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Winsage

February 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (Dev and Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) has been released for the Dev and Beta Channels, introducing enhancements for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Key updates include an improved Windows Search feature that allows users to find cloud-stored files directly from the taskbar search box and a refined Recall (Preview) experience, which will delete previous snapshots but continue saving new ones if enabled in Settings. For Beta Channel users, the same updates are available as optional upgrades, with plans to make them recommended later this year. Insiders can switch from the Dev to the Beta Channel while both channels share identical build numbers, but this option will close once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers. The improved Windows Search feature supports finding cloud-stored photos by describing them, available for users signed into OneDrive with a personal Microsoft account. Support for third-party cloud providers is expected soon. The update also includes fixes for live captions, File Explorer reliability, and issues with Remote Desktop. Known issues include inaccuracies in build version display after a PC reset and problems with Recall not saving snapshots automatically. An update to the Snipping Tool introduces a new trim feature for screen recordings, allowing users to adjust start and end times.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft just made Windows 10 worse, and there’s (almost) nothing you can do about it

Windows 10 users are experiencing a transition to the new Outlook for Windows app, which has replaced the classic Mail & Calendar app following a recent update that also addresses security vulnerabilities. The new Outlook operates as a web app, leading to performance issues and mixed reactions regarding its design. A mandatory rollout of the new Outlook began this week with the Windows 10 KB5051974 update, which will be automatically installed for users on Windows 11 version 22H2. IT administrators can manage the update and can block or uninstall the new Outlook if necessary. Windows 10 is approaching its end of support in October, with fewer updates expected moving forward, while extended support will incur additional costs.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Windows 10 KB5051974 update adds a new app without asking

Microsoft has released the KB5051974 cumulative update for Windows operating systems versions 22H2 and 21H2, which includes essential security fixes and addresses a memory leak issue. This mandatory update introduces the new Outlook for Windows app, which can run alongside the classic version, allowing users to transition at their own pace. The update resolves several issues, including: - Fixing the code 10 error message stating, “This device cannot start,” after the January 2025 security update. - Removing automatic suggestions from Bing in the search box for alternative search engines like Baidu. - Restoring functionality for USB audio devices using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). - Correcting a problem where USB cameras failed to recognize when powered on. - Mitigating an issue that drained virtual memory, potentially causing applications to malfunction. The classic Outlook app is set to be retired in April 2026, prompting Microsoft's push towards the new app.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Windows 11 Patch Tuesday tweaks taskbar and adds handy icon in system tray for AI effects

Windows 11's latest Patch Tuesday updates include several enhancements and fixes: - Taskbar: Improved visual previews and smoother animations for taskbar applications. - Windows Studio Effects: New system tray icon for applications using Windows Studio Effects, with access to the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings. - Fonts: Introduction of Simsun-ExtG, a new simplified Chinese font supporting 9,753 ideographs. - File Explorer: New "New Folder" option in the context menu, restoration of previously open tabs, automatic activation of specific settings, and several fixes related to search functionality and icon updates. - Settings: Users can change time zones without administrative privileges. - Mouse: Fixed issues with cursor disappearance, transparency, and performance. - Pinyin IME: Bug fix for language switching. - Snipping Tool: Resolved distortion issues for multi-monitor screenshots. - Microsoft Excel 2016: Fixed loading screen issue for certain files. - Game Bar: Fixed recording failure issue. - HDR: Corrected oversaturation issues in some games. - DAC: Fixed playback issues with USB audio devices. - USB audio device drivers: Resolved code 10 error message. - Chinese Pinyin IME: Bing no longer provides automatic suggestions for certain search engines. - USB cameras: Fixed recognition issues post-January 2025 security update. - Passkey: Eliminated one-minute timeout for mobile device passkeys. - Power: Improved shutdown times with connected controllers. - Wi-Fi: Resolved unresponsive Windows Security dialog when signing into certain networks.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft is forcing the new Outlook for Windows app on Windows 10 users with the mandatory KB5051974 update

Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5051974 for Windows 10, which includes the automatic installation of the new Outlook for Windows app. The update highlights also mention fixes for various issues: - Resolved a problem where the Capture Service and Snipping Tool would stop responding when using the Windows logo key+Shift+S with Narrator active. - Stopped automatic suggestions in the Chinese Pinyin input method editor for search engines like Baidu, requiring manual suggestions via Ctrl+Tab or the chevron button. - Fixed playback interruptions with USB audio devices using USB 1.0 drivers. - Addressed a code 10 error message for certain external audio management devices. - Solved a recognition issue for USB cameras following the January 2025 security update. The update also includes security enhancements and bug fixes related to virtual memory, printer failures, and NFC readers.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5051987 & KB5051989 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11, KB5051987 and KB5051989, for versions 24H2 and 23H2, respectively. These updates are mandatory and include the February 2025 Patch Tuesday security enhancements. The build number for Windows 11 24H2 will be updated to Build 26100.3194, and for 23H2 to 226x1.4890. Key features and fixes include: - Taskbar: Enhancements to app previews and animations. - Windows Studio Effects: New system tray icon for compatible applications using a neural processing unit (NPU). - Fonts: Introduction of Simsun-ExtG, a new simplified Chinese font with 9,753 ideographs. - File Explorer: New "New Folder" command, restoration of previously open tabs, and automatic activation of specific settings. Several issues fixed, including search behavior and file properties. - HDR: Fixed oversaturation issues in some games with Auto HDR. - USB audio devices: Resolved issues with USB 1.0 DAC audio drivers and fixed code 10 error messages. - Chinese Pinyin IME: Bing will stop providing automatic suggestions for specific search engines. - USB cameras: Fixed recognition issues post-January 2025 security update. - Passkey: Removed the one-minute timeout for mobile usage. - Power: Addressed slow shutdown issues with connected controllers. - Wi-Fi: Fixed unresponsiveness in Windows Security dialog when signing into certain networks. Microsoft reports no new issues following these updates. Users can check for updates manually to receive the latest enhancements.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 10 KB5051974 update force installs new Microsoft Outlook app

Microsoft has released the KB5051974 cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, which includes the new Outlook for Windows app and addresses a memory leak issue. This mandatory update provides essential security updates for January 2025 and can be installed via Windows Update. After installation, version 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5487, and version 21H2 to build 19044.5487. Users can also manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update includes several fixes, such as the introduction of the new Outlook app, resolution of issues with the Capture Service and Snipping Tool, disabling automatic suggestions from Bing in the Chinese Pinyin IME, fixes for USB audio device driver issues, and a solution for virtual memory depletion. Three known issues from previous updates include potential failures in OpenSSH connections, installation failures due to the Citrix Session Recording Agent, and an Event 7023 error related to SgrmBroker.exe, which does not affect device functionality. Microsoft plans to address these issues in future updates.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft Brings a Series of IMPORTANT Updates to Windows 11, What You’ll Get on Your PC

Microsoft has released a significant update for Windows 11, now available globally, which includes enhancements for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Key features include an upgraded Windows Search that allows users to find files in OneDrive using descriptive phrases in the File Explorer search bar. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders on Copilot+ and Snapdragon devices, with plans to extend it to AMD and Intel platforms soon. The update also introduces a revamped Settings home page for enterprise-managed devices, bug fixes, and performance improvements, including enhanced File Explorer stability and restored offline Outlook search functionality. Remote Desktop capabilities have been improved, and the Settings interface has been made smoother. The update is being gradually rolled out from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel, with further support for more hardware platforms expected in the future.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

How to get started with Windows Recall on Windows 11

Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces a feature called Windows Recall, which captures and remembers on-screen activities using AI. Users can configure settings for Windows Recall, including opting in or out, adjusting storage allocations (25GB for 256GB SSD, 75GB for 512GB SSD, and 150GB for 1TB SSD), deleting snapshots, and filtering specific apps and websites. The feature can filter sensitive information and allows users to pause and resume snapshots. Users can search for past activities using natural language queries and interact with snapshots to perform actions like copying text or erasing objects. Windows Recall operates only when the device is in use and does not upload data to the cloud. The data remains on the user's device, with encryption for security. The feature supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft 365 is getting a ‘massive’ redesign early next year

Microsoft will rebrand its Microsoft 365 app as "Microsoft 365 Copilot" and introduce a new user interface in mid-January 2025. Key changes include: - Elimination of the traditional top header, with essential tools moved to the bottom left toolbar. - The feedback button will be located under "Settings and more" in the bottom left toolbar. - A prominently featured search box on the Homepage for locating content, though the search experience remains unchanged. - Applications listed on the left toolbar will be aligned to the top, with AI features like Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and Copilot Pages grouped together. - The organization logo will no longer be visible in the app. - The "Back" button will be removed from the Windows app, but navigation will still be possible using the left AppBar. - The "My Day" feature will be discontinued, removing calendar and to-do functionalities. - The "Help me create" feature will be retired and replaced by AI-powered document creation capabilities in the new Copilot tab.