modernization Archives

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Microsoft is giving Windows 11’s legacy UI dark mode instead of killing it, now in Hyper-V

Windows 11 is introducing dark mode support for various applications and features, including file-operation dialogs and the Hyper-V Manager tool. Recent updates have applied dark mode to several key dialogs within Hyper-V Manager, such as the New Virtual Machine, Export Virtual Machine, Import Virtual Machine, New Virtual Hard Disk, Edit Virtual Hard Disk, and the virtual machine settings page. The Virtual Switch Manager and Virtual SAN Manager also now support dark mode. These features are currently available in Windows Server and Windows 11 preview builds but are not yet in the production channel. Hyper-V Manager allows users to choose between light and dark themes, although switching requires a restart of the application. Microsoft plans to extend dark mode to more legacy areas of Windows and is working on rebuilding certain dialogs using WinUI, with dark mode support already appearing in preview builds for various components.

Winsage

September 29, 2026

I replaced Windows’ Snipping Tool with ShareX for screenshots, but the best part is everything else it can do

The Snipping Tool in Windows has been modernized in Windows 11 but still has bugs that can disrupt user workflow. ShareX is a free and open-source alternative that excels in screenshot capabilities and offers advanced features, including precise selection tools, real-time editing, video recording, and GIF creation. ShareX supports multiple upload targets, including Imgur and cloud services like OneDrive and Google Drive, and allows users to upload various file types, including text documents to Pastebin. It includes bonus features such as a video converter, image comparison tools, and customization options for hotkeys. However, ShareX may be overwhelming for newcomers seeking basic screenshot functions, for whom the Snipping Tool remains a valid choice.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

Spinnaker launches PostgreSQL support & migration services

Spinnaker Support has launched a suite of PostgreSQL support and migration services to help organizations reduce their reliance on Oracle databases. The services include enterprise software support for PostgreSQL and migration services facilitated by HexaCluster, allowing customers to maintain their Oracle environments while transitioning workloads to PostgreSQL. Spinnaker is also developing an enterprise distribution for PostgreSQL, built around standard PostgreSQL and open-source components. The support package includes break-fix support, troubleshooting, security guidance, performance and configuration support, and lifecycle guidance. The migration service analyzes Oracle database dependencies, automates parts of the conversion process, validates production readiness, and facilitates controlled cutovers. The HexaRocket platform from HexaCluster aids in migration, data movement, and replication. The launch aligns with a trend of organizations reassessing database expenditures, with 55.6% of developers using PostgreSQL according to the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey. Spinnaker aims to enhance its role in enterprise infrastructure decisions by supporting both Oracle and PostgreSQL environments. Martin Biggs has been appointed Vice President and General Manager of the PostgreSQL Practice, overseeing PostgreSQL support and migration services. Spinnaker's PostgreSQL offerings are part of its Run, Optimize, Transform framework, designed to help customers manage current systems and plan for long-term changes.

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

F-Droid 2.0 Released After 10 years With Major Redesign to Transform Open-Source Android App Discovery

F-Droid has released version 2.0 of its official Android app, marking the most substantial update in a decade after over a year of development and 14 test builds. The app has been reconstructed using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, aligning it with Android’s Material Design principles and improving maintenance and feature expansion. Navigation is simplified into three sections: Discover, Search, and My Apps. The Discover section showcases new apps, updates, and popular downloads, while categories have been refined for easier access to specific software types. The search functionality has been enhanced to allow users to filter by application names, descriptions, categories, and languages. F-Droid 2.0 now automatically checks for and installs updates, with manual controls still available. Recent changes in the Android platform enable smoother installation experiences for alternative app stores. Privacy features have been updated, but the F-Droid Privileged Extension is not supported in this version, and the app-wiping capability has not returned.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

Internet Explorer is finally, truly dying, and Microsoft wants you ready by 2029

Microsoft has announced the impending cessation of support for IE Mode in the Edge browser, urging organizations to begin their migration strategies. Initially set to be supported until the end of 2029, Microsoft is emphasizing proactive planning for transitioning away from legacy systems. A communication from Microsoft highlighted the importance of providing a year’s notice before the end of support for IE Mode, which is crucial for IT administrators managing legacy applications. IE Mode uses the Chromium engine while allowing access to web pages through Internet Explorer 11's Trident engine. Organizations still dependent on IE Mode need to evaluate their IT infrastructure and identify critical applications that require updates or replacements. Microsoft is offering its App Assure service to help eligible customers improve compatibility with modern Windows platforms. Early planning is essential to reduce migration risks and maintain operational efficiency.

