user control Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

How to bring the best Android 17 features to any Android phone today

Android 17 introduces several features that enhance user experience and privacy, including the Bubbles multitasking system for managing multiple tasks, a Privacy Dashboard for easier navigation of privacy settings, and an “Expanded” Dark Mode for improved usability in low-light environments. Users of older Android versions can activate an “Extended” dark mode through developer settings. Additionally, the Twilight app mimics Android 17’s Comfort View to reduce eye strain by adjusting screen color temperatures.

Tech Optimizer

June 17, 2026

NordVPN celebrates record security scores, including 99.8% detection rate against “high-threat” malware

NordVPN has achieved the "highest possible" AAA rating from West Coast Labs for its protection suite, with a 99.8% detection rate against high-threat malware in real-world Windows 11 environments. It also secured a 96% detection rate with zero false positives in the AV-Comparatives Anti-Phishing test, making it the first VPN provider to earn a protection badge from AV-Comparatives. NordVPN has launched dedicated private VPN servers that offer dedicated hardware, a static IP address, and port forwarding for enhanced user control. Additionally, a recent survey by NordVPN involving over 20,000 participants across 20 countries revealed significant insights into global screen time habits.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Check out what’s new in Android 17

Android 17 introduces new security features, including the ability to grant apps temporary access to precise location without sharing the entire address book. It enhances the "Mark as lost" feature in the Find Hub, allowing users to lock a missing device with biometrics. The update improves Live Threat Detection to block more suspicious applications and scams, and upgrades Advanced Protection mode. Stricter measures for PIN entry have been implemented, reducing the frequency of PIN guesses and increasing wait times between failed attempts.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

June Pixel Drop: New features for creators, Gemini upgrades and more

The Quick Share feature now integrates with AirDrop on the Pixel 8a and 9a, allowing for easier file and media sharing. Magic Cue will enhance Snapchat conversations with contextual suggestions. The Take a Message feature, which provides real-time text transcripts of voicemails and AI-generated next steps, is expanding to more markets and includes a new Custom Greetings feature for personalized outgoing messages. Additionally, Manual Call Screen is now available for Pixel phones in India, allowing users to screen unknown numbers.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Windows 11 users say Microsoft account requirements are creeping into everything and they are tired of it

Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative aims to improve the Windows 11 experience by enhancing customization, refining the interface, and addressing bugs based on user feedback. A significant issue remains the requirement for a Microsoft account during the initial setup, which has frustrated users who want the option to create a local account. Discussions on Reddit have highlighted this concern, with users expressing a desire for more control and transparency regarding account choices and features like encryption. Some Microsoft employees, including Vice President Scott Hanselman, have shown support for reconsidering the mandatory account requirement, but no commitment has been made to reinstate the local account option. Users are seeking clarity and genuine choice in their computing experience.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Microsoft to Allow Users to Disable Web Search in Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing new controls for Windows 11 that will allow users to disable web search and remove Microsoft Store suggestions from their search results. The update, demonstrated on June 2, 2026, will include two toggles in the Windows 11 Settings app under Privacy and Security → Search Permissions. The first toggle will turn off Bing-powered web results in the taskbar search and Start menu, while the second will control the appearance of Microsoft Store app suggestions. This change replaces the previous method of disabling web search, which required complex registry edits. The new settings aim to enhance user experience by prioritizing local search results and addressing privacy concerns, as user queries will no longer be transmitted to Microsoft’s servers. The toggles are expected to roll out through the Windows Insider program before becoming available to all users.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Windows updates are already bad, but even worse when Microsoft uses my PC to update yours

Microsoft releases monthly Windows updates to enhance security and functionality, but users often encounter issues like broken printers or malfunctioning software. Windows PCs may upload update files to other computers through a feature called Delivery Optimization, which aims to speed up the update process by allowing peer-to-peer sharing of files. While this can improve efficiency, many users prefer to disable it due to concerns about bandwidth and control over their hardware and internet connection. Disabling Delivery Optimization can be done through the Settings menu in Windows 11, allowing updates to be downloaded directly from Microsoft's servers. Users can also choose to share updates only with local devices or adjust the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) for better resource management.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Microsoft is quietly testing a Windows 11 button to uninstall AI bloat

A new feature in the experimental build of Windows 11 (Insider build 26300.8553) allows users to uninstall AI components directly from the System settings via a dedicated button. This feature was discovered by a beta tester and is not officially mentioned in Microsoft's changelog. Each AI component will have an uninstall button to help users manage their system's storage. The timeline for the feature's rollout to all Windows 11 users is currently uncertain, and Microsoft has not commented on its availability.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Perplexity’s Personal Computer for Windows Now Coming to Users

Perplexity has launched Personal Computer for Windows, a desktop software that streamlines user interactions with files, applications, and online resources through a unified interface. It operates natively on Windows, allowing users to manage tasks directly from their machines. The software integrates with Microsoft applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and OneDrive, enabling users to execute tasks without manual data transfer. Users can approve specific local folders for the AI to access, ensuring control over information. The platform supports remote execution from other devices and features Voice Mode for natural language interaction. Personal Computer utilizes over 20 AI models to facilitate complex tasks and includes security features like folder scoping, user permissions, activity logs, and administrative controls for enterprise clients. Access is initially available to paying Max and Enterprise Max subscribers on the waitlist.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

Windows quality update: May

Recent visits to Hyderabad and Taipei have reinforced Windows' commitment to improving user experience, with insights from local Windows Insiders informing preparations for the upcoming Build event. This month focuses on momentum in performance and refinement, with advancements in core functionalities like File Explorer and search capabilities, supported by architectural enhancements. New personalization features for the Taskbar and Start menu have been rolled out, allowing users to reposition the taskbar, choose icon alignment, and utilize app labels. The Start menu has been updated to better align with workflows, offering controls to show or hide sections and adjust size for privacy. The Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) was unveiled at WinHEC 2026 to improve driver quality, reliability, and security, along with Cloud Initiated Driver Recovery for better driver maintenance. Significant updates to File Explorer include improved reliability, readability, and usability, such as support for specific path formats and enhanced dropdown functionality. Accessibility enhancements include Voice Isolation in Voice Access to improve command recognition in noisy environments, expanded personalization options like screen tint adjustments, and new gesture controls for precision touchpads. The Microsoft Build keynote is scheduled for 9:30 AM PT on Tuesday, and a new podcast series, Inside Windows, has been launched to provide insights into ongoing work in Windows.