Windows setup Archives

Winsage

March 22, 2026

You might soon be able to sign into Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, with software engineers ‘working on it’

Microsoft is considering allowing users to set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, as indicated by Scott Hanselman, a company executive. This potential change aims to enhance user choice and flexibility, addressing concerns from users who prefer not to link their operating system to a corporate account. There is currently no official timeline for when this feature might be implemented.

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Windows 11 uses five letters of your email for the user folder, but Microsoft is fixing it

A recent update in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 allows users to customize their User folder name during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). This feature enables users to input a folder name of their choice on the Device Name page, with names allowed up to 16 Unicode characters. If users do not select a name, the system will revert to the default naming scheme derived from the first five letters of their Microsoft email address. Previously, changing the User folder name required using the Command Prompt, which was not user-friendly. The update is aimed at improving the setup experience for new Windows users.

Winsage

March 16, 2026

Microsoft has lost the plot: 5 Windows “features” nobody asked for

Windows 11 has faced criticism for design choices that prioritize corporate interests over user experience, including aggressive monetization strategies and privacy concerns. The Recall app was designed to take frequent screenshots of the desktop but functioned like a keylogger, leading to privacy issues. Initially set to be enabled by default on new Copilot+ PCs, backlash prompted Microsoft to make it an opt-in feature during setup, allowing users to uninstall it. Microsoft also introduced biometric encryption and moved screenshot processing to secure enclaves for data protection. The Start Menu has shifted to include third-party advertisements in the "Recommended" section, turning it into a platform for promotions rather than a personal navigation tool. Microsoft replaced the right Control or Menu key with a dedicated Copilot key, disrupting standard keyboard layouts and complicating workflows for users. Setting up a new PC now requires an active internet connection and a Microsoft account, making it difficult to operate without relinquishing digital identity. This change illustrates a shift towards subscription revenue and data collection. Windows 11 often ignores users' default browser choices, defaulting to Microsoft Edge and Bing for web searches initiated from the taskbar, reflecting a trend of prioritizing Microsoft's ecosystem over user autonomy. These developments indicate a strategy by Microsoft to erode user control, suggesting users are becoming products rather than customers as the company focuses on data collection and subscription services.

Winsage

March 15, 2026

Microsoft Updates Windows 11 ISO Tool, How To Install It Without A Microsoft Account Or Internet Connection

A clean install of Windows can improve system performance and resolve issues. To begin, back up important files to a NAS, secondary PC, external storage, or cloud service. Wipe the system disk and start fresh. For installing Windows 11, options include performing a Cloud Download reinstall via the Windows Recovery Environment or using external storage with Microsoft's Media Creation Tool or an ISO. Microsoft updates installation ISOs monthly, reducing the need for additional driver installations. Download necessary drivers beforehand, focusing on graphics and chipset drivers. To perform a clean installation, download the latest Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) from Microsoft's website and use Rufus to write it to external storage. Rufus allows bypassing certain Windows 11 requirements, such as Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, and can facilitate creating a local account instead of using a Microsoft account. Ensure updated BIOS installations are checked if applicable. After writing the installation media, boot from it by accessing the boot menu or adjusting the UEFI setup. During installation, delete existing partitions and select empty space to proceed. Finally, install drivers post-installation.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. 1. Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps: IT administrators can now use a dynamic app removal list to remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their package family names through Group Policy. The dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP. 2. Windows Setup Experience: Users can select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process, which must adhere to standard naming conventions. 3. Windows Driver Policy Update: A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default. The feature will initially operate in audit mode for at least 100 hours. 4. Point-in-Time Restore Updates: Local administrators will see a settings dialog to view or modify default restore settings, including a list of available restore points. Updated messaging has been added to the restore experience. 5. Drag Tray Rebranding: The Drag Tray has been rebranded as Drop Tray, with settings relocated to System > Multitasking. 6. Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key. 7. File Explorer and Other Enhancements: Improvements have been made to the reliability of setting the preferred display language, and unexpected errors from the sfc/scannow command have been removed. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - Enhanced policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps for Windows ENT/EDU, allowing IT administrators to use a dynamic app removal list via Group Policy. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. - A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default, initially operating in audit mode. - Point-in-time restore now includes a settings dialog for local administrators and displays available restore points. - Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade their plan directly from the Accounts page in Settings. - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded to Drop Tray, with settings relocated. - Updates to Pen settings include a new option for the pen tail button. - Enhanced reliability for preferred display language settings and removal of an unexpected error from sfc/scannow. Updates are gradually rolled out to users who opt in through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Microsoft is Rebranding Windows 11’s Drag Tray Feature to ‘Drop Tray’

