streamlining user experience Archives

Winsage

December 22, 2025

Insider build focuses on further AI integration in Windows 11

Microsoft has released a new preview version of Windows 11 for Windows Insider Program members, featuring builds 26220.7522 and 26220.7523 in the Dev and Beta channels. The update focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, particularly enhancing the Copilot feature for quicker access to contextual actions via the taskbar. New agents are being tested to assist with tasks within the Windows environment. Usability improvements include updates to the Narrator screen reader, touch keyboard, and voice typing functionalities, along with a new Discover Windows widget to help users find features. The release also includes various bug fixes related to the taskbar, Windows Search, Bluetooth connectivity, and File Explorer, while cautioning users about known issues. Insiders can temporarily switch between the Dev and Beta channels, but this option will end as higher build numbers are released.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Microsoft is speeding up and decluttering File Explorer in Windows 11

Microsoft is enhancing the File Explorer in Windows 11 with a preloading feature to improve startup speed, particularly on less powerful hardware like handhelds and tablets. Users will have the option to disable this feature if they prefer not to run File Explorer in the background. Additionally, the context menu is being refined to declutter the interface by moving less frequently used actions into submenus and introducing a new manage file flyout that consolidates various functions. Cloud file options will also be organized into a dedicated flyout. These updates are currently in testing in the latest Dev preview builds, with a broader rollout expected in early 2026.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Google Meet will finally sunset legacy Duo features in September

Google Meet will fully replace legacy Duo calling features by September 2025. Users should update the Meet app and save their Duo call history and messages before this date. Some legacy features will be removed, but Google Meet will offer upgraded functionalities such as live captions, in-call chat, stackable effects, cloud encryption, and screen sharing. Users must keep their Meet app updated to ensure a smooth transition; if not all participants are updated, calls will revert to the legacy experience. Users are also encouraged to export their call history and video messages from the Duo app.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Transform Windows 10/11 into the OS you’ve always wanted with Seelen UI

Seelen UI version 2.2.0 introduces several new features and enhancements for Windows 10 and Windows 11, including: - Ability to disable app thumbnail generation on the dock. - Locking dock and toolbar items for a stable workspace. - Instance counter for the same app on the dock. - Customization options for toolbar positioning. - Setting a custom start menu icon. - Language selector for the toolbar. - Dynamic color highlighting based on the focused app. - Introduction of a hibernate button in the toolbar power menu. - Media volume mixer operating by app and device. - Clickable notifications and images for enhanced interactivity. Enhancements include: - Settings displayed at startup for immediate access. - Expanded power module supporting various power plans. Refactor includes: - Update of the windows-rs crate to version 0.59.0 for improved performance. Fixes address: - Correct display of local accounts with domain in username. - Issue with Application Frame Host displaying instead of actual app name. - Event order in Windows event handling for better reliability. Changes include: - Updated dependencies for enhanced functionality. - Position variable for the fancy toolbar. - Instance counter for multiple open windows. - Power plan options added to power settings. - Option to disable reordering on the WEG and toolbar. - Improved notification max height and hover transitions. - Language improvements, particularly for Japanese and Russian. - Fixes related to Bluetooth module functionality and fullscreen app compatibility.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Ciphers Digital Marketing Launches SEO Checklist App on Android and Rolls Out Google Cloud AI Integration for Smart Chatbots and Voice Assistants

Ciphers Digital Marketing has launched an SEO Checklist App for Android devices, aimed at helping business owners, marketers, and developers identify growth opportunities and prioritize SEO best practices. The app includes features such as SEO self-assessment, an instant scoring system, actionable insights, and a user-friendly interface. Additionally, Ciphers Digital is integrating Google Cloud AI to enhance client offerings with smart chatbots, voice assistance, context-aware conversational experiences, and custom-trained models. The company provides a range of services, including SEO, web design, PPC advertising, and content marketing, and aims to foster intelligent and scalable digital growth solutions.

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.