Windows functionality Archives

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows AI Features Lack Official Disable Options, Forcing Users To Third-Party Tools

Microsoft's latest Windows 25H2 builds have introduced AI features, but users cannot easily disable them through the interface, leading many to use third-party tools like the RemoveWindowsAI PowerShell script to eliminate components such as Copilot, Recall, and Input Insights. Windows Recall captures screenshots for AI-driven searches, raising privacy concerns due to the creation of a local database of full screenshots. Microsoft has also disabled phone activation for Windows 11, requiring internet connectivity for activation. The RemoveWindowsAI tool removes appx packages associated with AI, ensuring they cannot be reinstalled. Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of support for Windows 11 SE by October 13, 2026, impacting schools that rely on this version. Virtualization, such as using Proxmox, is recommended for users wary of telemetry practices. The RemoveWindowsAI project is evolving to enhance its capabilities in response to Microsoft's AI feature additions. Enterprise deployments are advised to test removal strategies in controlled environments, though some antivirus programs may flag the tool as malicious. Privacy advocates are concerned about the implications of Microsoft's changes on user control and data collection.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Microsoft’s new handheld gaming mode, exclusive to ROG Xbox Ally, has just leaked for every handheld running Windows 11 — all you need is the 25H2 update and a few registry tweaks

Microsoft and Asus have introduced the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld device with Xbox branding that enhances Windows functionality. It features a full-screen Xbox app that replaces Windows 11 for users. The full-screen Xbox experience has leaked and is accessible to any Windows handheld device, allowing users to enjoy this mode before the official launch. Eligible devices include the original ROG Ally and Lenovo's Legion Go, with access requiring participation in the Windows Insider program. Users may need to make registry adjustments to enable the full-screen experience on startup. Tests on the original ROG Ally showed frame rate improvements in games and an increase in battery life, achieved by disabling unnecessary background processes. Users can switch back to the traditional desktop environment but are advised to use a mouse and keyboard for navigation.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

A Windows 11 update bug is breaking SSDs – here’s what you can do to prevent it

Microsoft's August update KB5063878 for Windows 11 has raised concerns among users regarding SSD storage devices, with reports indicating that certain SSDs may become undetectable by the system, potentially leading to file corruption. Initial reports suggest the issue occurs when SSDs are about 60% full after writing around 50GB of data, particularly affecting SSDs with Phison NAND controllers. Affected users have reported similar experiences on social media and Reddit, with indications that some HDDs may also be impacted. Microsoft has not confirmed any flaws associated with the update, and users are advised to consider postponing its installation. Additionally, some users faced error codes during installation, particularly via Windows Server Update Services, which Microsoft has since resolved. There are also reports of an error related to the "Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider," which does not affect current functionality. Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 before the end of support in mid-October and has warned about the expiration of Windows Secure Boot certificates in June 2026.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

I used Winaero to customize Windows, and here’s how it went

Winaero Tweaker is a free application that offers a suite of tools for customizing Windows 11, organized into sections for appearance, behavior, and more. It allows users to enable or disable features such as the Copilot and automatic updates, modify Windows Explorer options, and enhance visual settings. Users can enable the classic full context menu, modify the Windows Explorer Window, resize scroll bars, and prevent Windows themes from changing mouse pointers and desktop icons. The Context Menu Tweaker allows customization of right-click options, adding shortcuts for functions like the Control Panel and Snipping Tool. Winaero also provides tools for modifying support and maintenance settings, including automatic registry backups and creating multiple System Restore points. It offers features to restore classic Windows functionalities and install legacy applications. While Winaero presents many options to enhance the user experience, users should be cautious as some features may pose security risks or performance issues. The application includes a Recent Changes feature for reviewing modifications and reverting to default settings if necessary.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft shares script to restore inetpub folder you shouldn’t delete

Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to help restore the C:Inetpub folder, which is crucial for addressing a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability associated with Windows Process Activation. The folder's unexpected appearance after the April 2025 Windows security updates led some users to delete it, inadvertently exposing their systems to vulnerabilities. Microsoft emphasizes that the folder should not be deleted, as it is integral to the security framework, regardless of whether Internet Information Services (IIS) is active. The script allows administrators to recreate the folder with the correct permissions and access control settings.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Three ways to run Windows apps on a Linux box

