dark theme Archives

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Winhance transforms Windows 11 (and Windows 10) into the bloat-free, faster operating system you always wanted

User sentiment towards Windows 11 has led to the development of third-party tools to enhance the experience. Talon can debloat Windows 11 with just two clicks, removing unnecessary pre-installed applications like Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Copilot, and Clipchamp. Winhance is another tool that debloats and optimizes Windows 11, also compatible with Windows 10 (22H2). Winhance features include: - Software & Apps: - Install Software - Permanently Remove Windows Apps (e.g., Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Copilot) - Optimize: - Set UAC Notification Level - Disable/Enable Windows Security Suite - Privacy Settings - Gaming Optimizations - Windows Updates - Power Settings - Scheduled Tasks - Windows Services - Customize: - Toggle Windows Dark or Light Mode - Taskbar Customization - Start Menu Settings - Explorer Options - Notification Preferences - Sound Settings - Accessibility Options - Search Configuration To use Winhance, users must open PowerShell as Administrator, confirm privileges, enable script execution, and run a specific command to download and execute the application from GitHub. Winhance has received significant updates since its release in February, with version 2 introducing UI/UX improvements, critical fixes, and bug resolutions, including issues with Windows Search and OneDrive folder cleanup. A demonstration video is available for viewing.

Tech Optimizer

December 28, 2024

TotalAV Free Edition

TotalAV Free Edition provides limited antivirus protection, relying heavily on Microsoft Defender for real-time scanning. Installation is straightforward but can be lengthy, and users are automatically enrolled in a seven-day trial of TotalAV Antivirus Pro. The interface resembles the premium version, but it lacks real-time protection, leading to constant alerts for users to upgrade. Independent lab tests have shown that only the Pro version has been evaluated, achieving good scores, while the free edition remains untested. Users can perform on-demand or scheduled scans, with a full scan taking about 53 minutes. However, TotalAV does not register with Windows, complicating the user experience by requiring both TotalAV and Microsoft Defender to operate simultaneously. In a malware protection test, the free edition achieved a 99% removal rate of malware samples, but its phishing protection is inadequate, relying on Edge’s SmartScreen Filter, which has a low detection rate. Most privacy features are locked behind a paid upgrade, although it includes a clean-up scan and uninstaller feature. The Total Security page is the same for both editions, but most features require an upgrade. Overall, the free edition's reliance on Microsoft Defender and limited features suggest users might find better standalone antivirus options.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

I made the switch from Mac to Windows and I’m regretting it

The transition from a MacBook Pro to an HP Spectre x360 has highlighted significant differences between macOS and Windows 11. Windows 11, despite improvements in its user interface, suffers from inconsistent design elements, with modern apps contrasting sharply with older tools. First-party applications also show design discrepancies, and third-party apps on Windows often lack the quality and features found on macOS. Exclusive macOS applications, such as CleanShot X and MoneyCoach, offer superior functionality compared to their Windows counterparts. File management is notably better on macOS, with Finder providing a more efficient experience than File Explorer, and the Preview app offering useful features for PDF editing and image manipulation. Overall, the user experience on macOS is perceived as more polished and intuitive compared to Windows.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

Windows 11 December 2024 update issues break Start menu and more

Reports indicate that the Windows 11 December 2024 Update, affecting versions 24H2 and 23H2, has caused significant issues for users, particularly with the Start menu becoming unresponsive. Users have noted that the Start menu's search feature displays incorrectly against certain themes, and it becomes entirely unresponsive in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) sessions, a problem acknowledged by Citrix. A temporary fix involves modifying the registry. Additionally, users without Citrix software are also experiencing Start menu unresponsiveness, potentially linked to an outdated .dll package (MSVCP140APP.dll). This can cause the crashing of StartMenuExperienceHost.exe. A recommended solution is to manually install the latest version of Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 or uninstall older versions using PowerShell commands. Users of Windows 11 23H2 have reported further issues, such as incorrect device listings in the “Safely remove hardware” icon, network connectivity interruptions, and display problems, including a dull and yellowish screen on certain devices.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

