Mouse Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Windows 11 leak hints at a new UI designed for gaming handhelds

Microsoft is tailoring Windows 11 for the handheld gaming market by exploring a dedicated game mode for portable devices. The latest preview build includes references to a gaming-centric interface that allows users to select their preferred system layout at startup, featuring a fullscreen experience with customizable home apps and shortcuts. Users can activate this mode through OS settings, establishing it as the default interface. The build includes options like “Boot into the full screen experience at device startup” and “Choose your full screen experience,” resembling Steam’s Big Picture mode. These changes may also be integrated into a rumored Xbox handheld, potentially leading to a Windows 11 device rather than a standalone portable Xbox. The new features are linked to the existing Game Bar, which provides essential gaming functionalities. This shift towards a dedicated UI for handheld devices is seen as necessary, as Windows has historically prioritized keyboard and mouse interactions. The evolution could position Windows handhelds as a compelling option for gamers, especially in light of competition from Valve's SteamOS.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Powertoys 0.90: Command palette allows quick program start

Microsoft has released version 0.90.0 of Windows Powertoys, featuring the new "Command Palette" that allows users to quickly search for and launch applications by pressing the Windows key, Alt, and the space bar. The update also includes minor bug fixes, improvements to the color picker, and enhancements to the New+ function for creating predefined files and directories with variable support. Users can check for updates directly within Powertoys. The new installation packages for Powertoys 0.90.0 are available for download in both user and system-wide installations for x64 and ARM64.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

The Last of Us Part II Remastered Coming to PC On April 3, 2025

“The Last of Us Part II Remastered” will be released on PC on April 3, 2025, available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. This marks the first time Windows users can access the game, which previously received over 300 Game of the Year awards on PlayStation. The remastered edition includes enhancements such as improved graphics, performance, and new content, including a roguelike mode called “No Return.” Pre-orders are currently available. The PC version will support customizable graphics settings, ultrawide monitor support, and full DualSense controller features. New playable characters Bill and Marlene will be introduced in the “No Return” mode, alongside a Guitar Free Play mode and restored cut content. The game will require a minimum of an Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300x processor and 16GB RAM.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

5 reasons I use PowerShell to automate boring Windows tasks

PowerShell automates repetitive computing tasks, enhancing productivity by offering a faster command-line interface (CLI) compared to traditional graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It simplifies app management, allowing users to reinstall or update applications more effectively than through the Microsoft Store. PowerShell also streamlines file management with the Move-Item cmdlet, which transfers files and deletes the original from the source. Users can automate scripts with Task Scheduler for routine tasks, and it supports system maintenance through cmdlets and custom scripts, benefiting both IT administrators and casual users. PowerShell's automation capabilities make it a valuable tool for optimizing computing experiences.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Windows Server 2025 freezing after February patch

Microsoft has issued a cautionary note about a problematic patch released in February 2025 that affects Remote Desktop sessions on Windows Server 2025. Users may experience freezing issues shortly after connecting, particularly after installing the February 2025 Security update (KB5051987) and subsequent updates. The advisory states that after installing this update, Remote Desktop sessions may freeze, causing mouse and keyboard inputs to become unresponsive. Microsoft has not provided a timeline for a resolution. Additionally, a similar issue was reported with Windows 11 version 24H2, where UDP-based Remote Desktop sessions would disconnect after 65 seconds when connecting to Windows Server 2016 or earlier. This issue was resolved with updates released on March 27, 2025 (KB5053656) and later. For enterprise-managed devices with the March 27 update or later, no Known Issue Rollback (KIR) or special Group Policy is needed to fix the disconnection issue. Microsoft has no further comments regarding the situation with Windows Server 2025 at this time.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Download MSI App Player (free) for Windows

MSI App Player is a versatile tool for users seeking gaming and productivity enhancements on a larger screen. It features a user-friendly interface for setting up a virtual Android environment on Windows without requiring advanced technical skills. The app allows keyboard and mouse mapping to emulate touchscreen controls and supports console pad connectivity in Console Mode. Users can open multiple windows for different applications and launch the same game with different accounts. It is integrated with the Windows operating system for mobile software testing and can handle high-end graphics and fast-paced mobile games. MSI App Player optimizes CPU, GPU, and memory usage, ensuring smooth performance even on less advanced hardware. It includes an error-checking mechanism and a built-in recovery system to prevent gameplay disruptions, with regular updates for compatibility with the latest Android games and applications.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft might finally get me to use Xbox Game Bar with its latest update

The Xbox Game Bar has been updated with an improved design for easier controller navigation, featuring a new Compact Mode optimized for controllers. This mode offers a user-friendly interface that allows for seamless cycling through widgets and settings. Additionally, a new widget store enables users to browse and install widgets directly using their controllers, which is particularly beneficial for portable Windows devices. The update enhances the overall gaming experience, especially for handheld gaming devices.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows Server 2025 updates cause problems

Microsoft has acknowledged a known issue affecting Remote Desktop sessions on Windows Server 2025 systems after the installation of the February 2025 security update (KB5051987), where mouse and keyboard inputs become unresponsive, requiring users to disconnect and reconnect to regain control. A fix is forthcoming in a future Windows update. Additionally, Microsoft has implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to resolve Remote Desktop and RDS connection challenges related to Windows 11 24H2 updates, which may cause RDP disconnections lasting up to 65 seconds on affected devices. A comprehensive solution for these issues is expected in next month’s cumulative updates.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Recent Windows Server 2025 updates cause Remote Desktop freezes

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Remote Desktop functionality on Windows Server 2025 systems, which arose after the installation of security updates released since February 2025. Users may experience freezes in Remote Desktop sessions shortly after connecting, with unresponsive mouse and keyboard inputs requiring a disconnect and reconnect to regain functionality. This issue also affects Windows 11 24H2 systems, but Microsoft addressed it for Windows 11 users with an optional update (KB5052093) released on February 25. A fix for Windows Server 2025 devices is planned for an upcoming update. Additionally, Microsoft has implemented Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to reverse problematic non-security updates related to Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) connection issues from Windows 11 24H2 updates since January 2025. Users may experience Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) disconnections lasting up to 65 seconds when connecting from Windows 11 24H2 devices to RDS hosts on Windows Server 2016 systems. A permanent fix for RDP disconnection issues is planned for next month's cumulative updates. Microsoft is also investigating connection errors on Windows 11 24H2 systems related to restoring data from SMB network shares or Backup & Replication servers.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows 11 users can finally restore this lost Windows 10 taskbar feature, here is how

Windows 11 users can restore the Desktop Peek feature using a Windhawk mod called "Taskbar Show Desktop Button Aero Peek," which allows them to show the desktop by hovering over the taskbar. This functionality was removed by Microsoft, but the mod provides a way to revert to the previous method. Users can uninstall the mod or use keyboard shortcuts (Win + D to show the desktop, Win + , for a quick peek) to return to the default settings.