sign-in process Archives

Winsage

December 14, 2025

My top 17 Windows 11 features introduced in 2025 — personal picks from cleaner UI experiences to major PC gaming upgrades

- Windows 11 received numerous enhancements in 2025 through monthly cumulative updates. - The revamped Start menu consolidates Pinned, Recommended, and All sections into a single scrollable interface, allowing up to eight pinned items per row. - The Recommended section can showcase up to six app and file suggestions, with an option to disable it. - The All section organizes apps by category by default, with options for grid or list view. - A redesigned Widgets board integrates a new settings page, allowing users to select which board opens by default. - Users can customize Lock Screen widgets through a new section under Personalization. - A new setting allows users to reposition on-screen hardware indicators for brightness and volume. - A dedicated page for Virtual Workspaces in the Settings app centralizes virtualization controls. - Users can opt for smaller icons on the Taskbar for a more compact arrangement of app buttons. - A new sharing shortcut allows users to send files to compatible apps directly from recent file icons. - An option to disable the "Drag Tray" has been added in the Nearby Sharing settings. - The Notification Center now supports a large clock with seconds and multiple clocks. - The Windows Hello interface has been redesigned with animations for better user engagement. - Support for third-party passkey providers has been integrated into Windows Hello. - A new security feature, Administrator Protection, adds an authentication prompt for actions requiring elevation. - Quick Machine Recovery is designed to repair the operating system during boot failures. - Windows Backup now supports local file transfers during new device setup. - The Xbox Full Screen Experience has been tailored for handheld gaming devices. - A battery percentage display has been added to the Taskbar, along with new battery iconography. - Multi-stream support for cameras allows multiple applications to access the same camera feed simultaneously.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

Can’t See Passworrd Icon in Lock screen Sign-in Options? Microsoft Says KB5064081 is to Blame

The password sign-in icon on the Windows 11 lock screen may be missing due to a bug confirmed by Microsoft, which arose after the August 2025 non-security preview update (KB5064081) or subsequent updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users can still access their accounts by hovering over the blank area where the icon usually appears, which will reveal the password sign-in option. Clicking this area brings up the password text field for standard sign-in. The only current workaround is to use this "invisible button" method. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix, but no timeline has been provided.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Microsoft Security Keys May Require a PIN After Recent Windows Updates

Microsoft has updated Windows to require users to create and configure a PIN for FIDO2 security keys during sign-in, even if they did not set one during initial registration. This requirement applies to users who install the Windows preview update released on September 29, 2025 (KB5065789, OS Builds 26200.6725 and 26100.6725) or later updates. The necessity for a PIN is triggered when a Relying Party (RP) or Identity Provider (IDP) requests User Verification set to “Preferred.” The update aims to ensure compliance with WebAuthn specifications and began rolling out gradually on Windows 11 devices after the September 29, 2025 update, with full deployment completed by the November 11, 2025 security update (KB5068861, OS Builds 26200.7171 and 26100.7171). Windows now supports three verification settings: Discouraged, Preferred, and Required, with “Preferred” indicating that user verification should occur if supported by the authenticator.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Windows 11 users just got a more convenient way to store passkeys – here’s how it works

The technology behind passkeys involves cryptographic keys and standards like FIDO2 and WebAuthn, but users can enhance their security by creating passkeys whenever offered by websites or apps, using face recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Users can accumulate multiple passkeys for easier sign-in across services. 1Password is set to integrate a new native passkeys plugin API with Windows 11, allowing users to manage passkeys through 1Password while using Windows Hello for authentication. This integration requires the latest version of Windows 11 and the MSIX version of the 1Password app. Users can enable the passkey feature in 1Password and designate it as the system authenticator in Windows settings. Other password managers may also adopt this integration, and Windows is introducing its own passkey sync mechanism through the Microsoft Password Manager in Edge. Passkeys do not replace existing credentials but serve as a secure alternative to usernames and passwords, with some services offering fully passwordless options.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Advancing security with Windows and Surface | Microsoft SFI Report Nov 2025

Microsoft is committed to security through its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), which employs 34,000 engineers to enhance cybersecurity. The November 2025 SFI Progress Report outlines advancements in security, including principles of Secure by Design, Secure by Default, and Secure Operations integrated into Windows and Surface products. Key updates include: - Windows 11 introduces passwordless sign-in with Passkeys and FIDO2 credentials to reduce phishing risks. - Phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now widely used, lowering account compromise risks. - Windows Hotpatch allows security updates without device restarts, achieving 81% compliance within 24 hours of Patch Tuesday. - Windows 11 features quick machine recovery for automatic, cloud-connected recovery from boot failures. Surface devices lead in security by enabling all recommended features by default and developing memory-safe firmware to address vulnerabilities. Notably, 70% of security vulnerabilities are linked to memory safety issues, and Surface uses Rust-based UEFI firmware to enhance defenses. Surface also develops Windows drivers in Rust to eliminate memory safety bugs and shares innovations through the Open Device Partnership to improve security across the ecosystem.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Microsoft removes even more Microsoft account workarounds from Windows 11 build

