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Winsage

December 28, 2024

8 classic Windows features you can bring back with free tools

Windows 11 has introduced a range of tools and solutions to help users restore familiar features from previous versions of Windows. 1. GadgetPack: Revives Gadgets from Windows Vista for Windows 10 and 11, modernizing them with new functionalities like clipboard history, battery meters, and multi-core CPU monitors. 2. Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC): An alternative to the classic Windows Media Player, offering robust support for modern file formats and additional features. 3. OpenShell: A tool that restores the classic Start menu experience, allowing customization to resemble styles from Windows 95, XP, or Vista. 4. ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionality, including resizing and moving options, and reverts File Explorer to earlier command bars and context menus. 5. Task Switcher Options: ExplorerPatcher also allows users to customize the task switcher to resemble earlier Windows versions, including simplified views. 6. WinAero Tweaker: Provides a theme that evokes the Aero style of Windows 7, enhancing the nostalgic aesthetic. 7. Windows Photo Viewer: Can be re-enabled through a registry tweak, allowing users to access the familiar image viewing experience without additional software.

BetaBeacon

December 28, 2024

I replaced my Android launcher with a game emulation hub, and it (mostly) worked

ES-DE Frontend is a paid app that brings all emulators and games into a unified UI, but it does not emulate anything. The most difficult part of the installation process is setting up RetroArch. The app allows for customization with various themes and the addition of Android apps and games through external tools. However, the app lacks touch controls, only works in landscape mode, and requires manual scrolling to access apps, making it less suitable for daily use. Tasker can be used as a workaround to switch the launcher to ES-DE when a controller is attached. Despite its limitations, ES-DE Frontend is recommended for Android-based gaming handhelds.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows 11 installations that hinders future security updates for devices installed using installation media, specifically when the October or November 2024 security updates are included. No workaround is currently available for those impacted. New apps highlighted this week include Ashampoo Burning Studio 2025, an updated CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray burning software; Flow Launcher, an open-source file search tool and launcher for Windows; and Hasleo Backup Suite Free 5.0, which facilitates system, disk, partition, and file backups and includes a new compression algorithm for reduced disk space usage.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

How to create your own bootable Windows 11 SSD for the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck operates on Linux, which limits access to certain games and services that require Windows, such as PC Game Pass titles and multiplayer games with anti-cheat software. Users can integrate Windows 11 into their Steam Deck by creating a portable version on a USB-C SSD. Recommended SSD options include the Crucial X6 2 TB SSD or a Genki SavePoint SSD enclosure for M.2 2230-size SSDs. To download Windows 11, users should visit Microsoft's website and select the appropriate ISO file. Creating a bootable drive involves using Rufus to set up the SSD with Windows 11. After downloading Valve's official drivers for the Steam Deck, users can boot into Windows by connecting the SSD and selecting it from the drive selector screen. Adjustments may be needed for display settings, and installing the Steam Deck drivers is recommended for optimal functionality. Once set up, users can access a wider range of PC gaming experiences, including the Xbox app for PC Game Pass titles.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 24H2 installation issues, newer updates fail for some PCs

Windows 11 24H2 is a stable update compared to its predecessors, but users may face a significant bug that prevents new cumulative updates from installing if they used an updated ISO during installation. The issue arises when using a USB drive or other media to install Windows 11 24H2 with the October or November 2024 security updates, which can disrupt Windows Update. Problems can occur when using third-party tools to create a custom installation or modifying installation media, leading to conflicts with Windows Update. Microsoft does not provide additional ISO files with integrated newer updates, and users who customize their installation media may be unable to apply future updates. Microsoft has acknowledged that this issue affects a small number of PCs and recommends using the Media Creation Tool to create new installation media and reinstall the operating system as a workaround. A fix is expected to be addressed in January.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Edge push notifications not working [Fix]

A push notification is an alert that appears when new content is added to an app or website. Users can customize these notifications through their browser, but some have experienced issues with them not working in Microsoft Edge. Solutions to resolve this include: 1. Checking notification settings in Edge to ensure the website is not blocked and that the Quiet notification requests option is disabled. 2. Creating a new profile in Edge to see if notifications work with a fresh profile. 3. Clearing cookies for the specific website to potentially fix notification issues. 4. Checking Focus settings in Windows to ensure Do Not Disturb mode is not silencing notifications. 5. Verifying system notification settings to ensure notifications for the website are enabled. 6. Resetting Edge to its factory default settings if other solutions do not work. Push notifications may not function due to being disabled in system settings or the website being blocked. To unblock notifications, users should navigate to their browser settings and enable notifications for the blocked website.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Sci-Fi Racer Cosmic Royale Has Been Released For PC

Eden Games has released Cosmic Royale, a sci-fi racing game available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, allowing up to 40 players to participate in chaotic races. The game features various modes, including the Cosmic Tournament, Obstacle Course, Survival mode, and Mortal Race mode. Players can customize their karts and drivers, utilizing the Cosmic Pass to unlock upgrades and express their style. Progress can be boosted by collecting and enhancing karts to increase the Rewardator multiplier. Upcoming Season 1 content will introduce new features, game modes, karts, drivers, and tracks, along with a skill progression system.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

8 best free-to-play games on Steam

Steam offers a selection of free-to-play games, including: 1. Counter-Strike 2 - A team-based first-person shooter featuring battles between terrorists and counter-terrorists, enhanced by the Source 2 engine. 2. Marvel Rivals - A team-based PVP game with 6v6 battles featuring 33 Marvel heroes and villains, developed by NetEase Games in collaboration with Marvel. 3. The Sims 4 - A life simulation game where players create characters and design homes, now available for free with optional paid DLCs. 4. Warframe - A fast-paced game where players control biomechanical suits for ranged and melee combat, offering extensive content for free. 5. World of Tanks - A military strategy game focused on armored battles, allowing players to customize tanks from various historical periods. 6. Dota 2 - A popular MOBA game providing a competitive 5v5 experience with unique heroes, entirely free to play. 7. Fishing Planet - A fishing simulator that offers realistic gameplay with attention to detail, including weather conditions and fishing techniques. 8. Sky: Children of the Light - An adventure game emphasizing social gameplay and puzzle-solving in stunning fantasy realms.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Why I no longer recommend this Windows-like Linux distro

The evaluation of the Wubuntu operating system revealed a positive initial experience, but after a week, a pop-up requesting a product key for PowerTools made the desktop inaccessible without purchase. The developer claimed the user was on the Pro version and provided a license key to resolve the issue, leading to further investigation into Wubuntu's origins. It was discovered that Wubuntu is rumored to be a rebranding of LinuxFX, which has a questionable reputation. Discussions on Reddit highlighted vulnerabilities in Wubuntu's licensing system and potential data breaches. The developer clarified that Wubuntu is an Ubuntu variant with Windows themes, differing from LinuxFX's unique theme and applications. However, links between Wubuntu and the LinuxFX Redsand Theme on Sourceforge raised concerns about its reliability. The situation calls for skepticism due to persistent licensing issues and unclear associations with LinuxFX. Mainstream distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint are recommended as trustworthy options, while Zorin OS is suggested for users seeking a Windows-like experience without compromising trustworthiness.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

A Guide to Minecraft Switch Add-Ons and Addons Downloads

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