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4 ways to restart File Explorer in Windows 11
Winsage
December 27, 2024

4 ways to restart File Explorer in Windows 11

When File Explorer on Windows 10 or 11 has issues like freezing, it can often be resolved by restarting it. There are several methods to restart File Explorer: 1. From Task Manager: Press Win+Shift+Esc, go to the Processes tab, right-click Windows Explorer, and select Restart. 2. Kill explorer.exe and run a new instance: Open Task Manager, right-click Windows Explorer, choose End task, then click Run new task, type explorer.exe, and hit OK. 3. From the command line: Use PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the commands: - taskkill /f /im explorer.exe - start explorer.exe 4. Create a Batch File: Write the following in Notepad: 

   taskkill /f /IM explorer.exe
   start explorer.exe
   exit
Save it with a .bat extension for quick access. These methods help restore access to files and folders when File Explorer is unresponsive.
How to add Control Panel to the context menu in Windows 11
Winsage
December 26, 2024

How to add Control Panel to the context menu in Windows 11

Microsoft is phasing out the classic Control Panel in favor of the modern Settings app, but the Control Panel remains available for compatibility reasons. Users can add the Control Panel to the context menu in Windows 11 by modifying the Windows Registry. The steps include opening the Registry Editor, navigating to HKEYCLASSESROOTDirectoryBackgroundshell, creating a new key named Control Panel, and adding a command to launch it. After completing these steps, the Control Panel option will appear in the context menu, accessible from the desktop or File Explorer. Some settings are exclusive to the Control Panel, making it useful for managing files and folders.
6 open-source alternatives to Windows Media Player that are probably better than it
Winsage
December 25, 2024

6 open-source alternatives to Windows Media Player that are probably better than it

Windows 11 introduces a revamped media player called Windows Media Player, which has a modern interface but may lack certain functionalities, leading users to seek alternatives. Audacious is a straightforward audio library manager with a minimalist design that allows users to import music collections and create playlists, supporting internet streams. MPV is a lightweight video player with a minimalistic interface that supports a wide range of formats and allows drag-and-drop playback, primarily functioning through command-line. SMPlayer provides a user-friendly graphical interface on top of MPV, enhancing usability with features like dual subtitle support and internet streaming, while remaining compatible with various formats and codecs. Clementine offers advanced music management with an intuitive interface that organizes tracks and generates playlists based on listening habits, integrating with internet services for streaming music and radio. MPC-HC is a lightweight media player known for extensive codec support, offering features like subtitle support, playback position saving, and content streaming from platforms like YouTube. VLC Media Player is renowned for its versatility, supporting virtually every audio and video format, including DVD playback, and can search for subtitles online, making it a top choice for media playback across platforms.
Microsoft Edge drops yellow for folders (favourites), gets monoline transparent look
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.
Clean up your PC: Deep cleaning with professional tricks
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.
Leaving Windows 10 for Linux? 5 security differences to consider first
Winsage
December 17, 2024

Leaving Windows 10 for Linux? 5 security differences to consider first

Linux is generally considered to offer superior security compared to Windows, with the author having experienced only one significant security incident in nearly three decades of use. 1. Windows 10 includes Windows Defender as a default firewall, while many Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu and Fedora, do not have their firewalls enabled by default. Linux firewalls allow for detailed configurations, although default settings are often sufficient for most users. 2. In Windows, administrative tasks can often be performed with a simple confirmation, whereas Linux requires users to enter their password for administrative actions using the sudo command, enhancing security. 3. Windows 10 has limited user-configurable permissions, while Linux provides comprehensive control over file and folder permissions through both command line and GUI options, contributing to its enhanced security reputation. 4. Antivirus and antimalware solutions are essential for Windows users to protect against threats, while Linux does not require such software due to its design prioritizing user permissions and advanced security measures. 5. Linux responds rapidly to vulnerabilities, often releasing patches within hours, unlike Windows, which may take weeks to address vulnerabilities and follows a Patch Tuesday schedule for updates.
10 features you didn't know were in the Windows 11 File Explorer
Winsage
December 14, 2024

10 features you didn’t know were in the Windows 11 File Explorer

The File Explorer in Windows 11 includes several features to enhance file management: 1. Gallery: A section to view all images stored on the PC and OneDrive, organized by date. 2. Optimize folders: Users can customize folder appearances based on content type through the Properties menu. 3. Change default launch location: Users can set File Explorer to open to This PC or OneDrive instead of the Home folder. 4. Classic context menu: Users can access the traditional context menu by holding the Shift key while right-clicking. 5. Clear File Explorer history: Users can reset the history of visited folders for a fresh start. 6. Managing OneDrive files: Users can manage cloud files directly from File Explorer and identify local versus cloud storage. 7. Selecting multiple files with the keyboard: Users can use arrow keys and Control to select multiple files efficiently. 8. Extracting and creating archives: Users can create and extract various archive formats, including 7z and RAR, without third-party applications. 9. Move files to Android phone: Users can transfer files between a Windows PC and an Android device using Phone Link integration. 10. Rename files in bulk: Users can rename multiple files simultaneously by selecting them and entering a new name with a counter for differentiation.
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