decluttering Archives

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

How to effectively use Flipkart’s wishlist feature on Android

Maintaining an up-to-date wishlist is essential as consumer preferences evolve. Regularly revisiting your wishlist reflects current interests and enhances the shopping experience. To declutter, navigate to your wishlist, identify unwanted products, and select the 'Remove' option. Periodic reviews help create a personalized shopping experience that aligns with evolving tastes.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

5 steps I took for a successful in-place upgrade of my 6-year-old PC from Windows 10 to 11

Windows 11 was released in October 2021. A user upgraded from Windows 10 22H2 to Windows 11 24H2 on a six-year-old HP Omen using an in-place upgrade. They backed up important files using OneDrive, Proton Drive, and a 4 TB external drive. The hardware was checked for compatibility with Windows 11 using Microsoft’s support page and the PC Health Check app. The user decluttered the system using Disk Cleanup and Revo Uninstaller. A system restore point was created for safety before the upgrade. The upgrade was initiated through Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, and it proceeded smoothly, allowing the user to keep files and applications.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Change these 4 Windows settings for a more minimalist look

The text discusses ways to enhance the Windows user experience to make it more aesthetically pleasing and organized, similar to a Mac. Key modifications include: - Using the application TranslucentTB to make the taskbar transparent or hiding it in desktop mode. - Decluttering the taskbar by removing unnecessary icons through the right-click menu. - Shrinking desktop icons by selecting "Small icons" or hiding all icons for a cleaner look. - Pinning frequently used applications to the Start Menu for easier access and unpinning less essential apps to reduce clutter. - Emphasizing that a cleaner desktop can improve focus and productivity by minimizing distractions.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

How to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC (and why it’s important to do so)

To optimize your Windows computer's performance, ensure your operating system is fully updated. If updates are current, utilize built-in utilities to reclaim disk space. For Windows 11, access "Cleanup recommendations" by clicking the Start button, selecting Settings, navigating to System, and then Storage. This feature lists temporary files in your Downloads folder and Recycle Bin, which can be deleted to free up space. It also recommends removing large or unused files. Use the Disk Cleanup utility by searching for "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar to identify and delete temporary internet files, setup log files, and cache files. To clear your PC's location cache, go to Settings, select Privacy and Security, scroll to "Location history," and click "Clear." To flush the DNS cache, press the Windows key + R, type ipconfig/flushdns, and press Enter. Regular file management and cleanup can significantly enhance system performance over time.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Running Windows 7 in 2025

Windows 7 officially retired on January 14, 2020, but remains in use by some users due to its classic features and lack of built-in advertising. Many users continue to use Windows 7 because of outdated hardware, software compatibility issues, or financial constraints following the end of the free upgrade program in 2023. Users can maintain their Windows 7 installations by decluttering with the built-in Disk Cleanup tool, using Legacy Update for updates, and being cautious while browsing the web. The last compatible version of Google Chrome for Windows 7 is version 109, while Firefox version 115 still receives updates. Alternatives like PaleMoon and eM Client are available for users. Disabling OneDrive and exploring reliable applications like Ghostwriter and Notepad++ can enhance the Windows 7 experience.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 11 File Explorer UI drops cluttered content in EU due to privacy reasons

On February 14th, Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 Build 26120.3281 (KB5052086) update for the Dev and Beta Channels. A key change is the removal of organization-related content from the Recent, Recommended feed, and Favorites sections in File Explorer for users with Entra IDs in the European Economic Area (EEA), in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means these users will no longer see account-based content in those sections. The update aims to streamline the user interface of File Explorer, focusing on local content and potentially improving performance. Users with Microsoft accounts will still have access to OneDrive-synced content. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out a feature called ‘Resume,’ which will initially work with OneDrive and later expand to third-party services.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

Windows 11 fully streamlined in just two clicks? Talon utility promises to rip all the bloatware out of Microsoft’s OS in a hassle-free way

Talon is a debloating tool for Windows 11 developed by Raven, designed to simplify the process of removing unnecessary software and features. It allows users to achieve a streamlined experience with just two clicks, offering various debloat options, including a basic removal and tailored profiles like 'Gaming' that install popular platforms such as Discord and Steam. Talon automates the debloating process, making it accessible to less tech-savvy users, and utilizes established tools like ChrisTitusTech’s WinUtil and Raphi’s Win11Debloat. The tool's code is open source, promoting transparency and user safety. Users are advised to consider the risks of third-party applications while also having access to alternative resources for manual decluttering.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

Goodbye, good morning memes: Google Photos now lets you hide clutter from your grid view

Google Photos has introduced a feature to filter out unwanted content from third-party applications, aimed at decluttering the photo gallery. The new setting, “Show content from other apps,” allows users to manage the visibility of third-party content. Users can toggle “Hide clutter from other apps” to automatically filter out media types like GIFs and screenshots. Additionally, the “Customize by app” option enables users to specify preferences for each app, allowing them to hide or selectively display content. This update is part of version 7.14.0.720276279 of the Google Photos app.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Essential apps for hardcore Android users [Video]

Seal is a minimalist downloader app for Android that allows users to download videos from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram in various formats and qualities. Zerocam is a camera replacement app that focuses on a natural photographic experience without excessive image processing, offering a free version with a limit of five photos per day and a subscription for additional features. Openvibe aggregates multiple social media platforms into one app, allowing users to post to Bluesky, Threads, Nostr, and Mastodon simultaneously. Twine is an RSS app that consolidates favorite feeds into one location and allows users to import collections via OPML files. AI Screenshot Finder helps users search and categorize their screenshots, processing data locally while leveraging cloud AI systems. Crate organizes links, recipes, and videos into custom sections and uses AI to assist in finding saved content. Sponge gamifies file management, allowing users to swipe to delete or tag files, organized by the month they were saved. Tooly is a versatile toolbox app that includes various tools for unit conversions and text formatting.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Clean up your PC: Deep cleaning with professional tricks

Maintaining a tidy digital environment is essential for optimizing the performance of a Windows PC. Regular decluttering frees up storage space and enhances overall efficiency. 1. Check Memory Utilization: Access Settings (Win+I) > System > Memory to view memory usage, including temporary files and installed applications. The "Other" category shows large folders for potential deletion, and you can uninstall unnecessary programs under Apps > Installed apps. Temporary files can be removed under System > Storage > Temporary files. 2. Windows 11 Cleanup Functions: Go to System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations to find storage space occupied by downloads, the recycle bin, and Previous Windows installations. Select areas to clean and click the cleanup button. 3. Free Up Storage Space: Enable Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage to automate cleanup processes, customizing frequency and recycle bin retention. 4. Relocate Standard Storage Locations: In System > Storage > Advanced storage settings, designate alternative drives for new content to keep the primary drive uncluttered. 5. Change Storage Location for Apps: Specify a different drive when installing new applications. For Microsoft Store apps, go to Apps > Installed apps and select Move. 6. Clean Up Discs: Use the Disk Cleanup tool (cleanmgr) to delete unnecessary files. The Clean up system files option reveals additional files for removal. 7. Delete Browser Data: Clear browser cache as needed to improve performance, managing data through browser settings. 8. Optimize Autostart: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to disable unnecessary startup programs. Tools like Autoruns can help manage autostart entries for efficient booting. Additional software options like Bleachbit and Ccleaner can provide deeper insights for system maintenance.