display settings Archives

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Install Windows 11 on Steam Deck OLED: 12 Steps [2026]

The Steam Deck OLED has limitations in running certain Windows applications and games, particularly those with kernel-level anti-cheat systems. Valve has provided an official Windows driver bundle for the OLED model since 2024, and by 2026, a community-developed process for dual-booting Windows 11 alongside SteamOS has emerged. Running Windows 11 may be necessary for games that do not perform well on SteamOS, especially competitive titles. The Steam Deck OLED requires specific prerequisites for dual-booting, including a fully charged device, updated SteamOS, sufficient free storage, a Windows 11 license, and a USB flash drive for installation. Users must follow a detailed installation process that includes updating SteamOS, creating a recovery drive, downloading Windows 11, and configuring the system for dual-booting. Common pitfalls include skipping the recovery drive and under-allocating storage for Windows. Battery life on Windows is shorter than on SteamOS, and users should be aware of this when deciding to dual-boot. The dual-boot setup does not void the warranty, and it is possible to revert to a SteamOS-only setup later.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Announcing new builds for 21 August 2026

New Windows 11 Insider Preview builds are being rolled out for users in the Beta and Experimental Channels, addressing an issue with the Feature Flags list. Notable new features include: 1. Modernized Autoplay experience: The AutoPlay dialog has been updated to streamline the selection process for connecting devices. It features a refreshed interface built with WinUI, supports dark mode, and is more responsive to text scaling and display settings. 2. Accessibility setting - "Open apps maximized": This new feature automatically maximizes app windows upon opening, benefiting users of screen readers, magnification tools, and those working in tablet mode. Users can enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft is finally updating one of the oldest dialog boxes in Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced a revamped AutoPlay dialog box in the latest Windows Insider build of Windows 11, which has been rebuilt using WinUI for enhanced performance, visual consistency, and responsiveness to text scaling. The updated AutoPlay dialog allows users to select preferred actions when connecting devices like phones and cameras, supports dark mode, and retains familiar functionalities. Additionally, in build 26340.9233, users can manage camera, microphone, and location permissions on a per-app basis for desktop applications, expanding user control beyond UWP/MSIX applications.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

New Windows 11 build brings automatic PDF previews to File Explorer for Insiders

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview builds 26340.9233 (26H2) and 28120.2760 (26H1), featuring enhancements such as automatic PDF preview support in File Explorer and in-app purchase capabilities for WinUI 3 applications in the Microsoft Store. The 26H1 build addresses a bug causing the mouse cursor to be invisible in some applications but has a known compatibility issue that may prevent some users from launching PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. The AutoPlay dialog has been revamped with WinUI, supporting dark mode and improved responsiveness. A new accessibility setting allows apps to open maximized by default, enhancing usability for screen readers and magnification tools. Users can manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop applications, providing more control over privacy. File Explorer now supports automatic previews for PDF and non-HTML files, and the Microsoft Store update allows in-app purchases for packaged WinUI 3 apps. Bug fixes include resolving taskbar animation issues and ensuring visibility of the mouse cursor.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

Microsoft Issues Three New Windows Builds to Windows Insider Program

Microsoft has announced that users in the Windows Insider Program enrolled in the Beta, Experimental, or Experimental (26H1) channel should update their systems. The latest Experimental build resolves the issue of an empty Feature Flags list for Insiders in the Experimental channel. Notable features in the new builds include a modernized Autoplay experience with a new dialog built with WinUI, supporting Light and Dark modes, text scaling, and seamless notifications. Additionally, a new accessibility setting ensures that all applications open in a maximized state, found under Accessibility > Visual effects in the Settings app.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

After years of requests, Windows 11 is dangerously close to bringing back full taskbar freedom — top, left, right, or bottom

Windows 11 users can now relocate the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen with the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature will be included in the September Patch Tuesday update, but is available immediately to those in the Release Preview Channel. The update also allows for a smaller taskbar option, enhancing screen space for smaller devices. Key features in Build 26100.9267/26200.9267 include: - Taskbar customization with new positioning options and a smaller taskbar option. - Enhanced Start menu with size options, renaming of the Recommended section to Recent, and a redesigned settings page. - Improvements to Windows Search, including a simplified interface and automatic indexing of frequently used folders. - Updates to File Explorer for faster launch times and touch scrolling support. - General design updates with modernized progress indicators. - New Windows Share feature for discovering apps from the share window. - Enhanced security with just-in-time privileges for administrative tasks. - Improved responsiveness when switching between virtual desktops. - Updates for display settings and brightness reliability. - Reliability improvements for Task Manager and Windows Update behavior. - Network improvements for VPN-related issues. - Enhanced typing reliability with the Japanese IME. - Introduction of the ML-KEM algorithm for TLS key exchange. - Removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line utility in future versions.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft Issues New Release Preview Channel Builds

