removal Archives

Winsage

June 26, 2025

4 beloved features from Windows history that Windows 11 got rid of

Users have expressed dissatisfaction with Windows 11 due to the removal of familiar features. Key grievances include the elimination of local accounts, which required users to create Microsoft accounts for access; a static Start menu that lacks customization options; a Taskbar with reduced customization capabilities; and a revamped right-click menu that is more minimalist and less intuitive. Many users feel that these changes have made the operating system less user-friendly and hope for the reinstatement of beloved features.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

HOW DISGUISE BUILT OUT THE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR A MINECRAFT MOVIE

A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess, utilizes 3D voxel art to create its unique visual style, moving away from photorealistic graphics. The production involved a collaboration with Disguise, led by Dan Lemmon, and features a cast including Jason Momoa and Jack Black. Talia Finlayson, a Senior Unreal Artist at Disguise, emphasized the integration of the Virtual Art Department (VAD) throughout production, allowing for real-time live-compositing of the Minecraft world using Simulcam. Set designs were created in Rhinoceros 3D and transformed into interactive environments with Unreal Engine, incorporating assets from talented artists and the game itself. Flexibility was crucial, enabling rapid iteration based on feedback, with adjustments made to accommodate filming needs, such as removing a second story from a building. The design process considered practical aspects like camera movements and stunt choreography, ensuring cohesion with the Minecraft aesthetic. The use of Simulcam allowed for the merging of physical and virtual environments, enhancing production efficiency and creativity.

Tech Optimizer

June 24, 2025

Why Every File Demands Sanitization

Zero Trust addresses the issue of misplaced trust in cybersecurity, particularly the assumption that files from known senders are safe. This assumption can lead to security breaches, as malware can be hidden in documents from internal employees, vendors, or customers. Familiar interactions often bypass essential security checks, creating vulnerabilities. Security tools may fail to detect modern threats, which can evade traditional defenses. Compromised accounts and infected devices can introduce risks regardless of the sender's identity. To mitigate these risks, Votiro's solution cleanses every file using Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) technology, removing harmful elements while maintaining functionality. Votiro's approach ensures that file security does not disrupt business operations, providing a seamless and efficient solution for organizations.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 10 KB5061087 update released with 13 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the June 2025 non-security preview update for Windows 10, version 22H2, designated as KB5061087. This optional cumulative update addresses issues with USB multi-function printers' scanning capabilities, Start Menu problems, and a Component Object Model (COM) functionality bug causing remote COM activation failures. The update elevates Windows 10 22H2 systems to build 19045.6036 and includes additional fixes such as an updated curl tool to version 8.13.0, a fix for device registration issues in the Entra ID Windows Account Manager (WAM) plugin, resolution of problems with removing unused language packs and Feature on Demand packages, and correction of a system unresponsiveness issue related to Oplock break requests on SMB shares. Users can install the update via the Windows Settings app or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. A known issue with the update is that CJK text may appear blurry at 96 DPI in Chromium-based browsers. Additionally, home users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no cost after Windows 10's end of life in October, provided they have 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or have enabled Windows Backup. Alternatively, they can purchase a year of extended security updates.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Russia Launches National Messenger App with Government Integration | Ukraine news

On June 24, Vladimir Putin established a "national messenger" in Russia through a decree, which was published on the official legal information portal. The service will be built on domestic software and aims to attract over 500,000 daily users. It is designed for messaging and voice calls in Russian and other languages spoken in the Russian Federation, and will support advertising in these languages. The platform will integrate with the Russian digital services portal “Gosuslugi,” allowing access to official documents. Features will include electronic document signing and serve as a communication hub for students and educators. The State Duma passed a bill advocating for the messenger on June 10, emphasizing the need for a multifunctional information exchange service. Anton Gorelkin stated that the introduction of the messenger would not block Telegram in Russia if it complies with legal requirements. Russia has imposed restrictions on social networks and messaging platforms, including limiting access to X (formerly Twitter) in 2021 and banning Facebook and Instagram in March 2022. In August 2024, Roskomnadzor blocked the Signal messenger for violations of Russian legislation.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft will start removing legacy drivers from Windows Update

