lock screen Archives

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Here’s some incredible Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts that will save you so much time

Windows 11 includes numerous keyboard shortcuts to enhance productivity. Common shortcuts include: - Ctrl + A: Select everything - Ctrl + C: Copy selected item - Ctrl + X: Cut selected item - Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut item - Ctrl + Z: Undo last action - Ctrl + Y: Redo last undone action - Ctrl + N: Open new File Explorer window - Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps - Alt + F4: Close active app - Shift + Delete: Permanently delete selected item - Windows Key + F1: Open Windows help search Function key shortcuts include: - F2: Rename selected item - F3: Search in File Explorer - F4: Highlight address bar in File Explorer - F5: Refresh active window - F6: Cycle through screen elements - F10: Activate menu bar - Alt + F8: Show password on login screen Windows key shortcuts include: - Windows key + A: Open Action Center - Windows key + C: Open Microsoft Copilot - Windows key + S: Open Search - Windows key + E: Open File Explorer - Windows key + F: Open Feedback Hub - Windows key + Ctrl + F: Search for PCs on network - Windows key + G: Open Game Bar - Windows key + H: Open Share menu - Windows key + I: Open Settings - Windows key + K: Open Connect menu - Windows key + L: Lock PC - Windows key + O: Lock screen orientation - Windows key + P: Open projection settings - Windows key + R: Open Run dialog - Windows key + U: Open Accessibility settings - Windows key + W: Open Windows Ink Workspace - Windows key + +: Zoom in with Magnifier - Windows key + -: Zoom out with Magnifier - Windows key + Esc: Close Magnifier Window management shortcuts include: - Windows key + M: Minimize all windows - Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows - Windows key + Home: Minimize all except active window - Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize active window - Windows key + Shift + Up arrow: Maximize vertically - Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize active window - Windows key + Left arrow: Snap window left - Windows key + Right arrow: Snap window right - Windows key + Alt + Up arrow: Snap window top - Windows key + Alt + Down arrow: Snap window bottom - Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow: Move window to another monitor Screenshot and emoji shortcuts include: - PrtScn: Copy screenshot to clipboard - Windows key + PrtScn: Save full-screen screenshot - Windows key + Shift + S: Open Snipping Tool - Windows key + . (period): Open emoji keyboard Exploring additional tips in Windows File Explorer can further optimize workflow.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Pixel’s Now Playing feature has officially rolled out as an app

Google has released its standalone Now Playing app, previously a feature for Pixel phone users, now available on the Google Play Store. The app identifies music playing nearby and displays the information on the lock screen, featuring a user-friendly interface. It includes a Now Playing history section for managing previously identified songs and integrates with various music services. Some users experienced a prompt for an automatic update before accessing the app, while others successfully accessed the settings page. The app also offers Day and Time filters for history searches.

Tech Optimizer

February 22, 2026

Researchers Discover First Android Malware Using Generative AI for Persistence

Security researchers have identified a new Android Trojan named PromptSpy that uses generative AI technology to enhance its persistence on compromised devices. Discovered by ESET researchers, PromptSpy leverages Google's Gemini AI model to analyze infected device screens and generate tailored instructions for embedding itself within recent apps lists. It includes a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) module that allows attackers full remote control over the device, enabling activities such as viewing the screen, performing actions remotely, capturing lock screen data, blocking uninstallation attempts, gathering device information, taking screenshots, and recording screen activity as video. The malware communicates with command-and-control servers using AES encryption and exploits Android Accessibility Services, making it difficult to remove. PromptSpy is distributed through a dedicated website and is financially motivated, adapting to various Android interfaces and operating system versions. ESET's analysis indicates that the malware is regionally targeted, with a focus on Argentina, and may have been developed in a Chinese-speaking environment. The same threat actor is believed to be responsible for both VNCSpy and PromptSpy.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

5 Android Features Google Recently Added To Your Phone

Google has introduced several new features in Android 16 to enhance user experience: - Material 3 Expressive: A new design language featuring vibrant colors, unique icon shapes, and animations, initially exclusive to Pixel devices but now available on other devices. - Advanced Protection Mode: A security feature that activates Google Play Protect, restricts app installations to the Play Store, and includes spam protection and low-security network blocking. - Live Updates: Provides real-time notifications in the status bar and lock screen for updates from selected applications, allowing users to stay informed without opening apps. - Support for 16 KB Page Sizes: Improves performance by allowing more data to be processed on a single page, reducing CPU demand and power consumption, while still supporting legacy 4 KB page sizes. - Quick Share Redesign: Transformed into a full-screen application with an intuitive interface, featuring large toggles and a built-in file picker for easier file sharing and progress indicators during transfers.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

