Microsoft applications Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

As Windows 11 turns into an AI OS, Microsoft Copilot boss does not understand how AI is underwhelming

Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI CEO, noted user frustration with the aggressive integration of AI into Windows 11, despite the company's efforts to enhance user experience with features like Copilot, which operates on models similar to ChatGPT. Windows 11 includes various AI functionalities, such as Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, and aims to transform the OS into an "agentic OS" with features like Copilot Actions in Microsoft Edge. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with AI being present in applications like Notepad and File Explorer, perceiving it as intrusive rather than beneficial. Microsoft 365 applications have also integrated Copilot functionalities, but concerns about safety and privacy persist. User feedback indicates a desire for more thoughtful AI integration, as many feel that AI is being applied to problems that do not exist, leading to stress and uncertainty regarding the operating system's control.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Much AI About Nothing ⭐

Pavan Davuluri, the lead for Windows, announced at Ignite 2025 that Windows is evolving to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, which he believes is a logical progression for the platform. The session, titled "Agents at Work: Windows Powers the Era of Intelligent Productivity," emphasized that Microsoft is adapting to technological advancements rather than merely reacting to trends. AI integration is seen as more suitable for the desktop operating system than cloud solutions, with features like Copilot serving as a front-end application for cloud-based AI services. Updates will be necessary for seamless interaction between new features and both Microsoft and third-party applications. The adoption of these features is opt-in, allowing users to choose their implementation. Additionally, Copilot has been updated to include voice capabilities for natural language communication, enhancing user experience without replacing existing input methods.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

This HP Windows Laptop with Office 365 Drops to Pennies, Now Cheaper Than a Generic Audio Headset

HP's Stream 14 is a budget laptop priced at on Amazon, featuring Windows 11, 256GB of SSD storage, and a year-long subscription to Microsoft Office 365 valued at . It is powered by an Intel Processor N150 and includes 16GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing for efficient multitasking. The laptop combines 128GB of internal UFS storage with an additional 128GB from a docking station. It has a 14-inch HD anti-glare display with a resolution of 1366 x 768. The package includes a 7-in-1 docking station and a 32GB microSD card for expanded connectivity and storage options.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Get Windows 11 Pro and learn how to use it, all for under $20

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, a 91% discount from its regular price of 9. This bundle includes The Essential Windows 11 Pro Course, which features 150 lessons and 10 hours of content on essential Microsoft applications. Windows 11 introduces improved boot times, enhanced security features, and an AI-powered Copilot assistant. Users must ensure their PCs meet specific installation requirements to upgrade. The course is accessible 24/7 for flexible learning.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

Microsoft Releases Windows 11 25H2… With Zero New Features?

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 as a lightweight enablement package (eKB) that activates features already present in version 24H2. The update requires only a single restart and shares a common servicing branch with 24H2, allowing for efficient annual feature updates. The Enterprise and Education editions of 25H2 have a 36-month support cycle, while Pro editions have a 24-month cycle. The update focuses on security enhancements, removing vulnerable features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, and allows IT administrators to remove pre-installed Microsoft applications. Users can expedite access to 25H2 by enabling a specific Windows Update option or by downloading the enablement package from Microsoft's website.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

If Windows 12 looked like this, Microsoft could win us over

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, and many users are hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to design flaws and high system requirements. Alternatives like Tiny11, which creates a lightweight version of Windows 11 for older PCs, are emerging. Tiny11 recently updated to support Windows 11 version 25H2, removing certain Microsoft applications. Microsoft is set to roll out Windows 11 version 25H2 without new features. Speculation about a potential Windows 12 continues, with concept designer Abdi presenting a vision for "Brilliant Windows 12," which includes features like "Collectzone" for wallpaper organization and enhanced customization options. Microsoft’s CVP hinted at a future operating system that would leverage AI for a more integrated experience. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide continued security support for Windows 10 users post-cutoff, but critics argue it does not meet the needs of the estimated 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft is projected to earn over a billion from the ESU program in the first year after Windows 10's end-of-life.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

If Windows 12 looked like this, Microsoft could win us over

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, and many users are hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to design flaws and high system requirements. Tiny11 is an alternative tool that creates a lightweight version of Windows 11 for older PCs, recently updated to support Windows 11 version 25H2. Microsoft is set to roll out Windows 11 version 25H2 from September to October without new features. Concept designer Abdi has created a concept video for "Brilliant Windows 12," which includes features like "Collectzone" for wallpaper collections, merged Control Panel and settings, Quick Interactive Settings, and enhanced customization options. Microsoft claims Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 PCs, but some users view the end of Windows 10 support as "programmed obsolescence." A public interest research group has petitioned against discontinuing Windows 10 support, fearing it could lead to a significant increase in discarded computers. HP and Dell report that half of current PCs still run Windows 10, raising security concerns. Microsoft expects to earn over a billion from its Extended Security Updates program after Windows 10's end-of-life.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

How to Turn Off Copilot: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Windows, Microsoft 365, and Edge

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant integrated into Windows and Microsoft applications, designed to assist with tasks like text generation and document summarization. Users may want to disable it due to concerns about privacy, system performance, user control, and compliance in business environments. To disable Copilot in Windows: 1. Taskbar Settings: Right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, scroll to Taskbar items, and toggle Copilot to Off. 2. Group Policy Editor (Pro/Enterprise): Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components, locate Copilot settings, double-click Turn off Copilot, select Enabled, and apply. 3. Registry Editor (Home Edition): Press Windows + R, type regedit, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows, create a new key named Copilot, add a DWORD value named TurnOffCopilot set to 1, and restart. 4. Firewall Blocking: Open Windows Security, navigate to Firewall & Network Protection, create a New Outbound Rule to block Copilot services. 5. Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, locate the Copilot process, right-click, and select End Task for a temporary solution. To disable Copilot in Microsoft 365 applications: - For Word, Excel, PowerPoint: Go to File > Options > Advanced, scroll to Copilot settings, and uncheck Enable Copilot. - For Outlook: Click File > Options > General, locate AI Features, and toggle Turn off Copilot. - For privacy settings: Open File > Account > Manage Settings and turn off Connected Experiences. To remove Copilot from Microsoft Edge: - Open Edge, navigate to Settings > Sidebar, toggle off Copilot, and disable additional AI features under Privacy & Services. To prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates: - Pause updates in Windows Update, verify settings post-update, or use Group Policy or Intune for multiple devices. Disabling Copilot does not negatively impact system performance and can potentially improve speed by reducing memory and CPU usage. Businesses can enforce settings across multiple devices using Group Policy or Intune.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera files complaint against Microsoft’s tricks to make you use Edge

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

Five things Windows 10 never fixed

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.