Microsoft is shifting its approach to driver management in Windows to improve the quality and security of drivers available through Windows Update. The initiative will phase out legacy drivers and focus on providing only fresh, tested, and compatible drivers. Expired drivers will no longer be available through Windows Update, streamlining the user experience and enhancing system integrity. Manufacturers and developers can republish expired drivers with justification. After an initial cleanup targeting legacy drivers, Microsoft will allow a six-month period for feedback before permanently removing drivers. This process will continue with subsequent batches of drivers. Concerns have been raised about the impact on users of older devices and the potential loss of a valuable resource for reliable drivers.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft removed this feature from Windows, and it’s time to bring it back

Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) was introduced during the Windows 10 era to allow users to run Android applications on their PCs but was removed in Windows 11. Despite Microsoft's withdrawal, there remains a strong demand for Android app capabilities on Windows, as evidenced by the popularity of platforms like Bluestacks and Google's Google Play Games app for Windows. The initial implementation of WSA faced criticism due to poor execution and limited geographic availability, which hindered user access. Users had to navigate through the Microsoft Store to install the Amazon Appstore, complicating the process. The partnership with Amazon restricted the range of available applications, leading to user frustration, as many popular apps required Google services. Performance issues also affected WSA, with users facing resource consumption trade-offs. Microsoft's adjustments to allow some Android services to run in the background were a step forward, but the initial setup could have been more efficient. The discontinuation of WSA left many users puzzled, and there is hope for its reintroduction with improvements in the future.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5661 (KB5060838) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - A new personalized homepage for Recall, featuring recent snapshots and a list of top apps and websites. - A new setting allowing users to reposition hardware indicators for brightness, volume, airplane mode, and virtual desktops on the screen. - A Boolean option in the Configure Start Pins policy for administrators to apply Start menu pins just once. - AI actions in File Explorer are being reintroduced after a temporary removal. - Recent flights now display the selected country or region during device setup under Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Fixes include resolving input functionality issues, fixing explorer.exe crashes for users with the Italian display language, addressing performance issues in File Explorer, and correcting sorting issues in Windows Update history. Known issues include touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth, and delays in intelligent text actions in Click to Do on certain PCs. Users may also experience a two-step process to access the latest flight in the Dev Channel and potential rollback errors during installation.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Microsoft to stop pushing older Windows 11 drivers through Windows Update

Microsoft is implementing a policy change in Windows Update that will no longer display older legacy drivers when a newer version is available. This update is being rolled out but does not affect the replacement of newer drivers manually installed from Intel, AMD, or Nvidia. The initiative is described as a “periodic cleanup of drivers from Windows Update,” primarily targeting OEMs. When a driver expires and a newer version exists, the older driver will be removed from Windows Update listings. This cleanup focuses on legacy drivers, and while users may not notice significant changes, it aims to streamline the update process. Future expansions may include expired drivers without replacements, but currently, the focus is on legacy drivers with available updates. OEMs can republish expired drivers with justification. The policy will not resolve issues where manually installed drivers are replaced by older versions via Windows Update, as Windows Update drivers may have higher version numbers despite being older. The policy does not affect users on unsupported hardware, as a driver is only marked as “expired” when a new replacement is available.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

Windows updates might finally be getting better — Microsoft to remove legacy drivers from Windows Update to boost security

Microsoft is removing potentially vulnerable legacy drivers from Windows Update to enhance security for Windows users. This initiative aims to mitigate security and compatibility risks while improving the overall quality of drivers. The first phase will target legacy drivers that have newer, more secure replacements available. Microsoft plans to implement this driver cleanup strategy regularly and expand it to include additional categories of drivers deemed suitable for removal.