accent color Archives

Winsage

August 30, 2025

7 fun facts about the Windows Registry you probably didn’t know

The Windows Registry was introduced with Windows 3.1 in 1992 and has been included in every Windows release since. It was designed to streamline the management of application configuration files, evolving significantly by Windows 95. Initially, it featured a single registry file (reg.dat) with a 64KB limit, primarily for basic functions. Windows NT introduced virtualization for legacy 16-bit applications, redirecting INI files into a virtual registry file. Windows 11 includes a hidden option for a darker aesthetic by modifying registry settings. A Registry setting in Windows 10 version 1607 allows file paths up to approximately 32,767 characters, but file names have their own limitations. Modifying the WaitToKillServiceTimeout value in the Registry can speed up the shutdown process. Users can utilize third-party applications like RegScanner or Microsoft's PowerToys for enhanced registry modifications. The Registry allows users to revert to the Windows 10 context menu and add custom entries.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Microsoft quietly updated Windows 10 — here’s what’s new in 2025

Microsoft has continued to enhance Windows 10 with cumulative updates since the release of version 22H2 in October 2022. Notable updates include: 1. A redesigned "About" page in the Settings app that displays key technical specifications and includes a FAQ section. 2. Introduction of a System Components page that consolidates essential OS components. 3. Relocation of the Optional features page for better accessibility. 4. A new Manage devices feature that enhances connectivity with mobile devices. 5. Updates to the Taskbar Calendar, including the display of seconds and expanded calendar views. 6. Enhancements to the Windows Backup app that allow file transfer to a new PC during setup. 7. Updates to the File Explorer context menu, including an Ask Copilot option. 8. Redesign of icons on the Settings home page to feature solid colors. 9. Improvements to Windows Search for European users, allowing changes to the default web search provider. 10. Changes to the default browser configuration process for European users, allowing broader link types and the option to uninstall Microsoft Edge. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with an option for users to enroll in the Extended Security Update program until October 2026.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Bring the “Windows 10 look” back to Windows 11 — Everything I changed to restore the desktop UI experience

Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 find the new design and interface changes challenging. Windows 11 features a centered Taskbar, a simplified Start menu, and an updated File Explorer and Settings app. Users can customize their Windows 11 experience to resemble Windows 10 by making several adjustments. To align the Taskbar and Start menu to the left, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select "Left" for Taskbar alignment. To show app labels in the Taskbar, users need to select "Never" for the "Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels" setting in the same menu. For those preferring the classic File Explorer, they can access it by searching for Windows Tools in the Start menu and selecting Home or This PC. Users can also change the color scheme by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting "Custom" mode, choosing a dark theme, and enabling accent colors for the Start and taskbar. To display classic desktop icons, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check the desired icons. In Notepad, users can disable new features by adjusting settings in the app to revert to a more classic experience. For further customization, third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher and Windhawk can be used. ExplorerPatcher allows users to restore various interface elements from earlier Windows versions, while Windhawk provides a framework for modifying Windows 11 with community-created mods. Both tools can be installed via the Windows Package Manager and offer options to revert to classic aesthetics.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Here’s an early look at Google TV app’s Material 3 Expressive overhaul (APK teardown)

Google is updating its Google TV app to align with Android's Material 3 Expressive design language, featuring a more colorful interface with accented gradients and enhanced visual elements. A beta version has shown a revamped blue color palette, a new section for recent searches, and a potential "Hot and New" tab, although these features are still in development. The latest app version (4.39.3208.761013668.5) includes updates to the For You tab, making it more vibrant with an updated search icon and larger text and buttons. The floating action button has changed from gray to blue. The rollout of these design changes is expected after the stable release of Android 16 QPR1.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Pixelify Your Android Smartphone with This Wallpaper App

Doodle is a Java-based open-source wallpaper application developed by Patrick Zedler, featuring the original Doodle wallpaper collection from the Pixel 4 and unreleased Material You static wallpapers from the Pixel 6. The app allows users to explore wallpapers organized into three categories, select variants, add accent colors, set daily random wallpapers, and toggle night mode. Doodle includes three live wallpapers with interactive features like "Swipe" and "Tilt" effects. Users can customize live wallpaper animations and app color themes through various settings. During testing on a Samsung smartphone with Android 14, some features like the "Swipe" effect and Accent Colors were non-functional due to compatibility issues with the default launcher. The app's live wallpaper occasionally malfunctioned during the lock/unlock process, and transitioning between light and dark modes required relaunching the app. The source code is available on GitHub under GPLv3 licensing, and the app can be downloaded from F-Droid and the Play Store.

Winsage

April 20, 2025

Windows 11’s File Explorer is getting visual updates, and you probably won’t even notice them

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that allows users to apply their selected accent color to the selection box in File Explorer, moving away from the traditional gray or white. Users can modify their accent color through Settings > Personalization > Colors, choosing either automatic selection based on their background or a manual option. Additionally, Microsoft is refining the visual aspects of progress bars in File Explorer, with the storage progress bar now in a darker blue shade and the file transfer progress bar redesigned to a flatter, darker green tone.