user-friendly approach Archives

Winsage

June 11, 2026

Microsoft refuses to add this File Explorer feature, so the Files app stepped up

The Files app has introduced a feature in version 4.1.3 that allows users to calculate folder sizes on demand, which was not available in Windows 11's File Explorer. Users can toggle this option in Settings, and when disabled, a View size button appears in the Size column for easy access. The app now retains selection across different layouts, ensuring previously selected items remain highlighted. It also offers multiple methods for clearing tags from files, including options from the context menu, toolbar, and Command Palette. Additionally, the update features a refreshed OneDrive icon that reflects current branding, and several fixes have been implemented, including resolving issues with extracting tar archives and correcting display problems for BitLocker locked drives.

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

Total Android recall: Never lose an important notification again

BuzzKill features an intuitive “if this, then that” format for automation, allowing users to customize timing and conditions for their rules. It includes an experimental “Restore after reboot” action that reliably restores notifications after a device restart, ensuring important alerts are not missed. This mechanism activates whenever the phone reboots, providing continuity in communication.

Winsage

May 25, 2026

5 things Microsoft isn’t fixing with Windows 11 that I’d love to see happen

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with significant updates, including a revamped Windows Update, performance improvements, and customization options for the Start menu and taskbar. The company is addressing device driver issues and engaging with the Windows 11 community for feedback. Users desire features such as a toggle to eliminate advertisements and recommendations, the option to remove references to OneDrive, Bing, Edge, and Game Pass, and the ability to disable web search results in Windows 11 search. The requirement for a Microsoft account for Windows 11 installation has frustrated users who prefer local accounts, prompting calls for the restoration of this option. Users also seek meaningful control over default app installations and the ability to turn off telemetry easily, as current settings are complex. Additionally, there are long-standing projects in Windows 11 that require completion, such as fully integrating dark mode, incorporating the Light Switch feature from PowerToys, and accelerating the migration of legacy features from the Control Panel to the Settings app.

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Windows 11 brings back taskbar positioning and resizing, but longtime users will notice key differences

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to the Taskbar in Windows 11 with the latest preview build (26300.8493) from the Experimental channel for version 25H2. Users can now reposition the Taskbar to any edge of the screen—top, bottom, left, or right. The Taskbar can also be resized, allowing users to reduce its height and button size without needing a system restart. The option to change the Taskbar position is available under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, and resizing options are found in the same section. However, the implementation lacks the intuitive drag-and-drop functionality present in Windows 10, requiring users to navigate through settings for adjustments. Additionally, when the Taskbar is vertical, the year is shown in an abbreviated format, and seconds are omitted from the time display. The auto-hide feature has some issues, and the tablet-optimized Taskbar is limited to the bottom position.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Windows 11 now shows if your Secure Boot certificates are ready for June

Windows 11 has introduced a feature that allows users to verify the status of their Secure Boot certificates directly from system settings, simplifying the process ahead of the June 2026 expiration deadline. This update enhances accessibility and empowers users to maintain system security against vulnerabilities. Secure Boot helps prevent unauthorized software and malware from loading during startup, and confirming certificate status can mitigate risks associated with system breaches.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

Best Photo Editing Apps for Android in 2026

Android phones have become essential tools for photographers, serving as portable editing suites with advanced functionalities. The ideal Android photo editor should recover details, correct colors, eliminate distractions, and establish a cohesive visual style before transferring images to a computer. 1. Luminar Mobile: A user-friendly app with AI-driven enhancements and manual tools, available in Cross-device and Max tiers as part of a desktop ecosystem. 2. Snapseed: A free, robust toolkit for budget-conscious users, featuring Healing, Brush, Structure, HDR, Perspective, RAW Develop, Selective, and Face Enhance. 3. Lightroom Mobile: Designed for seasoned photographers, it supports RAW editing, masking, AI-driven Quick Actions, and cloud synchronization, with premium features starting at .99 per month. 4. Picsart: An all-in-one editing app combining photography, design, and AI features, available for free with Pro and Ultra versions depending on location. 5. VSCO: Offers a stylish editing experience with presets, manual controls, RAW support, and tools for a consistent visual aesthetic, free to download with additional paid options for Plus and Pro subscriptions.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

I wish more people knew about this free, open-source note-taking app

Megan Ellis from Android Authority explored productivity apps, highlighting the challenge of balancing features and user privacy. Notesnook emerged as a notable option, offering a free plan with multi-device syncing and user privacy. It includes features like a rich-text editor, reminders, and organizational tags without relying on third-party cloud services. Users can self-host if desired, and the app is open-source and compatible with major platforms. The free plan has limitations, such as compressed images, a cap on colors, tags, notebooks, and reminders, while paid plans offer additional features and higher limits. Notably, Notesnook has shown increased permissiveness in its offerings over time, contrasting with trends in the app market.

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows 11’s February Insider update adds new features — but which ones actually matter? Here are the 11 biggest.

Microsoft has released enhancements to Windows 11 in build 26300.7877, including: - Modern content menu improvements, showing application icons for specific file types when right-clicked. - Updates to File Explorer with dark mode improvements for the Folder Options dialog. - Changes to the Settings app for better clarity and usability. - A redesigned "About" settings page focusing on key hardware specifications. - Introduction of the Cross-Device Resume feature, allowing users to resume applications from Android devices on Windows 11. - New customization options for the Narrator tool, enabling users to select which properties are read aloud. - Windows Hello now supports external biometric fingerprint readers for enhanced security. - Voice Typing updates allowing users to set a wait time before executing voice commands. - Redesigned SCOOBE page for a streamlined setup process. - Expansion of the AI agent in the Settings app to support additional languages. - Quick Machine Recovery feature enabled by default on Windows 11 Pro editions. - Camera support for pan and tilt settings accessible from device properties. - A new network speed test feature available from the Taskbar. - Improvements to the Widgets dashboard with a new settings page. Additionally, changes from build 28020.1619 are related to version 26H1, designed for new ARM64 hardware expected in 2026, and the Canary Channel has been divided into two paths for different versions.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Is Microsoft really spying on you with Windows telemetry?

Windows 10 was released in 2015 and faced criticism for its telemetry feature, which some viewed as a surveillance tool. In 2017, the Dutch Data Protection Authority found Microsoft's telemetry settings non-compliant with local privacy laws, leading to changes by Microsoft. Telemetry, termed diagnostic data by Microsoft, is essential for device reliability and security, with a baseline level of data collection set to "Required." Users can opt to limit data collection to this level. The Optional category of diagnostic data may include device settings and browsing history, raising privacy concerns. Microsoft introduced the Diagnostic Data Viewer in 2018 to enhance transparency, allowing users to inspect the telemetry data sent to them. As of now, Microsoft has over a billion monthly active Windows 11 users.

Tech Optimizer

February 16, 2026

How to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 11 (3 Methods Including winget)

To uninstall McAfee on Windows 11, go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find McAfee, and select Uninstall. Alternatively, use the command winget uninstall --id "McAfee.TotalProtection" in an elevated terminal. After uninstalling, run McAfee’s MCPR removal tool to remove any leftover files and registry entries. Windows Security (Defender) will automatically activate after McAfee is removed. McAfee is often preinstalled on Windows 11 laptops by manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS. It is recommended to create a system restore point before uninstalling and ensure you have administrative rights. After uninstalling, check for any remaining McAfee entries in installed apps, running services, Task Manager processes, leftover folders, and scheduled tasks. If issues arise during uninstallation, booting into Safe Mode or using the MCPR tool can help. Windows Security is a built-in antivirus that activates automatically after McAfee removal, providing protection.