Windows Settings Archives

Winsage

January 21, 2026

There’s a right way to wipe your Windows PC before getting rid of it – here’s how I do it

Many individuals and businesses consider acquiring a new PC at the start of the year and must decide what to do with the old device. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, selling, or trading it in. Before doing so, it's essential to migrate apps and files, securely erase personal data, and reset the operating system. To migrate apps and files, users can utilize the Windows Backup app on their old PC to back up settings and installed apps, as well as personal folders to OneDrive. Upon setting up the new PC with the same Microsoft account, users can restore their profile. It's also important to compile a list of legacy software and ensure necessary activation codes are available. For data backup, users can use cloud storage services or create an image backup on a removable hard drive. To securely wipe old data, Windows 11 Pro users can enable BitLocker Disk Encryption, while Windows 11 Home users should delete sensitive files and use the command cipher /w:c: to wipe the disk space. For preparing the old PC for a new owner, users can choose one of three options to install a new copy of Windows 11: 1. Reset - Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery and select "Reset PC," choosing "Remove everything" and either Cloud Download or Local Reinstall. 2. Reimage - If specific drivers are needed, check for a recovery image in Settings > System > Recovery or download one from the manufacturer’s website. 3. Reformat and clean install - Create bootable installation media using the Media Creation Tool, ensure Windows is activated, reformat the system disk, and install Windows 11, which will activate automatically for the new owner.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

Copilot AI: What You’re Missing on Windows 10 PCs — Virtualization Review

Microsoft's Copilot AI experience differs significantly between Windows 11 and Windows 10. On Windows 11, Copilot is integrated at the system level, allowing it to perform tasks such as opening specific Settings pages, toggling system settings, launching built-in applications, and providing contextual guidance with UI navigation. In contrast, Windows 10 users can only access Copilot through browser-based interfaces, limiting its functionality to providing written instructions without the ability to execute actions or interact with local system features. Copilot on Windows 10 lacks awareness of the operating system and cannot manage system configurations or settings directly, while Windows 11 allows for direct interaction with cloud-managed settings.

Winsage

January 19, 2026

Microsoft expands Windows backup to include restore at first sign-in

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows Backup for Organizations by introducing a 'second chance' restore option for Windows 11 users, allowing them to recover Microsoft Store apps and personalized settings at the first sign-in. This feature aims to streamline transitions by preserving Start menu pins and installed Microsoft Store applications, minimizing disruptions during upgrades. Currently in private preview, it is set to officially launch in early 2026. Organizations can sign up for the private preview until February 13, 2026, but must be part of the Microsoft Management Customer Connection Program and have a signed non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to qualify.

Winsage

January 19, 2026

Copilot Uninstall Lands On Managed Windows But With Catches

IT administrators can now uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app from managed Windows devices under specific conditions. This option is available only for devices running an Insider Preview of Windows 11 and is designed for Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions. The Group Policy named RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp allows this uninstallation, but it requires that the Microsoft 365 Copilot and the Microsoft Copilot app are installed, the app must not have been user-installed, and it must remain unopened for 28 days. The policy aims to prevent accidental removals and ensure organizations consider the app's deprecation thoughtfully. For unmanaged PCs, users can hide the Copilot button and disable it in Startup Apps to minimize its presence, but a straightforward uninstallation method is not yet available.

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 5, 2026

New laptop? How to wipe your old Windows PC clean before getting rid of it

Many individuals and businesses upgrade their PCs as the new year approaches and face decisions about their old devices. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, or selling. Essential steps for transitioning include migrating applications and files, securely erasing personal data, and resetting the operating system. To migrate apps and files, use the Windows Backup app to back up settings and installed apps, and transfer personal folders to OneDrive. For legacy software, ensure you have activation codes and installation files. Back up important files using cloud storage or create a full image backup to a removable hard drive. To wipe old data, enable BitLocker Disk Encryption on Windows 11 Pro or delete sensitive files and wipe disk space on Windows 11 Home using the command cipher /w:c:. To prepare the old PC for a new owner, options for installing a fresh copy of Windows 11 include resetting the PC, reinstalling a factory image, or performing a clean install using bootable media. Resetting involves navigating to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting "Remove everything." Reimaging uses a manufacturer-provided recovery image, while a clean install requires bootable media created with the Media Creation Tool.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Windows 10 Users Can Still Get Free Security Updates. Here’s How

