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Winsage

November 24, 2025

You won’t believe how much the Windows Start Menu has changed in 40 years — including THAT ill-fated departure with Windows 8

On November 20, 1985, Windows 1.0 was launched. Windows XP debuted in 2001 with a redesigned Start menu featuring a two-column layout. Windows Vista, released in 2007, integrated search functionality into the Start menu. Windows 7, launched in 2009, introduced "Jump Lists" and streamlined power options. Windows 8 replaced the Start menu with a full-screen Start screen in 2012, which was optimized for touch input. Windows 8.1 reintroduced the Start button but not the Start menu. Windows 10, released in 2015, brought back the Start menu with a customizable two-pane design and merged classic elements with Live Tiles. Windows 11, introduced in 2021, featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout. In November 2025, a Security Update introduced a new Start menu version that adapts to screen resolution, offering a larger layout divided into three sections: "Pinned," "Recommended," and "All," with options for user customization.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft is about to kill my favorite Edge feature — and Copilot is to blame

Microsoft is transforming Windows 11 to include more artificial intelligence capabilities, leading to mixed user reactions. Pavan Davuluri stated that users can disable AI features if they find them unappealing. In Edge, the Sidebar app list is being retired, and new apps can no longer be added, which has disappointed users who valued the ability to pin websites and web apps. The retirement of the Sidebar coincides with the introduction of Copilot, suggesting a strategic move to prioritize Copilot. The Sidebar has been a useful multitasking tool for users, and its removal could disrupt workflows. The icon for the Sidebar has been repurposed for Copilot, indicating competition between the two features. Users feel that the promotion of Copilot may overshadow other features like the Edge Sidebar.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Still on Windows 10? Enroll in free ESU before next week’s Patch Tuesday

Users operating Windows 10 are encouraged to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program following the end of support for the operating system on October 14, 2025. The ESU program allows continued access to security updates for users unable to transition to Windows 11. To obtain extended security updates for an additional year, users can pay a fee, back up their Windows settings to their Microsoft account, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft reward points. In the European Economic Area, users can receive ESU for free by logging into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account or can opt to pay to continue using a local account. Enterprise customers can utilize the ESU program for a total of three years at a cumulative cost of per device. Users must be operating Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition, and ensure all available updates are installed to qualify for ESU. Enrollment can be completed through the Windows Update settings. Microsoft frequently addresses security vulnerabilities, including a recent one tracked as CVE-2025-24990, which was exploited to gain administrative privileges on devices. Successful enrollment in the ESU program will provide updates until October 13, 2026. Organizations must acquire licenses through Microsoft Volume Licensing or Cloud Solution Provider partners, and each device must be activated with a unique ESU key. Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs can also benefit from free enrollment in the ESU program.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

KB5067115 Brings Ask Copilot in Windows 11 Taskbar with Instant AI Search

Microsoft is integrating its Copilot feature into Windows 11 as a central element, moving it from a sidebar experiment to a taskbar shortcut called "Ask Copilot" in Insider Preview Build 26220.7051. This feature allows users to search for applications, files, and settings or interact with Copilot through voice or text commands. The results adjust dynamically based on user input and suggestions from Copilot. Users can opt-in to use this feature, which complements the traditional Windows Search. To enable it, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot, and there is an option for automatic launch upon sign-in. Ask Copilot uses existing Windows APIs and does not access personal files unless requested. This update also includes a Full Screen Experience for handheld devices and a Shared Audio Preview.

Winsage

October 29, 2025

Windows 10 end of life has passed – here’s your business guide to Windows 11

Organizations are transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with major companies addressing potential deployment issues. Windows 10 mainstream support ended in October 2025, but users can access the Extended Security Update program for an additional 12 months of coverage. Windows 11 features a refined user interface with a centered taskbar, enhanced visual elements, and productivity tools like snap layouts and Cloud Clipboard. The Start menu has been simplified, and the File Explorer sidebar has been reorganized. Focus Assist is improved with direct settings and integrates with the Windows Clock app. Windows 11 includes Copilot for natural language queries and task automation, with enhanced features for devices with neural processing units. Security is strengthened with Windows Hello and optional integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and TPM version 2.0. All editions of Windows 11 support encryption and biometric security, with Pro and Enterprise editions offering additional features. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is typically free if the device meets the requirements, with prices for new purchases starting at around £119 for Windows 11 Home and £219 for Windows 11 Pro.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Windows 11’s Redesigned Start Menu is Now Available for Release Preview Testers

Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can now access a redesigned Start Menu and several new features through the KB5067036 update for the 25H2 and 24H2 versions of Windows 11. Key enhancements include: - A redesigned Start Menu that adjusts to screen size, with a scrollable “All” section and two views: ‘Category’ and ‘Grid’. A new mobile device button opens the Phone Link sidebar. - New battery icons on the taskbar and lock screen, with a green icon indicating charging and a yellow icon for low battery (20% or below). Users can display battery percentage in the system tray. - Copilot Vision integration in the taskbar, allowing users to hover over an app icon for a thumbnail preview and a “Share with Copilot” button to analyze app content. - Improvements in File Explorer, with recommended files accessible for personal and local Microsoft accounts (excluding EEA users) and new commands like “Open file location” and “Ask Copilot”. - Fluid Dictation in Voice Access for Copilot+ PCs, providing real-time corrections for voice dictation. - Click to Do improvements for Copilot+ PCs, enabling translation of on-screen text, unit conversions, table detection for Excel, and a Freeform selection mode. These features are expected to be available to non-Insiders later this month with the optional October update and a public rollout is anticipated next month during the November 2024 Patch Tuesday updates.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Microsoft won’t give up on Windows 11’s Widgets board as it gets another UI makeover

The Discover feed on the Widgets board in Windows 11 is being redesigned with rounded corners, multiple dashboards, and curated stories powered by Copilot. Users can customize or disable their Discover feed. This update will be part of the Windows 11 25H2 update. Widgets originated from Windows Vista's Gadgets in 2007, which included mini-apps like weather updates and calendars. Windows 11 reintroduced Widgets as a standalone feature in October 2021, though it has not been as popular as Gadgets. Copilot Discover, announced in June, aims to summarize content from trusted MSN publishers and is currently being tested in Insider builds. The new Widgets board will support multiple dashboards and feature a left-side navigation bar. User feedback on Widgets is mixed, with some finding the design outdated and cluttered. The effectiveness of the Copilot-curated widget will depend on the quality of news selected for users. The rollout of the new features will occur server-side and through updates to the Copilot app, with personalization options available in the Widgets settings.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

This Android weather app is a must-have during the hurricane season

The Tropical Hurricane Tracker (THT) app provides near real-time updates on tropical storms and disturbances, utilizing data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC). It features a home page that displays active storms, NOAA advisories, and historical data, with detailed information available for each storm, including its Saffir-Simpson scale strength and wind speed. THT includes tabs for various ocean basins, allowing global storm tracking, and offers educational resources on storm preparedness and safety practices. The app also features a Buoy Data page for atmospheric data and a notification system for timely updates. THT is designed to complement standard weather apps, focusing on specialized information during hurricane season.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

I ditched Android emulators for this open-source app, and I can’t imagine ever going back

The integration of Android applications into desktop environments is increasingly popular due to their superior functionality compared to desktop versions. Applications like WhatsApp and Google Maps demonstrate enhanced usability on Android, with features such as flexible window resizing and better multitasking capabilities. Waydroid is an open-source project that allows Android apps to run on Linux systems without the performance issues associated with traditional emulators. It utilizes Linux namespaces and shares the host OS's kernel for near-native performance. Users can customize their experience by choosing builds with or without Google apps, and once installed, Android apps integrate into the PC's application menu. Waydroid offers smooth performance and the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously, although it has some limitations, such as restricted hardware access and notification issues. Despite these drawbacks, Waydroid presents a viable solution for users looking to combine Android and desktop computing.

AppWizard

September 23, 2025

Gemini chat controls may be about to change in the Google app (APK teardown)

Google has released an update for the Gemini app, version 16.37.46.sa.arm64, which includes several enhancements aimed at improving user interactions. Key changes include the rebranding of the account menu from “Apps” to “Connected Apps,” the introduction of a “New chat” shortcut at the top of the chat screen, and a new dropdown menu next to the chat title for quick access to actions like Share, Pin, Rename, and Delete. Additionally, the sidebar now features a Share option, allowing users to share conversations without opening them first. These features are currently in testing and may not be guaranteed for a wide release.