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Windows 11 Gets Quick Machine Recovery to Fix Boot Failures via the Internet
Winsage
April 2, 2025

Windows 11 Gets Quick Machine Recovery to Fix Boot Failures via the Internet

Microsoft has introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) as part of its Windows Resiliency Initiative to improve the security and reliability of Windows 11 following a global incident with a faulty update. QMR addresses boot failures by allowing users to access the recovery environment, connect to the internet for automatic troubleshooting, and receive targeted fixes via Windows Update. Currently, it is being tested in the Windows 11 24H2 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653 and will be enabled by default for Home edition users. Users can access QMR by entering the recovery environment, selecting Troubleshoot, and then Advanced options. Additionally, an internet-based recovery option in Windows Settings can repair system components while preserving user data.
The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool
Winsage
April 2, 2025

The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool

PowerToys version 0.90.0 introduces the Command Palette, also known as "CmdPal," which enhances the previous PowerToys Run feature by allowing users to launch applications and perform tasks efficiently using the shortcut Win+Alt+Space. The update also includes improvements to the Color Picker, Peek feature enhancements that allow file deletion, and new customization options for template filenames. The update is available for download on the PowerToys GitHub page.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 2, 2025

The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool

PowerToys version 0.90.0 introduces the Command Palette, or "CmdPal," which enhances app launching and user efficiency. Users can access it by pressing Win+Alt+Space, allowing for quick app launches and mathematical calculations. The update also includes enhancements to the Color Picker, which now features improved visual consistency and theme support, the ability to delete files directly from the Peek feature, and support for variables in template filenames in the New+ module. The update is available for download from the PowerToys GitHub page.
Microsoft turns 50. Here are 18 of its biggest moments
Winsage
April 1, 2025

Microsoft turns 50. Here are 18 of its biggest moments

In October 2008, Microsoft introduced Azure, initially known as "Project Red Dog." It was officially launched in 2010 as Windows Azure and renamed Microsoft Azure in 2014. Azure has evolved to include advanced artificial intelligence capabilities for data analysis and machine learning, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to technological advancement.
Windows Game Bar gets design tweaks for better handheld gaming
Winsage
March 27, 2025

Windows Game Bar gets design tweaks for better handheld gaming

Microsoft is enhancing the Game Bar to improve the gaming experience on handheld devices, introducing a refreshed interface that offers quicker access to tools and real-time statistical insights. The update aims to optimize gameplay across various platforms, particularly in Compact Mode, which resembles Steam's Big Picture mode. Additionally, Microsoft has expanded its Game Pass service, allowing subscribers to stream games they own, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and is offering exclusive bonuses in popular free-to-play games to attract more users to the subscription model.
Microsoft: New Windows scheduled task will launch Office apps faster
Winsage
March 27, 2025

Microsoft: New Windows scheduled task will launch Office apps faster

Microsoft is launching a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office applications, scheduled for rollout in mid-May. This feature aims to improve loading times by introducing a background task that activates upon user logon, integrated into the Windows Task Scheduler. Users will see new tasks labeled Office Startup Boost and Office Startup Boost Logon in their task scheduler. The feature requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk space and will deactivate when Energy Saver mode is activated. Users can disable Startup Boost through the Office app settings, but it will reactivate with each new Office update. Additionally, Microsoft is testing ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications.
Windows 11's Photos app is about to get a big update, and it's all about AI
Winsage
March 25, 2025

Windows 11’s Photos app is about to get a big update, and it’s all about AI

The Photos app on Windows 11 is undergoing significant updates, currently available for Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Key features include Optical Character Recognition (OCR) supporting over 160 languages, allowing users to extract and search text from images. A new "Search in Web" function enables users to find online results for selected text. The update also introduces a Copilot button within the Photos app for image enhancement tips, insights, and framing suggestions. Additionally, new shortcuts in File Explorer provide direct access to AI editing and Visual Search, allowing users to create with Designer and erase unwanted elements. The app now supports JXL files and includes bug fixes for improved performance. Users can enable the "Show subfolders" option to view images and videos from subfolders in the Gallery.
Huge Microsoft Photos update adds amazing new web search with OCR-extracted text feature and makes AI options easier to access
Winsage
March 25, 2025

Huge Microsoft Photos update adds amazing new web search with OCR-extracted text feature and makes AI options easier to access

Microsoft Photos has received a significant update that enhances its capabilities, including improved Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and the ability to conduct web searches for extracted text directly within the app. The update also integrates AI-driven photo editing tools, allowing users to start an AI editing session from the Windows context menu and introducing a new Copilot button with features such as photo editing tips, image insights, and framing suggestions. This update is being rolled out to Windows Insiders on Windows 11 and to Windows 10 users in the Release Preview Channel.
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