desktop setup Archives

Winsage

June 18, 2026

Microsoft modernized almost everything in Windows 11, but this 90s feature quietly lives on

Screensavers were originally designed to prevent burn-in on CRT monitors in the 1980s and 1990s, but evolved into a form of personalization with options like 3D Text and flying toasters. By 2026, the necessity for screensavers has diminished due to modern displays' ability to avoid burn-in and Windows 11's power management features. Screensavers are now mostly used for personal photo slideshows or basic visuals, accessible through Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Screen saver, with options including 3D Text, Bubbles, Mystify, Photos, and Ribbons. Microsoft has shifted focus to AI and performance improvements, leaving screensavers as a legacy feature that is not actively developed. There is potential for screensavers to be reimagined as a modern ambient mode that enhances the idle experience by displaying personal photos or useful information. Currently, Windows 11 lacks a cohesive system that integrates various idle features, leading to a static or blank display when users step away.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

I went digging through Windows 11’s settings and found a 90s feature Microsoft never bothered to remove

Screensavers originated in the 1980s and 1990s to prevent burn-in on CRT monitors and evolved into a form of personal expression. In modern computing, particularly with Windows 11, screensavers have become a legacy feature, as advanced power management and lock screens have diminished their necessity. While screensavers are no longer actively developed, they could still provide value by transforming into functional tools that display personal photos or useful information during inactivity. Windows 11 has the components for a modern idle experience, but these features are not cohesively integrated. The future of screensavers depends on whether Microsoft chooses to reimagine them as sophisticated ambient modes rather than simple animations.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Why aren’t there more PC-first gamepads? Valve don’t know, but they “did see an opportunity” for the new Steam Controller

Valve's new Steam Controller is set to launch on May 4th, focusing specifically on the PC gaming experience. Valve designers Lawrence Yang and Steve Cardinali discussed the lack of PC-specific controllers in a market dominated by console peripherals. They noted that existing controllers are primarily designed for consoles, with 59% of Steam users currently using Xbox controllers and 26% using PlayStation controllers. The new Steam Controller aims to address the needs of PC gamers by incorporating familiar thumbsticks and inputs, as well as Deck-style trackpads for enhanced utility. It is priced at £85 and is designed to work seamlessly with the Steam platform. Yang and Cardinali also mentioned potential features for future iterations of Valve's gaming hardware.

Winsage

March 18, 2026

Thoughts About Switching ⭐️

Microsoft is tightening user freedoms in Windows 11, such as requiring a Microsoft account for access. While alternatives to Windows exist, the author finds Windows to be the superior choice for desktop productivity despite its challenges. The landscape of desktop operating systems is evolving, with mobile platforms incorporating desktop features, but options like Mac and Linux have their own challenges. User preferences vary, with some prioritizing smartphones over traditional computers. Change aversion affects users of all ages, making it difficult to embrace new workflows. The author has transitioned from Microsoft Word to Markdown for writing, highlighting the complexities involved in changing platforms.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

An absolute madman has recreated the Windows 8 UI—for Linux

In 2012, many Windows users began seeking alternatives to the operating system following the release of Windows 8, which introduced a controversial desktop interface designed for touchscreen devices and deviated from traditional mouse and keyboard navigation. This change led to criticism from industry figures, including Gabe Newell of Valve, who labeled Windows 8 a "catastrophe for everyone in the PC space," prompting a shift towards Linux development. The project Win8DE has emerged on GitHub, appealing to former Windows 8 users who miss its fluid animations. Win8DE offers a visually reminiscent interface with vibrant squares, a horizontally scrolling desktop, and a mobile-style app drawer, although it is not as polished as established Linux environments like KDE Plasma or Gnome. The developer, er-bharat, acknowledges limitations, including the absence of the "charms menu." Installation instructions for Win8DE are available on its GitHub page.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Windows 11 Pro upgrade plummets under $10

Prices for a Windows 11 Pro license have dropped below , making it affordable to upgrade older PCs into capable daily drivers. The upgrade offers a streamlined interface, enhanced multitasking with snap layouts, improved search functionality, and integrated Microsoft Teams. It also includes advanced security features like virtualization-based security, Smart App Control, and BitLocker device encryption. Windows Update packages are reported to be up to 40% smaller, allowing older hardware to operate more efficiently. To ensure compatibility, a machine must have a 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, a minimum of 64GB storage, support for Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Microsoft's PC Health Check app can verify these requirements. A smooth setup requires a discounted Windows 11 Pro license, an 8–16GB USB drive for installation, and access to free online installation media and drivers. The clean installation process involves backing up files, creating a bootable USB installer, installing Windows 11 Pro, and running Windows Update for patches. Users can optimize their setup by enabling Storage Sense, Core Isolation, and uninstalling unnecessary applications. StatCounter reports that Windows 11 powers about one-third of the world’s PCs, improving performance for browsers and office applications. A clean install can significantly reduce boot times and enhance overall system responsiveness. Security features like Secure Boot and Credential Guard help reduce vulnerabilities. When purchasing a Windows license, it's important to buy from reputable sellers to ensure the key is legitimate. Students and employees may have access to free or low-cost licenses through educational or corporate programs. For machines that cannot run Windows 11, modern Linux distributions like Mint and Ubuntu offer practical, cost-free alternatives with user-friendly installers and built-in drivers.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Google makes it easier for businesses to run Windows apps on ChromeOS amid an uncertain future

Google has rebranded Cameyo, the software virtualization company it acquired last year, as “Cameyo by Google” to enhance the usability of Windows applications on ChromeOS. Cameyo's platform allows users to stream individual Windows applications directly to their devices via a web app, integrating seamlessly with the native file system of Chromebooks. This solution targets enterprise users, enabling them to run legacy applications alongside modern web apps without the need for a separate virtual desktop environment. Cameyo also supports organizations in transitioning to ChromeOS while maintaining access to essential Windows applications, addressing the "app gap" that has hindered enterprise adoption of ChromeOS.

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.