Samsung Galaxy Archives

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Windows 11 March Update Blocks Microsoft Account Sign-In in Office and Copilot Apps

Microsoft's Windows 11 March update (versions 25H2 and 24H2 with KB5079473) has caused sign-in issues for users of Microsoft applications, including Teams, OneDrive, Edge, Excel, Word, and Microsoft 365 Copilot. Users may see a message stating they need an internet connection, despite being connected. This problem is linked to a network connectivity state that the update fails to manage, affecting only Microsoft accounts. Restarting the device can temporarily resolve the issue, but it may recur. Microsoft is working on a fix expected to be released early next week. Additionally, there are reports of access issues with the C: drive on Samsung devices, which Microsoft is also investigating, noting that this problem is not solely due to the March update.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

I don’t recognize the Android I fell in love with anymore

In 2010, the author purchased a Samsung Galaxy 5, which introduced them to the Android ecosystem characterized by freedom, openness, and choice. By 2026, the Android platform had evolved significantly, with restrictions on sideloading impacting the author's nostalgic view of the system. The early 2010s were marked by diverse hardware innovations, such as microSD expansion and customizable features, alongside software freedom that allowed for extensive customization and app installations. Over time, Android transitioned to a more structured ecosystem focused on user safety, reflecting the need to protect personal information. The author acknowledges the trade-off between openness and security, recognizing the importance of safeguarding users, even if it means accepting a more restrictive environment.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 has been released to the Canary Channel. New features include: - A shared audio feature that allows two users to share audio with individual volume sliders for each listener and a taskbar indicator for audio sharing. - The context menu now displays the “Open” verb that matches the icon of the file's default application when right-clicking on .exe, .bat, or .cmd files. - An updated Feedback Hub app with a simpler feedback submission flow, improved navigation, a new compliment feedback type, options for private or public feedback, and enhanced screenshot capture tools. Additional notes for Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel include that features are rolled out gradually, a desktop watermark is present in pre-release builds, some features may appear in other channels first, localization may be incomplete, and exiting the Canary Channel requires a clean installation of Windows 11.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Microsoft: March Windows updates break Teams, OneDrive sign-ins

Microsoft has acknowledged that the March update for Windows 11 (KB5079473) has caused sign-in complications with Microsoft accounts in various applications, including Teams, OneDrive, Microsoft Edge, Excel, Word, and Microsoft 365 Copilot. Users may receive error messages indicating a lack of Internet connection during sign-in attempts, despite being online. This issue affects Microsoft account sign-ins but does not impact businesses using Entra ID for app authentication. Microsoft is working on a fix and suggests users restart their PCs while connected to the Internet as a temporary workaround. If restarted without an Internet connection, the sign-in problem may persist. Additionally, Microsoft has released two emergency out-of-band updates for Bluetooth visibility issues and security vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service. Guidance has also been provided to resolve access issues related to the C: drive and app failures on certain Samsung Windows 11 laptops due to a problematic version of the Samsung Galaxy Connect app.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Locked out of C drive on your Windows PC? Microsoft outlines fix for Samsung app bug

Microsoft has removed the Samsung Galaxy Connect app from its Microsoft Store due to reports of users being locked out of their Windows C drive on Samsung laptops and desktops running Windows 11. The app was identified as the cause of the lockout, displaying error messages that prevented access to the system drive. Microsoft and Samsung confirmed the app's role in the issue and have provided a recovery guide for affected users, which includes steps to regain access to the C drive. Users are encouraged to contact Samsung Support for assistance with the recovery process.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Microsoft publishes instructions on how to restore access to C: drive in Windows 11 on Samsung laptops

In March, users experienced issues accessing the C: drive on Samsung laptops, initially thought to be caused by an upcoming Windows 11 update. Microsoft clarified that the issue was due to Samsung's Galaxy Connect program. Both companies collaborated to resolve the problem, and Microsoft provided instructions for users to restore access, which typically takes around 15 minutes. Users should log in with an administrator account or contact Samsung support for help. The restoration process involves uninstalling the Samsung app, adjusting drive permissions, creating a restore file, and running it as an administrator. Microsoft's instructions do not require reinstalling Windows or deleting data, except for the Samsung applications. If issues persist, users are advised to contact Samsung technical support.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Microsoft publishes a workaround for Samsung’s C: drive woes

Microsoft has released a guide to help users regain access to their C: drives affected by a Windows security update that impacted the Samsung Galaxy Connect app. Users must sign in with administrator rights, uninstall the Samsung applications, change file ownership on the C: drive to 'Everyone,' create a batch file to restore permissions, and restart their devices. Microsoft and Samsung have validated these recovery steps, and users can seek additional support from Samsung if needed. The Samsung Galaxy Connect app was temporarily removed from the Microsoft Store, but a previous version has been reinstated. The issue is marked as "Resolved," indicating no further patch from Microsoft is expected.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Microsoft and Samsung scramble to fix a major C: drive lockout bug on Galaxy devices — faulty Galaxy Connect app leaves users with ‘limited’ recovery options following recent Windows 11 update

An unusual bug affecting Windows 11 users on Samsung devices prevents access to the main C: drive, following a February 2026 security update (KB5077181). Users receive an "Access denied" message when trying to launch applications or access files. The issue is linked to a Samsung-specific application, particularly the Galaxy Connect and Galaxy Share Folder applications, which may have broken Access Control Lists in Samsung’s factory image for Windows. Affected devices include various models of the Galaxy Book 4 laptops and certain Samsung Desktop models. Users are advised to remove the affected applications or revert to a recommended version while awaiting an official resolution from Microsoft and Samsung.

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Samsung Windows 11 Bug Blocks Access to C: Drive on Some Laptops

Microsoft has identified the Samsung Galaxy Connect app as the source of a significant bug affecting Samsung laptops running Windows 11, which causes "C: is not accessible - Access denied" messages. This issue prevents users from accessing files, launching applications like Outlook and Office, and performing administrative tasks without specific user action. Initially suspected to be related to Samsung Share, the investigation confirmed the Galaxy Connect app as the culprit. The bug has been reported in Brazil, Portugal, South Korea, and India, particularly affecting the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and other Samsung devices, though a comprehensive list of affected models has not been provided. In response, Microsoft has removed the Galaxy Connect app from the Microsoft Store and is working with Samsung to investigate the issue. Samsung has reintroduced a stable older version of the app to help users. Users are advised not to install or update the Galaxy Connect app and to wait for an official patch, as recovery options for affected devices are currently limited.