settings page Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (Dev and Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) has been released for the Dev and Beta Channels, introducing enhancements for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Key updates include an improved Windows Search feature that allows users to find cloud-stored files directly from the taskbar search box and a refined Recall (Preview) experience, which will delete previous snapshots but continue saving new ones if enabled in Settings. For Beta Channel users, the same updates are available as optional upgrades, with plans to make them recommended later this year. Insiders can switch from the Dev to the Beta Channel while both channels share identical build numbers, but this option will close once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers. The improved Windows Search feature supports finding cloud-stored photos by describing them, available for users signed into OneDrive with a personal Microsoft account. Support for third-party cloud providers is expected soon. The update also includes fixes for live captions, File Explorer reliability, and issues with Remote Desktop. Known issues include inaccuracies in build version display after a PC reset and problems with Recall not saving snapshots automatically. An update to the Snipping Tool introduces a new trim feature for screen recordings, allowing users to adjust start and end times.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

How to Disable Lock Screen Widgets on Windows 11

In March 2024, Microsoft released an incremental update for Windows 11 that included lock screen widgets for quick access to information like weather, sports scores, traffic, and financial news. User feedback has been mixed, with some finding the widgets cluttered. Users can disable the lock screen widgets by going to Settings, selecting Personalization, then Lock screen, and choosing "None" from the drop-down menu next to "Lock screen status." To customize the widgets, users can visit MSN's Settings page, log into their Microsoft account, and toggle off any unwanted widgets under the Information cards section.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft improves Windows Terminal: new features, bug fixes and better stability

Microsoft has released an update to Windows Terminal, version 1.22.10352.0, for all users outside the preview channel. The update includes support for Sixels, enhanced emoji functionality, command snippets, a refined Cascadia Code font addressing Arabic glyph issues, and a new colour palette named Ottosson currently in testing. The settings interface has been revamped, introducing a compatibility page and terminal emulation page within Profiles, allowing easier management of application compatibility settings. Users can now dictate path translations when dragging or copying files into the terminal with four available options. Changes include reselecting previously used commands saving them in history, updated translation modes for POSIX paths, and a new compatibility setting to block applications from writing to the clipboard. Bug fixes include proper functioning of the Ctrl+Insert hotkey and the Close Window action now requiring confirmation. Future updates promise enhancements in version 1.23.10353.0, including a complete rewrite of support for multiple windows, improved tray icon consistency, and a streamlined customization experience for the New Tab menu. New simple settings have been added, including rainbow suggestions and an icon picker feature. Users can now copy screen content with escape sequences and applications can utilize specific escape sequences for C1 controls. The full changelog and download options are available on GitHub and the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

How to Add Fingerprint Authentication to Your Windows 11 Computer

To set up fingerprint recognition on Windows 11, follow these steps: 1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app by pressing the Windows Key and typing “settings.” 2. Navigate to the Accounts menu from the sidebar. 3. Click on Sign-in options. 4. Select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) and click “Set up.” Enter your PIN or create one if you haven't already, then follow the prompts to register your fingerprint. If your fingerprint fails to work, you can revert to your PIN. Troubleshooting steps include restarting your computer, resetting your fingerprint data, adding an alternative fingerprint, or updating the fingerprint sensor drivers. Windows 11 also allows the use of facial recognition as an alternative to fingerprint authentication through Windows Hello. Benefits of using fingerprint sign-in include faster login, enhanced security due to the difficulty of replicating biometric data, and facilitating a transition to passwordless authentication systems.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Google Phone app gets an unexpected Android 16-inspired redesign (APK teardown)

Google is refining the Settings page for its Phone app in preparation for the segmented Settings menu design expected with Android 16. The update features a visually appealing layout with backgrounds for menu items organized under headers, enhancing visibility and usability. Rectangular sections for each menu item improve touch targets and overall user experience. This redesign was initially seen in the Android 15 Beta 3 update but was removed, only to be reinstated in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release, suggesting integration into Android 16. Screenshots show a light gray background in light theme and dark gray in dark mode, with support for dynamic theming based on user wallpaper. The redesign is not yet active in the current beta but is anticipated in future updates. Other Google applications may also receive similar enhancements as Android 16 approaches.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 11 now lets you easily change camera FPS (frame rate), quality and more

