Settings app Archives

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

There’s a new hidden way to customize your Pixel home screen. Here’s how to find it

The latest update for Google Pixel phones, Android 17, introduces a feature that allows users to hide app names on their home screens, enhancing customization options. To use this feature, devices must be updated to Android 17, which began rolling out on June 16. Users can check for updates through the Settings app. To hide app names, users need to press and hold on a blank area of the home screen, navigate to Wallpaper & style, tap Icons, toggle off Show app names, and apply the changes. App names will still be visible in the app drawer, and users can easily revert to displaying app names if desired.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Google Might Have Finally Fixed Android Auto’s Worst Connection Issue

Issues with Android Auto related to device connections have been prevalent, particularly for Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Google Pixel devices, due to software glitches. Google released Play Services version v26.15 in April to address these problems, but it did not fully resolve them. The latest update, Google Play Services v26.22, began rolling out on June 8 and includes bug fixes for device connection issues. The changelog notes '[Auto] Bug fixes for Device Connections related services.' Users can check for this version in the Settings app under Google > All services > System Services. Version 26.23, which is also rolling out, includes performance enhancements and bug fixes for system management and diagnostics. Additionally, Android Auto has undergone a significant update in 2026, introducing support for Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader and four new features, including expanded widget support.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

I dug through the Windows 11 Insider builds for June 2026 and found 7 features worth paying attention to

Microsoft rolled out several preview builds of Windows 11 in early June 2026 as part of the Windows Insider Program, focusing on refining existing functionalities rather than introducing many new features. A new Beta channel for version 26H1 was launched, featuring: - Screen Tint: An accessibility feature that provides a system-wide color overlay to reduce eye strain, accessible through Settings > Accessibility > Vision > Screen Tint, offering six preset colors or custom hues. - Low Latency Profile: Temporarily boosts processor frequency for 1 to 3 seconds during interactive tasks, improving application launch times by up to 40% and interaction times by as much as 70%, operating automatically without manual toggles. - Widgets Experience Update: Widgets now open without hover activation, Taskbar badges are off by default, and alerts are limited until user interaction. The dashboard displays Widgets under "widgets," and badging aligns with the system accent color. - Magnifier Enhancements: Users can input specific zoom percentages directly and access additional zoom presets ranging from 5% to 400%. - File Explorer Changes: Improvements for compatibility, performance, and reliability, including support for paths with double backslashes and quotation marks, and middle-click support for opening folders in new tabs. - Windows Update: Unification of drivers, .NET, and firmware updates with monthly quality updates, reducing required restarts to one per month. - Windows Search Enhancements: Improved handling of typos, missing letters, and partial app names, prioritizing accurate search results even with input errors.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Windows 11 Is Hiding A ‘God Mode’ Folder That Most Enthusiasts Would Love

Windows 11 features a "God Mode" folder, which serves as a centralized hub for accessing a wide range of Windows settings and utility tools that are typically scattered across the Control Panel. This feature is not officially designated by Microsoft but is popular among power users for its extensive access to settings. To create the God Mode folder, users must manually create a new folder on their Desktop and rename it to .{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}, which will transform the folder icon into the Control Panel icon. Inside the folder, settings are organized into collapsible sections, and a search bar allows for quick navigation. Users can double-click options to access specific settings, and while the folder cannot be pinned to the Start menu or taskbar, it can be accessed from the Desktop and frequently used settings can be dragged to the Desktop for convenience.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

3 unofficial Android Auto apps I installed to make my car screen more useful

Android Auto offers a limited selection of applications due to restrictions imposed by Google, but users can enhance its functionality by sideloading unofficial apps from outside the Play Store. Sideloading allows for the installation of additional applications that can significantly improve the driving experience, especially for owners of older vehicles. To sideload apps on Android Auto, users must unlock developer mode on their phone and Android Auto, then install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) to access unofficial apps. Three notable sideloaded apps include: 1. CarStream: Allows users to access YouTube on Android Auto, enabling video searches and subscriptions while the vehicle is in motion. 2. AA Browser: Provides a web browsing experience on Android Auto, ideal for accessing websites that may not support the platform natively. 3. Fermata Auto: An all-in-one media toolkit that plays locally stored videos and music, screen mirrors, and allows live TV viewing through IPTV links.

