personalization options Archives

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade: Can I keep using my old Windows 10 license?

Users can transfer their Windows 10 license to Windows 11 at no additional cost if their hardware meets the requirements. The upgrade process is facilitated by a digital license generated during the installation of Windows 10, which is stored on Microsoft’s servers. Minor hardware changes do not affect the digital license, but a motherboard change may require the product key. Windows can be used without a valid license for a trial period of 30 days, after which certain features are restricted, and this practice is not legally compliant. If the current hardware does not meet Windows 11 specifications, users can either install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using third-party software, upgrade their hardware, or purchase a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed. To use an existing Windows 10 license on a new computer, users must have a retail version of Windows 10. If a digital license or product key for Windows 11 is lacking, users can purchase one from the Microsoft Store, with prices varying. To transfer the Windows 10 license, users need to locate their product key, which can be found in the purchase confirmation email or extracted using tools. Linking the product key to a Microsoft account is recommended for easier identification during installation. After installation, users can check the activation status in the Settings app, which categorizes activation into four scenarios.

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

7 smart ways Android’s Modes can help you

Android introduces customizable modes that allow users to adjust device settings for different aspects of daily life. The standard Google Android interface enables easy navigation through these modes, while Samsung's interface offers additional personalization options, including the ability to create custom modes with unique names and icons. Users can manage notifications by defining which types to receive or block, enhancing productivity by minimizing distractions during work or events. Samsung devices provide specific notification rules and integrate modes with calendar events for better organization. Additionally, Samsung's driving mode can read notifications aloud, helping users stay informed while driving.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Official Windows Key for Just $7! It’s Time to Upgrade With WDKeys

Using an unlicensed version of Windows can lead to limitations such as restricted features, lack of personalization options, and withheld critical updates. A legitimate Windows 11 license can be purchased from platforms like WDKeys, with prices for Windows 11 Home starting under eight dollars. This license provides access to the full Windows experience, including features like dark mode, customizable wallpapers, and consistent updates. Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, and purchasing a Windows key now allows for a free upgrade to Windows 11 if hardware requirements are met. WDKeys offers both Windows 11 Home and Pro at lower prices than Microsoft, and their OEM keys are linked to a single machine for reinstallation. Support is available through email or live chat.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

One of the best ways to dodge Windows 11’s system requirements gets a new look, a new purpose, and a funny new name

Microsoft prefers users to invest in new PCs for upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, as many existing machines do not meet the new system requirements. Unofficial methods to install Windows 11 on older hardware have emerged, with tools like Rufus and Flyby11 (now rebranded as Flyoobe) facilitating this process. Flyoobe focuses on enhancing the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for users, offering expanded personalization options, improved visual customization, and refined navigation controls. The latest update includes features such as clearer feedback on Windows Update and fixes for display scaling issues. Rufus remains popular for quick installations, while Flyoobe targets users seeking a more customizable setup experience.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Google is working on AI-powered custom icon themes for your Pixel phone

Google is enhancing the customization capabilities of its Pixel phones, particularly regarding app icons. The current "Themed icons" feature only works well with monochromatic icons, leading to mismatched visuals for many popular apps. To improve this, Google is reportedly developing new AI-powered options for icon customization, which may allow users to create custom icon themes independently of app developers. The new options discovered in the Android Canary build include: - Default: Keeps app icons unchanged. - Minimal: Displays monochromatic versions of app icons. - AI icon: Utilizes AI to generate a custom icon style automatically. - Create: Empowers users to design their own custom icon styles. Additionally, Google is working on allowing users to customize icon shapes. The timeline for these features is uncertain, but they may be part of a broader theme support initiative. Third-party Android launchers that support custom icon packs are available for users seeking immediate personalization options.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Six new Android features just dropped, and you can try them out today

Android 16 introduces several new features, including enhancements to RCS group chats, a redesigned Google Photos editor, and improved functionality in the Google Home app. RCS group chat updates allow users to customize group chats with unique icons and names, check RCS status of friends, and mute notifications for specific groups. The Google Photos app features a new image editor with AI-driven suggestions, a Reimagine feature for creative expression, and an Auto frame function for better image cropping. The Google Home app now includes device-specific shortcuts for easier management of smart devices and an upgraded Safety Check feature for scheduling check-ins. WearOS smartwatches can now tap city transit cards even when the Google Wallet app is closed, provided the feature is activated.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

OK Google, it’s time to support app icon packs on Pixel phones

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update introduces new features, including Material 3 Expressive and a "Themes" tab in the Wallpaper and Style app, indicating potential customization through unreleased "Pixel Customization Packs." While the full capabilities of Pixel themes are unclear, they may include new wallpapers, fonts, and app icon designs, addressing the current limitations of app icon customization on Pixel phones. Future updates promise customizable app icon shapes, but lack of support for third-party icon packs remains a significant drawback compared to competitors like OnePlus and Samsung. The introduction of Pixel themes raises hopes for enhanced personalization, particularly regarding icon pack support, which has been a long-standing request from Pixel users.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

I made the Windows 11 taskbar truly my own with these customizations

Windows 11 offers taskbar customization options that enhance user experience. TranslucentTB is a free tool that allows users to change the taskbar's color and transparency, adapting its appearance based on different scenarios. ExplorerPatcher enables users to restore the Windows 10 taskbar design, providing individual buttons for features and customizable flyouts. Windhawk is a modding tool that offers unique themes for the taskbar, transforming its appearance into styles reminiscent of other operating systems. Start11 allows users to pin folders to the taskbar for easier access. Windhawk also provides mods to enhance taskbar labels and customize the clock. ObjectDock offers a macOS-style dock as an alternative to the traditional taskbar, featuring animations and visual customization options.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Google’s Find My Device gets a much-needed update

Google's Android operating system update on May 13 rebranded Find My Device to Find Hub, adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tag support and satellite connectivity for improved tracking. Google plans to partner with airlines to enable Bluetooth tag location sharing for lost luggage recovery, launching early next year. The update is part of the Android 16 revamp, which includes personalization options and the introduction of Material 3 Expressive. Additionally, Google I/O announced the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini Live across various platforms for a more intuitive AI experience.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Android and Wear OS are getting a big refresh

The introduction of Material 3 Expressive enhances customization options for Android devices, allowing for a more personal expression of style. It features natural animations that create delightful interactions, such as adjacent notifications responding when one is dismissed and providing tactile feedback through haptic rumble. This design evolution emphasizes both functionality and the emotional connection users have with their devices.