regular users Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Windows finally fixed File Explorer’s most annoying quirk, and it only took 20 years

Windows 11's latest builds (26100.8313 and 26200.8313) have improved folder view consistency in File Explorer, ensuring that user-configured settings persist regardless of how a folder is accessed. This update eliminates the need for registry tweaks. Additionally, the updates enhance File Explorer's speed and performance, resolve a white flash issue in dark mode, introduce a "preview anyway" button for the preview pane, and add support for four new archive formats. These changes are currently available in the Release Preview channel and will soon be rolled out to regular users.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

5 ways your Windows updates are about to get a lot less painful

Microsoft is implementing changes to the Windows Update process in Windows 11 to address user frustrations. Key updates include: 1. Users can delay updates indefinitely by selecting specific end dates for pauses, extending up to 35 days at a time. 2. The Power menu will now include options for "Update and shut down" and "Update and restart," giving users more control over when updates are finalized. 3. Microsoft is consolidating updates to reduce the number of restarts to one per month. 4. Users will no longer be forced to install updates during the setup of a new Windows PC, allowing updates to occur in the background. 5. Microsoft will provide more detailed information on updates, particularly for driver updates, by clarifying the device class in the titles. These changes are expected to be tested in the Windows Insider program before being released to the general public.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

Valve is giving Steam Deck game devs real player performance data

Valve is providing developers with 30 days of average frame rate data for games that have achieved Steam Deck Verified status to help optimize performance for handheld gaming. This data allows developers to monitor performance, especially after updates, and addresses discrepancies between Verified ratings and user experiences. Valve plans to extend this feature to Steam Deck Playable games, potentially allowing developers to display performance metrics on store pages. The timeline view will help track performance impacts from updates, and developers may highlight impressive statistics on their store pages.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Windows 11 to get a major reliability update in May with faster clipboard, stable taskbar, storage and more

Microsoft has released new Insider builds for Windows 11 across various channels, focusing on enhancing reliability and performance. Key components receiving updates include: 1. File Explorer: Improved speed and reliability, retaining customized folder views. 2. Settings App: Enhanced navigation and consistency, particularly in the Installed Apps page and Privacy & Security section. 3. Drop Tray: Optimized for better usability during multitasking. 4. Clipboard History: Performance enhancements to reduce access delays. 5. Storage Settings: Improved performance for large storage volumes, enabling instant loading of the Disks & Volumes page. 6. Windows Hello: Enhanced fingerprint and face recognition reliability, maintaining biometric data across upgrades. 7. Input and Voice Dictation: Improved keyboard navigation and persistent voice typing settings. 8. Startup Applications: Refined performance and memory management for faster boot times. 9. Display, Audio, and Font Rendering: Better stability and compatibility for color profiles, audio drivers, and font legibility. 10. Security Enhancements: Improved trust model for third-party drivers and command-line scripts. These updates are expected to be available to regular users in the upcoming April optional update and the mandatory May security update.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Best Android Fax Apps (2026): What Actually Matters for Real-World Use

The Municorn Fax App is designed for users who send a high volume of faxes, offering no per-page pricing or limitations. iFax is tailored for structured workflows in industries like healthcare, featuring strong encryption and cloud storage integrations. Fax.Plus is aimed at teams with user permissions and workflow management, while eFax is a familiar option that provides basic fax functions but may feel outdated. The FAX App focuses on simplicity for quick sending but may not meet the needs of regular users. Overall, the effectiveness of fax apps is influenced by their pricing models, simplicity, and ability to integrate into daily workflows, particularly in sectors where reliability is crucial.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Microsoft begins removing Copilot from Windows 11, starting with Notepad, Snipping Tool

Microsoft has removed the Copilot branding from the Notepad app for Windows Insiders, replacing it with a "Writing tools" icon in the latest update (version 11.2512.28.0). Despite the removal of the logo, AI functionality remains intact, and users can disable the feature through the Settings menu under "Advanced Features." The Snipping Tool has also eliminated the Copilot button and currently shows no AI integration. Microsoft is scaling back unnecessary Copilot integration in various apps, including Notepad and Snipping Tool, while still maintaining underlying AI capabilities.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

The March Windows 11 Insider Update adds 9 fresh features and improvements worth knowing

- Microsoft has introduced several enhancements for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program, including previews for versions 25H2, 26H1, 26H2, and anticipated version 27H2. - The Pointer Indicator feature, starting with build 26300.8085, helps users with low vision locate the mouse pointer by overlaying a crosshair effect and offers customizable color options. - A redesigned Feedback Hub app aligns with Windows 11 aesthetics and improves user experience for feedback submission, including Bluetooth LE Audio device connections and main volume controls in Quick Settings. - The File Explorer context menu now displays application icons alongside the "Open" option for certain file types, available in the Canary Channel with build 28020.1743. - The Administrator Protection feature, introduced in builds 26300.8142 and 26220.8138, prompts an authorization dialog for unsigned or untrusted applications seeking privilege elevation, enhancing security. - Windows 11 now allows customization of the right-click zone size on touchpads, available under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad, for touchpads with a pressable surface. - Task Manager updates include new columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" on various pages, as well as columns for "NPU Dedicated Memory" and "NPU Shared Memory" on the Details page. - A new icon in printer settings indicates which printers support Windows Protected Print mode, enhancing printing security. - The Windows Console is undergoing significant changes, merging improvements from Windows Terminal, including an optional Direct3D rendering path and enhanced Find dialog functionality.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Google Tests Unified Gemini Interface On Android

Google is experimenting with a streamlined interface for its Gemini assistant on Android devices, aiming to reduce clutter and enhance consistency. The redesigned sidebar includes a dedicated Settings & Help section, organizes key items like Scheduled Actions and Notebooks, and features collapsible sections for tidiness. The header has been compacted to create a more spacious typing area. The app now prominently displays the last-used extension, enhancing transparency about the tools utilized for user queries. The model switcher has been relocated to the app header, decluttering the input area and defaulting to the “Fast” model for most queries. These changes are part of a broader effort to unify the Gemini experience across app and web platforms, with the Google app version 17.11.54 beta indicating a phased rollout of these features.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

I’ve wanted this for ages: WhatsApp Web can now handle calls

WhatsApp Web now allows users to make and receive audio and video calls directly from their browser, featuring end-to-end encryption and screen sharing. This capability is currently available only to beta users, with plans for a broader rollout soon. Group calls are not yet supported but are expected to be introduced later.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Android 16 Beta Still Crashing Apps Despite Google’s Claims of Fixing It

Google released the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 update for Pixel 6 and newer models, aiming to fix issues, including crashes of Microsoft applications. Despite the update, many users still report crashes, especially with work-related apps like Microsoft Teams. Some users experience crashes only on their work profiles, while others face issues regardless of the profile. A few users have reported no problems at all with Microsoft applications on the latest beta. Google specifically mentioned fixing issues related to Microsoft Intune, but regular users continue to face problems. One user found a workaround by enabling Android System WebView, which was previously disabled. There has been little activity on the Issue Tracker regarding these issues, and users may consider reverting to the stable version of Android 16 without losing data.