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How I've improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool
Winsage
March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.
Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones
AppWizard
March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.
Opinion: Windows 11 isn’t the disaster some claim - and it’s time to say so
Winsage
February 22, 2026

Opinion: Windows 11 isn’t the disaster some claim – and it’s time to say so

Windows 11 has faced challenges, including a comprehensive list of top issues identified in 2025, but it is not uniquely unstable compared to earlier versions like Windows 95, 98, XP, 7, and 10. Recent headlines have highlighted various problems such as printer malfunctions and performance issues, but these are often exaggerated due to increased visibility. Historically, Windows has experienced similar cycles of instability, and the perception of widespread failure today is amplified by rapid documentation of minor issues. User trust in Windows has eroded, with skepticism about performance stemming from cumulative updates and the personal impact of issues on over a billion users. The focus should shift to improving predictability and transparency regarding updates rather than solely counting bugs. Windows 11's frequency of out-of-band updates is comparable to that of Windows 7 and 10, with improved mechanisms for addressing problems quickly. Gamers continue to adopt Windows 11 due to enhanced CPU scheduling, improved GPU performance, and features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage. Microsoft is committed to further improving the gaming experience. The scale of Windows operations, with over a billion users and multiple concurrent releases, contributes to occasional anomalies. Despite criticisms, most Windows 11 systems operate without significant issues, performing adequately for daily tasks and gaming. Microsoft has announced plans for enhancements, including bug fixes, performance improvements, and security upgrades, indicating that Windows 11 remains a solid choice for users.
Windows remembers much more than you think: this is the ‘ghost’ ID it stores for every USB device you connect to your PC
Winsage
February 15, 2026

Windows remembers much more than you think: this is the ‘ghost’ ID it stores for every USB device you connect to your PC

Microsoft's Windows operating system retains a record of every USB device ever connected, storing this information in the Registry under USB or USBSTOR keys. This log includes unique identifiers, device names, and hardware specifications, remaining intact even after the device is disconnected. The stored information enhances the operating system's efficiency by allowing it to recognize devices upon reconnection, utilize previously installed drivers, and maintain prior settings. It also aids in system administration, diagnostics, and compatibility assessments, particularly in professional settings, and assists in digital forensics by reconstructing the history of hardware connections.
Windows 11 is now reportedly faster than Windows 10 in gaming after latest 25H2 update
Winsage
January 27, 2026

Windows 11 is now reportedly faster than Windows 10 in gaming after latest 25H2 update

Hardware Unboxed, a YouTube channel known for hardware reviews, has teased an upcoming video focused on advancements in computer components. The teaser image was created by Antonis Georgiou and sourced from Unsplash, with contributions from Nicole Pineda on Pixabay. The video is expected to cover topics such as graphics cards, processors, and gaming peripherals, providing viewers with data and practical insights for tech investments.
'Windows Mobile is back, sort of': US startup packs THREE OS in one smartphone in most exciting mobile release I've seen in years
Winsage
January 21, 2026

‘Windows Mobile is back, sort of’: US startup packs THREE OS in one smartphone in most exciting mobile release I’ve seen in years

Nex Computer has launched the NexPhone, a smartphone that operates on three operating systems: Android, Linux, and Windows 11. It allows users to switch between platforms and is the first device to integrate these functionalities into a single mobile device. The NexPhone primarily runs on Android but has dual-boot capabilities for Windows and Linux (Debian), offering a full desktop environment. Traditional calling functions are limited to Android, as Windows and Linux are not designed for telephony. The device will receive standard over-the-air updates for Android, while Windows updates will be managed through Windows Update. Preorders for the NexPhone are open at a refundable price of , with the remaining balance due upon delivery, and include a complimentary USB-C dock.
Steam Machine release date speculation, specs and latest news
AppWizard
January 9, 2026

Steam Machine release date speculation, specs and latest news

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine in early 2026, potentially up to April 2026, though delays may occur due to a RAM crisis affecting component prices. Pre-orders are currently unavailable, but customers can add it to their Steam wishlist for notifications. The Steam Machine is a PC-hybrid console, running SteamOS, and offers a desktop environment for flexibility. It has performance specifications between the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5, with 16GB of system memory and 8GB of video memory. Key specifications include a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU, semi-custom AMD RDNA3 GPU, and storage options of 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD. The Steam Machine will come with a Steam Controller, featuring standard controls and enhanced precision through dual trackpads and a gyroscope.
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