installation options Archives

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Latest Windows 11 build adds full MIDI 2.0 support and improved performance

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788 in the Canary Channel, which includes significant enhancements to the MIDI standard. This update supports both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0, designed exclusively for 64-bit operating systems, and extends full MIDI compatibility across all modern Windows architectures, including Arm64-based PCs. The MIDI 2.0 standard features high-speed data transmission, high-fidelity messages, and endpoint discovery and negotiation. The new MIDI stack improves performance with better timing and reduced jitter, and a faster MIDI driver supports both versions with automatic API translation for interoperability. The update also includes a USB MIDI 2.0 class driver developed in collaboration with the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan and AmeNote, ensuring compatibility with both MIDI 2.0 and legacy MIDI 1.0 devices. Additionally, the preview introduces a 1-click resume function for OneDrive and selective installation options for games in the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft Store will soon let you specify what parts of games you want to download

Microsoft has released an update for the Microsoft Store app, version 22501.1401, which allows users to selectively download specific parts and components of games. This feature is similar to the functionality in the Xbox app and is designed to help gamers optimize storage space and installation times. Users can choose to install or not install high-resolution textures or campaign missions, providing greater control over their gaming experience. After installation, users can return to the game's product page to modify installed components. This update is available for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels running version 22501.1401.xx and higher.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

From ordinary to extraordinary: Seelen UI transforms Windows 10/11 into the OS you’ve always wanted — download it now!

Windows 10 and 11 have a functional but sterile design characterized by flat icons and a muted color palette. Seelen UI is a free tool that allows users to customize their Windows desktop experience, offering features like adjustable menus, widgets, and a Tiling Windows Manager for better multitasking. It includes an integrated media module and an app launcher inspired by Rofi. Users can easily modify themes, taskbar layouts, and icons. Seelen UI requires the WebView runtime and Microsoft Edge for optimal functionality, with installation options including the Microsoft Store, Winget, and a .msix installer. The recent update to version 2.0.9 introduced enhancements such as XboxGameBarWidgets.exe, refactoring of themes, and fixes for window manager issues and resolution changes. Additional information and download options are available on their GitHub page.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Microsoft releases final Windows Server 2025 preview build in 2024

Microsoft has released Windows Server 2025 build 26334 for Windows Insiders, marking the final update for the year, with the next expected in January 2024. This build includes Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, as well as the Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition for virtual machine evaluation. The branding remains Windows Server 2025 in this preview, and issues reported should reference Windows Server vNext preview. Users enrolled in Server Flighting will receive this build automatically. New features include Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC), which enforces a list of permitted software to minimize the attack surface, and improved accessibility for Windows Admin Center (WAC), allowing installation directly from the Windows Server Desktop for Datacenter or Standard preview users. There are known issues, including a labeling error that may reference Windows 11, which Microsoft plans to fix in a future release. Windows Server build 26334 is valid until September 15, 2025, with specific installation keys provided for Server Standard and Datacenter editions, while no key is required for Azure Edition.