pointer precision Archives

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Hidden clues suggest Microsoft is moving another part of Windows 11’s Control Panel to the Settings app – and this time it’s mouse options

Microsoft is transitioning mouse options from the Control Panel to the Settings app as part of a strategy to phase out the Control Panel in Windows operating systems. Currently, these changes are not visible in Windows 11 and are only present in the Windows Server environment. The relocated mouse properties include features like pointer trails and customization options, which are now found under Accessibility and Bluetooth & Devices in the Settings app. The visual presentation of these options in the Settings app is more polished compared to the Control Panel. This migration has been ongoing since 2020, with the Control Panel gradually redirecting users to the Settings app. Despite this transition, the Control Panel is unlikely to be completely retired in the near future due to the complexity of determining which features to retain.

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

December 7, 2024

These are my 15 favorite features and changes that Microsoft added to Windows 11 in 2024

- Windows 11 introduced the Sudo command, allowing users to execute commands with elevated privileges without launching the Windows Terminal as an administrator. - An "Energy Saver" mode was added to enhance power management, combining features of the previous "Battery Saver" and "Power Mode." - Users can now modify power button actions directly from Settings without accessing the legacy Control Panel. - The date and time format in the Taskbar's System Tray has been revised to omit the AM/PM designation and the four-digit year. - Taskbar navigation has been improved, allowing users to focus on applications using their initial letters. - Users can customize mouse scrolling direction via Settings without accessing the Registry. - Windows 11 now supports Wi-Fi 7, promising speeds exceeding 40 Gbps. - A network refresh button was added to the Quick Settings flyout for easier scanning of available wireless networks. - Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR) enhances gaming visuals on Copilot+ PCs by upscaling images and improving frame rates. - Windows Studio effects enhance video and audio calls with AI-driven features, now available to all Copilot+ PC users. - The context menu in File Explorer has been updated to include labels for commonly used actions. - A new archive compression wizard allows users to create Zip, TAR, and 7zip files. - The "Link to Windows" feature enables browsing and transferring files from Android devices to Windows 11 computers without a USB connection. - The "Windows Setup" interface has been revamped with a cleaner design and simplified installation process. - A customizable Copilot key option allows users to remap this key to any application from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Windows 11 KB5046732 23H2 out with new features, direct download .msu

Windows 11 has released an optional update, KB5046732, for versions 23H2 and 22H2, accessible via Windows Update or direct download from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Installing this update upgrades users to Windows 11 Build 22631.4541, introducing several changes: - The "Tailored Experiences" feature is now called "Personalized Offers" and is located in the Privacy & Security section. - Touchscreen settings now allow disabling edge gestures, and mouse options include pointer precision and scroll direction controls. - The taskbar features a more compact date and time format, with the notification bell icon disappearing when "Do Not Disturb" is activated. - File Explorer enhancements enable sharing content directly to Android devices via the context menu, and it resolves spacing issues and search box functionality in smaller windows. - The Start menu allows pinned apps to display jump lists, and users can open items with administrative privileges using Shift and CTRL. - The Dynamic Lighting Settings page shows placeholder messages for unconnected devices and new directional options for lighting effects. - Task Manager's disconnect and log-off dialogs now support dark mode, and users can view disk types in the Performance section. Additional improvements include enhanced audio streaming for Bluetooth LE devices, a fix for mouse issues in multi-monitor setups, resolution of Windows activation problems after motherboard replacements, fixes for IPP USB printer-related system freezes, and more secure operation for Windows Search processes. The update is being rolled out gradually.

