manage devices Archives

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Abode launches Apple TV app and upgrades Android TV experience

Abode has introduced an Apple TV app and an updated Android TV app to enhance its smart home security ecosystem. The Apple TV app allows users to manage their security systems, arm and disarm them, check device statuses, and view live feeds from up to four cameras, including the Abode Video Doorbell. It also provides access to recorded video clips and quick actions through Abode CUE. The app supports user-friendly sign-in options. The upgraded Android TV app offers similar functionalities, allowing users to stream live feeds, review recorded clips, and manage devices, though the layout may differ slightly from the Apple TV version. Both apps are available for download from their respective app stores. Abode offers a range of self-installed home security systems, including various cameras and additional sensors for customization.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to add your Android phone to Windows 11 File Explorer

To integrate your Android phone with Windows 11, you need a Windows 11 PC with the latest updates, an Android device running Android 11 or later, and the Link to Windows app installed on your phone. 1. Open the Link to Windows app on your phone and log in with your Microsoft account. Select ‘Go to device settings’ and tap ‘ADD COMPUTER’. Visit www.aka.ms/phonelink on your PC or scan the QR code displayed on your PC screen to establish the connection. 2. On your phone, grant permissions to view photos and send texts by selecting ‘View permissions’, then ‘Settings’, and enabling access for ‘Phone’, ‘SMS’, ‘Contacts’, and ‘Storage’. 3. In the Phone Link app on your PC, click ‘Open settings on mobile device’ to grant notification permissions on your phone by navigating to ‘Device and app notifications’, selecting the ‘Link to Windows’ app, and toggling on ‘Allow notification access’. 4. On your PC, go to ‘Settings’, select ‘Bluetooth & devices’, and enable ‘Allow this PC to access your mobile devices’ and ‘Phone Link’. In ‘Manage devices’, ensure your phone is toggled on and enable ‘Show mobile device in File Explorer’. 5. On your phone, go to ‘All file access’ settings, select the ‘Link to Windows’ app, and toggle on ‘Allow access to manage all files’. A confirmation message will indicate successful linking. 6. Your phone should now appear as a tab in File Explorer, allowing easy access to your mobile storage.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

Here’s How to Access Android Phone Storage Directly in Windows 11 File Explorer

Microsoft has introduced a feature that allows users to access their Android phone's storage directly through Windows 11 File Explorer. This is enabled by the Cross Device Experience Host, which also allows the use of an Android phone's camera as a webcam on Windows 11. To set it up, users must enable Phone Link in mobile device settings, install the Link to Windows app on their Android device, and grant storage permissions. Once connected, users can access their smartphone in File Explorer, enabling file transfers in both directions. The transfer speed is capped at approximately 9 MBps, and there may be delays in syncing changes made to files on the phone's storage back to File Explorer.

AppWizard

October 4, 2024

Google Home outage breaks app Settings, Activity feed

The Google Home app is currently experiencing disruptions with its Activity feed and Settings access. Users can still manage devices, control Google Wifi, and execute routines, but the Activity feed is not functioning, and the Settings screen is inaccessible. Despite these issues, core functionalities for operating connected devices remain intact. The Google team is investigating the problems, and users are awaiting updates on the situation.

Winsage

September 24, 2024

My essential Windows 11 tweaks: 22 Settings to change for a better experience

Windows 11 offers extensive customization options, with specific settings to adjust during new installations. Key areas to configure include: - Start Menu: - Show more pins by selecting the "More pins" option. - Show folders by choosing shortcuts next to the power button. - Disable account notifications by turning off the "Show account-related notifications" toggle. - Disable app recommendations by turning off the "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more" toggle. - Taskbar: - Align icons to the left by selecting the "Left" option in Taskbar behaviors. - Remove Widgets and Search icons by choosing the Hide option and turning off the Widgets toggle. - Disable badge notifications by clearing the "Show badges on taskbar apps" option. - Notifications: - Enable "Do not disturb" by turning on the toggle in the Notifications settings. - Clock: - Enable automatic time and zone adjustments by turning on the relevant toggles in Date & time settings. - Apps: - Set default applications by selecting the desired app in Default apps settings. - Control startup apps by turning off the toggle for each app in Startup settings. - Display: - Change screen scaling and refresh rate in Display settings. - Enable Night light by adjusting the settings in the Display page. - Privacy: - Disable the "Find My Device" feature and Settings notifications in Privacy & security settings. - Connect Phone: - Use the Phone Link app or Mobile devices feature to connect an Android phone to Windows 11. - File Explorer: - Change the startup page to "This PC" and show file extensions in the View menu. - Mouse: - Change the mouse cursor and pointer style in Accessibility settings.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Where’s your BitLocker recovery key? How to save a copy before the next Windows meltdown

