display settings Archives

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft is bringing powerful new AI tools to Windows 11

Microsoft has rolled out new features for Windows 11, transitioning tools from testing to general availability. Key additions include semantic and agentic search functionalities in the Settings menu, allowing users to express queries in natural language and request specific tasks. The Click-to-Do feature now integrates with Copilot and a new Reading Coach application for context-aware actions. Paint has been upgraded to allow AI-generated stickers and includes a new object select tool for easier image editing. The Photos app will introduce a Relight feature for dynamic lighting effects, limited to devices with Snapdragon X processors. The Snipping Tool has a new “perfect screenshot” feature that uses AI for improved selection, and a new Black Screen of Death and rapid recovery option have reduced crashes and restarts by 22%.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

7 Windows features I enabled that weren’t turned on by default

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance user experience, many of which need to be activated through the Settings app: - Nearby sharing: Enables file transfers between nearby PCs using Bluetooth and local network connections. Users can customize detection settings. - Storage Sense: Automates the cleanup process for unnecessary files, activating when storage is critically low, with options for scheduling cleanups. - Automatic time zone switching: Adjusts the time zone automatically when traveling, requiring location services to be enabled. - Wireless display: Allows modern laptops to serve as a second display using Miracast technology, which can be activated in the Settings app. - HDR: Enhances dynamic range for movies and games, but must be enabled in the display settings. - Night light: Reduces blue light emissions to alleviate eye strain, with customizable schedules. - Clipboard history: Allows users to save multiple copied items for easier pasting, activated by pressing Windows + V.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

How to maximize your Windows 11 PC’s battery life in 9 easy steps

Windows PCs come with tools to manage power consumption, notably the Power Settings Command-Line Tool (Powercfg.exe), which can generate a battery report. This report, saved as an HTML document, details battery usage, capacity, and historical data. Users can create a battery report by opening Command Prompt and entering specific commands. The report shows the design capacity and current full-charge capacity of the battery, helping track degradation over time. The battery report also includes usage data over the past three days, allowing users to analyze which activities impact battery performance. The Battery Life Estimates section provides insights into potential battery longevity based on usage patterns. Windows 11 allows users to check app-specific power consumption through Settings > System > Power & Battery. The Energy Recommendations checklist in Windows 11 offers energy-saving options and direct links to relevant settings. Users can adjust sleep and display settings according to their preferences. The Shutdown command can be executed from Command Prompt or the Run dialog box for transitioning between power states. The Battery Saver feature, now called Energy Saver in version 24H2, conserves battery life by disabling non-essential activities and can be manually activated.

Winsage

July 13, 2025

Windows-MCP does everything Copilot+ wishes it did, without Microsoft (and it’s not even good)

Microsoft's Copilot has transformed into a conventional AI assistant, disappointing some users who expected seamless integration with Windows. In response, a third-party solution called Windows-MCP has emerged, utilizing advanced language models like Anthropic's Claude to help users manage their PCs. Setting up Windows-MCP requires Python 3.13 or newer, the Claude desktop app, the UV package manager for Python, Node.js, and Git. Once installed, users can execute commands using text, but Claude's permission requirements can disrupt command flow. During testing, Claude successfully opened and closed browsers, launched applications, and summarized web content, though the free plan limits interactions. Users have reported that the time taken for Claude to execute commands can be longer than performing tasks manually, and bugs have been noted, including issues with browser profiles. Despite its current limitations, Windows-MCP showcases the potential for AI to enhance user interaction with technology.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

