uninstallation Archives

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Windows 11 KB5074109 issues: black screen, freezes Outlook POP, breaks Azure Virtual Desktop, LocalizedResourceName (desktop.ini)

Windows 11 KB5074109 has caused several issues for users, particularly those with Nvidia GPUs, including black screens, Outlook freezing with POP accounts, and problems with File Explorer's desktop.ini settings. Users have reported random black screens and desktop freezes after installing the update, with some finding temporary relief by changing their monitor's DisplayPort mode. Outlook Classic has been problematic, remaining active in the background and freezing shortly after opening, prompting users to terminate the process in Task Manager or uninstall the update. Additionally, the update disrupts Azure Virtual Desktop functionality, leading to sign-in failures and connection issues. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems and is investigating solutions, including a Known Issue Rollback for AVD. The update also breaks the LocalizedResourceName directive in File Explorer, preventing folder name customization. Users can uninstall the update through Settings, but this may expose them to security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

January 17, 2026

You can finally uninstall Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11, but there’s a catch

Microsoft has introduced a feature allowing certain users to uninstall Copilot from Windows 11 through a Group Policy setting named RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp, available in the latest Insider builds for Developer and Beta channels. This option is accessible to IT administrators managing devices on Enterprise, Pro, or EDU versions of Windows. However, the ability to remove Copilot depends on specific conditions: both the free Microsoft Copilot app and the paid Microsoft 365 Copilot must be installed, the Copilot app must not have been user-installed, and it must not have been activated in the past 28 days. Users need to disable Copilot in Startup Apps and avoid opening it for nearly a month to qualify for uninstallation. The process can be initiated via the Group Policy Editor for those with administrative privileges, but it is a one-time event, with the option to reinstall Copilot later. There has been significant user demand for this uninstallation option, particularly after a bug in March 2025 that removed Copilot for some users, which was positively received on social media.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

How to remove Copilot from Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced Copilot on Windows 11, which has generated mixed reactions from users. Many users express a preference for operating without it, and the difficulty of uninstalling Copilot, which often reinstalls itself, has contributed to dissatisfaction. Microsoft is working on a solution for permanent removal in future updates. A guide has been created to assist users in removing Copilot, which includes three steps: 1. Preventing auto startup by disabling it in Task Manager. 2. Preventing auto installation by modifying the Registry Editor to create a DWORD value named TurnOffWindowsCopilot and setting it to 1. 3. Uninstalling Copilot through the Settings app. Following these steps allows users to effectively remove Copilot from their systems.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Admins finally get the power to uninstall Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and EDU versions — devices must meet specific conditions to allow the removal of the AI app

Microsoft has introduced a feature allowing administrators to uninstall the Microsoft Copilot App from managed devices using Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046). The uninstallation is governed by specific criteria: the system must have both Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot installed, the Microsoft Copilot app must not have been installed by the user, and it must not have been launched in the past 28 days. Users will still have access to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which is a paid service, while the Microsoft Copilot app is complimentary and preinstalled on Windows 11.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices

Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to completely uninstall its Copilot AI assistant from managed Windows devices. This policy, named “RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp,” is being deployed through management tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and addresses concerns about data privacy, resource consumption, and unwanted software in commercial settings. The feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and reflects feedback from IT professionals who prefer controlled environments. While this option is exclusive to enterprise-tier Microsoft 365 subscribers, smaller businesses and individual users have limited options for removal. The policy aims to balance innovation with risk management, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, where data privacy is critical.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

5 Apps That Can Breathe New Life Into Your Old Windows PC

Windows PCs can become slow due to digital clutter from uninstalled applications, unused registry entries, and background processes. This software bloat can often be optimized using lightweight, free tools instead of upgrading hardware. Microsoft PC Manager is a user-friendly utility that enhances performance by clearing temporary files and freeing up RAM, featuring sections for System Protection, Storage Management, and App Management. The Everything app provides rapid file search results by reading the Master File Table, conserving system resources and allowing customization of search preferences. Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility is a powerful debloater tool that can remove telemetry and bloatware, with options for tweaking system settings to improve performance, though caution is advised to avoid instability. The Thorium Browser is a lightweight alternative to resource-intensive browsers, built on the Chromium framework, providing speed and efficiency while maintaining compatibility with older hardware. Bulk Crap Uninstaller offers a thorough uninstallation process, removing all traces of software and allowing for bulk uninstalls, with features like color-coded categorization and the option to create restore points.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Four Google Play Store Features That Change How App Installs and Updates Work