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in 2025 but will offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, providing an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026. Users can enroll in the ESU program at a cost, but free enrollment options are available through syncing settings with OneDrive or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Enrollment in the ESU program is open until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users must be on Windows 10 version 22H2 and have administrative privileges to enroll. The enrollment wizard is being rolled out gradually, and some users may not see the option immediately.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Windows 11 gets a December Insider update packed with new features and AI upgrades — reveals Microsoft’s next big push. Here’s everything that is new.

Microsoft has slowed down the development of Windows 11 but released several preview builds through the Windows Insider Program in December 2025, showcasing various enhancements. Key updates include: - Model Context Protocol (MCP): Introduced in build 26220.7344, allowing AI agents to communicate with applications and tools via a secure on-device registry. It includes the File Explorer Connector for managing files through natural language searches and the Windows Settings Connector for navigating settings. - Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP): Provides a consistent update experience for developers through the Settings app. - Windows MIDI Services: Rollout of a new MIDI API, Service, and SDK, supporting MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 devices with enhancements like app-to-app MIDI support. - Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): Expanded to additional handheld gaming devices, replicating console gaming on PCs. - Settings app with AI agent: Enhanced navigation and modification of settings with an integrated AI agent. - File Explorer dark mode improvements: Extended dark mode to various elements and improved search functionality using AI. - Drag Tray disable option: Users can now disable the Drag Tray feature through Settings. - Mobile Devices settings integration: Features for managing mobile devices are now integrated within the Settings app. - Virtual Workspaces in Advanced settings: New access to manage virtualization features without using the legacy "Windows Features" page. - Keyboard and text cursor settings: New settings added for customizing keyboard and cursor behavior. - Quick Machine Recovery improvements: Now enabled by default on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. - Windows Studio Effects compatibility: Expanded to more camera hardware for improved user appearance. - Windows Spotlight for desktop changes: New context menu options for wallpaper changes and additional details. - Taskbar with Ask Copilot: A toggle to replace Windows Search with AI-driven searches. - Taskbar with AI agents: AI agents can function as apps in the Taskbar, providing real-time updates. - Windows 11 Agent Launchers: A framework for registering AI agents within the OS. - Narrator customization: Users can select which properties are announced while navigating applications. - Voice Typing animation: New animation for the dictation key in the Touch Keyboard and a "Discover Windows" widget added. - Voice Access streamlined setup: Simplified setup process for Voice Access. The Windows Insider Program will pause further builds until January.

Winsage

December 17, 2025

Windows 11 version 26H1 plays catch up with new features brought over from version 25H2

Microsoft has released a preview build of Windows 11, version 28020.1362, for Insiders in the Canary Channel. This build includes several new features: - Expanded Xbox Experience for handheld devices - Revamped context menu for the Click To Do interface - Enhanced search functionality in Windows Settings - New file share drag tray feature - Windows Studio Effects for external webcams - Improved mobile device settings management - Enhancements to dark mode in File Explorer Additionally, Windows 11 version 26H1 will launch on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2, and the Bromine feature is expected to roll out with version 26H2 in the latter half of next year.

Winsage

December 11, 2025

Your PC, your personality: New themes in Store for you

Microsoft has launched a new Themes department within the Microsoft Store on Windows, allowing users to easily discover and customize their devices with curated themes. The store now features over 400 themes, including more than 35 new additions, such as the Sea of Thieves theme and the World National Parks theme. Users can manage their themes through Windows Settings, and the store also offers various apps for further customization. Microsoft encourages user feedback and contributions through the Feedback Hub and the Theme Publisher Interest Form.