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Microsoft Plans to Introduce Ads in Windows 11 Start Menu

Microsoft Plans to Introduce Ads in Windows 11 Start Menu

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Microsoft is introducing advertisements on the Start menu with a new trial feature in Windows 11. With this change, Microsoft Store services will be promoted through the Start menu’s Recommended area, which is normally used for file suggestions.

User Control and Restricted Rollout

Microsoft Plans to Introduce Ads in Windows 11 Start Menu

Image Source: pcmag.com

This feature won’t impact business devices used by companies; instead, it will be evaluated initially with Windows Insiders in the US Beta Channel. With Windows 11, users will be able to turn off these app advertisements in the Settings menu. Microsoft, however, is looking into user input to gauge how well these changes are received. Based on the feedback, Microsoft may decide to modify or delete these modifications.

Prior Advertising Trials

Microsoft’s latest move comes after previous attempts to test advertising in Windows 11, such as trials of File Explorer advertisements last year that were later turned off in beta versions. The business has been experimenting with Windows advertisements for more than ten years, and the Windows 10 lock screen and Start menu currently feature promotional content.

User Input and Future Modifications

The input that Windows testers offer on user experience will be crucial to the success of these advertising integrations. Should the feedback show a notable lack of happiness with these advertisements, Microsoft could reevaluate their incorporation into the final version of Windows 11.

Extension of Windows Shell Advertising

Microsoft has stepped up its efforts to market services and apps inside the Windows ecosystem throughout the last six months. More MSN material will be added to the Windows 10 and Windows 11 lock screens, the Widgets panel will be used as an advertisement board, and the Settings app will have Microsoft 365 subscription prompts integrated into it.

Turning Off Advertisements

Microsoft offers a simple way to stop these app promotions and suggestions for those who would rather not get them through the Start menu. Users may easily block these advertisements by going to Settings > Personalisation > Start and disabling “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.”

Also Read: Apple Loses Crown as World’s Top Smartphone Seller After iPhone Sales Drop 10%

Statement on the Feature by Microsoft

Microsoft made the following announcement while introducing this functionality to Windows Insiders:

"We are now trying out recommendations to help you discover great apps from the Microsoft Store under Recommended on the Start menu. This will appear only for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel in the U.S. and will not apply to commercial devices (devices managed by organizations). This can be turned off by going to Settings > Personalization > Start and turning off the toggle for 'Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.'"

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The Ultimate Guide to Fixing Wireless Mouse Issues in Windows 11

The Ultimate Guide to Fixing Wireless Mouse Issues in Windows 11

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Wireless mice offer convenience and freedom of movement, but like any technology, they can encounter issues. If you’re facing the frustration of a non-responsive wireless mouse on your Windows 11 PC, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting steps to get your wireless mouse back in action.

Why Is Your Wireless Mouse Not Working?

Understanding the possible causes of your wireless mouse issues is the first step toward finding a solution:

1. Battery Problems

The Ultimate Guide to Fixing Wireless Mouse Issues in Windows 11

Image Source: alphr.com

Battery problems often include rapid power depletion and poor contact points, leading to connectivity issues and inconsistent performance. Regularly checking and replacing batteries, and ensuring clean contact points, can resolve these common problems.

2. Connectivity Issues

Connectivity issues are commonly due to signal interference, weak batteries, or pairing glitches, leading to inconsistent cursor movements and response delays, necessitating troubleshooting for stable performance.

3. Driver Problems

Driver problems in wireless mice can cause unresponsiveness or erratic behavior, often due to outdated or corrupt software, requiring updates or reinstallation to ensure smooth and accurate cursor control.

4. Interference

Wireless mice may be affected by interference from other devices. Make sure there are no electronic devices nearby that could interfere with the signal.

5. Hardware Malfunction

If none of the above solutions work, it’s possible that your mouse has a hardware issue.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Let’s address your wireless mouse issue with a step-by-step approach:

Check Batteries

  • Replace or recharge the batteries in your wireless mouse. Make sure they are inserted correctly.

