Cortana was at one time “the next big thing,” a personal assistant that could look up stuff, complete tasks, and answer questions similar to Amazon’s Alexa. It debuted in 2014 for Windows and Windows Phone, but by 2019, after attempts to increase engagement by connecting directly with Alexa didn’t help, Microsoft began shifting gears, relegating Cortana as an assistant for Office and Teams.

Now with the advent of Bing Chat, and voice access for Windows 11, Cortana’s functionality has largely been replaced.

Microsoft’s advice for those who still use the Cortana app in Windows 10 or 11 (and there can’t be that many of you), is basically to use something else:

We know that this change may affect some of the ways you work in Windows, so we want to help you transition smoothly to the new options. Instead of clicking the Cortana icon and launching the app to begin using voice, now you can use voice and satisfy your productivity needs through different tools.

Did you ever use Cortana in Windows or Windows Phone? Let us know in the comments below.

(via Windows Central)

Per Statcounter’s report in May, Windows 10 remains at the top of the market share coming in at 71.9% followed by Windows 11 at 22.95%. The remaining percentage is split among users still running on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1, and Windows XP.

Keeping this in mind, Windows 10 is slated to hit its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Microsoft has already stopped selling both the Pro and Home editions of the OS. Additionally, Microsoft also announced that it will no longer push feature updates to Windows 10, though security updates will still be available. Amidst all this, Microsoft continues to urge users to transition to Windows 11, where it’s been busy at work shipping updates.

Not too long ago, Microsoft switched up its the way Windows’s release schedule works. The company further added that Windows versions will start being released every three years, and current Windows versions like Windows 11, will get updated more frequently. As is the case with the Moment feature drop updates for the OS.

This year, Microsoft has already dropped two of these updates, with the first one being released in February and the latest one (Moment 3) in May, though as an optional update. However, the update should be available for everyone to download during this month’s Patch Tuesday update.

And while all these efforts are geared towards enhancing Windows 11’s user experience and ultimately getting more people to transition, Windows 10 is still ranking at the top of the market share despite its short lifespan.

In another report by Lansweeper, as of October 2021 43% of Microsoft devices still can’t run Windows 11 based on 30 million Windows devices scanned at 60,000 enterprises. The report further detailed that the main reason why people were not transitioning to Windows 11 was because of its strict hardware requirements.

via Neowin

The intermittent nature of this issue means that only apps that are both large address aware and utilize the CopyFile API are affected. Microsoft has clarified that Windows devices are more susceptible to this problem when using certain commercial or enterprise security software that employs extended file attributes.

The issue does not impact the file-copying functionality of File Explorer itself. Instead, it affects the CopyFile API, which is utilized by specific applications. Microsoft has identified Microsoft Office apps such as Word and Excel as potentially being susceptible to this problem, but only when using 32-bit versions. Users may encounter “Document not saved” error messages as a result.

It is worth mentioning that this known issue is unlikely to be encountered by consumers using Windows devices in personal or non-managed commercial settings. The problem primarily affects enterprise-managed devices that utilize specific software and configurations.

While Microsoft has addressed the file copying and saving failures on Windows 10 and Windows 11 21H2, the latest Windows 11 release, version 22H2, is still awaiting a fix. However, Microsoft advises affected customers to employ a temporary workaround by attempting to save or copy the files again until an official solution becomes available. The availability of a workaround and a solution for other affected versions offer some relief to users and administrators dealing with these file transfer and saving failures.

The options for users of Windows 10 21H2 are fairly straightforward: they can either choose to upgrade to Windows 10 version 22H2 or make the leap to the latest operating system, Windows 11. Microsoft is undoubtedly hoping that users will opt for the latter.

Support and servicing for Windows 10 21H1 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro Workstation editions will officially end on June 13, coinciding with the release of the June 2023 security update, which will be the final update for these editions.

“In the aftermath of this date, devices running these versions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats,” warns Microsoft in a recent reminder.

