customization options Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2026

I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux

The author switched from a MacBook Air to a nine-year-old ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5, which does not meet the requirements for Windows 11 due to its 7th-gen Intel processor. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October, leaving many devices like the ThinkPad considered "obsolete." The author installed Linux Mint on the ThinkPad, which is compatible with older hardware and provides a user-friendly experience. The ThinkPad has 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and was purchased for 0. Despite some challenges, such as reduced battery life and minor driver issues, the device remains functional for everyday tasks. Linux Mint is free and open source, requiring no mandatory agreements for installation.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

I switched to Linux and got tools that Windows users will never have pre-installed

Transitioning from Windows to Linux reveals a wealth of open-source software that enhances user experience. A key moment was switching from Fedora to openSUSE Tumbleweed, where Snapper, a snapshotting tool, was encountered. Snapper allows users to take snapshots of system files, enabling easy reversion to previous states without data loss. It automatically tracks significant changes, while Timeshift offers similar functionality in distributions like Linux Mint. KDE Plasma provides a fully customizable desktop environment, allowing users to personalize their experience with widgets, themes, and KDE applications. KDE Connect connects phones to Linux, enabling notification mirroring, file sharing, and media control, surpassing Microsoft's Phone Link. Linux package managers offer users significant control over their operating system, providing detailed information about downloads and dependencies. Although the command-line interface may seem intimidating initially, it becomes a preferred method for software management. Additionally, Linux distributions typically come with a wide range of high-quality applications pre-installed, enhancing the overall user experience.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

This week’s Epic Games freebie is 96%-rated on Steam, and lets you hack up robots while riding dinosaurs

Epic Games is offering the voxel-based action game Clone Drone in the Danger Zone for free from April 2 to April 9, 2026. The game allows players to customize their robotic gladiators and features a variety of gameplay modes, including Last Bot Standing and Private Duel. It has received a 96% rating on Steam, achieving 'Overwhelmingly Positive' status. The game typically costs .99 / £15.99 on the Epic Games Store.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Microsoft teases Windows 11’s vertical taskbar — then deletes the video

Users will soon be able to reposition the taskbar along any edge of their screen in Windows 11, a feature similar to macOS. This functionality was hinted at in Microsoft's roadmap and briefly showcased in a now-removed video. The taskbar can currently be moved by dragging, but the new feature aims to refine this process. Microsoft has not confirmed if the right-click method demonstrated will be the final implementation, as the finalized version is expected to integrate with the Settings app. Additionally, users will have the option to resize the taskbar, which currently cannot be adjusted in physical dimensions. Microsoft executives have also discussed upcoming features like dark mode and updates to legacy UI elements.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Microsoft wants to build ‘100% native’ Windows apps and ditch memory-hogging web apps

Microsoft is refocusing on native applications for the Windows operating system, as announced by Rudy Huyn, a Partner Architect at Microsoft. The initiative aims for applications to be "100% native," moving away from the reliance on WebView, which has been associated with increased memory usage and performance issues. For example, the WebView version of WhatsApp reportedly consumes significantly more memory than its native version. This shift aligns with Microsoft's strategy to improve foundational aspects of Windows 11, including minimizing disruptions from Windows Update and enhancing taskbar customization. The company aims to lower the baseline memory footprint of Windows, with transitioning app code from WebView to native frameworks being a potential contributor to this goal.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock Hotfix 26.12 Released as Update 3.35/1.045

Mojang released a new patch for Minecraft, Bedrock version 26.12, on March 31, which is recognized on consoles as Minecraft update 3.35/1.045 (complete version 1.045.000). The update includes fixes for several gameplay-disrupting bugs and resolves an issue in Realms Stories where the Members tab failed to load correctly. A previous patch for PC users corrected an issue with mouse camera sensitivity. Upcoming features include golden dandelions dropping from moobloom, enhanced utility for the Clock, Sniffers digging out golden dandelions, increased utility for Bats, expanded customization options for Banners, oysters as interactive ocean containers, and tadpole compatibility with golden dandelions.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PC) Review – Kojima’s Masterpiece Gets a Stellar Port

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a sequel that takes place approximately 11 months after the first game, featuring Sam Porter Bridges on a mission to connect the Chiral Network in Mexico and Australia. The game includes familiar characters and has improved traversal mechanics, with a quicker story pace and more low-level enemies. Nixxes has adapted the game for PC, introducing a new hardcore difficulty setting called “Into the Wilder,” and ensuring it runs well across various hardware configurations. The game offers extensive customization options for graphics and controls, performing well on devices like the Steam Deck and ROG handheld. It has received acclaim for its visuals and gameplay, although some players find the plot and pacing inconsistent.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

The March Windows 11 Insider Update adds 9 fresh features and improvements worth knowing

- Microsoft has introduced several enhancements for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program, including previews for versions 25H2, 26H1, 26H2, and anticipated version 27H2. - The Pointer Indicator feature, starting with build 26300.8085, helps users with low vision locate the mouse pointer by overlaying a crosshair effect and offers customizable color options. - A redesigned Feedback Hub app aligns with Windows 11 aesthetics and improves user experience for feedback submission, including Bluetooth LE Audio device connections and main volume controls in Quick Settings. - The File Explorer context menu now displays application icons alongside the "Open" option for certain file types, available in the Canary Channel with build 28020.1743. - The Administrator Protection feature, introduced in builds 26300.8142 and 26220.8138, prompts an authorization dialog for unsigned or untrusted applications seeking privilege elevation, enhancing security. - Windows 11 now allows customization of the right-click zone size on touchpads, available under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad, for touchpads with a pressable surface. - Task Manager updates include new columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" on various pages, as well as columns for "NPU Dedicated Memory" and "NPU Shared Memory" on the Details page. - A new icon in printer settings indicates which printers support Windows Protected Print mode, enhancing printing security. - The Windows Console is undergoing significant changes, merging improvements from Windows Terminal, including an optional Direct3D rendering path and enhanced Find dialog functionality.

Winsage

March 28, 2026

Microsoft design chief shares new update on Windows 11’s dark mode

Microsoft is working on enhancing the dark mode in Windows 11, with Marcus Ash, the head of Windows Design and Research, indicating efforts to expand the dark theme across more areas of the operating system. Improvements are being made to legacy system panels and dialogs to enhance consistency, although no specific timeline for updates, including for Regedit, has been provided. Additionally, Microsoft is responding to user feedback by refining the user experience, which includes plans to improve the file explorer and reintroduce taskbar customization options. Currently, dark mode is only partially integrated, with key features like File Properties in File Explorer, Regedit, and Disk Management lacking support.

Winsage

March 26, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11 is getting a Windows 10-like compact taskbar, not just a movable taskbar

Microsoft is implementing a new strategy to enhance Windows 11 with significant monthly updates. Upcoming changes include the reintroduction of a compact taskbar similar to Windows 10, which will allow users more flexibility in its size. Currently, Windows 11 users have limited options for customizing the taskbar, particularly at lower resolutions, and must rely on third-party tools for modifications. Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows at Microsoft, acknowledged user feedback regarding the desire for a 'short taskbar' option. Windows 10 offered more customization options, including a straightforward toggle for small taskbar buttons, which does not function as expected in Windows 11. Microsoft plans to introduce a toggle that will effectively reduce the taskbar size. Additionally, users will soon be able to move the taskbar, a feature that has been highly requested. The updates will also include enhancements such as the ability to pause Windows updates indefinitely, a more efficient Start menu, reduced memory consumption, a quicker File Explorer, and less clutter from AI features. These updates will be rolled out monthly, with Windows Insiders being the first to experience them.