Key settings Archives

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

First Android, now Quick Share gets a redesign on Windows

Google has released an update for its Quick Share application for Windows, identified as version 1.0.2351.1, featuring a redesigned user interface aimed at improving file sharing. Key enhancements include an Expressive-style settings menu that organizes settings into defined boxes for easier navigation, and a simplified sharing section with a new header titled “who can share with you.” The rollout may be staggered, meaning not all users will have immediate access to the new features despite having the latest version installed. This update follows a previous overhaul of Quick Share for Android, which included distinct screens for sending and receiving files, while the Windows version remains more straightforward without a tabbed interface.

Tech Optimizer

October 29, 2025

Windows Defender Settings Explained for Windows 11 Users

Windows Defender, now known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is a security tool for PCs that protects against viruses and malware. To access its settings, press Windows + I, select Privacy & Security, then Windows Security, and click Open Windows Security. Key settings to review include: 1. Virus & Threat Protection: Enable real-time protection, cloud-delivered protection, and automatic sample submission. Run a Quick Scan for threats. 2. Firewall & Network Protection: Ensure the firewall is enabled for Domain, Private, and Public networks. 3. App & Browser Control: Activate SmartScreen features for apps and downloads. 4. Device Security: Check if Core Isolation is enabled for memory integrity protection. Users can customize notification settings to reduce pop-ups. Windows Defender can be temporarily disabled by toggling off Real-time protection. It can work alongside other antivirus programs but will disable its real-time protection if another antivirus is detected. For most users, Windows Defender provides sufficient protection. Automatic scans can be scheduled through Task Scheduler.

Winsage

September 14, 2025

5 Settings To Disable On Your New Windows 11 Laptop

When setting up a new laptop with Windows 11, users can adjust several settings to enhance performance and privacy. 1. Diagnostic Data: Users can disable the sending of optional diagnostic data by navigating to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & feedback. They can also turn off the Tailored experiences feature, delete previously collected data, and set Feedback frequency to Never. 2. Targeted Ads: To minimize targeted ads, users should go to Settings > Privacy & Security > General and toggle off the option for apps to show personalized ads using the Advertising ID. They can also disable tracking for app launches and hide suggested content. 3. Annoying Notifications: Users can manage notifications by going to Settings > System > Notifications and unchecking options like Get tips and suggestions when using Windows and Show the Windows welcome experience after updates. They can also customize notifications from specific apps. 4. Widgets: To disable widgets, users should go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar items and toggle off the Widgets option. They can also customize the panel by hiding specific widgets. 5. Search Highlights: Users can turn off the search highlights feature by navigating to Settings > Privacy & Security > Search permissions and disabling the Show search highlights toggle.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Cyberpunk 2077 Mac benchmarks show most Apple Silicon can run the game at over 30 FPS on medium settings — results vary from a smooth 130+ FPS to a cinematic 24 FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 has launched on macOS after over four years since its initial release on PCs and consoles, coinciding with patch 2.3. ComputerBase has initiated a community benchmarking effort to evaluate the game's performance on various Mac and MacBook models, following previous benchmarks in 2022. Participants are to test three presets (Medium, Ultra, Ray Tracing Medium) at resolutions of 1920 x 1200 and 2560 x 1600, with specific settings outlined for the benchmarks. The game is compatible with Apple M chips but is unsupported on iPadOS devices, even those with 16GB of memory. There is hope that CD Projekt Red and Apple may reconsider this limitation in the future.

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.