Microsoft has enhanced camera capabilities in Windows 11, allowing users to adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and sharpness through Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Camera. However, these features are not universally available across all cameras. In tests, the DJI Osmo Action 3 did not support these adjustments, while an HP Spectre did. Microsoft has acknowledged that some cameras may not appear on the Camera Settings page. In the Windows 11 Dev Channel Build 26120.2702, two new advanced camera options have been introduced: a Multi-app Camera feature that allows multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously, and a Basic Camera mode for troubleshooting. A third option is planned to let users select camera resolution and frame rate, with current options of 1920×1080 (16:9) and 1280×720 (16:9) at 30 FPS available for all cameras.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 10’s updated Settings sneak in a Windows 11 reminder, add colours

Microsoft is redesigning the "About" page within the Windows 10 Settings app to align with its strategy to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11. The new design features a visually appealing layout that includes bubble-like boxes displaying key system specifications such as installed RAM, processor details, graphics card specifications, and storage breakdown. A "Frequently Asked Questions" section has been added, addressing basic queries and subtly promoting the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11. Additionally, the Settings homepage will feature colorful icons that reflect the user's accent color, although there are inconsistencies in the application of these colors across different icons.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Steps To Unrestrict Someone on Messenger

To unrestrict a contact on Facebook Messenger, users can follow these steps: 1. Open the Messenger app. 2. Tap your profile picture in the top left corner. 3. Select “Privacy & Safety.” 4. Tap “Restricted Accounts” to view the list of restricted users. 5. Choose the individual you wish to unrestrict. 6. Tap “Unrestrict” on their profile page. For Messenger.com on a desktop: 1. Go to Messenger.com. 2. Click your profile picture in the top left corner. 3. Select “Settings & Privacy.” 4. Click “Privacy” and then “Restricted Accounts.” 5. Click the three dots next to the person's name and select “Unrestrict.” After unrestricting, their messages will appear in the main inbox, notifications for new messages will be received, and they will be able to see the user's online status. If a user cannot find the person they wish to unrestrict, they may have blocked them instead and need to check the blocked list. Additionally, unrestricting does not notify the other person, and they will only be aware of the change if they attempt to message again.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2702 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2702 (KB5048761) has been released to the Dev Channel. New features include: - An advanced camera options page under Settings, offering configurations for multi-app camera access and basic camera functionality. - API support for third-party passkey providers to enhance login security, along with updates to WebAuthn APIs for a plugin authentication model for passkeys. Changes and improvements: - Enhanced filtering for recommended websites on the Start menu based on browsing history. - The ability for standard users to change time zones under Settings. Fixes include: - Resolved issues with pointer trails making the mouse cursor invisible and mouse cursor stuttering. - Addressed oversaturation issues in some games using Auto HDR. - Fixed a rollback issue that displayed an incorrect app control dialog. Known issues: - Incorrect build version display after a PC reset. - Issues with Recall functionality and Click to Do features that will be addressed in future updates. Microsoft Edge Game Assist (Preview) is available for Insiders, providing an in-game browser experience tailored for PC gaming. Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features gradually rolled out and subject to change based on feedback.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Windows 11 build 27764 is out with Start menu improvements and more

Microsoft has released a new preview build for Windows Insiders, designated as 27764, in the Canary Channel. Key enhancements include: - Start Menu: Users can access jump lists by right-clicking pinned apps. - Dynamic Lighting: A placeholder message appears when no compatible devices are connected, and new directional options have been added to the Wave and Gradient effects. - Input: The IME toolbar will be hidden in full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Narrator: New shortcuts allow users to skip links and jump to lists in scan mode. - Speech in Windows: Improvements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities, with prompts for manual language file updates. Resolved issues include: - A bugcheck issue causing PAGEFAULTINNONPAGEDAREA errors. - File Explorer improvements to prevent hanging with numerous media files. - Fixes for widget text overlapping on secondary monitors. - Resolution of mouse cursor visibility issues when pointer trails are enabled. - Corrections for HDDs being misidentified as SSDs in Task Manager. - Addressing lag and screen tearing on secondary monitors. - Fix for Excel hanging when opening certain files. Known bugs include: - Issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning to the Canary Channel. - Rollbacks during installation of Canary builds. - Ongoing work to resolve issues with accent-colored window borders, window shadows, and animations.