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10 Hacks Every Windows Power User Should Know
Winsage
December 24, 2025

10 Hacks Every Windows Power User Should Know

Windows is a widely used computing platform that integrates applications, synchronizes Microsoft Office documents, and provides a gaming environment. It has introduced the Command Palette, a keyboard launcher for accessing various functions, which can be enabled through PowerToys and accessed using the shortcut Windows + Alt + Space. Users can replace the default File Explorer with the Files app, which offers a better interface and features like tabs and dual-pane mode. The ExplorerPatcher app allows users to revert to the Windows 10 Taskbar, while Start 11 enables customization of the Start menu. Seelen UI provides a customizable menu bar and Dock for users transitioning from Mac. PowerToys includes Light Switch for automating dark mode transitions. Snap Layouts helps organize multiple windows, accessible via the Maximize button or Windows + Z shortcut. Winget is a package manager for installing applications with a single command, and UniGetUI offers a graphical interface for app management. Clipboard History can be accessed with Windows + V, and the Ditto app enhances clipboard functionality. Focus Sessions in the Clock app serve as a Pomodoro timer, and the Keyboard Manager in PowerToys allows users to create custom shortcuts and remap keys.
5 tools I still use on Windows 11 that I wish Microsoft included natively
Winsage
November 20, 2025

5 tools I still use on Windows 11 that I wish Microsoft included natively

Windows 11 has introduced updates to its native applications, including the Snipping Tool's new OCR capabilities, Paint's additional utilities, and improvements to File Explorer such as expanded archive format support, a tabbed view, and a revamped Home page. However, users still find a lack of essential features that should be included by default. Key tools that could enhance Windows 11 include: - Monitorian: A minimalist app that allows users to adjust display brightness for external monitors directly from the system tray. - Bulk Crap Uninstaller: A tool that enables batch removal of applications, including Store apps, which is not supported in Windows 11's Settings app. - VLC Media Player: A versatile media player that supports a wide range of formats and simplifies playback without the need for additional codecs. - ExplorerPatcher: A tool that restores the movable Taskbar design from Windows 10, allowing for greater customization. - WinDirStat: A storage management tool that provides a comprehensive view of disk usage and allows users to identify and delete large folders and files easily. These tools highlight the potential for Windows 11 to improve user experience by integrating basic functionalities that are currently missing.
Windows 10 still has the best Start menu, so I brought it back for free
Winsage
November 18, 2025

Windows 10 still has the best Start menu, so I brought it back for free

Windows 11's Start menu has received criticism from some users who believe it lacks the intuitiveness and customization of the Windows 10 Start menu. The Windows 10 Start menu was praised for its design, functionality, and features like Live Tiles, which allowed real-time information access and personalization options such as resizing and organizing tiles. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that enables users to customize the Windows 11 Start menu to resemble that of Windows 10, allowing for features like pinning apps and organizing the menu. Users can download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub and switch the Start menu style with ease. The tool also offers additional customization options, although it has some reported bugs.
Customize Windows 11 to Restore Windows 10 Features and Style
Winsage
September 25, 2025

Customize Windows 11 to Restore Windows 10 Features and Style

Microsoft's Windows 11 features a modern interface with centered taskbars and rounded corners, which may be jarring for users accustomed to Windows 10. To recreate the Windows 10 experience, users can modify the taskbar and Start menu using third-party applications like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher, or through built-in registry edits. These modifications can restore the classic Start menu, reposition the taskbar, and revert context menus to their previous format. Users can also customize File Explorer to resemble its predecessor by enabling classic folder options and disabling new features. Visual elements such as wallpapers and icons can be changed to Windows 10 themes, and widgets can be disabled for a cleaner desktop. Performance optimizations, including disabling animations, can enhance system responsiveness. However, users should be cautious of potential risks associated with customizations, such as system vulnerabilities, and are advised to source tools from reputable developers and test changes in a virtual machine.
5 Windows 11 tweaks that make it feel like Windows 7 again
Winsage
August 2, 2025

5 Windows 11 tweaks that make it feel like Windows 7 again

Windows 11 allows users to customize their interface to evoke elements of Windows 7 through various methods: 1. Taskbar Alignment: Users can move the Start menu to the left by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and setting Taskbar alignment to Left. 2. Classic Wallpapers: Users can download Windows 7 wallpapers online and set them as their desktop background by right-clicking the image and selecting "Set as desktop background." A slideshow can be created in Settings > Personalization > Background. 3. Aero Lite Theme: The Aero Lite theme can be enabled using Winaero Tweaker, which allows users to recreate the glass effect of Windows 7 by selecting Enable Aero Lite. 4. Windows 7 Start Menu: The Open-Shell tool can be downloaded from GitHub to restore the Windows 7 Start menu style, with customization options available in the Open-Shell settings. 5. Taskbar Flyouts: ExplorerPatcher can be used to restore Windows 7 flyouts for battery, volume, and calendar/clock by adjusting settings to the Windows 10 style and modifying the File Explorer interface to resemble Windows 7.
Hate Windows 11? Here's how you can make it work more like Windows 10
Winsage
July 17, 2025

Hate Windows 11? Here’s how you can make it work more like Windows 10

User feedback has significantly influenced the evolution of Windows 11, particularly regarding changes to the user interface that differ from Windows 10. Early adopters expressed frustration, but many have adapted over time, while some still prefer the previous interface. Microsoft removed a considerable amount of legacy code, overhauling key components like the taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer, which has disoriented some users. Microsoft has responded to feedback with updates, including the reinstatement of the Task Manager option in the taskbar's right-click menu and improvements to search functionality in version 22H2, as well as a redesign of File Explorer in version 24H2. Users can reposition the taskbar and Start button, but the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen is still missing. A significant redesign of the Start menu is being tested. Keyboard shortcuts can help users navigate the new layout, and users can disable the widgets feature through Taskbar settings. Third-party applications like ExplorerPatcher, Open Shell, Start11, and StartAllBack offer customization options to revert to a more traditional layout, though they may pose compatibility risks with future updates.
Bring the "Windows 10 look" back to Windows 11 — Everything I changed to restore the desktop UI experience
Winsage
June 24, 2025

Bring the “Windows 10 look” back to Windows 11 — Everything I changed to restore the desktop UI experience

Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 find the new design and interface changes challenging. Windows 11 features a centered Taskbar, a simplified Start menu, and an updated File Explorer and Settings app. Users can customize their Windows 11 experience to resemble Windows 10 by making several adjustments. To align the Taskbar and Start menu to the left, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select "Left" for Taskbar alignment. To show app labels in the Taskbar, users need to select "Never" for the "Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels" setting in the same menu. For those preferring the classic File Explorer, they can access it by searching for Windows Tools in the Start menu and selecting Home or This PC. Users can also change the color scheme by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting "Custom" mode, choosing a dark theme, and enabling accent colors for the Start and taskbar. To display classic desktop icons, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check the desired icons. In Notepad, users can disable new features by adjusting settings in the app to revert to a more classic experience. For further customization, third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher and Windhawk can be used. ExplorerPatcher allows users to restore various interface elements from earlier Windows versions, while Windhawk provides a framework for modifying Windows 11 with community-created mods. Both tools can be installed via the Windows Package Manager and offer options to revert to classic aesthetics.
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