external monitors Archives

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Windows 11’s new update is reportedly proving a nightmare to install for some, but I’m hardly surprised given its messy rollout

Windows 11's latest update has caused installation issues and bugs for many users. An initial update was paused due to conflicts with an anti-cheat tool, leading to game crashes. A revised patch, KB5063060, has also presented problems, including installation failures, boot loops, taskbar freezes, and issues with external monitors and Bluetooth devices. Gamers continue to experience difficulties with titles like Star Citizen, Fortnite, and efootball25, despite attempts to resolve compatibility issues. Users are advised to manually download the update from Microsoft's website or wait for further fixes, as uninstalling the patch is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Connected Displays: Android 16’s game-changing multitasking feature lands on select Pixels

Developers and select Pixel devices are currently experiencing the enhanced connected displays feature through the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 release. This feature allows users to connect their smartphones to external monitors, transfer apps seamlessly, and enhances productivity. It supports desktop windowing, flexible window tiling, multiple desktop sessions, and a new taskbar for easier app switching. The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 is available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. The Google Pixel 9 features a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch Actua Display, a dual-camera system with 50MP wide and 48MP ultrawide lenses, a 4,700 mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and promises seven years of OS and security updates in an IP68 water-resistant design.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft imposes new rules on Windows 11 laptop makers to ensure they don’t cut corners with key features of USB-C ports

Microsoft has introduced new regulations to standardize USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops, ensuring that all ports provide essential functionalities: display support, PC charging support, and data transfer. The updated Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) mandates that every USB-C port must adhere to a minimum standard of functionality, allowing users to connect external monitors, charge devices, and transfer data efficiently. Ports supporting USB 40Gbps will also be compatible with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals. These requirements are effective with the release of Windows 11 24H2. While the regulations establish a baseline, variations in specifications such as supported displays, power delivery capacity, and data transfer speeds may still exist and should be detailed in laptop specifications.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Which USB Port Is This? Microsoft Vows To End The Lottery

The USB-C connector has become complex, with varying standards causing confusion among users. Microsoft found that over 25% of users encounter errors when connecting USB-C devices due to unsupported functionalities. To address this, Microsoft plans to establish a minimum standard for USB-C port capabilities on personal computers, which will be part of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program. Future USB-C ports will support device charging, DisplayPort Alt-mode, and compatibility with USB 40Gbps, USB4, and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals. However, not all USB-C ports will operate at the same speeds, and existing devices will not receive these enhancements, meaning it may take years for users to benefit from the new standards.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

You’re running out of time to get Windows 11 Pro for $20

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for .97 during an end-of-year sale (regularly 9). Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in 2025. Windows 11 Pro features a user-friendly interface, redesigned Start Menu, centered taskbar, Snap Layouts, and Virtual Desktops for improved workflow and multitasking. It includes advanced security features such as biometric logins, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox. For gaming, it offers DirectX 12 Ultimate, Auto HDR, and DirectStorage. Windows 11 Pro integrates with Azure Active Directory, supports Remote Desktop, and allows easy docking with external monitors. The sale price reflects a 90% discount.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

5 custom keyboard shortcuts you should set in Windows

Keyboard shortcuts enhance productivity for Windows 11 users, and customization options can further streamline workflows. 1. Users with a 2024 laptop can reassign the Copilot key to launch any modern application, allowing quick access to packaged MSIX apps. 2. Users can set a keyboard shortcut to launch their favorite web browser by right-clicking the shortcut in File Explorer and selecting Properties. 3. The Screen Rotate app can restore screen rotation functionality with the following shortcuts: - Ctrl + Alt + R: Rotates the screen 90 degrees to the left. - Ctrl + Alt + A: Rotates the screen 90 degrees from the default position. - Ctrl + Alt + D: Rotates the screen 90 degrees to the right. - Ctrl + Alt + S: Rotates the screen 180 degrees (upside down). - Ctrl + Alt + D: Restores the screen to the default position. 4. Applications like Twinkle Tray or Click MonitorDDC allow users to create customizable shortcuts for adjusting brightness and volume on external monitors. 5. The PowerToys suite includes a Video Conference Mute tool with global hotkeys: - Windows + Shift + A: Mutes the microphone. - Windows + Shift + O: Turns off the camera. - Windows + Shift + Q: Turns off both microphone and camera.

Winsage

November 19, 2024

Microsoft goes thin client with $349 Windows 365 Link

Microsoft is introducing the Windows 365 Link, a fanless device designed to connect users to a Windows desktop hosted in the Microsoft cloud, currently in preview. It operates without local apps or storage but offers local processing for high-fidelity experiences like WebEx or Teams. The device includes dual 4K monitor support, four USB ports, an audio port, an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. It is priced at 9, set for general availability in April 2025, which is significantly higher than competitors like Dell's OptiPlex 3000 Thin Client, priced around 9. The Windows 365 Link does not carry the Surface branding, and it is unclear if the price includes a Windows 365 license. Windows 365 subscriptions range from to 2 per user per month. The device is made from environmentally friendly materials, with a top shield of 90% post-consumer recycled aluminum alloy and a bottom plate of 100% pre-consumer recycled aluminum alloy. It is available in preview across several countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The device may serve as a desktop replacement for organizations within the Microsoft ecosystem but lacks mobility and traditional PC functionality.

Winsage

October 27, 2024

Working at a computer all day? Use these tips to make Windows 11 easier on your eyes

Many individuals spend long hours on Windows 11 PCs, which can lead to eye strain and discomfort. To alleviate these issues, users can adjust screen brightness using the Quick Actions panel, customize the size and color of the mouse cursor in the Accessibility settings, and modify text and icon scaling in the Display settings. Enabling dark mode can reduce eye strain, while the Night light feature helps minimize blue light exposure. Color filters are available for colorblind users, and contrast themes can enhance visual clarity for those needing more distinction between UI elements. Implementing these adjustments can improve comfort and productivity.

Winsage

September 17, 2024

6 best Windows tweaks I can’t live without

- Disabling power-saving brightness adjustments on laptops to ensure consistent screen brightness. - Enabling dark mode to reduce eye strain and enhance aesthetic during extended use, especially at night. - Disabling OneDrive backups to avoid clutter and confusion from automatic syncing of Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders. - Using Flow Launcher to quickly launch applications, access settings, and execute commands, enhancing productivity. - Utilizing ClickMonitorDDC or Twinkle Tray for adjusting brightness and contrast on external monitors directly from the desktop. - Implementing PowerToys FancyZones to create customizable snapping layouts for better window organization on large screens.

Winsage

August 16, 2024

3 reasons why Twinkle Tray is an essential Windows app for desktop users

Twinkle Tray is an application for Windows 11 that allows users to control the brightness of both internal and external monitors from the taskbar. It addresses the limitation of Windows' built-in brightness slider, which only works for internal displays. The app supports all major communication methods for monitors, enabling seamless brightness adjustments without navigating complex menus. For users with multiple monitors, Twinkle Tray displays the brightness levels of all connected monitors in one view and allows linking for synchronized adjustments. It offers customization options for different monitor models and features automation for scheduled brightness changes and dimming after inactivity. Users can also use hotkeys and scroll over the system tray icon for quick adjustments.