Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 to finally get one of the most requested features by Sayan Sen This past week Microsoft officially confirmed Windows 11 version 26H2 with the latest build, 26300.8697, for testing in the experimental Insider channel. The company also published more details about it mainly directed towards IT admins and system admins. Essentially version 26H2 will be delivered via an enablement package (eKB) over Windows 11 25H2. If you are wondering about some of the upcoming features in the next Windows version, one of them is certainly very interesting as Microsoft has confirmed it is finally bringing one of the most overwhelmingly requested features ever. March Rogers, the Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, recently highlighted some of the Search improvements that the company is testing, and during the interaction with users on X where he posted it, Rogers also confirmed that the company is working on disabling web search results inside Search. This is something which many users find quite annoying as Windows would often serve them links to Bing which it feels could be more helpful rather than bringing up the actual object or app the user may be searching for on their PC. Finally though the company is prioritizing local file search over the web. However the feature could not be disabled for many users as not all new features are immediately rolled out to everyone. Image via phantomofearth (X) Windows enthusiast phantomofearth who likes to dig deep into new builds uncovered the IDs you will need to enable these features. Using the following feature IDs the new Search-related features landing in Windows 11 26H2 can be used. Follow the steps below to enable the new Search experience on Windows 11 build 26300.8697: Download ViveTool from GitHub and unpack the files in a convenient and easy-to-find folder. Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin). Switch Windows Terminal to the Command Prompt profile with the Ctrl + Shift + 2 shortcut or by clicking the arrow-down button at the top of the window. Navigate to the folder containing the ViveTool files with the CD command. For example, if you have placed ViveTool in C:\Vive, type CD C:\Vive. Type vivetool /enable /id: and press Enter. Restart your computer. If you change your mind and want to restore, repeat the steps above and replace /enable with /disable in the commands on steps 5 and 6. Delightedly and perhaps also expectedly, once you disable web search and other such bloat, the Windows 11 Search is said to get snappier as remarked by another Windows enthusiast Xeno.

Makes me think of Family Guy - "Carl Sagan's Cosmos... edited for Rednecks" 🤣 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljt5iESYA7k&t=2s

Microsoft PC Manager 3.21.7.0 (Offline Installer) by Razvan Serea With Microsoft PC Manager, users can easily perform basic computer maintenance and enhance the speed of their devices with just one click. This app offers a range of features, including disk cleanup, startup app management, virus scanning, Windows Update checks, process monitoring, and storage management. Microsoft PC Manager key features: Storage Manager- easily uninstall infrequently used apps, manage large files, perform a cleanup, and set up Storage Sense to automatically clear temporary files. Health Checkup feature -scans for potential problems, viruses, and startup programs to turn off. It helps you identify unnecessary items to remove, optimizing your system's performance. Pop-up Management - block pop-up windows from appearing in apps. Windows Update - scans your system for any pending updates. Startup Apps - enable or disable startup apps on your PC, allowing you to optimize your system's startup performance. Browser Protection - rest assured that harmful programs cannot alter your default browser. Also enables you to change your default browser. Process Management - allows you to conveniently terminate any active process, ensuring optimal system performance and resource utilization. Anti-virus protection - Fully integrated with Windows Security. Safeguard your PC anytime. Quick Steps: Download Microsoft PC Manager Offline Installer (APPX/MSIX) with Adguard Adguard serves as a third-party online service, offering a user-friendly method for directly downloading appx, appxbundle, and msixbundle files from the Microsoft Store. Official download links will be generated for both the app's various versions and its dependency packages. How to download Microsoft PC Manager Offline Installer (APPX/MSIX) 1. Initially, you must find the app URL within the Microsoft Store. Access the Microsoft Store via your browser and search for "Microsoft PC Manager". Once located, copy the app URL, which includes the product ID, either from the address bar or from the provided link below. https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9PM860492SZD 2. Now paste the app URL into the designated area, then click the check mark button to produce a direct download link. 3. To download, right-click the relevant link and select “Save link as…” from your browser's menu. Occasionally, Microsoft Edge may flag the download as insecure. In such cases, consider utilizing alternative browsers such as Google Chrome or Firefox to successfully complete the download. Microsoft PC Manager is a completely free tool optimized exclusively for use on Windows 10 (19042.0 and above) and Windows 11. Download: Microsoft PC Manager 3.21.7.0 | from Microsoft Store View: Microsoft PC Manager Home Page | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware

jspaint is a lot better, if you like the classic mspaint experience and hate the new bloated Paint.

Amazon takes hundreds of dollars off its Kindle readers ahead Prime Day by Taras Buria Ahead of its Prime Day, Amazon brought its Kindle readers to all-time low prices, allowing you to save on various bundles across the entire lineup, from the most affordable Kindle to the flagship Scribe and its color-enabled variant. Kindle Essentials Bundle - $108.97 | 33% off This 6-inch Kindle is a portable reader with a front light, a brighter E-Ink display, and up to 6 weeks on a single charge. The bundle includes a protective case and a charger, so that you have everything you need for comfortable reading. Kindle Paperwhite Bundle - $154.98 | 45% off Kindle Colorsoft Bundle - $169.98 | 48% off The latest Paperwite is a 7-inch reader that features significantly faster page-turning, wireless charging, an ambient light sensor, 32GB of storage, and up to 12 weeks on a single charge. Right now, the bundle with a sling bag makes the Paperwhite 25% cheaper than the non-bundle variant. The same bundle is available for the Colorsoft version with a colorful E-Ink display. Kindle Scribe 32GB Bundle - $444.97 | 27% off Kindle Scribe Colorsoft 64GB Bundle - $574.97 | 27% off The Scribe is the biggest, flagship Kindle. It has an 11-inch texturized display with a stylus support, with a big emphasis on the note-taking experience. The built-in notebook has AI-assisted features for search, refinements, summarization, and more. The Scribe comes with 32GB of storage, and the bundle gets you a case, a stylus, and a protective case. Like with the Paperwhite, there is a Colorsoft version, which is also available with a massive discount. Note: These deals are available to Prime members only. If you do not have Prime, you can sign up using one of the links below. Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.