preview mode Archives

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11 Introduces Point-in-Time Restore & More for Faster, Safer PC Recovery

Microsoft is enhancing the recovery capabilities of Windows 11 with a suite of tools aimed at simplifying device restoration for IT administrators. The Point-in-Time Restore feature allows administrators to revert a device to a previous state, currently available in preview mode in Windows Insider builds. The Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) system, refined since its August launch, helps restore functionality to multiple devices experiencing boot failures and will soon include direct networking support and Autopatch QMR management for automatic update handling. The Intune remote recovery feature provides insights into when a managed PC enters recovery mode, allowing for remote script deployment and fixes, and has been expanded to include Windows Server virtual machines via the Azure Portal. The Cloud Rebuild function enables administrators to rebuild devices that cannot be repaired conventionally by downloading fresh installation media and restoring settings and data using OneDrive and Windows Backup for Organizations, with Autopilot applying necessary enrollment and policies.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Windows 11 tests Bluetooth audio sharing that connects two headsets at once

Microsoft is enhancing the audio experience for Windows 11 users with a new feature that enables shared audio streaming across multiple wireless devices using the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec. This feature is currently in preview mode for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. Users can connect Bluetooth LE-supported devices to their Windows 11 PC and select the “Shared audio (preview)” option from the quick settings menu. The shared audio feature is available on select Copilot Plus PCs, including the 13.8 and 15-inch Surface Laptops and the 13-inch Surface Pro, with plans for additional devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 and Galaxy Book5 Pro to support it soon. Compatible devices include Bluetooth LE models such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Snapdragon X laptops now work with select Meta Quest headsets

The Mixed Reality Link app now supports PCs powered by Snapdragon X processors, allowing connectivity with Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S headsets. Previously limited to Intel and AMD PCs, the app's compatibility with Windows 11 on ARM has been noted, although official documentation from Microsoft has not confirmed this. Users have successfully connected devices like the Surface Pro 11 to the Mixed Reality Link. The Meta Quest 3S is priced at 9 and offers a powerful chipset and next-gen controllers, making it an affordable option in the VR headset market. It supports a wide range of Meta Quest games despite some trade-offs in field of view and display quality. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, priced higher, includes an Xbox controller and a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and has received positive feedback for its integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Windows 11’s top File Explorer alternative just scored a huge win for power users

The Files app on Windows 11 has been updated to version 3.9.14, introducing a new Signatures page in the properties window for viewing digital signatures associated with files. This feature was previously only available in File Explorer. The update also includes enhanced customization options, such as a Dual Pane setting and improved terminology for the "Add pane" action, now called "Split pane." Users can resize columns in the Column View layout and a header displaying the current search query will now appear during searches. Version 3.9.14 is currently in preview mode, and users on the stable version need to download the Files Preview app to access these new features.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Don’t trust Windows 11’s Recall feature? A new report will only harden your resolve to never use the AI-powered search

Windows 11's Recall feature, an AI-driven tool for enhancing user experience through natural language search, has been criticized for its handling of sensitive information. Despite improvements since its preview launch, it has struggled to consistently filter out sensitive data, such as credit card numbers and passwords, especially when explicit markers are absent. In testing, Recall captured sensitive information during online banking and shopping activities, raising privacy concerns. The feature is still in preview mode, and Microsoft acknowledges its limitations, encouraging user feedback for improvements. Recall is turned off by default on Copilot+ PCs, and accessing screenshots requires physical or remote access to the device, posing potential security risks.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows Recall is reportedly still capturing passwords and Social Security numbers even after its relaunch

The Microsoft Windows Recall AI app, designed to take screenshots of user activities, has faced security concerns regarding its ability to protect sensitive information. Initially launched in summer 2024 with Copilot+ PCs, it was retracted due to issues capturing sensitive data but returned to Windows Insiders in April 2025. Testing by The Register revealed that while the app's "Filter sensitive information" feature blocked some financial data, it still captured sensitive information like bank balances and failed to recognize variations in phrasing. Users can block specific applications or websites from being captured, but this may limit the app's utility. Recall is intended for laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, and opting for devices with Intel or AMD chips can help mitigate security risks. Microsoft is reportedly working on improving the app's security features, but its future remains uncertain.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

It’s Week D, So Microsoft (Re)Announces New Features Coming to Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced a suite of new features for Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs, currently available in preview mode. Users can subscribe to a newsletter offering three time-saving tips every Friday and free copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. Key features include: - A new agent in Settings for natural language navigation, available for users with Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs in English. - Click to Do (Preview) improvements for Copilot+ PCs, including actions like Practice in Reading Coach and scheduling Teams meetings. - Photo relight in Photos, providing professional lighting controls for Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X processors. - Sticker generator and Object select tools in Paint, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. - Enhancements to the Snipping Tool, including a Perfect screenshot tool and Color picker, available to all Windows 11 users. - Copilot Vision, allowing interaction with screen content via the Copilot app and Microsoft Edge, now accessible in the U.S. - Edge Game Assist, a mini-web browser within the Game Bar for gaming assistance. - Quick machine recovery, reducing reboot wait time from 40 seconds to as little as 2 seconds on most Windows 11 version 24H2 PCs, with an updated Black Screen of Death. These updates are rolling out for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 23H2, with some minor fixes for Windows 10 users.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

WordPad is dead in Windows 11, but Notepad is absorbing its skills

Microsoft has announced updates to Notepad, integrating "lightweight formatting" capabilities that include support for markdown input and file formats, bold and italic fonts, and hyperlinks, accessible via a new toolbar. These features are not in testing and will be available on Windows PCs soon. This shift follows the retirement of WordPad in late 2023, leaving a gap for basic text editing. The enhancements position Notepad as a viable replacement for WordPad. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing the Edit app, an open-source command-line interface, to complement Notepad's new features and improve user experience.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

I replaced my laptop with Microsoft’s 12-inch Surface Pro – here’s my buying advice a week later

The 12-inch Microsoft Surface Pro is available for preorder, starting at 9 for the Platinum color and ,099 for the Violet and Ocean colors. It features a thin and lightweight design, a fast-charging battery, and a Snapdragon X Plus processor. The base model includes 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with a maximum storage option of 512GB. Essential accessories like the keyboard, mouse, and power adapter are sold separately. The device has a resolution of 2196 x 1464 and offers up to 16 hours of battery life, achieving over 15 hours during video playback. It can charge to 50% in 30 minutes and 80% in an hour. The Surface Pro is designed for everyday users and supports AI-driven applications.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

I use these 5 File Explorer add-ons to make my life a lot easier on Windows 11

Windows 11's File Explorer can be enhanced with third-party add-ons to improve user experience and productivity. 1. TeraCopy: A tool for transferring large files and folders efficiently, queuing jobs, adjusting block sizes, and skipping problematic files. It has a free version and a paid option for enhanced features. 2. Peek: Part of the PowerToys suite, it allows users to preview images or documents without fully opening them by pressing Ctrl + Space. 3. DropIt: Integrates with File Explorer to automate file organization by setting rules for files dropped onto its icon, allowing actions like sorting, renaming, or compressing. 4. Image Resizer: An add-on from PowerToys that adds a "Resize with Image Resizer" option to the right-click menu, enabling bulk resizing of images with customizable options. 5. PowerRename: Also from PowerToys, it simplifies bulk renaming of files through advanced features in the right-click menu, allowing users to delete words, concatenate names, or replace text across multiple files.