screensaver Archives

Winsage

November 17, 2025

I don’t know how I missed this playable Windows 95-era 3D Maze screensaver, but it’s making me feel like I’m tripping out, man

A new playable version of the 3D Maze screensaver from Windows 95 has been created by a user named x86matthew, based on a reverse-engineered binary of the original screensaver. This version allows for user control through keyboard inputs via an additional DLL, enabling players to navigate a maze filled with digital brick walls. Players may encounter rat sprites and enigmatic black polyhedrons, adding elements of surprise and intrigue to the experience. This project evokes nostalgia for those who remember the original screensaver, providing a chance to reconnect with a piece of digital history.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Windows XP never really died — it just moved into your pocket

A developer named Gorjan Jovanovski has created a Windows XP launcher for Android devices, available for free download. The launcher replicates a fully functional Windows XP desktop environment, including a Start menu, settings dialogs, and a working version of Internet Explorer. It also features designs reminiscent of Windows 95, 98, ME, and 2000, complete with unique welcome screens, music, and sounds. Key features include customizable desktop icons, a functional Start Menu, gesture controls, classic wallpapers, calendar and weather integration, and a Windows Update feature. Jovanovski has developed retro apps that mimic original counterparts, such as Internet Explorer 6, Winamp, Notepad, Phone Dialer, Registry Editor, and classic games like Minesweeper and Solitaire. Users report a complete experience, with the launcher performing well on devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, sideloading the 72MB launcher poses security risks, requiring users to disable firewalls and grant manual permissions. The launcher is not available on the Google Play Store due to copyright issues, and the code is not hosted on GitHub, raising concerns about security and future updates.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Eversolo’s Control app comes to Android TV

The author connected an Eversolo DMP-A8 streaming DAC to KEF LS60 Wireless speakers via coaxial cable to achieve bit-perfect and gapless streaming of Apple Music, which the built-in services of KEF could not provide. The Eversolo Control app for Android TV was introduced, allowing seamless integration with various streaming services and displaying essential information about the currently playing track. The app is compatible with all DMP-Ax players and Eversolo's Play products, with an Apple TV version in development. Users are advised to adjust settings on the Google Chromecast TV for uninterrupted playback. The app's design features a gradient background based on cover art, enhancing readability compared to competing apps. Eversolo's app is noted for being the first to offer 'now playing' functionality on Android TV devices, providing practical utility in streaming compared to competitors like Sonos.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Jump Start Me Up

Windows 95 celebrates its 30th anniversary, remembered for its launch event featuring Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. The Hackster community has created innovative projects inspired by the OS, including: 1. Retro Handheld PC by Changliang Li: A handheld device made from 90s components that runs Windows 95 and offers a retro gaming experience. 2. Windows Wrist Watch 2.0 by Michael Darby: A watch powered by a Raspberry Pi 3 that displays Windows 95 on a HyperPixel 4.0 screen. 3. Windows 95-Themed Vape by Jason Gin: A vape modified to feature Windows 95 graphics, referencing the OS's infamous Blue Screen of Death and hardware issues.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

This open-source tool gave me the Windows desktop I’ve always wanted

JaxCore is an open-source suite designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience through customization. It operates as a collection of plugins and tools built on the Rainmeter platform, providing users with various widgets for their desktops. JaxCore simplifies the customization process with pre-made tools and allows for deeper customization for those familiar with coding. The suite includes modules like YourFlyouts, YourMixer, ValliStart, Keylaunch, and IdleStyle, as well as widgets such as ModularVisualizer, ModularClocks, ModularPlayers, and Plainext. Although JaxCore is no longer under active development, users can still utilize it, though they may encounter bugs. The author successfully customized their desktop with a media player, clock, and revamped start menu, enhancing their workflow and aesthetic experience. They express a desire to further explore JaxCore and other customization tools.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Windows 11 Is Getting A Cool Trick That Could Boost Your Laptop’s Battery Life

The latest development build of Windows 11, Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488), introduces a feature called "User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management," which enhances laptop battery life by automatically shifting the CPU to a lower-power state when user activity is not detected. This feature operates independently of the user's selected power plan and utilizes traditional CPU C-States and manufacturer-provided Processor Power Management (PPM). It is enabled by default in the preview build and is expected to be included in the upcoming Windows 25H2 release.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

6 features worth enabling God Mode in Windows 11 for

God Mode in Windows grants access to over 200 settings and functionalities, many of which are typically hidden. Users can pin the God Mode folder to the Start menu or Quick Access in File Explorer for easy access. Key features include: - BitLocker: A disk encryption tool that protects data on drives using AES encryption, accessible via password, PIN, or Windows Hello. - Network Management: Simplifies access to network settings for connecting, checking status, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. - Power Management: Allows quick adjustments to power plans, battery settings, and actions for closing the laptop lid or pressing power buttons. - Accessibility: Offers extensive settings for users with disabilities, including tools like Narrator and Magnifier. - File Type Options: Enables users to manage file type associations and visibility of files and folders. - Windows Tools: Centralizes access to built-in maintenance tools like Disk Cleanup and Task Scheduler. God Mode enhances the user experience by providing a more efficient way to navigate system features compared to the traditional Control Panel.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

This week's highlights include the updated Copilot app from Microsoft, which has transitioned from a progressive web app to a fully native application available for Insiders in the Microsoft Store. Users should expect improved performance and usability, though it will gradually reach the stable release channel. Notable discounts are available this week, with some apps enjoying extended offers. New or improved apps include: - Intel Graphics Software (Beta): A management hub for Intel graphic cards, offering features like graphics settings and performance monitoring, requiring .NET Runtime 8 or newer. - PowerToys 0.89: An update introducing a new feature in the Advanced Paste tool that allows users to transcode audio and video files to mp3 or mp4 formats using a shortcut. - PreventSleep: A utility that keeps Windows systems awake by preventing sleep mode, screen dimming, or screensaver activation.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

How to Create Custom Windows 11 Screensaver

Screensavers in Windows 11 can be customized by users despite the lack of new built-in designs from Microsoft. Users can create a custom screensaver using a collection of images through the Photos option in the screensaver utility or by using a third-party application like Screensaver Wonder to convert video files into screensavers. To create a custom screensaver from images, users can follow these steps: 1. Press the Windows key, type screensaver, and hit Enter. 2. Select the Photos option and click on Settings. 3. Browse to find and select the folder with desired images. 4. Adjust the slideshow speed and click Save. 5. Click Apply and then OK. For creating a custom screensaver using Screensaver Wonder: 1. Launch Screensaver Wonder and select Create video screensaver. 2. Choose video file(s) and click Next. 3. Enter a name for the screensaver and click Next. 4. Click Finish, provide a name, and hit Save. 5. Select the newly created screensaver in the Windows screensaver utility and click Apply. 6. Click OK and close both applications. Custom screensavers can be installed by placing the screensaver file in the System32 folder, but it is important to use reputable sources for SCR files. The free version of Screensaver Wonder includes a watermark, but offers further customization options.

Winsage

October 21, 2024

A TechTuber nostalgically runs Windows 95 on a Nintendo 3DS with 256MB of RAM and a stylus pen — but painfully slow boot times hashed his mellow

MetraByte has successfully run Windows 95 on the Nintendo 3DS using DOSBox, but faced significant challenges such as slow boot times and performance issues. Initial attempts to run applications like Paint were frustrating, leading him to abandon plans for music creation. Each installation attempt took around 30 minutes, with a final successful installation taking over two hours, often resulting in Blue Screen of Death errors and driver issues. The experiment illustrates the nostalgic appeal of older operating systems, despite the difficulties encountered in retro computing.