modification Archives

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Windows 11 Enterprise machines can now get updates while you work—no reboot required

Microsoft has introduced a hotpatch update system for Windows 11 Enterprise builds, specifically for version 24H2, which allows updates to be applied without requiring a system restart. This feature is beneficial for corporate environments, as it helps maintain productivity and reduces CPU usage during updates. While quarterly updates will still necessitate a reboot, the hotpatching system represents a shift from the previous monthly reboot requirements. To enable hotpatching, organizations must meet specific requirements: a subscription to Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise (E3, E5, or F3), a client running Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 (build 26100.2033 or higher), activation of Visualization-based Security (VBS), and an AMD or Intel x64 processor. For Arm64 devices, the hotpatch system is in public preview and requires a registry key modification. Hotpatch updates will follow the standard update schedule applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 23H2 devices, with each release assigned a distinct KB number. This feature is only available for Windows 11 Enterprise clients and does not extend to Windows 11 Home or Pro machines.

Tech Optimizer

April 2, 2025

Bun 1.2 Improves Node Compatibility and Adds Postgres Client

Bun v1.2 has been released, enhancing compatibility with Node.js and introducing a native S3 object storage API and a built-in Postgres client alongside the existing SQLite client. The update focuses on Node.js compatibility, achieving a 90% pass rate on the Node.js test suite for core modules. The team adapted the Node test suite for Bun to address challenges with error message verification. New features include support for the node:http2 module, which offers a 2x speed enhancement, and additional support for node:dgram, node:cluster, and node:zlib. The built-in S3 support allows file operations with a 5x speed improvement over Node.js packages. The new Postgres client includes optimizations such as automatic prepared statements and connection pooling, potentially increasing read speeds by 50% compared to popular Node.js Postgres clients. Bun is developed in Zig and uses WebKit’s JavaScriptCore as its JavaScript engine, with the first version launched in September 2023.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 10’s “update” turns off seconds on the taskbar’s Calendar flyout

The upcoming Windows 10 update on April 8, 2025, will remove the display of seconds in the Calendar flyout. This change is part of the Windows 10 KB5053643 optional update, which is being rolled out but will not install automatically. The Calendar flyout will still appear when users click on the time and date in the taskbar, but it will no longer show seconds. Microsoft has previously cited performance concerns as the reason for excluding seconds from the graphical user interface. Support for Windows 10 is set to end on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Windows 11 update flags a core Lenovo tool as risky – and it’s causing problems

Lenovo ThinkPad users are experiencing difficulties with BIOS updates due to a modification by Microsoft affecting the executable file WinFlash64.exe, following recent Windows 11 and Windows 10 updates. The latest Windows patches (24H2, 23H2, and 22H2 for Windows 11, and 22H2 for Windows 10) have categorized the BIOS update as a 'vulnerable driver,' preventing installation. Users report failures when using Lenovo's BIOS Update Utility or the Lenovo Vantage app. A fix is in development, and users may try applying the BIOS update through Windows Update if available. Lenovo plans to release a resolution with BIOS version v1.61.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

New Windows 11 build makes mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in even more mandatory

Microsoft has released a new Windows Insider build of Windows 11 in its Dev Channel, which includes the removal of the bypassnro command prompt script. This script previously allowed users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in during the setup of new installations. The change is intended to enhance security and user experience, ensuring that all users complete setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account. This decision complicates the setup process for users who prefer local accounts or who lack internet access.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

What is Signal?

A magazine journalist was unexpectedly included in a group chat of U.S. national security officials on the Signal messaging app, just hours before President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The National Security Council is investigating how the journalist's phone number was added to this secure communication channel. Signal is an application that supports direct messaging, group chats, and voice and video calls, employing end-to-end encryption. It allows for group chats of up to 1,000 participants and includes a feature for messages to self-destruct after a set period. Signal is considered secure but not immune to hacking, and it raises concerns about compliance with open records laws. Government officials are increasingly using encrypted messaging applications, with many having accounts linked to government-issued and personal cell phones. Signal was created by Moxie Marlinspike, who combined two open-source applications, and is overseen by the nonprofit Signal Foundation, which operates without advertisers or investors.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

7 ways to customize the Windows taskbar for maximum productivity

The Windows 11 taskbar can be customized for better functionality and personalization through various adjustments. Users can disable unnecessary icons by accessing Taskbar settings, which allows for more space to pin preferred applications. Disabling taskbar grouping can enhance navigation by displaying individual windows instead of grouping them under a single icon. The Windhawk application offers customization options for taskbar labels, including adjusting width, text size, and padding. Volume control can be made easier with Windhawk's Taskbar Volume Control mod, allowing users to adjust sound levels by scrolling over the taskbar. The Middle click to close on the taskbar mod lets users close applications directly from the taskbar instead of opening new instances. Users can reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen using Windhawk or ExplorerPatcher. Finally, Start11 allows users to pin folder menus to the taskbar, transforming it into a file navigation tool.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

5 Start menu alternatives and Windows tweaks that will speed up your workflow

The Start menu in Windows 11 has undergone changes that some users find less familiar compared to previous versions. Alternatives to enhance the Start menu experience include: - StartAllBack: A paid utility that restores the classic Windows 7 Start menu while offering customization options like themes, layout, and taskbar modifications. It has a 100-day free trial. - Open-Shell: A free, open-source tool that allows users to revert to classic Start menus from Windows 7 and earlier, with extensive customization and improved search functionality. It receives regular updates but may have slight performance lags. - Start11: A premium alternative by Stardock that provides a modern Start menu with styles reminiscent of Windows 7 and Windows 10, allowing for icon modification and app pinning. It offers a 30-day free trial. - Windhawk: A free modular tool for customizing the Start menu and other Windows interface elements, allowing users to install specific mods for tailored modifications. - Windows built-in settings: Users can enhance the Start menu by changing the layout, adding folder shortcuts next to the power button, and pinning favorite apps for quick access.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Hands-on: Listary is a lightweight launcher that levels up your productivity on Windows

Listary is a hybrid app launcher and file search tool designed to enhance productivity by providing quick access to applications and files. Users can launch apps by pressing Ctrl twice, which opens a search bar for swift navigation, reducing reliance on the Windows Start menu. It features fast file search capabilities, allowing users to customize their search index and filter results based on content types and modification dates. Listary includes a Quick Switch feature for instant folder access and integrates with various third-party applications. However, it lacks extensive extensibility through plugins, offering limited advanced capabilities compared to competitors.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Windows 11’s Notepad gets AI-powered ‘Rewrite’ feature, but not everyone’s going to be happy about it

Windows 11 users can now access an AI-powered Rewrite feature in the Notepad application, which allows text transformation using ChatGPT. The feature is included in Notepad version v11.2412.16.0 and is rolling out globally, despite Microsoft not officially announcing its launch. Initially tested in the US, the feature is now available to all users of the finished operating system. To use the Rewrite feature, users must have a Microsoft 365 subscription and be signed in, although some regions offer limited free credits for a trial. The feature enables users to select text and receive three alternative phrasings based on specified parameters. Critics argue that this premium offering may detract from Notepad's original purpose as a simple text editor.