Settings application Archives

Winsage

January 7, 2026

This Free Script Disables Every AI Feature in Windows 11

The integration of artificial intelligence into Windows 11 has led to mixed reactions among users, with some feeling overwhelmed by features like Copilot. RemoveWindowsAI is a free script that allows users to disable various AI features, including Copilot, Recall, and AI integrations in applications like Edge, Paint, and Notepad. The script modifies registry keys and prevents Windows Update from reinstalling these features. To use RemoveWindowsAI, users must launch Microsoft PowerShell 5.1, copy a command from the official GitHub page, and follow the prompts to select which AI features to disable. Testing the script showed that removing AI features significantly altered the user experience, with the Copilot icon and application disappearing from Notepad and Settings.

Winsage

December 9, 2025

This GitHub script claims to wipe all of Windows 11’s AI features in seconds — “RemoveWindowsAI” can disable every single AI feature in the OS, from Copilot to Recall and more

The Windows 25H2 update introduces various AI features, some of which operate in the background. Users can opt out of these AI functionalities using the "RemoveWindowsAI" script, created by zoicware and available on GitHub. This script allows users to disable AI components like Copilot and Recall through PowerShell commands, Registry Keys, or by hiding AI elements in the Settings application.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

It’s Windows 11, but actually Linux? Believe it.

Many users are exploring alternatives to Windows 10 as it approaches its end-of-life, particularly those hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11. One notable option is WINUX, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. WINUX closely mimics the aesthetics and functionality of Windows 11, featuring a familiar interface with a taskbar, Windows logo, and application icons that resemble their Windows counterparts. It uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment and includes stock wallpapers and themes from Windows 11, making the transition smoother for users. WINUX replaces familiar Windows applications with KDE equivalents that maintain a similar appearance, such as a terminal icon resembling Windows Terminal and Dolphin as the file explorer. The distribution allows for easy app installations and system management through a graphical user interface, making it less intimidating for new Linux users. Although Microsoft Office is not available, WINUX provides shortcuts to web versions in the Start Menu and sets Microsoft Edge as the default browser, with Google Chrome also available. For gamers, WINUX includes pre-installed access to Steam and Heroic Game Launcher, facilitating gaming on AMD graphics, while NVIDIA or Intel Arc users may need to install drivers. Overall, WINUX offers a user-friendly experience that prioritizes familiarity for those considering a switch from Windows to Linux.

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

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.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

The Settings Agent in Windows 11 Has Its Own AI Model

Microsoft has introduced Mu, a small language model (SML) designed for Copilot+ PCs, which translates natural language queries into function calls within the Windows 11 Settings application. Mu is engineered to efficiently handle complex input-output relationships and operates locally with a response rate exceeding 100 tokens per second. It is fully integrated with the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and is optimized for performance and efficiency, utilizing a transformer encoder–decoder architecture. Mu evolves from Microsoft’s Phi models, offering comparable performance at one-tenth the size. The model aims to create an AI-powered agent within Settings that understands natural language and adjusts relevant settings seamlessly, ensuring ultra-low latency for a smooth user experience.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft is finally tidying up the Search options in the Windows 11 Settings page

Microsoft is updating the Settings page in Windows 11 by merging the "Search permissions" and "Searching Windows" settings into a single page to improve navigation and visual appeal. This change, discovered by a user known as PhantomOfEarth, is currently in development and not yet available on the main Windows 11 branch, but can be previewed by users on Insider builds 26200.5622/26120.4230 by enabling feature ID 57471391. An official rollout is expected soon.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Microsoft slowly kills off the Control Panel as another feature moves to Settings

Microsoft is phasing out the Control Panel, migrating mouse properties options to the Settings application. This transition was revealed by user @PhantomOfEarth and aligns with Microsoft's announcement from August 2024 regarding the Control Panel's gradual phase-out. The move aims to consolidate settings within the more modern Settings interface, enhancing usability and accessibility for users.