resource consumption Archives

Winsage

January 12, 2026

How to remove Copilot AI from Windows 11 today

Microsoft's Copilot AI has received mixed reviews from users, with many preferring a more reliable operating system over new AI features. Users have reported inaccuracies in Copilot's responses and raised concerns about privacy and resource consumption. To disable or remove Copilot in Windows 10 and 11, users can access Task Manager, navigate to Startup apps, and disable Copilot. Additionally, tools like "Remove Windows AI" and "Flyoobe" can help manage AI components, with the latter allowing users to disable specific AI settings after installation.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices

Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to completely uninstall its Copilot AI assistant from managed Windows devices. This policy, named “RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp,” is being deployed through management tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and addresses concerns about data privacy, resource consumption, and unwanted software in commercial settings. The feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and reflects feedback from IT professionals who prefer controlled environments. While this option is exclusive to enterprise-tier Microsoft 365 subscribers, smaller businesses and individual users have limited options for removal. The policy aims to balance innovation with risk management, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, where data privacy is critical.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

I uninstalled Windows 11’s WhatsApp WebView2 and replaced it with the old native app with a new trick

WhatsApp's transition to a Chromium-based web wrapper has resulted in a significant increase in resource consumption for Windows 11 users, with RAM usage reportedly surging to 2GB, compared to less than 1GB for the older version. Users can revert to the older version, which utilizes native code and is more efficient, by following a series of steps involving enabling Developer Mode, downloading a specific package, and using PowerShell commands. The older version maintains a steady resource usage, with memory consumption peaking at 400 MB during status updates and remaining under 300 MB for general messaging. However, reverting to the older version will prevent users from receiving new updates, and it may eventually be phased out by Meta.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

It’s not weird to want a generative AI disclosure on games

The rising costs of RAM have delayed a PC upgrade for the author, who reflects on the implications of technology in gaming. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Steam's generative AI disclosure requirement, comparing it to revealing haircare routines. The author supports Valve's perspective, viewing the disclosure as a safeguard against issues related to generative AI, which has been accused of automating plagiarism and using copyrighted material. The energy demands of AI data centers are also a concern, drawing parallels to collective environmental damage. Transparency in AI usage in gaming is deemed essential, with Activision's vague statement about generative AI in Call of Duty raising questions. The author believes that if AI enhances games, developers should explain their creative processes. As AI-generated content becomes more common, there may be a trend for developers to announce their lack of AI involvement, though the prospect of creativity driven by algorithms is seen as disheartening.

Winsage

December 30, 2025

Microsoft’s change to Appxsvc may slow some Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft is modifying core system settings for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 by enabling the AppX Deployment Service (Appxsvc) to launch automatically upon boot-up, transitioning from a manual trigger system. This change was confirmed in the December 2025 "Patch Tuesday" update (KB5072033) for both Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. The Appxsvc will now remain active in the background from the moment the computer powers on, regardless of Microsoft Store access, to enhance system stability and minimize app installation failures or update glitches. Microsoft warns against manually reverting this setting, as it could lead to malfunctions in Store apps and essential services. Analysts suggest this move aligns with a strategy for updating Microsoft Store apps directly through Windows Update.

Winsage

December 27, 2025

Windows 11 Users Demand Leaner OS to Cut AI Bloat and Boost Speed

Microsoft is facing significant user criticism regarding Windows 11, particularly due to its emphasis on artificial intelligence features, which many users find unnecessary and detrimental to performance. Complaints include sluggish interfaces, increased resource consumption, and a cluttered user experience, leading to calls for a more streamlined version that prioritizes speed, reliability, and efficiency. Users have reported issues such as slow file explorers and excessive RAM usage, often linking these problems to AI-driven functionalities. Community-driven alternatives like Tiny11 have emerged, focusing on eliminating bloatware and AI features to enhance efficiency, especially on older hardware. Microsoft has acknowledged user concerns and promised improvements, but the integration of AI tools continues to dominate updates. The company is also reconsidering its strategy in response to backlash, including relaxing system requirements for certain versions of Windows. However, there remains a strong demand for a lightweight version that balances innovation with core functionalities, as users express frustration over imposed features and a lack of choice.

