user preferences Archives

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

This messaging app wins on every front, except the one that matters

WhatsApp has approximately three billion monthly users, while Viber has over 200 million. In a recent poll, user preferences for messaging apps were as follows: WhatsApp (31%), Signal (40%), Viber (3%), Facebook Messenger (4%), Telegram (11%), and something else (11%). Signal has an estimated user base of 40 to 100 million monthly active users. Signal offers end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection, unlike WhatsApp and Viber, which track user interactions and device information. WhatsApp uses Signal's encryption protocol.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Windows 11 File Explorer is finally getting faster in 2026, but it’s been slower than Windows 10 for years

Microsoft plans to enhance the File Explorer experience in Windows by 2026, with initial improvements available to Windows Insiders as early as April. Key updates will focus on a quicker launch experience, reduced flicker, smoother navigation, and improved performance for everyday file tasks. Enhancements will address latency issues in search, navigation, and context menus, aiming for faster and more reliable file copying and moving. The context menu will see lower latency when right-clicking, and system-level changes will aim to reduce interaction latency and improve the shared UI infrastructure. Third-party file managers currently demonstrate faster performance compared to the default File Explorer, highlighting the need for Microsoft to improve its application.

Winsage

March 27, 2026

Yes, your office admin can fully remove Microsoft’s Copilot app from your work PCs — if you follow this strict criteria for 28 days

In January, Microsoft released an update for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535, allowing administrators to uninstall the Copilot app on managed devices. This update addresses previous criticism regarding the lack of a mass-uninstall feature for administrators. Individual users have been able to remove Copilot from personal devices, but the new feature enhances user experience for managed devices. Microsoft also plans to improve user sentiment by reintroducing a movable and resizable Taskbar, reducing the visibility of Copilot and AI features, allowing indefinite postponement of updates, and eliminating the mandatory Microsoft Account requirement during setup. CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged public skepticism towards AI and emphasized the need for technology to demonstrate its value. Despite limitations on completely uninstalling Copilot, there is a desire for better user control over these features.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Is the tide turning? Jury holds YouTube and Meta accountable for addictive apps

A jury has found YouTube and Meta liable for millions due to negligent and addictive app design, following a lawsuit by K.G.M., who experienced severe mental distress linked to her use of these platforms during her teenage years. K.G.M. filed her lawsuit in 2023, citing struggles with body dysmorphia and self-harm as a direct result of her experiences on these platforms. TikTok and Snap settled out of court, while YouTube and Meta contested the claims. The jury's ruling mandates that Meta and YouTube pay millions in compensatory damages, with Meta responsible for the majority. A spokesperson for Google disagreed with the verdict and stated intentions to appeal.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Windows 11 give less AI and more control over in Taskbar

Microsoft is set to release a significant update for Windows 11, incorporating user feedback. The update will reduce access points to Copilot in applications like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad, focusing on AI features that provide genuine utility. The taskbar will be customizable, allowing users to position it at the top or sides of their screens, and mandatory installations of system updates before restarting will be eliminated. Enhancements to File Explorer will improve launch speed and reliability. The update aims to optimize overall performance by reducing memory usage and enhancing system stability, driver quality, and USB/Bluetooth connections. This response addresses previous user issues, including shutdown problems and Outlook instability, which have led some to consider alternative operating systems. The update aims to offer less intrusive AI, more customization options, and improved system performance.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

This Android TV launcher fixes everything I dislike about the default one

Android-based televisions, including Google TV models from TCL and Sony, often have a cluttered and slow default launcher filled with ads, recommendations, and bloatware, making navigation cumbersome. The Projectivy launcher offers a minimalistic, customizable, and ad-free alternative that enhances speed and flexibility. It allows users to modify their home screen, including app arrangements, icon sizes, and the visibility of categories. Projectivy supports features like tailored recommendations, remote control via smartphones, and custom app icons, although some features require a premium subscription. Overall, Projectivy provides a significantly faster and cleaner interface compared to the stock launcher.

Winsage

March 22, 2026

You might soon be able to sign into Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, with software engineers ‘working on it’

Microsoft is considering allowing users to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, as indicated by Scott Hanselman, a company executive. This potential change aims to enhance user choice and flexibility, addressing concerns from users who prefer not to link their operating system to a corporate account. There is currently no official timeline for when this feature might be implemented.

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Trust But Verify ⭐️

Pavan Davuluri has been appointed as the new leader of Windows development at Microsoft. The company has committed to enhancing the quality of Windows through 2026. Davuluri's recent blog post, primarily directed at Windows Insider Program participants, lacks an apology for past customer grievances and does not address several critical issues, including forced telemetry, bundled software, chaotic updates, forced Microsoft account sign-ins, and the mandatory use of Microsoft Edge. While he mentions plans to improve Windows Update and acknowledges the need for better reliability and transparency in the Windows Insider Program, many concerns remain unaddressed. The introduction of Copilot and its integration into Windows will continue, but users have expressed frustration over its implementation. Davuluri's approach to improving performance through the WinUI3 framework is met with skepticism.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

AI Fatigue: Microsoft Pulls Back on Putting Microsoft Copilot Everywhere in Windows 11

Microsoft has decided to abandon plans to integrate Copilot more deeply into Windows 11 following user complaints. Features that would have introduced AI-driven notifications and enhancements are no longer being pursued. The company acknowledged user pain points and is shifting focus towards core stability fixes scheduled for 2026. Additionally, the launch of Windows Recall in 2024 faced privacy issues, leading to a revised version that includes data encryption and user authentication. Microsoft has also allowed administrators on Pro and Enterprise systems to uninstall the Copilot app under certain conditions, reflecting a response to user feedback and past update failures.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Microsoft Won’t Auto-Install Microsoft 365 Copilot App on Windows 11 Anymore After Backlash

Microsoft has decided against the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot App on Windows 11 by default, influenced by user feedback. The automatic installation, planned for December 2025, is temporarily disabled, while existing installations remain unaffected. Admins can still deploy the app through other methods. The Microsoft 365 Copilot App is a rebranded version of the Microsoft 365 / Office Hub, which was initially intended to be automatically installed alongside the regular Copilot App. This decision faced backlash from users who preferred an opt-in option rather than automatic installations. In response, Microsoft is focusing on resolving existing bugs and enhancing core features in Windows 11, indicating a shift from its previous "AI-everywhere" strategy.