Phone Link Archives

Winsage

October 18, 2026

Microsoft is actively rebuilding Windows 11 Search. What does it mean? Our deep‑dive answers every major question.

Microsoft is transforming the Windows Search feature in Windows 11 to improve speed, accuracy, and utility. The new experience will allow users to perform tasks directly from the Taskbar and will include file previews, enriched web results, and integration with Copilot. A preview is available through the Windows Insider Program, with more features expected later this year and deeper integration with the Start menu planned by 2027. The introduction of WinUI 3 will enhance performance and search accuracy. Users can perform actions like switching to Dark mode, enabling Bluetooth, adjusting volume levels, and arranging windows directly from the Search box. Future updates will include inline file previews and richer web results, with AI-generated responses for certain queries through Copilot integration. The new Windows Search experience is accessible to Insiders running specific builds and can be enabled manually if not visible after installing the latest preview build. It does not require a Copilot+ PC or an NPU, as it uses a small machine-learning model that operates locally. Currently, it cannot perform actions on connected phones, but a feature for sending text messages is in development. The redesigned interface will be smaller and include inline previews and richer file details, along with comprehensive web results. Filters will be introduced to refine search results by category. The rollout for Insiders began on October 7, 2026, with plans for richer search results and Copilot integration later this year, and the new Search experience is expected to be incorporated into the Start menu by 2027. A general availability date for all Windows 11 users has not been announced.

Winsage

October 17, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Core Apps and Memory Use in Bid to Win Back Users

Microsoft is overhauling Windows 11 six years after its launch, with significant updates currently available to Windows Insiders and a broader rollout expected later this year. Key enhancements include the reintroduction of taskbar repositioning, a complete redesign of the Search and Photos applications using WinUI3, improved memory management allowing up to 2GB more active data in RAM, and performance improvements of up to 20% in response times for certain tasks. Windows Hello and Bluetooth pairing have been optimized for speed, and the AI assistant Copilot has been redesigned to be less intrusive. Starting in November, new Windows 11 PCs will come bundled with classic and contemporary games. The updates aim to address user frustrations and improve the overall experience, particularly for those with lower-end hardware.

Winsage

October 17, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Core Apps and Memory Use in Bid to Win Back Users

Microsoft is overhauling Windows 11 six years after its launch, with updates currently available to Windows Insiders and set for public release later this year. Key changes include the ability to reposition the taskbar, a complete redesign of the Search and Photos applications using WinUI3, and enhancements in memory management that allow for more active data in RAM. The revamped Search feature includes direct controls and document previews, while Photos now offers semantic search and improved editing tools. Memory management improvements will benefit lower-end hardware by conserving memory and improving response times. Additional refinements include optimized sign-in processes, faster Bluetooth pairing, and a redesigned AI assistant, Copilot. Starting in November, new Windows 11 PC purchases will come with a selection of games. The updates aim to address user concerns and improve the overall experience of the operating system.

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Windows 11 Is Finally Becoming the OS It Should Have Been From the Start

Microsoft has announced updates to Windows 11, currently available in the Insider beta and set for full release later this year. Key enhancements include the ability to reposition the taskbar, a revamped Search function allowing direct access to controls, and a redesigned Photos app featuring semantic search and advanced editing options. The updates aim to improve user experience and address criticisms of Windows 11, particularly regarding performance on devices with limited RAM. Additionally, Microsoft will offer classic and contemporary games with new Windows 11 PC purchases starting in November.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Google’s new Googlebook has clever AI tricks. I’d still pick a Windows laptop

Two new platforms have launched on the PC scene: the Googlebook and the Nvidia RTX Spark platform. The Acer Googlebook 14 was reviewed by Ashley Biancuzzo, while the reviewer is currently focusing on Lenovo’s Googlebook 15, which has a subpar keyboard but features Google’s new Aluminium OS aimed at enhancing the Chromebook experience with AI-powered productivity. To fully utilize the Googlebook, an Android phone running Android 17 is required, although some Samsung phones have been allowed to connect. In contrast, Windows offers Phone Link, which connects an Android phone to a Windows PC and only requires Android 10, allowing for photo transfers, calls, messages, and running Android apps within PC windows. Phone Link is seen as a strong competitor to Googlebook’s offerings, except for app streaming.

Winsage

October 10, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Search To Control Your PC Faster Than Ever

Microsoft has released an update for its Insider Program that includes a revamped Search feature, enhancing user experience with a focus on more informative results and previews. The update integrates advanced capabilities through WinUI 3 and allows users to access quick details without launching files or navigating File Explorer. It introduces web previews for specific queries, such as local weather and stock market data, and includes "inline actions" that enable users to perform tasks directly from the search window, like sending SMS messages or changing themes. Users can explore these features by joining the Windows Insider Program and enabling Feature flags in the settings.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Windows 11 setup now prompts you to install TikTok and Netflix apps during first boot

Microsoft has introduced a new feature called Assisted Setup in Windows 11, which allows users to install popular third-party applications like TikTok, WhatsApp, and Spotify immediately after the out-of-box experience (OOBE). This feature is gradually rolling out with build 26340.9354, released on September 8. Users can opt for automatic downloads and installations of these applications, but they must explicitly consent to download them, unlike pre-installed apps like OneDrive and Phone Link. The setup process also allows users to pin popular websites to the taskbar, with recommendations based on geographical location. Windows 11 26H2 has been officially released.

BetaBeacon

September 27, 2026

How to use Android apps on your Windows PC (and why you might want to)

- Microsoft's plan to make Android apps compatible with Windows 11 was dropped in 2024. - Two main paths to run Android apps on a PC are through emulators like BlueStacks or MuMuPlayer, or using the Google Play Games app. - Emulating Android apps on a PC is useful for gaming, running social media apps, testing apps, and running slimmed-down versions of creative software. - Emulators like MuMuPlayer and BlueStacks allow for parallel instances of emulated Android devices.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

7 Windows features I disabled after realizing nobody needs to use them

Windows 11 allows users to optimize their experience by disabling or uninstalling various features. 1. OneDrive: Users can unlink or uninstall OneDrive through File Explorer or the Settings app. 2. Copilot: Copilot can be uninstalled via the Settings app, and its keyboard shortcut can be customized. 3. Widgets: The Widgets board can be disabled or removed through the Settings app under Personalization. 4. Start Menu: Users can streamline the Start Menu by turning off pinned apps, recent items, and account notifications in the Settings app. 5. Phone Link: This feature can be minimized or uninstalled using the Settings app or Windows PowerShell. 6. Xbox Features: Xbox and Xbox Live can be uninstalled through the Settings app, and Game Mode can be toggled off. The Xbox Game Bar can be removed via PowerShell. 7. Search Results: To improve search efficiency, users can disable Bing and web results using Windows PowerShell.

Winsage

September 13, 2026

Microsoft blocked every Windows 11 account bypass except the most boring link on its own page

Microsoft has streamlined the Windows 11 setup process by encouraging the creation of a Microsoft account (MSA) during installation. A new workaround allows users to create a local account without needing complex tools or disconnecting from the internet. To use this method, users should start a fresh installation of Windows 11 Home, connect to the internet, and look for the small “Learn more” link under “Sign-in options” when prompted for MSA details. If successful, users can enter a local username and continue the setup process, including creating a password and answering security questions. This method is not officially sanctioned by Microsoft and may be an unintended bug. Microsoft has previously eliminated other methods for bypassing the MSA requirement, citing the need for fully configured devices. Internally, opinions at Microsoft about the MSA requirement vary, with some executives expressing frustration. The overall Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) still requires improvement, with reports indicating lengthy setup times due to advertisements and web-based components.