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Winsage

May 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This marks the transition from Build 22635.5305, the last update for version 23H2. All Beta Channel Insiders will be automatically upgraded to the latest version. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to perform tasks like editing images or summarizing documents directly from the context menu. Currently supported image actions are Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, with support for .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. New AI actions for Microsoft 365 files, such as Summarize and Create an FAQ, will be introduced soon, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription and enrollment in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Advanced settings have been redesigned and are now accessible via Settings > System > Advanced, including options for enabling long paths, managing virtual workspaces, and displaying Git information in File Explorer. Changes and improvements include added text descriptions for assistive technologies in the Accessibility flyout, notifications for incomplete search results in the Windows search box, and a new visual experience for the widgets board. User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management has been introduced to reduce power consumption during inactivity. Fixes include resolving issues with core Windows surfaces in safe mode, maximizing File Explorer, and loading Bluetooth information in Settings. Known issues involve incorrect build version display post-PC reset, bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers, and ongoing investigations into various features. Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will be based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may not be widely released as they are subject to testing and feedback.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to edit images and summarize documents via right-click options. Four image actions are available: Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, supporting .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. Upcoming AI actions for Microsoft 365 files include generating document summaries and creating FAQs, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot. Advanced settings have been redesigned for easier access, introducing features like Enable long paths and Virtual workspaces. Improvements include updates to the taskbar, search functionality, and accessibility features. Known issues involve problems with Xbox Controllers and various features in File Explorer and Narrator.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

How to get started with Semantic Indexing on Windows 11

Semantic Indexing is an AI-driven feature in Windows 11 that enhances search functionality using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to interpret the context and intent behind search queries. It allows users to search for files, settings, and content using conversational language rather than exact keywords. Semantic Indexing is integrated into various components of Windows 11, including File Explorer, the Start menu, and the Taskbar search box. It requires a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and is available on Copilot+ PCs starting with the May 2025 security update. Users can verify its activation by checking for specific AI components in the settings. The feature supports various file formats such as images and documents and is compatible with several languages, including English and Spanish. The rollout of these enhancements will occur gradually.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft Releases Detailed Guide to Fix Windows Blue Screen Errors

Microsoft has released an official guide to address the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issues in Windows 11 and Windows 10, updated on May 11, 2025, following a significant global outage in July 2024 caused by a problematic CrowdStrike update. The guide categorizes troubleshooting into basic and advanced steps, highlighting common error codes like PAGEFAULTINNONPAGEDAREA (0x00000050). Approximately 75% of stop errors are attributed to faulty drivers, making driver verification essential. Basic troubleshooting includes removing recently added hardware, booting into Safe Mode, checking Device Manager for problematic components, ensuring 10-15% free disk space, installing the latest Windows Updates, and using System Restore. Advanced troubleshooting involves using Event Viewer, running Windows Memory Diagnostics, and analyzing memory dumps with WinDbg. The guide emphasizes the resource-intensive nature of Driver Verifier and suggests testing suspicious drivers in smaller groups. It also includes hardware-specific troubleshooting tips, such as checking for overheating components and performing disk diagnostics with the “chkdsk” command.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Introducing all-new Surface Copilot+ PCs: The Surface Pro, 12-inch and Surface Laptop, 13-inch

Copilot+ PCs are a new category of personal computing devices designed to enhance AI experiences and productivity. Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop (13-inch) and Surface Pro (12-inch) as part of this lineup, both featuring Snapdragon X Plus processors with Neural Processing Units (NPU). The Surface Laptop, available from May 20, 2025, starts at 9, is the thinnest and lightest model yet, and offers up to 23 hours of video playback. It has a full HD touchscreen, AI-enhanced camera, and a keyboard with a fingerprint reader. The Surface Pro, also powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, weighs 1.5 pounds and features a detachable keyboard and adjustable kickstand. Both devices incorporate sustainable materials, with the Surface Laptop using 100% recycled cobalt in its battery and the Surface Pro made from 82.9% recycled content. They provide access to AI tools for productivity, including features like Recall and Click to Do. Pre-orders for both devices are available, with the Surface Pro starting at 9 and the Surface Laptop at ,199.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Microsoft rolls Windows Recall out to the public nearly a year after announcing it