Reconnect the Mouse

  • If your mouse has a USB receiver, unplug it and plug it back in. Make sure it is connected securely.

Restart Your PC

  • Restarting your PC can often resolve wireless mouse issues, as it refreshes system connections and resolves temporary software glitches that may be hindering mouse functionality.

Update Mouse Drivers

  • Updating mouse drivers is a key solution to fix issues with responsiveness and compatibility, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of your wireless mouse.

Test for Interference

  • Move any potential sources of interference away from your mouse and receiver.

Test with Another PC

  • To rule out hardware problems, test your wireless mouse on another computer. If it works there, the problem may be with your Windows 11 PC.

Check for Windows Updates

  • Make sure your Windows 11 operating system is up to date, as updates may include important fixes for hardware compatibility.

Conclusion

Your wireless mouse not working on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most problems can be solved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. By checking the batteries, reconnecting the mouse, updating drivers, and addressing possible interference, you can probably get your mouse back to work.

Also Read: How to Successfully Remove a Printer from Windows 10 and 11

FAQs

1. Why is my wireless mouse cursor moving irregularly?

Irregular cursor movement may be caused by interference or a dirty sensor. Make sure to have a clean and neat surface for your mouse.

2. Can I use a wired mouse as a temporary solution?

Yes, connecting a wired mouse can work as a temporary solution while you troubleshoot your wireless mouse.

3. How often should I replace wireless mouse batteries?

The frequency of battery replacement depends on usage. On average, wireless mouse batteries can last from several months to a year.

4. What should I do if my wireless mouse still doesn’t work after troubleshooting?

If your mouse remains unresponsive, consider contacting the manufacturer’s customer support or seeking professional help.

5. Are there any software tools for diagnosing wireless mouse issues on Windows 11?

Yes, some software tools can help diagnose and fix mouse-related problems on Windows 11. Check your mouse manufacturer’s website for such tools or consult online forums for recommendations.

How to Disable Copilot on Windows 11 Top 3 Ways

How to Disable Copilot on Windows 11 Top 3 Ways

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In Windows 11, Microsoft purposefully replaced Cortana with a brand-new independent application named Copilot. Help and advice from Windows Copilot are on par with or superior to that of the virtual assistant. Sometimes, though, you might wish to turn off Windows Copilot. This article will examine many approaches to do this.

What are the Benefits of Windows Copilot?

With Windows 11, Copilot is an artificially intelligent assistant that can support you with a variety of activities, taking the place of Cortana. Copilot can help you out with just a few mouse clicks or voice commands, no matter what you require to look up the web, summarise a document, adjust a setting, or incorporate an application.

How to Disable Copilot on Windows 11 Top 3 Ways

Image Source: beebom.com

Copilot may be accessed by the Windows + C key shortcut or the taskbar. It will show up on the display as a right-edge sidebar. You have the option to hide it or attach it to the sidebar. Numerous Windows applications, including Paint, Outlook, and Photos, are linked with Copilot.

Follow these steps, Nevertheless, If you still want to delete Microsoft Copilot.

Using Settings, Deactivate Copilot on Windows 11

Step 1: Tap on the Settings application on your laptop or Windows 11 computer.

Step 2: for Personalization, tap on the tab. 

Step 4: Below “Taskbar items,” turn off the Copilot toggle button. 

Turn off Copilot in the Group Policy

Step 1: From the Control Panel, enter Group Policy Editor. Additionally, you may look for it by entering “gpedit” into the taskbar search box.

Step 2: Select Windows Copilot under Configuration>Administrative Templates>Windows Components.

Step 3: Select the button to “Switch off Windows Copilot.”

Step 4: Select “Enabled.”

Step 5: Tap on Apply and then OK.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

Also Read: How to Detect AI-Generated Deepfake Videos?

Windows Copilot may be Disabled using the Registry Editor.

Step 1: On your Windows 11 desktop or laptop, open the Registry Editor application.

