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Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft tests File Explorer preloading for faster performance

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that preloads File Explorer in the background to reduce launch times and improve user experience. Users can disable this feature by unchecking "Enable window preloading for faster launch times" in the Folder Options. The Windows Insider Program Team is seeking feedback on this development. This initiative follows the rollout of Startup Boost in May 2025, which enhances loading times for Office applications. Additionally, Microsoft is updating the File Explorer context menu to streamline user interactions by grouping similar tasks and repositioning commands for better accessibility. These enhancements are available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels running Windows 11 25H2 with the 26220.7271 (KB5070307) preview build.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Happy birthday, Windows! 40 years of operating system history and still going strong.

On November 20, 1985, Microsoft launched Windows 1.0, marking a significant milestone in personal computing. This software transformed the user experience by introducing a graphical user interface that used windows, icons, and mouse control, moving away from command line interfaces. Windows 1.0 was not a standalone operating system but a graphical overlay on MS-DOS, functioning as a 16-bit shell called MS-DOS Executive. It was initially released in the United States at a price of approximately 0. The interface featured non-overlapping tiled windows and required users to navigate primarily with a mouse. It included applications such as Paintbrush, Notepad, Write, Calculator, a clock, and Cardfile. The hardware requirements included an Intel 8086 or 8088 processor, at least 256 kilobytes of RAM, a graphics card, and two double-sided floppy disk drives or a hard drive. The initial reception was mixed, with critics noting its slow interface, poor compatibility with DOS programs, and limited application selection compared to competitors like Apple.

Tech Optimizer

September 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Ultimate

Malwarebytes offers a cybersecurity suite called Malwarebytes Ultimate, which includes antivirus protection, VPN services, and identity theft remediation. The pricing starts at .99 per year for a single device, with higher costs for additional devices. The suite provides coverage for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The identity theft protection is powered by TransUnion but lacks the extensive features of competitors like Bitdefender and Norton. Malwarebytes Ultimate includes a VPN with over 60 server locations across 34 countries, though it does not cover regions like Africa or certain countries. The VPN features include an automatic activation option and split tunneling. Malwarebytes has received high scores in independent testing for its antivirus capabilities on Android but did not appear in some recent evaluations. The identity theft protection system allows users to monitor personal information and receive alerts if their data is found on the dark web. Users can also track financial transactions for suspicious activity and access resources for identity and credit protection. Malwarebytes provides a dedicated resolution specialist for identity theft cases and offers a personal data removal service.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

8 Registry Tweaks that will Make File Explorer Faster and Easier to Use on Windows 11

Windows 11's File Explorer can be customized through various Registry tweaks to improve user experience. 1. To hide the "Ask Copilot" option: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell Extensions. - Create a new key named "Blocked." - Add a string value named {CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}. - Restart the computer. 2. To remove the "Edit with Clipchamp" option: - Follow the same steps as above, using the string value {8BCF599D-B158-450F-B4C2-430932F2AF2F}. 3. To remove the "Edit with Paint" option: - Use the string value {2430F218-B743-4FD6-97BF-5C76541B4AE9}. 4. To remove the "Edit with Notepad" option: - Use the string value {CA6CC9F1-867A-481E-951E-A28C5E4F01EA}. 5. To remove multiple options at once, execute the following command in Command Prompt (admin): -

reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f & reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{8BCF599D-B158-450F-B4C2-430932F2AF2F}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f & reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{2430F218-B743-4FD6-97BF-5C76541B4AE9}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f & reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{CA6CC9F1-867A-481E-951E-A28C5E4F01EA}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f

. 6. To hide the Gallery page: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareClassesCLSID. - Create a new key named {e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}. - Add a DWORD (32-bit) value named System.IsPinnedToNamespaceTree and set it to 0. - Restart the computer. 7. To remove the OneDrive page: - Navigate to HKEYCLASSESROOTCLSID. - Create a new key named {018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}. - Add a DWORD (32-bit) value named System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree and set it to 0. - Restart the computer. 8. To revert to the classic context menu: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID. - Create a new key named {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. - Create a new key named InprocServer32. - Set the (Default) value to blank. 9. To enhance folder browsing speed: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareClassesLocal SettingsSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsShellBagsAllFoldersShell. - Create a new string value named FolderType and set it to NotSpecified. - Restart the computer. These adjustments allow users to customize their File Explorer experience, improving functionality and efficiency.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

