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Snipping Tool is getting a handy new feature for screen recording
Winsage
February 21, 2025

Snipping Tool is getting a handy new feature for screen recording

Microsoft has released a new version of the Snipping Tool (11.2501.7.0) for Windows Insiders, which includes a video trimming feature that allows users to edit screen recordings directly within the app. Users can record a screen session, open the recording, and use the Trim button to adjust the start and end times. Additionally, Microsoft is developing new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) features expected to be unveiled by the end of 2024. Other updates for Windows Insiders include enhancements for Copilot+ PCs, new Start menu layouts, and a new method for sharing files between devices.
Microsoft Weekly: Xbox features for PCs, useful tools for Windows 11, and more
Winsage
February 10, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox features for PCs, useful tools for Windows 11, and more

Microsoft refreshed the Windows Health Dashboard, providing updated information on known bugs affecting Windows 11 version 24H2, including a fix for users unable to modify specific date and time settings and a workaround for difficulties with Windows updates via USB or CD media. A guide was shared on restoring Dolby Digital (AC-3) support in Windows 11 version 24H2, and two debloating applications, WinScript and NoBloatbox, were introduced for system optimization and bloatware removal. This week's preview builds for Windows 11 included a significant update for MIDI and allowed users to customize widgets on their lock screens. An update for the Microsoft Store now permits users to choose which components of games to download. Optical Character Recognition has returned in the Photos app for Windows Insiders with enhancements and bug fixes. Microsoft announced the dates for its upcoming developer conference, Build 2025, scheduled for May 19-22 in Seattle, Washington. Firefox 135 was released with a redesigned new tab page and privacy enhancements, while Microsoft Edge 133 launched with an updated downloads interface and an AI-powered scareware blocker. Chrome version 134 is set to enhance picture-in-picture mode. In gaming news, several Xbox titles, including Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Mythology: Retold, are being released for PlayStation 5. EA's Criterion Games is focused on the next Battlefield installment, leaving the future of Need for Speed uncertain. Microsoft will host the first ID@Xbox showcase on February 24, 2025. Valve updated Steam to include a banner for abandoned games, and Nvidia announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles, and Amazon Prime members have access to several free games.
Microsoft finally allows customizing Windows 11 lock screen widgets, here is how to do that
Winsage
February 5, 2025

Microsoft finally allows customizing Windows 11 lock screen widgets, here is how to do that

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11, designated as 22635.4870 (KB5050087), in the Beta Channel. This build introduces the ability to customize lock screen widgets, allowing users to select which widgets are displayed when their PC is locked. The customizable feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders using this build. To enable it manually, users need to download ViVeTool, run specific commands in Command Prompt, and restart their computer. The customization requires an activated Windows installation.
Top 10 cool and useful features coming soon to Windows 11
Winsage
February 3, 2025

Top 10 cool and useful features coming soon to Windows 11

Microsoft is developing several enhancements for Windows 11, with some features currently available in preview builds or requiring activation. 1. Improved Auto HDR: Available to all Windows Insiders, this feature will enable automatic HDR streaming for HDR-capable displays. 2. Small Taskbar Buttons: Code snippets indicate that Microsoft is exploring the return of smaller taskbar buttons, though it is not yet functional. 3. Gamepad Keyboard: Available to Windows Insiders, this feature allows typing using standard gamepad controls. 4. New Start Menu Layouts: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; new "Category" and "Grid" views are in development. 5. 6 GHz Hotspots: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; laptops with Wi-Fi 7 support will soon be able to create 6 GHz hotspots. 6. Redesigned Battery Indicator: Available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, this redesign will include battery percentage in the tray area. 7. File Explorer Improvements: Currently turned off, this will allow users to open links in new tabs instead of new windows. 8. New PC Spec Cards: Available for testing in the Insider Program, this feature consolidates essential PC specifications into one location. 9. New Share UI: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; this will allow users to drag files to a dedicated tray for easy sharing. 10. AI-Powered Windows Search: Available for testing in the Insider Program and requires dedicated hardware, this feature will use natural language processing for easier file searches.
Has Microsoft given up on the System requirements not met Windows 11 watermark?
Winsage
December 24, 2024

Has Microsoft given up on the System requirements not met Windows 11 watermark?

Microsoft has announced that users attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported devices would face consequences, including the introduction of an incompatibility watermark. This watermark began appearing on some users' desktops in 2022 but has not been implemented in stable builds of Windows 11 as of 2025. Despite many PCs being deemed incompatible due to the TPM 2.0 requirement, Microsoft has not enforced the watermark and even released an official registry fix to hide it. The watermark was initially spotted in preview builds but was rolled back in stable versions. Concerns were raised about its placement, as it could confuse users with other system messages. There is a growing sentiment that Microsoft should allow users to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware at their own risk, without the watermark reminder.
No more Windows 11 preview builds this year
Winsage
December 20, 2024

No more Windows 11 preview builds this year

Microsoft is pausing the Windows 11 Insider program for the holiday season, with no new Insider updates or scheduled Windows updates until January 2025. The last build for 2024, Windows 11 26100.2705, was released earlier this week. There will also be no scheduled updates for Windows 10 or 11 during this period, as the planned December 2024 non-security updates have been skipped. The next preview builds and optional non-security updates are expected in January 2025.
How to Delay Windows Updates and Tell Microsoft to Leave You Alone
Winsage
November 27, 2024

How to Delay Windows Updates and Tell Microsoft to Leave You Alone

Microsoft provides annual updates and monthly security patches for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Major updates have faced challenges, including a blue screen of death from an August 2023 update for Windows 11 and printer functionality issues from a July 2022 security patch for Windows 10. Users can now delay significant feature updates, a change from Microsoft's previous mandatory update policy. To pause updates, users can pause for seven days through the Settings menu, with a total pause duration of 35 days available. Windows 10 users can pause updates by clicking "Pause updates for 7 days" up to five times or selecting a specific date in Advanced Options. Windows 11 users can choose how many weeks to pause updates using a drop-down menu. Active hours can be adjusted to prevent updates during specific times, ensuring uninterrupted work. Users can set active hours manually or allow Windows to adjust them automatically. For Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education users, updates can be deferred for up to 365 days using the Local Group Policy Editor. This feature is beneficial for businesses to test updates before broader rollout. Users can also configure notifications for updates instead of automatic installations. If an update causes issues, Windows provides options to roll back changes.
Rebootless updates come to Windows 11 Enterprise and 365 for security updates — Microsoft releases hotpatching for Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 and Windows 365 Preview Editions
Winsage
November 20, 2024

Rebootless updates come to Windows 11 Enterprise and 365 for security updates — Microsoft releases hotpatching for Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 and Windows 365 Preview Editions

Microsoft has begun rolling out a hot patch update for security enhancements in Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 and Microsoft 365 Preview Builds. This update allows users to download and install security patches via Windows Updates without needing to reboot their devices. Hotpatch updates provide a complete set of OS security patches but do not include additional features. They enable immediate activation of patches upon installation, improving security protection speed. However, hotpatching is limited to security patches, and Cumulative Updates will still require a system restart. Hotpatching does not apply to non-security updates for Windows Server 2022 and 2025. Windows 11 Enterprise editions are part of the Windows Enterprise subscription, which requires a Windows 11 Pro license for full feature access. There is speculation about hotpatching for Windows Home and Pro editions, but it is particularly beneficial for complex deployments in business environments.
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