Explorer Patcher Archives

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Can you still enable classic Alt+Tab in Windows 11 24H2?

Microsoft has removed the classic Alt+Tab interface in Windows 11, particularly with the 24H2 update, and has made it impossible to restore this feature through registry tweaks or third-party applications. Users have attempted to create a DWORD value named AltTabSettings in the Windows Registry to revive the classic menu, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. The modern Alt+Tab layout introduced in the 22H2 update features larger icons and thumbnails, contrasting with the minimalist design of the classic interface. The removal of the classic Alt+Tab is viewed as a significant loss for users who appreciate retro-themed aesthetics in their operating system.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Permanently remove “Learn more about this picture” icon in Windows 11

Windows 11 users enabling the Spotlight feature for desktop backgrounds often encounter the "Learn more about this picture" icon, which many find distracting. Microsoft has not provided an option to remove this icon through Personalization settings, leading to significant feedback on the Microsoft Feedback Hub. Users can disable Spotlight entirely to avoid the icon or modify the Registry Editor to remove it while keeping Spotlight active. The steps include navigating to a specific registry path, creating a new DWORD value, and changing its data. Alternatively, users can use third-party applications like Explorer Patcher to hide the icon easily.

Winsage

October 7, 2024

The best Windows tweaking and customization tools on GitHub [Part 1]

Windows operating systems provide customization options, and third-party tools enhance personalization. Notable tools include: - xd-AntiSpy: Targets Windows 10 and 11, focusing on privacy by disabling telemetry and tracking. - Optimizer: Disables telemetry, adjusts system settings, and improves startup efficiency. - ExplorerBlurMica: Enhances File Explorer with background blur and customizable transparency effects. - Lively Wallpaper: Allows the use of web pages, videos, or GIFs as interactive desktop backgrounds. - PowerToys: Microsoft’s open-source utility suite for power users, featuring tools like FancyZones and a new Workspaces module. - Rainmeter: Enables desktop customization with widgets and skins for displaying information. - simplewall: Manages network activity with custom rules and monitoring capabilities. - Notepads: A modern text editor with multi-tab support and advanced features. - ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionalities and modifies Explorer settings. - Files: A modern File Explorer alternative with dual-pane browsing and improved file management.

Winsage

July 29, 2024

How to Make Windows 11 Look and Feel Like Windows 10 | Tom’s Hardware

Nearly three years after its launch, Windows 11 holds 29% of the PC operating system market, while Windows 10 dominates with 66%. User dissatisfaction with Windows 11's interface, including a cumbersome Start menu and a non-resizable taskbar, contributes to this disparity. The end of support for Windows 10 is set for 2025, increasing pressure for users to transition to Windows 11, especially for new computer purchases. Several tools have emerged to help users customize their experience in Windows 11: - Start11: Developed by Stardock Systems, it allows users to revert to a Windows 10-like Start Menu. It is priced at .99 for a single PC or .99 for a five-pack, with a free 30-day trial available. - StartAllBack: This alternative offers a Windows 7 aesthetic and is priced at .99 for a single copy. - Open-Shell: An open-source project that revives the Classic Shell concept, focusing on a Windows 7 interface. - WinAero Tweaker: Created by Sergey Tkachenko, it consolidates nearly 200 tweaks into 21 categories for adjusting settings related to appearance, taskbar, and file explorer. - Explorer Patcher: An open-source tool that restores classic File Explorer and taskbar functionalities. For advanced users, registry editing can provide further customization options. Key modifications include: - To restore the classic Windows 10 taskbar, navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShellUpdatePackages, create a DWORD (32-bit) value named UndockingDisabled, set its value to 1, and restart Windows. - To turn off the search box in the taskbar, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSearch, modify the Searchbox TaskbarMode value from 1 to 0. - To disable rounded corners, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsDWM, create a DWORD (32-bit) value named UseWindowFrameStagingBuffer, and leave it set to 0. - To ungroup taskbar icons, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer, create a DWORD (32-bit) value named NoTaskGrouping, and set its value to 1. These modifications and tools aim to enhance the user experience in Windows 11, making it more familiar to those accustomed to Windows 10.

Winsage

July 28, 2024

Explorer Patcher gets a brand new update, including a Windows 10 taskbar mode and Arm64 support

Explorer Patcher has been updated to fully support Windows 11 24H2 and includes new features such as support for Arm-powered devices. A notable addition is Taskbar10, which allows users to switch to a Windows 10-like taskbar by selecting "Windows 10 (ExplorerPatcher)" in the taskbar settings. This feature is available only for specific builds: 22621, 22631, and 22635. Users may experience antivirus false positives when downloading the app and are advised to add it as an exception in their antivirus settings. The app can be downloaded from the Explorer Patcher GitHub page.