Microsoft accounts Archives

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft’s Notepad; The Best Advertisement For Notepad++ There is

Notepad has transformed from a simple text editor into a more complex tool integrated with Microsoft accounts and AI features, which many users find unfavorable. The decision to phase out Wordpad has left users seeking alternatives. Notepad++ offers a customizable experience that allows users to add features selectively, catering to those who prefer simplicity. The changes to Notepad have led to increased frustration among users who valued its original straightforward functionality.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Windows 11 users just got a more convenient way to store passkeys – here’s how it works

The technology behind passkeys involves cryptographic keys and standards like FIDO2 and WebAuthn, but users can enhance their security by creating passkeys whenever offered by websites or apps, using face recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Users can accumulate multiple passkeys for easier sign-in across services. 1Password is set to integrate a new native passkeys plugin API with Windows 11, allowing users to manage passkeys through 1Password while using Windows Hello for authentication. This integration requires the latest version of Windows 11 and the MSIX version of the 1Password app. Users can enable the passkey feature in 1Password and designate it as the system authenticator in Windows settings. Other password managers may also adopt this integration, and Windows is introducing its own passkey sync mechanism through the Microsoft Password Manager in Edge. Passkeys do not replace existing credentials but serve as a secure alternative to usernames and passwords, with some services offering fully passwordless options.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Fortnite creator & Elon Musk urge Windows 11 to add vertical taskbar, remove MSA amid Copilot AI push

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Microsoft for its Copilot feature and the removal of the option to reposition the taskbar, which many users miss from Windows 10. He also expressed disdain for Microsoft's requirement of Microsoft Accounts (MSA) for Windows 11, which has frustrated users who prefer local accounts. Elon Musk supported Sweeney's concerns about the Windows account requirement. Microsoft's Copilot ads have received overwhelmingly negative feedback from the public, with users expressing their discontent about intrusive pop-ups and errors in the AI's recommendations. Despite Microsoft citing a lack of demand, many users desire more customization options for the taskbar. Windows 11 mandates an internet connection and MSA during setup, with limited options for local accounts in the Pro version, leading to increased frustration among users.

Winsage

November 15, 2025

Last Chance To Buy Microsoft Office Lifetime License For $40

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for a significant discount of approximately 81 percent off the regular price, offering a one-time purchase license for a single PC. The license includes essential applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher, and provides a lifetime key for use on one Windows computer without an expiration. Office 2021 features modern functionalities in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, but does not include the latest features available in Microsoft 365, which operates on a subscription model. Users can expect security patches and stability improvements for Office 2021, but no new features will be added. This offer is particularly beneficial for students, sole proprietors, and small teams using a single Windows PC. However, it may not be suitable for those needing multi-device support, substantial cloud storage, or Mac installations. Before purchasing, it is advisable to verify the seller’s reputation and ensure compatibility with system requirements.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

1Password can now save passkeys directly in Windows 11

A new Windows API allows third-party applications to manage passkeys more effectively, with 1Password being the first password manager to adopt this innovation. The integration enables 1Password to act as the credential manager on Windows 11, allowing users to create and manage passkeys easily while using Windows Hello for authentication. This feature is available to anyone running the latest version of Windows 11 and the newly released MSIX version of the 1Password app. Users can enable the passkey feature through the 1Password application or manually in Windows settings. Once configured, Windows will use the selected credential manager instead of its default settings. Other password managers like Bitwarden and Dashlane may follow with similar support. Passkeys serve as a convenient alternative to traditional username and password combinations but do not replace existing credentials.

Winsage

November 5, 2025

Microsoft warns Windows 11 25H2, 24H2 October update triggers BitLocker recovery on PCs for businesses

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting users of BitLocker on Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, as well as Windows 10, which may prompt users to enter their BitLocker recovery key during startup, risking data loss if the key is not available. The problem arises after installing Windows Updates released on or after October 14, 2025, and predominantly affects Intel-based PCs with the "Connected Standby" feature. Affected users can check if BitLocker is enabled by navigating to Settings > System > Storage > Disk & Volumes. Microsoft is rolling out a fix, but business users must manually deploy it. Users are advised to back up their BitLocker recovery keys to their Microsoft accounts.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

Minecraft Java edition code no longer obfuscated

Microsoft plans to remove code obfuscation from Minecraft to simplify the modding experience for users. This change aims to make it quicker and easier for modders to create and improve mods, as it will eliminate the need to untangle complex code and deal with unclear names. While the source code will be more accessible, the licensing terms will remain unchanged, meaning it is not freely available for all.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

YouTube denies AI was involved with odd removals of tech tutorials

Content creator White discussed the potential shift in user attitudes towards Microsoft accounts, suggesting that users may eventually adopt them due to fatigue from bypassing the requirement, especially if new features improve the experience. He also speculated that YouTube might be using artificial intelligence to monitor content more strictly, causing anxiety among creators about content guidelines and the risk of account strikes. White's channel gained popularity after a video on installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware was featured by YouTube, leading to approximately 330,000 subscribers. However, he noted that videos are now facing more stringent scrutiny compared to the past, when human intervention typically resolved flagged content issues more favorably.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Windows 11’s Redesigned Start Menu is Now Available for Release Preview Testers

Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can now access a redesigned Start Menu and several new features through the KB5067036 update for the 25H2 and 24H2 versions of Windows 11. Key enhancements include: - A redesigned Start Menu that adjusts to screen size, with a scrollable “All” section and two views: ‘Category’ and ‘Grid’. A new mobile device button opens the Phone Link sidebar. - New battery icons on the taskbar and lock screen, with a green icon indicating charging and a yellow icon for low battery (20% or below). Users can display battery percentage in the system tray. - Copilot Vision integration in the taskbar, allowing users to hover over an app icon for a thumbnail preview and a “Share with Copilot” button to analyze app content. - Improvements in File Explorer, with recommended files accessible for personal and local Microsoft accounts (excluding EEA users) and new commands like “Open file location” and “Ask Copilot”. - Fluid Dictation in Voice Access for Copilot+ PCs, providing real-time corrections for voice dictation. - Click to Do improvements for Copilot+ PCs, enabling translation of on-screen text, unit conversions, table detection for Excel, and a Freeform selection mode. These features are expected to be available to non-Insiders later this month with the optional October update and a public rollout is anticipated next month during the November 2024 Patch Tuesday updates.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (KB5067106) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Users can now add and manage mobile devices from their PC under the "Mobile Devices" section in Bluetooth & Devices. A new entry point in the Start menu allows direct access to the benefits page for Microsoft accounts. The build includes updated Game Pass references in Settings, improvements to File Explorer's dark mode, and the ability to enable or disable the Drag Tray feature in Settings. Fixes include resolving a catastrophic error in File Explorer when extracting large files, correcting display issues with videos and games, and fixing update installation errors. Other fixes addressed issues with Outlook, Remote Credential Guard, and print preview in Chromium-based browsers. Known issues include problems with text actions in Click to Do and Recall, disabled taskbar preview animations, and issues with the Start menu and notification center. Users may also experience bugs with Xbox Controller connectivity via Bluetooth. Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually with feedback monitoring.