hidden features Archives

Tech Optimizer

November 22, 2025

Percona Brings Transparent Data Encryption to Postgres

Percona introduced an open-source Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) extension for its PostgreSQL distribution at KubeCon+CloudNativeCon North America, addressing the demand for data protection solutions, particularly among financial institutions concerned about vendor lock-in. The TDE extension, named pg_tde, operates transparently, allowing users to input and query data without changes to interactions or schemas, while unauthorized access reveals only encrypted information. It supports all major key management services and is included in Percona's PostgreSQL distribution without additional licensing fees. The TDE solution helps organizations comply with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS v4.0, offering benefits such as open-source readiness, stronger data protection, user-controlled encryption, seamless integration, centralized key management, effortless online encryption, and trusted support. Percona also offers solutions for MySQL and MongoDB and supports emerging technologies like Valkey.

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

September 22, 2025

How did I miss this Windows 11 volume trick that was added years ago?! — It’s blown my mind because I’ll use it every day

A feature in Windows 11 allows users to adjust the volume by scrolling over the volume icon in the taskbar. This feature was introduced in Windows 11 22H2 and has been overlooked by some users.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

VidMate HD: How to Download and Use the App on Android

Vidmate is an entertainment application that allows users to stream live TV, download music, and watch videos offline. It is free, lightweight, and compatible with older Android devices, offering features like custom playlists, buffer-free streaming, and downloads in various resolutions (144p to 4K). Vidmate is not available on the Google Play Store due to Google's restrictions on video downloaders, but it can be downloaded safely from reliable sources. Users need to enable unknown sources in their settings to install the APK. Vidmate supports over 1000 sites, provides accelerated download speeds, and offers an ad-free experience. While the app itself is legal, users must comply with copyright laws when downloading content. Vidmate is versatile, appealing to students, music enthusiasts, and businesses. It includes hidden features like automatic video downloads from URLs, dark mode, an in-app file manager, and background playback. For secure usage, users should download from trusted sources, consider using VPNs, avoid pirating content, and keep the app updated.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

New, hidden features rolled out in Windows 11

Windows 11 offers several features to enhance user experience: - Snap Layouts: Hovering over the maximize button reveals a grid of layout options for arranging multiple applications on the screen. - Virtual Desktops: Users can create multiple desktops for different tasks by pressing Windows + Tab and selecting ‘New Desktop,’ allowing for easy switching with Ctrl + Windows + arrow keys. - Focus Sessions: Located in the Clock app, this feature allows users to set a timer to minimize distractions during work sessions. - Clipboard History: Accessed by pressing Windows + V, this feature provides a list of recently copied items and allows users to pin frequently used snippets. - Built-in screen recording: The Xbox Game Bar includes a screen recording feature activated by pressing Windows + G and clicking the record button or using Windows + Alt + R. - Dynamic Refresh Rate: This feature adjusts the screen refresh rate based on user activity to enhance scrolling smoothness and conserve battery life, found under Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. - Emoji and symbol picker: Pressing Windows + period (.) opens a menu for quick access to emojis, GIFs, and symbols.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

These hidden features in Windows 11 can make your life easier

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity: - Snap Layouts allow users to organize multiple applications on the screen by hovering over the maximize button. - Virtual Desktops enable users to create and switch between distinct workspaces for different tasks by pressing “Windows + Tab” and selecting “New Desktop.” - Focus Sessions help minimize distractions by setting a timer in the Clock app to create a “do not disturb” environment. - Clipboard History lets users access a list of their most recent copied items by pressing “Windows + V.” - The Xbox Game Bar provides a built-in screen recording function accessible by pressing “Windows + G.” - Dynamic Refresh Rate automatically adjusts the refresh rate for smoother scrolling and battery conservation on compatible laptops. - An Emoji and Symbol Picker can be accessed by pressing “Windows + period” for quick access to emojis, GIFs, and symbols.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Windows 11 insider builds have new File Explorer dark mode

Users of Windows 11 have experienced inconsistencies with dark mode, as some dialog boxes remain white despite the overall dark theme. A new beta feature in Windows 11 Insider Beta and Dev builds allows File Explorer dialog boxes to adopt a dark mode appearance, which was previously unavailable. This feature can be accessed by users on specific Insider builds (26120.5751 for Beta or 26200.5751 for Dev) released on August 15, 2025. To enable the dark mode dialog boxes, users must use ViveTool, a utility that unlocks hidden features, and execute specific commands after installing the Insider build. Although the dark mode dialog boxes are now available, some buttons within them may still appear in gray, indicating that Microsoft is still refining this aspect of the user interface. Other windows, such as the Run dialog box and Control Panel, still show inconsistencies in color schemes.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Microsoft continues dismantling the Control Panel as more features migrate to Settings

Microsoft is transitioning Time & Language options from the Control Panel to the Settings interface in Windows 11. PhantomOfEarth has identified these hidden changes, indicating that the updated settings will soon be available in the release branch. The update includes aesthetic enhancements for a more streamlined interface, building on previous modifications made in May. Users are advised to stay tuned for the final version of these settings.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

The Windows 11 lock screen is getting a nice widget recommendation feature

Microsoft is introducing a new feature called "Discover widgets" for the Windows 11 lock screen, which will periodically refresh the screen with suggested widgets. This feature was revealed by PhantomOfEarth on X and aims to enhance user interaction with the operating system. Users will have the option to disable automatic widget suggestions if they prefer a more tailored or minimalist lock screen. Additionally, Windows 11 provides various customization options for the lock screen, allowing users to personalize their experience.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft engineer confirms Windows 8 Redpill feature lockout was named after The Matrix

Redpill was a mechanism in Windows 8 designed to activate disabled features for authorized users, inspired by the red pill from The Matrix movie. It utilized the licensing subsystem to shield under-development features from both internal employees and the public. Microsoft engineer Raymond Chen confirmed the origin of the Redpill codename. The mechanism aimed to restrict access to hidden features, which included enhancements like a new Start menu and a redesigned logon interface. Critics argue that this approach may have limited valuable feedback, contributing to the perception of Windows 8 as a misstep. In contrast, current Windows development trends favor transparency and collaboration.