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Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates
Winsage
January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.
Google Drive update makes navigating PDFs and files effortless
AppWizard
December 8, 2025

Google Drive update makes navigating PDFs and files effortless

Google Drive has upgraded its file viewer, introducing a new interface that improves the experience for accessing PDFs, images, and videos. The PDF viewer now features a sidebar with a table of contents and page thumbnails for easier navigation. Video files include a transcript search tool for locating specific spoken keywords. Google Drive also offers Gemini-powered audio summaries, allowing users to generate and listen to quick overviews. The new design includes a redesigned toolbar and intuitive file menu for a more organized environment. The rollout is in progress for users on Google’s Rapid Release track, with Scheduled Release domains expected to receive the update starting December 11, 2025. Both personal and Workspace users will benefit from these enhancements.
Google Messages update adds cleaner link and YouTube video previews
AppWizard
November 30, 2025

Google Messages update adds cleaner link and YouTube video previews

Google is introducing a redesigned link preview feature in its Messages app, focusing on larger website titles and thumbnails while removing full link URLs and descriptions. The new previews will display a general site URL beneath the title and prioritize a minimalist design, resembling Google Discover cards. Users can access the full URL by copying it or adjusting settings to disable link previews. The update is rolling out with version 2025112100RC01 on the beta channel, with wider availability expected soon.
Microsoft hits the breaks on Windows 11 File Explorer 'recommended files' feature
Winsage
November 11, 2025

Microsoft hits the breaks on Windows 11 File Explorer ‘recommended files’ feature

Microsoft has paused the rollout of a new feature for File Explorer on Windows 11 that showcases "recommended" files at the top of the Home tab. The feature began its initial rollout on October 28 but was halted on November 5. It allows cloud storage providers to display cloud-based placeholder files in File Explorer, similar to OneDrive functionality. The feature was initially rolled out to domain-joined Windows 11 PCs and later expanded to consumer-facing PCs. It displays recently downloaded or opened applications and files with large thumbnails and highlights recent activity from shared documents and cloud files. Users can disable this feature if they choose. Microsoft has not provided a timeline for when the rollout might resume.
Windows Graphics Vulnerabilities Allow Remote Attackers to Execute Arbitrary Code
Winsage
November 3, 2025

Windows Graphics Vulnerabilities Allow Remote Attackers to Execute Arbitrary Code

Multiple vulnerabilities have been identified in Microsoft’s Graphics Device Interface (GDI), particularly related to Enhanced Metafile (EMF) formats, allowing potential remote code execution and information exfiltration. Key vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2025-30388: Rated Important with a CVSS score of 8.8, it involves out-of-bounds memory operations during processing of records, affecting Windows 10/11 and Office for Mac/Android. It allows attackers to read or write beyond allocated heap buffers. - CVE-2025-53766: Rated Critical with a CVSS score of 9.8, it permits remote code execution through out-of-bounds writes in the ScanOperation::AlphaDivide_sRGB function, affecting Windows 10/11 without requiring privileges. - CVE-2025-47984: Rated Important with a CVSS score of 7.5, it exploits a flaw in handling EMR_STARTDOC records, leading to information disclosure by exposing adjacent heap memory. Microsoft has released patches to address these vulnerabilities, and users are advised to apply them promptly. Recommendations include disabling EMF rendering in untrusted contexts and using sandboxed viewers for document access.
New GDI Flaws Could Enable Remote Code Execution in Windows
Winsage
November 3, 2025

New GDI Flaws Could Enable Remote Code Execution in Windows

A series of vulnerabilities within the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) has been discovered, potentially allowing for remote code execution and information disclosure. These vulnerabilities are linked to malformed enhanced metafile (EMF) and EMF+ records, leading to memory corruption during image rendering. Three specific vulnerabilities were analyzed and included in Microsoft's Patch Tuesday updates released in May, July, and August of 2025. They are cataloged as: - CVE-2025-30388: Rated important and more likely to be exploited. - CVE-2025-53766: Rated critical, enabling remote code execution. - CVE-2025-47984: Rated important, associated with information disclosure. All three involve out-of-bounds memory access triggered by crafted metafiles. Microsoft has released patches for GdiPlus.dll and gdi32full.dll to address these vulnerabilities, including validation checks and corrections in memory handling. These vulnerabilities also affect Microsoft Office for Mac and Android platforms.
Microsoft won't give up on Windows 11's Widgets board as it gets another UI makeover
Winsage
October 19, 2025

Microsoft won’t give up on Windows 11’s Widgets board as it gets another UI makeover

The Discover feed on the Widgets board in Windows 11 is being redesigned with rounded corners, multiple dashboards, and curated stories powered by Copilot. Users can customize or disable their Discover feed. This update will be part of the Windows 11 25H2 update. Widgets originated from Windows Vista's Gadgets in 2007, which included mini-apps like weather updates and calendars. Windows 11 reintroduced Widgets as a standalone feature in October 2021, though it has not been as popular as Gadgets. Copilot Discover, announced in June, aims to summarize content from trusted MSN publishers and is currently being tested in Insider builds. The new Widgets board will support multiple dashboards and feature a left-side navigation bar. User feedback on Widgets is mixed, with some finding the design outdated and cluttered. The effectiveness of the Copilot-curated widget will depend on the quality of news selected for users. The rollout of the new features will occur server-side and through updates to the Copilot app, with personalization options available in the Widgets settings.
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