templates Archives

Winsage

May 10, 2025

5 features I wish Microsoft would turn off by default on Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows 10 and 11 include features that some users find cumbersome, such as OneDrive, which is integrated but not preferred by all users. OneDrive automatically backs up default system folders during setup and offers only 15GB of storage without a Microsoft 365 subscription. Users can disable OneDrive through Computer Configuration settings. The Widgets feature, particularly the News widget, can interrupt workflow and can be disabled via Settings. The Start menu includes recommendations that some users view as advertisements, which can be turned off in Settings. Windows also has several applications set to run at startup by default, which can slow down boot times; users can manage these through Settings or Task Manager. Additionally, Windows collects diagnostic data, which raises privacy concerns, but users can opt out by adjusting settings in Privacy & Security.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (KB5055653) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. Insiders on version 23H2 can opt to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. Key changes include the introduction of energy saver management in Microsoft Intune, allowing IT administrators to manage energy settings on Windows 11 PCs. Other updates involve UI experiments in Recall, taskbar enhancements, and graphics improvements for HDR capabilities. Fixes include resolving keyboard focus issues in the taskbar, startup sound playback issues, and scaling problems after sleep/resume. Known issues involve bugs with Xbox Controllers and live captions crashing. Insiders are reminded to keep their devices updated for optimal performance and access to features.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5055651) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - Energy Saver in Microsoft Intune: IT administrators can manage energy saver settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and MDM configurations, optimizing battery usage by limiting background activities and reducing screen brightness. - Taskbar Improvements: The needy state pill for apps has been redesigned, and administrators can allow users to unpin specific pinned apps. - Graphics Enhancements: Improved management of HDR capabilities, including refined wording for HDR settings and independent toggling of Dolby Vision mode. - Fixes: Resolved issues with taskbar keyboard focus, startup sound playback, scaling after sleep, and cumulative update errors. - Known Issues: Users may experience discrepancies in build version display after PC resets and issues with Xbox Controllers causing bugchecks. - Recall (Preview): Users can opt to remove Recall at any time, and intelligent text actions are now moderated locally. - Windows Search: For optimal performance, devices should be connected to power during initial search indexing. - Task Manager: Users may see the System Idle Process showing as 0 after the addition of a new CPU Utility column. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

6 PowerToys tools that quietly make my day ten times easier on Windows

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several productivity-enhancing tools for Windows 11 users: - Keyboard Manager: Allows users to create custom shortcuts and swap keyboard layouts, such as changing the positions of the Y and Z keys on a QWERTZ layout. - Quick Accent: Simplifies typing accented characters by providing a flyout menu for selecting accents when holding down a letter and pressing Space. - New+: Introduces a template folder for storing frequently used documents, enabling quick generation of new files. - Workspaces: Lets users save and launch a specific layout of applications simultaneously, streamlining workflow. - PowerToys Run/Command Palette: Provides quick access to applications and commands through keyboard shortcuts, allowing for instant launching and execution of commands. - FancyZones: Enhances window management by allowing users to create custom layouts for snapping applications into designated zones on their screens.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

What can we expect from Minecraft 1.21.80 Update | Esports News – The Times of India

The 1.21.80 update for Minecraft introduces several quality-of-life improvements, including the Flat World Presets feature, which allows players to select templates for flat world creations such as "Redstone Ready," "Snowy Kingdom," and "Water World." This feature is accessible in the Advanced tab on the Create New World screen and enhances player customization. The update also upgrades Mojang's Realms service by adding server region preference settings, enabling players to choose the geographical location of their Realm and providing information about the active server region upon logging in. Additionally, the update aligns the random offset behavior of trees, plants, and environmental blocks between Bedrock and Java editions, promoting consistency across platforms. Various fixes are included, such as resolving a bug with the "invincible pet" mob and changing the use of fireworks for Elytra to prevent unintended activations.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

The Gemini app is becoming more like NotebookLM in April’s Workspace feature drop

In the April 2025 Workspace feature drop, Google introduced new AI tools across Gemini, Gmail, Slides, and Chat. Gemini gained two features similar to NotebookLM: Canvas and Audio Overviews. Gmail can now automatically detect event invites in emails and prompt users to add them to their Calendar with one click. Additionally, Gmail will offer Contextual Smart Replies for efficient communication. Google Slides received a new design sidebar for easier presentation creation, allowing users to explore templates and add elements without leaving their current slide. For enterprise users, a board tab in Chat will enable teams to pin messages, files, and links, and a new HubSpot app for Google Chat will enhance workflow efficiency. These features are now widely accessible as part of the April 2025 update.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 Update Bug Triggers BSOD Error

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant bug in its Windows 11 24H2 updates, causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes with the error code “SECUREKERNELERROR” (0x18B). This issue has escalated since the April 2025 Patch Tuesday update, affecting thousands of users globally. The bug leads to system crashes after installing the updates, resulting in persistent crash-restart loops or unbootable systems. Initially reported in March 2025, the problem gained traction following the April update, prompting Microsoft to confirm the bug and investigate its cause. Other issues include failures with Windows Hello and compatibility problems with games and software, particularly on ARM-based devices. To address the crisis, Microsoft has implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to disable the problematic code, which is being automatically pushed to affected devices, although users may experience a delay of up to 24 hours. Users are advised to keep their devices connected to the internet and restart their PCs multiple times to expedite the fix. For enterprise environments, IT administrators must manually deploy a specific Group Policy update. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution, expected in a future update, while also acknowledging related issues and committing to further fixes in the upcoming May 2025 update.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

March, April Windows 11 updates cause BSOD pain for users

Microsoft has reported that two recent updates for Windows 11 24H2, specifically the April cumulative update KB5055523 and the March preview update KB5053656, are causing blue screen crashes with the error code 0x18B (SECUREKERNELERROR) after installation and reboot. There is currently no permanent solution, but Microsoft is working on a workaround using a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) that will automatically apply to personal or unmanaged devices through Windows Update. IT departments will need to manually download a Group Policy .msi file to implement the rollback. Affected machines will require a restart to complete the process.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

Microsoft Has a Fix for Windows’ Latest Blue Screen Problem

Unexpected crashes on Windows 11 version 24H2 have been reported, resulting in a secure kernel fatal error with the blue screen exception error code 0x18B. Microsoft has introduced a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to address this issue by rolling back specific updates. For personal or non-managed computers, the fix will be automatically deployed via Windows Update, and users are advised to restart their PCs. For enterprise devices, IT departments must install the KIR Group Policy, found under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates, and a restart of affected devices is required. The blue screen bug appeared after a Patch Tuesday update that addressed 134 security vulnerabilities, including a zero-day flaw.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Microsoft warns of blue screen crashes caused by April updates

Microsoft has warned customers about potential system failures due to a blue screen error (secure kernel fatal error) following the installation of Windows updates since March, specifically the KB5055523 April cumulative update and the KB5053656 March preview update, affecting Windows 11, version 24H2. Users may experience crashes and a blue screen exception with the code 0x18B. Microsoft is working on a solution and has implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to reverse the problematic updates, which will automatically reach affected devices within 24 hours. Affected users are advised to restart their devices. For enterprise-managed devices, administrators must install the KIR Group Policy specific to their Windows version to resolve the issue, requiring a device restart. Further assistance is available on the Microsoft support website. Additionally, Microsoft has released emergency updates for local audit logon policies in Active Directory Group Policy and alerted administrators about potential inaccessibility of Windows Server 2025 domain controllers post-restart.