personalization options Archives

Winsage

April 29, 2026

Windows K2 tracker: Keeping tabs on Microsoft’s promises to fix Windows 11

Microsoft has outlined a roadmap for Windows 11 as part of its Windows K2 initiative, focusing on enhancements to user experience by addressing longstanding issues and responding to user feedback. A table detailing Microsoft's commitments includes the following: - Taskbar Repositioning: Allow taskbar at top, left, and right - Status: Preview expected imminently. - Taskbar Customization: More personalization options including smaller taskbar - Status: Preview expected this year. - AI Integration: Reduce unnecessary Copilot entry points in various tools - Status: Copilot in Snipping Tool removed; Notepad Copilot button replaced with AI writing tools. - Windows Update Control: Skip updates during setup; restart/shutdown without forced updates; pause longer - Status: Rolling out now. - File Explorer: Faster launch, reduced flicker, smoother navigation - Status: Work in progress; faster launch times already in testing. - Widgets: Quieter defaults, more control, better personalization - Status: No preview yet. - Windows Insider Program: Simpler channels, clearer definitions, higher-quality builds - Status: Rolling out now. - Feedback Hub: Largest redesign yet - Status: Rolling out now. - System Performance: Reduced resource usage, improved responsiveness - Status: Work underway; some early improvements noted. - WinUI 3 Migration: Move more Windows experiences to WinUI 3 - Status: In progress; Start menu migration confirmed but not yet shipping. - File Explorer Fundamentals: Lower latency for search, navigation, context menus - Status: Committed, not yet being previewed. The Windows K2 initiative aims to improve performance, reliability, and craftsmanship in Windows 11, addressing user feedback to enhance competitiveness against macOS and Linux. The project seeks to reshape internal perspectives on product development to be more user-centric. Regular updates will reflect the latest progress.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Microsoft plans major Start menu upgrades for Windows 11 with better customization and performance: Users will soon be able to resize it and toggle off entire areas of Start

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 Start menu to provide users with greater control over its appearance and functionality through the forthcoming WinUI 3 Start menu. The redesigned Start menu will retain a familiar look while introducing advanced customization features, allowing users to toggle sections on or off and choose between small or large layouts. These updates are part of a broader initiative, codenamed Windows K2, aimed at improving the Windows ecosystem by focusing on user experience and stability.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Windows 11’s New Xbox Mode is Now Available for More Insiders

Microsoft is expanding the Xbox Mode, previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, to more Insiders, including those on the Canary and Release Preview Channels. The new Xbox Mode can be activated through the Xbox app, Game Bar settings, or by pressing Win + F11, providing a full-screen interface for PC games. The Canary build 29570.1000 also introduces a new Touchpad setting for adjusting the right-click zone size and expands lock screen widget personalization options. For Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, the build 28020.1863 addresses a sign-in issue without introducing new features. The Dev and Beta Channels are receiving updates focused on reliability, including improvements to File Explorer and Windows Hello. The Release Preview Channel is previewing an upcoming optional April update that includes the new Xbox Mode, File Explorer enhancements, haptic feedback for certain pens, a rebranded Drop Tray, taskbar monitoring for AI agents, and revamped voice typing features. Additional reliability enhancements are included for various Windows components.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

The Windows 11 customization scene is thriving because Microsoft won’t give users what they want

Windows 11 initially faced criticism for its limited features and slower adoption rate due to stringent hardware requirements. Microsoft has encouraged users to transition from Windows 10, which is no longer supported, to ensure they receive updates and security patches. In response to user feedback, Microsoft has begun implementing changes, such as allowing users to bypass updates during setup and reintroducing features like a movable Taskbar. Despite these efforts, many users feel that Windows 11 has reduced personalization options, leading to the development of third-party tools and mods to restore removed features. Notable third-party products include Start11 for the Start menu and various skins available on platforms like Reddit and X. The Rainmeter Windows 12 skin has gained popularity, offering a futuristic look for Windows 11.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Get a Windows 11 Pro license for just $12.97 (That’s a 93% discount!)

The Windows 11 Pro license is currently available for .97, significantly reduced from its standard retail price of 9. This offer is found on the Tech Deals website and is intended for Windows machines needing a new license, not for devices already running Windows 10 that cannot access a free upgrade. Minimum system requirements include a 1GHz processor with at least 2 cores, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, a GPU compatible with DirectX 12 or later, a display of at least 9 inches with 720p resolution, and internet connectivity for activation. Activating Windows 11 Pro removes the "Activate Windows" watermark, unlocks personalization options, ensures access to updates and technical support, and provides enhanced security and remote management features compared to the Home version.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft announces major Windows 11 updates designed to fix biggest flaws

