settings panel Archives

Winsage

July 25, 2025

This update could finally solve Windows 11’s sluggishness

Microsoft has introduced a new logging system in a test build of Windows 11 that automatically gathers performance logs when users experience sluggishness. This feature allows Windows Insiders to provide feedback on slow performance, with logs collected automatically to help identify issues. Users should select the Desktop > System Sluggishness category for feedback, and logs are stored locally in the %systemRoot%TempDiagOutputDirWhesvc folder before being sent to Microsoft upon feedback submission. This initiative is part of ongoing performance enhancements for Windows 11, which have included improvements to the Taskbar, notifications area, and quick settings panel, as well as reduced impact from startup applications. The upcoming 25H2 update will introduce new certification requirements for Windows drivers, including static analysis to identify potential issues before deployment.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

Microsoft wants to fix “slow or sluggish” performance in Windows 11

The forthcoming 25H2 update for Windows 11 aims to address performance issues reported by users since the operating system's launch in October 2021, particularly concerning hybrid CPUs during gaming and overall sluggishness compared to Windows 10. Microsoft is actively seeking user feedback to identify and resolve these issues, utilizing a new test build that automatically collects performance logs from Windows Insiders. In 2023, Microsoft has implemented several performance enhancements, including increased speed for the Taskbar and notifications area, improved functionality of the quick settings panel, and reduced performance impact from startup applications. The previous 24H2 update also improved performance on older hardware. Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance Windows drivers with new requirements for developers, including mandating static analysis for driver certification to identify potential issues before deployment.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

A Windows Insider user discovers an undocumented ‘Shared audio’ feature in the latest build — quick setting allows you to play audio through multiple outputs

Microsoft has introduced a new 'Shared audio' feature in the latest Windows Insider build, allowing users to stream audio across multiple devices or speakers. This feature can be accessed via a button in the Quick Settings panel, where users can select connected audio devices and initiate audio sharing. Currently, Windows does not have a native solution for simultaneous audio output to multiple devices, and users often rely on unreliable methods or complex third-party applications. The feature's broader rollout is unconfirmed, and its compatibility with Bluetooth devices is uncertain. Users can join the Canary Channel to explore this feature, but it may come with instability and no guarantee of availability for all Insiders.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Microsoft continues dismantling the Control Panel as more features migrate to Settings

Microsoft is transitioning Time & Language options from the Control Panel to the Settings interface in Windows 11. PhantomOfEarth has identified these hidden changes, indicating that the updated settings will soon be available in the release branch. The update includes aesthetic enhancements for a more streamlined interface, building on previous modifications made in May. Users are advised to stay tuned for the final version of these settings.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge UI Now 40% Faster on Average, Key UI Elements Load Up to 4x Quicker

Microsoft has updated its Edge browser, achieving a First Contentful Paint (FCP) of under 300 milliseconds by using its WebUI 2.0 architecture instead of the traditional React framework, resulting in a 40% average reduction in load times for thirteen core features. The updated settings UI shows a fourfold improvement in performance compared to the previous version. This release builds on enhancements from May 2024, which improved launch times by 42-76%, and an optimization effort in February 2025 that targeted fourteen interface subsystems. Internal tests confirm the settings panel now consistently renders in under 300 ms. Microsoft plans to extend these performance improvements to Print Preview and Extensions management throughout 2025.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

How to turn off AI in Windows and bring yourself some peace

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence across its product suite, including Microsoft Edge, Office, Notepad, and Paint. Users can disable or hide AI features, such as Copilot, by right-clicking its icon on the taskbar to unpin it, adjusting settings in the Copilot app, or uninstalling it through the Settings panel. Other AI features like Windows Recall and Click to Do can also be turned off in the Privacy & security section of Windows Settings. Notepad allows users to toggle off Copilot, but Paint currently does not have an option to remove the Copilot button. Users are advised to regularly check for options to disable unwanted AI functionalities.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Starting this week, the Xbox PC app will integrate ‘leading PC gaming stores’ for Xbox Insiders — with no mention of Steam

Microsoft is rolling out a new aggregated store system for Xbox Insiders participating in the Windows 11 PC Gaming Preview, featuring an updated Xbox PC app that compiles offerings from various PC storefronts. The app will automatically detect games installed from other platforms, currently including Battle.net, and add them to the library section. Users can disable this feature in the settings. The integration aims to improve navigation through different PC store apps using a controller, especially with the upcoming launch of the Xbox Ally. Additional Windows functionalities for controller navigation are also expected.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Make the most of Windows 11: Tips and tools to improve focus, multitasking, and daily productivity

Windows 11 is the most widely used desktop operating system globally, offering features to enhance productivity. Focus Sessions allow users to work in intervals, with session lengths ranging from 30 minutes to four hours, including breaks. Users can access this feature through the Clock app and can quickly start a 30-minute focus block using Win + N. The Do Not Disturb (DND) feature silences alerts from apps and notifications, helping users concentrate. DND can be activated by clicking the clock in the taskbar or using Win + N, and users can customize which notifications are allowed through the settings. Windows 11 provides three power modes: Best Performance, Balanced, and Best Power Efficiency. Users can modify these settings in the Power & Battery section of the settings, and Energy Saver can be activated quickly from the Quick Settings panel when the battery is low.

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.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Pixel Phones Get a Taste of Material 3 Expressive in Android 16 Beta

Google I/O 2025 has concluded, and the Android 16 QPR1 Beta has been launched, introducing the Material 3 Expressive design language. This update is the first Quarterly Platform Release following the stable Android 16 Beta program and is primarily aimed at developers and testers. It enhances user experience with a fresh visual design, which will also extend to Wear OS 6. Key features of the update include a redesigned user interface with increased space for widgets and apps, new system icons in the status bar, a colorful quick settings panel, expanded customization options, and enhanced controls for home and lock screens. The beta is available for various Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series, as well as Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.