context menu Archives

Winsage

August 17, 2025

4 reasons I’m sticking with Windows 10 — even after support ends

Many users are considering staying with Windows 10 as support for it ends on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 is seen as a practical choice for older devices that cannot run Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. It offers extensive customization options for the user interface, including a flexible Start menu and Taskbar, which contrasts with the more restricted customization in Windows 11. Windows 10 has limited AI integration, allowing users to maintain control over their systems, while Windows 11 increasingly incorporates AI features that may require specialized hardware. Windows 10 is viewed as stable and familiar, with users appreciating its reliability compared to Windows 11, which still faces bugs and stability issues. Users can opt for the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for continued security updates until October 2026 for a fee or by redeeming points from Microsoft Rewards. Enrollment in the ESU program requires a Microsoft account and can be done through the Windows Update settings.

Winsage

August 17, 2025

Windows 11 cluttered Notepad’s right-click menu, but it’s now getting File Explorer-like UI as a fix

Microsoft is testing a new, streamlined user interface for Notepad's right-click context menu to address overcrowding caused by recent enhancements, including Copilot features. The existing menu has become unwieldy, featuring numerous options that can overwhelm users, particularly on smaller screens. The new design prioritizes common actions like cut, copy, paste, select all, undo, and delete in a single row with large icons, while retaining some less frequently used options. Additionally, Notepad now supports markdown formatting, allowing users to apply lightweight formatting such as bold and italics easily, with the option to toggle the formatting toolbar off for a simpler interface.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Newest version of Windows 11 Notepad gets improved context menus

Microsoft is retiring WordPad in 2024, prompting Notepad to evolve with new features such as spell check, AI-generated text, and Markdown formatting. The upcoming Notepad version 11.2507.26.0, available to Windows Insiders, includes a redesigned context menu with quick actions like copy, cut, paste, select all, and delete, as well as new functionalities like Write, Rewrite, Summarize, and Define with Bing. A broader rollout of the enhanced Notepad experience is expected by September or October.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

8 Registry Tweaks that will Make File Explorer Faster and Easier to Use on Windows 11

Windows 11's File Explorer can be customized through various Registry tweaks to improve user experience. 1. To hide the "Ask Copilot" option: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell Extensions. - Create a new key named "Blocked." - Add a string value named {CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}. - Restart the computer. 2. To remove the "Edit with Clipchamp" option: - Follow the same steps as above, using the string value {8BCF599D-B158-450F-B4C2-430932F2AF2F}. 3. To remove the "Edit with Paint" option: - Use the string value {2430F218-B743-4FD6-97BF-5C76541B4AE9}. 4. To remove the "Edit with Notepad" option: - Use the string value {CA6CC9F1-867A-481E-951E-A28C5E4F01EA}. 5. To remove multiple options at once, execute the following command in Command Prompt (admin): -

reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{CB3B0003-8088-4EDE-8769-8B354AB2FF8C}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f & reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{8BCF599D-B158-450F-B4C2-430932F2AF2F}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f & reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{2430F218-B743-4FD6-97BF-5C76541B4AE9}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f & reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell ExtensionsBlocked" /v "{CA6CC9F1-867A-481E-951E-A28C5E4F01EA}" /t REGSZ /d "" /f

. 6. To hide the Gallery page: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareClassesCLSID. - Create a new key named {e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}. - Add a DWORD (32-bit) value named System.IsPinnedToNamespaceTree and set it to 0. - Restart the computer. 7. To remove the OneDrive page: - Navigate to HKEYCLASSESROOTCLSID. - Create a new key named {018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}. - Add a DWORD (32-bit) value named System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree and set it to 0. - Restart the computer. 8. To revert to the classic context menu: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID. - Create a new key named {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. - Create a new key named InprocServer32. - Set the (Default) value to blank. 9. To enhance folder browsing speed: - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareClassesLocal SettingsSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsShellBagsAllFoldersShell. - Create a new string value named FolderType and set it to NotSpecified. - Restart the computer. These adjustments allow users to customize their File Explorer experience, improving functionality and efficiency.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