Microsoft has offered a solution for those concerned about forgetting to keep their operating system updated. The company has announced that it will automatically update users of Windows 10 21H1 to a supported version of Windows, ensuring that their devices remain secure and continue to receive critical monthly updates.

This automatic update feature will apply to “consumer devices and non-managed business devices that are at, or within several months of, reaching the end of servicing,” according to Microsoft. The company emphasizes that this approach is essential to maintaining device support and ensuring the security and overall health of the ecosystem.

While the exact timeline for the forced changeover remains unclear, Microsoft has stated that users will have the ability to select a convenient time for the upgrade.

Microsoft advises users to upgrade to at least the latest version of Windows 10, but it is evident that the company would prefer to convince as many users as possible to transition to Windows 11. Windows 10 22H2 is set to be the final version of Windows 10, with support guaranteed until October 2025.

As with any operating system, Windows 10 will eventually phase out, and Microsoft is currently promoting the adoption of Windows 11. While Microsoft has not confirmed anything, there is speculation that Windows 12 could make its debut next year, three years after the launch of Windows 11.

Via: GIZMOCHINA

The new build contains a couple of new improvements:

• New! This update brings back an improved search box experience on the Windows 10 taskbar. If you have a top, bottom, regular, or small icons taskbar, you will see the search box appear. You can use it to easily access apps, files, settings, and more from Windows and the web. You will also have access to the latest search updates, such as search highlights. If you want to restore your previous search experience, you can do that easily. To do that, use the taskbar context menu or respond to a dialog that appears when you use search.

• New! This update now displays up to three high priority toast notifications at the same time. This feature affects apps that use Windows OS notifications to send notices for calls, reminders, or alarms. Up to four toast notifications might appear at the same time. This means that there can be three high priority notifications and one normal priority notification. 

Along with these, there’s a list of fixes, you can check out the Windows Insider blog post for all the details.

Groupy 2 works with both Windows 10 and Windows 11.  Once installed creating groups is as simple as dragging a window onto another window which combines into a single window with tabs in the title bar.  Ungroup the apps by dragging the tab off the group.  The new Groupings feature will allow you to save your group of applications to the taskbar for quick access.  Groupy 2 ships with the ability to design your tabs to match your Windows experience, alongside integration in File Explorer.

Groupy 2 brings a modern, universal tab experience to Windows 10 and 11″ said Brad Sams, Vice President of Stardock Software “Groupy 2 is the easiest way to organize the windows on your desktop. With the new Groupings feature that lets you launch multiple applications with a single click, your workflow will never be the same.

Groupy 2 is now in beta and can be purchased for a limited-time special price of $6.99. For current Object desktop members the beta is free to use and available now in your account.  Learn more, or get your license at Stardock.

However, the company will continue releasing security updates to the OS until it reaches its end-of-support date which is slated for October 14, 2025. It’s worth noting that some releases on the Long-Term Servicing Channel will continue receiving updates from Microsoft well beyond the said date.

Windows 10’s phase-out process began earlier this year when Microsoft announced that Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro licenses were no longer up for sale. Microsoft highly recommends users using Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11  to avoid any setbacks in the future.

The company continues to push updates to Windows 11, as is the case with the Windows 11 22H2 Moment 2 update that shipped with tons of new features as well as key improvements.

There have been rumors looming around that Windows 12 could be in development. And that the incorporation of the new Canary channel to the Windows Insider program is a hidden way for Microsoft to test for new features for the OS.

Will you be making the upgrade to Windows 11 if your device is still running on Windows 10? Let us know in the comments.

But seeing the same pop-ups day after day. Luckily, alternatives exsts, that will make the environment personalized for you and makes it easy to differentiate different kinds of notifications (if you have used settings to differentiate them). So, let’s jump in and look at how you can customize your notifications on a Windows PC as quickly and easily as possible.

How to customize notifications on a Windows PC

Let’s look at the different ways to customize your notifications on a Windows PC. Let’s jump right in:

1. Head to the Start menu search bar, type in ‘settings,’ and select the best match. Alternatively, press the Windows key + I button.
2. Click on System.
3. Select Notifications.
4. From here, scroll down to Notifications from apps and other senders.
5. You can then toggle on or toggle off the notification for various apps. It includes everything from your Settings, AutoPlay to Microsoft Store, and so on.

