Mobile hotspot Archives

Winsage

December 2, 2025

Microsoft needs to make it easier to disable automatic Windows 11 updates

Updates in the Windows ecosystem are essential for enhancing stability, performance, and security. However, users of Windows 11 have expressed frustration due to frequent updates disrupting functionalities like network connectivity and printer access. Automatic updates can interrupt productivity, with unexpected restart prompts leading to potential loss of unsaved work. Issues with third-party programs and drivers often arise post-update, and older PCs experience significant performance degradation due to background updates. Many users face limitations with internet access, as substantial update sizes can consume data quickly, especially under fair usage policies. Storage constraints on older devices can lead to operational issues, and attempts to pause updates may not always be effective. While updates are crucial for delivering new features and security fixes, their frequency can diminish their perceived importance, causing users to delay addressing issues. Disabling automatic updates can be complicated, requiring adjustments in the Windows Update service, Group Policy Editor, or Registry, which may not be accessible or user-friendly. A simple one-click "Disable" button in the Windows Update settings would enhance user control over update installations, allowing them to manage updates according to their schedules.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Introducing Surface Laptop 5G: Seamless connectivity, built for business

Microsoft has expanded its Surface Copilot+ PC portfolio with the introduction of the Surface Laptop 5G, a 13.8-inch device powered by Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, set to ship on August 26. The new 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro are available for immediate purchase. The Surface Laptop 5G features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second, enhancing on-device intelligence and productivity. It includes an integrated 5G modem for continuous connectivity to Microsoft 365 Copilot and other cloud tools. The device has a dynamic antenna system with six antennas that adapt to surroundings, ensuring reliable connectivity and the ability to function as a mobile hotspot. It supports both NanoSIM and eSIM options and weighs under 3 pounds for portability. The device underwent rigorous real-world testing for performance and connectivity. IT departments can remotely manage the devices, and the Surface Management Portal offers centralized visibility into device health. The Surface Laptop 5G is part of a growing portfolio of Copilot+ PCs designed for modern business needs.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

10 Windows services I safely disable, and you can too

Windows 11 includes various background services that can be disabled to enhance performance or privacy. Users can access the Services window by searching for "Services" in the search bar. Key services that may be unnecessary for many users include: - Windows Mobile Hotspot Service: Often unnecessary as most laptops lack a mobile data connection. - Fax: Rarely needed for personal computers. - Downloaded Maps Manager: Manages downloaded maps, likely to become less relevant with the deprecation of Windows Maps. - Certificate Propagation: Essential for smart card functionality; can be disabled if not using smart cards. - Windows Insider Service: Manages enrollment in the Windows Insider program; advisable to disable if not participating. - Parental Controls: Useful for families; can be disabled if the device is for personal use. - Windows Image Acquisition: Facilitates image acquisition from scanners and cameras; can be disabled if no scanner is used. - TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Aids communication with local network devices; can be disabled for most home users. - Xbox Live Game Save: Syncs save data with Xbox Live; unnecessary for users who primarily use other gaming platforms. - Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects diagnostic data; disabling it can enhance privacy. Disabling these services may not lead to significant performance improvements but can create a more personalized computing experience. Users can re-enable any service if needed later.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Facebook Messenger down and out for over an hour

On February 11, 2025, Facebook Messenger experienced a significant outage starting around 2 p.m. local time in Vietnam, affecting users' ability to send and receive messages, particularly on the desktop version. Reports of issues surged to nearly 1,000 cases within an hour, according to Downdetector. Users reported slow and unstable service, with some unable to access the desktop version at all. By 3:10 p.m., some users began to regain access, but new outage reports continued to be logged. This incident followed previous outages affecting Meta's services, including a December 12, 2024 outage lasting over four hours, a March 2024 disruption lasting about an hour, a global outage in 2021 lasting six hours due to a configuration error, and a 24-hour connectivity loss in 2019.

Winsage

October 8, 2024

Windows 11 is getting 6GHz hotspot support, here is how to try it

Microsoft has introduced support for Wi-Fi 7 in Windows 11 version 24H2, allowing users with compatible hardware to utilize enhanced network capabilities. A new feature in public preview builds enables users to share their internet connection via a 6GHz hotspot, in addition to the existing 5GHz and 2.4GHz options. This capability is available in Windows 11 build 26120.1912 and later versions, and users can enable it using the ViVeTool application. To do so, users must download ViVeTool, open Command Prompt with Administrator privileges, navigate to the ViVeTool folder, and enter the command to enable the feature. Restarting the computer is necessary to apply changes. Compatible hardware, specifically a Wi-Fi 6E-compatible network card, is required to use the 6GHz hotspot, as older network cards will only support 5GHz or 2.4GHz hotspots. Not all Wi-Fi 6E network cards support the 6GHz hotspot functionality. Users can enable 6GHz tethering through Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot > Network Properties.

Winsage

September 30, 2024

Windows 11 Dev Build 26120.1912 is out with 6GHz hotspot support and more

Microsoft has released a new build for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, version 26120.1912 (KB5043168), which includes support for 6GHz Wi-Fi tethering, provided compatible hardware is available. The update features general improvements, enhancements to the Windows Mobile Hotspot for 6 GHz connections, and addresses various issues including problems with the Task Manager, Input Method Editor, and WebView2 apps. Known issues include a malfunction in the Start menu when clicking on letters in the All apps list. Users can access updates through Settings > Windows Update.