I made 21 tweaks in Windows 11 to increase gaming performance

Windows 11 provides several adjustments to enhance gaming performance, including: 1. Enable Game Mode: Prioritizes gaming processes. 2. Disable Memory Integrity: Can improve performance during gaming. 3. Disable Virtual Machine Platform: Turns off virtualization for better performance. 4. Change Power Mode: Set to "High Performance" for maximum resource allocation. 5. Enable Auto HDR: Enhances visuals for HDR-capable displays. 6. Enable Automatic Super Resolution: Upscales games using AI for better frame rates and image quality. 7. Change Game Default GPU: Set a specific GPU for individual games. 8. Install Games on Secondary Drive: Improves loading times, especially with SSDs. 9. Optimization for Windowed Games: Reduces input latency for windowed mode games. 10. Change Refresh Rate: Adjust to the highest available for smoother gameplay. 11. Disable Apps at Startup: Frees up system resources by minimizing startup applications. 12. Free Up Storage Space: Enhances system speed and gaming performance. 13. Install System Updates: Resolves performance issues and improves compatibility. 14. Update Graphic Drivers: Ensures optimal performance in games. 15. Debloat Setup: Uninstall unnecessary applications to free up resources. 16. Enable GPU Scheduling: Reduces latency by offloading tasks from the CPU. 17. Use DirectStorage: Allows faster asset loading from NVMe SSDs. 18. Enable Variable Refresh Rate: Synchronizes refresh rate with frame rate to reduce screen tearing. 19. Change Settings in Games: Adjust in-game settings for optimal performance. 20. Reset Your Computer: Restores system to optimal performance if issues persist.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Latest beta version of Windows 11 gets the AI agent that Microsoft promised it would add: A search tool that works

Microsoft has introduced an AI tool integrated into the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, designed to enhance user experience in the Settings app. This AI agent is currently available only on devices powered by the Snapdragon X processor, with plans for support on compatible AMD and Intel processors in the future. Additionally, users of this Insider build may hear nostalgic start-up music reminiscent of Windows Vista.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

How to Change the Screen Timeout in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to customize display timeout settings to prevent the screen from darkening when inactive. To adjust these settings via Settings, right-click the Start button, select "Settings," go to "Power & battery," expand the Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts section, and choose preferred times for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" options. Alternatively, users can adjust the timeout through the Control Panel by searching for "Control Panel," selecting "Hardware and Sound," clicking "Power Options," and changing the settings under "Change plan settings" for both battery and plugged-in options. Regular updates to Windows 11 are essential for optimal performance and security.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

I replaced my Kindle with this E Ink tablet that runs Android – and don’t regret it

The Onyx Boox Page is a seven-inch E Ink display e-reader priced at 9, running a streamlined version of Android 11. It allows users to download various applications, enhancing its functionality beyond traditional e-reading. The device supports note-taking in Google Keep or Docs and offers access to apps like Instagram and YouTube, although video playback is limited. It includes a protective flip case, customizable user interface options, and straightforward access to a control panel. The Boox Page features dedicated Library and Store apps, Bluetooth capability for audiobooks, and a battery life rated for up to six weeks on a single charge. It has 32GB of base storage with a microSD card slot for expansion. The device lacks automatic light temperature adjustment and operates on an older version of Android, but ongoing updates are expected.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Three ways to run Windows apps on a Linux box

If you're transitioning to Linux and need to run Windows applications, you have several options, including dual-booting, using a virtual machine (VM), or employing a compatibility layer like WINE. For virtualization, VirtualBox is a popular open-source choice, while VMware is another option that has been free since late 2024. Both require a Windows ISO, which can be obtained for free from Microsoft. VirtualBox suggests allocating 2GB of RAM and one processor core, but 8GB of RAM and two cores are recommended for better performance. Running a VM requires significant resources, and a valid Windows license is necessary for the guest OS. Dual-booting allows both Windows and Linux to run natively, providing full hardware access and optimal performance. WINE translates Windows application calls into Linux commands and is included in most Linux distributions. Its effectiveness varies by application. Bottles is a user-friendly wrapper around WINE that simplifies installation. For enhanced compatibility, CodeWeavers CrossOver is a premium alternative to WINE, with a free evaluation version available. For gaming, Lutris and Valve’s Proton are tools that facilitate running Windows games on Linux.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 starts rolling out with Material 3 Expressive

Google has begun the rollout of Android 16's first Beta, known as Android 16 QPR1 (BP31.250502.008), for enrolled users of the Pixel 6 series and newer devices, including Pixel tablets. This update features the new Material 3 Expressive UI, which enhances user experience with a focus on color, shape, size, motion, and containment. Notable features include Gemini's live notifications, improved screen recording, and a redesigned Settings app with color-coded icons. The update also includes bug fixes, performance optimizations, and August 2025 security patches. Users who have previously enrolled in the Android 16 Beta will receive this update automatically.