recently opened files Archives

Winsage

March 24, 2025

How has the Windows Start menu evolved? Looking back in time as Microsoft turns 50

In 2025, Microsoft will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Start menu was first introduced in Windows 95 on August 24, 1995, replacing the "Program Manager" and providing a more intuitive user experience. Subsequent versions included refinements in Windows 98, minimal changes in Windows ME, a redesigned two-column layout in Windows XP, enhanced search functionality in Windows Vista, and updates in Windows 7 that included "Jump Lists." Windows 8 replaced the traditional Start menu with a full-screen Start screen, while Windows 10 reintroduced the Start menu with a hybrid design. Windows 11 featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout with static icons. Each iteration has aimed to balance innovation with user familiarity.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Microsoft launches new Windows 11 apps to make it easier to find contacts and files

Microsoft has unveiled two new companion apps for Windows 11 users: People and File Search. The People app enhances connectivity by allowing users to explore contacts, access profile cards, send messages via Teams, and search based on various criteria. The File Search app simplifies file management by enabling users to find recently opened files, search by content, filter by type, and preview files before sharing. Both apps integrate with Microsoft 365 tools and can be pinned to the taskbar for easy access. Currently, they are available to Windows 11 users who have Microsoft 365 desktop apps, are part of the Microsoft 365 Insider program (Beta Channel), and hold a Microsoft 365 subscription for business.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

You Can Try Notepad’s New AI Summarizer in Windows 11 Now (If You Pay)

Microsoft is enhancing its Notepad and Snipping Tool applications in Windows 11 with new AI features. Notepad now includes a Summarize feature that allows users to summarize text by using the Copilot menu or pressing Ctrl-M, but it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot Pro AI credits for full access. Additionally, Notepad will show recently opened files, accessible via File > Recent, and users can clear this list if desired. The updates are part of Notepad version 11.2501.29.0. The Snipping Tool has been updated to allow users to draw arrows that automatically convert into straight lines with pointers, streamlining the annotation process, available in Snipping Tool version 11.2502.18.0. To access these features, users must join the Windows Insider program and may need to run unstable builds of Windows 11.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

I used Explorer Tab Utility to make Windows Explorer tabs work like a web browser

Windows Explorer is a key application for file navigation on Windows PCs, but managing multiple instances can be cumbersome. The Explorer Tab Utility enhances this experience by allowing users to open multiple Windows Explorer instances as tabs within a single window, similar to web browsers. This utility requires Windows 11 (22H2 Build 22621 or later) and integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer upon installation. Users can rearrange tabs, open multiple folders as individual tabs, and utilize customizable hotkeys for efficiency. Although some antivirus programs may flag it as malware, it is an open-source application. After using the utility, many users find it challenging to return to standard Windows Explorer due to its improved functionality and streamlined interface.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 gets a more streamlined taskbar and some much-needed bug fixes in Microsoft’s latest update

Windows 11 24H2 has an optional update, patch KB5046740, currently in testing. The update features enhancements to the taskbar and Start menu, including a more compact system tray that displays only the day and month, and a bug fix for the taskbar's auto-hide function. Users can now access a jump list for pinned applications in the Start menu. In File Explorer, a new Phone link option allows users to share files directly to smartphones, and a bug fix has improved icon spacing in the left panel. The update also includes various bug fixes related to Windows Update failures and clipboard history. Users can disable the new system tray features if they prefer the traditional display. This preview update may have glitches, and it will transition into the official December patch on December 10, with a minor update expected in January.

Winsage

October 7, 2024

How to delete the history lists in Windows Explorer and the taskbar

Windows tracks user behavior through Most Recently Used (MRU) lists, which include recently opened documents, launched programs, and frequently accessed folders. To delete recently opened files and folders, press Win-R, type "recent," and hit OK to access the list in Windows Explorer. Users can delete these entries without affecting the original files. To stop Windows from saving the list, Windows 11 users can adjust settings in Explorer by clicking on the three dots, selecting Options, and unchecking "Show recently used files" and "Show frequently used folders." Windows 10 users can find these options in the View menu. Deleting entries under Recent does not remove all MRU lists; to clear lists in the Windows 11 Start menu, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Activity history and delete the activity history, then uncheck "Save my activity history on this device." Additionally, toggle off "Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer" under Personalization > Start settings.