folder Archives

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Windows 11 Has a Settings Problem — God Mode Is Still the Best Fix in 2026

Windows 11 God Mode is a folder that provides a searchable interface for every Control Panel setting, making it a useful tool for users. Despite the introduction of the new Settings app in Windows 11, many settings still redirect users back to the Control Panel, indicating that the transition to a unified interface is incomplete as of March 2026. Users often find themselves navigating through multiple pages in Settings to access certain features that remain in the legacy Control Panel. God Mode simplifies this process by allowing users to quickly find settings without navigating through various menus. To set up God Mode, users can create a new folder on their desktop and rename it to a specific string, which transforms it into a Control Panel icon. This setup works for both Windows 11 Home and Pro without requiring administrative rights.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Your Windows 11 File Explorer stutters because of an XP-era feature you can turn off in seconds

Windows 11's File Explorer has received mixed reviews, particularly due to delays in opening folders caused by the Automatic Folder Type Discovery feature. This feature scans folder contents to determine the best view, which can lead to frustrating delays, especially in folders with many files. Users can disable this feature through a registry edit, specifically by creating a new string value named FolderType and setting it to NotSpecified in the Registry Editor. After making this change and restarting the PC or File Explorer, the delays associated with Automatic Folder Type Discovery will be eliminated.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

The 73 Essential Windows 11 Tricks That’ll Save You Hours Every Week

Windows 11 is designed for efficiency and speed, featuring numerous keyboard shortcuts and macros that enhance productivity. Key shortcuts include: - Basic Shortcuts: - Ctrl + A: Select all items - Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy - Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste - Ctrl + X: Cut - Ctrl + Z: Undo - Ctrl + Y: Redo - Ctrl + N: Open new File Explorer window - Windows key + F1: Open Bing search for help - Alt + F4: Close current app - Alt + Tab: Switch between apps - Shift + Delete: Permanently delete item - Start Menu and Taskbar Shortcuts: - Windows key or Ctrl + Esc: Open Start menu - Windows key + X: Open secret Start menu - Windows key + T: Cycle through taskbar apps - Windows key + [Number]: Open pinned app - Windows key + Alt + [Number]: Open right-click menu for pinned app - Windows key + D: Show/hide desktop - Screenshots Shortcuts: - PrtScn: Screenshot to clipboard - Windows key + PrtScn: Save screenshot to folder - Windows key + Shift + S: Open Snipping Tool - Emoji Shortcuts: - Windows key + .: Open emoji keyboard - Desktop Shortcuts: - Windows key + M: Minimize all windows - Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows - Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize window - Windows key + Left arrow: Snap window left - Windows key + Tab: Open Task view - Shortcuts Using the Windows Key: - Windows key + A: Open Action Center - Windows key + I: Open Settings - Windows key + L: Lock computer - Shortcuts Using the F Keys: - F2: Rename item - F3: Search in File Explorer - F5: Refresh active window - Command Prompt Shortcuts: - Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy text - Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste text - Ctrl + A: Select all text on current line

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

Consider my 4-step Android refresh routine before switching to a new phone

Consumers can enhance the performance of their aging Android devices by following these steps: 1. Delete unused apps to free up storage and optimize performance by navigating to Settings > Storage > Apps or long-pressing the app icon to uninstall. 2. Clear storage by removing unwanted files and photos, particularly from the Downloads folder, and by transferring photos to external drives or cloud storage. Clear app cache via Settings > Storage > App > Clear Cache. 3. Check for updates to ensure the device runs the latest operating system by going to Settings > General > System Update and updating apps in the Google Play Store. 4. Adjust animation speed for improved responsiveness by enabling Developer options through Settings > About phone > Software information > Build number (tap seven times) and modifying the Window animation scale to 0.5x. These adjustments can improve the device's speed and responsiveness.

