Task Manager Archives

Winsage

August 12, 2025

You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here’s how I do it

Maintaining a computer's performance requires regular software upkeep in addition to physical care. An annual deep clean is advisable, with more frequent maintenance being beneficial. 1. Uninstall unused applications using the built-in Settings app or a tool like BCUninstaller, which can bulk uninstall and identify leftover files. 2. Run debloat scripts, such as Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility, to remove bloatware and manage privacy settings. 3. Disable unnecessary startup apps through the Task Manager to optimize boot times. 4. Check for driver updates manually under Advanced options > Optional updates, and visit manufacturer websites for graphics drivers. 5. Run a malware scan using MalwareBytes for periodic checks. 6. Delete temporary files via System > Storage > Temporary files in the Settings app, and manage cached files in web browsers.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

I’m sick to death of PC gaming’s endless launchers

The proliferation of game launchers such as Epic Game Store, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, EA App, Rockstar Social Club, and Paradox Launcher has caused frustration among players, who experience issues like unresponsiveness and crashes. Gamers desire a streamlined experience with fewer intrusive launchers and prefer to share data without the presence of multiple platforms. They would appreciate options to bypass launchers entirely or simplify access to games, contrasting with the ease of console gaming, where games can be accessed with a single button press. The gaming community hopes developers will address these concerns for a more user-friendly experience.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

9 new features that arrived on the Windows 11 Insider Program during the second half of July 2025

During July 2025, Microsoft released seven preview builds for Windows 11, including updates from version branches 24H2 and 25H2, and builds 27913, 27909, and 27902 in the Canary Channel, with build 27902's ISO file available for download. Key enhancements included: 1. Click to Do improvements allowing image descriptions on AMD and Intel devices, previously exclusive to Qualcomm Snapdragon. 2. Windows Narrator now generates detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs for Intel and AMD processors. 3. A new "Recent activity" feature in the Privacy & security section lets users monitor third-party app access to AI functionalities. 4. AI agent functionality is being gradually introduced in the Settings app, starting with the August 2025 Security Update. 5. The Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience page has consolidated recommendations into a single interface. 6. Windows Search is testing a grid view for image search results. 7. The Notification Center now supports a fly-out from secondary monitors, displaying a full clock. 8. Task Manager has reintroduced a view showing processor usage metrics across various pages, with an option to revert to legacy metrics.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Revamped Task Manager, second-monitor notifications coming soon to Windows 11

Microsoft is rolling out its Copilot+ features, primarily for PCs with Intel and AMD processors, which receive updates later than Qualcomm Snapdragon+ devices. The new "agent-powered search" feature allows users to ask natural-language questions to simplify the Settings app. This functionality is supported by a neural processing unit (NPU) that processes information locally for improved speed and privacy. A tutorial for the "Click to Do" feature has also been introduced, providing action suggestions based on on-screen content. The "Second Chance Out of Box Experience" (SCOOBE) window has received negative feedback for being intrusive, prompting users to enroll in Windows Backup and switch to Microsoft Edge. Users can disable the SCOOBE screen by adjusting settings in the Notifications section. These features are being introduced across the Dev and Beta channels of the Windows Insider program, with a public release expected soon. Additionally, Microsoft is preparing for the Windows 11 25H2 update, which will introduce more features currently being deployed to version 24H2 devices.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

The newest Windows 11 Beta and Dev builds make searching for images a lot easier

Microsoft has introduced a grid view feature in the Windows 11 Beta and Dev branches that enhances the image search experience by displaying thumbnails of search results, making it easier for users to identify and locate desired images. Other updates include configuration options for lock screen widgets, expanded notification center functionality for secondary monitors, and a fix for CPU reporting in Task Manager.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (KB5062669) is being released to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2. A new agent for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs is introduced, allowing users to articulate their needs for settings adjustments, with AI providing tailored recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen is being rolled out for reviewing recommended settings. A new tutorial for Click to Do is introduced, guiding users on efficient task completion. Enhancements are made to the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, and a new grid view is added to the search results in the Windows Search box. Updates to the lock screen widget configuration UI and Notification Center functionality for secondary monitors are also included. Task Manager now uses standard metrics for CPU utilization across all pages, with a new optional CPU Utility column. Various fixes address issues with the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollbacks during installation and crashes with live captions and Xbox controllers.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (KB5062669) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include a new agent in Settings for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs that helps users modify settings through AI-driven recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen for reviewing recommended settings is being rolled out, along with a new tutorial for Click to Do that guides users on completing tasks efficiently. The update optimizes the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, introduces a grid view in search results, and enhances the lock screen widget configuration. Notification Center functionality has been extended to secondary monitors, and Task Manager now includes an optional CPU utility column. Various fixes have been implemented across the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start Menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollback errors during installation and problems with live captions and Xbox controllers.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

Microsoft Releases New Windows 11 Pre-Release Builds to Dev and Beta Channels

Users enrolled in the Dev or Beta channels of the Windows Insider Program can now install the preview cumulative update KB5062669. This update advances Windows 11 version 25H2 to build 26200.5722 for Dev channel users and updates Windows 11 version 24H2 to build 26120.5722 for Beta channel participants. The update introduces several features: - An Agent in Settings for AMD/Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs is now available for Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs. - The Second Chance Out of Box Experience (SCOOBE) has been redesigned for a more intuitive setup process, with an option to disable it. - A new tutorial for Click to Do guides users on actions with images and text. - Windows Search now includes a grid view for image results in the left pane of the Search highlights result pane. There are also minor adjustments to the Lock screen configuration, updates to the Notification center, enhancements in Task Manager, and various fixes and newly identified issues.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

I ditched most of the Windows start-up chaos and sped up my boot times without any third-party tools, here’s how

As computers age, performance often declines due to the accumulation of installed applications, saved files, and the number of startup tasks running in the background, particularly in Windows 11. New programs frequently set up tasks that launch at startup, leading to longer boot times and increased resource consumption. Users can manage these startup tasks using Task Manager, which allows them to view and disable unnecessary programs that run automatically upon login. Disabling these tasks does not delete applications but prevents them from launching automatically, improving startup efficiency. Additionally, Task Scheduler can be used to identify and manage tasks that may still launch at login. Managing startup tasks can lead to significant performance improvements, such as reducing boot time from approximately 25 seconds to just 31 seconds for a fully loaded desktop.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

10 hidden Windows settings you should change now

Most Windows users engage with basic settings, but there are hidden settings that can enhance usability and performance. 1. Adjust App Permissions: Navigate to Settings -> Privacy & security -> App permissions to limit unnecessary app permissions. 2. Disable "Let Apps Run in the Background": Go to Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps, select the app, click the three dots, choose Advanced options, and turn off "Let this app run in the background." 3. Turn Off Ad Tracking and Personalization: Go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> General and deactivate ad-tracking options. 4. Disable Tips and Suggestions: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Notifications, expand Additional settings, and uncheck "Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows." 5. Enable Clipboard History: Go to Settings -> System -> Clipboard and toggle on "Clipboard history." Access it with Windows key + V. 6. Manage Startup Apps: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), switch to the Startup tab, and disable unnecessary apps. 7. Turn On Storage Sense: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Storage -> Storage Sense to enable automatic cleanup of temporary files. 8. Prevent Apps from Reopening on Startup: Go to Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in options and disable "Automatically save my restartable apps." 9. Hide Recently Opened Files in Quick Access: Open File Explorer, click the "three dots," select Options, and uncheck "Show recently used files" and "Show frequently used folders." 10. Set Active Hours for Windows Update: Visit Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced options -> Active hours to define your active hours for updates.