Microsoft 365 Archives

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Microsoft sneakily disguises Windows 11 Start menu ad as a warning

Microsoft has introduced a notification in the Start menu of Windows 11, urging users to back up their PCs with OneDrive. The alert, which reads “Action advised — back up your PC,” suggests users may risk losing access to files, apps, settings, and passwords. Users can either engage with the prompt to access OneDrive backup options or dismiss it, but there is no straightforward way to permanently disable the notification. OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage, with additional space requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription starting at .99 per month for 100GB or .99 per month for 1TB. Users in the European Union are exempt from this notification due to regulations that restrict Microsoft's promotional practices.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Millions still cling to Windows 10 as end of support looms

Windows 11 has a market share of 53.51 percent, while Windows 10's share is 42.88 percent, according to Statcounter data. Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in less than three months, yet many PCs remain on this older version. Organizations face challenges in transitioning to Windows 11 due to legacy applications and hardware incompatibilities. The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is seen as a temporary solution, and while consumers can secure a complimentary year of ESU, corporate customers using Microsoft 365 do not have this option. There are no plans from Microsoft to offer free ESUs for Windows 10. Despite the impending end of support, Windows 10 is expected to remain significant in enterprise planning for months or years to come.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Fix: Microsoft Office Error Codes 0-2048(0) and 0-2054(0) During Installation

Office installation can encounter error codes 0-2048(0) and 0-2054(0) due to issues accessing a valid configuration file or source path. Error 0-2048(0) indicates a missing or incorrectly referenced XML configuration file, while Error 0-2054(0) signifies a general installation failure. Common causes include corrupted configuration files, remnants of previous Office versions, or insufficient administrative permissions. To resolve these errors, one should uninstall all previous Office components, clear temporary and app data folders, generate a new XML configuration file using the Office Customization Tool, and install Office with the Deployment Tool. If problems persist, additional steps include using Microsoft's Office Uninstall Support Tool, installing from an offline installer, and checking for disk errors and sufficient free space.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Boost Team Productivity and Security With Windows 11 Pro, Now $15 for Life

The author upgraded to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, currently priced at .97 (regularly 9) for a lifetime license. Windows 11 Pro offers significant performance improvements, refined multitasking capabilities, and robust security features, including faster boot times, seamless app transitions, and improved cloud service integration. It includes productivity tools like Snap Layouts and virtual desktops, built-in BitLocker encryption, and remote desktop access. The Pro version provides essential features such as Group Policy, Hyper-V virtualization, and enterprise-grade identity management, making it suitable for small business owners and freelancers. The upgrade includes the AI assistant, Copilot, powered by ChatGPT-4o. The one-time purchase eliminates subscription fees, offering predictable costs and reduced licensing complexities.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

8 new features arriving with the August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11

On August 12, 2025, Microsoft will roll out the August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11, which includes significant security enhancements and new features. Key improvements in version 24H2 include: - A complete reset feature for Windows Recall. - Enhanced AI actions for Click to Do. - A redesigned Search settings page. - A new gamepad keyboard layout with PIN sign-in support. - The Reading Coach app available through the Microsoft Store, allowing users to utilize Click to Do while on a snapshot. - A new action for Microsoft 365 Copilot subscribers called "Draft with Copilot in Word." - A new AI agent in the Settings app that improves the search experience using natural language. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature to minimize downtime from boot failures, enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users. - Upgraded Snap Layouts feature with inline descriptions. - Consolidation of "Search permissions" and "Searching Windows" into a single "Search" page. - Enhanced gamepad touch keyboard layout for quicker PIN sign-ins. - Replacement of the Blue Screen of Death with a new black error page that presents essential information. The update will be automatically downloaded and installed, with options for manual checks via Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5733 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5733 (KB5062673) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as people icons in File Explorer for work or school accounts, and the removal of the option to manage Bing search history from Settings. Fixes include resolving crashes in the Start menu and lock screen widgets, and issues with multi-finger touchpad gestures. Known issues involve potential rollbacks during installation, unexpected categories in the Start menu, and display issues in dark mode for drive space indicators. There are also specific issues related to Xbox controllers and live captions on Copilot+ PCs. Windows Insiders can receive updates gradually by enabling a toggle in Settings.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

New Windows 11 Dev and Beta Builds Are Available for Insiders

Microsoft has released two new preview builds of Windows 11 for Insiders on the Dev and Beta Channels: the 25H2 Dev build 26200.5733 and the 24H2 Beta build 26120.5733. The updates enhance File Explorer by revamping the Home section for users with work or school accounts, featuring people icons that display Microsoft 365 contact details. In the Settings app, the option to clear Bing Search history has been removed from the Privacy & Security section, requiring users to use the web-based Privacy dashboard instead. Additionally, several bugs have been fixed, including a crash issue with the updated Start menu and a problem with multi-finger touchpad gestures.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5733 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5733 (KB5062673) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Changes and Improvements: - File Explorer now shows people icons for work or school accounts under the “Activity” column and in the “Recommended” section, revealing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365 when hovered over or clicked. - The option to manage or clear Bing search history has been removed from Settings and can now be accessed directly through the Privacy dashboard. Fixes: - The Start menu crash issue has been resolved. - A fix has been implemented for taskbar preview thumbnail unresponsiveness. - The lock screen widget crash has been addressed, allowing users to add new widgets. - Multi-finger touchpad gestures have been fixed. Known Issues: - Some users may experience a rollback with a 0x80070005 error during installation. - An issue with dao360.dll causing application crashes is being addressed. - Blank icons may appear in the Start menu's “All” section after updating. - Reports of all apps being unpinned from the taskbar are under investigation. - In dark mode, low storage drive indicators may appear inaccurately. - Delays in intelligent text actions on Copilot+ PCs are noted. - Live captions may crash during live translation on Copilot+ PCs. - Connecting Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth may cause a bugcheck; users can resolve this by uninstalling a specific driver. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are gradually rolled out. Users should ensure that the toggle for the latest updates is turned ON to receive new features promptly. Some features may not be released beyond Windows Insiders and may change over time.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Secure Windows with Microsoft’s Security Compliance Toolkit

The Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit is a suite of tools for administrators to assess Group Policy Objects (GPOs) against Microsoft's security baselines, helping to identify discrepancies and implement secure settings. It includes tools such as the Policy Analyzer, Local Group Policy Object (LGPO) utility, and Set Object Security application. Administrators can download the toolkit from Microsoft's website, which contains zip files for various security baseline packages. The Policy Analyzer compares GPOs with local security policies to identify inconsistencies, while the LGPO tool manages local security policies and allows for policy backup and verification. The Set Object Security tool applies security descriptors to objects like files and folders. For Windows Server, administrators should test security baselines in non-production environments before deployment. With Windows Server 2025, the OSConfig platform allows for direct application of security baselines through PowerShell, simplifying the update process and maintaining compliance.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

Get a Microsoft 365 lifetime license instead of a subscription

Microsoft Office 2021 is available for .97, down from its regular price of 9. This offer includes a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021, which features applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Teams, and Publisher. The software is compatible with Windows, allows for a streamlined workflow, and provides instant download with a product key. There are no recurring costs associated with this purchase.