Microsoft has announced plans to enhance Windows 11, focusing on user feedback from the past two years. Key improvements will include better system performance, app responsiveness, and user interface adjustments. Users can expect enhancements in tools like File Explorer and the Windows Subsystem for Linux, with a goal of a more responsive and less resource-intensive operating system by year-end. The Taskbar will be repositionable, allowing customization, and the Windows UI framework, WinUI, will be expanded across more system areas. Windows Update will offer users greater control over updates, including the ability to pause them indefinitely. Microsoft aims to improve reliability by strengthening the Windows Insider Program, increasing OS and driver reliability, and enhancing Windows Hello biometric authentication. The focus areas for improvements are Performance, Reliability, and Craft, with specific goals outlined for each category, such as reducing resource usage, enhancing memory efficiency, and improving the search experience.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Our commitment to Windows quality

- Enhanced Taskbar Customization: Users will be able to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. - Intentional AI Integration: Copilot will be integrated thoughtfully across Windows, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad. - Streamlined Windows Updates: Users will have more control over updates, including options to skip updates during setup, restart without installing updates, and pause updates. - Improved File Explorer: Enhancements will lead to quicker launches, smoother navigation, and more reliable performance. - Widget Control and Personalization: Widgets will have quieter defaults and improved personalization options. - Simplified Windows Insider Program: The program will be made more accessible with clearer channel definitions and enhanced engagement opportunities. - Revamped Feedback Hub: The Feedback Hub will be updated to streamline the process for submitting feedback and engaging with the community. - System Performance Improvements: Resource usage will be reduced to enhance performance, resulting in faster app launches and improved memory efficiency. - Fluid App Interactions: Core experiences will transition to the WinUI3 framework to minimize interaction latency. - File Explorer Optimization: Efforts will be made to lower latency for search and navigation. - Elevating the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Performance and integration for developers using Linux tools will be enhanced. - Windows Insider Program Enhancements: Expectations for each Insider channel will be clarified, and the quality of builds will be raised. - OS, Driver, and App Reliability: Improvements will be made to system stability and driver quality. - Windows Update Experience: Updates will be streamlined to minimize disruptions and provide clearer control over timing. - Windows Hello Improvements: Biometric authentication will be enhanced for a more reliable sign-in experience. - Start and Taskbar Enhancements: These areas will be made more reliable and personalized. - Focused User Experience: Distractions will be reduced to help users maintain focus. - Search Enhancements: Faster, more accurate search results will be delivered across Windows surfaces. - Commitment to security enhancements aligned with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

5 of the best productivity apps on Android for getting organized and getting stuff done

Perplexity allows users to access multiple AI models with cited sources for verification. Google Docs enables collaborative document creation and editing with features like commenting, automatic cloud saving, and offline access. Notion serves as a hub for to-do lists, notes, documents, and project management, with AI capabilities for transcribing and summarizing notes. Microsoft To Do offers a user-friendly interface for creating to-do lists, setting reminders, and collaborating with others, while syncing across devices. Proton Drive provides end-to-end encryption for file security, automatic backups, and additional security features like PIN or biometric protection and secure file sharing options.

Winsage

December 14, 2025

My top 17 Windows 11 features introduced in 2025 — personal picks from cleaner UI experiences to major PC gaming upgrades

- Windows 11 received numerous enhancements in 2025 through monthly cumulative updates. - The revamped Start menu consolidates Pinned, Recommended, and All sections into a single scrollable interface, allowing up to eight pinned items per row. - The Recommended section can showcase up to six app and file suggestions, with an option to disable it. - The All section organizes apps by category by default, with options for grid or list view. - A redesigned Widgets board integrates a new settings page, allowing users to select which board opens by default. - Users can customize Lock Screen widgets through a new section under Personalization. - A new setting allows users to reposition on-screen hardware indicators for brightness and volume. - A dedicated page for Virtual Workspaces in the Settings app centralizes virtualization controls. - Users can opt for smaller icons on the Taskbar for a more compact arrangement of app buttons. - A new sharing shortcut allows users to send files to compatible apps directly from recent file icons. - An option to disable the "Drag Tray" has been added in the Nearby Sharing settings. - The Notification Center now supports a large clock with seconds and multiple clocks. - The Windows Hello interface has been redesigned with animations for better user engagement. - Support for third-party passkey providers has been integrated into Windows Hello. - A new security feature, Administrator Protection, adds an authentication prompt for actions requiring elevation. - Quick Machine Recovery is designed to repair the operating system during boot failures. - Windows Backup now supports local file transfers during new device setup. - The Xbox Full Screen Experience has been tailored for handheld gaming devices. - A battery percentage display has been added to the Taskbar, along with new battery iconography. - Multi-stream support for cameras allows multiple applications to access the same camera feed simultaneously.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Android 16 finally fights notification overload and lets you kill ugly icons

Android 16 introduces a shift from annual feature releases to continuous updates. Key features include a "Notification organizer" that groups and silences low-priority notifications, and AI tools that summarize lengthy messages and chat threads. Themed icons can now be applied across all apps for a consistent look. The update also includes a centralized Family Link hub for managing screen time and app usage on children's devices. These changes are currently rolling out to eligible Pixel devices.