Arm devices, preventing them from downloading and playing Roblox. Compatibility holds are in place for certain Asus models and specific drivers and software that conflict with the new version. Windows 11 24H2 was officially released on October 1, 2024.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Windows 11 Version 24H2 Gets its Optional October Update

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2, identified as KB5044384, which includes several new features: - Users can customize the functionality of a dedicated Copilot key to launch different applications. - Users can disable notification suggestions from specific apps directly from the notification or through Settings. - A new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard is available, designed for use with Xbox controllers. - The Narrator feature has a new shortcut (Narrator key + Ctrl + X) to copy the last spoken text to the clipboard, and it can now automatically read email contents in the new Outlook for Windows app. Microsoft is gradually deploying these features and encourages users to enable the “Get the latest update as soon as they’re available” option in Windows Update settings for prompt updates.