settings page Archives

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows 11 KB5062660 update brings new ‘Windows Resilience’ features

Microsoft has released the KB5062660 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, introducing twenty-nine new features and changes, including the Black Screen of Death and the Quick Machine Recovery tool. This optional update is part of Microsoft's non-security preview updates, allowing users to test upcoming features before the next Patch Tuesday. Users can install the update via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.4770. Key features include: - Recall functionality in the EEA for exporting snapshots. - Improvements in Reading Coach and Immersive Reader. - Draft creation in Word with Copilot. - New agent in Settings for easier navigation. - Quick Machine Recovery for automatic issue resolution. - Boolean option in Start menu configuration. - Enhanced Snap and Windows Search settings. - Gamepad layout improvements in the touch keyboard. - Various fixes for File Explorer, desktop icons, and notifications. The KB5058502 update also addresses issues related to authentication and system stability, with no known issues reported for KB5062660.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

9 features I want Microsoft to add and improve in Windows 11

Windows 11 has received several feature updates, with version 25H2 upcoming, but it still lacks many user-requested features. Key issues include: 1. Users want more control over Windows Update, including the ability to disable automatic updates or schedule them flexibly. 2. There is a demand for the option to set up devices with a local account instead of being forced to use a Microsoft account. 3. Users miss the ability to resize the Taskbar, which is currently fixed in size. 4. The option to relocate the Taskbar to the top of the screen has been removed, and users want this flexibility restored. 5. A fully consistent dark mode across the operating system is desired, along with customizable live tiles. 6. Users would benefit from charging limit options for laptops to extend battery lifespan. 7. The settings page for File Explorer needs modernization to align with the Windows 11 aesthetic. 8. There is a call for a variant of Windows 11 that supports older PCs that do not meet current hardware requirements.

Winsage

July 19, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4741 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4741 (KB5062678) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, enhancements, and fixes. Key features include the "Describe Image" action in Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, which provides detailed descriptions of images to enhance accessibility. Additionally, Narrator now offers rich image descriptions on Copilot+ PCs. Changes include updates to lock screen widgets and a new settings page for viewing third-party applications using generative AI models. Known issues include installation rollback errors and problems with touch navigation in the Start menu.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5710 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5710 (KB5062676) has been released to the Dev Channel. A new "describe image" action is now available in Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, enhancing accessibility by providing detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs. This feature was previously available for Snapdragon-powered devices. Additionally, Narrator now generates richer image descriptions for blind and low-vision users on AMD and Intel-powered devices. Users can activate this feature using the Narrator key + Ctrl + D. Windows performance logs will be collected when PCs experience sluggish performance, and users are encouraged to provide feedback to help resolve issues. The Click to Do feature is undergoing a trial to remove the search box from its top bar. Lock screen widgets are being updated with widget suggestions, and users can view which third-party applications have recently utilized generative AI models in the Settings menu. There are known issues, including a rollback error (0x80070005) during the update installation and touch navigation problems in the new Start menu. Live captions may crash when using live translation, and some Xbox Controllers may cause a bugcheck when connected via Bluetooth. The Microsoft Changjie Input method is also experiencing issues with word selection.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Windows 11 Build 27898 introduces taskbar icon scaling and system recovery improvements

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 to the Canary Channel, introducing several new features aimed at enhancing usability and recovery. Key features include: - Taskbar Icon Scaling: The taskbar will automatically reduce icon sizes when it reaches capacity, with three customizable options for users regarding icon size. - Quick Machine Recovery: This feature allows automatic recovery from boot issues using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), connecting to the internet for targeted fixes from Windows Update. - Accessibility Enhancements: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary, and a new Screen Curtain feature for the Narrator screen reader enhances privacy by blacking out the display. - Energy Saver Feature: An adaptive energy saver mode is being rolled out for battery-powered devices, managing energy saver settings based on power state and system load. - Sharing Features: The Windows share window now shows visual previews of shared content and allows users to select compression settings for images. - Performance Improvements: Enhancements have been made to file extraction for large archives, and the Snipping Tool now has a shortcut for launching the text extractor. - Default Browser Management: Users can set their default browser to handle PDFs and pin it to the Start menu and taskbar. The build also addresses various issues within File Explorer and Settings, although some known problems remain, such as display distortion in Remote Desktop on Arm64 PCs.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Android Auto begins erasing Assistant as Gemini prepares for takeover (APK teardown)

Google is transitioning from Google Assistant to a new digital companion called Gemini, particularly in the latest version of Android Auto, where "Google Assistant" is being replaced with "Digital Assistant." The update, Android Auto v14.8.152744, shows changes in terminology, such as "Manage your digital assistant" and a streamlined description for voice commands. This shift indicates a broader strategy to phase out the Assistant branding, with the potential for settings to eventually direct users to a Gemini configuration page instead of the current Google Assistant settings. Users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Gemini as it may become the primary digital assistant in vehicles.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Gemini can now read your WhatsApp chats without you knowing – but you can stop it

Starting July 7, 2025, Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, will automatically interact with third-party applications on Android devices, including Messages, WhatsApp, Utilities, and Phone applications. Users can expect Gemini to perform tasks such as sending messages, setting timers, and making phone calls with minimal input. These interactions will occur automatically, regardless of whether the Gemini Apps Activity setting is activated. Conversations will be logged in user accounts for up to 72 hours, even if users disable the Gemini Apps Activity. Google has informed Android users about these changes via email. Concerns regarding privacy have been raised, with Tuta, an encrypted email service, highlighting the lack of transparency from tech companies. Users can disable Gemini's interaction with apps through the Apps settings page or uninstall it entirely using developer tools. Future Android updates may introduce Gemini features to additional devices.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Android getting new ‘System services’ settings page to view, update background Google apps

Google is introducing a new 'System services' settings page for Android devices to streamline the management of background services. This page will provide a comprehensive list of Google services and applications, allowing users to navigate updates, identify uninstalled services, and confirm which services are up to date. Users will also be informed if they are part of the Google system services beta program, with a streamlined sign-up process for early access to new features. The update is compatible with devices running Android 6 and above and is currently being rolled out, with beta participants receiving priority access. Users can find the new page in the Settings app under their profile, in the All services tab, and then in the Privacy & security setting.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Gemini can access your Android phone’s other apps, unless you stop it

A recent update from Google allows Gemini AI to access data from third-party applications on Android devices, even if users disable Gemini Apps Activity. This change began rolling out on July 7, and Google retains activity logs for 72 hours. Users can disable Gemini Apps Activity by adjusting settings in the app, or they can uninstall the Gemini app entirely by navigating to Settings > Apps, selecting Gemini, and choosing to force stop and uninstall it.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge Can Now Load Websites Faster After Migration to WebUI 2.0

Microsoft Edge has improved its web browser's loading speed, achieving a global First Contentful Paint (FCP) time of under 300 milliseconds, down from previous times that negatively impacted user satisfaction. Since February 2025, load times have been reduced by an average of 40 percent, with significant enhancements in features such as Settings, Read Aloud, and Split Screen. The migration to WebUI 2.0 has contributed to this improvement, reducing the Settings page load time from 0.394 seconds to 0.034 seconds. Microsoft plans to continue enhancing performance in features like Extensions and Print Preview in the coming months.