setup process Archives

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Windows 11 setup is about to get longer on some devices

Starting in September 2025, Windows 11's Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) will automatically install quality updates by default for managed Entra/Entra hybrid PCs. This feature applies only to Windows 11 version 22H2 or later devices enrolled via Intune and Autopilot Enrollment Status Page (ESP). The updates during OOBE will provide the latest security fixes before the first sign-in, reducing the need for post-setup patches. Devices must meet specific criteria, including being managed through Microsoft Intune and having an assigned ESP profile. The setting can be enabled in the Microsoft Intune admin center, with existing profiles defaulting to "No" and new profiles set to "Yes."

Winsage

August 25, 2025

I built a portable Windows 11 install on an external SSD, and you can do it too

Linux users can boot entire distributions from a flash drive, while Windows users lost the Windows To Go feature in 2020. The Rufus utility allows users to create a faux Windows To Go installation using a Windows 11 ISO. The process involves selecting the ISO and flash drive, adjusting the Image option, and starting the flashing process. A fast and large drive, such as a 128GB SSD, is recommended for better performance. Users may encounter driver issues and compatibility challenges across different devices. Despite initial setup hurdles, running Windows 11 from a flash drive can provide an efficient and portable workspace, with programs retaining settings across machines. A minimum of a 64GB USB drive is advisable for functionality.

Winsage

August 25, 2025

I tried a “kinder” Windows 11 experience with AtlasOS, and this is how it should be

Windows 11 has faced criticism for its telemetry features, mandatory Microsoft Edge inclusion, and resource-consuming background processes that can hinder performance. AtlasOS offers a structured setup process requiring a clean installation of Windows 11 with a local account. Users download the AME Wizard and Atlas Playbook from the AtlasOS website to apply modifications, including disabling Windows Security features and replacing Microsoft Edge with alternative browsers like Brave or Firefox. After installation, AtlasOS modifies the desktop experience, aligning the taskbar to the left and introducing a new wallpaper. It disables animations for faster application opening times and optimizes power plans for performance. Bing search is removed from the search bar, enhancing search efficiency. Privacy is prioritized by disabling telemetry services and location permissions. Performance tests show that AtlasOS stabilizes CPU usage and slightly reduces memory consumption compared to standard Windows. Benchmark results indicate minor performance improvements, with AtlasOS scoring slightly higher in Geekbench 6 but comparable in Cinebench 2024. Users should manage expectations regarding performance gains, as the primary advantage lies in an improved user experience rather than significant speed increases.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Windows 11 to get Android App continuity feature

Microsoft is testing a feature in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 that allows users to resume Android apps, starting with Spotify, on their PCs. When a user pauses playback on their Android device, a “Resume alert” appears on the Windows 11 taskbar, enabling automatic resumption of playback on the Spotify desktop app. If the app is not installed, it can be easily downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Users need to enable mobile device access on their PC, link their Android phone via the Link to Windows app, and ensure they are signed into the same Spotify account on both devices to utilize this feature. Microsoft is also inviting app developers to integrate with the Resume API for broader app continuity in the future. Additional enhancements in this build include new battery icons, touch gesture improvements, and various bug fixes.

Tech Optimizer

August 23, 2025

pgEdge Platform v25 Enhances Distributed PostgreSQL with Zero Downtime Upgrades and Advanced Conflict Resolution

pgEdge, Inc. has released pgEdge Platform v25, enhancing its distributed PostgreSQL solution for multi-master database workloads. Key features include true zero downtime capabilities for seamless node addition and PostgreSQL upgrades, automatic conflict resolution for various scenarios, and performance enhancements such as in-memory exception handling and precise lag tracking. An interactive installation script simplifies the setup process, while improvements in backup and restore functionalities are provided through integrated pgBackrest configuration. Upgrades to the Active Consistency Engine (ACE) enhance performance, flexibility, and automation for data discrepancy detection across nodes.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Windows 11’s dark mode is getting a much-needed fix