The Windows Insider Program has released two new builds in the Release Preview Channel, introducing several enhancements for Windows 11. Key updates include: - Taskbar: Users can position and resize the Taskbar on any side of the screen. - Start Menu: The Start menu is now resizable and features a Recent section, replacing the Recommended section, with independent toggles for Pinned, Recent, and All items. - Windows Search: A streamlined home view allows users to choose whether to display web and Store results. - File Explorer: Improvements focus on performance and touch scrolling for smoother navigation. - Design: Updated progress indicators appear during startup, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installations. - Windows Share: A suggested app interface has been introduced for improved sharing options. - Administrator Protection: This feature returns but is disabled by default. - Additional Minor Updates: Enhancements have been made across multiple desktops, display settings, Task Manager, Setup, Windows Update, and more. Further refinements include: - File Explorer: Improvements in file size displays, middle-click support, and enhanced file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Adjustments for better accommodation of typos and partial app names, with results based on user Settings. - Additional Minor Changes: Updates across Start, Widgets, Touchpad, Windows Hello, and other components.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

I checked Reddit to see which Windows 11 features people truly find “life changing”, and the community had some surprising answers

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity, many of which are underutilized by users: 1. Clipboard History: Activated with "WIN + V", it allows users to access a history of copied text and images, improving multitasking by enabling retrieval of multiple copied items. 2. Snipping Tool: Beyond screenshots, it includes screen recording, text extraction (OCR), basic image editing, and GIF creation, streamlining workflows by reducing the need for third-party applications. 3. End Task from Taskbar: Users can terminate unresponsive applications directly from the Taskbar, simplifying the process compared to using Task Manager. 4. Windows Sandbox: Provides a temporary Windows environment for testing untrusted software without risking the main system, available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. 5. Winget Command: The Windows Package Manager simplifies app installation and updates via command line, saving time compared to searching for applications online. 6. Snap Layouts: Activated with "Win + Z", it enhances window management by allowing users to arrange applications efficiently on larger monitors. 7. Windows Key + Shift + Arrow: This shortcut enables quick movement of windows between multiple monitors, improving productivity for users with dual or multiple displays. 8. Voice Typing: Activated with "Win + H", it allows dictation in nearly any text field, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. 9. Reliability Monitor: Accessible via "perfmon /rel", it presents system issues on a timeline, making troubleshooting easier and potentially preventing unnecessary reinstallation of Windows 11. 10. Advanced Display Settings: Users can check and adjust their monitor's refresh rate in Settings, ensuring optimal performance, as many monitors default to 60Hz even if they support higher rates.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

I dug through Reddit to find the ten Windows 11 features people find “life-changing, ” and the results were fascinating

Windows 11 includes several subtle features that enhance productivity, many of which users may overlook: 1. Clipboard history allows users to capture text from various sources without manual entry and integrates functionalities like screenshot capture, screen recording, and GIF creation. 2. The "End Task" option from the Taskbar enables users to terminate unresponsive applications quickly without using Task Manager. 3. Windows Sandbox creates a temporary Windows environment for testing untrusted software, available only in Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. 4. Winget, the Windows Package Manager, simplifies app installations and updates via command line, streamlining the process of restoring software collections. 5. Snap Layouts facilitate efficient window management on larger monitors, accessible with the "Windows key + Z" shortcut. 6. The shortcut "Windows key + Shift + Arrow" allows users to move windows between multiple monitors easily. 7. Voice Typing, activated by Win + H, enables dictation in nearly any text field, improving task efficiency. 8. Reliability Monitor provides a timeline of system issues, aiding in troubleshooting without needing a full reinstallation. 9. Advanced Display settings can reveal and adjust monitor refresh rates, ensuring optimal performance. These features collectively enhance user experience and productivity in Windows 11.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Samsung may finally let you set screen zoom levels on a per-app basis

Samsung has unveiled its latest foldable devices: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Within the firmware of the Fold 8 Ultra, code suggests a new feature called "App screen zoom," which would allow users to set different screen zoom levels for individual applications. This feature is not yet visible in the device's display settings, as it is not operating on retail firmware. There is potential for this functionality to be available when the devices reach consumers next month and possibly extend to Samsung's broader lineup and the Android ecosystem. An APK teardown indicates this feature is a predictive tool based on preliminary code, with no guarantee of public release.