If you're transitioning to Linux and need to run Windows applications, you have several options, including dual-booting, using a virtual machine (VM), or employing a compatibility layer like WINE. For virtualization, VirtualBox is a popular open-source choice, while VMware is another option that has been free since late 2024. Both require a Windows ISO, which can be obtained for free from Microsoft. VirtualBox suggests allocating 2GB of RAM and one processor core, but 8GB of RAM and two cores are recommended for better performance. Running a VM requires significant resources, and a valid Windows license is necessary for the guest OS. Dual-booting allows both Windows and Linux to run natively, providing full hardware access and optimal performance. WINE translates Windows application calls into Linux commands and is included in most Linux distributions. Its effectiveness varies by application. Bottles is a user-friendly wrapper around WINE that simplifies installation. For enhanced compatibility, CodeWeavers CrossOver is a premium alternative to WINE, with a free evaluation version available. For gaming, Lutris and Valve’s Proton are tools that facilitate running Windows games on Linux.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft: Windows ‘inetpub’ folder created by security fix, don’t delete

Microsoft has acknowledged that the April 2025 Windows security update creates a new, empty "inetpub" folder on user systems, advising against its deletion. This folder is associated with Internet Information Services (IIS) but appears even on systems without IIS installed. The folder is created using the SYSTEM account, and while deleting it does not disrupt Windows functionality, Microsoft emphasizes it should remain untouched. The existence of the C:inetpub directory prior to the update may cause installation failures of the cumulative updates. Microsoft has updated its advisory regarding a security vulnerability (CVE-2025-21204) related to improper link resolution within the Windows Update Stack, warning that exploitation could allow local attackers to escalate permissions. Users can recreate the C:inetpub folder by installing IIS through the Windows Features control panel, and uninstalling IIS will remove the software but leave the folder intact.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

ReactOS, an Open Source Take on Windows

ReactOS is an open-source operating system designed to be compatible with Windows, aiming to recreate the Windows experience while ensuring compatibility with existing software applications. The first stable release occurred in 2011, followed by a beta version in 2013 that improved support for 64-bit systems. By 2020, ReactOS reached a Technical Alpha milestone, indicating progress in stability and performance. The latest version resembles the outdated Windows XP interface, which may appeal to some users but lacks modern functionality. The ReactOS Application Manager allows users to install applications, but many popular software versions are outdated or incompatible. Users are advised to use the Application Manager for installations, as external downloads can lead to issues. ReactOS appeals to Windows users reluctant to switch to Linux or invest in new hardware, but it remains a work in progress with bugs and limited application support. The project invites contributions to enhance the user interface and application compatibility.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

5 Windows tools and apps you can’t find on other operating systems

Certain features remain exclusive to the Windows operating system, offering unique functionalities not available on Mac or Linux. Microsoft has developed tools like PowerToys, which includes nearly 20 utilities enhancing Windows functionality, and Windows Sandbox, providing a secure environment for testing applications. Windows Notepad serves as a basic note-taking and coding app with features like spellcheck and autocorrect. The Snipping Tool allows users to capture screenshots and extract text from images, while the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables seamless access to both Windows and Linux environments. These tools are designed to enhance productivity and provide significant advantages for Windows users.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

Microsoft: Recent Windows updates make USB printers print random text

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting certain USB printers after the installation of Windows updates since late January 2025, impacting users on Windows 10 (version 22H2) and Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2). The latest Windows 11 version 24H2 is unaffected. Users may experience unexpected behavior with dual-mode printers using USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols, leading to random text and data being printed, including network commands. This issue arises from the interaction between the print spooler and the printer driver. Microsoft has implemented a solution through its Known Issue Rollback (KIR) feature, which will be automatically rolled out in an upcoming update. IT administrators are advised to install specific group policies to address the issue. Additionally, Microsoft lifted a compatibility hold for some AutoCAD users upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to previous launch and crash issues.