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Winsage

May 6, 2025

BitLocker is Locking Out Windows 11 Users; Here’s How to Recover and Prevent It

Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update enables BitLocker (Device Encryption) by default, encrypting the entire drive to protect user data. BitLocker is automatically activated during a clean installation when users sign in with a Microsoft account, and manufacturers will have it enabled by default on new PCs with this version. Microsoft has relaxed certain hardware requirements to increase accessibility. Users have reported being locked out of their PCs due to a lack of communication about BitLocker's activation process. The BitLocker recovery key can be found by signing into the Microsoft account linked to the PC at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey. To disable BitLocker, Windows 11 Home users can go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Encryption, while Pro users can search for Manage BitLocker in the Start menu. To prevent automatic BitLocker encryption during installation, users can modify settings in the Registry Editor.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Get A Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Minecraft Movie With This New Artbook

The Minecraft movie is performing well at the box office, and a new book titled A Minecraft Movie: From Block to Big Screen provides an overview of its production, featuring concept art and commentary from the production team. The book is 192 pages long and available on Amazon. Additionally, there is an official Minecraft Movie Coloring Book for younger fans, priced at .18. Other official Minecraft books, including The World of Minecraft, offer insights into the game's history and are available for .24. Merchandise related to the Minecraft Movie is being released, including action figures and a remote-control exploding Creeper. Fans can also preorder the Blu-ray release of the movie, which includes a Limited Edition 4K Steelbook Edition and a Walmart-exclusive Collector's Crafting Table Edition.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (KB5055653) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. Insiders on version 23H2 can opt to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. Key changes include the introduction of energy saver management in Microsoft Intune, allowing IT administrators to manage energy settings on Windows 11 PCs. Other updates involve UI experiments in Recall, taskbar enhancements, and graphics improvements for HDR capabilities. Fixes include resolving keyboard focus issues in the taskbar, startup sound playback issues, and scaling problems after sleep/resume. Known issues involve bugs with Xbox Controllers and live captions crashing. Insiders are reminded to keep their devices updated for optimal performance and access to features.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5055651) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - Energy Saver in Microsoft Intune: IT administrators can manage energy saver settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and MDM configurations, optimizing battery usage by limiting background activities and reducing screen brightness. - Taskbar Improvements: The needy state pill for apps has been redesigned, and administrators can allow users to unpin specific pinned apps. - Graphics Enhancements: Improved management of HDR capabilities, including refined wording for HDR settings and independent toggling of Dolby Vision mode. - Fixes: Resolved issues with taskbar keyboard focus, startup sound playback, scaling after sleep, and cumulative update errors. - Known Issues: Users may experience discrepancies in build version display after PC resets and issues with Xbox Controllers causing bugchecks. - Recall (Preview): Users can opt to remove Recall at any time, and intelligent text actions are now moderated locally. - Windows Search: For optimal performance, devices should be connected to power during initial search indexing. - Task Manager: Users may see the System Idle Process showing as 0 after the addition of a new CPU Utility column. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 update is now automatically downloading on some PCs

Many users of Windows 11 will receive an automatic upgrade to version 24H2, confirmed by Microsoft. Devices running the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2) will receive this update without IT management intervention. The rollout began recently and will extend to users of Windows 10 and 11, unless hindered by compatibility issues. Users can manually check for the update through Settings > Windows Update. As of April, Windows 11's market share was 43.72%, compared to 52.94% for Windows 10, with the end of support for Windows 10 set for October 14, 2025. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 through ads and popups.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

I finally set up ExplorerPatcher on Windows, and I should have sooner

Windows 11 has received both praise and criticism, particularly regarding certain regressions compared to previous versions. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that restores familiar features from Windows 10, such as the Start menu and taskbar. It allows users to revert to the Windows 10 Start menu, which is more efficient and includes a resizable pinned area and an All apps list. The taskbar is also transformed to resemble Windows 10, offering individual icons for functions and expanded customization options. Additionally, ExplorerPatcher revives the Ribbon UI in File Explorer, enhancing usability despite the loss of tab support. However, users may experience occasional bugs, and the last update was in November 2024, raising concerns about ongoing support.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

How to Remove Login Password on Windows 11

To remove the login password on Windows 11 for a local account, open Windows Settings by pressing “Windows + I,” navigate to “Accounts,” select “Sign-in options,” expand the “Password” section, click “Change,” enter the current password, leave all fields blank on the next screen, and click “Next” and then “Finish.” For a Microsoft account, open the Start menu, type “netplwiz,” uncheck “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer,” and if necessary, adjust settings in Windows Settings under Accounts > Sign-in options to disable the toggle for “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended).” After that, return to the netplwiz window, uncheck the option, and click Apply > OK. Consider removing the PIN for a smoother sign-in experience.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Gemini app update adds Android homescreen widget

The Gemini app has introduced a new Android homescreen widget that is now widely available to users. The widget is highly resizable, incorporates Dynamic Color, and resembles the revamped widgets of Google Keep and Drive. It features a sparkle icon that launches the app and keyboard, and includes buttons arranged within a rounded rectangle, with a Gemini Live shortcut. Users can expand the widget to access additional functionalities like speech-to-text and the Gemini camera, and it can be configured in various layouts, including a search bar and a grid of shortcuts. The widget is part of Gemini app version 1.0.751104895 and is compatible with Android 10 and newer versions. Users can add it to their homescreen by updating the app and selecting Widgets.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

How to Easily Uninstall McAfee Antivirus Completely

McAfee can appear on computers without user consent, often pre-installed on new laptops or bundled with other software. To uninstall McAfee on Windows 10 or 11, users can access the Settings app or Control Panel to remove it. For Mac users, the McAfee Total Protection Uninstaller can be used, but some residual files may need to be deleted manually. If standard uninstallation methods fail, the MCPR removal tool can be used to thoroughly clean up remnants of the software. Uninstalling McAfee is generally not detrimental, as many users prefer alternative antivirus solutions or rely on built-in protections provided by their operating systems.

BetaBeacon

May 5, 2025

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – May 2025 round-up

- Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE is a game included with Apple Arcade subscription where players roll katamari to make them bigger in a mock livestream format. - The gameplay of Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE remains similar to its original version from 2004, with some minor changes in controls and influencer window dressing.