Windows 11 Archives

Winsage

July 25, 2026

I dug through Reddit to find the ten Windows 11 features people find “life-changing, ” and the results were fascinating

Windows 11 includes several subtle features that enhance productivity, many of which users may overlook: 1. Clipboard history allows users to capture text from various sources without manual entry and integrates functionalities like screenshot capture, screen recording, and GIF creation. 2. The "End Task" option from the Taskbar enables users to terminate unresponsive applications quickly without using Task Manager. 3. Windows Sandbox creates a temporary Windows environment for testing untrusted software, available only in Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. 4. Winget, the Windows Package Manager, simplifies app installations and updates via command line, streamlining the process of restoring software collections. 5. Snap Layouts facilitate efficient window management on larger monitors, accessible with the "Windows key + Z" shortcut. 6. The shortcut "Windows key + Shift + Arrow" allows users to move windows between multiple monitors easily. 7. Voice Typing, activated by Win + H, enables dictation in nearly any text field, improving task efficiency. 8. Reliability Monitor provides a timeline of system issues, aiding in troubleshooting without needing a full reinstallation. 9. Advanced Display settings can reveal and adjust monitor refresh rates, ensuring optimal performance. These features collectively enhance user experience and productivity in Windows 11.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

Microsoft finally found a Windows ad it doesn’t like

Users of LG monitors have reported frustration over unsolicited McAfee pop-up ads that automatically appear during the Windows Update process. This issue arises from the installation of the "LG Monitor App Installer," which includes promotional software alongside the standard monitor driver. Reports indicate that this software installs without user consent, even when only a video cable is connected. Following an investigation by Gamers Nexus, Microsoft announced that LG has agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up, although the LG Monitor App Installer will still be automatically downloaded via Windows Update.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Xbox backwards compatibility now available on PC, starting with four original Xbox games

Microsoft has launched a pilot program allowing select original Xbox titles to be played on Windows 11, with four classic games now available: BliNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fusion Frenzy. Players can access these games via a Game Pass Essential subscription or purchase them individually, and those with previous digital copies on Xbox consoles can download them at no extra cost. The games can be played at resolutions up to 2,560 x 1,920 pixels, maintaining their original aspect ratios and framerates, with options for enhanced graphics settings. The system requirements include at least an Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550, with recommended specifications for optimal performance. There are uncertainties regarding the expansion of the game library due to recent organizational changes within Microsoft, including layoffs in the backward compatibility program.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

BackupChain Expands Hyper-V Backup for Windows Server 2025 as a Veeam Alternative

BackupChain has released an update to its backup and disaster recovery platform for Windows Server and Windows 11 users, introducing features such as faster compression, improved Hyper-V protection, expedited restores, and comprehensive backup validation. The update includes a redesigned deduplication engine that accelerates backup speeds and reduces storage usage. It also features advanced Hyper-V change tracking for efficient incremental backups and is compatible with Windows Server 2016 and later, as well as Windows 10 and 11. Restoration processes have been simplified with single-pass restores, minimizing downtime. Additionally, Deep Verification for VM backups allows for ongoing verification of the backup chain without needing to restore the virtual machine. BackupChain aims to provide robust backup technology tailored for SMBs and IT professionals, positioning itself as an alternative to larger enterprise platforms like Veeam. The latest version is now available.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft finally lets you fix the worst key on your keyboard

The Copilot key on Windows PCs can now be remapped to function as the Context menu key or the Right Ctrl key with the latest update to Windows 11. Users also have the option to disable the key entirely. Microsoft has provided documentation on how to remap the key under the Bluetooth & devices section. Some users have reported inconsistent availability of the remapping option, which may require enabling a specific feature ID. Additionally, Microsoft’s PowerToys offers a keyboard manager utility for broader key remapping options.

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2026

Microsoft has ensured that LG monitors no longer prompt users to install McAfee on Windows

Owners of LG monitors have expressed frustration over an automatic prompt that appears when connecting their devices to Windows 11 PCs, encouraging the download of the LG Monitor App Installer, which suggests installing McAfee antivirus software. Microsoft has intervened, with executive vice president Pavan Davuluri confirming on July 22 that they reached out to LG to address the issue. LG has agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up from their app. Users have also raised concerns about the extensive permissions granted to the app, which reportedly accesses "all system resources" and the Internet connection. Similar practices have been observed with other manufacturers, including Alienware and Samsung.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft intervenes after LG gets caught installing McAfee adware onto Windows 11 PCs via their monitors

LG monitors were found to automatically install adware when connected to Windows PCs, leading to intrusive popups promoting applications like McAfee. In response to user backlash, Microsoft intervened and confirmed that LG has agreed to stop displaying McAfee ads in monitor popups. The adware was installed through a monitor app that downloaded automatically with the monitor connection, which previously included advertising popups. It is currently unclear if LG will permanently eliminate these ads.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft shares some details on Azure outage that blocked Windows 11 update downloads

This week, Meta experienced a global outage affecting Facebook users, followed by Microsoft facing performance issues with its M365 services, including Teams and SharePoint. Microsoft also reported difficulties with Azure, impacting Windows 11 updates and the Microsoft Store. The issues began around 11:15 AM PST on July 23, 2026, with a notification to users about the Azure outage affecting Windows Update and related services. Microsoft initiated recovery efforts and by 1:45 PM PST, announced that the issues were resolved and services were restored. Currently, there are no ongoing issues reported on the Microsoft Service Health Status page, but the incident is documented on the Windows Release Health page.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Four classic Xbox games are now playable with Backward Compatibility on PC

Microsoft is reviving the Xbox Backward Compatibility program by allowing classic Xbox games to be played on Windows PCs. The initiative, originally launched in 2015 for Xbox 360 games on Xbox One, had been effectively concluded in 2019. The new PC offering includes four original Xbox titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy, which can be played at no extra cost by owners of digital copies and are available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. The PC versions feature enhancements such as customizable graphics settings, higher rendering resolutions, V-Sync support, fullscreen and windowed display modes, anisotropic filtering, improved anti-aliasing, and additional visual upgrades. Minimum system requirements include a GPU like Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550, a CPU with at least 4 cores, 8GB RAM, and Windows 11. Recommended specifications include a GPU like Radeon RX 68005 or Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti, a 6-core CPU, DirectX12 API, 8GB VRAM, and Windows 11. Microsoft plans to add more backward-compatible titles and features, including Xbox achievement support, in the future.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft is cracking down on Windows 11 bloatware ads, forces LG to pull McAfee popup

LG will disable the McAfee ad pop-up in its Monitor App Installer following consumer dissatisfaction and Microsoft's intervention. Users reported that the app was silently installed via Windows Update, leading to unsolicited McAfee trial ads. LG stated that McAfee is not installed without user consent and blamed Microsoft's distribution process, but many users experienced the pop-up without prior consent. Microsoft confirmed LG's agreement to disable the pop-up within three days, emphasizing a commitment to improving user experience. The incident highlights concerns over silent installations and the necessity of third-party antivirus software for Windows 11 users.