desktop backgrounds Archives

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Permanently remove “Learn more about this picture” icon in Windows 11

Windows 11 users enabling the Spotlight feature for desktop backgrounds often encounter the "Learn more about this picture" icon, which many find distracting. Microsoft has not provided an option to remove this icon through Personalization settings, leading to significant feedback on the Microsoft Feedback Hub. Users can disable Spotlight entirely to avoid the icon or modify the Registry Editor to remove it while keeping Spotlight active. The steps include navigating to a specific registry path, creating a new DWORD value, and changing its data. Alternatively, users can use third-party applications like Explorer Patcher to hide the icon easily.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Windows 11 Canary build 27758 is out with several fixes for taskbar, File Explorer, and more

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11 for Canary users, specifically build 27758, which includes several enhancements: - File Explorer: The search box has been adjusted to prevent it from extending beyond the window's edge. - Taskbar: A fix has been made to prevent crashes of explorer.exe when right-clicking app icons. - Input: An issue with the mouse cursor becoming invisible over text fields in certain applications has been resolved. - Desktop: Improvements ensure desktop backgrounds display correctly across multiple monitors. - Task Manager: Work is ongoing to correct the alignment of the Mica background when resized with settings open. - Narrator: A crash issue at launch when using natural voices has been addressed. - Audio: Fixes prevent USB audio devices from going to sleep after one minute of inactivity and address unexpected mute/unmute sounds in certain headsets. - Settings: Crashes when selecting a default audio device have been rectified. - Other: An issue causing an unexpected black line along the top border of windows has been resolved. Known bugs include: - Users on Copilot+ PCs may experience issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics, leading to error 0xd0000225. - Rollbacks during installation of the latest Canary builds are under investigation. - Microsoft is addressing issues related to accent-colored window borders, shadows, and animations. - A new bugcheck issue with error PAGEFAULTINNONPAGEDAREA has been identified.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

The official “Bing Wallpaper app” does some nasty, malware-like things to Windows

Microsoft has introduced the Bing Wallpaper app to the Windows Store, allowing users to update their desktop backgrounds daily with images from the Bing homepage. Concerns have been raised by developer Rafael Rivera regarding the app's security and privacy risks, including the automatic installation of Bing Visual Search, code for decrypting cookies from other browsers, integration of a geolocation web API, attempts to change default browser settings, and forced prompts to enable the Bing Search extension. Rivera has labeled the app as malicious and provided a list of extensions users may need to block. The online community has reacted negatively, with some users suggesting the possibility of a class action lawsuit. Alternatives to Bing Wallpaper exist that do not compromise user privacy, and Windows 11 offers built-in options for changing desktop backgrounds.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27754 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27754 has been released to the Canary Channel. SDKs for the 27xxx series builds are not planned for release. Key updates include: - Modernized Windows Hello with new visuals for clearer communication and an improved user experience for passkeys. - Users can now launch items as an administrator from the Start menu or taskbar by holding Shift and CTRL. - Enhanced taskbar previews and animations based on user feedback. - A simplified system tray is being tested, featuring a shortened date/time format and a notifications bell icon based on Do Not Disturb status. Fixes include: - Resolved issues with the Digital Markets Act policy application and update rollback leading to duplicate Windows entries. - Fixed display issues for RAW images in File Explorer and improved the search box functionality. - Corrected widget text overlap on secondary monitors and resolved mouse unlocking issues in games. Known issues include: - New users may face Windows Hello PIN and biometrics issues, with error 0xd0000225. - Investigating reports of rollbacks during installation and display issues with accent-colored window borders. - Desktop backgrounds may not display correctly on multiple monitors. Insiders are reminded that Canary Channel builds are early platform changes and may evolve based on feedback. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 build 27754 is out with modernized Windows Hello, new taskbar features, more

