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Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (KB5062669) is being released to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2. A new agent for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs is introduced, allowing users to articulate their needs for settings adjustments, with AI providing tailored recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen is being rolled out for reviewing recommended settings. A new tutorial for Click to Do is introduced, guiding users on efficient task completion. Enhancements are made to the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, and a new grid view is added to the search results in the Windows Search box. Updates to the lock screen widget configuration UI and Notification Center functionality for secondary monitors are also included. Task Manager now uses standard metrics for CPU utilization across all pages, with a new optional CPU Utility column. Various fixes address issues with the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollbacks during installation and crashes with live captions and Xbox controllers.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (KB5062669) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include a new agent in Settings for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs that helps users modify settings through AI-driven recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen for reviewing recommended settings is being rolled out, along with a new tutorial for Click to Do that guides users on completing tasks efficiently. The update optimizes the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, introduces a grid view in search results, and enhances the lock screen widget configuration. Notification Center functionality has been extended to secondary monitors, and Task Manager now includes an optional CPU utility column. Various fixes have been implemented across the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start Menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollback errors during installation and problems with live captions and Xbox controllers.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

10 hidden Windows settings you should change now

Most Windows users engage with basic settings, but there are hidden settings that can enhance usability and performance. 1. Adjust App Permissions: Navigate to Settings -> Privacy & security -> App permissions to limit unnecessary app permissions. 2. Disable "Let Apps Run in the Background": Go to Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps, select the app, click the three dots, choose Advanced options, and turn off "Let this app run in the background." 3. Turn Off Ad Tracking and Personalization: Go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> General and deactivate ad-tracking options. 4. Disable Tips and Suggestions: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Notifications, expand Additional settings, and uncheck "Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows." 5. Enable Clipboard History: Go to Settings -> System -> Clipboard and toggle on "Clipboard history." Access it with Windows key + V. 6. Manage Startup Apps: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), switch to the Startup tab, and disable unnecessary apps. 7. Turn On Storage Sense: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Storage -> Storage Sense to enable automatic cleanup of temporary files. 8. Prevent Apps from Reopening on Startup: Go to Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in options and disable "Automatically save my restartable apps." 9. Hide Recently Opened Files in Quick Access: Open File Explorer, click the "three dots," select Options, and uncheck "Show recently used files" and "Show frequently used folders." 10. Set Active Hours for Windows Update: Visit Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced options -> Active hours to define your active hours for updates.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

6 registry tweaks every tech-savvy user must apply on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides customization tools such as the Settings app, Control Panel, and Group Policy Editor, but advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor for deeper control. Key Registry tweaks include: 1. Disable the Home page in Settings: Modify the Registry to revert the Settings app to open directly to the "System" section instead of the "Home" page by creating a string value named SettingsPageVisibility and setting it to hide:home. 2. Disable automatic Windows Update: Prevent automatic downloads and installations by creating a key named WindowsUpdate under Policies, then a subkey AU, and a DWORD value NoAutoUpdate set to 1. 3. Disable the Lock Screen experience: Expedite the sign-in process by creating a key named Personalization and a DWORD value Nolockscreen set to 1. 4. Enable automatic Registry backup: Restore automatic Registry backups by creating a DWORD value EnablePeriodicBackup set to 1 and scheduling a task to run daily for backup. Editing the Registry carries risks, and it is advised to back up the PC before making changes.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

Search Bar Not Working in Windows 11? Follow these Fixes

Numerous users have reported issues with the search bar functionality in Windows 11. A guide has been compiled to offer effective solutions, including: 1. Restarting File Explorer by opening Task Manager, finding "Windows Explorer," right-clicking it, and selecting "Restart." 2. Rebuilding the search index by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to Privacy & Security, selecting "Searching Windows," clicking on "Advanced indexing options," and choosing "Rebuild." 3. Starting the Windows Search service by opening the Run dialog, typing services.msc, locating "Windows Search," stopping the service, starting it again, setting the Startup type to "Automatic," and restarting the PC. 4. Ending the SearchHost.exe task in Task Manager by finding "Search," right-clicking it, and selecting "End task." 5. Using the Recovery tool via Windows Update by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to System -> Recovery, and clicking "Reinstall now" next to "Fix problems using Windows Update." Rebooting after these steps should restore the search bar's functionality. Rebuilding the search index can enhance local search speed, and users may also consider removing Bing search results from the Start menu.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

5 things to do with the Linux terminal on your Android phone

Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal that allows users to execute various commands typical of Linux environments. While it is robust, installing graphical user interface (GUI) applications can be challenging. The terminal can be used for SSH connections by configuring the SSH config file for easier access to remote machines. It serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, with options to execute commands and access manual files. Developers can use it for coding, as Python is pre-installed, allowing for immediate programming tasks. Users can also install the MariaDB database server for database management directly from their mobile devices. Additionally, the terminal can be used to securely store notes by creating hidden files with the Nano editor.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (KB5055613) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as natural language search functionality in the Windows search box for Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to find settings easily. Additionally, the Narrator feature has been enhanced to provide detailed descriptions of images for accessibility. Other updates include improvements to widgets, fixes for issues in Settings, File Explorer, Taskbar, Desktop Icons, Input, and Graphics. Known issues include non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users and problems with the Windows Recovery Environment. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

5 essential tips to optimize Windows 11 for office work

Windows 11 includes features to enhance productivity, particularly through customization for older PCs. Key strategies include: 1. Virtual Desktops: Use Win + Tab or the Task View icon to create separate virtual desktops for work, allowing for a more organized workspace. Applications can be dragged into this desktop and will reappear upon reopening. 2. Focus Sessions: Activate Focus via Settings -> System -> Focus to set timers for work sessions and breaks, enabling Do Not Disturb mode to silence notifications during work periods. 3. System Optimization: Select a High Performance power plan in Control Panel -> Power Options or Settings -> System -> Power & battery, and disable unnecessary startup apps in Task Manager to improve performance. 4. Pinning Apps and Snap Layouts: Pin frequently used applications to the taskbar for quick access and use Snap Layouts by dragging windows to the screen edges for efficient arrangement. 5. Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize essential Windows 11 shortcuts to enhance efficiency, such as Windows key + A for Quick Settings, Windows key + E for File Explorer, and Windows key + H for voice typing.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Sterling Theater upgrading seating, preparing for ‘Minecraft’ movie pajama party

Renovations at the Sterling Theater are nearing completion, featuring new flooring and improved seating arrangements. Each of the theater's two viewing rooms will have 165 seats, including 20 luxurious recliners, 117 rocker-back lounge chairs, and 28 seats in a designated tabletop area. The renovation included the removal of outdated seating and asbestos abatement. The theater will reopen on April 3 with a premiere of "A Minecraft Movie," followed by screenings of "The Last Supper" and "The Amateur." Rocker-back lounge chairs will be first-come, first-served, while recliners and tabletop seating will incur an upcharge and be assigned upon ticket purchase. Tickets are available at the theater or online.