folder Archives

BetaBeacon

December 28, 2024

I replaced my Android launcher with a game emulation hub, and it (mostly) worked

ES-DE Frontend is a paid app that brings all emulators and games into a unified UI, but it does not emulate anything. The most difficult part of the installation process is setting up RetroArch. The app allows for customization with various themes and the addition of Android apps and games through external tools. However, the app lacks touch controls, only works in landscape mode, and requires manual scrolling to access apps, making it less suitable for daily use. Tasker can be used as a workaround to switch the launcher to ES-DE when a controller is attached. Despite its limitations, ES-DE Frontend is recommended for Android-based gaming handhelds.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

How to create your own bootable Windows 11 SSD for the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck operates on Linux, which limits access to certain games and services that require Windows, such as PC Game Pass titles and multiplayer games with anti-cheat software. Users can integrate Windows 11 into their Steam Deck by creating a portable version on a USB-C SSD. Recommended SSD options include the Crucial X6 2 TB SSD or a Genki SavePoint SSD enclosure for M.2 2230-size SSDs. To download Windows 11, users should visit Microsoft's website and select the appropriate ISO file. Creating a bootable drive involves using Rufus to set up the SSD with Windows 11. After downloading Valve's official drivers for the Steam Deck, users can boot into Windows by connecting the SSD and selecting it from the drive selector screen. Adjustments may be needed for display settings, and installing the Steam Deck drivers is recommended for optimal functionality. Once set up, users can access a wider range of PC gaming experiences, including the Xbox app for PC Game Pass titles.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How I virtualized my Windows 11 PC using Disk2vhd and VirtualBox

Virtualization technology allows users to create a virtualized instance of their primary operating system using tools like Disk2vhd and VirtualBox. Disk2vhd is a free utility that converts storage drives into .vhd files for Physical to Virtual migration of Windows 11. The process involves downloading Disk2vhd, running it with administrator privileges, selecting drives, and creating the .vhd file while disabling the Use vhdx and Prepare for use in virtual PC options, but enabling Use Volume Shadow Copy for external drives. To deploy a virtual machine in VirtualBox, users must ensure CPU virtualization is enabled in the BIOS, install VirtualBox, and create a new VM by specifying its name, storage folder, type as Microsoft Windows, and version as Windows 11 (64-bit). Users then allocate memory and processors, select the option to use an existing virtual hard disk, browse for the .vhd file, and finish the setup. Once the VM is deployed, it should boot into the Windows 11 environment. If it loads the recovery environment, users can follow prompts to repair the system. However, running Windows 11 in a VM may lead to performance issues unless the host system has a high-end processor and sufficient RAM and CPU cores allocated. This project allows experimentation with the daily driver without risking its integrity.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Minecraft Fisk’s Superheroes mod: Features, installation guide, and more

The Minecraft Fisk's Superheroes mod features over 90 powers and abilities inspired by various heroes and villains, enhancing gameplay with items, suits, and armor. It can be installed using the Curseforge loader or manually by placing a downloaded ZIP file into the mods folder. Players can battle creetles for iridescent gold to unlock suits and refine minerals for blueprints. The mod supports community-created add-ons called Heropacks, which expand the variety of powers and suits. Each suit has unique powers, and players can mix and match armor sets for diverse combinations. To expand offerings, players can download Heropacks from the community marketplace and place them in the Heropacks folder.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Microsoft Edge drops yellow for folders (favourites), gets monoline transparent look

Microsoft Edge has updated to version 131.0.2903.112, introducing a design shift that replaces the yellow-themed favorites folders with a monoline, transparent aesthetic. This change has received mixed reactions from users, with some expressing ambivalence and frustration over the lack of customization options. A temporary workaround exists for reverting to the classic yellow folder icons by modifying the msedge.exe shortcut. Additionally, Microsoft Edge is set to introduce new features, including pop-ups to encourage users to set it as the default browser and enhancements like on-device AI capabilities and improved PDF reading with OCR technology.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

