Windows Hello Archives

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Still on Windows 10? This $13 upgrade to Windows 11 Pro offers better security, AI features, and more

Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for .97 (MSRP 9) until June 14. Windows 11 Pro features a redesigned interface, improved multitasking capabilities, enterprise-grade security functionalities like BitLocker encryption and Windows Hello, and includes Windows Copilot AI for task automation and assistance.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Windows 11’s June 2026 Update Lands June 9 With Shared Audio And NPU Monitoring: The 6 Features Worth Knowing

Microsoft will begin rolling out the June 2026 update for Windows 11 on June 9, 2026. Key features include Shared Audio, which allows two users to listen to the same audio output from one device using a new Low Latency audio profile, and NPU monitoring in Task Manager, enabling users to track AI processing handled by the neural processing unit. The update also introduces multi-app camera streaming, custom account folder naming during setup, and various enhancements to Settings, Windows Hello, USB functionality, battery management, and personalization options.

Winsage

June 6, 2026

Optimize battery and performance on Windows 11 Pro for modern hardware

Modern laptops are powered by advanced processors like Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI, and Snapdragon X, which enhance performance and battery life. Windows 11 Pro plays a crucial role in optimizing these devices by intelligently scheduling workloads between performance and efficiency cores, improving multitasking and responsiveness while conserving energy. Devices running Windows 11 Pro, such as Copilot+ PCs, utilize dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for AI tasks, enhancing system efficiency. Users can customize power settings in Windows 11 Pro to balance performance and battery longevity, with options like "Balanced" and "Best Performance" modes. Windows 11 allows users to manage startup applications to reduce background activity, improving responsiveness and power usage. The Energy Saver mode helps extend battery life by reducing background activity when on battery power. Regular software updates through Windows Update improve performance and stability, while features like Dynamic Refresh Rate optimize display settings for battery conservation. Windows 11 Pro includes security features that protect devices without hindering performance. Users can assign specific applications to use either integrated or dedicated graphics for optimal performance. Storage Sense automatically cleans up temporary files to maintain system responsiveness.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Microsoft Edge won’t let you access its password manager without Windows Hello

Microsoft Edge has removed the use of master passwords for its password manager on Windows, transitioning to Windows Hello for authentication in version 145 of the browser. This update prioritizes security by allowing access through biometric options or a PIN, rather than traditional passwords. The rollout of this update began on June 4, 2026.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Windows 11 is Getting These Six Upgrades and Features This Month

Microsoft will begin the rollout of the June 2026 security update for Windows 11 on June 9, which includes new features and security fixes for versions 25H2 and 24H2. Key upgrades include: 1. Low Latency Profile: Enhances responsiveness during brief tasks by temporarily boosting processor frequency, potentially improving app launch times by up to 40% and interaction times by up to 70%. 2. Shared Audio: Allows two users to listen to the same audio stream from one PC using Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology. 3. Task Manager NPU Metrics: Provides insights into AI hardware usage, displaying NPU usage and memory across various Task Manager pages. 4. Multi-App Camera Support: Enables multiple applications to access the same camera stream simultaneously and introduces a Basic Camera mode for troubleshooting. 5. Custom Folder Name During Setup: Users can select a custom name for their user profile folder during the setup process. 6. Windows Hello and Other Changes: Optimizes the Windows Biometric service, enhances Windows Search, and improves storage settings and reliability for USB connections. The update will be rolled out gradually, with availability varying by device.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Microsoft dropped Copilot+ PC branding for Windows 11’s most powerful AI laptop, and nobody complained

In May 2024, Microsoft launched Copilot+ PCs featuring local AI acceleration and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips. However, during the introduction of the Surface Laptop Ultra, powered by NVIDIA’s RTX Spark platform, Microsoft did not mention the Copilot+ branding. The Surface Laptop Ultra is described as the most powerful AI-centric Windows laptop, yet it lacks the Copilot+ label, raising questions about the branding strategy. Initially, Copilot+ PCs were marketed as the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs, requiring specific hardware specifications. The Recall feature, intended as a "photographic memory," faced privacy issues, leading to its retraction and redesign. In 2025, Microsoft integrated Copilot into various Windows applications, resulting in user backlash and a decline in the brand's perception. The Surface Laptop Ultra is confirmed as a Copilot+ PC internally, but Microsoft chose not to use the branding publicly, likely due to NVIDIA's branding interests. Additionally, inconsistencies in hardware requirements for Copilot+ PCs have created confusion among consumers. Microsoft may need to consider a rebranding of Windows as it focuses on local AI development and improving performance.

Winsage

June 4, 2026

Dell Sells a Windows Hello ESS-Compatible Mouse

Microsoft expanded support for external Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS)-compatible fingerprint readers for Windows 11 users. Dell introduced the Dell Pro 5 wired fingerprint mouse, priced at .99, which features a Windows Hello fingerprint sensor with ESS for added biometric protection. The mouse is designed for Copilot+ PCs but can also be used with many business-class PCs. It has a movement resolution of 6000 DPI, adjustable settings, silent movement, and a symmetrical design suitable for both right- and left-handed users.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Here are the 6 biggest features and improvements coming to Windows 11 in the June 2026 update on Tuesday

Microsoft will roll out the June 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on June 9, 2026. Key features include: - Introduction of the Low Latency Profile feature, allowing two users to share audio from a single source and improving application launch times by up to 40% and interaction times by up to 70%. - Updates to Task Manager for enhanced monitoring of Neural Processing Unit (NPU) usage, including metrics for NPU utilization and memory usage. - Enhanced webcam controls allowing multiple applications to access the same camera stream simultaneously. - Ability to select a custom name for the user profile folder during installation. - Optimizations to Windows Hello for faster authentication when resuming from Modern Standby. - Improvements to Windows Search for locating files with just two characters and more precise color matching for desktop backgrounds in Personalization settings.

Winsage

May 27, 2026

Microsoft Issues the Week D Preview Updates for Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 can install the preview update KB5089573, upgrading their systems to builds 26100.8524 and 26200.8524, respectively. Users on Windows 11 version 26H1 can install KB5089570, upgrading to build 28000.2179. The updates introduce new features such as shared audio support over Bluetooth LE, multi-app camera support, custom user folder naming during setup, and enhancements to Magnifier, Secure Boot, Task Manager, Windows Hello, and Windows Search. They also include performance improvements and increased reliability for sign-in and Lock screens.

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Windows in Transition: From Tool to Entry Point into the Microsoft Ecosystem

Windows 7 was launched in 2009 and was known for its reliability and user-friendly interface. Windows 8, released in October 2012, marked a significant shift in Microsoft's approach by prioritizing touch control and eliminating the classic Start menu, which alienated desktop users. Windows 7 introduced features like Libraries and Windows Media Center, many of which were removed or obscured in later versions. Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020. Windows 10, launched in July 2015, reintroduced the Start menu and offered a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users. Windows 11 was launched on October 5, 2021, with stricter hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, which excluded many existing PCs from upgrading. The evolution of Windows reflects a trend towards integrating Microsoft services and subscription models, diminishing user autonomy. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pressuring users to transition to Windows 11 or consider alternatives.