Microsoft services Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

4 Windows 11 features that make me regret upgrading

Windows 11 has become popular among users, but some experience frustrations with its features. The Copilot feature is heavily integrated, prompting users to engage with it frequently, which many find intrusive. The redesigned Start Menu is seen as cluttered and less user-friendly compared to Windows 10, requiring customization for better usability. The Widgets button on the taskbar has become a distraction, leading many to disable it for improved focus. Windows 11 frequently upsells Microsoft services, requiring a Microsoft account and inundating users with promotional notifications. Overall, users feel that navigating Windows 11 has become adversarial, prioritizing notifications over user experience and complicating basic usability.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

5 reasons you should use PowerShell even if you don’t use Windows

PowerShell is a command-line interface that operates across Windows, Linux, and macOS, designed for automation and system management. It utilizes the Common Language Runtime (CLR) from the .NET framework, allowing it to function on any OS with CLR support. PowerShell automates repetitive tasks, enhancing productivity in file management, data processing, and system administration. It provides a familiar interface for system administrators managing mixed environments, facilitating effective cross-platform network management. PowerShell is compatible with Microsoft services like Azure, AWS, VMware, Exchange, and Active Directory, and can execute certain Linux commands natively. Since becoming open-source under the MIT license, it has encouraged community contributions and adaptation for modern IT environments. PowerShell differs from Windows PowerShell by offering cross-platform functionality and regular updates, making it a versatile tool for managing systems and services across various operating systems.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

7 design flaws in Windows 11 Microsoft still hasn’t fixed

Over three years since the launch of Windows 11, many user concerns remain unresolved. The taskbar lacks flexibility, as users cannot resize or relocate it, and customization options are limited despite third-party applications. The Recommended section in the Start menu is cluttered with advertisements and persists even when users try to disable it. Tabs in File Explorer do not function as intended, often opening new windows instead of tabs. Users face overwhelming advertisements during the initial setup, and even after opting out, suggestions reappear. Dark mode implementation is inconsistent across various system components. Many UI elements are outdated and do not match the modern design of the OS. Windows 11 struggles to cater to gaming handhelds, with the desktop UI not translating well to these devices. Microsoft's focus seems misaligned with user needs, as longstanding issues remain while the company invests in new features and innovations.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Why do you continue using Windows 11?

Users are exploring alternatives to the default File Explorer on Windows 11, with OneCommander being a popular choice. Other options include Total Commander and Directory Opus. The recent release of Windows 11 version 24H2 includes new features like sudo support. Microsoft’s OneDrive integration has received mixed reactions, particularly regarding automatic backups. Many users are upgrading their gaming PCs to at least 16GB of RAM, with 32GB being preferred for modern gaming. Consumer-grade CPUs now commonly feature 16 cores and 32 threads. The Google Pixel Watch 2 has gained attention for its design and fitness tracking. Firefox is often the first app installed on new systems, followed by gaming platforms like Steam. Users are encouraged to maintain regular hardware updates, including BIOS settings. Drive partitioning preferences vary, with some users favoring multiple partitions for data safety. Greenshot is a favored tool for capturing screenshots among content creators. Intel has announced the Core Ultra Series 2 platform, codenamed Lunar Lake, which aims to enhance performance and battery life.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Microsoft shuts down the Windows 10 Beta Channel just five months after reopening it

Microsoft is closing the Insider Beta Channel for Windows 10, which will be the last time a Windows 10 build is released to this channel. Users can switch to the Release Preview channel for future builds. Windows 10 is approaching its end of life on October 14, 2025, but Microsoft will continue to provide builds through the Release Preview Channel. Features backported from Windows 11 to Windows 10 have been limited, focusing on enhancing Microsoft services. Insiders in the Beta Channel will be automatically transitioned to the Release Preview Channel. Users will have the option to purchase an additional year of support for Windows 10.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

How to make Windows search use Google instead of Bing

The Windows search function allows users to quickly access installed programs and perform internet searches using Bing as the default search engine. Many users prefer Google over Bing due to better search results. The MS Edge Redirect tool enables users to redirect searches from Bing to Google or other search engines. To use the tool, users must install it and select the Active Mode option during installation, which leads to a configuration page where they can choose to replace Bing with Google or select from ten other search engines. The tool also allows customization of shortcuts linked to Edge and Microsoft services, enabling users to substitute services like MSN Weather and MSN News with alternatives of their choice.