Nothing Gallery app leaks ahead of launch, and we installed it for a good look

The Nothing Gallery app is set to launch alongside Nothing OS 3.0, enhancing user experience with a minimalist design for photo management. Users can customize their viewing experience by selecting specific folders, and a preview bar facilitates quick access to adjacent images. Essential functions like marking favorites, sharing, and deleting are available via a persistent toolbar. The app allows for the creation of new folders and includes a Search function for locating images. It supports a dark theme linked to the system theme and XDR/Ultra HDR photos. Future updates will introduce AI features such as automatic image categorization and enhanced search capabilities. The app is currently in beta, and while it can be sideloaded on non-Nothing devices, optimal functionality may require modifications.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

Download Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link wallpapers. They’re stunning

Microsoft unveiled Windows 365 Link, a mini PC that streams the upcoming Windows CPC/NXT operating system from the cloud. Windows 365 serves as the service, Windows 365 Link as the hardware, and Windows CPC/NXT as the software. Windows CPC/NXT is designed with a web user experience, focusing on efficiency and simplicity, distinguishing itself from Windows 11. It features unique wallpapers in light and dark modes, characterized by a blue color palette and a glossy finish, which differ from the vibrant "Bloom" wallpaper of Windows 11. The light wallpaper has a bright blue backdrop, while the dark variant has a deep blue background with glowing edges. The design of the Windows 365 Link wallpapers aims for a professional aesthetic, suitable for professional environments.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

Fitbit app gets foldable, tablet redesign on Android

Fitbit for Android has been updated to better accommodate larger screens, particularly tablets and foldable devices. The new design features four customizable stat rings arranged side-by-side, replacing the previous layout of one large circle and three smaller ones. The app now utilizes a dual-column layout instead of a single stat card, improving space efficiency and navigation, especially in landscape mode. Enhanced navigation controls for viewing previous and next days have also been added. This update is part of version 4.30, which may have been released prior to the official announcement. The app currently does not include a dark theme, but there are expectations for its introduction as Google migrates legacy stat pages to the new design.

Winsage

October 27, 2024

6 best file compression tools for Windows PCs

PeaZip compressed a 1.63GB collection of files to 1.50GB in just over a minute using LZMA2 compression. 7-Zip reduced the same files to 1.51GB in 1 minute and 9 seconds. WinRAR compressed files to 1.6GB in 38 seconds. Bandizip took 2 minutes and 18 seconds to compress the files to 1.51GB. 8 Zip compressed the files to 1.58GB in 1 minute and 58 seconds. The built-in Windows 11 version 24H2 compressor took 16 minutes and 25 seconds to create a 1.50GB .7z file.

AppWizard

October 26, 2024

Gemini app gets a slightly better dark theme

Google has updated its Gemini app with the introduction of the "Ask Gemini" prompt and various enhancements for Android devices, particularly for users of the dark theme. The interface features a redesigned 'plus' sign for file and image uploads, which is now larger and no longer encased in a circle. The microphone and camera icons have changed from light blue backgrounds to light gray, creating a cleaner aesthetic that aligns with the dark theme. These design changes are part of beta version 14.42 of the Google app, reflecting a trend towards simplification and improved usability. Further updates are expected to enhance clarity and functionality in the app.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

uBlock Origin alternative AdGuard fixes Windows-induced BSOD, promises dark mode everywhere

Brave has committed to supporting uBlock Origin despite Google Chrome's decision to disable it. AdGuard has released version 7.19 for Windows, which includes a feature for users to apply a dark theme to webpages using Userstyles. The update also addresses improvements and fixes, including resolving a BSOD issue related to the netio.sys driver and integrating updated drivers for network traffic filtering. Additional improvements include support for the Floorp browser and updated translations. This version will be the last to support Windows 7 and 8.1.