customization tools Archives

Winsage

November 29, 2025

This free program is all I need to make my Windows desktop perfect

Microsoft removed widget support after Windows 7, leading to nostalgia for native desktop widgets. Windows 11 reintroduced widgets, but the implementation was limited and cluttered. Widget Launcher allows users to add and pin customizable widgets directly to their desktops, offering a user-friendly interface and easy installation from the Microsoft Store. It features two skins (light and dark), customizable color settings, and retains data without crashes. The app runs automatically at boot, maintaining desktop layout and settings, and has low resource consumption, rarely exceeding 100 MB of memory usage. The default widget collection includes practical options like a Notes widget, RSS feed widget, and world clock widget, with a free tier that meets most users' needs and a paid tier for additional designs.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

Forget a new Command and Conquer, its strongest successor just got a heap of upgrades

Tempest Rising, developed by Slipgate Ironworks, has introduced a significant update that includes new maps, enhanced AI options, and additional customization tools. The update features three new maps, expanded custom match settings with adjustable game speed, and options for infinite resources. Players can now toggle AI opponents between defensive, aggressive, and standard modes, and a new 'casual' difficulty setting is available. The update also adds a 'select all units of the same type' option, prevents non-combat units from being selected during drag-selects, and visually groups same-type forces in the selection box. Additionally, the functionality of the Tempest Rig has been enhanced for easier management. The update became available on October 6. The game has received a commendable rating of 8/10.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

This open-source tool gave me the Windows desktop I’ve always wanted

JaxCore is an open-source suite designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience through customization. It operates as a collection of plugins and tools built on the Rainmeter platform, providing users with various widgets for their desktops. JaxCore simplifies the customization process with pre-made tools and allows for deeper customization for those familiar with coding. The suite includes modules like YourFlyouts, YourMixer, ValliStart, Keylaunch, and IdleStyle, as well as widgets such as ModularVisualizer, ModularClocks, ModularPlayers, and Plainext. Although JaxCore is no longer under active development, users can still utilize it, though they may encounter bugs. The author successfully customized their desktop with a media player, clock, and revamped start menu, enhancing their workflow and aesthetic experience. They express a desire to further explore JaxCore and other customization tools.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

6 registry tweaks every tech-savvy user must apply on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides customization tools such as the Settings app, Control Panel, and Group Policy Editor, but advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor for deeper control. Key Registry tweaks include: 1. Disable the Home page in Settings: Modify the Registry to revert the Settings app to open directly to the "System" section instead of the "Home" page by creating a string value named SettingsPageVisibility and setting it to hide:home. 2. Disable automatic Windows Update: Prevent automatic downloads and installations by creating a key named WindowsUpdate under Policies, then a subkey AU, and a DWORD value NoAutoUpdate set to 1. 3. Disable the Lock Screen experience: Expedite the sign-in process by creating a key named Personalization and a DWORD value Nolockscreen set to 1. 4. Enable automatic Registry backup: Restore automatic Registry backups by creating a DWORD value EnablePeriodicBackup set to 1 and scheduling a task to run daily for backup. Editing the Registry carries risks, and it is advised to back up the PC before making changes.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

OK Google, it’s time to support app icon packs on Pixel phones

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update introduces new features, including Material 3 Expressive and a "Themes" tab in the Wallpaper and Style app, indicating potential customization through unreleased "Pixel Customization Packs." While the full capabilities of Pixel themes are unclear, they may include new wallpapers, fonts, and app icon designs, addressing the current limitations of app icon customization on Pixel phones. Future updates promise customizable app icon shapes, but lack of support for third-party icon packs remains a significant drawback compared to competitors like OnePlus and Samsung. The introduction of Pixel themes raises hopes for enhanced personalization, particularly regarding icon pack support, which has been a long-standing request from Pixel users.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft is ruining Windows customization

Customizing a Windows PC has become increasingly complex and frustrating due to several factors. Microsoft has introduced more locked-down UI elements with Windows 10 and 11, which complicates the customization process. Frequent and substantial updates alter UI elements and introduce new features, creating challenges for developers of customization tools to maintain compatibility. Microsoft has also removed certain legacy features that facilitated customization, limiting the capabilities of these applications. Additionally, some customization apps are labeled as malware, discouraging users from installing them and hindering the customization ecosystem. As a result, many users feel that the joy of customizing their Windows experience has diminished, as streamlined interfaces lack the flair and personality of earlier versions.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Do these five important things after installing Windows 11

- After setting up Windows 11, it is recommended to back up your BitLocker key to prevent access issues, as drives are encrypted by default without user notification. - To back up the BitLocker key, sign in to your Microsoft Account, navigate to the "Devices" tab, and manage recovery keys. - Context menus in Windows 11 can be cleaned up by uninstalling unnecessary applications or modifying the system registry to remove unwanted entries. - The "End Task" feature can be enabled by navigating to Settings > System > For developers and toggling on the feature. - To reduce notifications and ads, users can disable various settings in the Personalization and Privacy & Security sections of the Settings app. - OneDrive auto-backup is enabled by default, and users can disable it by accessing OneDrive settings and turning off backup options.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Winhance is the best free and open-source tool to customize and optimize your Windows 11 install

Winhance is a free, open-source application designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience by allowing users to debloat, optimize, and customize their systems. It originated as a PowerShell script and simplifies the installation and customization process for Windows users. Winhance is compatible with certain long-term servicing channel versions of Windows 10 until support ends in October 2025. The application provides an overview of available applications and features for installation or removal, enabling users to uninstall unnecessary Windows apps like Bing search, Copilot, and Microsoft Edge. It also offers alternative browsers such as Brave and DuckDuckGo. The main interface is intuitive, allowing users to easily identify and remove Microsoft applications. While it includes basic customization options, it lacks some popular open-source alternatives but offers storage and security applications like Proton VPN and Proton Drive. Users can initiate the installation process by selecting desired applications and features, and the removal of unwanted features is straightforward. The efficiency of these operations varies based on the number of items selected, but user feedback indicates a responsive process.

Winsage

May 4, 2025

This incredible desktop replacement will change how you use Windows

Windows 11 has received mixed feedback from users, particularly regarding its limited customization options, such as the inability to reposition the taskbar. Seelen UI is a free application that offers extensive customization, allowing users to overhaul their user interface. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or GitHub, with the former recommended for easier updates. Upon installation, Seelen UI replaces the taskbar with the Seelen Dock and introduces a Fancy Toolbar for system stats. The Seelen Dock can be customized in size and position, offering more flexibility than Windows 11's default taskbar. Seelen UI also features a Windows Manager that organizes open windows in a cascading manner, enhancing productivity and allowing for further layout customization. Overall, Seelen UI encourages users to create a personalized desktop environment that boosts productivity.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

TranslucentTB is the best free program I use to make Windows 11 look even better

Windows 11 has limited customization options for the taskbar compared to previous versions, leading to user dissatisfaction. TranslucentTB is a free application that allows users to customize the taskbar's transparency and color independently from other elements, offering various effects such as Mica and Acrylic. Users can eliminate the taskbar's border and adjust transparency levels for a personalized appearance. The app also enables different transparency effects and colors based on specific scenarios, such as when no windows are open or when the Start menu is accessed. TranslucentTB is available on the Microsoft Store.