Phone Link relays your personal data through Microsoft servers
The Phone Link app doesn’t transfer data directly between your devices over the local network. Instead, it allows Microsoft to peak at your personal data.
Microsoft Windows
I’m a Windows power-user. I blog about technicalities with Windows 10 and share something as rare as original tutorials you won’t have read elsewhere.
First look at Microsoft PC Manager and its conflicting interests
Microsoft’s new PC cleaner app puts the company’s interests in front of its customers’. At least it doesn’t over-promise and under-deliver like its competitors.
How to run Windows 11 in GNOME Boxes (with UEFI and TPM2 emulation)
Windows 11 needs some extra config to run as a virtual machine in GNOME Boxes. Get it setup with UEFI secure boot, TPM 2.0 emulation, and accelerated drivers.
2-clicks to install Windows 11/10 without the third-party bloatware
You can block bloatware/partner/advertisement apps from cluttering up your fresh Windows installation by changing just one setting during the installation.
GNOME Boxes review: no-frills and no-thrills desktop virtualization
Easy-to-use settings-free virtualization works great when it works! Not so much if you’re running an unsupported operating system, e.g. a modern Windows version.
Why Windows failed to display Microsoft and Xbox sign-in dialogs
Windows 10 just didn’t open the Microsoft Account (or Xbox) login dialogs. No logs or errors. Legacy program compatibility can be both a blessing and a curse.
Windows now blocks Edge browser competitors from opening links
Microsoft doubles-down on its user-choice hostile web browser behavior; blocks competitors from opening links from many Windows apps and web experiences.
How to enable file versioning on Windows
File History lets you go back and browse and restore previous versions of your files and folders. Restore accidental changes and deletions in Windows 11 and 10.
Brave and Firefox to intercept links that force-open in Microsoft Edge
Brave and Firefox implement support for the microsoft-edge: URL scheme. Brave to hijack Bing search links. Plus, the history of all this anti-competitive crap.
Why can an ad break the Windows 11 desktop and taskbar?
A new promo message for Microsoft Teams broke the Windows desktop shell and the taskbar for Windows 11 Insider users. Why can cloud services break Windows PCs?
Windows 11 gets new and less stressful notification sounds
I find the Windows 10 sound notifications loud and stressful. Microsoft has made the new sound themes for Windows 11 calmer and less overwhelming than Win10.
How to make Windows Update prioritize Delivery Optimization downloads
How to get Windows Delivery Optimization to download updates from PCs on your LAN network (or the internet). Reduce internet data/bandwidth usage with LAN P2P.
Windows adds two new monospace system fonts
Microsoft to include Windows Terminal by default in Windows 10 and 11. The Terminal app bundles new Cascadia Code and Cascadia Mono fonts as new system fonts.
WSLg simplifies running Linux desktop apps on Windows
Microsoft has added support for running Linux desktop programs through WSL and Wayland on Windows 10 through the new Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI apps (WSLg).
Set Store apps as the default for arbitrary file types in Windows 10
Here’s how to make Windows File Explorer open arbitrary files types in apps installed from the Microsoft Store. Includes common troubleshooting steps.
The built-in Windows 10 web browser you’ve never heard about
Windows 10 has a built-in program called Internet Browser (not to be confused with Internet Explorer) that helps you open link files in your preferred web browser.
How to get Microsoft Edge back into your Windows Timeline
The new Microsoft Edge doesn’t currently support Windows Timeline. Here’s an extension that reintegrates the browser with Windows Timeline/Task View.
How to auto-lock your computer on a schedule (e.g. at bedtime)
Automatically lock your computer screen at certain hours (such as your break or bedtime.) Instructions for Mac, Windows, and Linux computers.
Lessons learned maintaining EdgeDeflector for Windows 10
A 3-years retrospective of EdgeDeflector. The tiny utility program that lets you take back control over the default web browser setting in Windows 10.
Why my 7-year old Windows 10 laptop became unbearably slow
My aging PC’s processor didn’t support a new Windows 10 security feature, enabled by default, causing it to become slow and unstable.