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 14, 2026

What’s New With Windows 11 in 2026

Windows 11, introduced by Microsoft in 2021, has evolved into a simpler and more attractive platform while retaining familiarity. As of 2026, it continues to enhance features and address customer feedback. Microsoft now releases a new version of Windows 11 annually, with each version supported for two years for Home and Pro editions. Currently, versions 24H2 and 25H2 are supported and functionally identical, while the new 26H1 version is for laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors. The hardware requirements have become more lenient, and Microsoft has introduced a Copilot+ PC brand for high-end machines with advanced microprocessors. Updates have been revamped for a more predictable experience, and users can manage updates through new options. The user interface has been refined with a modern aesthetic, including Light and Dark modes, centered Taskbar icons, and an evolved Start menu. Windows 11 supports multitasking with familiar tools like Alt + Tab and enhanced Snap features. File Explorer has been updated with a modern interface and integration with OneDrive. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a broader selection of apps, and Microsoft Edge is bundled with Windows 11, although it has faced criticism for overriding user preferences. Windows 11 includes preloaded apps leveraging AI, such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, along with updated core applications. It supports gaming with a dedicated Xbox app and Game Pass subscriptions, and simplifies user account management with robust security features like Windows Hello. For power users, it offers a modern Terminal app and advanced configuration options in the Settings app.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft fixes Windows update failures linked to WUSA installer

Microsoft resolved an issue affecting the installation of Windows updates released since May 2025, which primarily impacted users using the Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA) from a network share, especially in enterprise environments. The problem was significant for devices running Windows 11 24H2/25H2 and Windows Server 2025, but did not occur when handling a single .msu file or when files were stored locally. In August 2025, Microsoft acknowledged that updates installed using WUSA might fail with error ERRORBADPATHNAME when multiple .msu files were involved. A Known Issue Rollback Group Policy was implemented in September 2025 to mitigate the impact on home and non-managed business devices. The issue was ultimately resolved with cumulative updates released in June 2026 for Windows 11 (KB5079391) and Windows Server 2025 (KB5094125). Microsoft provided a workaround for users experiencing difficulties with prior updates by suggesting they save .msu files locally for installation. Users were also advised to wait at least 15 minutes after installing an .msu file via WUSA before checking the Update History page. Additionally, Microsoft had previously addressed another issue in April 2025 that affected enterprise customers installing security updates via WSUS, which recurred in the August 2025 updates. Microsoft warned customers about potential issues with installing the latest monthly updates on devices upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft is adding a new customizable Start menu to Windows 11: Here’s a first look

Microsoft has introduced customization enhancements for the Start menu in Windows 11, available in preview through the Windows 11 Insider Program. Users can now fully configure which segments of the Start menu are displayed, allowing them to toggle off individual segments: Pinned, Recommended, and All apps. Accessing these options can be done via the Windows Settings app or by right-clicking an empty space in the Start menu. The Recommended feed now allows users to specify the types of items displayed, such as excluding recommended apps while still viewing recent files and installed applications. Users can also adjust the size of the Start menu between small and large, and they have the option to hide their account name and profile picture. However, users cannot rearrange the order of the segments, which remains fixed.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Windows 11 Settings You Should Change in 2026：A 9-Point Speed, Privacy, and Security Checklist

On June 9, 2026, Microsoft released a major security update addressing around 200 vulnerabilities, including three critical zero-day exploits. This update coincides with the expiration of Secure Boot certificates that have been in place since 2011. Users are advised to review their Windows 11 settings to ensure security and optimization during this transition. Key actions include installing the June update, enabling faster delivery of updates, turning on Core Isolation memory integrity, activating Controlled folder access against ransomware, confirming drive encryption, disabling the advertising ID, minimizing diagnostic data, auditing camera and microphone permissions, disabling unnecessary startup applications, enabling Storage Sense, adjusting power mode settings, and tuning visual effects for better performance.