Microsoft is addressing criticisms of inconsistent dark mode application in Windows 11 by introducing dark mode themes for file operation windows in the latest preview build, version 26100.5061. This update aims to provide a more cohesive aesthetic, although some elements, like the white "Continue" and "Skip" buttons, remain unchanged. Users have expressed a preference for dark mode over light mode, but the option to select a theme is not included in the initial setup process.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

7 settings Windows 11 should show us during setup instead of all those ads

Setting up a Windows 11 PC can be challenging due to a lengthy installation process and a cluttered out-of-box experience (OOBE) filled with ads and irrelevant settings. Users often wait to access important settings until reaching the desktop. Key features that could improve the initial setup include: - Dark mode and theme options: Introducing theme choices during setup could enhance user satisfaction. - Taskbar alignment: Offering the option to align taskbar icons during setup would allow users to customize their experience from the start. - Start menu layout: Allowing users to choose their preferred Start menu layout during setup would facilitate a smoother transition. - Night light: Enabling the night light feature during setup could improve user comfort and awareness. - Nearby sharing: Including an option to enable discoverability for nearby sharing during setup would encourage its adoption. - Clipboard history: Presenting the option to enable clipboard history during setup would elevate user awareness of this useful feature. - Partially restore backups: Introducing a selective restoration option during setup would enhance user control over what is restored from a previous PC. Overall, incorporating these features into the initial setup could streamline the process and improve user engagement and satisfaction.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

These are my 5 favorite e-book reader apps, but one leaps out from the page

Traveling with a single book can be challenging for avid readers, leading many to use e-readers like Android tablets, which support various e-book reader apps. Readera is highlighted as a top choice for Android e-book reading, compatible with older devices and supporting multiple file formats (EPUB, DOC, MOBI, DJVU, CHM, AZW3). It features a nostalgic interface, customizable reading options, and a free version with a premium upgrade for additional features. Moon+ Reader is noted for its visually appealing library interface and excellent file management capabilities, including integration with cloud services and online libraries. It offers various themes and an innovative highlighting system, with ads that can be removed for a fee. Librera has a clean interface with search and sorting options, multiple reading modes, and context menus for web searches and dictionary lookups, though it lacks some advanced features of other apps. FBReader is recognized for its straightforward design and essential features, suitable for users who prefer simplicity. It supports plugins for expanded functionality and has a free version that meets most users' needs. Lithium is a lightweight reader that automatically organizes e-books and offers fast loading speeds, enhancing the reading experience on modern devices.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Fix: Microsoft Office Error Codes 0-2048(0) and 0-2054(0) During Installation

Office installation can encounter error codes 0-2048(0) and 0-2054(0) due to issues accessing a valid configuration file or source path. Error 0-2048(0) indicates a missing or incorrectly referenced XML configuration file, while Error 0-2054(0) signifies a general installation failure. Common causes include corrupted configuration files, remnants of previous Office versions, or insufficient administrative permissions. To resolve these errors, one should uninstall all previous Office components, clear temporary and app data folders, generate a new XML configuration file using the Office Customization Tool, and install Office with the Deployment Tool. If problems persist, additional steps include using Microsoft's Office Uninstall Support Tool, installing from an offline installer, and checking for disk errors and sufficient free space.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

Microsoft Releases New Windows 11 Pre-Release Builds to Dev and Beta Channels

Users enrolled in the Dev or Beta channels of the Windows Insider Program can now install the preview cumulative update KB5062669. This update advances Windows 11 version 25H2 to build 26200.5722 for Dev channel users and updates Windows 11 version 24H2 to build 26120.5722 for Beta channel participants. The update introduces several features: - An Agent in Settings for AMD/Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs is now available for Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs. - The Second Chance Out of Box Experience (SCOOBE) has been redesigned for a more intuitive setup process, with an option to disable it. - A new tutorial for Click to Do guides users on actions with images and text. - Windows Search now includes a grid view for image results in the left pane of the Search highlights result pane. There are also minor adjustments to the Lock screen configuration, updates to the Notification center, enhancements in Task Manager, and various fixes and newly identified issues.