McDonald’s sales improved last quarter, thanks to Minecraft

McDonald’s reported a 2.5% increase in U.S. same-store sales in the second quarter, the highest growth rate since late 2023, driven by the Minecraft Movie Meal promotion. This promotion also contributed to a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales. In the quarter ending June 30, McDonald’s system sales increased by 6%, with revenues of .8 billion and net income rising 11% to .3 billion, or .14 per share. The Minecraft Movie promotion included a Happy Meal for children and an adult meal option featuring either a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac, along with collectible items. McDonald’s has also introduced value offerings like the McValue Menu and new menu items such as McCrispy Strips to attract customers. The MyMcDonald’s Rewards loyalty program generated billion in sales over the past year, with 0 million in the last quarter. CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted the significance of technology investments in enhancing the customer experience.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Minecraft and cheap menus get McDonald’s back to growth

The fast food industry is adapting to challenges such as an E. coli outbreak and rising anti-American sentiment by focusing on affordability and value. A major player has introduced low-cost menus and promotions related to the Minecraft movie to attract budget-conscious consumers. CEO Chris Kempczinski stated the goal is to win back low-income Americans, leading to the introduction of a new snack wrap priced at .99 and other menu items starting at low prices. Early indications show this strategy is resonating with price-sensitive consumers, helping to rebuild loyalty.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (KB5060816) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the ability for Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area to export Recall snapshots with a unique export code, which is secured by encryption and requires Windows Hello authentication. A larger clock display option in the notification center has been added, and recent updates to Recall include a reset option and a maximum storage duration for snapshots set to 90 days. New actions in Click to Do allow users to interact with Microsoft 365 Copilot and connect with colleagues via Teams. Improvements have been made to File Explorer, voice access support has been expanded to additional languages, and sharing options for OneDrive files have been enhanced. Various fixes have been implemented for Recall, File Explorer, the Start menu, and Settings. Known issues include display problems in the Start menu and issues with Xbox Controllers. Updates will be delivered via an enablement package, and features may evolve based on user feedback.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (KB5060818) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. 1. New Agent in Settings: An AI-powered agent helps users find and adjust settings by understanding user intent and automating tasks. Currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices coming soon. English is the primary display language requirement. 2. Recall Export Experience for EEA: Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area can export Recall snapshots with a unique export code, which is encrypted and requires Windows Hello authentication. Users can reset Recall if the export code is lost. 3. Bigger Clock in Notification Center: A new option to display a larger clock with seconds in the notification center is being rolled out, which can be activated in Settings. 4. Recall Changes: Users can now reset Recall and its data, with a new maximum storage duration for snapshots set to 90 days by default. 5. Click to Do Enhancements: New actions allow users to send text or images to Microsoft 365 Copilot and communicate via Microsoft Teams directly from recognized email addresses. 6. File Explorer Updates: Dividers have been added to the context menu for improved organization. 7. Voice Access Language Support: Support for Chinese and Japanese languages has been reintroduced in voice access. 8. Windows Share Options: New sharing options for OneDrive files are available when right-clicking to share. 9. Settings Search Box: The search box in Settings has been repositioned for better usability. 10. Fixes: Various fixes have been implemented for Recall, File Explorer, Start Menu, Settings, and other areas. 11. Known Issues: Issues include inaccurate build version display post-PC reset, non-functional reset options, and problems with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. 12. Reminders: Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed before final release.

BetaBeacon

May 21, 2025

Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town now available for iOS, Android via Crunchyroll Game Vault

- Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a countryside adventure with mystery and new friends in Coal Town, a town frozen in time since the Showa era. - Shinnosuke meets a mysterious young girl and becomes friends with the energetic working-class people in the town. - Features include fishing in Akita's rivers, collecting bugs, growing vegetables, creating inventions, helping at the diner, and participating in the Trolley Race. - The Nohara family moves to a small village near Hiroshi's hometown in Akita, where they enjoy a carefree life in the countryside until Shinnosuke chases after a mysterious train and ends up in Coal Town.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

‘Minecraft’ movie-themed meals, collectibles coming to a McDonald’s near you. What to know

McDonald's will launch "Collector's Meals," also known as adult Happy Meals, on April 1, coinciding with the release of “A Minecraft Movie.” The meals will include options for adults and children, featuring a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries, a drink, and a collectible item. A limited-edition condiment, Nether Flame Sauce, will accompany the Chicken McNuggets meal. The Happy Meal will include a choice of a Hamburger or Chicken McNuggets, fries, apple slices, a drink, and one of 12 film-inspired figurines, along with a scannable code for an exclusive digital game. Customers will receive one of 12 Block World toys or six exclusive collectibles, each with a matching card and a redeemable code for the Minecraft Marketplace. Additionally, purchasing a meal through the McDonald's app will provide a code for the McDonald’s Add-On pack in Minecraft.