tips Archives

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Microsoft Quietly Disabled Windows Hello Facial Recognition in the Dark

Microsoft has made an adjustment to Windows Hello Facial Recognition that affects its functionality in dimly lit environments due to a security vulnerability. This change, introduced in the April 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10, requires color cameras to detect a visible face for sign-in. The update addresses a Windows Hello Spoofing vulnerability that was being exploited. Previously, the feature could identify users in low-light conditions using near-infrared imaging technology. Users have reported a workaround by disabling the webcam in Device Manager, allowing IR sensors to authenticate in low light.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft’s new AI agent can change Windows settings for you

Microsoft has introduced an AI agent to assist users in navigating Windows PCs, allowing requests for guidance and task execution. This feature is currently available only to Windows 11 Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs with English as the primary display language. Support for compatible AMD and Intel PCs will be available soon. The AI agent is part of the latest Insider build, which also includes enhancements to the Recall feature, allowing users to reset collected data and automatically expiring snapshots after 90 days. Additional features in the update include Click to Do support for email addresses and improved sharing options for OneDrive files, along with bug fixes.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

The Fitbit app just got a quiet Pixel Watch-inspired makeover

Google has updated the Fitbit app, introducing a redesigned Device Settings page for smartwatches and fitness trackers that resembles the Pixel Watch companion app. The update includes a large image of the connected device, essential information like battery level and last sync time, and a "Sync now" button. Below the device image, there are cards for Watch faces, Apps, and Tiles, leading to the same management options as before. The settings menu now includes options for managing notifications, device preferences, Google services, Fitbit reminders, tips and support, system management, and smart features. This update is part of Google's ongoing effort to enhance the Fitbit app's interface and functionality, with plans for further changes using the Material 3 Expressive design.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Minecraft Happy Ghast guide: taming, builds, tips, and more | Esports News

In the "Chase the Skies" update of Minecraft, players can find and tame a new mob called the Happy Ghast. To find a Happy Ghast, players must locate a Dried Ghast in the Soul Sand Valley biomes or obtain it through Piglin trades or crafting. They can then rehydrate the Dried Ghast in water to create a Ghastling, which is tamed by throwing a total of 10 snowballs at it. Once tamed, players can craft a harness for the Happy Ghast using 3 leather, 2 glass blocks, and 1 wool block. The Happy Ghast can carry up to four players, with the first rider controlling the flight direction. Players can dismount mid-air and stand on the Happy Ghast’s head. It can be used for aerial scaffolding, mobile transport, group travel, and creative showcases. Players are advised to build a Happy Ghast station for easier remounting. Happy Ghasts are vulnerable to fire damage and hostile ghasts, and they wander within a 32-block radius when harnessed. The harness can be removed with shears, and players have created travel systems using Happy Ghasts in minecarts.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Microsoft Starts Testing New Settings AI Agent and Recall Export Experience

Microsoft is testing a new AI agent for Windows 11 within the Settings, available for Windows Insiders on Copilot+ PCs with the Dev build 26200.5651. Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will have access to a revamped Recall export experience in the Beta channel build 26120.4441. The new features include the ability to reset Recall and erase all associated data, new Click to Do actions for Microsoft 365 Copilot and Teams, a larger clock option in the taskbar, improved Windows Share for OneDrive files (not available in the EEA), and enhancements to Voice Access for Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. Insiders are receiving updates based on Windows 11 version 24H2, with version 25H2 expected later this year.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