Step 2: Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows in step two.

Step 3: Make right-click on the Windows button and choose New>Key to generate a new key.

Step 4: Give the newly created WindowsCopilot key a name.

Step 5: To generate a new subkey, right-click WindowsCopilot and choose New>DWORD (32-bit) Value from the menu. Put TurnOffWindowsCopilot as the name.

Step 6: Double-tap the subkey TurnOffWindowsCopilot, then set its Number to 1.

Step 7: Press the OK button to restart your system.

Microsoft

Why Microsoft wants to move Windows fully to the cloud?

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Microsoft is making significant strides in moving Windows to the cloud, not only for commercial use but also for consumers.

Internal documents revealed in the ongoing FTC v. Microsoft hearing shed light on the company’s plans to leverage its Windows 365 service to stream a full version of the Windows operating system from the cloud to any device.

Microsoft
Image Source: windowscentral.com

The presentation, dated June 2022, highlights Microsoft’s long-term goal of shifting Windows 11 towards cloud-based deployment, offering enhanced AI-powered services and seamless digital experiences across devices.

Windows 365, which currently caters exclusively to commercial customers, is being deeply integrated into Windows 11. In an upcoming update, Microsoft plans to introduce Windows 365 Boot, allowing Windows 11 devices to directly log into a Cloud PC instance during boot, bypassing the local version of Windows.

Additionally, Windows 365 Switch will be incorporated into Windows 11’s Task View, enabling users to seamlessly switch between local and cloud-based virtual desktops.

Also Read: Why are Facebook and Instagram ending news access in Canada?

The idea of transitioning Windows to the cloud for consumers is coupled with Microsoft’s interest in forging custom silicon partnerships. The company has already ventured into this realm with its ARM-powered Surface Pro X devices.

Reports suggest that Microsoft has explored designing its own ARM-based processors for servers and possibly even for Surface devices. Furthermore, rumors indicate that Microsoft may be developing its own AI chips.

The presentation emphasizes the importance of solidifying the commercial value of Windows and responding to the threat posed by Chromebooks. One avenue to achieve this is by increasing the usage of cloud PCs through Windows 365.

In line with its AI-focused approach, Microsoft recently announced Windows Copilot, an AI-powered assistant for Windows 11. Windows Copilot resides alongside the operating system and offers features such as content summarization, rewriting, and explanations. Currently undergoing internal testing, Windows Copilot is set to be released to testers in June before being made available to all Windows 11 users.

Windows Copilot is just one aspect of Microsoft’s broader AI initiatives for Windows. Collaborations with AMD and Intel aim to enable more Windows features on next-generation CPUs. Speculation surrounding Windows 12 has been fueled by hints from Intel and Microsoft themselves.

At CES earlier this year, Panos Panay, the Windows chief, expressed his belief that AI will revolutionize the way users interact with Windows. The internal presentation emphasizes Microsoft’s commitment to incorporating improved AI-powered services into Windows to fulfill its ambitious vision.

In conclusion, Microsoft’s internal presentation reveals its intentions to advance the cloud-based deployment of Windows, both for commercial and consumer use. With Windows 365 as a foundation, the company seeks to leverage the power of the cloud and AI to provide enhanced services and seamless experiences across devices.

By expanding its custom silicon partnerships and exploring AI-focused developments, Microsoft aims to strengthen the value of Windows and address competitive challenges while empowering users with innovative features and capabilities.

Microsoft Teams

Why is Microsoft Teams integration being removed from Win11?

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Nearly two years after the first announcement of the integration, Microsoft is getting ready to remove the built-in Microsoft Teams client from Windows 11.

This integration aimed to provide seamless communication and collaboration for Windows 11 users, enabling them to connect with colleagues, join meetings, and share files easily.

Microsoft Teams
Image Source: theverge.com

The more adaptable free edition of Microsoft Teams, which is also accessible as a Windows 10 app, will replace the Chat capability. Microsoft revealed the improvements this week in a fresh Windows 11 test build.

