mouse pointer Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

6 features worth enabling God Mode in Windows 11 for

God Mode in Windows grants access to over 200 settings and functionalities, many of which are typically hidden. Users can pin the God Mode folder to the Start menu or Quick Access in File Explorer for easy access. Key features include: - BitLocker: A disk encryption tool that protects data on drives using AES encryption, accessible via password, PIN, or Windows Hello. - Network Management: Simplifies access to network settings for connecting, checking status, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. - Power Management: Allows quick adjustments to power plans, battery settings, and actions for closing the laptop lid or pressing power buttons. - Accessibility: Offers extensive settings for users with disabilities, including tools like Narrator and Magnifier. - File Type Options: Enables users to manage file type associations and visibility of files and folders. - Windows Tools: Centralizes access to built-in maintenance tools like Disk Cleanup and Task Scheduler. God Mode enhances the user experience by providing a more efficient way to navigate system features compared to the traditional Control Panel.

Winsage

March 23, 2025

6 Windows features aimed at accessibility you didn’t know everyone should use

Microsoft's Windows 11 includes several accessibility features aimed at enhancing user experience. - Voice Access allows users to control their PCs with voice commands, operating in three modes: default, command-only, and dictation. It functions without an internet connection. - Live Captions automatically generate captions for any audio playing on the PC, aiding users in noisy environments or while multitasking. - Focus helps users minimize distractions by customizing notification settings and can be programmed to activate during specific activities. - Narrator reads text aloud from the screen, useful for managing extensive texts, with customizable settings for speed, pitch, and voice. - On-Screen Keyboard provides a virtual keyboard for input via mouse or touchscreen, customizable for usability. - Mouse pointer options allow users to adjust the size and color of the cursor and enable pointer trails for better visibility. Custom cursor designs can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Windows 11 will give you another reason to ditch Control Panel, migrates mouse settings

The Settings app in Windows 11 has been evolving over the past four years, with features migrating to a centralized hub. The latest Windows Server Build 26376 introduces new mouse properties, indicating changes for upcoming Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 23H2. These mouse-related settings, previously in the legacy Mouse properties applet, are now integrated into the Settings app but are spread across different sections. Features like Mouse Pointer Trails and customization options are found in the Accessibility section, while hover actions and button configurations are in the Mouse page under Accessibility. The Devices page retains similar options with enhancements. While the integration simplifies navigation by eliminating the need for separate applications, the fragmentation of settings may complicate the user experience for those preferring a consolidated view. Microsoft aims to reduce reliance on the Control Panel in future updates, though excessive changes could lead users back to it.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

I finally became a PowerToys convert years after I should have

PowerToys is a suite of free utilities developed by Microsoft for Windows 10 and Windows 11, originally created for Windows 95. It includes various tools such as: - FancyZones: Custom window layouts for desktop organization. - PowerRename: Bulk renaming of files with advanced capabilities. - Image Resizer: Quick image resizing from File Explorer. - PowerToys Run: Fast application launcher for opening apps, files, and executing commands. - Keyboard Manager: Key remapping and custom shortcut creation. - Color Picker: Identifies and copies color codes from the screen. - Mouse Utilities: Locates mouse pointer and highlights clicks. - Text Extractor: Copies text from images using OCR. - Always On Top: Keeps application windows visible above others. PowerToys Run is highlighted as a favorite feature, allowing users to launch applications and search for files efficiently, with support for plugins. The Workspaces feature helps users manage multiple tasks by defining specific applications and their screen positions. PowerToys integrates seamlessly with Windows, enhancing productivity for both power users and general users.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Microsoft battles more bugs in Windows 11 24H2 with new round of patches

Microsoft released an optional update, KB5052093, for Windows 11 24H2 to address persistent bugs. Users may need to manually download and install this update as it is being rolled out gradually. The update includes fixes for File Explorer, improving performance with media files, context menu response for cloud files, and the reliability of the address bar. It resolves issues with color displays in the Start menu, hard drive misidentification in Task Manager, Guest account sign-ins, custom mouse pointer colors after UAC prompts, and audio bugs related to volume spikes and USB devices. Connectivity issues with Remote Desktop and display rendering problems have been fixed, along with improvements to drag-and-drop functionality and an error message in the Settings screen. New features include file sharing from the Taskbar jump list, simultaneous camera access for multiple applications, enhancements to Windows Narrator for easier navigation, and a more user-friendly Windows Spotlight. A referral card for PC Game Pass may also appear for eligible users. The update can be checked via Settings under Windows Update, and the official version will be released on March 11.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

