web search Archives

Winsage

January 8, 2026

How to get started with PowerToys Command Palette on Windows 11 — an answer to macOS Spotlight for Windows PCs

The Command Palette is a feature in PowerToys for Windows 11 that allows advanced users to access applications, settings, and system tools quickly, similar to macOS Spotlight. To install it, users must install PowerToys via Command Prompt or the Microsoft Store. Configuration involves enabling the Command Palette, customizing activation shortcuts, and adjusting display settings. Users can search for applications, settings, and files, perform calculations, access clipboard history, and execute system commands. Keyboard modifiers enhance functionality, and users can create custom search shortcuts with community plugins. The Command Palette also includes a Registry browser extension for navigating the Windows Registry.

Winsage

December 10, 2025

De-Enshittifing Windows 11 Version 25H2: Win11Debloat ⭐

Tiny11 Builder requires a clean installation of Windows 11 to enhance the user experience. Key criteria for any utility aimed at replicating Tiny11 Builder's benefits include disabling telemetry, removing preinstalled bloatware, addressing issues with Microsoft Edge (including uninstallation), and mitigating problems linked to Microsoft OneDrive (also through uninstallation). Utilities mentioned for further refining Windows 11 include: - Rufus: Creates installation media without requiring a Microsoft account sign-in or hardware checks. - MSEdgeDirect: Allows the use of a preferred web browser for accessing stories from Widgets and web-based search results. - ExplorerPatcher: Addresses performance and reliability concerns within File Explorer. Win11Debloat is highlighted as a utility that meets optimization requirements, having undergone changes since August 2024. The updated process allows users to launch a Terminal with admin privileges to download and run Win11Debloat directly. It features three modes: Default mode, Custom mode, and App removal. Custom mode offers options for app removal, disabling telemetry, turning off tips and suggestions, and disabling Bing web search, Bing AI, and Cortana, among others.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

How to stop internet results in Search for Windows 11 — get rid of Bing suggestions for a clean, simplified experience

On Windows 11, users can disable web search results on the home page of the Windows Search experience through the Settings app. For Windows 11 Pro users, this can be done via Group Policy by navigating to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer, editing the policy "Turn off display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box," selecting Enabled, and applying the changes. A reboot may be required to take effect. For both Windows 11 Pro and Home users, web results can also be disabled through the Registry by navigating to HKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows, creating a new key named Explorer, adding a DWORD (32-bit) Value named DisableSearchBoxSuggestions, and setting its value to 1. Restarting the computer will limit search results to system and file-related queries. To revert these changes, the DWORD can be deleted. Web search results in Windows Search refer to online suggestions that appear alongside local files and applications when users input queries.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta removes Messenger app for Windows 11, wants you to use the web app

Meta is discontinuing the Messenger desktop app for Windows 11 and macOS, effective December 14, 2025, five years after its launch in 2020. Users are encouraged to back up their chat histories, as the app will no longer function after the specified date. The desktop version will be phased out, but Messenger will remain operational through the website. Users can also access Messenger via the Facebook desktop app if linked to their account. Additionally, Meta plans to discontinue the modern version of WhatsApp for Windows, replacing it with a WebView version that loads the web.whatsapp.com site.

AppWizard

September 27, 2025

Apple Built a ChatGPT-Like App You’ll—Likely—Never Get to Use

Apple has introduced an internal tool called Veritas, a chatbot application used by employees to aid in the development of Siri's upcoming AI enhancements. Veritas serves as a testing ground for generative AI technology and is not intended for public release. It allows Apple staff to manage conversations, store chats, and engage in dialogues on various topics. The tool supports the internal testing of new technologies for Siri, which is undergoing a significant overhaul codenamed Linwood, aimed at making Siri a more powerful personal assistant. This project has faced delays due to engineering challenges and has resulted in changes to Apple’s AI leadership. The upgraded Siri is expected to debut as early as March, with ongoing negotiations with external partners, including Google. Apple is also planning a redesigned voice assistant and AI-driven web search functionalities for future releases.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

The window is closing for Windows 10 users

Support for Microsoft Windows 10 will officially cease on October 14, marking a decade since its launch. Approximately 45 percent of Windows users globally still use Windows 10. Microsoft is offering an additional three years of security support for Windows 10, available at a cost per computer for businesses, with a one-year extension available for individual consumers for purchase or free through Microsoft Rewards points. Users can also receive a complimentary one-year extension by activating the Windows Backup service. Windows 11, which debuted in 2021, requires devices to have Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) and Secure Boot technology, introduced in 2018. Microsoft provides a program to check compatibility for Windows 11, and bypassing compatibility checks will result in a lack of official tech support.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Stop struggling with Windows Search — try these 6 game‑changing alternatives

Windows 11's built-in search feature is often slow and inefficient, particularly with non-indexed locations and numerous files. It has a cluttered search home filled with advertisements. Several third-party tools are recommended as alternatives to enhance search functionality: - Command Palette: Part of PowerToys, it allows instant results for queries and supports command execution, quick navigation, and customization. - Fluent Search: Offers a comprehensive search experience with a native file indexer, rapid results, and OCR technology for searching visible content on screens. - Everything: Focuses on speed by indexing files and folders instantly, providing real-time results based on names, though it lacks additional features. - Listary: Integrates with Windows and File Explorer, allowing direct searches within these environments and offering customization for commands and automation. - Flow Launcher: A free, open-source app launcher that enhances search by integrating with the Everything indexer and includes built-in plugins for added functionality. - RayCast: An app launcher in beta for Windows, originally for macOS, featuring productivity tools and AI capabilities, allowing efficient task performance without a mouse. These tools cater to various user needs, improving the search experience on Windows 11.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

New ‘Google app for Windows’ brings Spotlight-esque local, Drive, web, and Lens search

Google has introduced an experimental "Google app for Windows," designed to provide a centralized platform for accessing files, applications, and web content. Users can access information quickly by pressing Alt + Space, which opens a search field for local files, Google Drive, installed applications, and web content, with results organized for easy navigation. The app includes Knowledge Panel-like responses, a section for launching applications, and direct access to Google Drive and web search results. It features AI Overviews and AI Mode for enhanced productivity, as well as a Google Lens function for translating or copying text and images. Currently in the experimental phase, the app is available through Google Labs, exclusively in English for users in the United States, and requires a personal Google Account. It is compatible with Windows 10 and newer versions and can be downloaded from Google Labs.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Google’s new Windows desktop app brings a Spotlight-like search bar to PC

Google is piloting a search application for Windows users that allows seamless searching of local files, Google Drive content, and the web using the Alt + Space shortcut. The app requires users to sign in for a personalized experience and integrates Google Lens for image selection and text translation. It offers various result toggles, including AI Mode, Images, Shopping, and Videos, and features customizable dark and light modes. The app places a search bar on the desktop that can be resized and minimized with the shortcut. It is currently available in English for users in the United States with Windows 10 or later. Users can activate the experiment in Google’s Search Labs.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Experimental Google app brings web and local search to your Windows PC

Google has launched a new app for Windows that integrates web search, Google Drive access, and local file searches into a single interface. The app is currently available only for personal Google accounts and is in testing, with some expected bugs. Users can activate the search feature using Alt+Space or a customizable shortcut, which opens a floating Google search bar. Search results appear in a compact window below the bar, and the app includes select Knowledge Graph content for quick information retrieval. It allows users to access local files, Google Drive documents, and installed applications from one interface, with options to toggle off local files and Drive for a focused search. The app also features Google Lens, enabling image searches or translations from items displayed on the PC screen.