keyboard shortcut Archives

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Microsoft readies next Windows 11 feature drop with gaming, emoji, and lock screen updates

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with new features, including: - A dynamic emoji panel button on the Taskbar that appears when typing in a text field. - A reintroduced gamepad keyboard for easier typing with a controller. - Customizable widgets on the lock screen through the Windows Settings app. - A real-time language translation feature for Intel and AMD-powered devices, translating over 44 languages into English during video calls. - A natural language feature in voice access for Snapdragon PCs. - Live captions and real-time translation capabilities for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. - Real-time translation support for Chinese (Simplified) on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. - A new Settings homepage for commercial customers with relevant cards for enterprise-managed PCs. - An overview of key PC specifications under Settings > System > About. - Natural Language Commanding in voice access for more fluid command issuance. - Voice access support for commands in Simplified and Traditional Chinese. - An icon in the system tray to enhance the discoverability of the emoji panel. - Adjustments to Task Manager's CPU utilization calculations and a new optional column for backward compatibility. - The ability for web developers to create dynamic and interactive widgets using existing web content. - Extended support for lock screen widgets in the European Economic Area (EEA). - A Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard for Xbox controller users. These features are currently being tested in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, with a broader rollout expected in the coming weeks.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Snipping Tool and Notepad app updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Windows 11 is rolling out updates for the Snipping Tool and Notepad for users in the Canary and Dev Channels. The Snipping Tool (version 11.2502.18.0) introduces a "draw & hold" feature that allows users to create clean lines and shapes by holding the cursor or pen still before releasing. It also includes a new protocol launch experience for developers, enabling customization of capture features when invoked from applications. Notepad (version 11.2501.29.0) adds a generative AI feature for summarizing selected text and a "recent files" feature in the File menu for quick access to recently closed documents. Users can clear the recent files list or disable the feature in app settings. These updates are currently rolling out, and availability may vary among Insiders.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Microsoft isn’t launching its Xbox handheld this year, but Asus might be

Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox platform aimed at unifying its Windows and Xbox ecosystems, with a handheld gaming device codenamed Project Kennan in prototype phase, expected to launch in a few years. The goal is to create a universal library of games accessible across devices, with substantial changes anticipated by 2025. Project Kennan will offer a handheld experience powered by Windows, resembling the Xbox interface, as part of a broader strategy called Project Bayside. Microsoft is also focusing on streamlining game development for seamless operation across handhelds, consoles, and PCs. A dedicated team for game preservation and compatibility was established in early 2024, indicating a commitment to maintaining digital libraries. A premium successor to the Xbox Series X is projected for release in 2027. Microsoft is hosting a 50th anniversary event on April 4th to share updates on its Copilot AI and other innovations. Additionally, Copilot will have a new press-to-talk hotkey on Windows, and the Remote Desktop app will be replaced by a new Windows app by May 27th. Forza Horizon 5 will require a Microsoft account on PS5 for online features, and a recent Xbox Alpha update caused some consoles to reset to factory settings. A Windows 11 update has caused issues with USB printers, and Microsoft Edge on Android is receiving six new extensions. Microsoft is reportedly dropping some CoreWeave services ahead of a billion IPO, while Copilot is being integrated into GroupMe.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Don’t have a Copilot key? Microsoft is adding a keyboard shortcut for you

Microsoft has introduced a new keyboard shortcut, Alt + Space, that allows users to access Copilot without the dedicated key on newer Windows PCs. Users can hold the shortcut for 2 seconds to start a voice conversation with Copilot and press Esc to end it. The feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders, with no specified timeline for broader availability. Additionally, Microsoft has rebuilt the Copilot app for Windows to improve performance and integration with the operating system.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Windows 11 will add a new way to talk to Microsoft Copilot — no Copilot key required

Microsoft is testing a new press to talk functionality for its Copilot feature on PCs, allowing users to engage with the AI tool using a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Spacebar for two seconds) to start a voice conversation and Esc to end it. The update is being rolled out via the Microsoft Store, requiring the app version to be at least 1.25024.100.0. Additionally, a revamped Copilot app for Windows 11 is being previewed, featuring a native app UI framework for better integration, faster launch times, and the option to start automatically upon boot. Some users have expressed surprise at the chosen keyboard shortcut, suggesting a preference for a dedicated Copilot key.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Copilot gets a press to talk hotkey on Windows.

