customizations Archives

Winsage

April 24, 2025

7 things I learned while making the perfect, productivity-focused desktop environment on Windows

Windows 11 has challenges for users seeking a productivity-centric desktop experience, prompting many to seek alternatives and customization utilities. Key elements for enhancing productivity include effective file management, quick access to applications, and tools to streamline workflow. For file management, users can benefit from dual-pane file manager alternatives like XYplorer, File Pilot, Files, and Total Commander, which improve efficiency beyond the default File Explorer. Customizing the Start Menu by relocating it to the left and using tools like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk can enhance productivity. Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar allows for quick access and utilizes jump lists for recent documents. Disabling the News & Interests widget can reduce distractions, and many users choose to remove Microsoft's Copilot due to unmet expectations. For desktop customization, tools like StartAllBack, Windhawk, Rainmeter, and PowerToys can improve both appearance and functionality. PowerToys offers over 20 utilities, including FancyZones for window management and PowerToys Run for quick application access, making it essential for optimizing workflow. Overall, effective file management, application accessibility, and thoughtful customization are crucial for enhancing productivity on Windows 11.

Winsage

April 19, 2025

5 Easter and spring Windows 11 themes to enjoy your Holiday

Windows 11 offers customizable themes to enhance your digital workspace for spring and Easter. 1. Chicks and Bunnies: A free theme featuring 14 high-definition images of bunnies and chicks, compatible with Windows 10 and 11. 2. Easter Theme: Includes 18 high-definition wallpapers with vibrant patterns and motifs for Easter, ideal for a wallpaper slideshow. 3. Happy Easter: Contains 19 high-definition images celebrating Easter with bright colors and joyful compositions, available for Windows 10 and 11. 4. Cherry Blossoms: Features 16 wallpapers showcasing cherry trees and scenic views, offering a serene alternative to Easter themes. 5. Spring Theme: Comprises 17 high-definition wallpapers depicting blossoming flowers and lush landscapes, celebrating the rejuvenation of nature.

BetaBeacon

April 18, 2025

The AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic is everything I wanted the Game Boy Micro to be

The AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic is a modern handheld device inspired by the Game Boy Micro, featuring a premium metal body, large shoulder buttons, and a 3.5-inch IPS display perfect for GBA emulation. It runs on Android 13 and is powered by a Helio G99 SoC, allowing it to emulate some PS2 titles. The device is designed for discerning gamers and is priced starting at 9.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Get HyperOS 2 Android 16 Beta 2 apps today on any Xiaomi device

Xiaomi has released system apps from the HyperOS 2 Beta 16 Android build, allowing users to enhance their devices without flashing the entire beta ROM. The updated applications include: Productivity Apps: - Note (v1.2.6.8) - Premium note-taking features. - Calculator (v15.3.4) - Smarter calculation functions. - Calendar (v16.0.20.10) - Improved scheduling and reminders. - File Explorer (v7.0.4.7) - Efficient file management. Media & Entertainment: - Browser (v19.1.90312) - Enhanced web surfing speed and protection. - Media Editor (v1.8.10.16) - Advanced photo and video editing capabilities. - Gallery (v25100112) - AI photo organization. - Screen Recorder (v2.14.2.4.1) - Smooth screen recording. System Utilities: - Theme Store (v18.0) - Access to new themes for HyperOS 2. - System Updater (v8.8.9) - Improved update process. - Weather (v16.0.5.8) - More accurate forecasting. - Mirror (v17.00.01) - Low-latency screen casting. - Sound Recorder (v6.2.5) - High-quality recordings with noise reduction. - Mi Share (v3.7.1) - Quicker file sharing between devices. - Quick Search (v10.12.1.03137) - Enhanced search functionality. - Always-on Display (RELEASE-2228.3.0.0) - New designs for the feature. - Security Center (v10.7.3-250325.0.1) - Strengthened device protection. - Mi Wallpaper (v4.4.4.1-ALPHA) - Dynamic wallpapers. - MIUI Home Launcher (RELEASE-5.39.31.10941) - Refined home screen experience. - Package Installer (v5.3.3.0.0) - Safer app installation process. To install these apps, users must download the APKs, enable "Install from Unknown Sources," install each APK individually, and restart the device. Each application has been optimized for performance with reasonable file sizes.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

The latest Windows 10 update causes headaches for some users

On March 11, the Windows 10 22H2 Patch Tuesday security update, KB5053606, was released to address 15 vulnerabilities, including two critical remote code execution flaws. Users have reported significant issues, with many experiencing installation difficulties and receiving the error code 0x80070020. Those who managed to install the update faced problems such as blue and black screens, random crashes, disappearing app icons, and reverted desktop customizations. Professional users reported issues with program crashes, Citrix functionality, and slow Print Spooler operations. The update includes support for DST changes in Paraguay, updates to Country and Operator Settings profiles, fixes for Desktop Window Manager not responding, resolves issues with the Open Secure Shell service, and addresses various Chinese IME-related issues. Systems post-installation will reflect Build 19045.5608. Windows 10 is scheduled to reach its end of life on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Windows Update KB5053606 makes a mess!

