local files Archives

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Improving Windows Search Box, with less clutter and more control

Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel are beginning to receive phased enhancements to the Windows Search Box. Key improvements include a streamlined home screen to reduce visual clutter, clearer context for search results indicating their source (app, setting, file, web result, or Store suggestion), and the removal of promotional content from web results. Users can control the display of web and Microsoft Store results through a new setting. Local results are prioritized when relevant, and the search function has improved its handling of typos and partial words. Ranking enhancements for settings results and better file search capabilities have been implemented, along with increased reliability and reduced crashes. Feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

New Windows 11 Cloud Recovery Restores PCs And Drivers Without A USB Drive

Microsoft is introducing a new feature called 'Cloud rebuild' in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, which allows users to reinstall the operating system directly from Microsoft's servers without the need for installation media. This feature bypasses local issues that may prevent a system from resetting itself, as it connects to Windows Update to download a fresh copy of the OS. Cloud rebuild also improves driver handling by fetching hardware-specific drivers during the reinstall process, ensuring the machine is online and ready to go. Users must enroll in the Insider program's Experimental channel to access this feature, which appears under the Troubleshoot menu when a PC fails to boot multiple times. A wired Ethernet connection works immediately, while Wi-Fi requires entering the network password. However, the feature has caveats, including the need for a working network driver in the recovery environment and compliance with Windows 11 hardware requirements. The Cloud rebuild process completely wipes the system disk, erasing all local files, applications, accounts, and settings, although data synced to OneDrive remains intact. Microsoft warns against shutting down the system during the rebuild process, as it could prevent Windows from booting.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Windows 11 version 26H2 is packed with surprising upgrades, and these 7 features might change how you use your PC

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2 will be released in the latter half of 2026, transitioning to a streamlined servicing model with a small enablement package instead of a full installation. Key features expected in this update include: 1. A revamped Copilot that enhances search experiences with AI assistance. 2. Customization options for the Taskbar, allowing repositioning and size adjustments. 3. An option to disable web results in Windows Search for a more focused experience. 4. Improved control over Windows Update, including the ability to pause updates for up to 35 days. 5. An Administrator Protection feature that creates temporary accounts for administrative tasks to enhance security. 6. A modern design refresh for the Run dialog box, featuring rounded corners and a "recent commands" section.

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Google App Update: A Stunning Gemini AI Upgrade For Mac Users

Google is developing a feature that allows Android users to remotely command and monitor AI workflows on their Macs through the Android Google app. This feature is linked to Gemini Spark, Google's AI agent, and includes a "new thread" system to prevent data leakage. The upgrade aims to create a cross-platform ecosystem for Android users to utilize AI capabilities on Apple-silicon Macs. The feature, internally codenamed "Robin," requires Gemini for macOS to be installed on Apple-silicon devices and allows users to perform tasks like summarizing PDFs or triggering scripts remotely. This functionality is currently exclusive to Mac users, providing them an advantage over Windows users who lack a standalone Gemini desktop client. The Gemini Spark AI framework is still in an experimental stage, and its performance on macOS has yet to be fully validated.

Winsage

June 29, 2026

Microsoft reveals Windows 11 taskbar feature that Windows 10 never had, two ways to shrink in testing

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 to potentially surpass Windows 10, including the introduction of a feature that allows users to restore a smaller taskbar, addressing user requests. The new Taskbar size setting enables users to adjust the taskbar's overall size, with options for "Small" resulting in a thinner taskbar and smaller icons. Additionally, Windows 11 will receive at least ten new features, including a movable taskbar that allows positioning on any side of the screen. The Start menu is also being improved, allowing size adjustments and the removal of ads, with changes such as renaming the “Recommended” section to “Recent.”

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Fixing a broken Windows 11 PC just got easier, and it won’t erase your files

Microsoft has introduced a new feature called point-in-time restore for Windows 11, which allows users to easily revert to previous system states. This feature is available across all editions of Windows 11, including Enterprise, Pro, and Home, and automatically generates restore points every 24 hours. Point-in-time restore captures a comprehensive snapshot of the system, including the operating system, applications, configurations, settings, and local files. It is enabled by default for Windows Home and Pro devices unless under enterprise management, while enterprise-managed systems require Windows 11 version 26H2 for activation. Systems with an OS volume smaller than 200GB have this feature disabled by default. Unlike the traditional System Restore, which requires manual image capture and does not include user files, point-in-time restore integrates user data and can be managed remotely by IT professionals. During its public preview, over two million devices enabled the feature, allowing Microsoft to refine it based on user feedback.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Here are 5 Windows 11 features coming in July. None of them require AI

Microsoft will release five new features for Windows 11 in July, with an optional preview available in June. Key features include the ability to pause updates for up to 35 days using a calendar view, the Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) feature that automatically generates restore points for the system, and the Screen Tint feature to reduce eye strain with customizable color overlays. Improvements in Bluetooth connectivity will enhance performance, especially for AirPods and Beats Studio Pro headphones. The taskbar widgets will change to reduce distractions by not expanding on cursor hover, and notification icons will be streamlined. These features will be available through an optional update at the end of June or a mandatory update in July.

Winsage

June 23, 2026

“Windows Search needs less Bing” — Microsoft is finally adding an off switch in Windows 11

Microsoft has unveiled build 26300.8697 for Windows 11, which includes a new setting that allows users to disable Bing-powered web results in the Windows Search function. This feature aims to provide a more focused search experience by minimizing distractions from online suggestions. Users in the European Economic Area have had similar controls due to the Digital Markets Act, and Microsoft is now extending this functionality to all markets. The new setting can be found under Settings > Privacy & security > Search and is labeled "Web Searches." Additionally, the "Privacy & security" page has been reorganized for better usability, with new entry points for features like Passkeys and the Custom Dictionary. Currently, the feature is not officially available and can only be activated using ViveTool feature IDs, indicating that it is still in development.

Winsage

June 23, 2026

Tested: Microsoft just debloated Windows 11 Search without Bing, and it’s crazy fast

Windows 11 has introduced a significant enhancement to its Search functionality, allowing users to completely eliminate web results through a toggle in Insider Experimental build 26300.8697. This feature prioritizes local results and improves search speed. The new toggles for Web Searches and Microsoft Store apps can be found in the Privacy & security settings under "Show suggested search results." Users can still see past web searches if the Search history toggle is active. The web toggle's deactivation leads to local files being displayed first, while the Microsoft Store results can be toggled independently. Disabling both toggles results in a "No results found" message if there are no local matches. The feature is currently experimental and requires enabling via ViveTool. Additional improvements include typo forgiveness for app queries and enhanced search responsiveness. Microsoft is also shifting its strategy to provide users with more control over their Windows experience.

Winsage

June 21, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 to finally get one of the most requested features

Microsoft has confirmed the rollout of Windows 11 version 26H2, with build 26300.8697 now available for testing in the experimental Insider channel. This version will be delivered through an enablement package over the existing Windows 11 25H2. A key feature is the enhancement to the Search functionality, prioritizing local file search over web results, with the option to disable web suggestions in settings. Users can enable the new Search experience using feature IDs: 61267302, 61344081, 61482515, 61532758, 61760679, and ensuring ID 48433719 is enabled. Steps to enable the new Search functionality include downloading ViveTool, using Command Prompt to enable the relevant IDs, and restarting the computer. Users have reported improved responsiveness in the Search feature after disabling web search.