File History Archives

Winsage

October 29, 2025

How I unlocked God Mode in Windows 11 – and the wonders I can do with it

God Mode in Windows 11 is a feature that allows users to create a special folder for centralized access to a wide range of settings, including Backup and Restore, Color Management, Devices and Printers, Ease of Access, File History, Mouse configurations, Power Options, Programs and Features, Security and Maintenance, Speech Recognition, Troubleshooting, and User Accounts. To set up God Mode, users need to right-click on the desktop, select New, then Folder, and enter the string "explorer shell:::{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}" in the location field before clicking Next.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

5 hidden features in Windows you probably didn’t know about

- ClickLock allows users to mimic a sustained mouse click by holding down the mouse button for about a second, enabling actions like text highlighting without continuous pressure. - Windows 11 includes screen savers that can be activated after a period of inactivity, with options like 3D Text, Bubbles, Mystify, Photos, and Ribbons. - The "God Mode Folder" provides a centralized view of various Windows settings and Control Panel utilities within File Explorer, created by renaming a folder to "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}". - Users can generate a detailed battery report by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and entering the command "powercfg /batteryreport," which saves the report in the System32 folder. - File History allows users to maintain a continuously synchronized backup of their libraries by connecting an external or network drive, automating the backup process and enabling restoration of previous file versions.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Windows 10/11 with/without Backup

Data loss can occur due to human error, software malfunctions, hardware failures, system crashes, and issues with cloud storage services. Immediate recovery methods include restoring files from the Recycle Bin, using the Undo Delete feature, and utilizing the File History feature. For recovery with a backup, methods include restoring files via Google Drive and using the Windows Backup & Restore feature. For permanently deleted files without a backup, options include using free data recovery software and the Windows built-in app. Tips to prevent file deletion include enabling the Recycle Bin and File History, using cloud storage for backups, double-checking before deletion, considering third-party backup tools, and safeguarding against malware.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Don’t Delete This Empty Folder on Windows 11

The "inetpub" folder, which appeared after the latest Patch Tuesday update on Windows 11, is part of a security enhancement addressing the CVE-2025-21204 vulnerability that could allow attackers to modify system files. Users are advised not to delete this folder, as it contributes to increased protection. If deleted, it can be restored by navigating to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, selecting "Turn Windows features on or off," checking the box next to Internet Information Services, and clicking OK. This process recreates the folder with the same security protections.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows 11 Update Issues and What To Do About Them

Windows 11 version 24H2 has introduced significant issues, including blue screens of death (BSOD) and device bricking associated with update KB5043145. Users have reported problems such as black screens, corrupted boot sectors, and non-functional system restore points. Businesses are facing complications like failed domain join operations, group policy errors, and stalled WSUS updates. Specific issues include Remote Desktop disconnections after update KB5050094, the removal of the Windows Copilot app in March 2025, blocked BIOS updates for Lenovo ThinkPad users, and gaming performance problems for titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Microsoft is aware of these issues but is slow to provide solutions. Users are advised to use built-in troubleshooters, roll back problematic updates, pause updates, manually update drivers, and back up their systems before major updates.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Microsoft recommends a 15-year-old tool for Windows 10 and 11

Microsoft has recommended the use of "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)," a tool that has been around for over 15 years, despite officially discontinuing support for it with the release of Windows 10 version 1709. This recommendation highlights the persistence of legacy features in Windows, as the tool remains functional for restoring systems from older versions of Windows to newer ones. Modern backup options from Microsoft, such as System Restore, File History, and System Protection, have significant limitations, leading to fragmented solutions for users. The coexistence of outdated tools with newer interfaces creates inconsistencies and mixed messages from Microsoft regarding backup solutions. Users considering Backup and Restore (Windows 7) should be cautious, as it is no longer being developed and may not perform reliably on modern operating systems. Third-party backup tools are suggested as more dependable alternatives.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

How to use Windows 11 Volume Shadow Copy for backing up files

Windows 11 includes a feature called Shadow Copy, which allows users to create backups of files and maintain a history of previous versions. To set up Shadow Copy, users must use Task Scheduler to automate backups. The process involves creating a new task, configuring triggers and actions, and ensuring specific settings are enabled. Backed-up files are stored in a hidden folder and can be accessed through the Previous Versions feature in File Explorer. Users can also utilize System Restore and File History for additional backup options. Shadow Copy has been part of Windows for over two decades and is designed to protect against accidental deletions or modifications, but not against hardware failures or theft.

Winsage

August 30, 2024

Did you know Windows 11 has a God Mode? Here’s what it can do

God Mode in Windows 11 is a special folder that consolidates shortcuts to over 200 settings and options within the Control Panel, making navigation easier. To enable God Mode, users create a new folder on the desktop, rename it to "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}", and the folder icon changes to indicate activation. Users can manage BitLocker drive encryption, adjust network settings, customize energy settings, add Bluetooth devices, back up files, correct date and time settings, and adjust accessibility features through this mode. To disable God Mode, users can delete the folder.

Winsage

July 19, 2024

How to use File History to backup your data automatically on Windows

- Before setting up File History, you need an external storage device such as a USB drive or a NAS device. - To set up File History in Windows 11, search for it in the Start menu, connect the external drive, and select Turn on. - To add new locations to File History, add file folders to a Library. - To change the backup interval and retention settings of File History, go to the Advanced settings menu. - To restore files from a File History backup, open File History, select Restore personal files, and choose the file to restore. - Windows File History is a quick way to keep files backed up without the cloud, but it is not a replacement for image backups and requires an external drive to be connected.