user experience Archives

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Companies are now using automatic Windows installers to display Adware through the Microsoft Store when you install new hardware — customer immediately gets McAfee ads on their PC after connecting new LG monitor; here’s how to block the new ads

LG monitors are displaying unsolicited advertisements for McAfee, which users find intrusive and frustrating. This issue arose when the LG Monitor App Installer was automatically added to users' PCs, similar to how some motherboard software integrates during Windows reinstallation. Reports indicate that this is not an isolated incident, as other users have experienced the same problem. Additionally, other manufacturers like Alienware and Samsung may be engaging in similar practices, facilitated by a Microsoft policy that allows automatic downloads of related monitor software. This trend raises concerns about user consent and the prevalence of unwanted software installations.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Windows 11 rejuvenation list just got longer, with more legacy dialogs headed to WinUI 3

Marcus Ash, head of Design and Research for Windows and Devices at Microsoft, confirmed that the outdated "Switch to a local account" dialog in Windows 11, which references the obsolete Windows 8 "Search charm," is set for an update. This dialog instructs users to use the Search charm, a feature removed since Windows 8.1. Microsoft is actively working on refreshing various classic dialogs within the Windows 11 ecosystem as part of their "rejuvenation" process, which aims to modernize outdated user interface elements. The Run dialog is also being updated, with a hidden modern version prepared for rollout. Additionally, improvements have been made to file operation dialogs, and the File Explorer Properties dialog is next in line for modernization. Microsoft is also addressing other outdated UI elements, including the input method switcher on the login screen. The sound designer for Windows 11 has rejoined the team, suggesting potential updates to system sounds.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Issue Causes Black Screen, Start Menu Failure, and Taskbar Crashes

Microsoft has addressed critical user interface failures affecting Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 in enterprise environments, documented under update advisory KB5072911. These issues arise from cumulative updates released after July 2025, including KB5062553 and KB5065789, primarily impacting enterprise-managed systems and virtualized environments. Users may experience black screens, unresponsive Start menus, and taskbar failures following updates, particularly in non-persistent environments like Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Core components such as Explorer.exe and XAML-dependent applications may fail to initialize or crash due to a timing issue in the update process, where required application packages are not properly registered. Microsoft has released updates starting June 23, 2026, under KB5095093 to address these issues and recommends temporary workarounds for affected systems, including manual registration of missing packages and deploying logon scripts in non-persistent environments. Organizations are encouraged to install the latest updates and review their update procedures to prevent future disruptions.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

First look: Google Translate is finally prepping the modern makeover it deserves

Google is redesigning its Google Translate app for Android, introducing a new navigation bar at the bottom with four sections: Translate, Live, Camera, and Practice. The language selectors have been moved to the top for a cleaner layout, and the translation input box now includes quick action buttons. A hamburger menu has replaced the Saved shortcut, providing a new “Your activity” screen that consolidates translation history and saved translations. The text input screen has a modern aesthetic, with recent translations visible within the input card, and the results page features individual cards for source and translated text.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Status Update 2: Windows 11 Field Guide 2026 Edition

The Windows 11 Field Guide has been significantly reduced from 103 MB and 990 pages to 73.9 MB and 839 pages, marking a notable achievement in its transformation. At its peak, the guide was over 300 MB and contained more than 1,150 pages. The reduction includes the removal of the Microsoft Edge section, which had about 100 pages of outdated content, replaced by a more concise chapter. The top-level table of contents has been restructured, and numerous chapters have been updated and consolidated, introducing new sections on Hardware, Security, Apps, Command Line Interfaces, Virtualization, XBOX and Videogames, and Help and Recovery. Additional work remains on consolidating chapters like Multitasking, Files, and Accounts. A monthly update schedule is planned to keep the guide current with new Microsoft features. Access to the guide is included for Thurrott Premium members, available in PDF and ePUB formats, with files currently hosted on Google Drive.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Microsoft should be jealous of what this file explorer just shipped

The latest update to the Files application, version 4.2, introduces a Tree View feature that allows users to navigate folders and subfolders in an expandable hierarchy from the sidebar. Additional upgrades include the ability to split the view into multiple panes, reorganized context menus, a cleaner breadcrumb bar design, and various UI improvements such as quick access to compatible apps, always showing file extensions when renaming, and enhancements to media file metadata. Other notable highlights include proper font thumbnails in the Windows Fonts folder, automatic selection when creating a new archive, and the addition of a "Skip" button in the File In Use dialog.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