Winsage

December 17, 2025

Microsoft now runs resource-hogging AppX Deployment Service at Windows 11 startup

Microsoft released a cumulative update for Windows 11, designated as KB5072033, which included a change to the AppX Deployment Service (Appxsvc), setting it to automatic startup to improve reliability. This change was not initially mentioned in the release notes but was later added, noting that it aims to enhance reliability in isolated scenarios. Users have expressed concerns about high resource consumption linked to this service, particularly on lower-spec machines. The update also introduced a standardized format for Windows Update titles to improve readability, announced that there will be no non-security preview update in the latter half of December 2025, and noted that Secure Boot certificates for most Windows devices will expire starting in June 2026. Additionally, Windows Updates will not include updates for Microsoft Store applications, with enterprise users advised to consult Configuration Manager for updates.

Winsage

December 8, 2025

Script to Nuke AI Features from Windows 11 Goes Viral Amid Privacy Backlash

A script named "RemoveWindowsAI," hosted on GitHub by developer zoicware, allows users to disable or remove AI features in Windows 11, such as Copilot and Recall. It modifies registry keys, removes AppX packages, and installs a custom update package to prevent reinstallation. The tool supports Windows 11 versions starting from 25H2 and includes options for user interaction and backups. Interest in the script increased significantly after a post on X, leading to over 12,000 likes and 300,000 views. The repository has received 938 stars and 25 forks. Microsoft has integrated AI features into Windows 11 but faces user concerns regarding privacy and performance, with some users expressing dissatisfaction over resource consumption and data harvesting.

Winsage

December 7, 2025

Windows 11’s “Agenda” view in the Notification Center is a WebView2 (web app component), not native

Windows 11 will reintroduce Calendar Agendas to the Notification Center in an upcoming update, a feature that was absent since the transition from Windows 10. The new Agenda view, based on Outlook, will utilize a WebView2 component, which has raised concerns about its dependence on Edge resources. Microsoft is currently testing this feature in Windows 11 preview builds, with users reporting mixed results regarding its performance and resource usage. Activating the Agenda view has been observed to significantly increase CPU usage, particularly for the “Windows Shell Experience Host” process, which can rise from idle to consuming 6% to 20% of CPU resources. The memory footprint of the main host can escalate from about 1MB to over 130MB when the Agenda view is active. However, once the Notification Center is closed, Windows reduces resource consumption by putting these components into a dormant state. The Agenda view is designed to provide a clean, chronological list of scheduled meetings and will include optional AI features like 'Microsoft 365 Copilot' and direct access to Teams meetings. Initial assessments suggest that the Agenda view operates efficiently without excessive resource consumption, although there are ongoing discussions about optimizing WebView2 within the Notification Center.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Decline of Native Windows Apps: Electron’s Rise and Hybrid Future

Native Windows apps, once central to the desktop experience, are declining in favor of web-based technologies like Electron and Chromium. Developers are shifting towards web wrappers for cross-platform compatibility and efficiency, despite performance drawbacks. WhatsApp has transitioned from a native app to a web wrapper, prioritizing maintenance over performance. This trend is evident across various software categories, with applications like Spotify and Slack adopting web frameworks, leading to increased resource consumption and slower performance. Microsoft’s focus on cloud services and AI has influenced this shift, as has the demand for cross-platform solutions. Native apps are being overshadowed by web technologies, which often lack deep integration with Windows features. Performance trade-offs are significant, with web wrappers consuming more memory than native apps. The rise of progressive web apps (PWAs) and AI integration further complicates the landscape, suggesting a future where the definition of "native" may evolve. The tech community is divided on these changes, with some advocating for a balance between web and native solutions.