shared files Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2024

A new ‘File Search’ feature is coming to the Windows 11 taskbar

Microsoft introduced a feature called Microsoft 365 Companions at the Ignite 2024 event, which integrates into the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu to enhance file searching. One component, the File Search Companion, allows users to search for files across Microsoft 365 applications and OneDrive directly from the taskbar. Users can refine searches by file type and access files stored locally or in the cloud, including recent files, shared files, team collaboration files, and files associated with specific individuals and keywords. The rollout for Windows 11 users is anticipated in the coming months.

Winsage

November 30, 2024

Microsoft to make Microsoft 365, OneDrive files searchable via Windows 11 taskbar

Microsoft is developing a feature called "File Search" for Windows 11, which will allow users to quickly locate recently accessed and shared files or folders from the taskbar through a web-based interface using Microsoft Edge WebView. The File Search app will feature a user-friendly design with icons for popular file types and a search bar, and it will be pinned to the taskbar during testing. Users can apply quick filters to narrow searches, and relevant items will be displayed with full names and last modified dates. The feature aims to simplify the retrieval of Microsoft 365 files, including local and cloud-stored documents, and will provide notifications for shared files and mentions in documents. Users can manage notifications through a Preferences Tab, and privacy controls ensure that only individuals can view their private files unless shared. The app will support multiple languages and can be unpinned or opted out of if desired. Additionally, Microsoft is exploring enhancements for the taskbar, including app recommendations and a new People app for managing Outlook contacts.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

Microsoft is working on the File Search Companion app for Windows taskbar

Microsoft is developing a new File Search Companion app for Windows 11, part of the Microsoft 365 Companion suite. The app is currently available for download for users with work or school accounts, but not for personal Microsoft accounts. It allows users to search for files directly from the Windows taskbar, providing access to relevant, recent, and shared files. The app features a search bar and various filters for navigation, resembling Windows Search but in a more streamlined format. It operates as a WebView2 app and is designed to enhance productivity. Users can share the download link for the app.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Microsoft is building a new Outlook People app for Windows 11 (Microsoft 365 Companion?)

A new web wrapper application, tentatively named Microsoft 365 Companion or People, is being developed for Windows 11 users, based on Microsoft Edge. This application may signal the return of the People app from Windows 10, reimagined as a web-based tool integrated with Outlook.com. The original People app consolidated various accounts into a single interface for contact management and was integrated into the Windows 10 taskbar. With the transition to Windows 11, Microsoft discontinued support for the People app, directing users to manage contacts through Mail and Calendar apps. The new People app is currently in development and may initially cater to Microsoft 365 customers with work or school accounts, allowing access to contacts stored in Outlook. Preliminary tests show it features a Microsoft 365 icon, a sign-in option, and facilitates quick communication and event scheduling. The app supports calls via Microsoft Teams or Skype and allows users to view shared files. It is lightweight, under 2MB, but lacks a comprehensive feature set. There is a toggle option for a “Whole life” experience, which may enable support for personal accounts. Microsoft needs to enhance the new Outlook, as the current version does not match the feature richness of the classic Outlook or native applications.

Winsage

October 13, 2024

Microsoft teases a new OneDrive UX for Windows 11 and macOS

Microsoft's recent OneDrive event introduced updates aimed at enhancing user experience on Windows 11 and Mac devices. Key features include a revamped user interface, Natural Language Search for file location, and the integration of OneDrive Copilot into Windows File Explorer and macOS Finder. Users will be able to generate document summaries, create presentations, and compare multiple files. A customizable Copilot agent for specific projects was also announced, promoting collaboration across platforms. Additionally, users can assign custom colors to OneDrive folders, set expiration dates for shared files, and expect improved performance in file access and management. The OneDrive mobile app will allow users to find photos using text commands, but the new features are currently limited to Enterprise and Education customers.

Winsage

October 12, 2024

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Change Your Browser As New Attacks Underway

Microsoft has issued a warning to Windows users about increasing attacks that exploit legitimate file hosting services, using tactics to evade security measures. These attacks involve fraudulent websites designed to harvest user credentials, prompting Microsoft to recommend the use of Microsoft Edge, which integrates with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to block malicious sites. Microsoft previously advised Chrome users to update or stop using the browser due to a zero-day vulnerability, encouraging a shift to Edge. The attacks leverage trusted file-sharing platforms like Dropbox and OneDrive, deceiving users into opening malicious files. Microsoft emphasizes using Edge with conditional access policies and Microsoft Defender for enhanced security. Additionally, Microsoft is developing a privacy-preserving ads API for Edge, aiming to improve user privacy while addressing the challenges of third-party cookie tracking. This new API is currently in limited preview and requires manual activation in specific regions.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft starts rolling out its Windows 11 2024 update with lots of useful improvements

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 11 2024 update, version 24H2, which includes enhancements to the Start menu, File Explorer, Settings, and other components. The Start menu features a new side panel for Phone Link users, providing real-time phone insights. File Explorer has a redesigned home section with a tabbed view for recent, favorites, and shared files, improved context menus, and the ability to create 7z and TAR files. The system tray has a simplified time and date display, and Quick Settings now shows all actions by default with a new Energy Saver mode. The Settings interface allows users to reverse mouse scroll direction and toggle enhanced pointer precision easily. A unified Microsoft Teams app and a new Outlook client replace the Mail and Calendar applications. The update supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE audio, and performance enhancements for AMD desktop CPUs. Microsoft is using an OS swap method for this update to avoid compatibility issues. The rollout will begin with eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2.

Winsage

September 27, 2024

Can’t remember where that shared file is in Windows 11? Microsoft promises to make it easier to find the files you need

Microsoft is refining a new 'Shared' section within the File Explorer of Windows 11, part of the preview build (24H2) in the Dev channel (build 26120). This section will centralize access to files shared through OneDrive, email, and other platforms, allowing users to easily locate shared content. Files will be labeled with their source, and those shared within organizations or schools will also be included. Additionally, the preview build will feature an expanded variety of file types in the Recent and Favorites tabs, new flyout menus for pinned applications in the Start menu, easier file sharing from Windows search, and relocated media controls on the lock screen. These updates are expected in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update, though final adjustments may occur during testing.