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Windows 11 Updates:

Western Training Solutions - Windows 11 Updates and Changes

Key Features Being Removed 

Did you know that the recent updates to Windows 11, resulted in the removal of several features from the operating system. 


First – What is an operating system and why do we need to keep it up to date? 

Without your operating system (Windows) you wouldn’t be able to interact with your computer. You wouldn’t be able to save files to your computer. You wouldn’t have a set measurement unit (Imperial or metric). Essentially, your operating system makes your computer work and interact with you. Without it, you’d need to know a LOT of programming! A LOT!! 


Microsoft has performed a major update that both improves and removes certain functionalities, and users need to be aware of these changes and how they may affect daily use.

Goodbye to Cortana 

Cortana, the virtual assistant, has been removed from Windows 11. Microsoft is shifting its focus to more widely used virtual assistants, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. If you search your computer for Cortana – you will most likely see this message:

Western Training Solutions - Cortana Image
Western Training Solutions - Cortana Error Message
Western Training Solutions - Live Tiles in Windows Start Menu

Live Tiles Abolished

Live Tiles, which were introduced with Windows 8 and featured in the Start menu, have been discontinued. Many users found them disruptive, and Microsoft is replacing them with a more streamlined Start menu design.

Retirement of Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer has finally been retired. Microsoft encourages users to switch to Microsoft Edge, which offers superior performance, enhanced security, and better compatibility with modern web standards.

Western Training Solutions - Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge
Western Training Solutions - Preinstalled Applications

Removal of Pre-installed Apps

Several less-used pre-installed apps have been removed from Windows 11. This change is set to free up space and make room for more relevant features and improvements based on user feedback. The three apps being removed are: Photos, People, and Remote Desktop

Focus on Security

The update will bring a stronger focus on security. Microsoft has introduced a more robust security measures, including enhanced antivirus software and improved protection against malware and phishing attacks.

Microsoft sees the removal of certain features as a necessary step to focus on innovation. By adapting to modern needs, they aim to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience. Sourced from Microsoft

Western Training Solutions - Windows 11 Security

Contact sales@westernts.ca or call or text 204-8374776 to get more information.


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Western Training Solutions post on going to Norway House MB to instruct and Office Refresher Course

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By Christina Bower-Arsenault • September 15, 2025
WesternTS Travels! All too often we hear from businesses, and organizations that they are too remote and no trainer will come to them. Well...Western Training Solutions travels to you! Office Refresher 2025 Working for a school board is a lot of work. Having value - added training offered at your location of work, is priceless! WesternTS journeyed to Norway House in August to refresh the their school division's staff. The requested topics took two days and everyone walked away with new tips and tricks, new skills, and a clearer understanding of how some of the software actually works. Topics covered in those two days included: Using Outlook efficiently and understanding Email Etiquette Using Word's efficiencies to work smarter and not harder AI in the workplace Microsoft Forms Excel efficiencies and using introductory to intermediate skills in spreadsheets It was a packed two days but everyone learned something new and felt refreshed and ready to begin the new school year. Western Training Solutions was happy to accommodate the training. Getting to know amazing people and organizations is an added bonus for all involved! Plus, if you've never been to Norway House you're missing out on one of the most picturesque places on the planet. It is truly lovely and historic. If you are tired of hearing your location is too remote? That your group isn't large enough? Think you have to resort to "Webinars" or pre-recorded lessons from sites with no actual person to ask questions of? Stop the hamster wheel! Hop off and call 204-837-4776 or email sales@westernts.ca to discuss your training needs. We look forward to hearing from you & seeing you in class!

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Employee Training Ready to turn your team into productivity superheroes? Employee training is your secret cape. From onboarding (Think: rocket launcher for rookies) to mastering tech tricks, honing those people skills, wrangling compliance rules, and becoming product wizards—training isn’t just a checkbox. It’s how organizations shape legends, not just employees. Technical Training: In 2025, employees require technical training to keep pace with rapid technological changes, close skills gaps, and increase productivity and innovation. Such training also improves job satisfaction, confidence, retention, and helps organisations attract top talent in a competitive market. According to a Talent Canada May 2025 survey, Canadians are more likely to stay with an organization that invests in their training / upgrading / upskilling / reskilling. Keeping your talent skilled in today's ever-changing tech world is a challenge. Yearly training will ensure that existing employees are educated in new tech and are on-par with new hires, fresh from school. Call 204-837-4776 or email sales@westernts.ca to discuss your training needs. We look forward to seeing you in class!

Live Interactive Instruction

By Christina Bower-Arsenault • September 2, 2025
Webinars Failing You? Need a Live Person to Answer Questions? We've Got YOU! According to Co-Pilot, Microsoft's version of AI (Artificial Intelligence): Adults in 2025 learn best through experiential learning and by connecting new information to their existing experiences and goals. They benefit from self-directed, flexible, and relevant learning opportunities that involve active participation , problem-solving , and collaboration , often using digital platforms and microlearning for accessibility and skill-building. Has your work tried to send you to e-learning platforms with endless video's demonstrating what you can do with new skills but there is no interaction? You're left with more questions than solutions and feel that you've wasted your time? We understand. We, at Western Training Solutions have been training people in the skills they need in the workplace for a very long time. Our " About Us " page tells how Western Training Solutions started during the pandemic. However, the owners, have been working in the "adult learning" world for more than 40 years combined. WTS understands that adults, for the most part, learn by doing. NOT WATCHING. If watching were the solution then YouTube and Google would be the de-facto go-to for all things learning. The fact that it isn't, demonstrates that it's lacking where the majority of adults are concerned. All this to say...We've got you! Call Sales 1-204-837-4776 or email sales@westernts.ca for course information, to ask questions about skills you are missing and want, or to just find out more. No question is too small. Thank you for your interest in training with Western Training Solutions. We look forward to seeing you in class!
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