Windows PowerShell Archives

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Windows 11 is finally removing the 32GB FAT32 capacity limit

Microsoft has released new test builds for Windows Insiders, specifically Dev Build 26300.8170 and Beta Build 26220.8165, which remove the 32GB limit on FAT32 formatting for external drives. Users can now format external drives up to 2TB using FAT32 through the Command Prompt. This change, which has been anticipated by users, is a shift from the long-standing restriction that required third-party applications or specialized commands for larger drives. The enhancement applies only to the Command Prompt, as the graphical interface remains unchanged, and the 4GB file size limit for individual files on FAT32 drives still applies. This feature is currently available only in preview versions for Windows Insiders, with a broader rollout planned for future standard Windows 11 updates.

Winsage

March 26, 2026

Is It Time for a New Laptop Battery? This Secret Windows Report Will Let You Know

Windows laptops allow users to generate a battery report through Windows PowerShell. To create the report, users must open Windows Terminal as an administrator and enter the command powercfg /batteryreport /output "C:battery-report.html". This command generates an HTML file named battery-report.html saved in the C: drive. The report includes information about the laptop's battery health, recent usage, battery usage over the last three days, usage history, battery capacity history, and battery life estimates. The report shows the design capacity and full charge capacity of the battery, along with a comparison of expected and actual battery life. For example, a laptop designed for 6 hours and 2 minutes of battery life may currently last only 4 hours and 52 minutes.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 — Uninstall, Hide, and Stop It from Coming Back

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into various parts of Windows 11, including the taskbar, Edge, and Notepad. Users have expressed a desire to remove Copilot, leading to the creation of a guide detailing methods to disable it. Copilot can be uninstalled through Settings, but additional steps are required to remove it from Edge, Notepad, and Windows Search. Users can also prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates by adjusting registry settings. The Copilot app is categorized as a standalone application in Windows 11 24H2, making it easier to uninstall compared to previous versions. Methods to disable Copilot include: 1. Uninstalling the app via Settings. 2. Hiding the icon from the taskbar. 3. Using Group Policy Editor (limited to Pro, Enterprise, Education). 4. Removing Copilot for all users using PowerShell. 5. Adjusting settings in Edge and Notepad to disable Copilot features. 6. Editing the registry to remove Copilot from Windows Search and Paint. 7. Remapping the physical Copilot key on newer laptops. 8. Disabling silent reinstallation of Copilot through registry edits. Disabling Copilot will not affect core Windows functionality but will remove AI-specific features such as the chatbot and writing assistance.

Winsage

February 21, 2026

If you’re still debloating Windows manually, this one tool does it better

Windows has a nearly 70% global market share as the dominant desktop operating system, but users often complain about bloatware. Windows Utility by Chris Titus is a tool that simplifies the debloating process through a single command in Windows PowerShell, offering a graphical user interface for tasks like debloating, disabling telemetry, uninstalling preinstalled applications, and managing services. It enhances performance by enabling high-performance power plans and optimizing Windows Update behavior. The utility includes O&O's ShutUp10++ for managing data collection practices and allows users to save customized settings for future installations. It features a built-in package installer that supports Chocolatey and WinGet, enabling bulk installations of applications.

Tech Optimizer

February 16, 2026

How to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 11 (3 Methods Including winget)

To uninstall McAfee on Windows 11, go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find McAfee, and select Uninstall. Alternatively, use the command winget uninstall --id "McAfee.TotalProtection" in an elevated terminal. After uninstalling, run McAfee’s MCPR removal tool to remove any leftover files and registry entries. Windows Security (Defender) will automatically activate after McAfee is removed. McAfee is often preinstalled on Windows 11 laptops by manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS. It is recommended to create a system restore point before uninstalling and ensure you have administrative rights. After uninstalling, check for any remaining McAfee entries in installed apps, running services, Task Manager processes, leftover folders, and scheduled tasks. If issues arise during uninstallation, booting into Safe Mode or using the MCPR tool can help. Windows Security is a built-in antivirus that activates automatically after McAfee removal, providing protection.