The Google Play Store has introduced several enhancements to improve the app installation and update experience for users. Key features include: 1. Per-app auto-update control: Users can now enable or disable auto-updates for individual apps, allowing essential apps to remain on stable versions while less critical ones update automatically. 2. Built-in download manager shortcut: A new circular icon on the Apps and Games pages provides access to a list of recently installed or updated apps, showing timestamps and allowing users to launch apps directly from this list. 3. Auto-open when ready: A toggle that, when activated, launches an app automatically after installation, accompanied by a notification with a countdown timer for user intervention. 4. Viewing changelogs without opening app pages: Users can now view update changelogs directly from the app management screen without navigating to each app's store listing, enhancing efficiency in reviewing updates. These features collectively enhance user control and transparency in app management.

Winsage

December 18, 2025

2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience

In 2025, the Microsoft Store on Windows attracted over 250 million monthly users and introduced new offerings, including productivity tools like Raycast, Noteastic, and Cephable, as well as popular games such as Fortnite and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Accessibility apps like DotVista and applications like RunCat 365 and Adobe Premier Elements 2026 were also launched. In collaboration with Tencent, the catalog in China expanded to include mini apps and games like Rednote and Fire to the Zombies. The 2025 App Awards winners were announced, recognizing exceptional value for Windows users. The Microsoft Store introduced Special Events to help users discover timely content within their favorite apps. A dedicated Themes department was launched to simplify the process of personalizing computing environments. Enhancements made since June focused on providing a tailored experience, with personalized content available on home and app pages. The app installation process was streamlined with multi-app install features and improved methods for finding and launching apps through the Windows Search Bar. The AI Hub was refreshed to help users discover AI-powered apps, with new app badges indicating AI capabilities. Copilot now assists with Store browsing in the U.S., and finding Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot has been made easier. Key improvements included quicker navigation, improved error handling, the ability to uninstall apps directly from the Library, better update orchestration, and enhanced search functionality.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Google’s making a silly and annoying change to how you uninstall system app updates

Google has removed the option for Android users to uninstall updates for system apps directly through the Play Store. Users can no longer click an uninstall button within app listings, and only an open button is available. This change affects devices running Play Store versions from 49.1.32-31 to 49.2.25-31, including system apps that do not appear in the app drawer, such as Android Auto and Pixel Camera Services. Users must now access app settings through the device's main settings menu to uninstall updates, which complicates app management. This change follows Google's recent enhancements allowing remote uninstallation of apps from multiple devices, raising questions about the rationale behind the removal of the uninstall option for system app updates.

Winsage

December 10, 2025

De-Enshittifing Windows 11 Version 25H2: Win11Debloat ⭐

Tiny11 Builder requires a clean installation of Windows 11 to enhance the user experience. Key criteria for any utility aimed at replicating Tiny11 Builder's benefits include disabling telemetry, removing preinstalled bloatware, addressing issues with Microsoft Edge (including uninstallation), and mitigating problems linked to Microsoft OneDrive (also through uninstallation). Utilities mentioned for further refining Windows 11 include: - Rufus: Creates installation media without requiring a Microsoft account sign-in or hardware checks. - MSEdgeDirect: Allows the use of a preferred web browser for accessing stories from Widgets and web-based search results. - ExplorerPatcher: Addresses performance and reliability concerns within File Explorer. Win11Debloat is highlighted as a utility that meets optimization requirements, having undergone changes since August 2024. The updated process allows users to launch a Terminal with admin privileges to download and run Win11Debloat directly. It features three modes: Default mode, Custom mode, and App removal. Custom mode offers options for app removal, disabling telemetry, turning off tips and suggestions, and disabling Bing web search, Bing AI, and Cortana, among others.