Also Read: Why Music Publishers are suing Twitter?

According to a blog post by Microsoft’s senior program manager Brandon LeBlanc, “Starting with his build, Chat is now Microsoft Teams – Free.” “Microsoft Teams – Free is pinned to the taskbar by default and can be unpinned like other apps on the taskbar.”

The operating system was tightly integrated with the first Teams integration in Windows 11, known as Chat. The Chat app was pinned to the taskbar by default and has to be disabled by navigating to Settings.

Up until now, Microsoft has been steadily introducing new features to Chat inside of Windows 11, including enhanced video conferencing capabilities in October, Discord-like communities in early November, and an AI art tool.

The Microsoft Teams 2.0 client served as the basis for the new MS Teams software that is currently being sent out to organizations, and it also served as the basis for the built-in Chat capabilities in Windows 11.

Days after announcing intentions to discontinue support for Cortana on Windows 11 later this year, Microsoft has decided to remove the built-in Teams client from the operating system. Microsoft is almost at the beginning of a new fiscal year, and it is evident that the corporation is concentrating its resources on brand-new Windows initiatives, such as its AI-powered Windows Copilot tool.

When speaking at CES earlier this year, Windows CEO Panos Panay hinted at the significance of AI for Windows, saying that “AI is going to reinvent how you do everything on Windows.” Undoubtedly, AI will be a significant component in Windows 10 as well.

Also Read: Why are other automakers chasing Tesla’s ‘Gigacasting’?

Additionally, Microsoft apparently agreed to discontinue bundling Teams with Office only a few months prior to the modifications to Teams. In an effort to placate EU regulators, Microsoft has decided to stop requiring Office customers to install Teams on their devices in April, according to The Financial Times.

After competitor Slack complained about Microsoft’s bundling of Teams in 2020, the European Commission opened a formal antitrust investigation on Microsoft’s practices.

Windows 11

Windows 11 finally gets native RAR support

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Place a vote for WinRAR, since Microsoft has recently revealed that Windows 11 will have native support for RAR and several additional archive file formats, which users of Windows have been awaiting for years. This is ideal if you are swimming in a sea of documents.

Windows 11
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“We have added native support for additional archive formats, including tar, 7-zip, rar, gz and many others using the lib archive open-source project,” says Windows chief Panos Panay in a blog post today. “You now can get improved performance of archive functionality during compression on Windows.”

Source: theverge.com

Microsoft said that following this week, compatibility with the new formats will likely be available in an updated work-in-progress version.

Also Read: Microsoft Build 2023: Big Announcements

In either scenario, those using Windows 11 will benefit greatly from the incorporation of tar, 7-zip, rar, and numerous other formats. You won’t need to download any additional programs in order to view these types of files. Although probably somewhat more effective compared to native ZIP functionality is the incorporation.

It went on for more than 30 years for Windows to finally allow support for the.rar file despite the need for any other software to be installed. It was one of many competing compression software or “applications,” because that’s how they were known back then, that were utilized to reduce large file collections so that they would be transported more quickly over our dreadfully slow internet connection.

But as time went on, the demand for applications such as WinRAR decreased because both drive space, as well as network bandwidth, expanded rapidly.

If you are considering calling your connection as broadband, the few MBs that used to take overnight to be downloaded and took up a sizeable section of the hard disc have become the absolute minimum that can be sent in just one second. Additionally, there are a growing number of open-source protocols and solutions, such as the “libarchive” project.

Also Read: WhatsApp to allow users to edit messages?

Given that many users pay bucks to utilize WinRaR’s file compression software, it is going to be fascinating to observe how it responds to this development, and what occurs to people who already purchased WinRaR given that everyone with a Windows 11 Computer can use it free of cost. 

“First of all, we feel honored with Microsoft’s decision. This will hopefully make RAR compression even more popular and more accessible to those users who are not familiar with WinRAR,” Louise in the sales and marketing division at Microsoft wrote.

Source: techcrunch.com