new functionalities Archives

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Windows 11 KB5074105 update fixes boot, sign-in, and activation issues

Microsoft has released the KB5074105 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, which includes 32 enhancements to improve user experience. This optional update allows administrators to test upcoming fixes and features before the next Patch Tuesday. It addresses issues such as Explorer.exe hanging during login with specific startup apps, system unresponsiveness during startup with Windows Boot Manager debugging enabled, iSCSI boot failures, and problems with Windows license migrations during upgrades. The update elevates Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to builds 26200.7705 and 26100.7705, respectively. Key highlights include enhanced Cross-Device Resume functionality, support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, fixes for unresponsiveness when running Windows Terminal with elevated permissions, resolution of GPU-related system errors, and improvements to Windows Sandbox. Microsoft will also introduce distinct identifiers for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 updates starting with the January 2026 security update, and has simplified update titles for better accessibility.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

Microsoft Issues Several Windows Insider Preview Builds

The Windows Insider Program has shifted significantly, with new builds released across the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview channels. The Dev channel has advanced to the 26300 series builds, moving away from the 26200 series of the Beta channel. Users on the Dev channel will upgrade to Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26300.7674 with the installation of build KB5074170, which focuses on fixes without new functionalities. The Beta channel will receive cumulative update KB5074169, upgrading to Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26220.7670, also centered on fixes. The Release Preview build KB5074105 introduces new features for both 25H2 and 24H2 versions, elevating them to builds 26200.7701 and 26100.7701, respectively. Key improvements include multi-language support for the Agent in Settings, cross-device resume capabilities, enhanced MIDI support, customizable Narrator options, a new Devices card in Settings, easier toggling of Smart App Control, improved Voice Access and Voice Typing features, and expanded support for external fingerprint readers in Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-In Security.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Gemini keeps asking me to turn on Personal Intelligence, but I’m keeping it off

Gemini has introduced a feature called Personal Intelligence, which allows users to customize the data accessed from Google services like Gmail and Google Photos. This feature is opt-in and was launched on January 14. Users receive prompts to enable it and can choose to defer or start using it. Personal Intelligence replaces the previous feature, Personal Context, which is still active by default. Users can connect various Google apps to Gemini to enhance their experience, with the ability to control which data sources contribute to Personal Intelligence. Google emphasizes that app connections are off by default, and users have control over their data sharing.

Winsage

January 22, 2026

Microsoft unveils wave of new Windows 11 features in Paint and Notepad

Microsoft is rolling out updates for Notepad and Paint in Windows 11. Notepad will feature advanced Markdown capabilities, including strikethrough formatting and nested lists, as well as a formatting toolbar for easier access to formatting options. A new "Welcome Experience" popup will inform users of new features whenever they are added.

Winsage

January 9, 2026

The Secret Microsoft App That Improves How I Use Windows

PowerToys is a suite of utilities developed by Microsoft, available for free on GitHub and other platforms, which enhances the Windows user experience with frequently updated functionalities. Key utilities include: - Command Palette: A tool for launching applications, searching for files, and locating open windows, with a Bookmarks feature for quick access to folders and websites. - Light Switch: Allows users to toggle dark mode with a keyboard shortcut and schedule it based on fixed hours or local sunset times. - Peek: Enables quick file previews by pressing the Space bar, allowing seamless navigation through files. - Text Extractor: A utility for extracting text from images faster than Windows' built-in OCR, using the shortcut Windows + Shift + T. - Image Resizer: Simplifies the process of resizing images through a right-click option in File Explorer, offering preset sizes and custom resolutions. - Awake: Keeps PCs active beyond default sleep settings, allowing users to choose a duration for their systems to remain awake. - FancyZones: Provides custom window layouts for efficient workspace organization, allowing users to snap windows into designated zones.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Windows Task Manager Creator Dave Plummer Calls for Halt to New Windows 11 AI Features for Better Stability

Dave Plummer, the creator of the Windows Task Manager and Pinball game, has expressed concerns about Windows 11, criticizing Microsoft's focus on integrating new artificial intelligence features at the expense of system stability. He argues that stable releases should prioritize fixing critical bugs over adding new functionalities. Plummer references the period around Windows XP Service Pack 2, when Microsoft halted new feature introductions to enhance security and stability in response to major security threats. He advocates for a similar approach for Windows 11, urging Microsoft to pause feature additions until the system is stabilized and existing issues are resolved. Plummer emphasizes the need for Microsoft to focus on improving user experience by prioritizing fixes over new features, particularly for power users.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Microsoft’s ReFS File System Remains Inaccessible to Windows 11 Users

Microsoft's Resilient File System (ReFS) supports volumes up to 35 petabytes and offers robust data protection through checksums and continuous integrity checks, reducing the risk of data corruption. However, Windows 11 defaults to the NTFS file system, requiring users to use command-line tools to access ReFS features, which may deter average consumers. ReFS is primarily designed for Windows Server environments and has not gained popularity among general users. Testing shows that Windows 11 formats new drives as NTFS, making ReFS less accessible. ReFS can experience performance degradation on single-drive consumer PCs compared to NTFS and lacks features like file system compression, encryption, object IDs, and extended attributes, raising compatibility concerns. Microsoft has introduced the Agent Launchers framework for AI agent registration in Windows, amidst user backlash regarding the evolution of Windows into an "agentic OS." The Windows and Devices segment generated .3 billion in the last fiscal year, remaining flat over three years, while Gaming and LinkedIn generated higher revenues. Users have reported frequent feature changes and declining quality in Windows 11, with Microsoft's Controlled Feature Rollout system causing inconsistencies across devices. ReFS is accessible through the Dev Drive feature in Windows 11, which prioritizes performance over security. Microsoft faces competition from various fronts, including Valve's SteamOS, Apple's upcoming MacBook, and Google's Chrome OS, particularly in the education sector.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Google’s Recorder app update tweaks a key audio feature

Google has rolled out an update for its Recorder app on Pixel devices, introducing a new account switcher interface and enhancements to audio recording features. The Clear Voice feature has been rebranded as Auto Clear Voice, which now uses more storage space but retains its functionality. A new chip on the playback screen indicates when Auto Clear Voice is active and allows users to revert to the original audio. The updated account switcher UI aims to improve the management of multiple accounts within the app.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft confirms that its new AI agent in Windows 11 hallucinates like every other chatbot and poses security risks to users

Microsoft has introduced agentic AI capabilities for Windows 11 through the 26220.7262 update, aligning with the trend of using large language models to enhance user experiences. The company has warned about potential risks associated with these new features, including the possibility of "hallucinations" and "novel security risks," specifically highlighting a vulnerability known as cross-prompt injection (XPIA). This flaw could allow malicious content to override agent instructions, leading to unintended actions like data exfiltration or malware installation. Microsoft’s move to integrate these AI features reflects a response to competitive pressures in the tech industry, despite the known flaws and security vulnerabilities associated with them.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

Microsoft Issues Warning To Windows 11 Users – This AI Feature Can Install Viruses

Microsoft is transitioning to Windows 11 with the introduction of an "agentic OS," featuring experimental components called Agent Workspace, currently available to select Windows Insiders. These agentic features will be disabled by default due to potential security risks, including cross-prompt injection (XPIA) that could allow unauthorized access to user files. When activated, agent accounts can access the user profile directory, which raises concerns about data exfiltration and malware installation. The AI applications, including Copilot, will have visibility into the entire display, prompting users to consider privacy implications. Agent workspaces are designed to provide scoped authorization and runtime isolation, allowing users to manage access to files while using their devices. However, initial user reactions have been mixed, with ongoing concerns about security and functionality.