manage devices Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Windows 11’s Phone Link is about to lose a handy feature

Microsoft is removing the Photos tab from the Phone Link app and redirecting users to access their photos through File Explorer in Windows 11. The File Explorer version offers better features, including multi-select, copy-paste, drag-and-drop, and video access. Users are being notified of this change and will need to enable mobile device access in File Explorer settings. The Phone Link app will be reduced from four tabs to three as a result of this transition. Users must enable the "Show mobile device in File Explorer" toggle in settings to ensure their Android phone appears in File Explorer.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

Microsoft: New policy removes pre-installed Microsoft Store apps

Microsoft has introduced a new app management policy for IT administrators managing Windows 11 Enterprise and Education devices, allowing the removal of pre-installed Microsoft Store apps (in-box apps). This feature is available for devices running Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 and Windows 11 Education 25H2 through management tools like CSP, GPO, and Microsoft Intune. The policy simplifies app management by eliminating the need for custom installation images and complex scripting, enabling administrators to efficiently select and remove apps from a predefined list. The policy is disabled by default and must be enabled by administrators. It is compatible with both Group Policy and MDM solutions, including Microsoft Intune. Implementation steps for Microsoft Intune include creating a new policy in the admin center, configuring settings to enable the removal of default Microsoft Store packages, and assigning the policy to desired device groups.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Microsoft rolling out Spotify cross-resume between Android and Windows 11 for Insiders, more apps to follow

To enhance the Spotify experience on Windows 11, users must first ensure the Spotify app is installed, which can be done via the Microsoft Store. Participation in the Windows Insider Program is required to access the feature. Users should navigate to the settings menu, select "Windows Update," and choose "Windows Insider Program" to register. After signing up, users need to download the Microsoft Link to Windows app on their Android device from the Play Store and sign in with their Microsoft account. Enabling access to the Android phone involves going to Windows 11 Settings, selecting "Bluetooth and devices," and toggling "Allow this PC to access your mobile devices" to On. The feature is being rolled out gradually, and Microsoft is encouraging developers to integrate it into their applications.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5761 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5761 (KB5064093) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as seamless app resumption from Android phones to PCs, allowing users to continue using apps like Spotify on their PC. The battery icons on the lock screen have been redesigned for better clarity. Enhancements for Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs include a touch-friendly entry point. Improvements in the Settings agent provide direct navigation links. Automatic Super Resolution has simplified settings controls on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. A new keyboard shortcut for inserting En dash and Em dash has been introduced. Recent updates allow pinning favorite apps in the Windows share window. Fixes include performance improvements in the Settings app and enhancements to Windows Hello recognition. Known issues include problems with Recall functionality in the EEA and bug checks with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. An update for Snipping Tool introduces window mode screen recording, allowing users to capture specific app windows.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 (KB5064093) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include the ability to resume apps from an Android phone on a Windows 11 PC, specifically for Spotify, which allows users to continue playback seamlessly. Users need to enable access to their phone and set up the Link to Windows app to use this feature. Improvements to battery iconography on the lock screen have been made. New features for Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs include a touch-friendly invocation method. The agent in Settings now provides direct navigation links from search results. Automatic Super Resolution settings have been simplified for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. A new keyboard shortcut has been introduced for inserting En dashes and Em dashes. The Windows share window now allows pinning favorite apps. Fixes include performance enhancements for loading the apps list in Settings, resolving Windows Hello recognition issues, and improving gaming performance with overlays. Known issues involve Recall functionality in the EEA, visibility of the Shared section in File Explorer, unresponsiveness in Storage settings, and issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Microsoft quietly updated Windows 10 — here’s what’s new in 2025

Microsoft has continued to enhance Windows 10 with cumulative updates since the release of version 22H2 in October 2022. Notable updates include: 1. A redesigned "About" page in the Settings app that displays key technical specifications and includes a FAQ section. 2. Introduction of a System Components page that consolidates essential OS components. 3. Relocation of the Optional features page for better accessibility. 4. A new Manage devices feature that enhances connectivity with mobile devices. 5. Updates to the Taskbar Calendar, including the display of seconds and expanded calendar views. 6. Enhancements to the Windows Backup app that allow file transfer to a new PC during setup. 7. Updates to the File Explorer context menu, including an Ask Copilot option. 8. Redesign of icons on the Settings home page to feature solid colors. 9. Improvements to Windows Search for European users, allowing changes to the default web search provider. 10. Changes to the default browser configuration process for European users, allowing broader link types and the option to uninstall Microsoft Edge. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with an option for users to enroll in the Extended Security Update program until October 2026.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Web Account Manager: The Foundational Enabler of Single Sign-On for Windows Applications within the Microsoft Identity Ecosystem

Organizations are adopting cloud-first strategies for digital identity management, particularly using Microsoft identity providers and implementing Zero Trust Architecture. Microsoft's Web Account Manager (WAM), introduced with Windows 10, is central to this transformation, enabling secure access and single sign-on (SSO) across applications like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Office 365, Teams, and OneDrive. WAM addresses fragmentation issues associated with traditional authentication methods by centralizing identity management and token handling, thus enhancing security and user experience. WAM mitigates fragmentation challenges by simplifying protocol integration, managing token lifecycle, and reducing operational overhead. It provides seamless SSO for end-users, simplifies integration for developers, and supports compliance and security for organizations. WAM features two primary APIs for token acquisition: GetTokenSilently and RequestToken, which facilitate secure token requests based on device states and application needs. Future enhancements will focus on improving token protection strategies.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Your Android phone can now control more of your PC, and here’s how

Microsoft is updating its Link to Windows app for Android, introducing new features that enhance connectivity between Android devices and Windows PCs. Users can now remotely lock their Windows PCs, check battery and Wi-Fi status from their phones, and cast their phone's screen without using the PC app. These features, previously in development channels, are being rolled out through the Insider program. The app also allows direct file transfers without using Android’s share sheet, provides access to recent files, and enables viewing the clipboard from the PC. Additionally, the app has a refreshed interface for improved usability. Users can join the Insider program to access these updates by ensuring they have version 1.25071.155 of the app and following specific steps in Windows Settings to enable the new features.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft is adding powerful new ways to link your phone and PC

Microsoft is testing new features for its Phone Link application to improve integration between Android devices and Windows PCs. Upcoming updates will allow users to remotely lock their PC and access its clipboard from an Android device. Users must enable specific features in Windows settings to utilize these functions, such as using an Android phone as a webcam or accessing files through Windows File Explorer. Recent observations indicate a new toggle for accessing the PC's clipboard, enabling a connected Android phone to retrieve text and images copied on the PC, though this feature currently works only in one direction. Two-way clipboard synchronization options are available through SwiftKey and Phone Link, but the latter is not available for Google Pixel devices. The Link to Windows app is also being enhanced, including a history of copied items and a remote lock PC button, which requires enabling the "Remote PC controls" toggle.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Previewing a refreshed Link to Windows experience for Android phones

An update for the Link to Windows app has been rolled out for Windows Insiders, featuring a modernized design, enhanced onboarding, and new capabilities for managing PCs from Android devices, including the ability to lock the PC remotely. The app now serves as a hub for connected experiences, allowing users to view recent activity, monitor their PC's status, send files, and mirror their phone's screen. The onboarding process has been improved to enable setup directly from Android devices. To try the new experience, users must ensure they have the latest Windows Insider Preview build and the correct version of the Link to Windows app, and they need to pair their Android phone with their PC. Feedback can be provided through the app or the Feedback Hub.