Microsoft is introducing a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Spacebar) for its Copilot feature on Windows, allowing users to initiate voice conversations by pressing and holding the keys for two seconds. This feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders and will be available to all Windows 11 users in the upcoming weeks.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3380 (Dev and Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3380 (KB5053660) has been released for the Dev and Beta Channels. Updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, are initially optional for Beta Channel users but will become recommended later this year. Users in the Dev Channel can temporarily switch to the Beta Channel while both channels release the same updates, but this option will close once the Dev Channel advances. New features include the Recommended files feature in File Explorer, real-time translation for various languages on Copilot+ PCs, and a new recommendation for snap groups in the Start menu. Enhanced web search support is being introduced for the EEA, and a toast notification will prompt users to add secondary email or recovery phone numbers to their Microsoft accounts. The update also introduces dynamic widgets for web developers and a new system tray icon for emojis and GIFs. "Top cards" under Settings will provide a view of key PC specifications. Fixes include improved accessibility in File Explorer, resolution of issues with the Snap Bar, and crashes affecting settings and input. Known issues include incorrect build version display after a PC reset and issues with Recall snapshots on managed PCs. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates via an enablement package, and features may evolve based on feedback. Some features may not be fully localized, and accessibility features may not function with certain preview features.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

Microsoft Copilot on Windows Begins To Roll Out New Features and Improvements to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is updating its Copilot application from a web-based interface to a native version for Windows, nearly a year after its initial launch. The new version features a refined user interface with a side panel for easier conversation initiation and chat history review. Members of the Windows Insider Programme, which allows early access to new features, can test and provide feedback on updates. The updated Copilot app is being distributed via the Microsoft Store and is expected to reach all Windows 11 PCs soon. The update, version 1.25023.101.0 and higher, is being rolled out gradually across Insider Channels. Users can access the app using the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut or the Copilot Key on compatible PCs.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

I Tried Microsoft Copilot’s Mac App, and You Probably Shouldn’t

Many users in the tech community are looking for ways to hide or remove Copilot from Windows, as they find AI tools bothersome. In contrast, Microsoft has launched Copilot for Mac, which mirrors the web-based experience and includes features like a system-wide keyboard shortcut (Option-Space) for quick access. The Mac version has a menu bar icon for easy access and adapts to the Mac's Appearance settings. However, it lacks some integration features, such as a screenshot button, requiring users to manually upload screenshots for analysis. Copilot can assist with tasks like coding, research, and academic help, and the free version provides access to real-time web information. The Mac and Windows versions of Copilot are similar in capabilities, and users may prefer trying the web version before installation.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

Windows 11 will soon fix the most confusing part of Task Manager

Microsoft released updates for Windows 11 Insider Builds, including Build 27802 for the Canary Channel and Builds 22635.5015 or 26120.3360 for the Beta Channel. Customizable lock screen widgets are now available to Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing users to add, remove, and rearrange widgets like Weather, Watchlist, Sports, and Traffic. A new group policy, "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen," enables IT administrators to disable these widgets on managed PCs, currently limited to EEA regions. Build 26120.3360 includes an updated Task Manager that calculates CPU utilization using standard metrics and introduces an optional CPU Utility column for those preferring the previous method. A new file sharing feature allows users to share files directly to apps from File Explorer or the desktop. Build 22635.5015 tests a new system tray icon for the emoji and more panel, enhancing discoverability and allowing customization through taskbar settings.