desktop experience Archives

Winsage

May 25, 2026

Microsoft Copilot Returns as a Sidebar in Windows 11

Microsoft is updating the Copilot AI integration within Windows 11, reintroducing it as a sidebar application similar to its original design from 2024. Users can dock Copilot on either side of the screen, which adjusts the user interface to accommodate it. The redesigned Copilot integrates more seamlessly with desktop elements. Microsoft has provided two methods for users to remove the Copilot application: one involves editing the Windows Registry to create a key that instructs Windows to remove Copilot, while the other uses a group policy setting applicable only if Copilot was not user-installed.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Microsoft’s Yusuf Mehdi pledges to reimagine Windows 11 for the AI era in his final year before leaving

Yusuf Mehdi is leaving Microsoft after a 35-year tenure, during which he played a significant role in launching products like Windows 95, Internet Explorer, Bing, Xbox One, and the Surface Pro lineup. He was the Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, leading Microsoft's consumer strategy and its push into AI, particularly with the Copilot brand. Mehdi announced plans to continue working on Microsoft's AI strategy, focusing on making Windows 11 an "agentic OS," which allows AI agents to operate autonomously. Despite backlash from users regarding performance issues, Mehdi remains committed to this vision. Recently, Microsoft has shifted its focus to improving Windows 11's functionality, addressing criticism about its performance while continuing to explore AI integration.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Flashback: The 2016 Chrome and Android‑apps story that predicted today’s Googlebooks moment

Google announced that later this year, users will be able to run full Android applications on their Chromebooks through the integration of the Google Play Store, providing access to over a million Android apps. This development marks a significant advantage for Chrome OS, which previously lacked native applications. Despite the advancements, Google faces challenges in changing consumer perceptions, as Chromebooks do not support essential software like Photoshop or full versions of Microsoft Office. The competition between Google and Microsoft intensifies, with Google gaining momentum amid declining Windows PC sales, particularly in the educational sector.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Classic 7 is Windows 10 LTSC cosplaying as Windows 7

Classic 7 is a heavily modified version of Windows 10 IoT LTSC designed to replicate the aesthetics of Windows 7, incorporating real binaries from Windows 7 and earlier versions. It integrates features like the original Windows 7 Explorer and the Control Panel Restoration Pack, allowing users to experience a nostalgic interface while still receiving updates until 2032. Classic 7 has been in development for over a year and a half and is based on a collaborative effort using various tools, including Winaero Tweaker. However, it raises legitimacy concerns as it is a modified version of an Enterprise edition of Windows, which requires a Volume License Agreement, making it unsuitable for production use. Testing in a virtual environment revealed a positive experience, although initial installation faced challenges. Classic 7 supports contemporary applications and drivers, including a Firefox version styled to resemble Internet Explorer.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

Windows 10 Mobile’s Best Idea Looking back at the debut of Continuum

Windows Central is approaching its 20th anniversary in 2027. Eleven years ago, Microsoft introduced Continuum for Windows 10 Mobile, allowing users to connect their smartphones to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a desktop-like experience. This feature was showcased during the Build 2015 keynote, demonstrating applications like Office on an external screen. Continuum was designed for select premium phones, limiting its accessibility to lower-end models.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Microsoft just made Windows 11’s Drag Tray for sharing files less annoying, and it actually works now

Microsoft has introduced the Drop Tray in Windows 11, replacing the previous Drag Tray to enhance file sharing. The Drop Tray features a more compact design and aims to minimize accidental openings while being easily dismissible. It is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 PCs by May as part of a set of reliability fixes. The new design encourages users to engage with it intentionally for file sharing, improving usability for those with desktop folders. The option to enable or disable the Drop Tray can now be found under Settings > System > Multitasking > Drop Tray.

Winsage

April 19, 2026

Zorin OS 18.1 adds guided migrations, stronger app compatibility and wider hardware support, making switching from Windows far more practical for millions [clone]

Zorin OS has released version 18.1, enhancing hardware compatibility and introducing fingerprint reader support for older devices. The update recommends native Linux alternatives when detecting Windows applications, making it easier for users transitioning from Windows. Since the end of support for Windows 10, Zorin OS has gained popularity, reaching 3.3 million downloads. The update supports over 240 Windows applications, suggesting compatible Linux versions, and includes improvements to desktop features and pre-installed applications. Zorin Lite has also been updated to version 17.3 with fingerprint reader support and a redesigned File Manager. Meanwhile, Windows 11 is facing challenges in adoption due to hardware requirements and design issues, prompting discussions about the potential need for Windows 12. Alternative operating systems like Zorin OS are becoming more appealing to users dissatisfied with Windows.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

WhatsApp Web themes might soon come to save us from boring gray bubbles

Meta is testing 49 chat themes for WhatsApp Web, introducing customization options for the desktop interface. The themes will change not only the background but also the color of message bubbles. These custom themes will be local to each user, meaning that the design choices will not be visible to others. There is no official release date for this feature, and it has not yet appeared in beta versions. Users are advised to check the Settings menu under the Theme section for updates.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

“Wait, Windows uses less?”: I break down the surprising requirement that flips the Linux vs. Windows script

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, developed by Canonical, will be released on April 23, 2026, with updated desktop requirements of a 2GHz dual-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 25GB of storage. Unlike Windows 11, which enforces strict minimum requirements, Ubuntu allows installation on lower-spec machines, though performance may be compromised. The new requirements reflect a shift away from supporting older hardware, as the operating system incorporates a modern desktop stack with updated GNOME components and Wayland support. Ubuntu's installer evaluates hardware capabilities but does not block installation on unsupported devices, contrasting with Windows 11's rigid installation process that requires specific hardware features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

“These mods completely changed how I use Windows 11”: As I walk through the 7 Windhawk tweaks that transformed my desktop, I’m surprised by which ones made the biggest difference

Windows 11 allows users to customize background images, themes, accent colors, and the Start menu and Taskbar. However, for more significant changes, Windhawk offers a modular approach to modify the operating system without risky file modifications. To install Windhawk on Windows 11, users can use the Windows Package Manager (winget) by running the command: winget install --id RamenSoftware.Windhawk. Notable mods available for Windhawk include: - Windows 11 Taskbar Styler: Provides control over the Taskbar's visual elements with three levels of customization. - Taskbar on Top for Windows 11: Allows users to reposition the Taskbar to the top of the screen. - Taskbar Height and Icon Size: Enables adjustments to the Taskbar's height and icon size without affecting DPI scaling. - Windows 11 Start Menu Styler: Offers complete customization of the Start menu's appearance using themes and custom XAML/CSS. - Windows 11 File Explorer Styler: Allows control over the File Explorer interface by injecting custom XAML styles. - Windows 11 Notification Center Styler: Modifies the layout, transparency, and aesthetics of the Notification Center and Quick Settings. Windhawk uses dynamic code injection to implement changes without altering system files, minimizing risks associated with traditional modifications.