100+ run commands that can help you work efficiently on Windows

Windows 11 and 10 provide run commands that streamline workflow by allowing quick access to various system tools, applications, settings, and diagnostic features. Administrative Tools: - compmgmt.msc: Opens Computer Management. - devmgmt.msc: Launches Device Manager. - diskmgmt.msc: Opens Disk Management. - services.msc: Manages background services. - eventvwr.msc: Opens Event Viewer. - secpol.msc: Opens Local Security Policy. - regedit: Opens Registry Editor. - taskschd.msc: Opens Task Scheduler. - gpedit.msc: Opens Group Policy Editor (Pro & Enterprise). System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting: - msinfo32: Opens System Information. - dxdiag: Launches DirectX Diagnostic Tool. - verifier: Opens Driver Verifier Manager. - resmon: Opens Resource Monitor. - perfmon: Opens Performance Monitor. - mdsched: Runs Windows Memory Diagnostic. - msdt: Opens Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool. - dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth: Repairs Windows image. - sfc /scannow: Scans and repairs system files. - chkdsk: Runs Check Disk. - winver: Checks Windows version. - cleanmgr: Opens Disk Cleanup. File and Storage Management: - cleanmgr: Launches Disk Cleanup. - dfrgui: Opens Disk Defragmenter. - chkdsk: Checks and repairs disk errors. - diskpart: Opens Disk Partition utility. - onedrive: Opens OneDrive folder. - shell:AppsFolder: Opens all apps folder. - wab: Opens Windows contacts folder. - explorer: Opens File Explorer. - recent: Opens recent files and folders. - documents: Opens Documents folder. - downloads: Opens Downloads folder. - favorites: Opens Favorites folder. - pictures: Opens Pictures folder. - videos: Opens Videos folder. - %AppData%: Opens App Data folder. - debug: Accesses Debug folder. - backup: Opens backup folder. - %systemdrive%: Opens system drive. Security and Maintenance: - firewall.cpl: Opens Windows Defender Firewall. - wf.msc: Launches Firewall with advanced security. - ms-settings:windowsdefender: Opens Windows Security. - sigverif: Verifies file signatures. - verifier: Checks driver integrity. - msconfig: Opens System Configuration. - sfc /scannow: Runs system file checker. - dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth: Repairs Windows image. Launching Apps: - notepad: Opens Notepad. - calc: Launches Calculator. - snippingtool: Opens Snipping Tool. - mspaint: Opens Microsoft Paint. - winword: Starts Microsoft Word. - excel: Opens Microsoft Excel. - chrome: Launches Google Chrome. - msedge: Opens Microsoft Edge. - control: Opens Control Panel. - explorer: Opens File Explorer. - powerpnt: Opens Microsoft PowerPoint. - firefox: Opens Mozilla Firefox. - wmplayer: Opens Windows Media Player. - msra: Opens Windows Remote Assistance. - outlook: Opens Microsoft Outlook. Navigating Settings: - ms-settings: Opens main Settings app. - ms-settings:network: Opens network & internet settings. - ms-settings:display: Opens display settings. - ms-settings:personalization: Opens personalization settings. - ms-settings:windowsupdate: Opens Windows Update settings. - ms-settings:privacy: Opens Privacy settings. - ms-settings:bluetooth: Opens Bluetooth settings. - ms-settings:devices: Opens Devices settings. - ms-settings:system: Opens System settings. - ms-settings:accounts: Opens Accounts settings. - ms-settings:timeandlanguage: Opens Time & Language settings. - ms-settings:gaming: Opens Gaming settings. - ms-settings:region: Opens Region settings. - ms-settings:optionalfeatures: Opens Optional Features settings. - ms-settings:storage: Opens Storage settings. - ms-settings:notifications: Opens Notifications settings. - ms-settings:taskbar: Opens Taskbar settings. - ms-settings:start: Opens Start Menu settings. - ms-settings:lockscreen: Opens Lock Screen settings. Network and Connectivity: - ncpa.cpl: Opens Network Connections. - ipconfig: Displays IP configuration. - ping: Tests network connectivity. - control netconnections: Opens Network and Sharing Center. - ms-settings:network-wifi: Opens Wi-Fi settings. - ms-settings:datausage: View data usage. - ms-settings:network-vpn: Manage VPN. - ms-settings:network-proxy: Configures proxy settings. Display and Appearance: - desk.cpl: Opens Display Settings. - control color: Customizes window colors. - dpiscaling: Opens display scaling settings. - ms-settings:personalization: Opens Personalization settings. - ms-settings:themes: Changes desktop themes. - ms-settings:display-advanced: Adjusts advanced display settings. Accessibility: - magnify: Opens Magnifier. - narrator: Launches Narrator. - osk: Opens on-screen keyboard. - utilman: Opens Ease of Access Center. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-display: Opens display accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-cursor: Opens cursor accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-mouse: Opens mouse accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-keyboard: Opens keyboard accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-narrator: Opens narrator accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-magnifier: Opens magnifier accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-colorfilter: Opens color filter accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-highcontrast: Opens high contrast accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-closedcaptioning: Opens closed captioning accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-audio: Opens audio accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-eyecontrol: Opens eye control accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-mousepointer: Opens mouse pointer accessibility settings. Power Management: - powercfg.cpl: Opens Power Options. - ms-settings:powersleep: Adjusts power and sleep settings. - powercfg /batteryreport: Generates a battery report. - powercfg /energy: Creates an energy efficiency report. - powercfg /hibernate: Enables or disables hibernation. - powercfg /deviceenablewake: Enables a device to wake the computer. - powercfg /devicedisablewake: Disables a device from waking the computer.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

