search tool Archives

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows 11’s latest optional update finally fixes search clutter

Microsoft has released KB5120998, an optional update for Windows 11 that includes a repositionable taskbar and an improved Windows Search functionality. The update eliminates mixed results from Bing, Copilot, and MSN, prioritizes relevant results over ads, and enhances clarity in search results. It also improves the search tool's ability to handle typos and incomplete terms.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Windows Search still can’t find half my files, because Microsoft fixed the wrong part

Windows 11's native Search feature has been improved with a new indexing system that automatically indexes frequently accessed folders. The latest build, 26100.9267, allows search results to appear after two keystrokes and is more forgiving of typographical errors. Users can choose between web or store suggestions. However, issues persist, such as files remaining invisible in indexed folders. Users have two indexing options: Classic mode, which covers limited locations, and Enhanced mode, which indexes all partitions but may affect battery life and CPU usage. Many users prefer third-party alternatives like Everything, which indexes files directly from the NTFS Master File Table without requiring mode selection. Despite improvements, the overall search experience in Windows remains unsatisfactory.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Google Play Store Could Soon Let You Search for Apps With Images

Google is developing a feature for the Play Store that allows users to attach images to their queries within Ask Play, its AI-driven conversational search tool. This feature enables users to upload an image or capture a new photo as part of their search process, allowing them to ask questions about the content depicted in the image. Additionally, Google is exploring modifications to the Ask Play interface on individual app pages, potentially replacing the current "Ask Play about this app" section with a horizontal row of suggested questions. These features are currently in development and not yet publicly available.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Google made the My Pixel app actually match your Pixel 11’s color

Google has updated its My Pixel app with the launch of the Pixel 11 series, introducing a color-matching feature for the app's icon that reflects the specific color of the user's Pixel 11 device. The app now adapts its icon color to match devices like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in Olive or Pro XL in Canyon. Additionally, a new search function has been added to help users quickly locate information and features within the app. These updates are currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 series and do not extend to older Pixel models.

Winsage

August 19, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 2 months

As of October 13, 2026, updates for Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, version 24H2, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will end. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to receive support until October 2027. Customers are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became available in September 2024. Devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, with users able to choose when to restart the update. Microsoft has stopped security updates for Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro editions as of November 2025. The free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for consumers has been extended until October 2027. Windows Server 2022 will enter extended support in October 2026, continuing to receive security updates until October 14, 2031.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft disables Windows 11’s new “Ask Copilot” Taskbar feature to “incorporate feedback” as it pivots to unified Copilot app

Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 Taskbar, integrating Copilot into the search experience. The feature, initially called "Ask Copilot," allows users to interact with Copilot while accessing traditional app and file searches. It has been gradually rolled out in a preview format to select users, primarily in commercial settings using Microsoft 365 Copilot. A consumer version is also in development, but the Ask Copilot feature has been temporarily removed to update the experience based on user feedback. Users will revert to the traditional Windows Search experience automatically during this transition. The Windows Search functionality is being redesigned for improved accuracy and speed. The Ask Copilot search pane includes a chat box for interactions with Copilot and shortcut buttons for Copilot Vision, but the full rollout of Ask Copilot will require further refinement.

Winsage

August 17, 2026

Windows Server 2022 reaches end of mainstream support in 60 days

Microsoft has announced that the mainstream end date for Windows Server 2022 is set for October 13, 2026, after which it will enter extended support until October 14, 2031. Windows Server 2022 became generally available in September 2021 and is part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) offering, which guarantees a decade of support. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025, which will be generally available in November 2024, and will reach its end of support on November 13, 2029, with five years of extended support until November 14, 2034. A free 180-day trial of Windows Server 2025 is available. Additionally, hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 will be extended until October 2027 for Datacenter: Azure Edition systems. The free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program has been extended by an additional year, and Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education editions will end updates on November 10, 2026, with a recommendation to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 is a small update with big quality-of-life improvements, expected around October 2026

Windows 11 will undergo a significant transformation with the upcoming annual update, version 26H2, which introduces enhancements to the interface, search functionality, backup processes, and AI integration. The update will allow users to reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen and adopt a smaller layout with reduced icon sizes. The Start menu will have new configuration options and a privacy feature for hiding account details during screen sharing. Search functionality will prioritize local content over web results, with an option to disable web results entirely. Cloud-assisted setup and recovery will become a default setting for eligible Microsoft Entra devices, automatically saving configuration settings and app lists. Copilot will be more integrated into daily operations, including a dockable side panel in File Explorer. Updates will also be made to traditional system tools, including a modernized Run dialog and enhanced security for administrator-level operations. The support timeline for Windows 11 installations will reset, with Home and Pro editions receiving 24 months of support and Enterprise and Education editions receiving 36 months. The hardware requirements remain unchanged, and the rollout of 26H2 is anticipated in the latter half of 2026, likely around October.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

I used Everything, Windows Search, and File Pilot to find lost files fast, and there’s one clear winner

Many users struggle with disorganized files, and Windows 11's built-in search tool is often slow and unreliable, yielding poor results. Testing showed that it struggles to find files in subfolders, even with enhanced indexing enabled. In contrast, File Pilot offers faster search functionality, filtering results to the current folder and allowing expansion to subfolders with a keystroke, though it lacks wildcard search capabilities. Everything is highlighted as the best option, known for its rapid indexing and customizable search criteria, making it superior to both Windows Search and File Pilot.

Winsage

July 30, 2026

How to remap the Windows 11 Copilot key and restore your missing Right Ctrl button

The Copilot key, introduced by Microsoft on Windows laptops over two years ago, is located to the right of the spacebar and provides access to Microsoft's Copilot AI. This key has been adopted by various manufacturers, including Lenovo, Dell, and HP, and is now found on many laptops even if they are not labeled as Copilot+ models. The key can replace the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key, which may disrupt users' workflows. Microsoft plans to release an update for Windows 11 that will allow users to remap the Copilot key to function as the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key. Two methods to remap the Copilot key include using Windows settings and Microsoft's PowerToys Keyboard Manager. Users can test the remapped functionality and revert changes if needed.