customization features Archives

Winsage

April 25, 2025

My favorite File Explorer replacement just got better

Files has released an update to version 3.9.7, enhancing its functionality and introducing new customization features. Key improvements include a revamped Release Notes dialog that opens automatically after updates, customizable file size units, automatic encoding detection for ZIP file extraction, and UTF-8 encoding as the default for creating ZIP archives. The app is recognized for introducing features ahead of Windows File Explorer, such as tabs and unique functionalities like diverse view modes, sorting options, and tagging capabilities.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

How to replace your Windows 11 Start menu with a better alternative

The Windows 11 Start menu has received criticism for its layout and limited customization options, prompting user frustration. Microsoft has made minor updates, such as allowing folder creation for organizing shortcuts, but a comprehensive redesign is expected in 2025. The Start menu has not changed significantly since its launch in October 2021. Third-party applications like Start11 and StartAllBack offer alternatives to the Windows 11 Start menu. Start11, developed by Stardock for .99, provides seven layouts, including classic Windows 7 and Modern styles, with extensive customization options for appearance and functionality. It also enhances the Taskbar, allowing modifications to color, transparency, and size. StartAllBack, available for .99, offers three themes and similar customization features, including options for the Taskbar and File Explorer. Open Shell Menu is a free alternative that supports various styles and customization options for the Start button and Taskbar. Each of these alternatives aims to improve the user experience on Windows 11.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Replace your Windows 11 Start menu – I found 3 apps that are way better

The Windows 11 Start menu has faced criticism for its layout and limited customization options, prompting Microsoft to make minor adjustments, including the introduction of folder creation for shortcuts in late 2022. A significant redesign is expected in 2025. Third-party alternatives like Start11, StartAllBack, and Open Shell Menu provide users with more customizable options. Start11 costs .99 and offers seven distinct layouts, extensive customization features, and enhancements for the Taskbar. StartAllBack, priced at .99, provides three themes and similar customization options. Open Shell Menu is a free alternative that allows users to choose from various layouts and customize the Start button's appearance.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Discord revamps overlay and desktop to make PC gaming easier

Discord has released updates for its desktop application to improve the gaming experience for PC players. The new Game Overlay has been redesigned for better performance and now includes individual widgets for easier access to voice and video controls, as well as the ability to view friends' game streams. The update supports a wider range of games and includes a help section for users. Additionally, the desktop interface has been refreshed with new customization options, including four free themes and three UI Density settings. Users can now resize the channel list for better navigation, and there are improved controls for voice and video during calls, along with enhanced visual indicators for active devices. These updates aim to enhance legibility and reduce visual clutter, with ongoing improvements planned throughout the year.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

What’s the difference between Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced and Legacy?

Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced has been released on PC, featuring new elements such as Hao's Special Works auto shop, new vehicles, and various technical improvements. The Enhanced edition is available on Steam and can be accessed at no additional cost by players who own the original GTA 5, now called GTA 5 Legacy. Key features include ambient animals in Southern San Andreas, a Wildlife Photography Challenge, a Career Progress feature for GTA Online, an improved Landing Page, enhanced security measures, and options for GTA+ Membership. However, there is no crossplay between GTA Online Legacy and Enhanced versions. The Enhanced edition requires an SSD for optimal performance and supports ray tracing, Nvidia DLSS 3, and AMD FSR. The minimum system requirements include Windows 10, Intel i7 4770 or AMD FX 9590, 8GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 1630 4GB or AMD RX 6400 4GB, and 105GB SSD. Recommended specifications include Windows 11, Intel i5 9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 3060 8GB or AMD RX 6600XT 8GB, and a DirectStorage-compatible drive.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Don’t wait for Microsoft — here’s how you can see your battery percentage on Windows 11

Microsoft is testing a battery percentage icon for the taskbar in Windows 11, with no confirmed release date. Users can currently use alternative applications like Battery Bar to display battery levels. Battery Bar allows users to position the battery icon and percentage on their screen, with specific installation steps for Windows 11. For Windows 10, it can be installed on the taskbar with limited customization. Other applications, such as Battery Percentage Icon from the Microsoft Store, also provide battery percentage display but may have startup issues on Windows 11.

Winsage

November 10, 2024

I gave my Windows 11 apps a sharper look, here’s how you can do it too

Windows 11 has customization limitations compared to previous versions, but users can personalize it using third-party applications like Mica For Everyone. This application allows users to change app window corners from rounded to square by downloading and installing it, launching the app, selecting Global Rule, and choosing Square in the Corner Mode menu. Prerequisites include .NET Core 3.1 and Visual C++ Runtime. Mica For Everyone also enables color changes for title bars and the application of an Acrylic backdrop effect. It is compatible with Windows 10, although functionality may vary. However, it cannot modify the Start menu or Notification bar corners, and users may need other tools for further customization of these elements.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Microsoft’s Copilot key will be able to launch apps on Windows 11 soon

Microsoft is testing new customization features for the Copilot key in Windows 11, allowing users to designate it to launch any MSIX packaged and signed application. This feature is part of a new beta build rolled out to testers. The Copilot key, which is set to open Microsoft’s Copilot app by default, represents a significant change in keyboard design for Windows. The Copilot experience has been transformed into a web app with the latest 24H2 update, limiting its integration with Windows settings. The customization feature is expected to be available to all Windows 11 users in the coming months.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

10 shocking reasons Windows 10 outshines Windows 11

- Windows 10 supports a broader range of older hardware compared to Windows 11's stringent system requirements. - Windows 10 offers more customization options than Windows 11. - Windows 10 has undergone extensive refinements since its launch in 2015, while Windows 11 is relatively new and faces challenges. - The Start Menu in Windows 10 is considered more usable than the simplified version in Windows 11. - Windows 10 provides greater control over update timing and installation compared to Windows 11's aggressive update policy. - Windows 10's tablet mode offers a smoother transition between desktop and tablet use than Windows 11's touch interface. - Windows 10 supports legacy applications better than Windows 11, making it preferable for users dependent on specific software. - Windows 10 maintains a familiar layout, providing stability and consistency for users. - Windows 10 allows the creation and use of local accounts, while Windows 11 encourages signing in with a Microsoft account. - Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 2025, offering updates and security patches.

AppWizard

August 10, 2024

Nova Launcher, savior of cruft-filled Android phones, is on life support

In July 2022, Branch acquired Nova Launcher, an Android app known for its customization features. Founder Kevin Barry assured users that the app's essence would be preserved. Branch's acquisition aimed to integrate Nova into its ecosystem while maintaining its independence. However, two years later, Nova's team has reduced from around a dozen members to just Barry due to layoffs at Branch, which affected over 100 employees. Barry intends to continue developing Nova but with limited resources, leading to concerns about customer support and communication. Nova Launcher allows users to customize their Android experience, offering flexibility in organizing home screens and app trays. It has been recommended in various Android device reviews for its organizational capabilities. Despite challenges, Barry hopes to sustain the app's viability for its loyal user base.