Microsoft applications

Winsage
July 30, 2025
Opera has filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, accusing the company of using "manipulative design tactics" to dominate the browser market and hinder competition. Opera's general counsel, Aaron McParlan, stated that Microsoft creates barriers for other browsers, such as excluding them from preinstallation opportunities and complicating the download process. The complaint highlights Microsoft's practices of overriding users' default browser preferences and using Windows features to promote Edge. Opera seeks remedies to allow PC manufacturers to preload alternative browsers and stop blocking downloads. Additionally, the complaint criticizes Microsoft's requirement for OEMs to deliver devices in S mode to receive rebates on Windows OS licenses. This action is part of Opera's broader strategy to challenge Microsoft's practices globally, including an appeal to EU courts regarding the classification of Edge under the Digital Markets Act. Opera has a history of raising concerns about Microsoft's browser practices, including a 2007 antitrust complaint that led to the creation of a browser ballot screen.
Winsage
July 27, 2025
Microsoft announced in 2015 its intention to phase out the legacy Control Panel in favor of the Settings app, but the transition remains incomplete nearly a decade later. The Windows Recovery Environment error 0x80070643 has persisted for over a year without an automated fix from Microsoft, leaving users to troubleshoot manually. Tablet Mode, intended to provide a touch-friendly interface, has not significantly improved productivity, with users often preferring to use a keyboard. Windows Search prioritizes Bing, which can lead to unsatisfactory search results for users. The Fluent Design scheme introduced in 2017 has been inconsistently applied, resulting in a mix of modern and legacy design elements and uneven implementation of dark mode across Microsoft applications.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Users often face challenges in keeping applications updated on Windows, leading to outdated versions and missed features. The Windows Package Manager, or WinGet, simplifies the update process by allowing users to update multiple applications simultaneously through a command-line interface. It is integrated into Windows 10 and 11 and works with about 90% of applications, typically executing updates in a few minutes. To use WinGet, users need to open Terminal as an administrator and run the command PLACEHOLDERddcd0de405f7da24. Some applications may require separate updates, and Microsoft applications can also be updated via the Microsoft Store. If issues arise, users may need to upgrade the WinGet app installer package using the command PLACEHOLDER907cae8359ff2d8e.
Winsage
July 21, 2025
Windows administrators need to keep their systems updated for security and performance, with control over the timing and type of updates being crucial. There are three primary methods for managing Windows updates: 1. Per-client updates: Default for standalone clients, offering minimal control. 2. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): Centralized management since 2005, allowing extensive control but requiring more administrative effort. 3. Windows Update for Business (WUfB): A cloud-based model providing greater control through tools like Group Policy and Mobile Device Management (MDM). WUfB offers several advantages, including policy-based management, granular control over deployments, and the elimination of on-premises WSUS servers. To implement WUfB, organizations must meet specific requirements, including using Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Team editions, Azure AD joining, and having the necessary licenses such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Administrators can defer feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days using Group Policy. They can create servicing rings for managing update deployments, such as testing, pilot, and rollout rings. Configuration involves creating Group Policy Objects (GPOs) linked to the appropriate Organizational Units (OUs) and setting relevant policies. WUfB reporting is available through the Azure Portal, allowing administrators to monitor update statuses and troubleshoot devices.
Winsage
July 10, 2025
Microsoft is preparing to release a significant update for Windows 11, designated as 25H2, which will include a new feature that allows users to easily remove unwanted Microsoft applications through a group policy. This update aims to enhance system performance by reducing clutter. Users will be able to remove applications such as Feedback Hub, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Teams, and others without needing external tools or complex commands. The feature is expected to debut with the Windows 11 25H2 update, and currently, select users can test it in preview builds. It will allow the removal of standard Microsoft Store packages but will not extend to third-party software. There is uncertainty about whether this feature will be available to Windows 11 Home users or limited to the Pro version.
Winsage
July 9, 2025
Windows 11 version 25H2 introduces a feature called Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages, allowing users, particularly IT administrators, to remove preinstalled Microsoft applications such as Camera, Sound Recorder, Windows Media Player, Xbox, Windows Terminal, and Notepad. This feature is accessible under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment and simplifies the uninstallation process compared to previous methods like PowerShell. Users may still see non-functional shortcuts in the Start menu after removal. The first preview build of version 25H2 was released recently, and a public release is expected later this year. Similar uninstall features will also be available in version 24H2, though disabled by default. Windows 11 has recently surpassed Windows 10 in user base, partly due to the upcoming end of Windows 10 support.
Winsage
July 7, 2025
The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update will introduce a new policy called the Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages, which allows users to remove unwanted Microsoft applications in a single action through Group Policy. This feature aims to simplify the process of debloating Windows 11, which has historically been cumbersome. Users can find this setting under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment. The policy currently supports the removal of various Microsoft applications but does not extend to third-party software. While initial tests show the policy functions as intended, further refinement is needed to address issues like orphaned shortcuts. This feature will not be available to Windows 11 Home users.
Winsage
July 4, 2025
The author expresses frustration with Windows 11, citing its clunky interface and issues with updates, yet continues to use it daily due to its compatibility and driver support. They also rely on Microsoft 365 products, including Outlook, OneDrive, Phone Link, and Excel, for various tasks. Outlook is preferred for managing correspondence, OneDrive allows access to PC folders from a phone, Phone Link facilitates easy communication between devices, and Excel is favored for its extensive functionality in spreadsheets. Despite considering alternatives, the author remains committed to these Microsoft applications due to their integral role in their workflow.
Tech Optimizer
June 13, 2025
Microsoft attributed a recent global outage affecting various digital infrastructures to a "CrowdStrike update," which disrupted multiple applications including OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, PowerBI, Microsoft Teams, and others. Users experienced issues such as synchronization failures and access difficulties. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in supply chains that organizations rely on for managing sensitive data, which can be targeted by cyber threats. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a feature within Microsoft Purview designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. DLP policies can monitor user activity and take protective actions like alerting users about inappropriate sharing, blocking sharing attempts, or relocating data to secure locations. DLP can be applied across various platforms, including Office 365 applications and Windows endpoints. The DLP lifecycle includes planning and deployment phases, where organizations assess data to be monitored and ensure policies do not disrupt workflows. Monitoring and reporting tools provide insights into policy matches and incidents, helping organizations refine their DLP efforts. However, DLP has limitations, including false positives, user resistance, and challenges in detecting data leakages through new communication channels.
Winsage
June 3, 2025
Microsoft has been designated as a "gatekeeper" by the European Commission under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), effective September 2023. This designation requires Microsoft to comply with specific measures, including publishing annual reports on its DMA obligations. As part of its compliance, Microsoft has allowed Windows users in the European Economic Area to uninstall the Microsoft Store while keeping previously installed applications functional and updated. Microsoft has also removed persistent prompts to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser, allowing users more autonomy in their choices. When Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not prompt users to reinstall it, except for Progressive Web Apps that use Edge technology from the Microsoft Store.
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