search box Archives

Winsage

June 23, 2026

“Windows Search needs less Bing” — Microsoft is finally adding an off switch in Windows 11

Microsoft has unveiled build 26300.8697 for Windows 11, which includes a new setting that allows users to disable Bing-powered web results in the Windows Search function. This feature aims to provide a more focused search experience by minimizing distractions from online suggestions. Users in the European Economic Area have had similar controls due to the Digital Markets Act, and Microsoft is now extending this functionality to all markets. The new setting can be found under Settings > Privacy & security > Search and is labeled "Web Searches." Additionally, the "Privacy & security" page has been reorganized for better usability, with new entry points for features like Passkeys and the Custom Dictionary. Currently, the feature is not officially available and can only be activated using ViveTool feature IDs, indicating that it is still in development.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Sorry Microsoft, Windows 10 taskbar is still better than Windows 11, and here’s why

The taskbars of Windows 10 and Windows 11 differ significantly in design and functionality. Windows 11 features a centered icon layout by default, while Windows 10 has left-aligned icons. The search functionality in Windows 10 includes a larger "Type here to search" bar, whereas Windows 11 offers a more compact search button or box. Windows 10's right-click menu provides extensive customization options directly, while Windows 11's is more minimalistic and requires navigating to settings for customization. Windows 10 allows users to toggle small taskbar buttons, a feature that was initially absent in Windows 11 but has since been reintroduced. Taskbar repositioning in Windows 10 is straightforward, while Windows 11 requires accessing settings for repositioning. Windows 11 combines app icons by default and hides labels, complicating navigation compared to Windows 10's clearer visual cues. The Start menu in Windows 10 is resizable and features Live Tiles, which are not present in Windows 11's fixed-size Start menu. Windows 10's News and Interests feature contrasts with Windows 11's Widgets board, which has been criticized for being intrusive. Windows 11's Quick Settings separates toggles and notifications into two panels, enhancing user experience, while Windows 10's clock flyout offered a native agenda view that has been removed in Windows 11. Windows 11 includes a performance enhancement for taskbar flyouts to improve responsiveness on budget hardware, a feature not needed in Windows 10. Additionally, Windows 11 introduces a Resume function for Android activities and is developing AI integrations for the taskbar, which are not available in Windows 10.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Start

The Start interface in Windows 11 is a centered floating window that can be accessed by clicking the Start button or using keyboard shortcuts like WINKEY or Ctrl + Esc. Key features include a Search box for initiating searches, a customizable Pinned section for frequently used apps, a Recommended area for recently accessed items, and an All section displaying all installed apps. Users can manage their account through the Account manager, access power options for Lock, Sleep, Shutdown, and Restart, and connect mobile devices via the Phone Link app. Customization options for the Start interface include moving the Start and Taskbar icons to the left, configuring Windows Search settings, and customizing the Pinned and Recommended sections. Users can pin, unpin, and rearrange app shortcuts in the Pinned section, adjust what appears in the Recommended section, and choose between different layout views in the All section. The Account manager allows limited customization of notifications, and users can add folders and mobile device slices to Start. The Quick link menu provides access to legacy management interfaces and can be accessed by right-clicking the Start button or using WINKEY + X.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Windows 11 just fixed one of Search’s dumbest limitations

Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 allows users to initiate a search with just two characters, down from the previous three-character minimum. This enhancement improves the search functionality by enabling meaningful searches with shorter inputs and enhances the ranking of search results, ensuring relevant files appear at the top. This update addresses frustrations for users who often use concise file names.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Microsoft is Finally Letting You Move the Windows 11 Taskbar

Windows 11 introduces taskbar customization features that allow users to reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen (top, bottom, left, or right) and resize it for improved workflow and adaptability. These features are currently available in Windows 11 Insider experimental builds. The Start menu and pinned icons automatically adjust to align with the new taskbar position. Users can enable smaller taskbar buttons to maximize screen space, which is particularly useful for compact devices. The taskbar can also be set to minimize at all times, only when full, or never. These updates aim to optimize screen space and enhance accessibility and personalization for diverse workflows and screen configurations.

