voice isolation Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows 11’s August update has arrived — here are 3 reasons to download it, including turbocharged app launching

Windows 11's August update introduces several enhancements, including the expansion of Launch Performance Optimization (LLP) to all applications, improving app launch speed by temporarily boosting processor performance. Voice Access now features Voice Isolation to filter out background noise, requiring a one-time setup for optimal performance. Precision touchpad users gain new gesture controls for zoom and scroll speed adjustments. The update reinstates the ability to manually set the threshold for the Energy Saver feature. Lock screen widgets now display only the weather by default, and notification badges in the taskbar have been visually updated to use the Windows accent color. Additional changes include support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello and a parental controls notice during setup.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Microsoft fixes 421 bugs and a Windows zero-day in August Patch Tuesday

Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday update addressed 421 vulnerabilities across various products, including multiple versions of Windows (11 25H2/24H2, 11 23H2, and 10). A critical zero-day flaw, the "Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," allows attackers with lower-level access to gain system privileges without user interaction. Additionally, the update addresses two other zero-day flaws, including the "Windows User Profile Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," which has not yet been exploited but was publicly disclosed. The update is mandatory and should automatically install on supported PCs, with users encouraged to verify its application. The update also includes minor improvements to Windows features, such as enhancements to File Explorer, Windows Hello, Voice Access, and touchpad controls.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 & KB5120240 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB512103 and KB5120240 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. These updates include the August 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches, which address 400 vulnerabilities. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This is the eighth 'Patch Tuesday' release of 2026, with no exclusive changes for either version. Key enhancements in the August 2026 update include: - File Explorer: Improved file size display, middle-click functionality for folders, resolution of loading issues, and enhanced clarity of file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Better handling of typos in app search and improved relevance of settings in search results. - Voice Access: Introduction of Voice Isolation and Korean language support, along with reliability improvements. - Widgets: Taskbar notification badges now reflect the Windows accent color, and the Lock screen Widgets experience has been simplified. - Start Menu: Improved reliability of view preferences and enhanced keyboard navigation. - Windows Hello: Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors. - Power and Battery: Improved reliability of power settings and restored threshold setting for energy saver activation. - Accessibility: Enhanced Magnifier experience on touch devices. Microsoft has not reported any new issues related to this month's updates.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft Releases August 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the August 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 11, including the KB5121000 update for version 26H1, which introduces a new Screen tint accessibility option, a subdued Widgets experience, and the ability to pause Windows Updates for up to 35 days. The KB5121003 update for versions 25H2 and 24H2 includes new gesture controls for precision touchpads, enhanced Windows Hello security for peripheral fingerprint sensors, taskbar notification badges reflecting the Windows accent color, improved app search functionality, upgraded Voice Access with Voice Isolation, better Windows Update settings, and the ability to set a threshold for energy saver activation. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed 398 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) this month, with 62 classified as ‘Critical’ and one ‘Important’ flaw currently being exploited by attackers.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Microsoft delivered plenty of Windows 11 updates in July — and I’m highlighting the most important changes for your PC

Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 in July 2026, including: - An updated Windows Search that automatically identifies additional relevant folder locations based on user activity. - Enhancements to the Phone Link companion flyout in the Start menu for quick previews of recent messages or notifications. - An adaptive hibernate policy that prevents hibernation when the battery is above 80% and initiates it when below 10%. - Performance improvements in File Explorer, including faster deletion of large files and touch scrolling support. - Streamlined Windows Update process that reduces system restarts by consolidating updates. - New gesture controls for Precision Touchpads to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. - Support for removing smart card policies in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 sessions. - Improved usability of refreshable Braille displays with Narrator for instant connectivity. - Ability to reposition the Taskbar to any side of the screen for personalization. - Introduction of Voice Isolation for Voice Access to enhance speech recognition in noisy environments.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox outage, fake Windows apps, new Windows 11 updates, and more

