Windows Studio Effects Archives

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Windows 11 KB5070311 update fixes File Explorer freezes, search issues

Microsoft has released the KB5070311 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, which includes 49 enhancements aimed at improving user experience. This optional update allows IT administrators to preview upcoming bug fixes and features before the official Patch Tuesday rollout. The update addresses several known issues, including unresponsive explorer.exe and taskbar processes, search problems in File Explorer related to SMB shares, and instability in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). To install KB5070311, users can go to Settings, select Windows Update, and click 'Check for Updates'. Users must confirm their intention to install it by selecting 'Download and install', or they can manually download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to builds 26200.7309 and 26100.7309, respectively. Notable enhancements include a broader search results menu, the ability to use Windows Studio Effects with additional cameras, new context menu options for Windows Spotlight backgrounds, and improvements to File Explorer's dark mode experience. Microsoft has announced there will be no preview update in December, with regular updates resuming in January. They are also working on a solution for a known issue where the password sign-in option has disappeared from the lock screen options.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

2025 Windows 11 PC holiday buying guide: Best devices and deals

The holiday season is an ideal time to gift a Windows 11 PC, which can enhance gaming setups, assist with creative projects, and simplify daily tasks. Windows 11 PCs now feature Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that streamlines tasks through voice commands. A survey shows that over half of Gen Z and Millennials use generative AI weekly. Various Windows 11 PCs are available for different users, including: - Lenovo Legion 5 15": A gaming laptop with AMD Ryzen 7 260 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics, starting at ,249.99 MSRP, currently ,169.99 at Walmart. - ROG Xbox Ally: A portable gaming device starting at 9.99, available at Microsoft.com and Best Buy. - Dell 16 Plus Laptop: Designed for students, starting at ,149.99 MSRP. - Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: A versatile 2-in-1 PC starting at ,349.99 MSRP. - Acer Aspire 14 AI: A portable laptop starting at 9.99 MSRP at Costco.com. - ASUS Zenbook 14: Lightweight with multi-day battery life, starting at 9 MSRP at Walmart. - Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC: Starting at ,199.99 at Best Buy. - Surface Pro 12-inch: A portable 2-in-1 device starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. - HP OmniBook 5 14-inch: Offers long battery life, starting at 9.99 MSRP. - Surface Laptop 13-inch: Lightweight with AI features, starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. Retailers like Microsoft, Best Buy, and Costco offer significant holiday deals on these PCs, with discounts and promotions available. Microsoft.com features exclusive deals, price protection, and free shipping until January 31, 2026. Xbox deals include discounts on games and accessories, with Xbox Game Pass Premium subscriptions and Microsoft gift cards available as gift options.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows Insider Program Releases Copilot Actions, New Release Preview Builds

The Windows Insider Program has introduced Copilot Actions, an AI feature in the Copilot app for Windows 11, allowing users to specify tasks for an AI agent to perform. This feature is currently experimental and requires the latest version of the Copilot app (1.25112.74 or higher) to access. Additionally, new Release Preview builds for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 have been released, transitioning users to build 26200.7296 (25H2) or 26100.7296 (24H2) with cumulative update KB5070311. Key features in these builds include Windows Studio Effects for USB webcams, enhancements to Click to Do, improvements in the Agent in Settings, updates to File Explorer, Desktop Spotlight enhancements, Drag Tray improvements, Settings updates, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security for external fingerprint sensors, Share enhancements for OneDrive files, mobile device management improvements, Quick Machine Recovery updates, and Widgets enhancements. A new Canary build for Windows 11 version 26H1 (build 28000.1199) is also available, but it does not introduce new features or significant changes.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Upgrade your PC in one go with Office 2021 Pro and Windows 11 Pro for $49.97

A bundle including Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from a regular price of .99. The bundle includes a one-time activation code for use on one Windows PC, with instant delivery. Office 2021 Pro features applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, OneNote, and a free version of Teams. Windows 11 Pro offers enhancements such as snap layouts, improved voice typing, faster search, BitLocker encryption, TPM 2.0, biometric sign-in, DirectX 12 Ultimate support for gaming, and built-in Teams. Customer support is available for activation assistance. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Microsoft pushes NPUs as a way to an intelligent Windows