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 15, 2024

Windows 11 22631.4534 Release Preview brings new features for Start menu, taskbar, and more

Microsoft has rolled out an update for Windows 11 version 23H2, identified as KB5046732 (22631.4534), which includes enhancements to the Start menu, taskbar, input methods, Task Manager, Dynamic Lighting, and accessibility features. Key updates include: - Start menu: Users can access jump lists by right-clicking pinned apps. - Taskbar: The system tray shows a condensed date and time format, and the notification bell icon can be hidden when "Do not disturb" is activated. - Touchscreen: A section for customizing edge gestures has been added. - Mouse: Users can disable enhanced mouse pointer precision and modify scrolling direction. - Task Manager: Supports dark mode and text scaling in Disconnect and Logoff dialogs; provides detailed disk type information. - Input Method Editor (IME): The IME toolbar hides during full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - File Explorer: New sharing feature allows sending content to Android devices via Phone Link. - Windows Search: Operates IFilters within Less Privileged App Containers for enhanced security. - Dynamic Lighting: New placeholder message for unconnected devices and enhanced Wave and Gradient effects. - Narrator: New functionalities in scan mode for easier navigation. - Speech in Windows: Enhancements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities. - Settings: Tailored Experiences feature rebranded to Personalized offers. Fixes include resolution of activation issues after motherboard replacement, updated mobile operator profiles, fixes for unresponsiveness with IPP USB printers, and addressed streaming issues with Bluetooth LE Audio devices.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

This month’s Patch Tuesday finally adds a reverse mouse scrolling option

On the second Tuesday of October, Patch Tuesday updates are released for all supported versions of Windows, including significant updates for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 24H2. The update (KB5044284) for Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces the ability to change the scrolling direction for mice, a feature previously available only for laptop touchpads. Other enhancements include a revamped user interface for media controls on the lock screen, a more accessible Sign out button in the Start menu, and the capability to share local files directly from Windows Search results. New features in the updates include an energy recommendation feature for HDR devices, a notification prompting users to plug in devices at 20% battery, a redesigned Start menu for easier account switching, and improved media controls on the lock screen. Windows 11 version 23H2 also receives similar updates, including the ability to adjust mouse scrolling direction and enhancements to media controls and file-sharing capabilities. Older versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 version 22H2 and 21H2, receive updates focusing on fixes and improvements, including changes to the Start menu and potential issues with media playback in Microsoft Edge's IE mode. All updates are mandatory for supported devices.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft starts rolling out its Windows 11 2024 update with lots of useful improvements

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 11 2024 update, version 24H2, which includes enhancements to the Start menu, File Explorer, Settings, and other components. The Start menu features a new side panel for Phone Link users, providing real-time phone insights. File Explorer has a redesigned home section with a tabbed view for recent, favorites, and shared files, improved context menus, and the ability to create 7z and TAR files. The system tray has a simplified time and date display, and Quick Settings now shows all actions by default with a new Energy Saver mode. The Settings interface allows users to reverse mouse scroll direction and toggle enhanced pointer precision easily. A unified Microsoft Teams app and a new Outlook client replace the Mail and Calendar applications. The update supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE audio, and performance enhancements for AMD desktop CPUs. Microsoft is using an OS swap method for this update to avoid compatibility issues. The rollout will begin with eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2.

Winsage

September 25, 2024

Microsoft confirms new features and bugs in Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.1876

Microsoft has updated the release notes for Windows 11 24H2 preview build 26100.1876, introducing features such as the ability to toggle mouse acceleration on or off, and adjust scrolling direction. Users can also select a preferred power mode for their device in the "Power & Battery" section. However, there is an issue with screen readers, specifically the NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) application, which cannot narrate content from applications running with elevated privileges. The official launch of Windows 11 version 24H2 is expected in October, with additional updates anticipated before the public release.

Winsage

August 30, 2024

Microsoft is trying to reduce Windows 11’s desktop spotlight clutter

Windows 11's Spotlight feature currently covers about 20% of the desktop space and directs users to Bing search results. Microsoft is refining the Spotlight experience in Windows 11 Build 22635.4145, introducing enhancements such as hotspots activated by right-clicking on the Windows Spotlight icon. The new design will feature a streamlined pop-up with a reduced flyout, and users can still access full-screen mode and the Bing landing page through right-click and double-click actions. The upcoming changes include animated hotspots for additional information without needing to navigate to Bing. Additionally, Build 22635.4145 updates the mouse settings in the Settings menu, allowing users to disable enhanced mouse pointer precision and adjust mouse scrolling direction.