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Winsage

May 1, 2025

4 Windows versions Windows 12 should shamelessly imitate

Windows 12 is speculated to potentially launch in two to three years, following the end of support for Windows 10. It may draw inspiration from previous successful versions like Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10, focusing on user customization, performance, and reducing bloatware. Windows 11, launched six years after Windows 10, introduced a new visual style and features but faced criticism over hardware requirements. Windows 12 is expected to build on Windows 11's foundation with incremental improvements and enhanced support for ARM processors.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

A mysterious new Windows 11 folder appeared – and now there’s a new exploit

Windows 11 users encountered the "inetpub" folder after the April 2023 update (KB5055523), which is a crucial component for addressing the security vulnerability CVE-2025-21204. Microsoft stated that the folder should not be removed, as it helps manage Windows Update security vulnerabilities by preventing unauthorized control through symbolic links. However, cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont revealed that the same patch introduced a new vulnerability that could allow remote exploitation, prompting Microsoft to acknowledge this issue with a "Moderate" status and indicate that a fix is forthcoming. Users are advised to keep their systems updated and not delete the "inetpub" folder. If the folder is deleted, it can be restored by enabling Internet Information Services in the Control Panel.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

Search Bar Not Working in Windows 11? Follow these Fixes

Numerous users have reported issues with the search bar functionality in Windows 11. A guide has been compiled to offer effective solutions, including: 1. Restarting File Explorer by opening Task Manager, finding "Windows Explorer," right-clicking it, and selecting "Restart." 2. Rebuilding the search index by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to Privacy & Security, selecting "Searching Windows," clicking on "Advanced indexing options," and choosing "Rebuild." 3. Starting the Windows Search service by opening the Run dialog, typing services.msc, locating "Windows Search," stopping the service, starting it again, setting the Startup type to "Automatic," and restarting the PC. 4. Ending the SearchHost.exe task in Task Manager by finding "Search," right-clicking it, and selecting "End task." 5. Using the Recovery tool via Windows Update by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to System -> Recovery, and clicking "Reinstall now" next to "Fix problems using Windows Update." Rebooting after these steps should restore the search bar's functionality. Rebuilding the search index can enhance local search speed, and users may also consider removing Bing search results from the Start menu.

Winsage

April 27, 2025

5 hidden Windows features I wish I’d been using all along

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity: 1. Clipboard History: Allows users to copy and paste multiple items. To enable, go to Settings -> System -> Clipboard and toggle on Clipboard history and Clipboard history across devices. 2. Scroll Inactive Windows: Enables scrolling through inactive windows by hovering over them. To activate, go to Settings -> Bluetooth & devices -> Mouse and toggle on "Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them." 3. Ctrl+Shift+Enter in Run Dialog Box: Launches applications with administrative privileges using the Ctrl+Shift+Enter shortcut in the Run dialog box. 4. Enable Enhanced Search: Expands search capabilities to include the entire drive. To enable, go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> Searching Windows and select the Enhanced option. 5. Enable God Mode: Provides access to numerous system settings in one location. To activate, create a new folder and rename it to a specific string that grants access to these settings.

Winsage

April 27, 2025

5 features I wish were enabled by default on Windows 11

Microsoft Windows 11 includes several features that are not enabled by default, which can hinder user experience: 1. System Restore: Allows users to create restore points for system recovery but is not enabled by default due to disk space concerns. 2. End Task Feature: Enables users to right-click on unresponsive apps in the taskbar to force quit them, but requires activation through Settings. 3. File Extension View in File Explorer: Users must manually enable the display of file extensions for better file management. 4. Hibernate Mode: A power-saving option that saves the system state to the hard drive, not readily accessible in power settings and requires enabling through Control Panel or command line. 5. Start Menu on the Left: The Start menu is centered by default, but users can adjust it to the left through Settings, which some long-time users prefer.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (KB5055632) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. New features include: - A profanity filter setting for voice typing that allows users to manage the masking of profane words. - Click to Do is now available in preview, allowing users to configure pen shortcuts to launch it. - Improved Windows Search for OneDrive users, which now only displays matches for keywords found within cloud file text. - Enhanced Accessibility flyout in quick settings, organizing assistive technologies into categories. Fixes include: - Addressed issues causing certain apps to appear blank after installation. - Resolved problems with Windows Hello facial recognition and input issues with the touch keyboard. - Fixed issues preventing Quick Assist from functioning for non-administrator users and problems with USB devices disconnecting after sleep. Known issues include: - Users may initially receive an older build upon joining the Dev Channel. - Windows Sandbox may fail to launch with a specific error. - Reports of core Windows surfaces failing to load in safe mode are under investigation. - A bugcheck issue when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth is noted. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

5 great features Windows 8 introduced that it doesn’t get enough credit for

Windows 8 introduced several significant features: 1. The Startup tab in Task Manager simplified managing startup tasks, allowing users to easily view and disable unnecessary applications, improving system performance. 2. The Ribbon UI in File Explorer made a wide range of options accessible, enhancing efficiency in file management tasks like copying, moving, and deleting files. 3. Internet Explorer 10 and 11 improved support for modern web standards and performance, making them competitive options, especially for touch devices. 4. OneDrive integration allowed users to view cloud files directly in File Explorer without downloading them, enhancing convenience and efficiency. 5. Windows 8 provided an intuitive touch experience with a tile-based Start menu and smooth animations, offering a fluid and responsive environment for tablet users.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (KB5055634) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as a profanity filter setting for voice typing, the Click to Do feature for pen users, and improved Windows Search functionality for OneDrive users. Enhancements to the Accessibility flyout in quick settings have been made, and various fixes have been implemented, including issues with Windows Hello facial recognition and the touch keyboard. Known issues include problems with Windows Sandbox and Xbox Controller connectivity. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

How to Get Minesweeper and Seven Other Classic Games Back in Windows 11

Classic Windows games like Spider, Minesweeper, and Hearts have been missed since Windows 8 was introduced in 2012. A simple installer from Winaero allows users to run these games on Windows 8, 10, or 11, with enhancements for higher resolution screens while maintaining original gameplay. The collection includes Chess, FreeCell, Hearts, Mahjong, Minesweeper, Purble Place, Solitaire, and Spider Solitaire. Users can also install the Internet Games collection from the 2000s, though it may be less useful due to a shut-down server. After installation, games can be accessed via the start menu without ads or prompts. However, the games may stop working after major Windows updates, requiring users to rerun the installer to restore access.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

6 first world Windows 11 problems I desperately want Microsoft to fix

Windows 11 creates local user directories using the first five letters of a user's email address instead of their actual name, which can be frustrating for users. The Taskbar thumbnail preview animations are lacking fluidity compared to previous Windows versions. Dark mode is inconsistent, with light mode interfaces appearing in various parts of the OS. Task View and Virtual Desktops animations can be choppy on systems without dedicated graphics cards. The transition between the Start menu and the Search pane feels abrupt and unrefined. Additionally, ads within Windows 11 lack personalization, leading to frustration for users who already subscribe to Microsoft services.