selection Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Using ‘one of Windows 11’s few truly useful AI features’ is about to get easier

Windows 11's Snipping Tool is being updated to include a Text Extractor feature, currently being tested by Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary channels. This feature allows users to select a screen region to scan for text, which can then be copied easily. The "More options" menu provides additional functionalities, such as removing line breaks or enabling automatic text copying. Microsoft aims to enhance user experience by making this feature more accessible and reducing the number of clicks needed to use it.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

I disabled these 5 Windows services to improve my PC performance

Windows operating systems have numerous background services that can consume system resources and slow down performance. Users can improve responsiveness by disabling non-essential services. 1. Windows Search: Indexes files and data for quick searches; can tax CPU and RAM. To disable: press Ctrl + R, type services.msc, locate Windows Search, stop the service, and set Startup type to Disabled or Manual. 2. SysMain (formerly Superfetch): Preloads frequently used applications into memory but can lead to unnecessary disk activity on SSDs. To disable: access services.msc, find SysMain, stop the service, and set Startup Type to Disabled. 3. Windows Update Delivery Optimization: Shares update files with other PCs, consuming bandwidth. To disable: go to Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced Options and turn it off. 4. Remote Desktop Services: Enables remote connections, which can drain resources and pose security risks. To disable: locate Remote Desktop Services in services.msc, stop it, and set Startup type to Disabled. 5. Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects usage data and can transmit sensitive information. To disable: turn off the service and navigate to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Diagnostics & Feedback to disable Diagnostic data. Additional services that may be disabled include Print Spooler, Fax, Bluetooth Support, and Windows Error Reporting Service for further performance optimization.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Microsoft adds a productivity-boosting feature to the Snipping Tool, and I love it

Microsoft has added a text extractor feature to the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, allowing users to extract text from images. This feature is available in the Dev and Canary channels and enables users to select specific image regions to scan for text. Users can manually select text or use a "Copy all text" button. Additional options include removing line breaks and automatically copying text to the clipboard. To use this feature, users must click the "Text Extractor" button in the Snipping Tool. Microsoft’s PowerToys also offers text extraction capabilities for users not on the Dev or Canary channels.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Windows Snipping Tool Lets You Copy Text and Create QR Codes Without Screenshots

Microsoft has released an update to its Snipping Tool, version 11.2503.27.0, which now allows users to extract text directly from their screens without needing to take a screenshot first. Users can activate the Text Extractor feature using a keyboard shortcut and select the area for text extraction, with an animation highlighting the selection. The update also includes a QR code generator for sharing extracted text, options for automatic text copying, and removal of line breaks. The new Text Extractor improves upon the previous Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature by streamlining the text copying process. However, some users may find it requires an additional step compared to directly using the scan tool.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Text extractor in Snipping Tool begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

The Snipping Tool (version 11.2503.27.0) in Windows 11 has introduced a new feature called the text extractor, located in the capture bar. This feature allows users to copy text directly to the clipboard without taking a screenshot first. Users can access the tool by opening the Snipping Tool with the shortcut Win + Shift + S or by launching the app directly. The text extractor enables users to select an area to scan for text, manually select text, or use the "Copy all text" button. Additional options include removing line breaks and automatically copying text to the clipboard, which also closes the Snipping Tool. Feedback can be submitted through the Feedback Hub under Apps > Snipping Tool.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

There’s AI Inside Windows Paint and Notepad Now. Here’s How to Use It

Companies are integrating artificial intelligence into their software, with recent updates to Windows applications like Paint and Notepad showcasing AI enhancements. In Windows Paint, a Copilot button introduces three features: 1. Image Creator: Users can generate images from descriptive prompts, selecting styles for the output. 2. Generative Erase: This tool lets users remove unwanted elements from images and fills in the background using surrounding pixels. 3. Remove Background: This feature isolates the main subject of an image by turning the background white. Generative Erase and Remove Background are free, while Image Creator requires AI credits available through Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscriptions. In Windows Notepad, the Copilot button offers features to refine existing text: 1. Make shorter and Make longer: Adjusts the length of selected text. 2. Change tone: Modifies the text's tone to be inspirational, formal, casual, or humorous. 3. Change format: Restructures text into lists, marketing language, or poetry. 4. Rewrite: Provides previews of rewritten text for selection. Notepad's AI-powered rewrites are limited for free users, with extensive use requiring AI credits tied to a Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription. The Copilot button can be disabled in settings for a distraction-free experience.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

The Best Steam Deck Games To Play In 2025

The Steam Deck is a popular portable gaming device that allows users to access a wide range of games from their existing Steam library. It features a curated selection of standout games, including major AAA titles, under-the-radar indie games, and Deck Verified games that ensure compatibility. The device also supports the installation of the Epic Games Store, expanding the library of available titles. Recommendations for accessories tailored to the Steam Deck are also provided, and the list of compatible games is regularly updated.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Don’t delete inetpub folder. It’s a Windows security fix

A new folder, typically located at C:inetpub, appears on Windows systems after installing the April Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 10 and 11. This folder is created as a security measure related to the vulnerability CVE-2025-21204, which could allow unauthorized access to system-level file management. Microsoft advises users to leave this folder untouched, as it is established with read-only SYSTEM-level access to prevent privilege escalation exploits. The folder will be created even if Internet Information Services (IIS) is not installed, and there are currently no known exploits for CVE-2025-21204. If the folder is deleted, it can be recreated by enabling IIS in the Windows features settings. Users can also manually create the folder with the appropriate permissions if desired.

Tech Optimizer

April 14, 2025

Malwarebytes named “Best Antivirus Software” and “Best Malware Removal Service”

Malwarebytes has been recognized in 2025 with several accolades: it is listed as PCMag’s “Best Antivirus Software for 2025,” “Best Malware Removal Service 2025” by CNET, and awarded “Best Protection Software 2025” by PCMag. The evaluations included real-world testing and independent lab assessments, highlighting Malwarebytes Premium's speed, effectiveness, and top-tier malware removal capabilities. CNET noted its easy-to-use, customizable interface.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

The Epic Store’s latest free games giveaway includes ‘over $100’ worth of stuff for the Forgotten Realms idle game

Epic Games is offering three free games this week: Arcadegeddon, a cooperative rogue-like shooter developed by IllFonic and launched in 2023, which includes in-game currency; River City Girls, a side-scrolling beat 'em up released in 2019; and Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, a clicker game inspired by Dungeons and Dragons that includes additional content such as the Lobita the Guardian Familiar pack and 9,760 Platinum. Epic's strategy of giving away free games has reportedly led to increased sales of paid games on the Epic Game Store. Next week's free game will be Botanicula, a microorganism adventure game released in 2012.