resize Archives

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows Wrap: Windows 11’s new Start menu is a masterclass in frustration — I just scored you an exclusive deal to save 25% on Start11 to fix it

Microsoft's recent updates to the Start menu in Windows 11 have led to user disappointment, with popular applications being placed in an "Other" folder and illogical groupings of apps. A poll by Windows Central indicated that 43% of respondents find the new Start menu more cluttered than the previous version, while 25% miss the control they had over its layout. Users desire greater customization options, including the elimination of advertisements, the ability to reposition the taskbar, customizable categories for app organization, resizing the Start menu, and collapsing sections within the menu. Microsoft has committed to allowing users to move the taskbar, aligning Windows 11 more closely with Windows 10 functionality. An exclusive 25% discount on Start11 from Stardock is available for 14 days from publication.

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Microsoft confirms a wider roll out of Windows 11’s new colourful battery icons on the taskbar

Windows 11 users will see colorful battery icons on the taskbar as Microsoft rolls out updates, including the new Start menu, with the update KB5077241. The vibrant battery icons have been in development for nearly two years, with initial testing starting in late 2024. The rollout began last year but was limited to select PCs. An optional update in February 2026 will further expand the availability of these icons and the updated Start menu. The new battery icon replaces the plain white bar with a green icon when charging, featuring a charging bolt during the process. The icon changes color based on battery levels: it turns orange at 30% and red below 6%. Users can display the battery percentage on the taskbar by enabling it in Settings > System > Power & Battery. Recent improvements to the Windows taskbar include the return of drag-and-drop functionality, the ability to resize the taskbar, and potential options to reposition it. Microsoft is also updating Secure Boot certificates, set to expire in June 2026, and distributing new certificates issued in 2023 to more PCs. A tutorial is available for users to verify the application of these new Secure Boot certificates.

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Ex-Microsoft executive says he fought against the removal of the vertical taskbar in Windows 11

Microsoft is reportedly planning to reintroduce the ability to relocate and resize the Windows 11 taskbar, a feature that was removed and led to user dissatisfaction. Former Microsoft executive Mikhail Parakhin criticized the removal of the vertical taskbar, stating it enhances productivity. Other former employees, including Andy Young, have also expressed dissatisfaction with Windows 11's design, particularly the Start Menu's performance issues. Microsoft is acknowledging the need to address user concerns and "pain points" within Windows 11 as it considers restoring customization options.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

I never worry about photo composition thanks to this Google Pixel 9a trick

Google Pixel phones offer AI-powered photography tools, including the Magic Editor and Auto Best Take in Google Photos. A notable feature is Auto Frame, introduced with the Pixel 9 series and available on the Pixel 9a, which automatically crops and resizes images for better composition. This tool helps users focus on capturing moments rather than technical details. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series utilize the rule of thirds in photo arrangements, enhancing visual appeal and teaching users about composition. Auto Frame can be used in real-time or for editing older photos, making it useful for quick shots. It employs generative AI for minor adjustments but primarily focuses on cropping and resizing. Auto Frame is available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 10 series, and the A-series model.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Windows Wrap: Microsoft starts fixing Windows 11 as its OpenAI ‘marriage’ hits the rocks

Microsoft is reportedly developing a feature that will allow users to move and resize the Windows 11 Taskbar, responding to a long-standing community request. This change is part of a strategy to enhance the Windows 11 experience by 2026, with expectations for the feature to be available later this year. The online reaction has been mixed, with some users humorously criticizing Microsoft for reinstating a previously removed feature. Additionally, Microsoft is recalibrating its relationship with OpenAI, having restructured their agreement to allow more collaboration with other tech entities, while also pursuing its own foundation models.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Nobody wants a massive Windows 11 Start menu. Let us resize it, say users, as Microsoft monitors feedback

The redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu has received mixed feedback, with users appreciating the upgrade but expressing concerns about its size and lack of customization options. Many users have reported that the Start menu can occupy up to 70% of the screen, with some configurations covering nearly 90% of the display. Users are requesting the ability to resize the Start menu, similar to the controls available in Windows 10. Microsoft has acknowledged this feedback and is monitoring user responses, though there is currently no immediate plan to implement a resize button. The new design allows sections within the Start menu to be responsive, but the overall size of the menu itself does not change. The Start menu is still being rolled out, with most users seeing it following the December 2025 update.

BetaBeacon

January 27, 2026

How to Play PC Games on Your Android Phone: Smooth and Zero lag

- Remote gaming allows players to play PC games from their couch by connecting their phone to their gaming PC with DeskIn. - Remote gaming also allows players to continue their gaming streak while traveling or on a business trip by remotely accessing their home PC. - DeskIn's screen mirroring function allows players to project their mobile games onto a big screen without the need for emulators. - Remote gaming with DeskIn offers low latency, customizable controls, and support for Bluetooth controllers. - DeskIn is compared to Parsec and offers features such as high frame rates, low latency, virtual keyboard, controller support, and multi-language support.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Windows 11 Just Fixed One Of Its Biggest Problems

Linux installations are increasing as Windows 10 approaches its expiration date, driven by user dissatisfaction with Microsoft's focus on artificial intelligence and disruptive updates. The Start Menu, a key feature since Windows 95, has faced criticism due to redesigns that complicate user experience. A recent update to Windows 11 has introduced a redesigned Start Menu that allows greater customization, features a wider layout, and enables users to disable the Recommended section. However, issues remain, such as irrelevant search results, loss of access to recently accessed files when disabling recommendations, inability to resize the Start Menu, and absence of categorization for pinned items.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

I raced to my PC to install this new PowerToys update — but its best new feature is one control away from greatness

Microsoft's PowerToys has released version 0.97, enhancing the Windows 11 experience with a new utility and significant updates to the Command Palette. The Command Palette now features a Personalization page for customizing its interface, including background images and color tinting. It also includes fallback ranking for search results, allowing users to manage command order through drag-and-drop. A new extension enables control of PowerToys features directly from the Command Palette, and the Peek feature allows file and folder previews. Additional updates include support for Pinyin, a Remote Desktop extension, custom search engine selection, and drag-and-drop support for File Indexer and Clipboard History. The new CursorWrap feature allows seamless mouse movement across multiple monitors. The Quick Access flyout has been optimized for faster launch times and can be customized or disabled. PowerToys now offers expanded CLI support for utilities like FancyZones and Image Resizer. Other changes include the Light Switch feature following the Night Light setting, a revamped "What's new" dialog, and improvements to the Advanced Paste feature. CursorWrap shows promise but has minor bugs and user requests for further refinements.

Winsage

January 9, 2026

The Secret Microsoft App That Improves How I Use Windows

PowerToys is a suite of utilities developed by Microsoft, available for free on GitHub and other platforms, which enhances the Windows user experience with frequently updated functionalities. Key utilities include: - Command Palette: A tool for launching applications, searching for files, and locating open windows, with a Bookmarks feature for quick access to folders and websites. - Light Switch: Allows users to toggle dark mode with a keyboard shortcut and schedule it based on fixed hours or local sunset times. - Peek: Enables quick file previews by pressing the Space bar, allowing seamless navigation through files. - Text Extractor: A utility for extracting text from images faster than Windows' built-in OCR, using the shortcut Windows + Shift + T. - Image Resizer: Simplifies the process of resizing images through a right-click option in File Explorer, offering preset sizes and custom resolutions. - Awake: Keeps PCs active beyond default sleep settings, allowing users to choose a duration for their systems to remain awake. - FancyZones: Provides custom window layouts for efficient workspace organization, allowing users to snap windows into designated zones.