6 registry tweaks every tech-savvy user must apply on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides customization tools such as the Settings app, Control Panel, and Group Policy Editor, but advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor for deeper control. Key Registry tweaks include: 1. Disable the Home page in Settings: Modify the Registry to revert the Settings app to open directly to the "System" section instead of the "Home" page by creating a string value named SettingsPageVisibility and setting it to hide:home. 2. Disable automatic Windows Update: Prevent automatic downloads and installations by creating a key named WindowsUpdate under Policies, then a subkey AU, and a DWORD value NoAutoUpdate set to 1. 3. Disable the Lock Screen experience: Expedite the sign-in process by creating a key named Personalization and a DWORD value Nolockscreen set to 1. 4. Enable automatic Registry backup: Restore automatic Registry backups by creating a DWORD value EnablePeriodicBackup set to 1 and scheduling a task to run daily for backup. Editing the Registry carries risks, and it is advised to back up the PC before making changes.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (KB5060816) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the ability for Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area to export Recall snapshots with a unique export code, which is secured by encryption and requires Windows Hello authentication. A larger clock display option in the notification center has been added, and recent updates to Recall include a reset option and a maximum storage duration for snapshots set to 90 days. New actions in Click to Do allow users to interact with Microsoft 365 Copilot and connect with colleagues via Teams. Improvements have been made to File Explorer, voice access support has been expanded to additional languages, and sharing options for OneDrive files have been enhanced. Various fixes have been implemented for Recall, File Explorer, the Start menu, and Settings. Known issues include display problems in the Start menu and issues with Xbox Controllers. Updates will be delivered via an enablement package, and features may evolve based on user feedback.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (KB5060818) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. 1. New Agent in Settings: An AI-powered agent helps users find and adjust settings by understanding user intent and automating tasks. Currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices coming soon. English is the primary display language requirement. 2. Recall Export Experience for EEA: Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area can export Recall snapshots with a unique export code, which is encrypted and requires Windows Hello authentication. Users can reset Recall if the export code is lost. 3. Bigger Clock in Notification Center: A new option to display a larger clock with seconds in the notification center is being rolled out, which can be activated in Settings. 4. Recall Changes: Users can now reset Recall and its data, with a new maximum storage duration for snapshots set to 90 days by default. 5. Click to Do Enhancements: New actions allow users to send text or images to Microsoft 365 Copilot and communicate via Microsoft Teams directly from recognized email addresses. 6. File Explorer Updates: Dividers have been added to the context menu for improved organization. 7. Voice Access Language Support: Support for Chinese and Japanese languages has been reintroduced in voice access. 8. Windows Share Options: New sharing options for OneDrive files are available when right-clicking to share. 9. Settings Search Box: The search box in Settings has been repositioned for better usability. 10. Fixes: Various fixes have been implemented for Recall, File Explorer, Start Menu, Settings, and other areas. 11. Known Issues: Issues include inaccurate build version display post-PC reset, non-functional reset options, and problems with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. 12. Reminders: Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed before final release.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

XYZAPK Free Download: How to Safely Access Premium Android Apps

XYZAPK is an independent repository specializing in APK files for Android applications, offering modded apps, unpublished versions, and region-restricted software. Users can download APKs for free without needing a Google account. The official XYZAPK website provides secure downloads and installation guides, organized into sections for apps and games. The download process involves browsing for an app, tapping "Download APK," and installing it after enabling "Unknown Sources." Popular downloads include modified versions of Spotify Premium, Minecraft Arcade, and PikaShow. Benefits of using XYZAPK include access to premium apps without costs, bypassing region locks, and privacy from Google account requirements. However, risks involve increased malware exposure, lack of official updates, and potential legal issues. To ensure safety, users should verify the official site, check user ratings, use antivirus software, review permissions, and back up their devices. Compared to other platforms like APKPure or Uptodown, XYZAPK is known for its modded versions, while the latter focus on official releases with enhanced safety checks.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2025

Microsoft Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Tips to Protect Your Business Following the Latest Outage

Microsoft attributed a recent global outage affecting various digital infrastructures to a "CrowdStrike update," which disrupted multiple applications including OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, PowerBI, Microsoft Teams, and others. Users experienced issues such as synchronization failures and access difficulties. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in supply chains that organizations rely on for managing sensitive data, which can be targeted by cyber threats. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a feature within Microsoft Purview designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. DLP policies can monitor user activity and take protective actions like alerting users about inappropriate sharing, blocking sharing attempts, or relocating data to secure locations. DLP can be applied across various platforms, including Office 365 applications and Windows endpoints. The DLP lifecycle includes planning and deployment phases, where organizations assess data to be monitored and ensure policies do not disrupt workflows. Monitoring and reporting tools provide insights into policy matches and incidents, helping organizations refine their DLP efforts. However, DLP has limitations, including false positives, user resistance, and challenges in detecting data leakages through new communication channels.