Windows Spotlight Archives

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5305 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5305 (KB5055636) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 23H2. This update is the last for the Beta Channel based on version 23H2, as all Insiders will soon transition to version 24H2, which is currently available as an optional upgrade in the Beta Channel. New features include a profanity filter setting for voice typing that allows users to manage profanity masking. Administrators can now allow users to unpin specific pinned apps on the taskbar using a new PinGeneration option. Fixes include resolving a crash issue in File Explorer when using touch, fixing a problem with the Windows Spotlight flyout, addressing a character insertion issue in password fields when using the touch keyboard, and correcting a display issue in the Settings app. A known issue involves some Insiders experiencing a bug with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth, which can be resolved by uninstalling a specific driver in Device Manager. Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will continue based on version 23H2 through an enablement package, and features may be gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Windows 11 KB5053598 & KB5053602 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5053598 for version 24H2 and KB5053602 for version 23H2, which include essential security patches from the March 2025 Patch Tuesday. Users can install these updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. After installation, the build number for Windows 11 24H2 will be 26100.3476 and for 23H2 it will be 22631.5039. The updates introduce new features such as an Xbox advertisement in the Settings menu, the ability to share files from a jump list, enhancements to Windows Spotlight, a new “Like” button for lock screen images, improved Narrator functions, and a referral card for PC Game Pass subscriptions. File Explorer now allows users to snooze backup reminders and fixes have been made for performance issues and audio problems. A known issue for version 24H2 is that users cannot download and play Roblox on Arm devices, and both versions may show an incorrect Event 7023 error in EventViewer related to SgrmBroker.exe, which Microsoft plans to address in a future update.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

: Microsoft fixes Windows 11 File Explorer’s more annoying issues for Patch Tuesday

Windows 11 users can find relief from bugs in File Explorer with the KB5053598 update, released as part of Microsoft's Patch Tuesday. This update addresses issues such as mislabeling of hard drives as solid-state drives, color mismatches in the Start menu, improved loading times for folders with many media files, a non-responsive address bar, and enhanced context menu support for cloud files. The update also introduces new features like the ability to share files from the taskbar jump list, hover information for Windows Spotlight background images, and improved navigation functions for the Narrator. Additionally, it includes fixes for Hyper-V, Daylight Saving Time updates for Paraguay, and Remote Desktop display issues. Older versions of Windows receive standard security fixes without significant changes.

BetaBeacon

March 7, 2025

Winlator is still my favorite app for emulating PC games on Android

Linux distros offer endless customization options, including the ability to choose from a variety of desktop environments to enhance the user interface.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

How to lower pop-ups, ads and ‘suggestions’ on your Windows 11 computer

Many users of Windows 11 have observed an increase in promotional content within the operating system, often presented as helpful suggestions. Microsoft has been enhancing the visibility of ads across various features. Users can make several adjustments to reduce this promotional clutter: 1. Start Menu Suggestions: To disable app recommendations in the Start Menu, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more." 2. Lock Screen Ads: To turn off ads on the lock screen, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, change "Personalize your lock screen" from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow, and disable "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen." 3. File Explorer Promotions: To eliminate promotions in File Explorer, open File Explorer, click the three dots in the menu bar, select Options, go to the View tab, and uncheck "Show sync provider notifications." 4. Taskbar Search: To adjust ads in Taskbar search, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions and disable "Show search highlights." 5. Notification Ads: To turn off ads presented as tips, go to Settings > System > Notifications and uncheck "Show the Windows welcome experience ..." and "Get tips and suggestions ..." 6. Microsoft Account Prompts: To prevent prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and select "Sign in with a local account instead." 7. Notifications from Other Apps: Users can review and disable unnecessary app notifications in Settings > System > Notifications.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Windows 11 annoying you? How to quiet ads and more

