rounded corners Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

How has the Windows Start menu evolved? Looking back in time as Microsoft turns 50

In 2025, Microsoft will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Start menu was first introduced in Windows 95 on August 24, 1995, replacing the "Program Manager" and providing a more intuitive user experience. Subsequent versions included refinements in Windows 98, minimal changes in Windows ME, a redesigned two-column layout in Windows XP, enhanced search functionality in Windows Vista, and updates in Windows 7 that included "Jump Lists." Windows 8 replaced the traditional Start menu with a full-screen Start screen, while Windows 10 reintroduced the Start menu with a hybrid design. Windows 11 featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout with static icons. Each iteration has aimed to balance innovation with user familiarity.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Price drop alert: Get Windows 11 Pro for life for just £11.51

Microsoft has released a significant update for Windows 11 Pro in 2024, featuring enhancements in Copilot AI, platform speed, and phone integrations. Currently, a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is available for £11.51, reduced from £153.03, representing a 92% discount, and allows installation on two PCs. The update includes a modern design and a fully integrated Copilot, an AI assistant based on GPT-4, which can answer queries and assist with tasks. Windows 11 Pro offers unique features such as BitLocker device encryption, remote desktop access, Azure AD for secure management, and Hyper-V for running virtual machines.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft is now failing at designing consistent rounded corners for Windows 11

Microsoft is refining the design of Windows 11, particularly focusing on rounded corners in its interface. The latest update, Windows 11 24H2 Build 26120.3281, introduces even rounder corners for AI features like the Recall app and Click to Do integration, specifically for Copilot+ PCs. While the current design features subtle rounded corners, the upcoming design shows significantly larger and smoother corner rounding, creating a more visually appealing interface. However, inconsistencies remain, as not all elements have adopted the new rounded corners, resulting in a mixed aesthetic across the operating system. Microsoft is considering whether to standardize the corner radius or maintain varying levels of curvature for different elements.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Cyber Week is here—upgrade your slow PC with Windows 11 Pro, now less than $20

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97 during Cyber Week, a significant discount from its typical price of 9. It offers productivity and security enhancements, including an AI assistant called Copilot, a sleek interface, productivity tools like snap layouts and improved voice typing, and security features such as BitLocker device encryption and Smart App Control. Users should ensure their devices meet compatibility requirements before upgrading. The offer expires at 11:59 p.m. on the same day.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Buy Microsoft Office, Get Windows 11 Pro Free During Cyber Week

For .97, you can purchase a bundle that includes Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro, valued at 8. This offer provides a one-time payment option for a Microsoft Office Lifetime License, which includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Upon purchase, a download link and software license key will be sent via email, along with a Windows 11 Pro key for installation on two PCs. Windows 11 Pro features redesigned app icons, an AI assistant called Copilot, faster load times, enhanced security features, and advanced tools like BitLocker device encryption and Windows Sandbox. The offer represents an 87% savings during Cyber Week, but availability is limited. Prices on StackSocial are subject to change.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

No word on Windows 12 from Microsoft, a concept design simulates every avid enthusiast’s vision board for Windows 11’s successor, including Windows AI

A concept designer has presented a vision for Microsoft's upcoming Windows 12 operating system, featuring a centered taskbar, a streamlined Start menu, and enhanced user experience. The design includes integration of Windows AI for text and image inputs, a floating bar for Start and Search functionalities, and a more functional Start menu. The aesthetics reflect a minimalistic approach similar to Windows 11, with rounded corners and floating widgets. The revamped Settings app aims to simplify navigation. The concept suggests a potential rebranding of existing AI features under "Windows Intelligence." The emphasis on generative AI indicates its significant role in the future of the Windows operating system.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

This bold Windows 12 Lite concept video imagines a new direction for Microsoft’s OS

Microsoft has previously attempted to launch lighter versions of its Windows operating system, but these efforts have often been discontinued. A concept designer named AR4789 has created a video for the Windows 12 Lite concept, which emphasizes aesthetic changes rather than technical improvements. The concept features a bottom taskbar for applications and a separate floating taskbar for system icons and the Start menu, resembling the macOS Menu bar. It retains rounded corners for windows and reintroduces a tiled Start menu, which was removed in Windows 11. The Windows Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) is also envisioned to be revamped while keeping familiar elements. There has been no official announcement from Microsoft about Windows 12, but speculation suggests that the company may have been preparing for its release this year, although the focus has shifted to the rollout of Windows 11 24H2.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

Leak shows off Windows CPC (aka NXT), Microsoft’s web-focused alternative to Windows 11

Microsoft unveiled Windows 365 Link, a mini PC that streams Windows from the cloud, at the Ignite 2024 conference. It is believed to be powered by a new web-based operating system referred to as "NXT" or Windows CPC, which is currently not functional. The user experience for Windows CPC/NXT features a modern interface with softer corners and clean layouts, incorporating Microsoft Edge components for a streamlined experience. The sign-in process is simplified with vibrant visuals instead of plain text instructions. The design elements are consistent and cohesive, differing from Windows 11. Microsoft is also developing an AI-enhanced version of Windows NXT, but these new offerings are not meant to replace traditional Windows. They aim to provide flexibility for users who want to access Windows from anywhere. Windows CPC/NXT will serve as the backbone for the Windows 365 Link mini PC, with more information expected in the future.

Winsage

November 10, 2024

I gave my Windows 11 apps a sharper look, here’s how you can do it too

Windows 11 has customization limitations compared to previous versions, but users can personalize it using third-party applications like Mica For Everyone. This application allows users to change app window corners from rounded to square by downloading and installing it, launching the app, selecting Global Rule, and choosing Square in the Corner Mode menu. Prerequisites include .NET Core 3.1 and Visual C++ Runtime. Mica For Everyone also enables color changes for title bars and the application of an Acrylic backdrop effect. It is compatible with Windows 10, although functionality may vary. However, it cannot modify the Start menu or Notification bar corners, and users may need other tools for further customization of these elements.