desktop customization Archives

Winsage

April 24, 2025

7 things I learned while making the perfect, productivity-focused desktop environment on Windows

Windows 11 has challenges for users seeking a productivity-centric desktop experience, prompting many to seek alternatives and customization utilities. Key elements for enhancing productivity include effective file management, quick access to applications, and tools to streamline workflow. For file management, users can benefit from dual-pane file manager alternatives like XYplorer, File Pilot, Files, and Total Commander, which improve efficiency beyond the default File Explorer. Customizing the Start Menu by relocating it to the left and using tools like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk can enhance productivity. Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar allows for quick access and utilizes jump lists for recent documents. Disabling the News & Interests widget can reduce distractions, and many users choose to remove Microsoft's Copilot due to unmet expectations. For desktop customization, tools like StartAllBack, Windhawk, Rainmeter, and PowerToys can improve both appearance and functionality. PowerToys offers over 20 utilities, including FancyZones for window management and PowerToys Run for quick application access, making it essential for optimizing workflow. Overall, effective file management, application accessibility, and thoughtful customization are crucial for enhancing productivity on Windows 11.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

5 apps that give you the desktop widgets Microsoft won’t

Microsoft has reintroduced a side widget feature in Windows 11, but it lacks extensive customization options. Users nostalgic for Windows 7's desktop gadgets can explore several third-party applications to enhance their desktop experience: 1. Rainmeter: A powerful desktop customization tool that allows users to create and apply skins as widgets displaying various information, with a vibrant community providing thousands of skins and mods. 2. Widget Launcher: A simple application for adding various widgets like calendars and clocks to the desktop, allowing resizing, but includes ads during the installation process. 3. GadgetPack: Restores the classic Windows 7 gadget experience on Windows 10 and 11, featuring around 50 pre-installed gadgets that can be customized and placed anywhere on the desktop. 4. BeWidgets: A modern widget application for creating custom widgets for time, date, finances, and weather, designed with a minimalist aesthetic, though it requires manual creation of widgets each time. 5. Widgets Box: Offers a diverse collection of widgets, including digital clocks and calendars, but many features require a paid subscription. It includes unique tools like a browser search bar and a stylish flip clock.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

8 tools that will change how you use Windows

Windows 11 offers a variety of features and a vibrant ecosystem of third-party applications, but users often find the default experience lacking in productivity. Several tools are available to enhance the Windows experience: 1. EarTrumpet: A comprehensive volume mixer that allows users to control audio for each application and playback device seamlessly. 2. Twinkle Tray: Simplifies brightness adjustments across multiple monitors directly from the taskbar and offers automation features based on the time of day. 3. Everything: A lightweight search tool that indexes files quickly, allowing for instantaneous local file searches. 4. OneCommander: A dual-pane file management tool that enhances navigation and organization of files with features like color-coded labels and advanced previews. 5. Start11: Customizes the Start menu, allowing users to choose styles, create folders and groups, and integrate File Explorer folders for quick access. 6. Rainmeter: A platform for extensive customization of the Windows interface with community-driven skins and widgets. 7. PowerToys: Includes utilities like FancyZones for creating custom window layouts, enhancing multitasking efficiency. 8. Flow Launcher: A powerful search and app launcher that streamlines workflows by enabling users to perform tasks using just their keyboard. These applications collectively improve the Windows 11 experience by addressing common issues and enhancing productivity.

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

October 23, 2024

I tried replacing the Windows 11 desktop with a web app, and I’m very excited for the future

Seelen UI is a web-based application designed to enhance the Windows 11 desktop environment by replacing the taskbar and window manager with a customizable interface. It features a floating taskbar that displays open applications and provides access to pinned apps and media controls, along with a menu bar for quick access to settings. Users can customize the toolbar layout, dock positioning, and background themes, although theme options are currently limited. The application requires Microsoft Edge and WebView 2 to operate. However, it has a steep learning curve due to a lack of comprehensive guidance, and its organization can be confusing. Future improvements are anticipated, including custom widgets and multitasking features.

Winsage

October 16, 2024

Seelen UI transforms Windows 10 and 11 into your dream OS — download it now

Windows 10 and 11 have been criticized for their minimalist design, featuring flat icons and muted colors that lack vibrancy, leading users to prefer the more engaging interface of Windows 7. Seelen UI is a desktop customization tool designed to enhance personalization and productivity for Windows users. It allows modifications to desktop elements like menus and widgets, features a Tiling Windows Manager for organizing open windows, and includes an integrated media module for music playback control. Seelen UI also offers an app launcher inspired by Rofi for quick access to applications. It is user-friendly, enabling easy customization of themes, taskbar layouts, and icons. To run Seelen UI, users need the WebView runtime (pre-installed on Windows 11 and included in Windows 10 setup) and Microsoft Edge for optimal functionality. Installation options include the Microsoft Store, Winget, .msix installer, and an unsigned .exe installer. The software recently received an update to fix an issue with an infinite render loop on the settings home page. Additional information and downloads are available on its GitHub page.

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.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

The best Windows Start menu app now works with Arm devices

The latest update of Start11, version 2.1, now offers native support for ARM architecture, enhancing the experience for users of Windows on ARM devices utilizing Snapdragon chips. The update includes advanced search functionality, improved folder path handling, and various bug fixes. It allows users to customize the Start menu and taskbar, facilitating management across organizations.