streamlining user experience Archives

Winsage

November 15, 2024

A helpful Windows 11 Start menu feature is now in Windows 10

Windows 10 holds a 61 percent share of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 11 has about 35 percent. Microsoft is focusing on enhancing Windows 10, particularly the Start menu, which now features advertisements for its products. A recent update includes the integration of a Microsoft 365 account manager in the Start Menu's sidebar, allowing users to switch between Microsoft 365 and local accounts easily. Users can access options like Change account settings, Lock, and Sign out through this new feature, which also provides direct links to Microsoft 365 and OneDrive. There is currently no option to disable the Microsoft 365 account manager or to opt out of prompts for a paid subscription.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Black screens persist for Windows 10 AVD users

Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing issues affecting Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) users after the installation of July's non-security preview update (KB5040525), leading to a black screen that can last 10 to 30 minutes. This issue is linked to a deadlock between the Azure Active Directory broker and the AppX deployment service, as well as the Background tasks infrastructure service. Users with FSLogix user profile containers in multi-session environments are more likely to face these problems. Additionally, Windows 11 24H2 users are experiencing issues with Task Manager displaying zero counts for Apps, Background Processes, and Windows Processes after the October 2024 non-security preview update, particularly when the 'Group by Type' view is enabled. Dave Plummer, the original author of Task Manager, described this as a "fairly severe bug."

Winsage

September 25, 2024

Windows 11 KB5043185 (24H2) tests deeper Microsoft account integration in File Explorer

Windows 11 has released update KB5043185 for the 24H2 build, introducing a new "Shared" section in File Explorer that integrates files from Microsoft Teams and other services. This update is available to testers in the Dev Channel, elevating Windows 11 24H2 to Build 26120.1843. The "Shared" section allows users to view files shared through emails, OneDrive, and Teams, although some files from different OneDrive accounts may not appear yet. It will also support Microsoft Entra ID accounts for organizational file sharing. Users can open files directly from the shared tab in their respective applications, and Microsoft account functionalities are being embedded throughout File Explorer. The update also includes a Start menu jump list for quick actions on pinned applications and allows file sharing directly from the Windows Search panel. The traditional Control Panel font page has been replaced with a modern interface in Settings. These features will be available to all users with the official release of Windows 11 24H2 in early October.

Winsage

August 28, 2024

Microsoft isn’t removing the Control Panel from Windows anytime soon

Microsoft clarified that the Control Panel is not being removed imminently, despite reports suggesting otherwise. The Control Panel is being deprecated in favor of the Settings app, with many features transitioning to the new interface. However, the Control Panel remains available and has not been included in Microsoft's list of deprecated features for Windows. Microsoft typically provides advance notice for feature removals.

Winsage

August 2, 2024

Microsoft details Windows 11 24H2’s new Energy saver, which replaces Battery saver

Microsoft has introduced the Energy Saver feature in Windows 11 24H2, which allows activation even when the PC is plugged in, unlike the traditional Battery Saver. Battery Saver activates automatically below 20% battery and is only available when the device is not connected to power. The Energy Saver reduces display brightness by 30% and disables transparency effects, but users cannot change power mode settings while it is enabled. Both features limit background applications and sync activities for select Microsoft apps to optimize power usage. The latest update also integrates power profiles from the control panel into Windows Settings.

AppWizard

May 21, 2024

Google is making passkey sign-in a breeze on Android and Wear OS

Google is set to introduce Android 15, which will merge account selection and biometric verification processes into one action, reducing steps required to access secured features.