desktop environment Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (Dev and Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) has been released for the Dev and Beta Channels, introducing enhancements for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Key updates include an improved Windows Search feature that allows users to find cloud-stored files directly from the taskbar search box and a refined Recall (Preview) experience, which will delete previous snapshots but continue saving new ones if enabled in Settings. For Beta Channel users, the same updates are available as optional upgrades, with plans to make them recommended later this year. Insiders can switch from the Dev to the Beta Channel while both channels share identical build numbers, but this option will close once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers. The improved Windows Search feature supports finding cloud-stored photos by describing them, available for users signed into OneDrive with a personal Microsoft account. Support for third-party cloud providers is expected soon. The update also includes fixes for live captions, File Explorer reliability, and issues with Remote Desktop. Known issues include inaccuracies in build version display after a PC reset and problems with Recall not saving snapshots automatically. An update to the Snipping Tool introduces a new trim feature for screen recordings, allowing users to adjust start and end times.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Who needs Windows 11? FreeXP is a modern version of Microsoft’s greatest OS, powered by Debian Linux

Windows XP is often regarded as a beloved classic and a significant advancement over its predecessors, despite debates about whether Windows 7 or Windows 10 is superior. FreeXP, a non-official operating system based on Debian Linux, replicates the Windows XP aesthetic within the Q4OS desktop environment. It features a nostalgic interface with the iconic Bliss wallpaper, classic XP Start menu, taskbar, and familiar icons. FreeXP can run as live media without installation and includes modern features like virtual desktop support and the option to install the Chromium browser. Users can customize their experience with various themes, including Windows 2000, Windows XP Classic, Windows XP Luna, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 Light, and Q4OS Default. FreeXP is available for download.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

4 reasons Rainmeter is the best way to customize your Windows PC

Rainmeter is a free tool for Windows 11 that allows users to deeply customize their desktop experience. It fosters community collaboration by enabling developers to create and share skins, which can fundamentally change the aesthetics and functionality of a PC. Users can mix and match a wide variety of skins, each with adjustable .ini files, to create a personalized desktop environment. The platform offers an extensive library of skins and encourages exploration and experimentation, ensuring users remain engaged and can continually enhance their desktop experience.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Clapper Media Player Adds New Features, Official Windows Build

Clapper 0.8.0 introduces a libpeas-based plugin system, enhancing its media playback capabilities for other applications. Key features include an exit fullscreen keyboard shortcut (esc), a "New Window" menu item, an option to clear the playback queue, and a middle-click functionality for resizing the app window to the media aspect ratio. This version also officially supports Microsoft Windows, with the installer available on the Clapper GitHub releases page. Users can download Clapper from Flathub or build it from source, requiring GNOME 47 and associated media runtimes. An older version is available for Ubuntu users as a DEB package or unofficial snap.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (KB5050087) has been released to the Beta Channel, available only to users who have not transitioned to updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2. New features include the rollout of lock screen widgets for Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing customization of widgets like Weather, Watchlist, Sports, and Traffic. A new group policy, "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen," is also introduced for IT administrators in the EEA. Changes and improvements include the addition of people icons in File Explorer for users signed in with a work or school account, showing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365. Fixes include resolving Start menu crashes, color discrepancies in the account manager flyout, and issues with File Explorer rendering and reliability. Known issues involve slow closing of File Explorer and crashes on the Settings Home page. Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2, with features rolled out gradually. Features may evolve or be removed based on feedback, and localization will occur over time.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

4 best/coolest Rainmeter mods to make Windows 11 look cool

Rainmeter is a free and open-source software for Windows 11 that allows users to customize their desktop with a variety of skins, plugins, and effects. It has a vast library of skins available on platforms like DeviantArt and Rainmeter subreddits. Users can enhance functionality by incorporating plugins, which are dynamic link library (.dll) programs. The official Rainmeter site provides tips and tricks for both novice and experienced users, including guides on coding variables and using the WebParser plugin. The open-source nature of Rainmeter allows users to make extensive code adjustments for further customization. Rainmeter's lightweight design ensures that customizations do not compromise system performance.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

The 3 most Windows-like Linux distros to try because change is hard

Windows 10 will reach the end of its life in 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing new hardware, or switching to alternatives like Linux. Linux is a strong competitor to Windows and MacOS, offering benefits such as reliability, security, user-friendliness, and being free. Three recommended Linux distributions for users transitioning from Windows are: 1. KDE Neon: Based on Ubuntu, it features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, which can be customized to resemble Windows 10 or 11. It is user-friendly and available for free. 2. Linux Mint: Also based on Ubuntu, it provides a Windows-like experience with a familiar interface through its Cinnamon desktop environment. It is free and has strong community support. 3. Zorin OS: Offers multiple desktop layouts, including options that resemble Windows. The free version includes four layouts, while the Pro edition, costing .99, provides additional configurations. It is built on the GNOME framework and is customizable. All these distributions are open-source and can facilitate a smooth transition for users moving away from Windows.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

4 reasons why Windows 11 Pro is a solid OS for home labs

Many operating systems designed for server tasks are based on Linux due to its secure architecture, extensive packages, and community support, leading to a preference for Linux among DIY enthusiasts. Windows 11, particularly the Pro version, offers features that make it a viable option for experimentation servers, including a beginner-friendly GUI, built-in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), higher RAM limits, dual-CPU support, and a built-in Hyper-V toolkit for running Windows VMs. Windows 11 Pro supports over 128GB of RAM and dual-processor setups, unlike the Home version, which has limitations. It can also function as an all-in-one workstation for gaming and everyday tasks, allowing users to host private game servers and run experimental virtual machines without complex configurations. However, Windows systems generally have less security and incur performance overhead compared to Linux-based platforms.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Gamers beware: Windows 11 24H2 update could wreck your colors and crash your games

Windows 11's 24H2 update has introduced a bug affecting users with the Auto HDR feature, causing incorrect color displays and potential game crashes. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue, which impacts both gaming and desktop environments. Users have reported crashes in popular games like Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, and Far Cry. To address the problem, Microsoft suggests disabling Auto HDR or staying on the previous version, 23H2. A compatibility hold has been placed on devices with Auto HDR enabled, preventing them from receiving the 24H2 update until a fix is available. Users can turn off Auto HDR in the Settings menu under Display and Graphics.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

The 4 easiest ways to test Linux on your old PC before Windows 10 support runs out

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider alternatives like Linux, especially if they cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. Four methods to evaluate Linux distributions without full installation include: 1. Live distribution: Users can run Linux from a USB drive, allowing exploration without affecting the existing system. 2. VirtualBox on Windows 10: This virtual machine manager enables users to create virtual Linux environments using downloaded ISO files. 3. DistroSea: A web-based platform that allows testing various Linux distributions directly from a browser without installation. 4. Installing Linux on an old PC: Users can install Linux on an unused computer to experiment with different distributions and installation processes. These methods help users assess hardware compatibility and find a suitable desktop environment.