workflow Archives

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Copilot on Windows: “Hey, Copilot!” begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is rolling out an update for the Copilot app through the Microsoft Store, introducing several enhancements. A key feature is the "Hey, Copilot" wake word, allowing users to activate Copilot Voice hands-free. Users must enable this feature in the app's settings. Once activated, users can say "Hey, Copilot" followed by their query, and the Copilot interface will appear on the screen. Conversations can be ended by tapping the ‘X’ or automatically after a few moments of silence. The feature requires manual activation and will show that the microphone is in use when enabled. The wake word detection occurs locally, and no recordings are sent to the cloud until the wake word is recognized. The feature is available only in English and requires the PC to be powered on and unlocked. The update version 1.25051.10.0 and higher is being rolled out gradually to Insiders with English display language settings. Users can provide feedback through the app.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Slack Rolls Out ‘Mark as Read’ Option in Notifications for Android App

Slack is introducing a "Mark as Read" option in the notification window for its Android app, allowing users to mark messages as read directly from notifications without opening the app. This feature is currently being rolled out to Android users, while desktop users have had similar functionality through keyboard shortcuts. The update is part of a phased rollout, meaning not all users will have access immediately. Additionally, Slack recently launched 25 new AI applications in its marketplace to enhance productivity across various professional tasks.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Upgrade your PC’s operating system to Windows 11 Pro for $15

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 and encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which is currently available for .97, down from 9. This offer is time-sensitive with a limited number of codes available. Windows 11 Pro enhances PC performance, features a redesigned user interface, and introduces productivity tools like snap layouts and improved search functionality. It also includes advanced security measures such as Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, and BitLocker encryption, as well as gaming enhancements through DirectX12 Ultimate. Additionally, it offers professional tools for remote work, including remote desktop access and features like Azure AD and Hyper-V.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

I tried Asus ZenBook A14. Now I can’t imagine using a different Windows laptop

The Asus ZenBook A14 is a lightweight laptop that weighs over 23% less than the MacBook Air and is crafted from a material called Ceraluminum, making it 30% lighter than aluminum and nearly three times stronger. It features a variety of ports, including two USB-C (v4.0) ports, a USB-A port, and an HDMI 2.1 port, offering more connectivity options than the MacBook Air. The keyboard provides satisfying feedback and ample travel, while the Windows Hello authentication system offers convenient security. The laptop has a 14-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and performs well with applications from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, although it struggles with heavier workloads in Da Vinci Resolve. The ZenBook A14 has a battery life of around eight hours on a single charge.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

I started dual-booting NixOS alongside Windows, and I’m so glad I did

Dual-booting allows users to navigate between Windows and Linux, with NixOS being a notable Linux distribution due to its unique package management system that isolates each package in its own immutable path, preventing dependency conflicts. NixOS uses a single configuration file for system management, enabling atomic changes and easy rollbacks. Users have reported that NixOS provides a streamlined experience compared to Windows, which is often cluttered with advertisements and notifications, and feels sluggish. Daily use of NixOS is described as straightforward and enjoyable, allowing for easy customization and experimentation without the fear of disrupting the system. While some users still rely on Windows for specific applications, NixOS offers a stable and personalized environment that enhances the overall computing experience.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

I made my Windows Terminal exactly the way I want it, and it’s hard to go back to GUI apps

The author has been using Linux, specifically Ubuntu Server, for over a decade for cloud deployments, game server management, and media streaming. They primarily use a MacBook for daily tasks but also require Windows for gaming on a main PC, utilizing Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). The author has configured Windows Terminal to manage multiple command-line shells, including Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL, all within a single application. Windows Terminal is pre-installed on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store for earlier versions. The author's Windows Terminal setup opens a WSL environment by default and includes options for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Developer Command Prompts. They have customized their experience by removing trailing whitespace when pasting, organizing tab order, hiding the title bar, and using a Dark theme with the Monokai Remastered color scheme and JetBrains Mono font. The WSL configuration is set to access an Ubuntu terminal directly. Windows Terminal allows the author to connect to Proxmox hosts or virtual machines via SSH and supports multiple tabs for managing different systems. It features a "Quake" mode for quick command execution and the ability to create automated tools with keyboard shortcuts. The author plans to explore adding SSH profiles for easier server connections.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

5 features I wish Microsoft would turn off by default on Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows 10 and 11 include features that some users find cumbersome, such as OneDrive, which is integrated but not preferred by all users. OneDrive automatically backs up default system folders during setup and offers only 15GB of storage without a Microsoft 365 subscription. Users can disable OneDrive through Computer Configuration settings. The Widgets feature, particularly the News widget, can interrupt workflow and can be disabled via Settings. The Start menu includes recommendations that some users view as advertisements, which can be turned off in Settings. Windows also has several applications set to run at startup by default, which can slow down boot times; users can manage these through Settings or Task Manager. Additionally, Windows collects diagnostic data, which raises privacy concerns, but users can opt out by adjusting settings in Privacy & Security.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

6 changes I make immediately to make the Windows 11 experience less irritating

Upon initiating a fresh installation of Windows 11, essential adjustments can enhance the user experience and productivity. Winhance is a utility that helps implement these changes. Key modifications include: - Notifications: Users can reduce the number of notifications by navigating to Settings -> System -> Notifications and toggling off notifications from specific apps. Scheduling notifications and using the Focus feature can also help minimize distractions. - Disable Microsoft ads: To eliminate subtle promotional content, users should uncheck options in Notifications settings and disable recommendations in Settings -> Personalization -> Start. - Move the Start button: Users can reposition the Start menu to the left corner by adjusting the “Taskbar alignment” in Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors. - Adjust visual effects: To improve system responsiveness, users can disable animations and transparency effects by accessing sysdm.cpl and Settings -> Accessibility -> Visual effects. - Change the default browser: After installing a preferred browser, users can set it as the default in Settings -> Apps -> Default app, ensuring it is set for various file types. - Disable News widget: Users can turn off the news widget by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar and toggling off the Widgets option. These adjustments can be completed in about 20 minutes and help create a more productive environment in Windows 11.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Introducing all-new Surface Copilot+ PCs: The Surface Pro, 12-inch and Surface Laptop, 13-inch

Copilot+ PCs are a new category of personal computing devices designed to enhance AI experiences and productivity. Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop (13-inch) and Surface Pro (12-inch) as part of this lineup, both featuring Snapdragon X Plus processors with Neural Processing Units (NPU). The Surface Laptop, available from May 20, 2025, starts at 9, is the thinnest and lightest model yet, and offers up to 23 hours of video playback. It has a full HD touchscreen, AI-enhanced camera, and a keyboard with a fingerprint reader. The Surface Pro, also powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, weighs 1.5 pounds and features a detachable keyboard and adjustable kickstand. Both devices incorporate sustainable materials, with the Surface Laptop using 100% recycled cobalt in its battery and the Surface Pro made from 82.9% recycled content. They provide access to AI tools for productivity, including features like Recall and Click to Do. Pre-orders for both devices are available, with the Surface Pro starting at 9 and the Surface Laptop at ,199.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

How to browse your Android storage on Windows 11 without any USB cables

The latest update to Windows 11 allows Android users to wirelessly access their device's storage directly from File Explorer. To connect an Android device to Windows 11, users need to enable access in the Settings app, download the Link to Windows app if prompted, and confirm the connection using a QR code and verification code. Once connected, users can browse their Android storage through File Explorer, view storage usage, and access various folders like Cameras, Documents, and more. The recycle bin on the Android device will display deleted files for up to 30 days.