That’s it; in this way, you can enable or disable notifications on your Windows. Of course, this is by no means all that there is. For instance, if you toggle on the switch for Do not disturb, you will receive only priority notifications and alarms.

Turn on do not disturb automatically

Similar to the Do not disturb feature from above, there’s the Turn on do not disturb automatically. As it’s name suggets, if you turn this feature on, your notifications will be automatically disabled as per the specified time or some program you’d selected.

For example, to disable your notifications automatically, make sure you choose the During these times radio box and set the relevant Turn on and Turn off time for enabling and disabling your notifications. Again, make sure you’ve selected the Repeat time from Daily, Weekends, Weekends, etc.

Similarly, there are other instances when you can choose to disable your notification automatically, such as:

—When you click on the When duplicating your display.

• When playing a game.
• When using an app in full-screen mode.
• For the first hour after a Windows feature update.

Set priority notifications

Moving onto the fourth section, in Notification settings, we also set priority notifications.

To get started, click on Set priority notification. From here, you can now pick which notifications are allowed when the do not disturb is turned on, while all the other notifications remain in the notification center.

Focus

The Focus sessions help you accomplish more things by eliminating distractions. So, when you have the Focus setting turned on, your Clock app will be integrated with features like a focus timer and music integration.


When you’re in a focus session, the following changes will take place on your screen from here:

1. A focus timer will appear on your screen.
2. Taskbar apps won’t alert you.
3. Taskbar badge notifications will be turned off.
4. You will have a do not disturb setting enabled.

To start the Focus session, click on Start focus session. You can then also increase or decrease the Session duration from here on. 

You can select or check the radio boxes like:

• Show the timer in the Clock app
• Hide badges on the taskbar app
• Hide flashing on taskbar apps
• Turn on do not disturb

The feature is definitely a good one to master. In fact, we’ve even devoted a whole guide that will teach you how to enable focus assist on your Windows computer; so make sure you check it out as well.

Customizing Windows Notifications on a Windows PC

Notifications alert you about different settings or events on your PC. Customizing them in different ways—whether it’s through changing their priority, turning on the do not disturb, or even Focus sessions—can help you mix things up, and keep your Windows experience fresh. We have this artilce helped you out in tweaking the customizing your settings with ease.

When you have the Fast Startup enabled on your PC, your operating system will help you save the kernel sessions and device drivers right into your hard drive when you shut down your PC.

In contrast, when your operating system will have to reload the kernel sessions and device drivers in cases where you have Fast Startup disabled.

 So, let’s look at how you can enable Fast Startup on your Windows and save yourself from the boring wait time of slowly booting up your Windows PC.

How to enable Fast Startup on a Windows PC

Microsoft first introduced Fast Startup with Windows 8 as a replacement for the ‘hibernate’ feature from Windows 7. Fast Startup has since carried on to newer versions of Windows operating, now running in Windows 10 and Windows 11 as well.

While Fast Startup is supported in almost all modern Windows computers after Windows 8, it might not run in older, lower-end computers.

Moreover, it might also not work if you have Secure Boot disabled or if it doesn’t support the necessary hardware. You can easily check if Fast Startup is supported on your PC when you try to enable it on your PC.


 So, to enable Fast Startup on your Windows PC, follow the steps below:

1. Head to the Start menu search bar, type in “power options” and select the best match.
2. From the Control Panel, select Choose what the power buttons do from the left-hand side.
3. Then scroll down to the Shutdown settings section and check if Turn on fast startup option is available. If it’s not, then Fast Startup isn’t support on your PC.
4. But, if you see the Fast Startup option, then select the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended).
5. From there, click on Save changes to apply the setting.

Fast Startup will be enabled, and you will have very fast bootups from here on.


