recommended files Archives

Winsage

July 31, 2025

How to declutter Windows 11’s Start menu recommendations

Windows customizes the user experience by tracking habits and adapting the Start menu to show frequently accessed applications and files. This personalization can inadvertently disclose recent activities to others. Each user account has its own customizations, but a quick glance at the Start menu can reveal what a user has been working on. To enhance privacy, users can modify settings to prevent the Start menu from displaying recent activity by toggling off options for recently added apps, most used apps, and recommended files.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 11 gets a fresh new Start menu and it’s one of the most useful changes to the UI in yonks

Windows 11 has received an update to the Start menu that enhances customization and accessibility for users in the Insider Program. This update allows users to create a scrollable list of applications and categorize them according to personal preferences, improving access to frequently used apps. Users can now switch between Category, Grid, or List views directly from the Start menu, simplifying the customization process. The update also expands scrolling capability, reducing the need for multiple clicks to access additional recommendations and promoting a more organized workspace. Users interested in this functionality can join the Windows Insider Program to select their update channel.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

The First 5 Things To Do After Upgrading To Windows 11

Users are encouraged to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as support for the former ends. The upgrade requires meeting minimum hardware requirements and can be initiated through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The taskbar in Windows 11 is redesigned with a centered Start menu, but users can revert to a left-aligned layout by adjusting Taskbar settings. Customization options are limited, but third-party applications can offer more flexibility. The Start menu features only Pinned apps and Recommended files by default. Users can customize it by unpinning apps, adding new ones, grouping them into folders, and modifying layout and color through Settings. To free up space after upgrading, users can uninstall unnecessary applications via Settings > Apps and delete Windows 10 installation files by navigating to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. Disabling unnecessary startup services can enhance boot speed, which can be managed through Task Manager. Privacy settings should be reviewed post-upgrade, with options available under Settings > Privacy & security to adjust permissions and disable data sharing features.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft is finally giving the Start menu the overhaul we’ve all been waiting for

The Start menu in the latest preview builds of Windows 11 is being redesigned to enhance user experience by addressing customization and functionality issues. The updates in builds 26200.5518 and 26120.3671 introduce a wider layout with a single scrollable view, removing the need for clicks to access the All apps section. Applications will be displayed directly beneath pinned items and recommendations, reducing clutter. Users can disable the Recommended section for a minimalist interface and adjust settings to hide recently added apps, most used apps, and various recommendations. Additionally, users can automatically display all pinned apps without expanding the view. This feature is currently hidden and requires enabling specific feature IDs to access it.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3380 (Dev and Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3380 (KB5053660) has been released for the Dev and Beta Channels. Updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, are initially optional for Beta Channel users but will become recommended later this year. Users in the Dev Channel can temporarily switch to the Beta Channel while both channels release the same updates, but this option will close once the Dev Channel advances. New features include the Recommended files feature in File Explorer, real-time translation for various languages on Copilot+ PCs, and a new recommendation for snap groups in the Start menu. Enhanced web search support is being introduced for the EEA, and a toast notification will prompt users to add secondary email or recovery phone numbers to their Microsoft accounts. The update also introduces dynamic widgets for web developers and a new system tray icon for emojis and GIFs. "Top cards" under Settings will provide a view of key PC specifications. Fixes include improved accessibility in File Explorer, resolution of issues with the Snap Bar, and crashes affecting settings and input. Known issues include incorrect build version display after a PC reset and issues with Recall snapshots on managed PCs. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates via an enablement package, and features may evolve based on feedback. Some features may not be fully localized, and accessibility features may not function with certain preview features.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3380 (Dev and Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3380 (KB5053660) has been released for the Dev and Beta Channels. Updates for the Beta Channel based on Windows 11, version 24H2 will initially be optional but will become recommended later this year. Users in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while the 24H2 updates are being released, but this option will close as the Dev Channel progresses. New features include: - Recommended files in File Explorer for personal Microsoft or local accounts. - Real-time translation to Chinese (Simplified) on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. - Snap group recommendations in the Start menu. - Enhanced web search support for the EEA. - Toast notifications prompting users to add a secondary email or recovery phone number. - Dynamic and interactive widgets for web developers. - A new system tray icon for easier access to emojis and more. - New "top cards" in Settings > System > About displaying key PC specifications. Fixes include improvements to accessibility in File Explorer, resolution of Snap Bar display issues, and fixes for crashes in Settings and typing capabilities. Known issues involve inaccurate build version display post-PC reset and issues with Recall snapshots on managed PCs. Beta Channel updates will be delivered via an enablement package, and features may appear in the Beta Channel before the Dev Channel.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful

Microsoft is testing enhancements for Windows 11 in the Beta channel (build 22635.5025), focusing on the Start menu and File Explorer. The Start menu will now suggest applications that users frequently snap together, such as WhatsApp and File Explorer. File Explorer will feature a 'Recommended' files section on its Home page, displaying recently accessed or downloaded files. These features will not be available to users in the European Economic Area (EEA). Additionally, Microsoft has fixed a performance issue where users experienced delays when closing File Explorer using the 'X' button.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

The Windows 11 Beta will finally bring peace to your chaotic file organization

The Windows 11 Beta has introduced a "Recommended Files" section in File Explorer, available in Beta build 22635.5025, which allows users to quickly access relevant files based on recent activities. This section displays a carousel of thumbnail previews of frequently used, recently downloaded, or added files. It is accessible to all Windows Insiders signed in with personal Microsoft or local accounts, although residents of the European Economic Area may not have immediate access. Additionally, the Beta version highlights commonly snapped applications in the Start menu, providing shortcuts for users to launch pairs of applications that they frequently use side by side.