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Why Microsoft’s war on Windows’ Control Panel is taking so long
Winsage
April 8, 2026

Why Microsoft’s war on Windows’ Control Panel is taking so long

Microsoft is phasing out the Control Panel in favor of the Settings app, a transition that began with the launch of Windows 8 in 2012 and continues in Windows 11. March Rogers, a partner director of design at Microsoft, highlighted the challenges of ensuring compatibility with various network and printer devices during this migration. Speculation about the Control Panel's removal increased in 2024, but a support note clarified that the migration is ongoing. Features like clock settings and mouse cursor blink rate have been successfully integrated into the Settings app. Despite the modern interface, some users still prefer the Control Panel for its simplicity. Microsoft is also redesigning the Settings interface to improve clarity and enhance the user experience in Windows 11.
New Crimson Desert patch brings a huge storage upgrade, but waves goodbye to its best flight trick
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

New Crimson Desert patch brings a huge storage upgrade, but waves goodbye to its best flight trick

The latest update for Crimson Desert, version 1.02.00, introduces significant enhancements based on community feedback. Key features include: - Inventory expansion, allowing private storage to grow from 240 slots to 1,000 with five possible expansions. - Improved movement controls with the option to toggle between new 'basic' controls and classic settings, along with enhanced fast travel capabilities. - A headgear visibility toggle for character customization, with future updates promising additional options for hiding weapons. - Balancing adjustments, including a nerf to a popular flight trick, while maintaining the ability to activate flight mid-air. - New features such as a fresh armor set for cats, clearer visibility for explosive barrels, and a reorganized save/load menu for better user experience. - Graphical improvements addressing foliage display and screen flickering, alongside fixes for crashes and localization errors. The update is available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Mac App Store.
Optimize Windows 11 with these 8 settings tweaks
Winsage
April 1, 2026

Optimize Windows 11 with these 8 settings tweaks

Windows 11 holds a 62% share of the global Windows desktop market as of January 2026. Users can access the Settings menu by clicking the Start menu and typing "Settings." The Title bar shake feature, which minimizes all open windows when the mouse is jiggled while dragging a window, can be disabled under System > Multitasking. Users can end a task directly from the taskbar by enabling the feature in System > Advanced > End Task. The Start menu can be customized under Personalization > Start to feature more pinned applications and folder icons for frequently accessed directories. The Widgets feature can be disabled under Personalization > Taskbar. To clean up automatic startup applications, users should visit Apps > Startup and disable unnecessary applications. Accessibility settings allow users to increase screen scaling, adjust text size, restore the traditional scrollbar, customize mouse pointer size, and enable the Mouse indicator feature. Privacy can be enhanced by disabling ad tracking in Privacy & security > General. Windows Update settings can be optimized for multiple devices by adjusting Delivery Optimization under Windows Update > Advanced Options.
This app made me hate today's giant Android smartphones a little less
AppWizard
March 29, 2026

This app made me hate today’s giant Android smartphones a little less

Smartphones are becoming larger and more visually appealing, but this trend can hinder one-handed usability. Quick Cursor is an app available on the Google Play Store that introduces a floating cursor to enhance one-handed operation. Users can activate the cursor by swiping inward from the lower half of the screen, allowing for easier interaction with UI elements located higher up. The app overlays a cursor that can be controlled with tap and swipe actions, and it requires access to Android's accessibility service for setup. Quick Cursor operates on a freemium model, offering basic functionality for free, with additional features available through a subscription or one-time purchase. It provides a more fluid experience compared to Android's built-in one-handed mode, making it easier to navigate larger smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.
How I've improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool
Winsage
March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.
Want to set up Windows like a power user? Start with these 4 tools
Winsage
March 19, 2026

Want to set up Windows like a power user? Start with these 4 tools

The command line on Windows can be intimidating for average users, but tools like Windows Terminal enhance its usability with features such as tabbed browsing and improved text rendering. Winget allows users to install multiple applications simultaneously in the background, streamlining the setup process for new PCs. Oh My Posh improves the PowerShell prompt by providing contextual information and customizable themes. Git enables users to track changes and revert mistakes in files, while the bat command allows for quick viewing of text files in the terminal with syntax highlighting. These tools collectively enhance the Windows user experience by making the command line more accessible and efficient.
Pragmata's devs urge players to test out the demo beforehand to figure out whether controller or mouse and keyboard is best for them: 'There are some people who find keyboard and mouse too tricky'
AppWizard
March 18, 2026

Pragmata’s devs urge players to test out the demo beforehand to figure out whether controller or mouse and keyboard is best for them: ‘There are some people who find keyboard and mouse too tricky’

Joining PC Gamer led to a significant change in gaming habits, including the destruction of a PS5 and Switch, while controllers remain useful for certain games. Controllers are essential for titles like FromSoftware games, the Resident Evil series, and others, enhancing the gameplay experience. Director Cho Yonghee emphasized the careful design of control schemes for different platforms, noting that hacking mechanics in Pragmata are more fluid with a controller compared to a mouse. The free Pragmata sketchbook demo serves as a tutorial for essential skills and allows players to experiment with both control schemes. Yonghee acknowledged that preferences vary between players, and both control methods have been optimized for a great experience. Mastering controls is crucial for effectively navigating and combating AI-controlled adversaries in Pragmata.
Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones
AppWizard
March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.
4 new Microsoft Teams features coming next month, including AI you'll actually use and a must-have feature for saving time
Winsage
March 14, 2026

4 new Microsoft Teams features coming next month, including AI you’ll actually use and a must-have feature for saving time

Microsoft Teams will introduce a suite of new features in April 2026 aimed at improving user experience during meetings. Key enhancements include: 1. Intelligent Meeting Recaps: Video-based recaps with highlights and narration to revisit important discussions. 2. Automatic Spoken Language Detection: Real-time recognition of spoken languages to simplify multilingual interactions. 3. Enhanced Copy and Paste Functionality: Preservation of @mentions and shared contacts when copying messages. 4. Customizable Meeting Controls: Option to hide the meeting controls toolbar for maximizing screen space. Additional improvements include expanded access for event organizers to manage private chats and an optimized experience for starting meetings with minimized windows.
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