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Trust But Verify ⭐️

Pavan Davuluri has been appointed as the new leader of Windows development at Microsoft. The company has committed to enhancing the quality of Windows through 2026. Davuluri's recent blog post, primarily directed at Windows Insider Program participants, lacks an apology for past customer grievances and does not address several critical issues, including forced telemetry, bundled software, chaotic updates, forced Microsoft account sign-ins, and the mandatory use of Microsoft Edge. While he mentions plans to improve Windows Update and acknowledges the need for better reliability and transparency in the Windows Insider Program, many concerns remain unaddressed. The introduction of Copilot and its integration into Windows will continue, but users have expressed frustration over its implementation. Davuluri's approach to improving performance through the WinUI3 framework is met with skepticism.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Ignored no more: Google Messages lets you mention friends to make sure you’re heard

Google has introduced a new feature in its Messages app called "Mentions in Messages," allowing users to tag individuals in group chats with the "@" symbol. This feature alerts specific members to important messages directed at them and will roll out this week. Users can mention multiple participants in a single message and edit the "saved name of the recipient" to maintain privacy. Additionally, Google Messages has introduced built-in live location sharing and a trash folder for deleted conversations, which retains messages for 30 days before permanent deletion.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Release Candidate 2

The second release candidate for version 26.1 has been released, addressing an internationalization issue and fixing a bug (MC-306928) related to input method reverting to English when switching windows. The Release Candidates for Minecraft: Java Edition can be installed via the Minecraft Launcher by enabling snapshots. Players are advised to back up their data as testing versions may corrupt worlds. Cross-platform server jar options are available, and players are encouraged to report bugs and provide feedback.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Want to set up Windows like a power user? Start with these 4 tools

The command line on Windows can be intimidating for average users, but tools like Windows Terminal enhance its usability with features such as tabbed browsing and improved text rendering. Winget allows users to install multiple applications simultaneously in the background, streamlining the setup process for new PCs. Oh My Posh improves the PowerShell prompt by providing contextual information and customizable themes. Git enables users to track changes and revert mistakes in files, while the bat command allows for quick viewing of text files in the terminal with syntax highlighting. These tools collectively enhance the Windows user experience by making the command line more accessible and efficient.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Windows 11 is quietly testing 10 upgrades you’ll actually notice

Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program in March 2026. Key updates include: - Users can now customize the profile folder name during the initial setup process. - The debloat policy for Enterprise and Education editions has been improved, allowing administrators to remove additional apps using MSIX and APPX packages. - The Point-in-time restore feature has been updated to allow users to view and edit restore point settings and specify reserved storage for restore points. - A new enforcement policy in the kernel will no longer trust cross-signed drives by default, enhancing security by ensuring only verified drivers are trusted. - An upgrade option for Microsoft 365 Family subscribers has been added to the Accounts page, which can be disabled if desired. - The Drag Tray feature has been renamed to "Drop Tray" and relocated within the "Multitasking" settings, with improvements to the peek view. - Pen settings now include an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the "Copilot" key. - The Administrator Protection feature has been re-enabled, creating a temporary, isolated account for elevation requests to enhance security. - File Explorer now supports Voice Typing for renaming files. - The "Cameras" settings have been updated in the Canary Channel to include new controls for pan and tilt, along with performance improvements.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Pre-Release 3

Today, the third pre-release of Minecraft: Java Edition has been released, featuring minor technical adjustments and essential bug fixes. The Data Pack version has been updated to 101.1, with the count field for Placement Modifiers now operating within a range of 0 to 4096. Bugs fixed in this pre-release include: - MC-305118: Resource packs labeled as "Broken or incompatible" now appear correctly. - MC-306240: The /fill command now adheres to the maxblockmodifications game rule. - MC-306620: Feeding a snifflet with a golden dandelion no longer resets its age incorrectly. - MC-306805: Baby zombie villagers' arm positioning has been adjusted for correct movement while holding items. - MC-306840: Dolphins no longer drown when no players are nearby. - MC-306850: Noise settings for caves and floating islands are functioning properly. - MC-306854: Discrepancies in villager trades between versions 1.21.11 and 26.1 snapshots have been clarified. - MC-306859: Clipping issues with the arms of baby zombies, baby husks, gurgles, and baby zombie villagers have been resolved. - MC-306860: Player object text components in server status messages are no longer replaced by fallback text. - MC-306898: Placed/configured features are now limited to 256 tries. - MC-306899: Inverted blocklists for the firepatch and soulfire_patch features have been fixed. The latest Pre-Releases can be installed via the Minecraft Launcher by enabling snapshots. Users are advised to back up their data as testing versions may corrupt worlds. The cross-platform server jar is also available for download.