Microsoft has released a Windows Update for Windows 10, designated as KB5053606, which has caused various issues for users. Problems reported during installation include long wait times and error messages like 0x80070020, with some users experiencing the update being installed despite disabling automatic updates. After installation, users face issues such as missing taskbar icons, reset customizations, typing lag, printer connectivity problems, compatibility issues with third-party software like Citrix, and overall reduced system performance. Some users are using Microsoft's Show and Hide Update tool to block the update, while others consider system restore as a potential fix.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Meta Continues to Integrate AI Bot Profiles into its Apps

Meta is integrating AI-powered profiles into its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Messenger has launched an “AI Studio” for users to create and manage their own AI personas for conversations. WhatsApp is also introducing an AI Studio for user interaction with AI bots. Instagram is enhancing this trend with AI options in its “Create” tools, allowing real-time character creation and customization. Meta plans to introduce millions of AI profiles that mimic real users, complete with bios and the ability to post and comment, which raises concerns about user awareness and potential psychological impacts. The integration of AI bots may influence engagement metrics and app usage while also raising ethical questions about social interaction. There are concerns about the mental health implications of social media use, especially in light of rising AI-generated misinformation. The competitive pressure for innovation in AI development is influencing the approach taken by social media companies.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Windows 10 users struggle with several problems after March update

Many Windows 10 users are experiencing issues with the KB5053606 update, including installation failures with error code 0x80070020, prolonged update processes, and automatic installations despite disabled settings. Users who successfully install the update report problems such as disappearing taskbar icons, reverted desktop customizations, and slowed system performance. In corporate settings, issues include broken user profiles and problems with the print spooler, leading to program crashes and difficulties with Citrix. Microsoft has acknowledged some issues related to Citrix and USB printers but has not provided solutions for the other problems users are facing.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google Play Games on PC Gets Major Upgrades, More Games, New Play…

Google Play Games on PC will transition from beta to general availability later this year, allowing access to a wide range of Android mobile games unless developers opt-out. Google is expanding compatibility to include AMD laptops and desktops, with plans for integration into the start menu of new devices. Upcoming features include multi-account access, multi-instance support, and a revamped game sidebar. Exclusive PC titles like “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING” will be introduced. Games will be labeled as “Optimized” or “Playable” based on performance standards. Google Play Points will have improved tracking and bonuses on PC. Enhanced graphics capabilities will be provided through Vulkan technology. On mobile, new titles such as “DREDGE,” “TABS Mobile,” and “Disco Elysium” will be launched, ensuring PC games are optimized for mobile play.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Navigating the Windows 10 to 11 Migration for Amazon WorkSpaces Personal

Windows 10 Enterprise will reach its end-of-support (EOS) on October 14, 2025, necessitating a transition to Windows 11 for end-user computing administrators. The migration process is outlined for Amazon WorkSpaces Personal users utilizing the Bring Your Own License (BYOL) model, excluding WorkSpaces with Windows licenses or Windows 10 LTSC versions. Post-EOS, existing Windows 10 WorkSpaces will remain operational, but new Windows 10 images cannot be imported. Migration to Windows 11 can be done through two primary pathways: the WorkSpaces Migration API or establishing new Windows 11 WorkSpaces infrastructure. The WorkSpaces Migration API allows for a straightforward migration without needing new infrastructure but is a one-way process with no rollback option. The steps include importing a new Windows 11 BYOL image, launching a WorkSpace, applying customizations, creating a custom image, and migrating users in batches. The new Windows 11 BYOL WorkSpaces infrastructure offers more control and flexibility, allowing for coexistence of Windows 10 and Windows 11 environments temporarily. This option requires careful planning and may incur additional costs. Steps include importing a new Windows 11 image, launching a WorkSpace, applying customizations, creating a custom image, and then migrating users before deleting the original Windows 10 WorkSpaces. Dan is a Senior AWS End User Compute Solutions Architect with expertise in configuring and optimizing end-user computing solutions, specializing in EC2, Microsoft, and Linux-based workloads since March 2016.