search function Archives

Winsage

August 20, 2025

4 features in KDE Plasma that Windows 11 users are sorely missing out on

Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 have expressed dissatisfaction due to the removal of beloved features. Some have turned to alternatives like Linux, specifically Fedora KDE. KDE offers significant customization options, including the ability to place taskbars on any edge of the screen and create multiple taskbars for different purposes. Its file explorer, Dolphin, allows users to split the window into two views for easier file management. The Krunner search bar provides a quick way to launch applications, and KDE's Application Launcher can be resized and customized extensively, unlike Windows 11's Start menu. Overall, KDE is seen as a more flexible and feature-rich alternative to Windows 11.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

This could be my new PDF scanner app once Microsoft Lens is taken away

Microsoft Lens is integrating into Copilot, prompting users to seek alternatives like PDFgear Scan, a mobile scanning app that utilizes AI for document processing. Upon launching PDFgear Scan, users access its core functionalities directly, though newcomers may find this disorienting. The app offers various scan modes and organizational tools, but customization options are limited. It successfully scans documents with impressive OCR performance, even in challenging conditions, and allows saving extracted text in formats like DOCX, though it lacks advanced formatting options. PDFgear Scan excels in receipt tracking, efficiently capturing key data and allowing users to verify or modify information. It includes a search function with filters for categorizing purchases. While it offers basic editing tasks and signature creation, edited receipts may lose their original recognition. The app features an AI chatbot for querying scanned documents, but its accuracy can be questionable. PDFgear Scan is a free alternative to Microsoft Lens, providing a user-friendly interface and effective scanning capabilities, particularly for receipt management, but it lacks some specialized features of Microsoft Lens.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

6 settings I turn off on every new Windows computer for a smoother, more efficient experience

Microsoft's Windows 11 often does not meet the diverse needs of its users due to its one-size-fits-all default settings. Here are six adjustments that can improve the user experience: 1. The Recall feature, available only on Copilot+ PCs, allows for system snapshots but poses security risks; opting out during setup is advisable. 2. The default display timeout is set to 3–5 minutes; adjusting it to 15 minutes for display and 20–30 minutes for sleep can enhance productivity. 3. Many applications launch automatically at startup, which can slow down boot times; disabling unnecessary start-up programs can improve performance. 4. Modifying or disabling search indexing can enhance system responsiveness for users who do not frequently use the search function. 5. Curating notification settings can reduce distractions from the numerous system notifications in Windows 11. 6. Uninstalling OneDrive can simplify file management by avoiding complications from syncing desktop shortcuts across devices.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft’s new update makes your taskbar a productivity hub

Microsoft is introducing a suite of "lightweight" companion taskbar apps for work computer users, which will launch automatically upon starting the computer. The apps include: 1. People app: A contact management tool that syncs contacts from various sources and allows quick communication via Teams calls. 2. File Search companion: A tool for locating Microsoft 365 files across OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook, with filtering options and file previews. 3. Calendar app: A productivity tool for creating events, setting reminders, and managing schedules, which syncs across devices and integrates with other applications. The rollout of these features will begin this month for all Microsoft 365 Business users, aiming to enhance workflow efficiency and accessibility.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Windows 10 is ten years old and it had some of the best and worst ideas ever

Windows 10 was a significant advancement for Microsoft, introducing features like Cortana, a digital assistant, and Windows Hello, a biometric security feature. It celebrated its tenth anniversary but is set to retire in October 2025, with Microsoft ending support for it. Despite the rise of Windows 11, which faced criticism for its TPM 2.0 security requirements, Windows 10 maintained a strong user base until recently. Additional features included the Action Center and the Xbox App, while some elements from Windows 8 persisted. Cortana was designed to enhance user interaction, but Windows 11's changes have been viewed as less inclusive, impacting users with older PCs.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Is Microsoft Pushing Windows 11 Into Malware Territory?

Users are frustrated with Microsoft's direction for Windows 11, feeling that new features are more distracting than beneficial. The Widget board can be accidentally triggered, and the default multiple desktops setting can be irritating. The search function now prioritizes web browsing over file access, and the lock screen features advertisements for Microsoft services. The introduction of Copilot Vision and Recall has led to comparisons of Windows 11 to malware due to its invasive nature. Users are encouraged to find tips to disable intrusive features, although there is concern that Microsoft may remove these options in the future.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

7 features Windows 12 needs to borrow from its competitors

Microsoft has confirmed that the 2024 update will be Windows 11 version 24H2, not Windows 12. Nvidia may wait for Windows 12 to launch its N1X processor for laptops. Potential features for Windows 12 include a streamlined menu bar inspired by macOS, the ability to pin files to the dock from ChromeOS, a native preview feature similar to macOS's Preview, a Quick Insert menu like that on Chromebooks, offline setup options as seen in Linux, enhanced customization options akin to Linux Mint, and a more efficient search function similar to macOS's Spotlight.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 10 KB5062554 breaks emoji picker’s search feature

KB5062554, the July 2025 security update for Windows 10, has caused issues with the emoji picker search functionality, resulting in users receiving the message: “We couldn’t find this one” when searching for specific emojis. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem but has not provided a workaround. The only solution currently is to uninstall the KB5062554 update, which restores the search function. Additionally, there are issues with the Family Safety web filtering feature, preventing parents from approving browsers other than Edge, and problems with the Microsoft Changjie Input Method Editor, which users can address by reverting to an older version.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Windows 10 update messes up emoji picker, proving that even though the OS is about to shuffle into its grave, Microsoft can still break stuff

Windows 10's July update (KB5062554) has caused the emoji picker functionality to malfunction, particularly affecting the search feature, which now returns error messages indicating no results. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix for users on Windows 10, version 22H2. Some users have reported that uninstalling the July update resolves the problem. The update has sparked discontent among users, with discussions occurring on platforms like Reddit. Speculation exists regarding Microsoft's motivations for making changes to Windows 10 as it approaches its End of Life in October 2025.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

8 Android Apps That Will Supercharge Your Productivity

- Foxy Notes is a note-taking app that offers rich text formatting and integration with Google Drive, available in both free and premium versions. - MobileTrans allows quick and secure data transfer between devices, including specialized features for WhatsApp. - OnionShare enables private and secure file sharing using the Tor network, ensuring anonymity for users. - Rev Voice Recorder captures and transcribes audio accurately, supporting background recording and integration with Dropbox. - Memory Guardian protects clipboard privacy by automatically clearing sensitive data at customizable intervals. - Regain helps users manage screen time and promotes mindful digital habits with insights and features to reduce distractions. - WTMP monitors unauthorized access to phones by logging failed unlock attempts and requires device administrator permissions. - Safe Space is a secure storage app that encrypts sensitive files and requires biometric or PIN authentication for access. - Smart Launcher 6 customizes Android device interaction with automatic app sorting, adaptive themes, and privacy tools.