Microsoft has released two Cumulative Update Previews: KB5101681 for Windows 11, which includes calendar-based Windows Update pausing, a quieter Widgets experience, and enhanced accessibility features; and KB5101684 for Windows 10, which introduces Voice Isolation for Voice Access and new precision touchpad gesture controls. The company reported a record billion quarter for fiscal year 2026, with an 18% year-over-year increase, and Azure's annual revenue surpassed billion for the first time. Microsoft 365 Copilot's paid seat count exceeded 30 million. Xbox experienced a significant outage due to a failure in a shared licensing service, but services have since been restored. The Windows Insider Program released two Future Platforms builds that include features like Voice Isolation and a new scheduling system for updates. Wintoys transitioned to .NET 10 and Windows App SDK 2.3.1, while Notepad, Calculator, Clock, and Media Player received minor updates. Excel's July update added Power BI support and eliminated the AutoSave requirement. Microsoft confirmed its presence at Gamescom 2026, celebrating Xbox's 25th anniversary with 140 gaming stations and 25 playable titles. Double Fine laid off 23 employees, and Ubisoft canceled Project Maverick but is developing a new project. Xbox console owners can unlock PC versions of select games on Ubisoft Connect at no extra cost. Gears of War: E-Day introduced a new 12-player Horde Siege mode.

Winsage

July 30, 2026

Windows 11 KB5101684 update released with 42 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5101684 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, which includes 42 bug fixes and various enhancements. This update is part of the optional non-security preview update schedule and does not include security updates. Users can install it via Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates, with an option to choose installation. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 to build 26100.8973 and Windows 11 25H2 to build 26200.8973. It addresses issues such as false invalid credential errors in File History backups, noncompliance in newly enrolled devices, and incorrect file markings on DFS mapped drives. New features include enhanced navigation in File Explorer, more accurate file size indicators, improved search results for app names, and new precision touchpad controls. Voice Isolation support for Voice Access is introduced, along with expanded Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security for external fingerprint readers. Immediate features include enhancements to Secure Boot, app stability improvements, and fixes for MDM compliance issues. Additional features rolling out post-update involve better file size displays in File Explorer, enhanced app search, Voice Isolation for voice access, taskbar notification badge updates, new touchpad gesture controls, and reliability improvements for the Start menu and Windows sign-in screens. Microsoft reports no known issues with this update.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Windows 11’s August Patch Tuesday update brings several important changes, and I break down the biggest ones

Microsoft will release the Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update on August 11, 2026, featuring new functionalities and enhancements. Key additions include Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, the ability to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, new touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluid Dictation for Voice Typing, and a redesigned Start menu with parental controls notice. File Explorer improvements include displaying file sizes in appropriate units, middle-clicking to open folders in new tabs, and fixes for bugs. Users can manage AI models through Settings, and the Lock screen will default to the Weather widget. Touchpad settings will allow customization of scroll and zoom speeds. Fluid Dictation will be deactivated by default, with tooltips for guidance, while Voice Access will feature enhanced speech recognition settings. The Account Control interface will be redesigned for clarity, and power settings will apply across all plans. Windows Update will provide better progress estimates and improved post-update cleanup. Enhancements to system sounds in dark mode will also be included.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

The latest Windows 11 update highlights the part of Microsoft I genuinely enjoy covering the most

Windows Insiders can explore a new build of Windows 11 that enhances accessibility features, particularly the upgraded Voice Access with Voice Isolation, which filters background noise for better voice command control in noisy environments. This update allows users to navigate their devices using voice commands alone, with a dock displaying spoken commands for immediate feedback. Voice Access now offers three speech recognition modes: Voice Isolation, which requires a one-time voice setup; Remove background noise only, which eliminates non-speech sounds without additional setup; and No filtering, the default mode. Additionally, the Narrator feature has improved support for HID-compliant braille displays, enabling plug-and-play connectivity via USB or Bluetooth, including during the initial Windows setup for users who are deaf-blind. Compatible HID displays include the Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. Customization options for braille input and output are available in the Accessibility settings under Narrator.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

Windows 11 July preview update brings a batch of new features and fixes

Microsoft has released preview updates for Windows 11, specifically for the 24H2 and 25H2 builds, identified as 26100.8942 and 26200.8942. Key features include a redesigned File Explorer with automatic file size conversion, the ability to open folders in new tabs, and improved file previews. Voice Access now includes Voice Isolation to filter background noise. Windows Search can now handle two-letter file names and identify misspelled applications. New customizable settings for precision touchpads are introduced, and the Start menu will show subscription statuses for Microsoft services. Users can set a custom battery level for power-saving mode, and widget usage on the lock screen is simplified. The update is currently available to Windows Insiders and will be rolled out to all users later.