Explorer

Winsage
March 6, 2025
Microsoft's Windows 11 features a new visual identity with a centered taskbar and Start menu, which has received mixed reactions. Users who prefer a traditional layout can use third-party tools to restore the classic appearance. Notable alternatives include the Windows Vista 2025 Edition and the Windows 20 theme, which can be applied to Windows 11 for an aesthetic upgrade. The Windows 20 theme is flexible and can be uninstalled easily. LinkVegas has created a video showcasing the enhancements of the Windows 20 Style Theme, along with an installation guide. The theme files are available on GitHub, and testing on a virtualized version of Windows 11 is recommended.
Winsage
March 5, 2025
A new build of Windows NT for PowerPC, named Entii for WorkCubes, has been optimized for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles, available on GitHub. This build theoretically supports the Wii U but does not utilize its additional PowerPC cores or enhanced GPU capabilities. YouTuber @emukid_id has showcased the installation and functionality of this build, including a gameplay session of The Ultimate Doom at a low resolution. The build supports various peripherals, including a GameCube controller with a keyboard, and utilizes the standard USB ports on the Wii and Wii U for expanded input options. However, online functionalities are limited, and compatibility with modern web pages is poor. The GameCube has 24MB of system RAM, while the Wii has a CPU-overclocked architecture and upgraded GPU. Future support for NT 3.5 on the Wii U could enhance the experience by utilizing its 1GB of RAM and triple CPU cores.
Winsage
March 4, 2025
Microsoft released updates for Windows 11 Insider Builds, including Build 27802 for the Canary Channel and Builds 22635.5015 or 26120.3360 for the Beta Channel. Customizable lock screen widgets are now available to Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing users to add, remove, and rearrange widgets like Weather, Watchlist, Sports, and Traffic. A new group policy, "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen," enables IT administrators to disable these widgets on managed PCs, currently limited to EEA regions. Build 26120.3360 includes an updated Task Manager that calculates CPU utilization using standard metrics and introduces an optional CPU Utility column for those preferring the previous method. A new file sharing feature allows users to share files directly to apps from File Explorer or the desktop. Build 22635.5015 tests a new system tray icon for the emoji and more panel, enhancing discoverability and allowing customization through taskbar settings.
Winsage
March 3, 2025
Process Explorer is a tool from the Sysinternals Suite that serves as an alternative to the Windows Task Manager, providing advanced system monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. It offers detailed information about processes, including paths and descriptions, and allows users to inspect or delete files. The tool integrates with VirusTotal to scan running processes for malware, provides real-time monitoring of CPU, GPU, RAM, and I/O activity with precise graphs, and enables users to forcefully kill stubborn processes or terminate entire process trees. Additionally, it helps users identify which processes are using locked files, facilitating better file management.
Winsage
March 3, 2025
Microsoft released updates for Windows 11 Insider Builds, including Build 27802 for the Canary Channel and Builds 22635.5015 and 26120.3360 for the Beta Channel. Customizable lock screen widgets have been introduced for Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing users to manage widgets like Weather and Sports. A new group policy, “Disable Widgets On Lock Screen,” is also available for IT administrators to manage widget settings. The Task Manager has updated its CPU utilization calculations to align with industry standards, with an optional CPU Utility column added. A new feature allows users to share files directly to apps via right-click in File Explorer. Additionally, a new system tray icon is being tested for easier access to emojis and GIFs, with a keyboard shortcut (WIN + .) highlighted for user convenience.
Winsage
March 3, 2025
Windows services are essential for the functionality of the operating system, and while many can be deactivated, caution is advised. Daemon Master is a tool that allows users to configure executables, shortcuts, or batch files as services that start automatically with Windows. To create a service with Daemon Master, users must launch the application, click “New,” assign a service name and display name, and optionally add a description. The default start type is “Automatic,” and users can specify the path to the desired EXE file. After saving, the service will appear as “stopped” and can be started by right-clicking and selecting “Start service.” Services run in the background, but users can access the program window temporarily by selecting “Start service on desktop.” Services can be managed by starting, pausing, resuming, or stopping them, and unnecessary third-party services can be disabled through the system configuration. Troubleshooting can involve restarting specific services, like the Print Spooler for printing issues. To delete a service, users must identify its name, stop it using the command prompt, and then delete it with the sc.exe tool. Tools like Autoruns can also be used for managing services. While deactivating services may not improve performance, it can reduce security vulnerabilities, and programs like Ashampoo Winoptimizer can help users assess the necessity of installed services.
Winsage
March 1, 2025
The default file manager on Windows, Windows Explorer, often lacks functionality for power users, leading many to seek alternative file managers or enhancements. QuickLook allows users to preview files, while the Explorer Tab Utility introduces a tabbed layout. TeraCopy is an add-on that replaces the native file copying system, offering features such as the ability to skip problematic files during transfers, queue multiple copying tasks sequentially, and maintain a log of file transfers. TeraCopy integrates with the Windows shell and learns user habits for quicker access to frequently used folders. However, its user interface may be intimidating for beginners due to the abundance of information displayed. TeraCopy has become essential for enhancing file copying efficiency.
Winsage
March 1, 2025
Microsoft is celebrating 50 years of innovation in the technology sector this April. MS-DOS, acquired by Microsoft in 1981, was the precursor to modern graphical operating systems. Windows 95, released in 1995, introduced features like the Start menu and taskbar, requiring a minimum of an Intel 386DS CPU, 4 MB of RAM, and over 50 MB of hard drive space. Microsoft Office 95, launched in 1995, bundled Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, becoming a cornerstone of productivity software. DirectX, launched in 1995, became integral to gaming development, with Doom 95 being the first DirectX game. Microsoft Azure, launched in 2008, has grown to over 600 services and commands a 20% share of the cloud market as of the third quarter of 2024.
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