Settings menu Archives

Winsage

April 30, 2025

5 steps I took for a successful in-place upgrade of my 6-year-old PC from Windows 10 to 11

Windows 11 was released in October 2021. A user upgraded from Windows 10 22H2 to Windows 11 24H2 on a six-year-old HP Omen using an in-place upgrade. They backed up important files using OneDrive, Proton Drive, and a 4 TB external drive. The hardware was checked for compatibility with Windows 11 using Microsoft’s support page and the PC Health Check app. The user decluttered the system using Disk Cleanup and Revo Uninstaller. A system restore point was created for safety before the upgrade. The upgrade was initiated through Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, and it proceeded smoothly, allowing the user to keep files and applications.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

How to enable voice search on Amazon app for Android

The Amazon app includes a section in the settings menu for managing voice-related features, labeled as "Voice" or "Alexa." Users can customize settings for voice command recognition and processing, allowing for a more personalized and efficient interaction with the app. This includes options to adjust sensitivity and modify command preferences.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

In depth with Windows 11 Recall—and what Microsoft has (and hasn’t) fixed

The Recall service has a tray icon that indicates its operation and occasionally shows blurred snapshot previews to protect sensitive information. The latest version includes automated content filtering to prevent the capture of sensitive data, utilizing Microsoft Purview Information Protection technology. However, its effectiveness is inconsistent, as it can still capture sensitive information like personal details and credit card data in certain cases. The filtering system does not differentiate between sensitive and non-sensitive data in applications, leading to potential capture of personal information. Users cannot easily verify what is being filtered, and the tray icon does not specify which app or browser tab is affected. Recall can be completely uninstalled, removing all configuration options from the Settings menu.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

Microsoft, get your Game Pass out of my face! I’m turning off your notifications. Here’s how

A college student experienced persistent notifications from Microsoft Windows promoting the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, priced at .99 per month. While Windows 11 can be acquired for free or with a product key, most users receive it pre-installed on their devices after manufacturers pay licensing fees. The student found these notifications distracting, especially during important tasks, and noted that Microsoft also uses the Second Chance Out of the Box Experience (SCOOBE) to promote additional products like Office 365 and OneDrive. The student provided instructions on how to disable Xbox Game Pass notifications and the SCOOBE process through the Settings menu.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

How to remove a work profile from an Android device

A work profile on Android devices helps users separate personal and professional data, allowing IT administrators to manage corporate data remotely without affecting personal information. When an Android device is enrolled in an organization's Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform, a work profile is created, enabling IT to control data usage, notifications, applications, and security. Upon an employee's departure, the work profile is typically removed to protect corporate data, while personal data remains intact. Users can remove the work profile through the device's Settings or the MDM application. IT administrators can also delete a work profile via the MDM system to safeguard corporate information without wiping the entire device. Troubleshooting steps are available if difficulties arise during the removal process.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google could give the Home app a spring clean with these changes (APK teardown)

The latest version of the Google Home app for Android (version 3.32.69.1) includes several user interface enhancements. The settings menu has been integrated into the Google account menu in the top right corner, removing the need for a separate settings tab. A new floating action button for scanning QR codes has been added within the devices tab, simplifying the setup process for Matter-enabled devices. Additionally, a search button has been implemented in the favorites tab, allowing users to search for specific devices or actions. These updates aim to improve user experience and streamline smart home management.

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 13, 2025

Google app removing Assistant settings on Android

The Google app version 16.12+ has removed the link to "Google Assistant" from the profile menu under Settings, affecting how users access Assistant settings. Users can still manage Assistant settings through the Google Home app or by navigating through System Settings on their mobile device. Some users have also noted that "Gemini" is not present in the Google app settings, which primarily focuses on Google Search functionalities.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (KB5055613) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as natural language search functionality in the Windows search box for Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to find settings easily. Additionally, the Narrator feature has been enhanced to provide detailed descriptions of images for accessibility. Other updates include improvements to widgets, fixes for issues in Settings, File Explorer, Taskbar, Desktop Icons, Input, and Graphics. Known issues include non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users and problems with the Windows Recovery Environment. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft squashes one of File Explorer’s strangest UI bugs in April’s Patch Tuesday

Microsoft released its Patch Tuesday updates on the second Tuesday of April, including the KB5055523 patch for Windows 11 24H2, which addresses a File Explorer menu issue and includes security enhancements. This patch encompasses improvements from the previous KB5053656 build. The update resolves a glitch with the three dots menu in File Explorer, fixes a critical issue causing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) when waking from sleep, and upgrades Task Manager to display standardized CPU usage metrics. For Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon chips, it introduces AI-driven Windows Search capabilities and improves Live Captions for real-time translation in over 44 languages. New features include an enhanced search functionality, a Gamepad keyboard layout for touch, and a new system tray icon for emoji. The update also provides a quick overview of key specifications in the Settings menu and resolves issues with Credential Roaming. KB5055523 is a mandatory security update, and older versions of Windows 10 have also received updates.