Microsoft is promoting the potential of neural processing units (NPUs) to enhance Windows intelligence, although NPUs are not yet part of official hardware requirements. NPUs are designed to accelerate local inference with lower power consumption and are found in devices from smartphones to Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft claims that NPUs can make sophisticated AI experiences more affordable, stating that tasks that once required expensive computing can now be performed on less costly devices. However, the current utility of local AI processing for users is limited, with few OS features requiring local processing and minimal impact on productivity. Microsoft has integrated AI capabilities into applications like Notepad and Photos, but these changes are not driven by user demand. Despite the lukewarm reception, Microsoft advocates for NPUs, highlighting their ability to run multiple AI applications concurrently. Concerns exist regarding future hardware requirements, as the company may eventually include NPUs in its specifications, echoing past experiences with Windows 10. As of early September, AI-enabled notebooks with NPUs made up 40.5 percent of the European distribution channel, a figure expected to rise.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760 (KB5065793) has been released to the Dev Channel for Windows 11, version 25H2. Key updates include: - A built-in network speed test in the taskbar accessible via Quick Settings or the network icon. - A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page in the Get Started experience for managed commercial devices with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. - Updated placeholder text in the File Explorer Search Box for Copilot+ PCs. - New StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers in File Explorer Home. - Temporary disabling of Emoji 16.0, to be reintroduced later. - A new ‘Wait time before acting’ setting in voice access for customizable command execution delays. Fixes include resolving issues with screen readers, Click to Do activation, battery icon synchronization, customized folder views, media controls on the lock screen, and Windows Update functionality. Known issues involve Click to Do visual errors, disabled taskbar animations, unexpected search results, camera preview failures with external webcams, and bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Updates are delivered through an enablement package and features are rolled out gradually based on user feedback.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Windows 11’s new beta update removes a feature for seemingly no reason

The Windows 11 Beta and Dev builds have removed Emoji 16.0 without explanation. A built-in network speed test has been added to the taskbar, allowing users to assess network performance. A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page has been integrated into the Get Started experience for users with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Improvements to Windows Search are being rolled out, particularly for Copilot+ PCs. New StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers have been introduced in File Explorer. A new setting in voice access allows for customizable delays before executing commands. Various fixes have been implemented, including issues with screen readers, battery icon syncing, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include problems with Click to Do, taskbar animations, search results, camera previews with Windows Studio Effects, and Xbox Controllers experiencing bugchecks.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6690 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6690 (KB5065786) has been released for Dev Channel users on Windows 11, version 25H2. This update includes new features and improvements, such as: - A translation feature in Click to Do powered by Microsoft Copilot, allowing users to translate on-screen text. - An option to share screens with Copilot when hovering over an app on the taskbar. - New options in Desktop Spotlight for accessing background information. - A refreshed account management experience in Settings, renaming "Email & accounts" to "Your accounts." Fixes include: - Resolution of an issue causing File Explorer to become unresponsive with UNC server names. - A fix for installation failures leading to error 0x80070002. - Resolution of audio issues from recent updates. - Fix for the "Add an optional feature" option not loading under certain conditions. Known issues include: - Swipe visuals appearing on the incorrect display when launching Click to Do. - Media controls not appearing on the lock screen. - New animations on taskbar previews temporarily disabled. - Unexpected text in search results. - Camera preview failures with certain external webcams when using Windows Studio Effects. - Issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth causing bugchecks. Windows Insiders are encouraged to provide feedback and report any issues encountered.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Windows 11 version 25H2 is almost here — and it’s so boring it almost becomes interesting

Windows 11 version 25H2 is set to launch in 2025 without any new features, serving as an enablement package that activates existing features rather than introducing new code. It shares the same development branch as version 24H2, meaning future updates will apply to both versions. Key changes include the removal of outdated features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC tools, and commercial users will be able to disable certain built-in Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy. Microsoft is developing new functionalities for both versions, including a revamped Start menu that improves app accessibility, enhancements for handheld gaming devices, and compatibility of Windows Studio Effects with USB webcams. The update cycle for Windows 11 has been less predictable compared to macOS, which is releasing substantial updates.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682 (KB5065782) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. The update includes new features such as a redesigned Copilot prompt box, visual animations for Click to Do, and new action tags in the context menu. The Emoji 16.0 release introduces new emojis, including Face with Bags Under Eyes and Fingerprint. Improvements for Xbox game controllers include a short press of the Xbox button opening Game Bar. Enhancements to Narrator focus on smoother document navigation and clearer announcements. Advanced Settings are being reintroduced, and a SCOOBE screen will notify users of subscription issues. Fixes include resolving hibernation bugchecks, improving taskbar reliability, and addressing issues in File Explorer and the Start menu. Known issues include problems with Click to Do visuals and media controls on the lock screen. The Microsoft Store update includes new AI Hub features and the ability to launch apps directly from product pages.