Microsoft has released three new preview builds of Windows 11 for Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels. - Canary Build 28020.1737: Introduces a feature allowing male users to configure their pen tail button to launch the same application as the Copilot keyboard key, also present in the 25H2 build 26100.8106 and the 24H2 build 26200.8106. - Dev Channel (26300.8068) and Beta Channel (26220.8062) Updates: - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded as the Drop Tray, with settings moved to System > Multitasking. - Pen users can set their pen tail button to launch the same application as the Copilot keyboard key. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during Windows setup, adhering to standard naming conventions. - A new interface for point-in-time restore allows local administrators to view or modify default restore settings and see available restore points.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Microsoft changes how it manages MILLIONS of old printers

Microsoft has stopped distributing V3 and V4 printer drivers through Windows Update as of last month, affecting printers up to 12 years old. Support for these drivers will end in January 2026, as they were marked as deprecated in September 2023. Users with printers relying on these drivers may experience functionality issues after support ends. Printer manufacturers are now responsible for providing driver updates via their websites, but existing drivers will remain operational. Microsoft confirmed that vendor-supplied drivers can still be installed using separate packages. Most modern printers do not use V3 and V4 drivers, as they are typically over a decade old. Microsoft aims to enhance system security and streamline the printing process by phasing out outdated drivers. After July 2026, Windows will prioritize built-in printer drivers during installation, and from July 2027, manufacturers will no longer be able to submit driver updates to Windows, although Microsoft will continue to provide critical security updates for existing drivers.

Winsage

February 10, 2026

De-Enshittify Windows 11: OneDrive ⭐

Microsoft has auto-enabled the OneDrive Folder Backup feature in Windows 11 version 25H2 without notifying users, syncing the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders automatically. Many users may not want these folders synced due to containing sensitive or large files. Disabling Folder Backup can be cumbersome, as it requires users to decide where to store contents, complicating content management. Unlike previous versions, this feature is activated post-login without user consent. To uninstall OneDrive, users can go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, locate Microsoft OneDrive, and select "Uninstall." Uninstalling does not delete cloud-stored files, which remain accessible via the OneDrive website or app. Users can prevent OneDrive from enabling Folder Backup during PC setup by acting quickly after the Windows Setup Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and canceling the backup process when prompted. If Folder Backup is already enabled, users can disable it by accessing OneDrive settings and managing backups for the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. OneDrive offers only 5 GB of free cloud storage, with additional storage requiring a subscription to Microsoft 365. Users can disable “On this day” memory notifications in OneDrive settings. To move OneDrive to a different disk, users must unlink their account and select a new folder path during re-sign-in.

Winsage

February 10, 2026

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user download

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users, particularly on Windows. Notable applications include: 1. LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite with a customizable interface, supports MS Office formats, and is free to download. 2. Flow Launcher: A file search and application launcher that enhances efficiency, customizable, and free to use. 3. Duplicati: A zero-trust backup solution with encryption and scheduling features, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, free to install on Windows. 5. Franz: Consolidates multiple messaging platforms into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: Allows users to create custom top bars for system information and quick access controls, enhancing the user experience. 7. File Converter: Simplifies file conversion and compression within the Windows file manager, available for free. 8. Bitwarden: A password management tool with a free version and additional paid features for collaboration. 9. AutoHotKey: Automates tasks on Windows through scripting, free to install and use. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI interaction tool that prioritizes privacy, free to use on Windows.