Winsage

June 8, 2026

Meet the hidden Windows 11 tool that reveals what Task Manager misses

Microsoft has integrated Sysmon into Windows 11 through a system update, allowing it to operate in the background and log activities in the Windows Event Log. Indicators of suspicious processes include the absence of icons or descriptions, incorrect parent processes, spelling errors in names, unsigned executable files, packed executables, suspicious DLLs or services, open TCP/IP endpoints, and unusual URLs or character strings. To install Sysmon, users must access the Control Panel, enable Sysmon, and restart their PC. Activation requires running a command in the Command Prompt. Sysmon logs can be viewed in the Event Viewer under Microsoft > Windows > Sysmon > Operational. Users can filter events using an XML configuration file. After analysis, suspicious processes should be scanned with antivirus software, and files can be uploaded to VirusTotal for further examination. Sysmon continuously logs events, while Process Monitor captures snapshots of running processes, and both tools are available for free from Microsoft.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

The latest AI news we announced in May 2026

Gemini 3.5 is the latest iteration of AI models that integrates advanced intelligence with actionable capabilities for complex workflows. The Gemini app has been revamped to enhance user experience, featuring personalized daily briefs and the new Gemini Spark, which manages inboxes and schedules proactively. In Search, advanced AI capabilities have been introduced, including information agents that monitor and provide updates. The integration of Antigravity and agentic coding in Search allows for customized user interfaces and interactive visuals. A new intelligent Search box has been launched, marking the most significant upgrade in over 25 years, improving functionality and user experience.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Google gets a dose of social media with ‘Search Profiles’ to capture new audiences

Google has introduced a "Search Profiles" feature aimed at content creators and publishers, allowing them to showcase their latest articles, videos, and social media posts through the Discover feed and the knowledge panel. Creators with a significant following can claim and personalize their profiles. Additionally, Google announced a major update to its Search functionality, including a revamped AI Search box that encourages more conversational user interactions and introduces AI Overviews for direct question posing. This update aims to enhance content discovery and user engagement, particularly in technology and gaming.

Winsage

May 30, 2026

How to Free Up Disk Space on Windows 11

Your C: drive may be full, causing Windows to send reminders about low disk space or updates failing to install. Windows 11 includes built-in tools to help reclaim disk space. The guide outlines methods for recovering space, starting with the quickest techniques. 1. Cleanup Recommendations: Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations to review and remove temporary files, large or unused files, and apps. Deleting the previous Windows installation can recover several gigabytes but is irreversible. 2. Clear Temporary Files Manually: Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files to manually select and remove temporary files. 3. Empty the Recycle Bin: Right-click the Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin to reclaim space from deleted files. 4. Find and Move Large Personal Files: Use File Explorer to locate and move large files from Videos, Music, Pictures, or Downloads to an external drive. 5. Uninstall Unused Apps: Uninstall applications via Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, the Start menu, or Control Panel. 6. Turn On Storage Sense: Activate Storage Sense in Start > Settings > System > Storage to automate cleanups. 7. Configure Storage Sense Schedule: Adjust the schedule for Storage Sense cleanups in Start > Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense. 8. Use Classic Disk Cleanup: Access the classic Disk Cleanup tool by typing "disk cleanup" in the search box to remove system files and items overlooked by the Settings scan. 9. Free Up Local Space with OneDrive Files On-Demand: Enable Files On-Demand in OneDrive settings to keep files in the cloud and free up local space. 10. Redirect Where New Content Is Saved: Change the default save location for new files in Start > Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings. 11. Use External Storage to Install a Stuck Update: Connect an external USB drive with at least 10 GB of free space to assist with installing updates. 12. Rule Out Malware: Run a Windows Security antivirus scan if disk space continues to disappear unexpectedly. Deleting files in File Explorer moves them to the Recycle Bin, and space is not reclaimed until it is emptied. Deleting the previous Windows installation is irreversible and can only be done within 10 days of an upgrade. The KB5074105 update changed the scan context for Temporary files, preventing certain admin-restricted items from being detected. Storage Sense operates only on the system drive and does not automatically delete files in Downloads or OneDrive unless configured.

Winsage

May 26, 2026

Microsoft confirms plans to integrate Copilot with the Taskbar on Windows 11 this summer: Ask Copilot expected to debut “mid-2026”

Microsoft plans to introduce the Ask Copilot Taskbar feature for Windows 11 this summer, following testing with Insiders. This feature will replace the traditional search box on the Taskbar with a chat interface for engaging with Copilot. It aims to integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI agents into the taskbar and Start menu, facilitating quicker actions and minimizing context switching. The new search experience will include a floating popup that allows users to search for local files and interact with Copilot, showing improved accuracy compared to the current Windows Search. Although not available to the public yet, the launch is anticipated by mid-2026, subject to potential delays. Additionally, the Windows K2 initiative is focused on streamlining Copilot integration throughout the operating system.