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Winsage

December 3, 2025

Windows gets a ‘Liquid Glass’ makeover in a concept, and fans want Microsoft to hire the creator

Microsoft is integrating AI capabilities into Windows, aiming for an "agentic OS" that performs tasks autonomously. This initiative has faced backlash, prompting clarifications from the company. A fan-made concept video by YouTube creator AR 4789 presents a "Liquid Glass" aesthetic for Windows, featuring smooth animations and rounded corners. The concept includes a lock screen with a weather widget, a macOS-style Dock, an AI-powered search bar, and a redesigned system tray. Key applications like File Explorer and Settings have also been updated, along with features allowing users to pin widgets to the desktop and a revamped Start menu. The community has responded positively, encouraging Microsoft to consider this design.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

You won’t believe how much the Windows Start Menu has changed in 40 years — including THAT ill-fated departure with Windows 8

On November 20, 1985, Windows 1.0 was launched. Windows XP debuted in 2001 with a redesigned Start menu featuring a two-column layout. Windows Vista, released in 2007, integrated search functionality into the Start menu. Windows 7, launched in 2009, introduced "Jump Lists" and streamlined power options. Windows 8 replaced the Start menu with a full-screen Start screen in 2012, which was optimized for touch input. Windows 8.1 reintroduced the Start button but not the Start menu. Windows 10, released in 2015, brought back the Start menu with a customizable two-pane design and merged classic elements with Live Tiles. Windows 11, introduced in 2021, featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout. In November 2025, a Security Update introduced a new Start menu version that adapts to screen resolution, offering a larger layout divided into three sections: "Pinned," "Recommended," and "All," with options for user customization.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows 10 still has the best Start menu, so I brought it back for free

Windows 11's Start menu has received criticism from some users who believe it lacks the intuitiveness and customization of the Windows 10 Start menu. The Windows 10 Start menu was praised for its design, functionality, and features like Live Tiles, which allowed real-time information access and personalization options such as resizing and organizing tiles. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that enables users to customize the Windows 11 Start menu to resemble that of Windows 10, allowing for features like pinning apps and organizing the menu. Users can download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub and switch the Start menu style with ease. The tool also offers additional customization options, although it has some reported bugs.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Chrome for Android just got its long-awaited dose of Google’s latest redesign

The Material 3 Expressive redesign has launched on Chrome for Android with version 141, featuring a modern aesthetic that aligns with other Google applications. Key updates include a redesigned three-dot menu with circular icons for actions like bookmarking and refreshing, a transformed Tab Grid with rounded elements and clearer groupings, and a dynamic color theme that adapts to the user's wallpaper. Additional enhancements include a segmented progress indicator with rounded corners and a star icon with a rounded square background for bookmarks. The update is server-side, meaning it may not be immediately available even if the Chrome version is 141 or higher. Users can try force-stopping the app to prompt the update.

Winsage

October 25, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6982 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6982 (KB5067109) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key features include: - Copy & Search: Users can search for text copied to the clipboard by clicking a paste gleam that appears in the search box. - Voice Typing: A new setting allows users to set a delay before a voice command is executed, with options ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 seconds. - Proactive Memory Diagnostics: A notification prompts users to run a memory scan after an unexpected restart, with the scan scheduled for the next reboot. Improvements include revamped Device Cards in Settings for better clarity, an enhanced About section, and a scrollbar for search results in Settings. The Start menu flyout now aligns in size with the Windows Search flyout. Fixes address various issues across general functionality, the taskbar, input methods, File Explorer, widgets, administrator protection, and Task Manager. Known issues include problems with keyboard functionality for some users, the Start menu not opening on click, and display issues in dark mode. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, with features rolled out gradually. Users are encouraged to keep the toggle ON in Settings > Windows Update to receive features promptly.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Microsoft won’t give up on Windows 11’s Widgets board as it gets another UI makeover

The Discover feed on the Widgets board in Windows 11 is being redesigned with rounded corners, multiple dashboards, and curated stories powered by Copilot. Users can customize or disable their Discover feed. This update will be part of the Windows 11 25H2 update. Widgets originated from Windows Vista's Gadgets in 2007, which included mini-apps like weather updates and calendars. Windows 11 reintroduced Widgets as a standalone feature in October 2021, though it has not been as popular as Gadgets. Copilot Discover, announced in June, aims to summarize content from trusted MSN publishers and is currently being tested in Insider builds. The new Widgets board will support multiple dashboards and feature a left-side navigation bar. User feedback on Widgets is mixed, with some finding the design outdated and cluttered. The effectiveness of the Copilot-curated widget will depend on the quality of news selected for users. The rollout of the new features will occur server-side and through updates to the Copilot app, with personalization options available in the Widgets settings.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

Zorin OS 18 Released Just in Time for Windows 10 EOL

Zorin OS is developed by Zorin OS Technologies Limited, founded by brothers Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The recent launch of Zorin OS 18 features a refreshed interface with rounded corners, a floating panel, and lighter colors, along with enhanced animations for better navigation. It is built on the Linux kernel 6.14, which supports AMD Ryzen AI NPU6 and improves AES encryption performance for Zen 4/5 CPUs. The new window tiling manager allows users to organize windows efficiently by dragging them to screen edges or corners. Zorin OS 18 provides a seamless experience for users transitioning from Windows, suggesting Linux alternatives when launching Windows app installers. Zorin OS 18 Core is available for free, while Zorin OS 18 Pro is priced at .99 and includes additional features. Users can upgrade from Zorin OS 18 Core Beta to the stable release and will soon be able to upgrade from Zorin OS 17 to 18.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Microsoft releases biggest Windows 11 upgrade of the year just days before it will kill-off Windows 10

Microsoft is concluding support for Windows 10, urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 before the final update is released. The latest Windows 11 update, version 25H2, introduces new features, including a revamped Start Menu with pinned apps and recommendations for recently opened documents, integration of Phone Link for managing mobile interactions, customizable lock screen options, an upgraded File Explorer with a "Recommended" area, and a self-repair function called Quick Machine Recovery. Windows 10 will cease receiving free updates on October 14, 2025, raising security concerns for users. Windows 11 requires specific hardware compatibility, including a 64-bit processor, a minimum of 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0 for installation.

Winsage

September 25, 2025

Customize Windows 11 to Restore Windows 10 Features and Style

Microsoft's Windows 11 features a modern interface with centered taskbars and rounded corners, which may be jarring for users accustomed to Windows 10. To recreate the Windows 10 experience, users can modify the taskbar and Start menu using third-party applications like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher, or through built-in registry edits. These modifications can restore the classic Start menu, reposition the taskbar, and revert context menus to their previous format. Users can also customize File Explorer to resemble its predecessor by enabling classic folder options and disabling new features. Visual elements such as wallpapers and icons can be changed to Windows 10 themes, and widgets can be disabled for a cleaner desktop. Performance optimizations, including disabling animations, can enhance system responsiveness. However, users should be cautious of potential risks associated with customizations, such as system vulnerabilities, and are advised to source tools from reputable developers and test changes in a virtual machine.

AppWizard

September 24, 2025

Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 review – the 10-year battery life keyboard

The Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 features a built-in solar panel that allows it to operate indefinitely without charging. It has a full-size layout, dimensions of 430 x 141 x 16 mm, and weighs 707g. The keyboard connects via 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth, and uses scissor switches. It lacks backlighting and has screen-printed legends that may wear over time. The battery can last up to four months in total darkness and potentially up to 10 years with regular light exposure. It is priced at .99 / £99.99 and can connect to three Bluetooth devices simultaneously.