power source Archives

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Microsoft de-borks USB printing in Windows 11

Microsoft released an update, KB5053657, on March 25 to address printer issues caused by a previous patch in January that affected USB-connected dual-mode printers. Users reported printers producing random text and data, often starting with the header POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1. The glitch was acknowledged in the March 11 update, which also unintentionally removed the Copilot application from some devices. Microsoft stated that the Copilot issue has been resolved without needing a patch. Additionally, users of version 2411 of the Citrix Session Recording Agent are still experiencing issues, and Microsoft is working with Citrix on a solution.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27802 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27802 has been released to the Canary Channel, with no plans for SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. Key updates include improved battery iconography, featuring colored icons to indicate charging states (green for optimal charging, yellow for energy-saving mode below 20%, and red for critically low battery). Users can display battery percentage in the system tray by toggling the option in Settings. New features include file sharing from taskbar jump lists and changes to the Desktop Spotlight icon interaction model. Several fixes have been implemented, including resolving installation errors and issues in File Explorer, Taskbar, Input, Lock Screen, Administrator Protection, Audio, and Remote Desktop. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN on Copilot+ PCs transitioning to the Canary Channel, bugchecks in certain games and printing applications, and display issues with new battery icon colors. Insiders are reminded that features in the Canary Channel may change and that a clean installation is required to exit this channel.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27802 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27802 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key updates include new battery iconography with colored icons indicating charging states (green for charging, yellow for energy-saving mode, and red for critically low battery), an option to display battery percentage in the system tray, and the ability to share files directly from taskbar jump lists. Changes also include improvements to the Desktop Spotlight icon interaction and various bug fixes across different components, such as File Explorer and audio issues. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN, certain games causing bugchecks, and printing from specific applications leading to errors. Users transitioning to the Canary Channel may face issues that require a clean installation to exit the channel.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

Microsoft halts rollout of updated Windows battery indicator

Microsoft has halted the rollout of its newly designed battery indicator for Windows 11 Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, which began with build 26100.3321. The update featured a color-coded battery icon: green for optimal performance, yellow for power-saving mode, and red for critically low power levels. It also included a toggle for displaying power percentage. The rollout was stopped to address unspecified issues, and Microsoft plans to resume it in a future update. Other features, such as gathering information about lock screen elements, remain unaffected.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

I’ve been waiting for this possible Windows 11 transfer tool

A new transfer application for Windows 11 has been discovered in a preview build, potentially allowing users to migrate data without external storage or cloud services. Features may include "Back up to this PC" and "Transfer files to a new PC," utilizing a wireless transfer mode that requires both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi network. The app could leverage technology similar to Nearby Sharing for an intuitive interface. Users may need to pair their devices and connect to a power source for the transfer, though it might not show available controls or a list of files for transfer. The app is integrated into Windows 11’s Backup app, but its development status is uncertain, with no official announcement from Microsoft. The project is not currently undergoing active testing, leaving its future unclear. If released, it could simplify the transition to new devices without additional charges for larger file sizes.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

The Best Deals Today: Power Banks, Hand Warmers, AirPods, 27-Game Bundle, Gaming Headsets, and More

Best Buy is offering the Meta Quest 3S 256GB VR headset for 9.99, including a Best Buy gift card and a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The INIU 10,000mAh power bank is available for .99 after a 40% off coupon. Amazon has the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro for 9.99, a 32% discount. The Apple AirPods 4 are priced at 9.99, marking their first time below 0. Panther Vision is offering a 30% discount sitewide on products like the Panther Vision 602R rechargeable hand warmer and lighted beanie. The Safe In Our World Charity Bundle 2025, featuring 27 PC games, is available for a minimum donation of . SteelSeries has a buy one, get one 50% off promotion on gaming peripherals with the code "VALENTINE50." Peacock TV offers a year of Peacock Premium for .99. The PDP Riffmaster wireless guitar controller is priced at .99. The latest 10th generation Apple iPad is available for 9.99. The Anker Zolo 10,000mAh power bank is on sale for .94 after a 17% off coupon. Woot! has the 83" Samsung S90D 4K OLED Smart TV for ,499.99, discounted from ,800.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Dodgy Windows 11 update? Microsoft suggests you use the ‘Fix problems using Windows Update’ option

Microsoft has introduced a feature called "Fix problems using Windows Update" for Windows 11, which allows users to resolve issues stemming from previous updates by performing an in-place reinstallation of the operating system. This tool preserves all apps, documents, and settings during the reinstallation process. Users can access this feature by navigating to Settings, then System, selecting Recovery, and clicking on Reinstall now under the Fix problems using Windows Update section. However, this tool is not a universal solution and may not be available on all systems.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Microsoft explains ‘Fix problems using Windows Update’ and how it’s not for everyone

In July 2023, Microsoft introduced a recovery feature called "Fix problems using Windows Update" in build 25905 of the Canary channel. This tool helps resolve issues related to updates by reinstalling the current version of Windows while preserving apps, documents, and settings. Users can access it through the Settings app under System > Recovery. The tool activates when a Windows update fails to install, prompting users to initiate a repair. It is available exclusively on Windows 11 versions 22H2 and newer, with the February 2024 optional update or later installed, and is not accessible on managed PCs.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

It blew my mind when I learned you can set up a laptop as a second monitor on Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to use their laptops as external displays for other computers by installing the Wireless Display app on both devices. To set it up, users must open Settings, navigate to Optional features, and check if Wireless Display is listed. If not, they can add it by clicking "View features," searching for Wireless Display, and following the prompts. To connect, users should open the Wireless Display app on the laptop, then use the "Cast" feature on the other computer to select the laptop. Troubleshooting steps include checking for Miracast support, adjusting power settings, and ensuring both devices are on the same network.

Winsage

September 27, 2024

This clever 3K OLED laptop with RTX 4060 graphics builds a unique dial right into the touchpad — but a divisive design choice leaves users like me at a disadvantage

The ASUS ProArt PX13 2-in-1 laptop is designed for professionals in video editing, digital drawing, graphic design, and photo editing. It features an AI-boosting AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU and an NVIDIA RTX 40-Series GPU, with prices starting at ,699.99 and going up to ,999.99 for higher configurations. The laptop includes a flexible design for switching between laptop and tablet modes, weighs just over three pounds, and comes with the ASUS Pen 2.0. It has pre-installed software such as MyASUS and ProArt Creator Hub, and includes MuseTree for AI image generation. The display is a 3K OLED screen with HDR support and high color accuracy, achieving 100% of sRGB, 96% of AdobeRGB, and 100% of P3. Battery life averages around five hours under standard use but drops to just over an hour under heavy workloads. The keyboard has well-spaced keys, and the touchpad is spacious and responsive, featuring the ASUS Dial for quick access to functions. The laptop includes an FHD webcam and a quality microphone, though it lacks a physical webcam shutter. Alternatives include the ASUS ProArt P16 and PZ13 models, which offer different specifications and battery life options.