download and install Archives

Winsage

June 14, 2025

6 registry tweaks every tech-savvy user must apply on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides customization tools such as the Settings app, Control Panel, and Group Policy Editor, but advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor for deeper control. Key Registry tweaks include: 1. Disable the Home page in Settings: Modify the Registry to revert the Settings app to open directly to the "System" section instead of the "Home" page by creating a string value named SettingsPageVisibility and setting it to hide:home. 2. Disable automatic Windows Update: Prevent automatic downloads and installations by creating a key named WindowsUpdate under Policies, then a subkey AU, and a DWORD value NoAutoUpdate set to 1. 3. Disable the Lock Screen experience: Expedite the sign-in process by creating a key named Personalization and a DWORD value Nolockscreen set to 1. 4. Enable automatic Registry backup: Restore automatic Registry backups by creating a DWORD value EnablePeriodicBackup set to 1 and scheduling a task to run daily for backup. Editing the Registry carries risks, and it is advised to back up the PC before making changes.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 emergency update fixes Easy Anti-Cheat BSOD issue

Microsoft released an emergency update, KB5063060, to address a compatibility issue causing unexpected restarts and blue screen of death (BSOD) errors on Windows 11 systems using Easy Anti-Cheat. This update follows the earlier cumulative update, KB5060842, which led to reports of system reboots linked to IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL BSODs. The issues were confirmed to affect devices running Easy Anti-Cheat, which is used in popular games like Fortnite and Apex Legends. The update will install automatically for devices with Easy Anti-Cheat, and manual installation options are available for x64 and arm64 systems. Additionally, Microsoft implemented a compatibility hold for Windows 24H2 upgrades on Intel Alder Lake+ and vPro systems due to related blue screen issues. On the same day, Microsoft also released security updates addressing 66 vulnerabilities in Windows 11, including critical flaws in Windows SMB and WebDAV.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Microsoft Installs Emergency Update On Windows PCs

Microsoft has issued an emergency update for Windows users in June to address issues related to the June update (Windows 11 24H2 KB5060842), which caused significant problems for users with Easy Anti-Cheat gaming software. The initial update was paused due to stability concerns, and a patch was applied, but it did not resolve the issues. Users reported installation failures with error code (0x80073712). Microsoft acknowledged compatibility issues and ultimately retracted the faulty update, replacing it with the emergency update KB5063060. This new update addresses unexpected reboots while launching games that use Easy Anti-Cheat and will automatically download and install on affected devices.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

6 essential steps that Windows 11 users often miss after a fresh install

Many users overlook crucial default settings after installing Windows 11, which can lead to performance issues, privacy vulnerabilities, and complications during recovery. Key settings to configure include: 1. System Restore: This feature is disabled by default and allows users to revert system files and settings to a previous state. To enable it, users must access the System Properties page, select the main drive, click Configure, and turn on system protection. 2. BitLocker Recovery Key: Windows 11 automatically activates BitLocker on new installations. Users should back up their recovery key in their Microsoft account to avoid issues during startup. 3. Power Settings: Users should adjust power settings to prevent underperformance. This includes selecting "Best Performance" for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" modes and configuring screen and sleep timeouts. 4. Privacy Settings: Windows 11 collects diagnostic data by default. Users can enhance privacy by turning off features like "Find my device," "Personalized offers," and "Advertising ID," as well as disabling optional diagnostic data transmission. 5. Device Drivers: Users should verify that all device drivers are correctly installed, as the operating system may not install drivers for critical components. This can be checked in Device Manager, and updates can be managed through Windows Update. 6. System Backup: Establishing a backup is essential for data protection. Users can set up regular backups using the "Backup and Restore" feature by connecting an external drive and following the setup process in Control Panel.

Winsage

June 7, 2025

Make your Windows 11 taskbar transparent for a cool, minimalist vibe

Many users find the standard Windows 11 taskbar distracting and prefer a minimalist approach with a transparent taskbar. Windows 11 has a native transparency option under Settings > Personalization > Colors, but it typically results in a frosted glass effect. The TranslucentTB app, available for free on the Microsoft Store, allows users to customize the opacity and color of their taskbar. To use it, users should download and install the app, find the TranslucentTB icon in the System Tray, and select "clear" from the Visible Window menu for full transparency. Users can also adjust Security and Privacy settings if the app does not function properly. TranslucentTB offers dynamic behavior options, allowing the taskbar to change transparency based on user activity, such as becoming transparent only when a window is maximized.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Windows 10 KB5058481 update brings seconds back to calendar flyout

Microsoft has released the optional KB5058481 preview cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2, which includes seven changes, notably the restoration of seconds to the time display in the calendar flyout. This update is part of the routine "optional non-security preview updates" and does not address security vulnerabilities. Users can install the update by navigating to Settings and manually checking for updates. Upon installation, Windows 10 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5917. The update also includes enhancements for user experience and addresses a known issue with NOTO fonts appearing blurry at 96 DPI, particularly affecting CJK text in Chromium-based browsers. A temporary solution is to adjust the display scaling to 125% or 150%.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

I keep all of my software up to date with Winget, and here’s how you can too

Keeping software up to date is essential for an efficient computing environment, as updates introduce new features and fix bugs. The Windows Package Manager, Winget, allows users to manage software installations and updates via the command line interface (CLI) in Windows 11. To check for updates, users can run the command "winget update" in PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator, which shows outdated applications and their current and available versions. For updating a specific application, the command "winget update [application ID]" can be used, while "winget upgrade --all" updates all applications at once. Winget supports various command-line interfaces and has a repository of over 6,000 applications. For users preferring a graphical interface, tools like UniGetUI provide a simpler way to manage updates. Executing "winget upgrade --all" in an elevated CLI window is an easy method for updating all software.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Screw the Windows Search Bar, and Use Command Palette Instead

Mac users utilize Spotlight for searching applications, files, calculations, and web browsing, while Windows users have the Search Bar, which is less versatile. Command Palette is a new keyboard launcher for Windows, replacing PowerToys Run, allowing users to execute commands, search the web, find files, and create custom bookmarks with global keyboard shortcuts. Command Palette is part of PowerToys, which can be downloaded from GitHub, the Microsoft Store, or via the Windows Package Manager. After installing PowerToys version 0.9 or higher, users can enable Command Palette in the settings and customize its keyboard shortcut. Users can search for files by selecting the File search option and typing the desired term, and they can switch between open windows and execute commands in the Terminal. The hidden package manager WinGet allows users to install applications via Command Palette without opening the Terminal. Users can also enhance Command Palette with third-party extensions, which are currently limited but may expand in the future.

BetaBeacon

May 19, 2025

Retroid Pocket 5 Gaming Handheld Is Now Available At Amazon

The Retroid Pocket 5 is a powerful Android gaming handheld device with a 5.5-inch 1080p touch screen, two thumbsticks, D-pad, and standard gaming buttons. It is equipped with an Adreno 650 GPU, Snapdragon 865 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage. The device is compatible with high-end native Android games, retro games, and sixth- and seventh-generation console games. It is available on Amazon for with free shipping, but due to high demand, there may be delivery wait times of around two weeks.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Windows 11’s May update brings a heap of new features

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11, KB5058411, includes enhancements and security fixes. Key features include AI integration in Windows Search for natural language queries, direct access to Microsoft 365 content in File Explorer (subscription required), improved performance for file opening and ZIP unpacking, and aesthetic updates to the interface. The update also removes the blue background for desktop shortcuts based on user feedback and implements various bug fixes. The update will download and install automatically for Windows 11 24H2 users, with an option for manual installation through Windows Update.