 But every rose has its thorn, and Fast Startup isn’t much different. While the short time during startups is a boom for Windows users, Fast Startup can cause problems with specific programs or boot specification like dual booting, delay or failures with installing Windows updates, and generally require more disk usage.

So if you are facing problems with Windows Fast Startup, you might have to disable it.

To disable Fast Startup on your Windows, simply do the opposite of the above steps. Here’s how:

• In the Control Panel settings from above, make sure you’re in the Shutdown settings section of the Change settings that are currently unavailable option.
• From there, uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) radiobox.
• Finally, click on Save changes to apply these settings to your PC.

Enabling and disabling Fast Startup on a Windows PC

Fast Startup fastens up your Windows boot-up speed by a significant margin. Hopefully, you could easily enable it following the above steps. However, we also understand that in some cases, Fast Startup might, in fact, work against you; in those cases, you follow the below steps and disable your Fast Startup settings as well.

We’ve previously covered how to back up your files using the System Restore, File History, etc. But that’s not all. Yet another, more straightforward method will do the job just as well; we’re, of course, talking about the Command prompt. 


Command prompt offers you a slew of commands to ehlp you create a backup for your files.

Let’s go over all of them one by one.

1. Robocopy

The Robocopy command is a handy Cmd command that can copy any of your Windows files with ease. 

With Robocopy you can copy all the files or subdirectories from the source folder to the destination folder, including empty directories.

To backup your files using the Robocopy command, run the following snippet in Command prompt and hit Enter:

robocopy "source folder path" "destination folder path"/e /mir /r:1 /w:1 /np /log: "log file path"

Here, replace the “source folder path” with the path of source folder in realtime; similarly for “destination folder path.” The /mir option will then mirror the source folder to the destination folder; this means the destination folder will also delete any deleted files from sources.

Also, the /r and /w parameters will specify the number of retries and wait time in case of any errors. At the same time, the /np and /log parameters specifies the progress of the backup and maintain a log file of the backup, respectively.

For example, to copy a file ‘file1’ from the Downloads folder in D: drive to E: drive, the command will be something like this:


robocopy D:\Downloads\file1 E:\ /MIR

2. XCOPY

Yet another powerful tool offered by Command prompt, the XCOPY command copies your files from one location to another. This command is handy in copying all files and subdirectories from the source folder to the destination folder, including any files and empty directories.

To run the XCOPY command, use the following format:

xcopy /s /e /h /i /y "source folder path" "destination folder path"

Again, for example, if you want to backup an entire folder from one place, let’s say, the Downloads folder in C: drive, to E: drive, you’ll run a command that will look something like this:

xcopy C:\Users\shaantminhas\Downloads E:\ /s /v

The parameters /s and /v are useful for copying directories and subdirectories and verifying each downloaded file respectively.

3. Wbadmin

Want to back up your operating system files to protect them from random corruptions and errors? 

The Wbadmin will come to your rescue here, letting you back up and quickly restore your operating systems, volume, files, or application.

Here’s how to create a backup with Wbadmin in Command prompt:

wbadmin start backup -backupTarget:<BackupDrive>: -allCritical -systemState -quiet

Type the above command in Cmd and hit Enter.

From above, replace the “BackupDrive” with the drive letter or network location where you’d like to store the backup on your PC.


 You can back up a specific file or folder with Wbadmin as well. For example, to create a backup of your drive D: in your drive F:, type in the following command and hit Enter:

wbAdmin start backup -backupTarget:D: -include:F: -allCritical -quiet

Additonally, to set a backup for your PC at a specific time, type in the following commands:

wbadmin enable backup -addTarget:<BackupDrive>: -schedule:00:00 -quiet

Here, replace “BackupDrive” with the drive letters or network letters where you’d like to store your data, and “00:00” with the time you want to perform this backup.

You can explore many other combinations like this, with the help of different parameters.

Backing up your files using the Command prompt

Keeping a regular backup of your Windows files is as essential as getting regular, timely updates for your PC. Following some of the above commands, you can back up your files using the Command prompt for good in no time as well.