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Winsage
September 22, 2025
Microsoft is reintroducing live wallpapers to the Windows operating system, originally known as DreamScene from the Windows Vista era. The feature is currently in testing, with the latest Windows 11 Dev/Beta build (26x20.6690) revealing an option to use video files as live wallpapers. Users can participate in the Windows Insider program to access this feature by enabling feature ID 57645315 and restarting the explorer.exe process. The official rollout timeline is uncertain, but it may debut in next year's major updates. The current focus for updates is on security enhancements rather than significant visual changes. More bug fixes and refinements are expected before the feature's stable release.
Winsage
September 22, 2025
Windows 11 will soon allow users to set videos, including formats like .mp4, as desktop backgrounds in the upcoming 24H2 or 25H2 updates. The feature will enable videos to play automatically in a loop and is inspired by the third-party application WallpaperEngine. It is linked to forthcoming optional updates and may be available by October for users running Windows 11 Build 26220 or newer. To set a video as a background, users will go to Settings > Personalization > Background. Supported file formats include .mp4, .m4v, .mov, .wmv, .avi, .mkv, and .webm. The feature is reminiscent of the "DreamScene" functionality from Windows Vista and is designed to be non-interactive, potentially reducing power and resource consumption.
Winsage
September 21, 2025
Microsoft is introducing the option to use video files as desktop backgrounds in Windows 11, reviving the Windows DreamScene feature that allows for video wallpapers. This feature is currently being tested in the Windows 11 26x20.6690 Dev/Beta builds and is accessible through the Windows Insider program. Users can enable it by using feature ID 57645315 and restarting the explorer.exe process in Task Manager. Supported video formats include .mp4, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .wmv, .avi, and .webm.
Winsage
September 21, 2025
Windows 11 has introduced various user interface changes that may frustrate power users, requiring modifications through the Windows Registry for customization. The Registry Editor (Regedit) allows for these changes, but caution is advised as incorrect modifications can cause system issues. Users with administrative control can access the Registry, while managed machines may restrict access. 1. To restore the full right-click context menu, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareClassesCLSID in Regedit, create a key named {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}, add a key called InprocServer32, and set its default value to blank. 2. To force shutdown when apps resist, go to HKEYCURRENTUSERControl PanelDesktop in Regedit, create a string value named AutoEndTasks set to 1, and create string values WaitToKillAppTimeout and HungAppTimeout set to 2000 milliseconds. 3. To hide web results from Windows Search, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows in Regedit, create a key called Explorer, and create a DWORD (32-bit) value named DisableSearchBoxSuggestions set to 1. 4. To disable the lock screen, go to HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows in Regedit, create a key named Personalization, and add a DWORD (32-bit) value called NoLockScreen set to 1. 5. To bypass the Settings home screen, navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer in Regedit and create a string value named SettingsPageVisibility set to hide:home. 6. To enable verbose mode during startup or shutdown, go to HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem in Regedit and create a DWORD (32-bit) value named verbosestatus set to 1. 7. To set the menu delay to zero, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERControl PanelDesktop in Regedit and set the MenuShowDelay value to 0. 8. To display seconds on the system clock, go to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced in Regedit and create a DWORD (32-bit) value named ShowSecondsInSystemClock set to 1. 9. To add favorite programs to the right-click menu, navigate to HKEYCLASSESROOTDirectoryBackgroundshell in Regedit, create a new key with the program's name, and set the executable path in a string value named Icon and a subkey named Command. 10. To access the last active window with one click, go to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced in Regedit and create a DWORD (32-bit) value named LastActiveClick set to 1. 11. To speed up startup apps, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer in Regedit, create a key named Serialize, and set two DWORD (32-bit) values: StartupDelayInMSec and WaitForIdleState to 0.
AppWizard
September 19, 2025
Dying Light: The Beast has received an 8/10 rating from PCGamesN and a 90% average on Steam reviews, with concurrent player counts nearing 100,000. Players are experiencing a rain bug that causes rain to enter buildings, which has been acknowledged by Techland, who suggested restarting the game as a temporary fix. The issue is frequently discussed on Steam forums and Reddit, with speculation that it may be triggered after defeating the second Chimera. Active user counts have peaked at over 97,000, and players are hopeful for a permanent solution in an upcoming patch.
Winsage
September 13, 2025
Windows 11 has limitations, but tools like Winaero Tweaker allow for customization. Users can enable the classic context menu by selecting the Classic Full Context Menus option and restarting Explorer. Winaero Tweaker also enables desktop stickers, which can be accessed by signing out and back in after checking the Enable Stickers for Desktop Background option. Users can disable background activity for all Microsoft Store apps with a single toggle. The tool allows users to stop automatic driver updates by selecting the Disable driver updates option. It consolidates options to eliminate ads and suggestions in the Ads and Unwanted Apps section. Users can disable telemetry data collection through a checkbox. Winaero Tweaker offers many more customization options beyond those mentioned.
Winsage
September 11, 2025
Microsoft is urging users with PCs older than five years to upgrade to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 nears its end. Despite this, nearly 400 users have successfully upgraded incompatible Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 using two methods: a registry edit for PCs with unsupported CPUs and the Rufus utility for creating custom installation media. User feedback indicates that the upgrade process is accessible, with many expressing gratitude for the guidance provided. Most issues encountered during the upgrade were minor and easily resolved, with users confirming that PCs upgraded through these methods continue to receive security updates. Concerns about Microsoft's strict compatibility checks have led to speculation about the reasons behind them, with some users questioning the clarity of the company's communication regarding security and reliability.
Winsage
September 10, 2025
Raymond Chen discussed the HLT instruction, which was designed to reduce power consumption by putting the CPU into a low-power state, particularly benefiting laptops. Although implemented in Windows 95, Microsoft removed it due to some devices becoming irretrievably locked when the instruction was executed. The company chose not to create exceptions for affected devices because of uncertainty regarding the number of vulnerable systems in circulation. By the time Windows 95 was ready for release, not all problematic systems had been identified, leading to the decision to exclude the HLT instruction to avoid widespread issues. This decision resulted in the emergence of a niche market for software that executed the HLT instruction, accompanied by criticism of Microsoft. Chen highlighted the risks of bricking laptops due to the instruction, noting that users faced difficulties uninstalling problematic programs if their systems froze.
AppWizard
September 6, 2025
Circle to Search has introduced a new translation feature for Android users that allows for continuous translation of content without interruption. Users can activate this feature by long-pressing the home button or navigation bar, tapping the “Translate” icon, and selecting “scroll and translate.” This update will begin rolling out this week on select Samsung Galaxy models.
AppWizard
August 29, 2025
Directive 8020 introduces innovative gameplay mechanics, including a Turning Point system that allows players to revisit significant decisions in the narrative, enabling them to correct mistakes without restarting the game. This feature aims to enhance player engagement by providing a second chance for characters that may die, catering to those who enjoy exploration and achievement. The game is set in space with an adult cast, and while it can conclude sooner than previous titles, it maintains a cinematic quality. Players can still choose to forgo the Turning Point system for a more traditional experience. The design emphasizes the emotional stakes of decision-making, creating tension and urgency in gameplay.
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