Winsage

September 20, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a new look as Microsoft’s design boss confirms more ancient dialogs are next

Microsoft is modernizing outdated dialogs in Windows 11, including the Voice packages dialog, which currently lacks the rounded corners characteristic of the operating system's design. March Rogers, Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, confirmed that this dialog is scheduled for redesign, along with other legacy interfaces from older Windows versions. Microsoft is using a dual strategy for modernization: some dialogs are receiving dark mode support, while others are being rebuilt using WinUI 3. The File Properties dialog has already been successfully updated with this framework. The new Run dialog, developed with C# and WinUI 3, features dark mode and improved performance, while the legacy version will still be available. Additionally, the AutoPlay feature and Print Management app are also being redesigned in WinUI 3. Outdated interfaces, such as the local-account switching flow and the Windows 8-style input switcher on the login screen, are also set for redesign. Microsoft is updating various pages in the Settings menu, but the Control Panel will remain part of the Windows ecosystem.

Winsage

September 19, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a better way to find your mouse cursor, and we tried it

Microsoft has released a modernized version of the Mouse Indicator in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26340.9502 on September 18, 2026. This update features a new animation that can be activated through Accessibility settings, allowing users to keep the indicator on until they press the Esc key. Users can choose to activate the Mouse Indicator with a single or double Ctrl press. The previous version displayed a simplistic circle around the pointer briefly, while the new version offers a smoother, more dynamic animation. The feature is currently available only in the Insider build for the Experimental channel, and users can enable it by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch > Mouse indicator.

Winsage

September 16, 2026

Windows Server 2022 Nears End of Mainstream Support

Organizations using Windows Server 2022 will lose mainstream support on October 13, 2026, although security updates will continue through extended support until October 2031. Customers are encouraged to plan for an upgrade to Windows Server 2025 to avoid potential security vulnerabilities and complications in future migrations. Microsoft recommends early evaluation and testing of Windows Server 2025 to ensure compatibility and smooth transition. Additionally, support for the Azure Edition’s hotpatching capability has been extended to October 2027, providing some customers more time to strategize their migration. However, remaining on Windows Server 2022 means missing out on new features and enhancements.

Winsage

September 11, 2026

Is this Windows 11’s new modern cursor? Microsoft quietly shows a redesigned pointer

Microsoft released Experimental Windows 11 build version 26340.9354, which includes a mock-up of a new Resume hovercard featuring a redesigned mouse pointer. The new pointer has a broader shape, a softer curve on its lower-left side, and a more symmetrical appearance, differing from the traditional thin tail-like extension of Windows cursors. Although Microsoft has not confirmed any changes to the system cursor, the release notes mention a known issue with cursor customization but do not address any redesign. Reports from June indicated that Microsoft was testing a new cursor as part of its Windows 11 modernization initiative. The mock-up resembles a Fluent icon, with a cleaner and wider shape compared to the classic Windows arrow. Despite this, the current developer documentation still refers to the traditional pointer as the "arrow cursor." Windows 11 has modernized many UI elements, but the pointer has remained largely unchanged, with limited customization options. The combination of the recent mock-up and previous reports suggests a potential transformation in the cursor design may be forthcoming.

Winsage

September 11, 2026

Windows Activation Automation Must Move Beyond VBScript

Many organizations still use legacy Windows activation scripts based on slmgr.vbs, which are integrated into deployment workflows and IT management tools. Microsoft is phasing out VBScript, which these automations rely on, leading to potential activation failures in newer Windows versions. Microsoft recommends transitioning to the OSLicense PowerShell module to replace slmgr.vbs functions. Organizations should identify dependencies on VBScript components and test replacement scripts before production deployment. Compatibility of OSLicense with various Windows releases must be confirmed, and organizations may need to invest time in testing, documentation, retraining, and fallback planning during the migration process. Proactive migration planning can ease the transition compared to delaying until VBScript is fully removed.