customizations

Winsage
June 16, 2026
Windows 11 update KB5094126 (Build 26200.8655), released on June 9, 2026, has caused boot failures, blue screens, and BitLocker recovery prompts for users, particularly affecting business devices from HP and Dell, including models like HP EliteBook 840 G10 and Dell Precision 7530. The issues stem from changes in Secure Boot and EFI partition modifications, with insufficient EFI partition space leading to errors. A workaround involves disabling Secure Boot in BIOS. Additionally, users have reported disruptions with OneDrive and Microsoft Word integration, particularly in enterprise environments. Microsoft has not yet acknowledged these problems.
Winsage
June 12, 2026
Windows 11 users have reported that their custom folder icons have reverted to default settings due to new security protocols from Microsoft. If a desktop.ini file, which defines folder icons, is detected as coming from an untrusted source, Windows will automatically revert to the standard icon without notification. Microsoft has confirmed that 'untrusted' icons will no longer display, and identifies scenarios that classify a source as untrusted, including files downloaded from the internet with a Mark-of-the-Web (MOTW), files copied from certain remote locations, and files on unrecognized network paths. To restore customizations, users can add the source to their Trusted Sites list, enable the "Allow the use of remote paths in file shortcut icons" policy, or remove the Mark-of-the-Web tag from affected files.
Winsage
June 11, 2026
In the June 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 and Windows 10, Microsoft implemented a change that prevents custom folder icons and localized folder names from appearing if derived from an untrusted "desktop.ini" file. Users may initially perceive this as a bug, as folders may revert to default settings without user intervention. To maintain customizations, organizations should add trusted sources to the "Trusted Sites" list via Control Panel. Businesses can enable the "Allow the use of remote paths in file shortcut icons" policy through the Group Policy Editor, although this may reduce security. Users can also remove the Mark-of-the-Web tag from trusted "desktop.ini" files using PowerShell commands. This update reflects a broader trend of prioritizing security over customization in the operating system.
AppWizard
June 2, 2026
Tasker is an Android application available for .99 on the Google Play Store that enables extensive hacks, automations, and customizations for a personalized Android experience. - Users can change alarm sounds based on current weather conditions. - Tasker enhances reminders with features like customizable fonts, colors, sounds, vibrations, and specific recurrence options. - It can automate connecting to specific coffee shop wifi networks when in range. - Users can enable auto-rotate selectively for certain apps. - The ShakeWake project helps keep users awake during long sessions by sending alerts at intervals. - Tasker can restore ticker-style notifications for app alerts in the status bar. - It can disable touch inputs when the phone is in a pocket using the proximity sensor. - GPS can be activated only when specific apps, like Google Maps, are opened to conserve battery life. - Users can set a designated app to launch upon the first unlock of the day. - Tasker allows different apps to launch based on the fingerprint used to unlock the phone.
AppWizard
June 1, 2026
The rebranding of Google Health, previously known as the Fitbit app, has received negative feedback from users, prompting Google to address bugs and emphasize user feedback. The app includes customization options, such as using the Health Connect API to share data with other health apps and devices. Users can also set health goals with the AI-powered Health Coach if they subscribe to Google Health Premium, which costs .99 per month. The new Fitbit Air device, priced at .99, tracks health data for up to seven days on a single charge and serves as an entry point into the Google Health ecosystem. Subscriptions to Google Health Premium or Google AI Pro, priced at .99 and .99 per month respectively, enhance the app's functionality but are optional.
Winsage
May 24, 2026
The author initially found PowerShell to be less integrated into their daily Windows workflow, often accessing it through the Start menu and closing it after use. To improve accessibility, they began using Windows Terminal more frequently, pinning it to the taskbar and utilizing the "Open in Terminal" option in File Explorer. They also discovered keyboard shortcuts to launch PowerShell quickly. These changes led to increased usage of PowerShell for tasks like checking IP configurations and retrieving system information. To enhance the PowerShell experience, the author customized its appearance by installing Oh My Posh, a prompt theme engine, and experimenting with color schemes, fonts, and transparency in Windows Terminal. They also made modifications to their PowerShell profile, adding aliases and shortcuts for frequently used commands to streamline their workflow. Over time, PowerShell became an essential tool for resolving various Windows issues, transforming from a fallback option to a key component of their toolkit.
Winsage
May 18, 2026
Microsoft is set to introduce comprehensive support for Taskbar and Start Menu customization in Windows 11, rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel over the next few weeks. Users will be able to reposition the Taskbar to any side of the screen and adjust icon alignment with options for top-aligned, center-aligned, left-aligned, and right-aligned. Access to these settings will be through Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. A new feature will also allow for smaller icons and a more discreet Taskbar presence. Additionally, a redesigned Start Menu customization initiative will allow users to select between smaller and larger Start sizes, independently hide or show sections like Pinned, Recent, and All, and remove their name and profile photo for privacy. The Start Menu's file recommendations will be decoupled from File Explorer's recent items and jump lists, meaning disabling recommendations will not affect recent activity elsewhere in Windows. The recommendation area will be rebranded as "Recent," ensuring visibility for newly installed applications while refining the selection of displayed files. These updates are expected to be available to regular Windows 11 users on versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1 within approximately a month.
BetaBeacon
May 14, 2026
Wreckfest - Demolition Racing is currently on sale at the Google Play Store for .99, down from its original price of .99. The game includes car customizations, challenge modes, and a career mode. In-app purchases are available for additional DLC content. The sale may not last long, so interested buyers are encouraged to make their purchase soon. The game is compatible with devices running Android 9 or later.
AppWizard
April 29, 2026
Total War: Warhammer 3 has received a significant update to its mod manager, released in late 2025, aimed at improving the user experience for modding. Enhancements include faster mass mod activation, reduced startup times for players with many mods, improved search filters for finding specific mods, clearer tooltips, and fixes for bugs related to mod profiles and text legibility. Players can still create 'mod profiles' for easier management of their favorite mods. The update encourages players to explore new mods and provide feedback to the developer, Creative Assembly.
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