rollout phase Archives

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Windows 11 now auto-downloads the 24H2 update, whether you want it or not

Microsoft has begun the final rollout phase for the Windows 11 24H2 update, which is now being automatically deployed to consumers. Users on Windows 11 Home or Pro versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2, not managed by IT departments, will receive the update automatically unless a safeguard hold is in place due to potential issues. Notifications will be sent via Windows Update when the update is downloading and ready for installation. Users can postpone the update but cannot decline it entirely.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Microsoft Confirms You Cannot Cancel New Windows PC Update

Microsoft is urging Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 is set to expire on October 14. The Windows 11 24H2 update has entered its final rollout phase and will be automatically downloaded for Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, specifically versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2 that are not managed by IT departments. Users will receive notifications for the upgrade, but cannot cancel the installation once downloaded. Currently, over 53% of users remain on Windows 10, highlighting the urgency to upgrade. Microsoft offers a free upgrade for compatible hardware and a 12-month security extension, though details on this option are limited.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Gemini website tweaks text field, adds model info to Android app

Google is refining the user interface of its Gemini platform, enhancing the web and Android app experiences. The text field on the Gemini website now mirrors the mobile app design, with the 'plus' or "Upload Image" icon repositioned to the far left. Advanced subscribers have access to options like Images, Files, Drive, and Code folder through this menu. The “Ask Gemini” feature follows the upload icon, and the microphone icon has been updated for a polished appearance. The pill-shaped text box has changed from a raised container to a thin outline. The Android app is introducing model identification features, displaying “Gemini Advanced” on the homepage and “1.5 Pro” in chat conversations. A “Saved info” option has also been added to the account menu, directing users to gemini.google.com/saved-info.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Gemini app rolling out ‘Make calls and send message without unlocking’

Google is enhancing its Gemini assistant by introducing a feature that allows users to make calls and send messages without unlocking their devices. Users can enable this feature in Gemini Settings under "Make calls and send messages without unlocking." To use it, they must enable their calling and messaging applications within Gemini. Google began rolling out Gemini Extensions for the Phone and Messages apps in late October, but the new setting serves as a fallback if the extensions are not active. Users can place calls while their phones are locked, although the feature is still in the rollout phase and may not be available to all users immediately. This functionality is currently available with the Google app version 15.48 beta.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Windows 11’s new ‘Recommendations & Offers’ page might give you more say over what ads you see, but probably not enough to make you happy

Microsoft is updating the Settings app in Windows 11 to include a new page called 'Recommendations & Offers,' replacing the previous 'General' section under 'Privacy & security.' The update clarifies descriptions for managing ads and recommendations and includes a relocated and rebranded option called 'Personalized offers,' which allows users to toggle personalized tips, ads, and recommendations on or off. The feature is still in the rollout phase and may be integrated with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. This change aims to improve user control over advertising preferences, although it does not indicate a reduction in Microsoft's overall advertising strategy within the operating system.

Winsage

August 10, 2024

Microsoft: Windows 11 22H2 reaches end of support in 60 days

Microsoft will end servicing for Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2 editions on October 8, 2024, meaning users will no longer receive security updates. Affected editions include Windows 11 22H2 Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE, released on September 20, 2022, as well as Windows 11 21H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions. The last security update for these versions will be released on October 8, 2024. Microsoft will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 11 Home and Pro devices not managed by IT departments as they approach their end of servicing. Microsoft has started rolling out Windows 11 23H2, also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update, which began in September for Release Preview Insiders and will be broadly deployed in late October. Starting in February, Microsoft began force-installing the 2023 Update on eligible systems nearing or past their end-of-service date. Users can check their eligibility for the Windows 11 2023 Update using the PC Health Check app.

Winsage

July 8, 2024

Microsoft: Windows 11 22H2 reaches end of service in October

Microsoft has begun force-installing the Windows 11 2023 Update on eligible systems that have reached or are nearing their end-of-service date.