desktop environment Archives

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551 (KB5055617) has been released to the Dev Channel. The Dev Channel has advanced to the 26200 series builds, and the option to switch to the Beta Channel is no longer available. This build is based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and shares features with the 26120 series in the Beta Channel. New features include enhanced Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to search for settings using phrases. Narrator now provides detailed image descriptions powered by AI for improved accessibility on Copilot+ PCs. Improvements are being rolled out for widgets, including the ability to read content directly from the MSN feed. Fixes include resolving crashes in Settings, File Explorer, and issues with app icons in the taskbar. Known issues include problems with Windows Recovery Environment and certain apps failing to launch post-update. The Dev Channel updates are based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback. Users can enable a toggle to receive updates more quickly.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (KB5055613) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as natural language search functionality in the Windows search box for Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to find settings easily. Additionally, the Narrator feature has been enhanced to provide detailed descriptions of images for accessibility. Other updates include improvements to widgets, fixes for issues in Settings, File Explorer, Taskbar, Desktop Icons, Input, and Graphics. Known issues include non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users and problems with the Windows Recovery Environment. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

For the Price of a Good Burger, You Can Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro and Unlock Microsoft’s Copilot AI

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, a 92% discount from the standard price of approximately 9. It features a refreshed user interface for multitasking, enhanced security, a Universal Search tool on the taskbar, the ability to create multiple custom desktops, and integration with OneDrive for file synchronization across devices. It also includes productivity shortcuts like Win + V for clipboard history and the Copilot AI tool to streamline tasks.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

ReactOS drops release 0.4.15

ReactOS has released version 0.4.15, its first point-release in several years, following version 0.4.14 from December 2021. This release includes significant improvements such as enhanced plug-and-play support, improved sound and memory management, better Registry handling, a strengthened security subsystem, refinements in the graphical desktop environment, and upgrades to bundled accessories. ReactOS 0.4.15 can run Firefox 52 and successfully installed VirtualBox Guest Additions, recognizing a VirtualBox display adaptor. The operating system operates as an x86-32 platform, identifying itself as Windows NT 5.2 Build 3790: Service Pack 3. ReactOS can install Windows drivers through clean-room reverse engineering, and it features an integrated app store supporting nearly 400 programs, although some functionality issues exist with the built-in "WINE Internet Explorer" browser. The project appeals to users nostalgic for early Windows NT versions and serves as an alternative for those without a Windows license.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Discord revamps overlay and desktop to make PC gaming easier

Discord has released updates for its desktop application to improve the gaming experience for PC players. The new Game Overlay has been redesigned for better performance and now includes individual widgets for easier access to voice and video controls, as well as the ability to view friends' game streams. The update supports a wider range of games and includes a help section for users. Additionally, the desktop interface has been refreshed with new customization options, including four free themes and three UI Density settings. Users can now resize the channel list for better navigation, and there are improved controls for voice and video during calls, along with enhanced visual indicators for active devices. These updates aim to enhance legibility and reduce visual clutter, with ongoing improvements planned throughout the year.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3585 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3585 (KB5053644) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2. The build introduces improved Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs, featuring local semantic search that allows users to find documents, photos, and settings using natural language. Users can search for local files and cloud-stored photos by describing their content. This feature is available for personal OneDrive accounts and will support third-party cloud services in the future. Fixes include enhanced performance for extracting zipped files in File Explorer, adjustments to the web sign-in icon, and resolution of issues causing slow closure of File Explorer. Known issues include difficulties with Recall and crashes in Settings and File Explorer for some users. A reboot may be necessary to activate the improved Windows Search features.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Transform Windows 10/11 into the OS you’ve always wanted with Seelen UI

Seelen UI version 2.2.0 introduces several new features and enhancements for Windows 10 and Windows 11, including: - Ability to disable app thumbnail generation on the dock. - Locking dock and toolbar items for a stable workspace. - Instance counter for the same app on the dock. - Customization options for toolbar positioning. - Setting a custom start menu icon. - Language selector for the toolbar. - Dynamic color highlighting based on the focused app. - Introduction of a hibernate button in the toolbar power menu. - Media volume mixer operating by app and device. - Clickable notifications and images for enhanced interactivity. Enhancements include: - Settings displayed at startup for immediate access. - Expanded power module supporting various power plans. Refactor includes: - Update of the windows-rs crate to version 0.59.0 for improved performance. Fixes address: - Correct display of local accounts with domain in username. - Issue with Application Frame Host displaying instead of actual app name. - Event order in Windows event handling for better reliability. Changes include: - Updated dependencies for enhanced functionality. - Position variable for the fancy toolbar. - Instance counter for multiple open windows. - Power plan options added to power settings. - Option to disable reordering on the WEG and toolbar. - Improved notification max height and hover transitions. - Language improvements, particularly for Japanese and Russian. - Fixes related to Bluetooth module functionality and fullscreen app compatibility.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

How I made Arch Linux look and run better than Windows

Arch Linux operates on a rolling release model, providing continuous updates without major version changes. It is lightweight, enhancing performance for applications like gaming, and features an easy installation process. KDE Plasma is recommended as a desktop environment, offering a familiar interface and extensive customization options. Essential applications for productivity include Obsidian, GIMP, LibreOffice, Krita, and Kdenlive, along with popular web browsers and communication tools. Installing Steam on Arch Linux allows access to a wide range of games, with Proton enabling many Windows games to run smoothly. Transitioning from Windows to Arch Linux is facilitated by a modern user interface, though it may require some command-line interaction.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

7 ways to customize the Windows taskbar for maximum productivity

The Windows 11 taskbar can be customized for better functionality and personalization through various adjustments. Users can disable unnecessary icons by accessing Taskbar settings, which allows for more space to pin preferred applications. Disabling taskbar grouping can enhance navigation by displaying individual windows instead of grouping them under a single icon. The Windhawk application offers customization options for taskbar labels, including adjusting width, text size, and padding. Volume control can be made easier with Windhawk's Taskbar Volume Control mod, allowing users to adjust sound levels by scrolling over the taskbar. The Middle click to close on the taskbar mod lets users close applications directly from the taskbar instead of opening new instances. Users can reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen using Windhawk or ExplorerPatcher. Finally, Start11 allows users to pin folder menus to the taskbar, transforming it into a file navigation tool.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Google says its new Linux Terminal feature isn’t a replacement for Android’s desktop mode

Google has introduced a Linux Terminal app for Android, allowing users to run a Debian instance within a virtual machine. This app aims to integrate more Linux applications, tools, and games into the Android ecosystem, rather than providing an additional desktop environment. The Linux Terminal app features a text-based command line interface and does not include a graphical desktop environment by default, although users can install desktop environments like XFCE or GNOME. Google is enhancing the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to support this development, with plans for future updates to improve functionality, including tab support and GPU acceleration. Currently, launching Linux apps outside of the Terminal is limited, but Google envisions a future where Linux applications work seamlessly alongside native Android apps in desktop mode.