launch times Archives

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 can keep thumbnails of photos you deleted. Here’s how to remove them

Windows retains thumbnails in a cache file named thumbcache_256.db, but it does not save a thumbnail of every deleted photo. Other operating systems, including macOS and Linux, also use thumbnail caching. Users can access their thumbnail cache by navigating to %LOCALAPPDATA%MicrosoftWindowsExplorer, but this will not show deleted images. Thumbnails are created only when images are displayed in Explorer’s thumbnail view. Windows allows users to clear the thumbnail cache using the Disk Cleanup tool, and there is an option to disable thumbnail caching in Windows 11 Pro and higher. The cached thumbnails do not guarantee persistence and do not represent original files. Windows also keeps records of application launches in Prefetch, maintains entries for USB devices in the USBSTOR registry key, saves Wi-Fi networks and passwords, and can keep clipboard history and recent file shortcuts.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 can keep thumbnails of photos you deleted. Here’s how to remove them

A recent post on X claims that Windows retains a thumbnail of every deleted photo in a file named thumbcache_256.db, which has raised privacy concerns among users. While Windows does maintain a thumbnail cache for efficiency, this practice is not unique to Windows, as other operating systems like macOS, Linux, and Android also use similar systems. Users can inspect or clear their thumbnail cache by accessing specific database files in the Windows Explorer directory. The claim that Windows retains "every photo you’ve ever deleted" is misleading, as thumbnails are only created when images are viewed in thumbnail mode. Windows does not cache every file, and thumbnails must exist before they can be cached. Additionally, Windows keeps app launch records in Prefetch files for performance optimization, maintains entries for USB devices in the USBSTOR registry key, retains records of Wi-Fi networks and passwords (which are encrypted), and can keep clipboard history and recent file shortcuts. Caching previews is common across various operating systems, and Microsoft is focused on user consent and privacy as it enhances Windows 11 with AI functionalities.

Winsage

September 9, 2026

Windows 11 Will Get Faster Boot Times and More Optimizations for 8 GB RAM Systems

During the IFA 2026 event in Berlin, Microsoft emphasized its commitment to improving Windows 11 by focusing on user feedback, particularly regarding boot times, Windows Hello efficiency, and optimizations for systems with 8 GB of RAM. Mark Linton, Corporate Vice President of Windows & Devices, noted that enhancements are planned for upcoming builds. Microsoft is introducing the Low Latency Profile, which temporarily boosts CPU performance for 1-3 seconds to improve application launch times, resulting in up to 40% faster launches for applications like Edge and Outlook. Additionally, Microsoft aims to ensure Windows 11 runs effectively on entry-level devices, responding to competition from Apple's MacBook Neo.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Onimusha: Way of the Sword launch times and release date

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is set to launch on PC at 12 am EDT / 5 am BST on Friday, September 4. The unlock times for various regions are as follows: Los Angeles: 9 pm PDT on Thursday, September 3; New York: 12 am EDT on Friday, September 4; London: 5 am BST on Friday, September 4; Berlin: 6 am CEST on Friday, September 4; New Delhi: 9:30 am IST on Friday, September 4; Sydney: 2 pm AEST on Friday, September 4; Auckland: 4 pm NZST on Friday, September 4. Preloading is available for players purchasing on Steam, but not for those buying on the Epic Games Store.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Improving File Explorer & Context Menu: faster, simpler, and more customizable

File Explorer is a key component of Windows, and Microsoft is focused on improving its performance, reliability, and user experience. Enhancements include faster launch times, reduced freezes and delays, and improved navigation workflows. The Address Bar now supports more input types, and users can open folders in new tabs with middle-click. The context menu has been updated to be faster, simpler, and more customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their preferences. Users can manage built-in commands and app extensions, and there are options to restore layouts familiar from Windows 10. Microsoft is committed to ongoing improvements based on user feedback.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

After years of requests, Windows 11 is dangerously close to bringing back full taskbar freedom — top, left, right, or bottom

Windows 11 users can now relocate the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen with the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature will be included in the September Patch Tuesday update, but is available immediately to those in the Release Preview Channel. The update also allows for a smaller taskbar option, enhancing screen space for smaller devices. Key features in Build 26100.9267/26200.9267 include: - Taskbar customization with new positioning options and a smaller taskbar option. - Enhanced Start menu with size options, renaming of the Recommended section to Recent, and a redesigned settings page. - Improvements to Windows Search, including a simplified interface and automatic indexing of frequently used folders. - Updates to File Explorer for faster launch times and touch scrolling support. - General design updates with modernized progress indicators. - New Windows Share feature for discovering apps from the share window. - Enhanced security with just-in-time privileges for administrative tasks. - Improved responsiveness when switching between virtual desktops. - Updates for display settings and brightness reliability. - Reliability improvements for Task Manager and Windows Update behavior. - Network improvements for VPN-related issues. - Enhanced typing reliability with the Japanese IME. - Introduction of the ML-KEM algorithm for TLS key exchange. - Removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line utility in future versions.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft expands CPU-boosting feature to all Windows 11 apps

Microsoft has rolled out its Low Latency Profile (LLP) technology to all Windows 11 users as part of the KB5121003 update, aimed at enhancing performance across the Windows graphical user interface, native OS applications, and third-party software using Win32 APIs. The LLP utilizes a "race to sleep" mechanism that temporarily elevates CPU frequency to expedite app launches. Following the update, users reported reduced loading times for applications like Notepad, Calculator, Chrome, and the Epic Games Store. The feature is being distributed through the Controlled Feature Rollout system, and can be force-enabled using the ViveTool program. While some critics view it as a superficial enhancement, Microsoft defends it by comparing it to similar strategies used by Apple in macOS and noting its commonality in Arm chips.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

It looks like Windows updates might actually be speeding up the OS now

Microsoft is focusing on enhancing the user experience of Windows 11 by introducing a feature that accelerates app launch times. Recent updates have shown improvements to the Start menu, indicating that Microsoft is responding to user feedback. Although some users faced temporary issues related to AMD drivers, these have been resolved. Additionally, Microsoft is increasing the costs of Windows licenses for OEMs, leading users to expect a more efficient operating system. The tech community is anticipating further updates to Windows 11.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows 11’s August update has arrived — here are 3 reasons to download it, including turbocharged app launching

Windows 11's August update introduces several enhancements, including the expansion of Launch Performance Optimization (LLP) to all applications, improving app launch speed by temporarily boosting processor performance. Voice Access now features Voice Isolation to filter out background noise, requiring a one-time setup for optimal performance. Precision touchpad users gain new gesture controls for zoom and scroll speed adjustments. The update reinstates the ability to manually set the threshold for the Energy Saver feature. Lock screen widgets now display only the weather by default, and notification badges in the taskbar have been visually updated to use the Windows accent color. Additional changes include support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello and a parental controls notice during setup.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows 11’s faster app launches released today, enable it using these steps

Windows 11 introduced the Low Latency Profile feature with the August 2026 security update, enhancing app launch speeds. This feature allows the CPU to quickly reach near-maximum frequency when an application is launched, improving loading times and conserving energy by returning to low-power idle states more rapidly. Initially limited to core Windows shell elements, the August update (KB5121003) expanded this functionality to a wider range of applications. Testing showed significant improvements in app launch times, with no adverse effects on CPU performance or battery life. Users can manually enable the feature using the ViVeTool if it hasn't been rolled out to them yet. Microsoft is also working on optimizing Windows 11 for devices with 8GB of RAM and above by the end of 2026.