MSN Archives

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551 (KB5055617) has been released to the Dev Channel. The Dev Channel has advanced to the 26200 series builds, and the option to switch to the Beta Channel is no longer available. This build is based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and shares features with the 26120 series in the Beta Channel. New features include enhanced Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to search for settings using phrases. Narrator now provides detailed image descriptions powered by AI for improved accessibility on Copilot+ PCs. Improvements are being rolled out for widgets, including the ability to read content directly from the MSN feed. Fixes include resolving crashes in Settings, File Explorer, and issues with app icons in the taskbar. Known issues include problems with Windows Recovery Environment and certain apps failing to launch post-update. The Dev Channel updates are based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback. Users can enable a toggle to receive updates more quickly.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

The new Windows 11 Beta update makes widgets better than ever before

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11 Beta introduces the ability to read MSN articles directly from the Widgets feed, allowing users to access full articles, slideshows, and videos without using a browser. Users can customize the visibility of the MSN feed on their Widgets board. The update also enhances Copilot+ PCs with an AI-powered semantic search bar for natural language queries and improves the Narrator feature, which now analyzes screen content to provide descriptions of images and visual elements for visually impaired users.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (KB5055613) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as natural language search functionality in the Windows search box for Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to find settings easily. Additionally, the Narrator feature has been enhanced to provide detailed descriptions of images for accessibility. Other updates include improvements to widgets, fixes for issues in Settings, File Explorer, Taskbar, Desktop Icons, Input, and Graphics. Known issues include non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users and problems with the Windows Recovery Environment. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Microsoft’s overlooked Android launcher showed me everything Pixel Launcher is missing

Microsoft Launcher is an Android launcher developed by Microsoft, offering extensive customization options that surpass those of the default Pixel Launcher. It features up to ten customizable gesture options for enhanced usability, particularly for one-handed operation. The launcher includes a component called Your feed, which consists of Glance and News; Glance allows users to curate a personalized experience with scrollable cards from Microsoft apps, while the News section serves as a shortcut to MSN News but is criticized for excessive ads. Users can customize the home screen layout by removing or rearranging default widgets, and the app drawer has a spacious 5×8 grid layout with an alphabetical jump list. However, users may experience occasional animation glitches typical of third-party launchers on Pixel devices. Overall, Microsoft Launcher is considered a superior option for Pixel users seeking more features and customization.

Tech Optimizer

March 2, 2025

Your Privacy Sold? FTC Forces Avast to Pay $16.5M for Data Misuse—Find Out If You’re Eligible

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued claim forms to approximately 3.7 million consumers affected by misleading marketing tactics related to Avast antivirus software. The FTC's complaint, filed in February 2024, accused Avast of falsely assuring customers of privacy protection while collecting and selling identifiable browsing data to over 100 third parties through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. As part of a settlement, Avast is required to pay .5 million in compensation and is prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage policies or selling browsing data for advertising. The FTC will notify 3,690,813 customers who purchased Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020, with email notifications sent until March 7, 2025. Eligible consumers can submit claims at www.ftc.gov/Avast, with compensation amounts varying based on the number of claims filed.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

How to Disable Lock Screen Widgets on Windows 11

In March 2024, Microsoft released an incremental update for Windows 11 that included lock screen widgets for quick access to information like weather, sports scores, traffic, and financial news. User feedback has been mixed, with some finding the widgets cluttered. Users can disable the lock screen widgets by going to Settings, selecting Personalization, then Lock screen, and choosing "None" from the drop-down menu next to "Lock screen status." To customize the widgets, users can visit MSN's Settings page, log into their Microsoft account, and toggle off any unwanted widgets under the Information cards section.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

Discord Messenger is a super lightweight app that requires only 64MB of memory and can connect to older versions of Windows

A new messaging application named Discord Messenger has been released to support users on older operating systems, including Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. It requires a minimum CPU of Pentium 4 and 64MB of memory. The application is compatible with Discord but only allows text messaging; features like voice and video chat are not included. Future enhancements planned for the app include a friend list, dark mode, voice input, nickname changing, and additional settings options. However, certain features such as friend requests and QR code logins will not be available. Discord has cautioned users that using third-party applications or modifying the official client violates their terms of service and could lead to account suspension.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Discord now runs on Windows 98 (and even Windows 95) with this unofficial client

Discord Messenger, developed by iProgramInCpp, is a free messaging client compatible with Discord that can run on legacy Microsoft operating systems, including Windows 95 and 98. It officially supports Windows 2000 and newer. The client retains much of Discord's core functionality but lacks features like dark mode, nickname changes, channel muting, user notes, custom statuses, and voice channel access. Key functions such as sending friend requests and server access are not available due to potential violations of Discord's terms of service and risks of account suspension. Installation files and instructions are available on GitHub, and a dedicated Discord server exists for user engagement.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft confirms ads for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in Windows 11 — here’s how to turn them off

Windows 11 users have been receiving notifications, including ads for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Microsoft Defender. These notifications are classified as "notifications" by Microsoft, and users who haven't opted out of certain ad settings may see a "Buy Now" button for the game's Vault Edition. Microsoft Defender is free on Windows 11 but requires a paid subscription to Microsoft 365 for full functionality. The promotion of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 through push notifications has received mixed reactions, with some users expressing discomfort. Advertising in Windows 11 has been a growing concern, and there is a guide available to help users disable ads, including those for the game and Microsoft Defender. To block these specific ads, users can navigate to Settings > System > Notifications and toggle off "Get tips and suggestions when using Windows."

Winsage

November 17, 2024

Microsoft Weekly: one dead Insider Channel, a big drop of Windows updates, and more

November 2024's Patch Tuesday updates have been released for Windows 11 and Windows 10, including KB5046617 and KB5046633 for Windows 11, and KB5046613, KB5046615, KB5046612, and KB5046665 for Windows 10. These updates address security vulnerabilities and resolve app crashes on Windows 10 and Task Manager issues on Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced new group policies to prevent auto-upgrades for Windows Server 2022 and 2019. Both Windows 10 and 11 will see a reduction in updates starting December 2024. Official Windows 11 ISO files for ARM devices have been released. The Microsoft Store will remove instant games from the Arcade tab on November 14, 2024, but will introduce Android games through a partnership with Tencent. A new "Edit with Paint" context menu option has been added for Windows Insiders. Windows 10's Beta Channel has been discontinued, transitioning users to the Release Preview Channel. Microsoft has reintroduced the MSN brand with a new logo. Microsoft Edge has been updated to version 131, and notable driver updates include Intel's 32.0.101.6297 and Nvidia's 566.14 WHQL. Upcoming game releases include Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on December 9 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl on November 20. Blizzard announced remasters of Warcraft I and II. Age of Empires II's fifth anniversary has led to unlocked DLC packs for existing owners and Game Pass subscribers. The Game Pass library has added three Spyro games. Discounts on Xbox Series X|S consoles and controllers are available for the holiday season, along with a software update for Xbox consoles introducing new features. The Epic Games Store is offering free games, including Castlevania Anniversary Collection and Snakebird Complete.