user concerns Archives

Winsage

April 21, 2025

Microsoft is finally making the Start menu better — now fix these 5 things, too

Users have expressed frustration with the restrictive Start menu in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, prompting some to seek third-party solutions. A newly discovered Start menu design is larger, allows immediate access to the full list of applications, and offers the option to remove the Recommended section. Microsoft's inclusion of Clipchamp as a video editing tool is seen as a step forward, but it lacks features compared to Apple’s iMovie and operates as a web-based application. Widgets in Windows 11 are not well-received due to their isolated interface, and integrating them onto the desktop could improve accessibility. The gaming experience on Windows remains subpar, particularly in navigation with a gamepad, and Windows Search directs users to Bing and Edge, limiting browser choices. The initial setup process for Windows 11 is cumbersome, with numerous prompts for Microsoft services, leading to a frustrating experience.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Windows Update fails successfully, says Microsoft

The April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment update, identified as KB5057589, has caused confusion among Windows 10 users due to an error message (0x80070643 – ERRORINSTALLFAILURE) encountered during installation. Microsoft clarified that this error is a nuisance and does not affect the update or device functionality. The update enhances recovery features for devices facing booting issues and is delivered through Windows Update. Users may see the error if the update is installed while another update is pending a reboot, but the update typically installs successfully after a restart. Microsoft is working on a resolution to address user concerns.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC

Microsoft's April updates have led to user concerns, including the appearance of an empty folder named “inetpub,” which is linked to a security patch for vulnerability CVE-2025-21204. Users are also facing error code 0x80070643 during the installation of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) update, which may give the impression of a failed update, but Microsoft states that the update is usually applied successfully after a restart. Some users have reported issues with partition size on the Recovery disk, even with sufficient storage available. Microsoft advises users not to delete the “inetpub” folder and to refrain from further updates immediately after applying the April updates, suggesting that a restart may resolve issues. Additionally, Microsoft emphasizes the importance of upgrading from Windows 10 before its end of support on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft extends support for key Windows tool – but probably not the one you’d expect

Microsoft will continue to support driver update synchronization for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) servers, postponing the planned deprecation initially set for April 18 due to customer feedback. Paul Reed, Azure Compliance Senior Program Manager, noted the importance of this feature for organizations, particularly in regulated environments. A revised timeline for the future of WSUS driver synchronization will be developed, and Microsoft is open to ongoing customer feedback.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft is finally fixing my biggest issues with the Windows 11 Start menu

Microsoft has introduced an updated Start menu for Windows 11 in an Insider preview build, addressing user concerns since its 2021 release. The new design allows users to pin up to eight apps per row, compared to the previous limitation of three rows, and enables users to hide the Recommended feed. The All Apps list is now located at the bottom of the menu for immediate visibility and easy scrolling. Additionally, users can toggle the Phone Link panel on and off with a button press. These changes aim to attract Windows 10 users considering a transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows 11 users can finally restore this lost Windows 10 taskbar feature, here is how

Windows 11 users can restore the Desktop Peek feature using a Windhawk mod called "Taskbar Show Desktop Button Aero Peek," which allows them to show the desktop by hovering over the taskbar. This functionality was removed by Microsoft, but the mod provides a way to revert to the previous method. Users can uninstall the mod or use keyboard shortcuts (Win + D to show the desktop, Win + , for a quick peek) to return to the default settings.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Malicious Game Infects Steam Users With Info-Stealing Malware

Steam removed the game Sniper: Phantom's Resolution due to a security breach involving malware designed to extract sensitive user information. The malware was disguised as a legitimate Windows process and employed tactics like executing Node.js scripts and establishing startup persistence. A month earlier, another game, PirateFi, was found to be spreading the Vidar infostealer, affecting up to 1,500 users. Both incidents highlight the risks associated with malware hosted on trusted platforms like Steam, which may exploit vulnerabilities in submission processes. Users often identified suspicious behavior before the platforms did, indicating delayed detection and response times. The lack of timely communication regarding breaches further exacerbates user concerns.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google Messages addresses issues regarding media text failures in RCS chats

Google is addressing user concerns regarding media transmission issues in RCS chats within the Messages app by implementing updates to enhance media reception performance. The updates aim to improve the "receiving performance" of media texts. Additionally, Google has introduced enhanced scam detection measures for Pixel devices, utilizing AI technology to identify and flag potential scams in the Messages and Phone apps, providing real-time alerts for suspicious messages. There is also anticipation for Google's promised 911 RCS texting capabilities, which would allow users to text emergency services and send images and videos, although the timeline for this feature remains uncertain.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

Google’s SafetyCore App Secretly Scans All Photos on Android Devices

Google's SafetyCore app was launched in October 2023 as part of system updates for Android devices, designed to classify content like spam and explicit material through on-device image analysis. It operates locally using machine learning, avoiding cloud uploads, and is promoted as a privacy-enhancing feature. However, it requires 2GB of storage and operates in the background without prior user disclosure, leading to criticism regarding its transparency and potential privacy implications. Users discovered its existence through online discussions, with some labeling it as "spyware." Although Google claims that SafetyCore only activates upon app requests and does not report findings back to the company, the closed-source nature of the app raises concerns about independent audits and user trust. Advocates for privacy emphasize the need for transparency in technology, especially regarding features that access personal data. Users can disable SafetyCore through the Settings menu, but many remain unaware of this option. The situation highlights a broader issue of balancing innovation with user consent in the tech industry.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 11 requires authorization in Notepad — but not for all

Users have expressed frustration over the requirement to sign in to a Microsoft account to access the new Rewrite feature in Notepad on Windows 11, which is available only on Copilot+ PCs. The basic functionalities of Notepad do not require an account. Microsoft is testing a more integrated version of Copilot for Windows 11, moving away from its current web-based experience. Users have also reported issues with Bluetooth connectivity, headphones, and webcams following recent updates to Windows 11, with ongoing anticipation for enhancements to features like “Conductor” and the taskbar.