Users of Windows 11 have reported an increase in promotional content within the operating system. To reduce these distractions, several adjustments can be made: 1. Start Menu Suggestions: To disable app recommendations in the Start menu, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more." 2. Lock Screen Ads: To eliminate ads from the lock screen, open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, switch from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow, and turn off "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen." 3. File Explorer Promotions: To turn off promotions in File Explorer, open File Explorer, click on the three dots in the menu bar, select Options, go to the View tab, and uncheck "Show sync provider notifications." 4. Taskbar Search Ads: To disable ads in Taskbar Search, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions and disable "Show search highlights." 5. Notifications for Tips: To stop receiving tips that are advertisements, go to Settings > System > Notifications and uncheck "Show the Windows welcome experience…" and "Get tips and suggestions…" 6. Microsoft Account Prompts: To stop prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and select "Sign in with a local account instead." 7. Other App Notifications: To manage notifications from other applications, review the list in Settings > System > Notifications and disable unnecessary ones.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Data Doctors: How to quiet ads and suggestions in Windows 11

Users have reported an increase in promotional content in Windows 11, which many find intrusive. To minimize this, users can adjust settings in several areas: 1. Start Menu Suggestions: Disable app recommendations by going to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggling off "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more." 2. Lock Screen Ads: Turn off lock screen ads by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, changing the setting from Windows Spotlight to "Picture" or "Slideshow," and disabling "Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen." 3. File Explorer Promotions: Remove promotions for OneDrive and Microsoft 365 by opening File Explorer, selecting the three dots in the menu bar, going to Options > View, and unchecking "Show sync provider notifications." 4. Taskbar Search: Eliminate ads from taskbar search by going to Settings > Privacy and security > Search permissions and disabling "Show search highlights." 5. Notification Ads: Turn off tips that are advertisements by navigating to Settings > System > Notifications and unchecking "Show the Windows welcome experience" and "Get tips and suggestions." 6. Microsoft Account Prompts: Prevent prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account by going to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and selecting "Sign in with a local account instead." 7. Notifications from Other Apps: Review and disable unnecessary notifications from other applications in the system notifications section of settings.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Microsoft battles more bugs in Windows 11 24H2 with new round of patches

Microsoft released an optional update, KB5052093, for Windows 11 24H2 to address persistent bugs. Users may need to manually download and install this update as it is being rolled out gradually. The update includes fixes for File Explorer, improving performance with media files, context menu response for cloud files, and the reliability of the address bar. It resolves issues with color displays in the Start menu, hard drive misidentification in Task Manager, Guest account sign-ins, custom mouse pointer colors after UAC prompts, and audio bugs related to volume spikes and USB devices. Connectivity issues with Remote Desktop and display rendering problems have been fixed, along with improvements to drag-and-drop functionality and an error message in the Settings screen. New features include file sharing from the Taskbar jump list, simultaneous camera access for multiple applications, enhancements to Windows Narrator for easier navigation, and a more user-friendly Windows Spotlight. A referral card for PC Game Pass may also appear for eligible users. The update can be checked via Settings under Windows Update, and the official version will be released on March 11.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

5 new Windows 11 features should hit your PC soon

Microsoft has released Build 26100.3321 to the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11, introducing several new features: - A color-coded battery icon with a percentage indicator has been added to the Taskbar to help users manage battery life. - Users can now turn off or snooze backup reminders in File Explorer. - Windows Spotlight has improved visibility for the "Learn more about this picture" icon and includes a "Like" button for content curation. - A taskbar sharing feature allows users to share files directly from applications using a right-click option. - The Narrator's updated scan mode includes new commands for more efficient text navigation. These features will be rolled out gradually, with some expected to reach the general public soon.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

The Windows 11 Release Preview channel update finally makes the battery indicator useful

Microsoft has introduced an enhanced battery indicator in the Windows 11 Release Preview build version 26100.3321. The new feature includes a color-coded system for battery status: a green icon indicates charging, a yellow icon signals energy-saving mode (activated at 20% battery or less), and a red icon alerts users to low battery levels. Users can also display the battery percentage in the system tray by enabling the “Battery Percentage” option in Settings > Power & battery. The update is being rolled out gradually, so not all users will see it immediately. Other features included in the rollout are file sharing via the taskbar and improvements to Windows Spotlight. Resources are available for users interested in the Windows Insider Program.