This new Android feature is amazing, but I’m scared for its future

Android 16 introduced Live Updates, a feature that prioritizes important notifications like transit directions and Uber progress, making them easily accessible without needing to open the app. Live Updates display information in a bubble or chip in the status bar, allowing users to glance at their screens for essential updates. This feature is particularly useful for public transport users and drivers, as it integrates seamlessly into the Android interface, appearing in the notification drop-down, on the lock screen, and on the always-on display. However, the adoption of Live Updates among developers has been low, with only a few apps like Uber, byAir, and Flud utilizing it effectively. Many Google applications, such as the Clock app and the Google app, have not integrated Live Updates, raising concerns about the feature's future viability.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

De-Enshittify an Existing Install of Windows 11 ⭐

Win11Debloat is a tool designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience by allowing users to remove unwanted elements while keeping desired features. It operates via a PowerShell script and offers a user-friendly graphical interface. Users can uninstall applications, adjust Windows 11 features, and specify whether changes apply to the current user or all users. Key functionalities include: - Uninstalling applications like Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, and various bundled apps. - Adjusting privacy settings, including disabling telemetry and targeted advertisements. - Modifying Windows Update settings to prevent automatic restarts. - Disabling Bing web search in the Start menu. To use Win11Debloat, users must follow specific instructions on GitHub, execute a script, and navigate through three main screens to make selections. The tool allows for the creation of a system restore point and offers options to apply changes to all users or just the current user. Users are advised to update apps before using Win11Debloat to prevent the Microsoft Store from reinstalling removed applications. If some apps remain after using the tool, they can be uninstalled manually. The tool's changes are reversible, and most removed apps can be reinstalled, except for the Microsoft Store app. Users are encouraged to take their time with the options available and can reapply settings if future updates from Microsoft alter their configurations.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Windows User Switches to Linux, Misses Windows Hello

The author transitioned from Windows to Linux for daily workflows, finding that most essential tools adapted well. Linux distributions can easily detect hardware on modern x86 laptops, and community projects enhance compatibility for devices like Microsoft’s Surface. Software integration was smooth, with applications like Microsoft Edge and 1Password functioning without issues. However, the author misses Windows Hello's biometric sign-in, which lacks a universal equivalent in Linux. Community solutions exist but often require technical adjustments. Linux desktops provide a polished experience, but challenges remain, such as webcam functionality and sleep/resume issues. Selecting compatible hardware is crucial for a successful transition, and Linux holds about 4% of the desktop market share globally.

Winsage

February 1, 2026

Microsoft says latest Windows 11 issue crashes explorer.exe, makes taskbar disappear, but a fix is rolling out

A bug in Windows 11 has been causing disruptions, particularly affecting the Explorer.exe process, leading to the desktop user interface and taskbar disappearing for users. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and will release a fix in the optional update, Windows 11 KB5074105, in January 2026. The problem affects Windows installations with certain startup applications configured, causing Explorer.exe to stop responding upon signing in. Users are advised to manually restart Explorer.exe via Task Manager if it becomes unresponsive. The KB5074105 update will also fix issues with Explorer not displaying custom folder names correctly and resolve problems with an unresponsive lock screen and black screens linked to a previous update.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Future Android Update Could Make Your Notifications More Private Than Ever

Android Authority has reported on a forthcoming App Lock feature expected to debut with Android 17, which will enhance user privacy by allowing management of app notification content. Code found in the January developer build of Android Canary 2601 indicates that while apps protected by App Lock will still send notifications, sensitive content will be obscured. Notifications may only show generic alerts like "New message" or "New notification." Users can secure individual apps with a password, PIN, or biometric lock, and can choose to disable notifications from locked apps entirely. This feature is anticipated to first appear on Google Pixel devices, with uncertain availability on other brands. App Lock will function even when the phone is unlocked, distinguishing it from existing privacy features like Private Space, which requires apps to be relocated to a secure area. Currently, developers implement their own app locks, but App Lock aims to provide a universal solution for securing any app on a device.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Android 17’s native app lock may also hide notifications from locked apps

Google is enhancing notification management for locked applications in Android 17. Notifications from apps secured by the built-in app lock feature will be visible on the lock screen or as a bubble, but the content will remain concealed until the app is unlocked. This includes apps like WhatsApp, where a new message notification will appear without revealing the message details. The native App Lock API is in development, aiming to provide a system-level solution for locking individual applications, potentially eliminating the need for third-party apps. The feature may require biometric authentication for access and is expected to standardize privacy controls across the platform, particularly benefiting apps that handle sensitive information. Android 17 may debut with this native app-locking system for Pixel smartphones and other devices using the stock version of the OS.