customization tools Archives

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.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Couldn’t install Windows 11 24H2 because of your wallpaper? Microsoft has finally lifted blocks on upgrades due to customization apps

Microsoft has resolved a compatibility issue affecting certain wallpaper customization applications on Windows 11, which encountered problems during the upgrade to version 24H2. Users experienced errors, glitches with wallpaper displays, disappearing desktop icons, and complications with virtual desktops. The resolution allows users to install the 24H2 update without these issues. The 24H2 update, built on a new platform called Germanium, introduced more bugs than previous updates, leading to significant disruptions for users.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Microsoft starts lifting Windows 11 24H2 safeguard hold

Microsoft has begun lifting a compatibility hold on wallpaper customization applications for Windows 11, which had been in place for over six months since the release of Windows 11 24H2. The hold affected multiple applications, causing issues such as incorrect wallpaper display and disappearing icons. Microsoft confirmed that the hold is being removed incrementally as developers update their applications, although the reasons for the incompatibility remain unclear. Users may receive prompts to uninstall their wallpaper applications during the update process, and they are encouraged to update these applications for better compatibility. Some applications, like Wallpaper Engine, have already released updates to enhance compatibility with Windows 11 24H2. The resolution of compatibility issues will depend on the timing of application updates from developers.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

One of Stardock’s best Windows customization tools is getting even better

Stardock has released the beta version of Fences 6, a desktop organization tool for Windows 11 that enhances user experience and productivity. Key features include tab support for creating multiple fences, icon tinting for visual cohesion, a new color picker for personalization, and improved folder navigation within Folder Portals. Fences 6 now runs natively on Windows on Arm, improving performance on Arm-based devices. The beta is available for .99, with a one-year license, and the annual subscription will be .99 after the beta phase. Users subscribed to the Object Desktop suite will have access to Fences 6 at no additional charge.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

New ExplorerPatcher update fixes Win + X, Start menu crashes, and more on Windows 11

ExplorerPatcher has released an update, version 22621.4317.67.1, available on GitHub, addressing issues with the Win X menu and Start menu. Key updates include: - The Win+X shortcut is functional on builds 226xx.4317 and above. - Fixed resource loader issues when the boot drive is not C:. - Resolved crashes in the Start menu related to context menus with jump list entries on specific builds. - Improved handling of "Not responding" windows. - Taskbar items now have animated flashing. - The Narrator provides descriptions for the "Show desktop" button. - Added Portuguese (Brazil) translations. Users can download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub, but it may be flagged by Windows Defender and antivirus programs. Microsoft has taken measures against ExplorerPatcher by limiting its functionality in Windows 11 version 24H2 and labeling it as malware. To avoid false positives, users can add specific paths to the exclusion list in Windows Defender. A PowerShell script is provided to facilitate this process.