Microsoft is rolling out enhancements for Copilot+ PCs, including the Recall feature and a revamped Search function that understands contextual meanings for a more intuitive experience. The new "Click to Do" feature allows users to copy text from images, search on-screen content, and summarize or rewrite text by pressing the Windows key and clicking. To use Copilot+, PCs must have specific hardware requirements, including a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second. Supported processors for Copilot+ include Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, Intel's Core Ultra 200V-series laptop chips, and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series. The Recall feature and enhanced Search are available for both Arm and x86 PCs, while some Click to Do features are exclusive to Arm systems.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Copilot+ PCs are leveling up — Windows 11 beta reveals new AI upgrades, but there’s a catch

Windows 11 Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel) introduces advancements in Copilot+ PC functionalities and addresses issues with the OneDrive syncing app. Users can register for updates and access the Insider Preview by activating the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option. Notable enhancements include the ability to add custom words to the dictionary through voice commands and an improved guided tour for Voice Access. Additional updates allow users to disable cloud content searches, gain control over widget notifications, and fix Start menu crashes. Not all Copilot+ PCs will receive these updates immediately, with a focus on Snapdragon X Elite devices, though features will eventually be available for AMD and Intel-powered devices. The new accessibility features are available to all users immediately.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Copilot+ PCs are leveling up — Windows 11 beta reveals new AI upgrades, but there’s a catch

Windows 11 Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel) introduces new Copilot+ PC features and addresses significant user issues. Users can access updates by enabling “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” and checking for updates. Key improvements include the ability to add custom words to the dictionary through voice access and an improved voice access tour. Additional updates feature options to disable cloud content searches, refined widget notification controls, and a fix for the Start menu crash when creating folders. Not all Copilot+ PCs will receive these features at the same time, with a focus on Snapdragon devices first, while accessibility features are available immediately to all users.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (KB5055642) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include: - New Text Actions in Click to Do: - "Practice in Reading Coach" allows users to enhance reading fluency and pronunciation. - "Read with Immersive Reader" offers a distraction-free reading environment with customizable text options. - Finding Photos Saved in the Cloud via Windows Search: Users in the European Economic Area can search for cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar by describing them. - Improvements for Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Improved Windows Search: Users can disable cloud content searching via settings. - File Explorer Changes: Folders opened from outside File Explorer will default to opening in a new tab if an existing window is open. - Widgets Improvements: Notification settings can be controlled per feed or dashboard. - Windows Security Update: Additional details for Pluton TPM chips will be displayed in the Windows Security app. - Settings Update: The printer renaming dialog has been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals. - Fixes: Resolved issues include Start menu crashes, color display issues in snap layouts, slow loading times for search, and voice typing issues in the Chinese layout. - Known Issues: Some apps may not install from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Recovery Environment may not function properly after the update. - Reminders: Users can remove Recall at any time, and updates in the Dev Channel are based on Windows 11, version 24H2.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872 (KB5055640) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, improvements, and fixes. Key features include: - New text actions in Click to Do: "Practice in Reading Coach" for reading fluency and "Read with Immersive Reader" for a distraction-free reading experience, available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. - Enhanced Windows Search for locating cloud-stored photos by describing content, available to Insiders in the European Economic Area. - Voice Access improvements: users can add custom words to the dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Users can disable cloud content search on their Copilot+ PCs. - File Explorer will now open folders in a new tab by default if an existing window is open. - Notification settings in widgets are being improved. - Windows Security will show additional details for Pluton TPM chips. - The printer renaming dialog has been updated. Fixes include resolving issues with the Start menu, windowing, search on the taskbar, input, Task Manager, and voice access. Known issues include initial build version discrepancies and non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users. Insiders will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package.