desktop setup Archives

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Only two things are stopping me from moving to SteamOS on my desktop PC permanently – the moment they’re addressed, I’ll be saying ‘adiós’, Windows 11

The author experimented with Bazzite, a SteamOS clone, on their Asus ROG Ally and is considering installing it on their primary desktop gaming PC due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Bazzite offers a console-like user interface and features tailored for gaming, particularly benefiting AMD hardware, while Nvidia users face limitations with beta support. Testing Discord on Bazzite yielded mixed results, with issues in streaming that are crucial for the author's gaming experience. The author appreciates the potential of Bazzite's Quick Resume feature and the appeal of a user interface similar to popular consoles. They express hope for improved Nvidia support and functionality to facilitate a transition away from Windows 11.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

I hate Windows 11 a little less because of this free, tiny app

Windows 11 has received mixed reactions from users, with some appreciating its design and features while others are frustrated by its promotion of Microsoft services like the Edge browser and Bing search. A user expressed dissatisfaction with the lengthy setup process that included prompts to purchase additional Microsoft services. To address this, they found MSEdgeRedirect, a free application that redirects web searches from the Windows 11 Start menu to any preferred browser and allows users to manage taskbar widgets. As of July 2025, MSEdgeRedirect is effective on both desktop and laptop systems, although users are concerned about its future due to potential disruptions from Microsoft updates.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Bring the “Windows 10 look” back to Windows 11 — Everything I changed to restore the desktop UI experience

Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 find the new design and interface changes challenging. Windows 11 features a centered Taskbar, a simplified Start menu, and an updated File Explorer and Settings app. Users can customize their Windows 11 experience to resemble Windows 10 by making several adjustments. To align the Taskbar and Start menu to the left, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select "Left" for Taskbar alignment. To show app labels in the Taskbar, users need to select "Never" for the "Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels" setting in the same menu. For those preferring the classic File Explorer, they can access it by searching for Windows Tools in the Start menu and selecting Home or This PC. Users can also change the color scheme by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting "Custom" mode, choosing a dark theme, and enabling accent colors for the Start and taskbar. To display classic desktop icons, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check the desired icons. In Notepad, users can disable new features by adjusting settings in the app to revert to a more classic experience. For further customization, third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher and Windhawk can be used. ExplorerPatcher allows users to restore various interface elements from earlier Windows versions, while Windhawk provides a framework for modifying Windows 11 with community-created mods. Both tools can be installed via the Windows Package Manager and offer options to revert to classic aesthetics.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

This open-source tool gave me the Windows desktop I’ve always wanted

JaxCore is an open-source suite designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience through customization. It operates as a collection of plugins and tools built on the Rainmeter platform, providing users with various widgets for their desktops. JaxCore simplifies the customization process with pre-made tools and allows for deeper customization for those familiar with coding. The suite includes modules like YourFlyouts, YourMixer, ValliStart, Keylaunch, and IdleStyle, as well as widgets such as ModularVisualizer, ModularClocks, ModularPlayers, and Plainext. Although JaxCore is no longer under active development, users can still utilize it, though they may encounter bugs. The author successfully customized their desktop with a media player, clock, and revamped start menu, enhancing their workflow and aesthetic experience. They express a desire to further explore JaxCore and other customization tools.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft cuts the Windows 11 bloat for Xbox handhelds

Microsoft has streamlined Windows 11 for gaming handhelds, introducing the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X in collaboration with ASUS. This new approach eliminates non-essential components of the operating system to enhance the gaming experience. Key features not loaded during gameplay include the desktop wallpaper, taskbar, and various productivity-related processes. The idle power consumption of these handhelds is about one-third that of a traditional Windows desktop, freeing up around 2 GB of memory for gaming. Users can choose to revert to the full Windows 11 experience if desired.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

We installed SteamOS on our ROG Ally and Legion Go Windows handhelds and we don’t want to go back

SteamOS has been released for non-Steam Deck gaming handhelds, including the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. To install SteamOS, users need a USB-C stick and the SteamOS recovery image, which can be downloaded from Steam's website. The installation process involves creating a bootable USB drive using the Rufus utility, adjusting BIOS settings to disable Secure Boot, and following specific steps to wipe the device and install SteamOS. After installation, users can set up their Steam account and check for updates. The transition to SteamOS enhances performance and visual fidelity for these devices.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Printers are spitting out nonsense after a borked Windows update

Michael has a decade of experience in technology journalism and has worked at PCWorld, where he is known as the resident keyboard enthusiast. He reviews products with a new keyboard for each review and enjoys constructing mechanical boards and enhancing his desktop setup in his free time. He has contributed to publications like Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and has covered major tech events such as CES and Mobile World Congress. Michael resides in Pennsylvania and enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking to recharge.

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

November 17, 2024

This all-in-one AI PC features a large 31.5″ screen, and RTX 40-Series GPU, and even has fantastic speakers

The HP OmniStudio X AIO is priced at ,979.99 and features an Intel AI CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, with a 31.5-inch 4K UHD display. A budget-friendly 27-inch FHD option starts at ,479.99. The package includes a monitor with an adjustable stand, USB-C and power cables, a keyboard and mouse, a cable tidy clip, four AAA batteries, and setup instructions. The design is elegant and robust, allowing for tool-less assembly in under five minutes. Performance is solid for general use, with a peak temperature of 103°F during stress tests and low fan noise. The built-in 5MP IR camera offers clear imagery, and the speakers provide impressive sound quality. The HP OmniStudio X competes well against alternatives like the Lenovo Yoga AiO 9i and Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i. It has received various ratings: value 4/5, design 5/5, software & apps 5/5, display 5/5, performance 4/5, keyboard and mouse 4/5, and camera, mic, and audio 5/5, resulting in a total score of 4.5/5.

AppWizard

September 8, 2024

Heads-up: Space Marine 2 has a photo mode and it rules

Engaging with Space Marine 2 during its early unlock phase features cooperative gameplay with numerous objectives and AI allies. Players face relentless attacks from tyranids, creating an enjoyable challenge. The game includes a photo mode accessed by pressing F, allowing players to create dioramas and adjust marine facial expressions for amusing screenshots. The game showcases expansive battlefields and the impressive scale of characters, particularly the primaris marines, which dwarf regular troops. Attention to detail is highlighted, with intricate elements like glowing text on datapads and gothic aesthetics in the environment.