shared files Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2025

KB5070300 Makes it Easier for You to See Who Modified Files in File Manager

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7070 (KB5070300) for the Dev and Beta Channels, introducing enhancements to File Explorer, including the return of people icons in the “Activity” column to indicate recent modifications to shared files. Several backend integrations, such as StorageProvider APIs for syncing cloud data and features for frequently used and recently downloaded files, have been temporarily disabled but will return in a future update. Additionally, users can now toggle Smart App Control on or off without a clean installation, and customization options for the Widget dashboard have been improved.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760 (KB5065793) has been released to the Dev Channel for Windows 11, version 25H2. Key updates include: - A built-in network speed test in the taskbar accessible via Quick Settings or the network icon. - A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page in the Get Started experience for managed commercial devices with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. - Updated placeholder text in the File Explorer Search Box for Copilot+ PCs. - New StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers in File Explorer Home. - Temporary disabling of Emoji 16.0, to be reintroduced later. - A new ‘Wait time before acting’ setting in voice access for customizable command execution delays. Fixes include resolving issues with screen readers, Click to Do activation, battery icon synchronization, customized folder views, media controls on the lock screen, and Windows Update functionality. Known issues involve Click to Do visual errors, disabled taskbar animations, unexpected search results, camera preview failures with external webcams, and bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Updates are delivered through an enablement package and features are rolled out gradually based on user feedback.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Windows 10 goes out with a whimper as its final non-security update clears up a few loose ends

General support for Windows 10 ends on October 14; extended security updates will be available for an additional year for users in the extended security program or located in Europe. The final non-security patch addresses minor bugs, including issues with the SMBv1 protocol and Autopilot Enrollment Status Page. After October 14, only security updates will be provided, with no new features or critical fixes. The upcoming patch is currently in the Preview channel and is unlikely to have further updates before the cutoff unless urgent issues arise.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Microsoft releases out-of-band Windows 11 update to fix Office problems

Microsoft has issued an unscheduled update for Windows 11, designated as KB5068221, to address issues with Microsoft Office applications in virtualized environments. The update also provides a workaround for connectivity problems related to the deprecated Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol. The update is cumulative, including all security fixes from the earlier KB5065426 update. The specific issue fixed by the update involves a failure in Microsoft Office applications running in Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) environments due to a double handle closure in system components. Additionally, after installing the September 2025 Windows update, users may experience connectivity issues with SMB v1 on NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Microsoft suggests allowing network traffic on TCP port 445 as a workaround to switch the connection to TCP. The KB5068221 update is available for download from the Microsoft Update Catalog and requires installation of MSU files in a specific sequence. Instructions for installation include using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands for both running Windows PCs and Windows installation media.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Microsoft says Windows September updates break SMBv1 shares

Microsoft has acknowledged that the September 2025 Windows security updates are causing connection difficulties with Server Message Block (SMB) v1 shares across various platforms, including Windows 11 versions 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2, and Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, as well as Windows Server 2025 and Windows Server 2022. The issue occurs when connecting to SMBv1 shares via the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) protocol after installing the September 2025 update or later. Microsoft is working on a resolution and has provided a temporary workaround that involves enabling traffic on TCP port 445. SMBv1 has been largely phased out and officially deprecated since 2014, with Microsoft urging system administrators to eliminate support for it due to security vulnerabilities, especially after the 2017 leak of NSA exploits that targeted SMBv1.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Google Gemini app gains automatic Android access to phone and messaging data

On July 7, 2025, Google Gemini app users experienced automatic activation of permissions for accessing phone calls, messaging services, WhatsApp, and system utilities on Android devices, following a privacy policy update on June 11, 2025. This change affects millions of users globally and allows user data to be reviewed by humans for AI training. Users can disable these permissions through the app's settings, but the option to opt-out is criticized for being difficult to find. Legal experts have raised concerns about compliance with GDPR regulations due to the lack of explicit user consent for these changes. The data collected supports machine-learning development and may be retained for up to three years, even after users delete their activity.

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.