watermark Archives

Winsage

May 28, 2026

InPost locker caught shipping unactivated Windows

An InPost locker in High Wycombe displayed an "Activate Windows" message, indicating it was running an unactivated version of Windows. InPost, a Polish logistics company, operates over 14,000 automated lockers in the UK for parcel drop-off and collection. The incident highlights potential issues with software compatibility and the need for regular updates, as the locker may be vulnerable to bugs without activation.

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Microsoft’s new Copilot turns into a Windows 11 sidebar that pushes your apps aside to make room

Microsoft is integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, into Windows 11 with a new docking feature that allows it to coexist with other applications. Users can access a drop-down menu in the title bar for "snapping" options, enabling Copilot to dock on the left or right side of the screen. The interface adjusts automatically to accommodate the docked Copilot, which can occupy space alongside other applications. Copilot has undergone several redesigns and is now packaged as an Edge-based wrapper, although the reasons for this bundling are unclear.

Winsage

May 23, 2026

Announcing new builds for 22 May 2026

The Windows Insider Program is rolling out changes across various channels, with new builds of Windows 11 Insider Preview available. The transition for devices in the Canary 29500 Series Channel to the new experience has not yet begun. New features include: 1. Screen Tint: An accessibility feature that applies a color overlay to reduce screen intensity. 2. Narrator: Enhanced support for HID-compatible braille displays, allowing for plug-and-play functionality via USB or Bluetooth. 3. Voice Isolation in Voice Access: A feature that improves voice recognition by filtering out background noise, processing occurs privately on the device.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Paint (25H2)

Microsoft has updated Paint significantly with the rollout of Windows 11, enhancing both its user interface and core functionalities. Key updates include the introduction of a Dark mode, an updated Text tool, layer capabilities similar to Photoshop, and support for transparent PNG files. Paint now features AI-driven tools, some of which require a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription, while others are accessible on any PC or require a Copilot+ PC. Customization options in Paint are limited; users cannot disable any image creation or editing features but can change the app theme and configure watermark settings for AI-generated content. The toolbar can be set to auto-hide, and users can view their work in full screen by pressing F11. New features include the ability to save projects with multiple layers, a Remove background tool, an Image Creator for generating images from text prompts, and a Generative erase tool for removing objects from images. Copilot+ PCs unlock additional features that operate locally, such as Object select, Sticker generator, Cocreator, and Generative fill, which requires specific hardware capabilities.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29565.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29565.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. Key updates include improved performance for the Bubbles screensaver on high refresh rate monitors, refinements to the drag tray based on user feedback, and enhancements to the Windows Security app, which now features color-coded icon badges for Secure Boot status. The Feedback Hub has also received updates, including a new default window size that remembers dimensions, mouse back button navigation, and improved visibility for community feedback. Canary Channel builds may be unstable and are subject to change. Users can enable a toggle in Settings to access new features gradually. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (KB 5083635) has been released to the Beta Channel, featuring several updates: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large volumes in Storage settings. - Reduced frequency of UAC prompts on the Storage page. - Resolution of unrealistic data usage values in Network settings. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app's Secure Boot experience, including color-coded icon badges and updated certificates. - A revamped Feedback Hub with a modernized experience, simpler feedback submission, easier navigation, a new compliment feedback type, and improved screenshot capture tools. - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - A desktop watermark appears in Insider pre-release builds. - Features may not be released beyond Windows Insiders and may evolve or be removed.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8170 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8170 (KB 5083632) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large storage volumes in Settings. - A UAC prompt for accessing temporary files is now only shown when entering that specific section. - An issue with unrealistic data usage values in the Network settings has been fixed. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app include color-coded icon badges and updated text in the Secure Boot section, with updates to Secure Boot certificates being rolled out. - Feedback Hub version 2.2604.101.0 is being rolled out, featuring design improvements, improved default window size, mouse back button navigation, and corrected upvote buttons for Chinese display language users. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. The desktop watermark is present in Insider pre-release builds. Features may not be released to the public and could evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8155 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8155 (KB 5083822) has been released to the Dev Channel, featuring new haptic feedback for compatible input devices, rebranding of the Xbox full screen experience to Xbox mode, and performance improvements for startup apps. Issues resolved include app sign-in problems and a printing crash. Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback. Users can enable updates via Settings > Windows Update. The desktop watermark is standard for Insider pre-release builds, and some features may not be fully localized initially.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29560.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29560.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. This update includes significant platform changes and resolves issues such as increased freezes and non-functioning USB devices for some Insiders. The reliability of the Settings for Screensaver has also been improved. The Canary Channel builds may be unstable and have limited documentation, with features that may not reach the public. Features are rolled out gradually using Control Feature Rollout technology, and a desktop watermark is displayed on pre-release builds. Some features may first appear in the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders can toggle settings to access the latest updates, and a clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel. Localization improvements are ongoing, and feedback can be reported through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Get a Windows 11 Pro license for just $12.97 (That’s a 93% discount!)

The Windows 11 Pro license is currently available for .97, significantly reduced from its standard retail price of 9. This offer is found on the Tech Deals website and is intended for Windows machines needing a new license, not for devices already running Windows 10 that cannot access a free upgrade. Minimum system requirements include a 1GHz processor with at least 2 cores, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, a GPU compatible with DirectX 12 or later, a display of at least 9 inches with 720p resolution, and internet connectivity for activation. Activating Windows 11 Pro removes the "Activate Windows" watermark, unlocks personalization options, ensures access to updates and technical support, and provides enhanced security and remote management features compared to the Home version.