privacy settings Archives

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

These Google Apps Need To Be Manually Updated On Your Samsung Phone

Google has rolled out updates for three system applications on Samsung Galaxy devices: Android System SafetyCore (version 0.925574157), Android System WebView (version 149.0.7827.91), and Google Play Services (version 26.22.33). These updates are not listed in the "Available updates" section of the Play Store and may require manual updating. Android System SafetyCore helps protect users from unwanted content, Android System WebView is essential for displaying web content in apps, and Google Play Services manages various functions like app updates and user privacy settings. To manually update these apps, users should go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and tap "App details in store" to access the Play Store. If other apps are not updating, users should ensure a stable internet connection, restart the phone, clear storage space, update the Android version, clear app caches, and check the system date.

Winsage

June 22, 2026

Microsoft says it’ll force install Microsoft 365 Copilot on Windows 11 with MS 365 Business in the next 30 days

Microsoft is reintroducing the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which will automatically install on eligible Windows PCs with Microsoft 365 desktop applications between mid-June and mid-July. Users in the European Economic Area will not be affected by this automatic installation. Admins can opt out of the automatic integration. The app will be activated by default, requiring no user intervention. Microsoft is not using the Windows Store for this installation; instead, it relies on the built-in Microsoft 365 Apps updater. Users can disable Copilot features on a case-by-case basis in specific Office apps or change privacy settings to block Copilot functionalities. Microsoft has also made Classic plans available in select regions for users who want a version without Copilot. Administrators can use Office policy settings to block connected experiences that drive Copilot functionalities but must opt out through the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center to prevent installation.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

WBNS 10TV

Organizations use cookies and data to enhance user experience and maintain online platform integrity by delivering services, monitoring outages, protecting against spam and fraud, and measuring audience engagement. When users accept all cookies, additional functions include developing new services, displaying and measuring advertisements, and personalizing content. Rejecting all cookies results in non-personalized content and advertisements based on current content and user location. Cookies also help ensure age-appropriate functionality. Users can explore privacy settings through "More Options" or visit g.co/privacytools for guidance.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

How to bring the best Android 17 features to any Android phone today

Android 17 introduces several features that enhance user experience and privacy, including the Bubbles multitasking system for managing multiple tasks, a Privacy Dashboard for easier navigation of privacy settings, and an “Expanded” Dark Mode for improved usability in low-light environments. Users of older Android versions can activate an “Extended” dark mode through developer settings. Additionally, the Twilight app mimics Android 17’s Comfort View to reduce eye strain by adjusting screen color temperatures.

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2026

Avast One: Security and privacy suite under the microscope

Avast One is the flagship consumer security suite from Avast (Gen Digital), combining antivirus, firewall, VPN, and privacy utilities into a single subscription for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It offers four primary areas: device security, online privacy, identity protection, and performance tools. Device security includes real-time antivirus, Web Shield, Mail Shield, and Ransomware Shield. The online privacy component features a full VPN service with bank-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. Identity protection includes data breach monitoring and, in some markets, credit monitoring. Performance tools assist with disk cleanup and system optimization. Avast One has three plan tiers: Avast One Essential (free), Avast One Individual (paid, supports multiple devices), and Avast One Family (paid, supports up to 30 devices). Pricing varies based on promotions, with Avast One Individual typically around per year and Avast One Family ranging from to 0 per year. The suite can be downloaded directly from Avast's website, with installers available for various platforms. Avast One includes automatic updates and is designed to operate lightly on modern hardware, with options to minimize system impact during scans. Customer support includes self-help documentation, community forums, and direct support for paying customers. Avast One aims to appeal to both non-technical users and power users, providing a user-friendly interface while allowing for advanced configurations. The product is positioned as a comprehensive solution for households looking to secure multiple devices with a single subscription.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Microsoft to Allow Users to Disable Web Search in Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing new controls for Windows 11 that will allow users to disable web search and remove Microsoft Store suggestions from their search results. The update, demonstrated on June 2, 2026, will include two toggles in the Windows 11 Settings app under Privacy and Security → Search Permissions. The first toggle will turn off Bing-powered web results in the taskbar search and Start menu, while the second will control the appearance of Microsoft Store app suggestions. This change replaces the previous method of disabling web search, which required complex registry edits. The new settings aim to enhance user experience by prioritizing local search results and addressing privacy concerns, as user queries will no longer be transmitted to Microsoft’s servers. The toggles are expected to roll out through the Windows Insider program before becoming available to all users.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

В Windows On 11th, an official feature for disabling internet search will appear.

Microsoft is introducing new settings for Windows 11 that allow users to completely deactivate the Bing search engine within the system menu. This update addresses the issue of local files being mixed with internet search results, which has caused confusion and slowed device performance. Previously, users had to modify the system registry or use third-party tools to disable this integration. The new feature includes an official toggle in the privacy settings and will also allow users to eliminate app recommendations from Microsoft Store search. This change aims to ensure that system searches are strictly local, improving speed and reducing RAM consumption. The updates are driven by new legislative requirements in Europe for greater user choice and are expected to be available in upcoming benchmark builds.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Windows 11 Pro plus 10 hours of training is $20 through June 14

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from an MSRP of 9. Users can also access the Essential Windows 11 Pro Course, which includes 150 lectures and 10 hours of content covering productivity features, Microsoft 365 applications, desktop customization, cloud storage management, keyboard shortcuts, troubleshooting, and privacy settings. The offer is valid until June 14.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

These are the 5 popular apps I switched to this year

Many users are reevaluating their daily applications in favor of alternatives that prioritize user experience and data security. Proton Unlimited is a suite of tools that replaces several Google services, including Proton Mail as a private alternative to Gmail, Proton Drive as a substitute for Google Drive, Photos, and Docs, and includes Proton Calendar, VPN, Authenticator, and Pass, all designed with privacy in mind. Brave is a browser that prioritizes user privacy and maintains a similar interface to Chrome, supporting Chrome extensions and requiring no additional configuration for privacy settings, although it occasionally misidentifies non-ad content as ads. Claude is a chatbot that emphasizes data security and offers features like Artifacts for app creation, while organizing conversations for better usability, though it lacks some functionalities found in competitors like Gemini. Inoreader is an RSS reader that allows users to curate their news feeds according to personal preferences, offering a free version with limitations that do not significantly impede the user experience. Obsidian is a note-taking application that emphasizes offline capabilities and user privacy, providing a flexible alternative to Notion and Evernote, with a clean interface and basic functionalities accessible for beginners.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

I got tired of hunting through Windows for every setting, so I built my own control center

The utility created simplifies Windows management by consolidating various settings and diagnostics into a single interface. It provides an overview of system metrics such as DNS latency, system uptime, and temporary file accumulation. The application includes dedicated pages for health checks, network insights, services, scheduled tasks, drives, drivers, power plans, gaming toggles, privacy settings, and taskbar configuration. Each diagnostic is executed through PowerShell scripts, with results displayed in a user-friendly format. The utility maintains transparency by creating .reg backups before modifying the registry and allows users to revert changes easily. It is open-source, lightweight, and designed for personal use rather than debloating. The program's structure enables users to inspect and modify scripts, ensuring clarity and control over system adjustments.