missing features Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2025

What does Microsoft’s new ReFS file system mean for Windows?

The NTFS file system has been the default for Windows operating systems for decades, but Microsoft is developing the Resilient File System (ReFS), which has been in use primarily in Windows Server environments since its introduction in 2012. ReFS is designed to enhance system and data resilience, featuring error detection and correction capabilities, a data integrity scanner, and the ability to repair detected corruption using another volume. It supports file and volume sizes up to 35 petabytes and includes advanced features like Block Clone and Sparse VDL, which improve performance in specific scenarios. However, ReFS is not a full replacement for NTFS, as it lacks several critical features such as file system compression, encryption, bootable media support, and support for removable media. Its current limitations make it unsuitable for typical home PC use, and while it may eventually replace NTFS, this transition is not expected to happen soon. ReFS is primarily designed for specialized applications involving large data sets and environments with multiple drives.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Is it time to ditch Windows File Explorer? 6 signs you’ve outgrown it

Windows File Explorer is the default file management tool for Windows but often disappoints power users due to several limitations. The search function is slow, taking several minutes for results, especially in large folders or external drives, and requires careful configuration of indexing settings. Customization options are limited, lacking advanced features like split views or custom color labels, while third-party tools offer extensive customization. File Explorer's reliance on traditional folder structures is outdated, missing features like tagging or smart folders, which are crucial for professionals in creative fields. File transfers can be frustrating, with stalls and unpredictable speeds, whereas alternatives like TeraCopy provide faster and more reliable transfers. Filtering and sorting options are basic and insufficient for managing large collections, lacking advanced capabilities found in third-party explorers. Additionally, the absence of dual-pane navigation hinders efficiency, despite recent updates introducing tab functionality.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Maybe now that Silent Hill 4’s PC release is getting some cut hauntings you’ll admit it’s quite good, actually

Silent Hill 4: The Room is a survival horror game that received a mixed reception upon its release, with some reviewers rating it 6/10. The PC version initially lacked certain features found in the PlayStation 2 version, including haunting elements within the player's apartment. GOG's Preservation Program has restored these missing features and optimized the game for modern hardware, allowing support for contemporary controllers. The game includes a companion character named Eileen, who contributes to the narrative with relatable dialogue. The current price of the game is five dollars.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Some GTA 5 players can’t bring their characters to the new PC upgrade, and the open-world game’s mixed Steam reviews are hammering FPS caps and a lack of text chat

The "Enhanced" upgrade of Grand Theft Auto V has launched on PC, receiving a "mixed" rating on Steam with 53% positive reviews. The upgrade is free for previous owners and includes new features like ray tracing and additional content for GTA Online, but has higher system requirements. Players are disappointed by limitations such as a 120 FPS cap and lack of text chat support. Character migration issues have caused significant frustration, particularly for players with characters that received hacked money, leading to speculation about bans affecting innocent accounts. A Corsair executive hinted at the release of GTA VI on PC in early 2026 but later retracted the statement.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

7 things your file manager should be able to do that File Explorer and Finder can’t

Extensive exploration of file managers for Windows and macOS reveals significant shortcomings in the native solutions provided by Microsoft and Apple. Users are missing features that could enhance file management, including: - A recent folders list that updates in real-time, unlike Windows File Explorer, which updates slowly. - Quick file previews, with Finder allowing previews of nearly any file type, while File Explorer's Preview pane is limited. - A built-in duplicate finder, which neither File Explorer nor Finder currently offers. - More user-friendly bulk file renaming in Finder compared to the cumbersome process in File Explorer. - Customizable toolbars in alternative file managers, improving accessibility and workflow efficiency. - A quick jump bar for swift navigation, which is more immediate in applications like File Pilot than in File Explorer. - A dual-pane view for easier file transfers and comparisons, absent in both Windows and macOS. These features highlight the potential for improved file management solutions beyond the built-in tools.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft is testing free Office for Windows apps with ads

The free desktop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are currently being tested in India, featuring advertisements and limitations compared to the paid Microsoft 365 subscription. This ad-supported version includes persistent banner ads and 15-second video ads, and requires users to store documents exclusively in OneDrive, disabling local file storage. The free version lacks several features found in the paid versions: Word does not include drawing and design tools or line spacing options; Excel does not support add-ins, pivot tables, or macros; and PowerPoint is missing dictation and custom slide shows. Microsoft has stated that there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of the desktop apps, despite the current testing phase.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft’s ad-supported version of Office only saves to OneDrive

Microsoft has introduced a free, ad-supported version of the Microsoft Office suite for Windows 11 users, marking a shift from its previous paid-only model. This version includes essential applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint but features persistent ads and muted video ads. Over 30 key features have been removed, including line spacing, text wrapping, headers, footers, bookmarks, and hyphenation. Users of Windows 10 still encounter the traditional paid model. The free version may appeal to those needing compatibility with existing Microsoft Office workflows, but the limitations could drive users to alternatives like LibreOffice or Google Drive.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

This small app fixes a lot of missing features in Windows 11 File Explorer

Windows 11's File Explorer has been enhanced, but users still desire additional features. Third-party developers have created solutions, with Explorer Tab Utility being a notable option. This application integrates with File Explorer, allowing users to open links in new tabs, switch to active tabs, and manage tabs more effectively. Features include virtual desktop switching, improved tab management, and quick navigation for custom paths. Explorer Tab Utility consumes minimal resources and allows for custom hotkeys. However, it has limitations due to Windows File Explorer's performance issues, such as a lack of proper APIs for tab management and inherent lag with multiple operations. The utility is free on GitHub and compatible with Windows 11 version 22H2 build 22621 and newer.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Someone ported Discord to Windows 95, because why wouldn’t you

Users of Windows 95 can now access Discord Messenger through a new client developed by @iProgramInCpp, which also supports Windows XP. While Discord no longer supports older operating systems, this client allows users to engage with the platform, albeit with limited functionality, missing features like emojis and Slash Commands. The developer is working on enhancing the application, but using this unofficial software may pose risks, including potential account bans, although no such reports have been made yet. The client is available for download on GitHub.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Why users still couldn’t care less about Windows 11

Users are hesitant to adopt Windows 11, with some comparing its promotion to selling sand at a beach. Although there was a slight increase in Windows 11's market share last month, the transition is not smooth. Windows 11 has strict hardware compatibility requirements, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2 and modern CPU, which frustrated many users at launch. Microsoft added the Surface Studio 2’s Intel Core i7-7820HQ to the compatibility list to address some concerns. As older computers become less common, finding incompatible PCs is becoming rare, yet Windows 10 still dominates the market. The impending end of support for Windows 10 is one of the few reasons users might consider upgrading, but many features in Windows 11 are already available in Windows 10. Organizations question the need to upgrade due to missing features and functionality complaints in Windows 11. Microsoft announced that support for most versions of Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. The lack of standout features in Windows 11 makes users reluctant to upgrade, despite hardware vendors shifting focus to AI PCs. Historical transitions between Windows versions were driven by compelling reasons, but the case for Windows 11 lacks persuasive incentives. IT departments may feel pressured to upgrade due to support expiration, but motivation must go beyond compliance. Microsoft needs to offer more than basic features to encourage adoption of Windows 11 and future AI PCs.