The TechBeat: How Small Postgres Metadata Tables Quietly Throttle Your Largest Queries (7/6/2026)

- Websites detect VPN usage through factors like IP reputation, DNS leaks, WebRTC, and browser fingerprints, with strategies to mitigate tracking. - Slow Postgres dashboards may be caused by stale metadata statistics rather than the fact table, with solutions provided to rectify these issues. - Spec-driven development enhances the reliability of AI coding agents through structured specifications, workflows, reusable skills, and proof. - A comparison of usage-based billing platforms for 2026 includes Credyt, Metronome, Orb, Lago, Stripe Billing, and Chargebee. - Loop Engineering is a rising trend in AI workflows expected to dominate in 2026, though challenges may accompany it. - ONLYOFFICE released version 3.7 of DocSpace Developer, introducing AI file generation, new webhook events, expanded plugin tools, and enhanced form workflows. - ANY.RUN's data inspection tool offers SOC teams comprehensive browser visibility for quicker phishing investigations. - AI systems are reducing obvious hallucinations, but deeper structural failures remain a risk for professionals. - A vendor audit revealed supply chain vulnerabilities in AI, including unpinned models and the use of trust_remote_code=True. - Developers using OpenAI Codex should avoid overloading a single conversation with tasks to maintain performance, recommending the use of subagents. - Barriers to AI adoption are not purely technological, as shared by insights from discussions with 500 individuals. - Guidance on creating production AI agent loops emphasizes state management, tool governance, evidence verification, and domain-specific controls. - Dawnguard launched a security architecture automation platform with million in pre-seed funding to address AI code vulnerabilities. - The AI boom is driven by complex memory architecture rather than GPUs, influencing consumer electronics pricing strategies. - The origins of functional programming trace back to John McCarthy's practical needs for differentiating expressions. - A guide for AI startup founders addresses common pitfalls in understanding AI agents and the autonomy trap for developing reliable systems.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

After Samsung Health, the Wearable app could be getting its biggest redesign yet

Samsung is redesigning its Galaxy Wearable app to improve user experience with a new interface and enhanced functionality. The app will transition from a black interface to soft blue and purple gradients, organized into three main sections: Watch Faces, Home, and Settings. The Home tab will display the connected Galaxy Watch's image, battery level, and shortcuts for frequently adjusted settings. The watch face browser will show the entire watch with the selected face for better assessment. The Settings menu will have a refined appearance with simpler icons and reorganized options for quicker access. New features include AI-generated Tiles for personalized information aggregation and a raise-to-talk function for the Gemini voice assistant. Health monitoring upgrades will introduce a Daily Cardio Load feature for training recommendations and a Vitals feature to track overnight health metrics. Additionally, a Sound Exposure feature will monitor daily noise levels, and outdoor-focused tools are being developed for Samsung's rugged Ultra watches.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft may redesign one of its most useful free Windows 11 tools to make it even better

Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11 that improves the Start menu and introduces new customization policies. The PowerToys suite, designed for power users, includes a feature called Awake, which prevents a PC from entering sleep mode. Awake is being redesigned to enhance accessibility and functionality, with a new flyout interface that consolidates key modes into a user-friendly format. Upcoming enhancements for Awake include custom durations for keeping the PC awake and the ability to attach the feature to specific processes. Microsoft is seeking community feedback on these proposals, which may lead to their inclusion in a future stable release.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Display Assistant app on Galaxy devices gets ready for One UI 9

Samsung is preparing for the launch of One UI 9.0, updating its applications and modules for a smooth transition. The Display Assistant module has been updated to version 9.0.08, enhancing compatibility with One UI 9.0 (Android 17) but not adding new features or fixes. Compatibility updates have been rolled out for several Good Lock modules, with more updates planned. One UI 9.0 will debut with the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, announced on July 22, 2026, and available from August 5, 2026. The stable One UI 9.0 update will also be rolled out for existing flagship models, including the Galaxy S26 series.