Enhanced customization Archives

Winsage

October 26, 2025

I used older Windows versions, and I think nostalgia has blinded us

Windows XP was the first operating system for many users in the early 2000s but had limitations like cumbersome multitasking and limited customization options. Windows Vista introduced enhanced customization and a search bar but faced criticism for intrusive User Account Control and performance issues. Windows 7 improved user experience and performance but still lacked features like a customizable Start menu and virtual desktops. Windows 8.1 was criticized for its chaotic interface that disrupted desktop users' workflows, despite introducing app snapping and an improved File Explorer. Windows 10 incorporated effective multitasking and a customizable Start menu but received criticism for its bland aesthetics. Windows 11 brought advancements in multitasking and built-in app functionality, along with enhanced security features, but faced challenges like upselling during setup and some users finding unnecessary features.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

Microsoft is finally bringing native video wallpapers to Windows 11 — 16 years after Windows Vista’s DreamScenes

Microsoft is developing a feature for Windows 11 that will allow users to set videos as their desktop wallpapers. This feature, found in the latest preview builds, will support various video formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, and MKV. It aims to provide dynamic visuals on the desktop, playing selected videos seamlessly. The implementation is expected to be user-friendly, similar to the current image-setting process. Although there are concerns about battery life and system performance, the feature indicates a shift towards enhanced customization options in Windows 11. The feature has not been officially announced, but its presence in preview builds suggests a potential rollout soon.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

If Windows 12 looked like this, Microsoft could win us over

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, and many users are hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to design flaws and high system requirements. Alternatives like Tiny11, which creates a lightweight version of Windows 11 for older PCs, are emerging. Tiny11 recently updated to support Windows 11 version 25H2, removing certain Microsoft applications. Microsoft is set to roll out Windows 11 version 25H2 without new features. Speculation about a potential Windows 12 continues, with concept designer Abdi presenting a vision for "Brilliant Windows 12," which includes features like "Collectzone" for wallpaper organization and enhanced customization options. Microsoft’s CVP hinted at a future operating system that would leverage AI for a more integrated experience. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide continued security support for Windows 10 users post-cutoff, but critics argue it does not meet the needs of the estimated 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft is projected to earn over a billion from the ESU program in the first year after Windows 10's end-of-life.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

If Windows 12 looked like this, Microsoft could win us over

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, and many users are hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to design flaws and high system requirements. Tiny11 is an alternative tool that creates a lightweight version of Windows 11 for older PCs, recently updated to support Windows 11 version 25H2. Microsoft is set to roll out Windows 11 version 25H2 from September to October without new features. Concept designer Abdi has created a concept video for "Brilliant Windows 12," which includes features like "Collectzone" for wallpaper collections, merged Control Panel and settings, Quick Interactive Settings, and enhanced customization options. Microsoft claims Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 PCs, but some users view the end of Windows 10 support as "programmed obsolescence." A public interest research group has petitioned against discontinuing Windows 10 support, fearing it could lead to a significant increase in discarded computers. HP and Dell report that half of current PCs still run Windows 10, raising security concerns. Microsoft expects to earn over a billion from its Extended Security Updates program after Windows 10's end-of-life.

Winsage

September 2, 2025

Windows 11 adds a wealth of new features with optional August update

KB5064081 is an optional update for Windows 11 24H2 that introduces a personalized start page for the AI-driven Recall feature, a new navigation bar, a "Recent Snapshots" section, and "Top Apps" and "Top Websites" sections. It adds a seconds display to the Notification Center clock (requiring user activation), enhanced customization options for lock screen widgets, a revamped Windows Hello interface, and a revised Task Manager with uniform CPU performance display. After installation, the build number will be 26100.5074, and it will become a mandatory update during the next Patch Tuesday in September.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Windows 11’s top File Explorer alternative just scored a huge win for power users

The Files app on Windows 11 has been updated to version 3.9.14, introducing a new Signatures page in the properties window for viewing digital signatures associated with files. This feature was previously only available in File Explorer. The update also includes enhanced customization options, such as a Dual Pane setting and improved terminology for the "Add pane" action, now called "Split pane." Users can resize columns in the Column View layout and a header displaying the current search query will now appear during searches. Version 3.9.14 is currently in preview mode, and users on the stable version need to download the Files Preview app to access these new features.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

7 features Windows 12 needs to borrow from its competitors

Microsoft has confirmed that the 2024 update will be Windows 11 version 24H2, not Windows 12. Nvidia may wait for Windows 12 to launch its N1X processor for laptops. Potential features for Windows 12 include a streamlined menu bar inspired by macOS, the ability to pin files to the dock from ChromeOS, a native preview feature similar to macOS's Preview, a Quick Insert menu like that on Chromebooks, offline setup options as seen in Linux, enhanced customization options akin to Linux Mint, and a more efficient search function similar to macOS's Spotlight.

Tech Optimizer

July 25, 2025

Best antivirus software for Windows in 2025

Microsoft Defender is the most suitable free antivirus solution for most users, integrated into Windows 10 and 11 by default. It requires no additional effort from users, making it a convenient choice for everyday protection. For paid antivirus options, Bitdefender Total Security is priced from .99 or £49.99 annually for up to five devices, offering extensive features including malware detection, a VPN, and parental controls. Avast One starts at .88 or £32.49 per year for three devices and has a high malware detection rate, along with a built-in firewall and VPN functionality. F-Secure Total begins at .99 or £59.99 per year for one device, providing network protection at the router level and alerting users about compromised services.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

After 4 years, Windows 11 finally beats Windows 10

Four years after its launch, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 as the most widely used version of Windows, with 52% of users on Windows 11 compared to 44.59% on Windows 10. Six months prior, Windows 11 had only 35% market share. The shift in user adoption has been influenced by Microsoft's announcement of an end date for Windows 10 support in October 2025 and the introduction of the Windows Backup for Organizations tool, which has facilitated upgrades for businesses. Despite appealing upgrades, users have expressed frustrations with certain features, such as the right-click menu, which some find less intuitive. Microsoft is rolling out updates to improve user experience, including enabling USB-C ports on certified PCs and introducing new AI features.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 11 gets a fresh new Start menu and it’s one of the most useful changes to the UI in yonks

Windows 11 has received an update to the Start menu that enhances customization and accessibility for users in the Insider Program. This update allows users to create a scrollable list of applications and categorize them according to personal preferences, improving access to frequently used apps. Users can now switch between Category, Grid, or List views directly from the Start menu, simplifying the customization process. The update also expands scrolling capability, reducing the need for multiple clicks to access additional recommendations and promoting a more organized workspace. Users interested in this functionality can join the Windows Insider Program to select their update channel.