search functionality Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Windows Users Get Exclusive Taskbar Apps That Integrate with Microsoft 365

Microsoft is introducing three lightweight companion applications—People, File Search, and Calendar—designed to enhance the user experience for Microsoft 365 customers by transforming the Windows taskbar into a command center. These apps will be automatically launched upon startup and provide immediate access to Microsoft 365 functionalities. The People app allows users to initiate Teams calls and manage contacts, the File Search app simplifies file location across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and the Calendar app offers visibility into upcoming commitments and integrates with other tools. The rollout is scheduled for this month through standard update channels. This initiative reflects Microsoft's strategy to deepen integration of its services within the Windows experience, aiming to enhance user productivity and strengthen its competitive position. However, it has faced scrutiny from regulators, particularly the European Commission, regarding its bundling strategies, leading to commitments to unbundle Teams from its offerings and enhance interoperability with competing platforms.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5063878 (24H2) boosts performance, direct download links (.msu)

Windows 11 KB5063878 is a mandatory update that introduces features such as Quick Machine Recovery, improved stability, and enhanced system performance. The update will automatically download and install, identified as the 2025-08 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5063878), advancing systems to Windows 11 Build 26100.4946. It addresses stability issues reported after the May 2025 updates, particularly in gaming scenarios. Direct download links for offline installers (.msu) are available on the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update includes a new Settings UI with an AI-powered search bar, enhancements for handheld gaming, a redesigned Black Screen of Death (BSOD), and Quick Machine Recovery for unbootable systems. Users in Europe with Copilot+ PCs gain new AI features like Recall, which can be disabled through Privacy & Security settings. Fixes in this update include resolving Windows Firewall errors, issues with the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS), visibility problems in File Explorer, and bugs affecting the Settings app and laptop lid options. Microsoft is unaware of any current issues with the update and will continue testing.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Windows 10 KB5063709 update fixes extended security updates enrollment

Microsoft has released the KB5063709 cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, addressing a critical bug that prevented users from enrolling in extended security updates. This mandatory update includes Microsoft's July 2025 Patch Tuesday security updates, resolving one zero-day vulnerability and 136 other flaws. After installation, Windows 10 version 22H2 will be upgraded to build 19045.6216, and version 21H2 will transition to build 19044.6216. Users can manually check for updates in Settings under Windows Update, and they can also download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Key changes and fixes in the KB5063709 update include: - Fixed an issue affecting the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates enrollment wizard. - Updated enhancements to Country and Operator Settings Asset profiles. - Introduced the capability to deploy SKUSiPolicy VBS Anti-rollback protections via Secure Boot. - Fixed stability issues on certain devices following the May 2025 security update. - Fixed issues with the Microsoft Changjie Input Method, emoji panel search functionality, and phonetic input methods for Hindi and Marathi keyboards. Microsoft has confirmed there are no known issues associated with this update.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Microsoft ‘rationalizes’ Windows Search settings in latest Windows 11 build

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 for users in the Canary channel, focusing on enhancements to Windows Search functionality. The update consolidates Windows Search settings into a single page under Settings > Privacy & security > Search, featuring a modern visual layout for easier navigation. This build primarily serves as a maintenance release, addressing various system issues, including a fix for File Explorer crashes and input method malfunctions. However, known issues persist, such as potential loss of Windows Hello PIN for users transitioning from other channels, display problems during upgrades, and remote desktop limitations. Investigations are also ongoing regarding non-functional widgets after the upgrade.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Google Maps sucks on unpaved roads, so I use this open source app instead

Google Maps is primarily designed for well-marked, paved roads and does not adequately highlight gravel routes, making it less effective for navigating unpaved paths. In a poll, 55% of users preferred OsmAnd for unpaved road navigation, compared to 20% for Google Maps. OsmAnd offers features like a color-coded system for road types, offline map support for entire regions, and the ability to import KML or GPX files. However, it has challenges such as cumbersome customization options, less detailed information compared to Google Maps, and performance issues on Android Auto.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Microsoft finally exorcises the ghost of Windows Vista that’s been haunting the testing channels

Microsoft has addressed a bug in the Windows 11 testing channels that replaced the startup sound with that of Windows Vista. This issue first appeared in the Beta and Dev channels, then resurfaced in the Canary branch. A new patch for the Canary branch has restored the correct Windows 11 boot sound and fixed other bugs, including black desktop backgrounds and crashes in the Settings application. Key changes in the latest update include: - Restoration of the correct Windows 11 boot sound. - Improvements to the desktop experience, resolving unexpected black backgrounds. - Stability enhancements for the Settings application, particularly in the Power & Battery section. - Repositioning of the search functionality in the Settings menu for easier access. Additional fixes include resolving an audio issue after casting to a TV, addressing system crashes for some users after upgrading, and fixing display issues in the Group Policy Editor for certain languages. Known issues that remain include complications with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning to the Canary Channel and visual glitches during upgrades.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

One of 2024’s best games and a new horror classic has been delisted on Itch.io amid the payment processor crackdown on NSFW games

Itch.io confirmed that the game Mouthwashing has been de-indexed since October 2024, a decision not related to payment processor crackdowns. The game is currently not indexed due to not meeting specific criteria for discoverability on the platform, as it directs users to its Steam page instead of offering purchasable content directly on Itch.io. Despite this, Mouthwashing remains accessible on Itch.io via a direct link and is available for purchase on Steam.

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 27, 2025

Five things Windows 10 never fixed

Microsoft announced in 2015 its intention to phase out the legacy Control Panel in favor of the Settings app, but the transition remains incomplete nearly a decade later. The Windows Recovery Environment error 0x80070643 has persisted for over a year without an automated fix from Microsoft, leaving users to troubleshoot manually. Tablet Mode, intended to provide a touch-friendly interface, has not significantly improved productivity, with users often preferring to use a keyboard. Windows Search prioritizes Bing, which can lead to unsatisfactory search results for users. The Fluent Design scheme introduced in 2017 has been inconsistently applied, resulting in a mix of modern and legacy design elements and uneven implementation of dark mode across Microsoft applications.

Tech Optimizer

July 23, 2025

YugabyteDB Extends its Vector Search Functionality and PostgreSQL Compatibility for AI App-Developers

Yugabyte has released a new version of YugabyteDB, which is a distributed PostgreSQL database designed for AI-powered applications. Key features include the YugabyteDB MCP Server for AI experiences, integration support with platforms like LangChain and Google Vertex AI, multi-modal API support for MongoDB, online upgrades without downtime, enhanced PostgreSQL compatibility, and built-in connection pooling. YugabyteDB aims to provide tools for developers building mission-critical AI applications, with a focus on resilience, scalability, and geo-distribution. The new version will be showcased at the Distributed SQL Summit Asia on July 24, 2025.