Windows 11 offers options for encrypting the system drive to secure personal data. When device encryption is activated, a recovery key is required if boot integrity is compromised. The recovery key is a 48-digit number divided into eight groups of six. Windows automatically saves the encryption key to your Microsoft account, which can be accessed at microsoft.com/recoverykey. Users can also view encryption details using PowerShell with the command: (Get-BitLockerVolume -MountPoint C).KeyProtector. Windows 11 Pro users must save their recovery key upon enabling BitLocker encryption, with three storage options: saving to a Microsoft account, storing in a text file, or printing a hard copy. Users can back up a new recovery key through the Manage BitLocker Control Panel. The most convenient method is saving the key to OneDrive for easy retrieval. For personal accounts, the recovery keys are accessible directly, while business accounts require navigating to "Manage devices." Alternative methods include saving the recovery key on a non-system drive or printing it for travel convenience.

Winsage

September 19, 2024

What’s new on File Explorer on Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2)

File Explorer in Windows 11 version 24H2 will feature a new wizard for creating and extracting various archive formats, including Tar, 7z, and Zip files, accessible via the context menu. The wizard allows for multiple compression methods and retains hard and symbolic links. Thumbnail previews will show the name of the focused tab and the total number of open tabs, and users can now view and edit metadata for ".png" files. The Home page has been redesigned, merging "Favorites" and "Recent" into a tabbed interface and adding a "Shared" tab. Users can share files more easily with connected Android devices, and if linked, access phone storage through File Explorer. Additionally, users can drag and drop files in the address bar and duplicate tabs, along with various performance improvements.

Winsage

September 6, 2024

Do you use Windows Hello?

Microsoft has made OneDrive a default feature in Windows 11 to back up essential folders like Desktop, Pictures, and Documents to the cloud, which has received mixed reactions from users. Many users find the automatic backup feature to create clutter and confusion on their desktops, prompting some to create guides on how to disable it. The author prefers Adobe's Photoshop for photo editing and has found value in its subscription model. They transformed an old PC into a smart home hub using Home Assistant to manage devices like Google speakers and smart TVs. The author currently uses the Ducky Zero 6108 keyboard but is considering switching back to the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL. For capturing screenshots, they have settled on Greenshot after finding the Snipping Tool inconsistent. The author enjoys exploring various Linux distributions, favoring NixOS for coding, Pop_OS! for Nvidia GPUs, and Debian for stability.

Winsage

August 24, 2024

Microsoft says it’s killing the 39-year-old Windows Control Panel

Microsoft plans to phase out the Control Panel, which has been part of the Windows operating system since 1985, in favor of the Settings app that has been guiding users since October 2020. The Control Panel has provided essential functions such as managing devices, adjusting system settings, personalizing desktops, and uninstalling programs, while the Settings app has gradually taken over these tasks since its introduction in Windows 8 in 2012. Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for the Control Panel's retirement.

Winsage

August 6, 2024

What is Windows PowerShell, and why would you use it?

The Windows Command Prompt now defaults to PowerShell in Windows 11, reflecting a trend toward enhanced functionality and automation. PowerShell is an open-source command-line interface and object-oriented scripting language that allows for task automation and configuration management. The classic Windows PowerShell is limited to version 5.1 and operates only on Windows, while the modern PowerShell, currently at version 7, is open-source and compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. PowerShell 7.x includes a compatibility feature for running older scripts. It offers advanced capabilities for task automation, infrastructure management, and remote operation, making it valuable for IT professionals and home users alike. PowerShell was first introduced in Windows Server 2008 and has been included in Windows since version 7. PowerShell Core extends its functionality to macOS and Linux. Users can easily learn and utilize PowerShell for various tasks, with many resources available online.