Asus bombards Windows 11 with christmas.exe malware-like Christmas wreath banner

A festive banner featuring a Christmas wreath and labeled “Christmas.exe” has appeared on some ASUS PCs, causing confusion among users who feared it was malware. This banner is part of a promotional campaign integrated into the Armoury Crate software, which comes pre-installed on certain ASUS systems. Users reported that the banner occupies a large portion of the screen and prompts them to “Press ESC to exit.” The association with the process “Christmas.exe” in Task Manager heightened concerns about a potential ransomware attack. The process is located within ASUS program files and is tied to the Aura effects in the Armoury Crate software. Users expressed frustration over its intrusive nature and reported issues like RAM leaks. To prevent these promotions, users can uninstall ASUS Armoury Crate or disable it from the BIOS. The banner is expected to disappear after the holiday season.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

How to Transfer Photos from Your Android Phone to a Windows PC

Transferring photos from an Android device to a Windows PC can be done using several methods, compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. 1. USB Cable: Connect the Android phone to the PC via USB, change the USB mode to "File Transfer," open File Explorer, navigate to the photos in the Internal Storage or DCIM folder, and drag the photos to a destination folder on the PC. 2. Windows Photos App: Connect the phone using a USB cable, open the Photos app on the PC, click on the Import button, select the Android device, choose the photos to import, and select a destination folder. 3. Google Photos: Ensure backup is enabled in the Google Photos app on the phone, access Google Photos on the PC, select the desired photos, and download them as a ZIP file. 4. Microsoft OneDrive: Install OneDrive on the phone, enable Camera Upload, and access the uploaded photos in the OneDrive folder on the PC. 5. Microsoft’s Phone Link: Install the Phone Link app on the PC, link the phone, view photos in the app, and save individual photos by right-clicking and selecting Save As.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has identified new issues affecting the upgrade to Windows 11's version 24H2, including a glitch with Auto HDR that may cause game freezes and color distortions. Start11 has been updated to reintroduce vertical taskbars, allowing users to position the taskbar on the left or right side of the screen, with a beta release expected to become final soon. USBCopy is a new tool that allows users to copy files from a designated folder to up to 20 USB devices simultaneously, ensuring data integrity by verifying correct file copying.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Clean up your PC: Deep cleaning with professional tricks

Maintaining a tidy digital environment is essential for optimizing the performance of a Windows PC. Regular decluttering frees up storage space and enhances overall efficiency. 1. Check Memory Utilization: Access Settings (Win+I) > System > Memory to view memory usage, including temporary files and installed applications. The "Other" category shows large folders for potential deletion, and you can uninstall unnecessary programs under Apps > Installed apps. Temporary files can be removed under System > Storage > Temporary files. 2. Windows 11 Cleanup Functions: Go to System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations to find storage space occupied by downloads, the recycle bin, and Previous Windows installations. Select areas to clean and click the cleanup button. 3. Free Up Storage Space: Enable Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage to automate cleanup processes, customizing frequency and recycle bin retention. 4. Relocate Standard Storage Locations: In System > Storage > Advanced storage settings, designate alternative drives for new content to keep the primary drive uncluttered. 5. Change Storage Location for Apps: Specify a different drive when installing new applications. For Microsoft Store apps, go to Apps > Installed apps and select Move. 6. Clean Up Discs: Use the Disk Cleanup tool (cleanmgr) to delete unnecessary files. The Clean up system files option reveals additional files for removal. 7. Delete Browser Data: Clear browser cache as needed to improve performance, managing data through browser settings. 8. Optimize Autostart: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to disable unnecessary startup programs. Tools like Autoruns can help manage autostart entries for efficient booting. Additional software options like Bleachbit and Ccleaner can provide deeper insights for system maintenance.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Three easy ways to crop images on Windows 11 — no extra tools needed

Users on Windows 11 can crop images using built-in applications like Snipping Tool, Photos, and Paint without needing third-party software. To crop an image using Snipping Tool: 1. Open File Explorer and locate the image. 2. Right-click the image, select "Open with," and choose Snipping Tool. 3. Click the Image Crop button and adjust the borders. 4. Click Apply and then "Save as" to save the cropped image. To crop an image using Photos: 1. Launch the Photos app and open the image. 2. Click the Edit button and select the Crop tool. 3. Drag the borders or choose a crop format. 4. Click Done, then "Save as copy" to save the cropped image. To crop an image using Paint: 1. Open Paint and select Open from the File menu. 2. Choose the image and click Open. 3. Drag the borders or use the Select tool, then click Crop. 4. Save the cropped image by selecting Save as from the File menu. Each application provides effective cropping options, with Photos offering additional editing tools for photography enthusiasts.