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 update for Canary insiders, featuring Build 27754. Key enhancements include a revamped Windows Hello interface, improved taskbar features, and various updates for user interaction. Users can now launch jump list items as administrators using Shift and CTRL. Taskbar previews and animations have been updated, and a simplified system tray design is being tested. Fixes include resolving issues with the Digital Markets Act policy, incorrect thumbnail displays for RAW images, and problems affecting secondary monitors. Known issues include potential errors with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics on Copilot+ PCs and display problems with desktop backgrounds on multi-monitor systems.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Windows 11 Canary build 27749 brings fixes for File Explorer, taskbar, Task Manager and more

Windows build 27749 is being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel, focusing on fixes rather than new features. Key updates include: - Narrator: A new shortcut for copying the last spoken phrase to the clipboard and automatic reading of email contents in the new Outlook app. - File Explorer: Resolved excessive spacing in the navigation pane and fixed incorrect display of portrait mode RAW images. - Taskbar & System Tray: The taskbar now shows a search box instead of an icon when set to "Search box." - Input: Updated mouse pointer location visibility for high DPI monitors. - Task Manager: Fixed an issue showing zero apps and processes. - Audio: Prevented certain audio devices from setting volume to 100% upon boot or waking from sleep. - Other Fixes: Addressed issues affecting Git functionality on Arm PCs, KERNELMODEHEAP_CORRUPTION bugcheck, domain joining, and DirectAccess connectivity. Known bugs include an error affecting Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning to the Canary Channel on Copilot+ PCs, installation rollbacks, crashes in remote access applications, policy application issues for the Digital Markets Act in EEA regions, and desktop background display problems on multiple monitors.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 in the Canary Channel, providing a unified experience and eliminating the previous dual-experience model. This build enhances the Prism emulator for Windows on Arm, allowing a wider range of 64-bit x86 applications to run, including support for additional CPU features. The update enables previously incompatible games and creative software to function on Arm devices. Key changes include the simplification of the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and updates to Task Manager and Settings. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various graphics and app-related bugs. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and desktop background display across multiple monitors. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows 11 build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) fixes multi-monitor desktop background and more

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) in the Dev Channel. Key changes include the temporary suspension of the Gamepad keyboard feature, improvements to the Start menu, and enhancements for users typing in Chinese or Japanese, such as hiding the IME toolbar in full-screen mode. Fixes include enhanced reliability and corrected spacing in the Start menu, adjustments in File Explorer for navigation pane padding and RAW image display, taskbar improvements including a search box for auto-hide settings, and general fixes for all users addressing game launch issues and Task Manager display problems. Known issues include a problem with desktop backgrounds not displaying correctly across multiple monitors. Windows Insiders receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually and subject to change based on feedback.

Winsage

October 27, 2024

Download Windows XP 4K wallpaper (Bliss updated) to celebrate 23rd birthday

Microsoft has released an updated version of the Windows XP Bliss wallpaper in 4K quality to celebrate its 23rd anniversary. The new wallpaper features a vibrant green hill under a blue sky with clouds, available in two versions: an official 4K edition with enhanced colors and an unofficial modified version with adjusted saturation. The original Bliss wallpaper was available in 800 x 600 pixels and 1024 x 768 pixels. Windows XP was officially launched on October 25, 2001, and was well-received by users for its performance and user-friendly interface, despite initial hardware concerns. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in 2014, but some users still use the operating system.

Winsage

October 7, 2024

The best Windows tweaking and customization tools on GitHub [Part 1]

Windows operating systems provide customization options, and third-party tools enhance personalization. Notable tools include: - xd-AntiSpy: Targets Windows 10 and 11, focusing on privacy by disabling telemetry and tracking. - Optimizer: Disables telemetry, adjusts system settings, and improves startup efficiency. - ExplorerBlurMica: Enhances File Explorer with background blur and customizable transparency effects. - Lively Wallpaper: Allows the use of web pages, videos, or GIFs as interactive desktop backgrounds. - PowerToys: Microsoft’s open-source utility suite for power users, featuring tools like FancyZones and a new Workspaces module. - Rainmeter: Enables desktop customization with widgets and skins for displaying information. - simplewall: Manages network activity with custom rules and monitoring capabilities. - Notepads: A modern text editor with multi-tab support and advanced features. - ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionalities and modifies Explorer settings. - Files: A modern File Explorer alternative with dual-pane browsing and improved file management.