New Windows 11 24H2 bug list: 12 reasons to avoid this update for now

On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 get KB5046732 with File Explorer, Start menu improvements, and more

The latest non-security update for Windows 11, designated as KB5046732, is available for users on versions 23H2 and 22H2 (Enterprise and Education editions), with build numbers 22621.4541 and 22631.4541. This update introduces several new features and fixes: - The feature formerly known as Tailored Experiences is now called Personalized Offers, accessible via Settings > Privacy & Security. - The system tray now shows a shortened date and time, and clicking on it allows access to notifications. - The search box appears as an icon when the taskbar is set to auto-hide. - The IME toolbar automatically hides in full-screen mode when typing in Chinese or Japanese. - Right-clicking pinned apps in the Start menu reveals jump lists. - Users can share content directly to an Android device from File Explorer if Phone Link is configured. - Fixed excessive space between items in the left pane of File Explorer and the search box being cut off in smaller windows. - A new section for touchscreen edge gestures allows disabling left or right screen edge touch gestures. - Users can turn off enhanced mouse pointer precision and adjust scrolling direction in mouse settings. - A placeholder message appears in the Dynamic Lighting Settings Page when no compatible device is connected, with brightness and effects controls turned off. - The Wave effect in Dynamic Lighting now includes additional directional options. - Holding Shift and CTRL while clicking a jump list item opens it with administrative privileges.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 KB5046740 is out with a ton of new features for jump lists, taskbar, more

Microsoft has released C-updates for Windows 10 and 11, including the KB5046740 update for Windows 11, which introduces new features and improvements. Key updates include: - The "Tailored Experiences" feature is now called "Personalized offers." - The system tray now shows a shortened date and time, with options to manage notifications. - Right-clicking pinned apps in the Start menu reveals jump lists. - A new section for touchscreen edge gestures has been added. - The IME toolbar hides during full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Users can share content directly to an Android device via File Explorer. - New placeholder messages and controls have been added to the Dynamic Lighting Settings page. - Jump lists can now be opened with administrative privileges by holding Shift and CTRL. - Improvements have been made to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. - Various fixes have been implemented for display issues, mouse pointer location, clipboard history, Task Manager, and other system functionalities. A known issue affects Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.2454, preventing Roblox from being played on ARM devices, with a workaround available by downloading the game from the official website. The update can be accessed through Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Windows 11 takes small step to fix the horrible new Outlook app

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 27749 to Insiders in the Canary Channel. This update includes a new shortcut for the Narrator tool, allowing users to copy the last spoken text with "Narrator key + Control + X," and enables Narrator to automatically read emails in the new Outlook app. The build can be installed via the Windows 11 Settings app, but no Software Development Kit (SDK) is provided for this or any builds in the 27xxx series. Fixes in this build include resolving excessive spacing in the File Explorer navigation pane, correcting RAW image display issues, adding a search box to the auto-hiding taskbar, updating the mouse pointer location feature for high DPI monitors, addressing Narrator performance issues, fixing unnecessary announcements by Narrator, and correcting text scaling settings in some dialogs. Additionally, the Task Manager bug showing zero counts for apps and processes has been fixed, along with audio issues on certain devices, a crash-causing blank entry in Privacy settings, and various issues affecting Git functionality and domain joining for Insiders using Arm PCs.