The necessity of signing in with a Microsoft account during the setup of Windows 11 has been identified as a significant inconvenience. Microsoft is reportedly tightening restrictions on bypassing this requirement, as indicated by a recent update to the Windows Insider Preview program (build number 26220.6772), which aims to remove known methods for creating a local account during setup. Specifically, the "OOBEBYPASSNRO" workaround and the "start ms-cxh:localonly" command have been eliminated. Users previously could access a command prompt during setup to bypass the Microsoft account requirement, but the status of an alternative workaround for Windows 11 Pro that allows users to create a local account by indicating a corporate domain is uncertain. While some screens can be skipped using workarounds, users still face essential prompts for account creation and privacy settings. Signing in with a Microsoft account introduces additional promotional screens for services and features that may not be considered critical by users.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

What’s new in Android’s August 2025 Google System Updates

The monthly “Google System Release Notes” provide updates on various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. The “Google System” includes first-party applications that enhance user experience and developer capabilities. Features listed in the changelog may take time to become available. Google Play services v25.31 (2025-08-11): - New developer features for Utilities-related processes in Auto, Phone, and TV. - New features for Maps-related functionalities for Google and third-party developers on Phone. - Bug fixes for Device Connections services in Auto. - Updates to system management services for Device Connectivity on Phone and Wear. - Privacy enhancements in system management services for Auto, PC, Phone, TV, and Wear. - Bug fixes for Wallet-related services on Phone and Wear. - Eligible users can add a Pix account in Wallet on Phone. Google Play Store v47.6 (2025-08-11): - A new featured format added to the top of the Apps tab on Phone. Google Play services v25.30 (2025-08-04): - Enhancements to onboarding and sign-in for Automotive applications in Auto. - Optional security question for Remote Lock functionality on Phone. - Bug fixes for Utilities-related services on Phone. - Autofill feature with Google shortcut on Gboard for quicker credential and payment entry on Phone. - Multi-family residential options introduced in Google Wallet for Phone and Wear. - Pix users in Brazil receive a tone and vibration upon completing tap transactions on Phone. Google Play Store v47.4 (2025-08-04): - Quests reward Play Points for engaging with games on Phone. - Users can view paragraph review summaries and topic-level summaries on reviews pages on Phone.

Winsage

July 26, 2025

6 power user Registry tweaks I use to make Windows more tolerable, and you should too

Windows 11 is praised for its refinement but has quirks. The Registry can enhance user experience, but incorrect modifications can cause instability, so backing up keys is essential. To disable automatic updates, navigate to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows, create a key named WindowsUpdate, another key called AU, and a DWORD (32-bit) Value named NoAutoUpdate with a value of 1. Restart the PC to check for updates manually. To disable the Home page in Settings, go to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer, create a String Value named SettingsPageVisibility with value data set to hide:home, and restart. To remove Bing results from Search, modify the Registry at ComputerHKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows by creating a key named Explorer and a DWORD (32-bit) Value called DisableSearchBoxSuggestions with a value of 1. Restart the machine. To disable the lock screen, navigate to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows, create a key named Personalization, and a DWORD (32-bit) Value called NoLockScreen with a value of 1. Restart for quicker sign-ins. To speed up shutdowns, adjust the WaitToKillServiceTimeout service in the Registry at ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControl by changing the WaitToKillService value from 5000 milliseconds to 3000 or 2000 milliseconds. To enable verbose mode, go to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem and create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named VerboseStatus with a value of 1.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

6 registry tweaks every tech-savvy user must apply on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides customization tools such as the Settings app, Control Panel, and Group Policy Editor, but advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor for deeper control. Key Registry tweaks include: 1. Disable the Home page in Settings: Modify the Registry to revert the Settings app to open directly to the "System" section instead of the "Home" page by creating a string value named SettingsPageVisibility and setting it to hide:home. 2. Disable automatic Windows Update: Prevent automatic downloads and installations by creating a key named WindowsUpdate under Policies, then a subkey AU, and a DWORD value NoAutoUpdate set to 1. 3. Disable the Lock Screen experience: Expedite the sign-in process by creating a key named Personalization and a DWORD value Nolockscreen set to 1. 4. Enable automatic Registry backup: Restore automatic Registry backups by creating a DWORD value EnablePeriodicBackup set to 1 and scheduling a task to run daily for backup. Editing the Registry carries risks, and it is advised to back up the PC before making changes.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Pushing passkeys forward: Microsoft’s latest updates for simpler, safer sign-ins

The tech community is celebrating the first "World Passkey Day," moving away from "World Password Day," with Microsoft and other organizations committing to the Passkey Pledge to promote passkey adoption. Microsoft has developed passkeys as a secure authentication method, replacing traditional passwords and allowing access via facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Over 99% of users now prefer Windows Hello for sign-ins, and hundreds of websites support passkeys, which are resistant to phishing. Last year, there were 7,000 password attacks every second, highlighting the urgency of this transition. Microsoft has introduced passkey support for consumer applications, achieving nearly a million registrations daily, with passkey sign-ins being three times more successful and eight times faster than traditional methods. New Microsoft accounts will be created without passwords by default, and the sign-in process will prioritize passwordless methods. Currently, over 15 billion user accounts can use passkeys, with a goal to transition billions more.