These are my 5 favorite e-book reader apps, but one leaps out from the page

Traveling with a single book can be challenging for avid readers, leading many to use e-readers like Android tablets, which support various e-book reader apps. Readera is highlighted as a top choice for Android e-book reading, compatible with older devices and supporting multiple file formats (EPUB, DOC, MOBI, DJVU, CHM, AZW3). It features a nostalgic interface, customizable reading options, and a free version with a premium upgrade for additional features. Moon+ Reader is noted for its visually appealing library interface and excellent file management capabilities, including integration with cloud services and online libraries. It offers various themes and an innovative highlighting system, with ads that can be removed for a fee. Librera has a clean interface with search and sorting options, multiple reading modes, and context menus for web searches and dictionary lookups, though it lacks some advanced features of other apps. FBReader is recognized for its straightforward design and essential features, suitable for users who prefer simplicity. It supports plugins for expanded functionality and has a free version that meets most users' needs. Lithium is a lightweight reader that automatically organizes e-books and offers fast loading speeds, enhancing the reading experience on modern devices.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Microsoft Edge’s settings menu is now so big it can’t fit on a single screen

Microsoft Edge has introduced a new shortcut for creating tab groups in its dropdown menu. Users have reported challenges with the "Settings and more" menu, particularly regarding visibility and the need to scroll to access options. Concerns about context menu inconsistencies in Windows have been raised since at least 2015. Microsoft has made improvements to user interface elements but still faces criticism for certain design choices. Recent testing of rounded context menus in Windows 11 did not make it to the final product, as the company opted for a traditional design instead. Implementing changes in Windows can be complex due to its extensive legacy. There is a call for more customization options in context menus to improve user experience.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Update for Windows 11 brings more resilience (and Recall)

The optional update KB5062660 for Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces several new features, including Microsoft Recall in Europe, which allows users to export snapshots of their activities with a unique export code for privacy. The Click to Do functionality expands with a new Practice in Reading Coach feature and integration with Microsoft Teams for drafting messages. An AI agent is added to the settings app for Copilot+ PCs, while non-Copilot+ systems have a centered search bar for accessibility. The update includes rapid machine recovery options, enhancements to the Start menu, improved snap functionality, and a new Gamepad keyboard layout for gamers. It also resolves various issues from previous versions, including bugs in File Explorer and system stability problems. AI components related to Image Search, Content Extraction, and Semantic Analysis have been enhanced, and there are no known issues with this update. Features will be rolled out gradually to users.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Hate Windows 11? Here’s how you can make it work more like Windows 10

User feedback has significantly influenced the evolution of Windows 11, particularly regarding changes to the user interface that differ from Windows 10. Early adopters expressed frustration, but many have adapted over time, while some still prefer the previous interface. Microsoft removed a considerable amount of legacy code, overhauling key components like the taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer, which has disoriented some users. Microsoft has responded to feedback with updates, including the reinstatement of the Task Manager option in the taskbar's right-click menu and improvements to search functionality in version 22H2, as well as a redesign of File Explorer in version 24H2. Users can reposition the taskbar and Start button, but the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen is still missing. A significant redesign of the Start menu is being tested. Keyboard shortcuts can help users navigate the new layout, and users can disable the widgets feature through Taskbar settings. Third-party applications like ExplorerPatcher, Open Shell, Start11, and StartAllBack offer customization options to revert to a more traditional layout, though they may pose compatibility risks with future updates.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Android’s Desktop Mode Now Features App Pinning to Taskbar

Google is enhancing Android Desktop Mode with a new "pin to taskbar" feature that allows users to pin frequently used applications directly to the desktop taskbar for quick access. This feature can be found in an app's context menu within Desktop Mode, enabling users to easily add or remove app icons from the dock. The enhancement aims to improve app management and user experience, positioning Android as a more competitive desktop platform. The feature is currently available in the latest Android Canary build based on Android 16, but details about its official rollout in the stable version are not yet available.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Android’s Desktop Mode gets a handy shortcut to pin your favorite apps to the taskbar

Google is enhancing Android's Desktop Mode by introducing a "pin to taskbar" feature in the latest Android Canary release, allowing users to pin apps for quick access. This feature is available in the desktop mode launcher and enables users to easily add and remove apps from the taskbar. Currently, it is not integrated into the standard launcher. The feature is part of Google's efforts to make Android a competitive desktop platform. Its availability in Beta or Stable channels is uncertain, with potential inclusion in the upcoming Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 update or the stable QPR1 release anticipated for September.