Winsage

January 9, 2026

A Free Script Disables Built-In AI Features Across Windows 11

Windows 11 has integrated AI features, including Copilot, which is pinned to the taskbar and embedded in applications like Notepad and Paint. Users cannot universally disable these features, although individual toggles exist. A community script called RemoveWindowsAI has been created to disable Windows AI features at the system level and modify Windows Update settings to prevent reinstallation. The script targets Copilot, Recall, and their integrations, allowing users to disable all features or select specific components. It operates by making registry changes and aims to eliminate visible AI entry points while maintaining their disabled status across updates. When executed, RemoveWindowsAI removes Copilot from the taskbar, uninstalls the app, and disables AI functionalities in applications. Users run the script through Windows PowerShell 5.1, and it can be rerun to re-enable features. The tool provides a consistent experience but has limitations, as it may not address new AI features or changes from major Windows updates.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

This Free Script Disables Every AI Feature in Windows 11

The integration of artificial intelligence into Windows 11 has led to mixed reactions among users, with some feeling overwhelmed by features like Copilot. RemoveWindowsAI is a free script that allows users to disable various AI features, including Copilot, Recall, and AI integrations in applications like Edge, Paint, and Notepad. The script modifies registry keys and prevents Windows Update from reinstalling these features. To use RemoveWindowsAI, users must launch Microsoft PowerShell 5.1, copy a command from the official GitHub page, and follow the prompts to select which AI features to disable. Testing the script showed that removing AI features significantly altered the user experience, with the Copilot icon and application disappearing from Notepad and Settings.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

5 Apps That Can Breathe New Life Into Your Old Windows PC

Windows PCs can become slow due to digital clutter from uninstalled applications, unused registry entries, and background processes. This software bloat can often be optimized using lightweight, free tools instead of upgrading hardware. Microsoft PC Manager is a user-friendly utility that enhances performance by clearing temporary files and freeing up RAM, featuring sections for System Protection, Storage Management, and App Management. The Everything app provides rapid file search results by reading the Master File Table, conserving system resources and allowing customization of search preferences. Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility is a powerful debloater tool that can remove telemetry and bloatware, with options for tweaking system settings to improve performance, though caution is advised to avoid instability. The Thorium Browser is a lightweight alternative to resource-intensive browsers, built on the Chromium framework, providing speed and efficiency while maintaining compatibility with older hardware. Bulk Crap Uninstaller offers a thorough uninstallation process, removing all traces of software and allowing for bulk uninstalls, with features like color-coded categorization and the option to create restore points.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

How to use the new ‘Virtual Workspaces’ settings in Windows 11 to quickly enable (or disable) virtualization features

Microsoft has added a "Virtual Workspaces" page to the Settings app in Windows 11, allowing users to manage virtualization capabilities. The latest cumulative update has refreshed the Settings app for easier navigation. To enable virtualization features, users must open Settings, click on System, select the Advanced page, and then click the Virtual Workspaces setting. Features include Containers, Guarded Host, Virtual Machine Platform, Windows Hypervisor Platform, and Windows Sandbox. Users can also activate Hyper-V features, which include Hyper-V GUI Management Tools, Hyper-V Module for Windows PowerShell, Hyper-V Hypervisor, and Hyper-V Services. To disable virtualization features, users follow the same steps and turn off the feature before restarting the device. Users can also enable or disable features via the "Windows Features" page and PowerShell.

Winsage

December 11, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows Explorer white flashes in dark mode

Microsoft resolved an issue in Windows 11 where users experienced bright white flashes when launching File Explorer in dark mode after installing the KB5070311 update. This glitch affected various actions within the application. The KB5072033 cumulative update fixed this issue, improving the experience in File Explorer. Additionally, the KB5072033 update addressed network connectivity loss on virtual machines and introduced enhancements to Windows PowerShell, including warnings for potentially harmful scripts. Microsoft also acknowledged a bug affecting system components like File Explorer and the Start Menu during the provisioning of Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices. Furthermore, Microsoft is testing a feature to preload File Explorer in the background to enhance performance.