setup process Archives

Winsage

May 10, 2025

5 features I wish Microsoft would turn off by default on Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows 10 and 11 include features that some users find cumbersome, such as OneDrive, which is integrated but not preferred by all users. OneDrive automatically backs up default system folders during setup and offers only 15GB of storage without a Microsoft 365 subscription. Users can disable OneDrive through Computer Configuration settings. The Widgets feature, particularly the News widget, can interrupt workflow and can be disabled via Settings. The Start menu includes recommendations that some users view as advertisements, which can be turned off in Settings. Windows also has several applications set to run at startup by default, which can slow down boot times; users can manage these through Settings or Task Manager. Additionally, Windows collects diagnostic data, which raises privacy concerns, but users can opt out by adjusting settings in Privacy & Security.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

One UI 8 Watch will get a Shortcuts app, and here’s what it does (APK teardown)

Samsung will release the One UI 8 Watch update for Galaxy Watch later this year, featuring a new application called Shortcuts. This app will allow users to place app shortcuts on the smartwatch's home screen in two tile sizes: 2×1 and 2×2. The setup process will include user-friendly prompts like "Select apps" and "Tap to add apps." This feature aims to streamline access to frequently used applications, reducing the time needed to launch them and enhancing the overall user experience.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft finally makes Fedora an official Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distribution

Fedora Linux has officially joined the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing users to run Fedora 42 within a Windows environment. Installation is straightforward with the command wsl --install FedoraLinux-42, and launching it requires wsl -d FedoraLinux-42, with no password needed by default. Users are automatically added to the wheel group for sudo access. Fedora 42 is streamlined, excluding unnecessary packages, and includes the DNF package manager, though Flatpak must be installed manually for graphical applications. The Fedora team is working on enhancing Flatpak support and introducing hardware-accelerated graphics for GUI applications in WSL. This inclusion of Fedora expands the options available to Windows users interested in the Linux ecosystem.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

I used Sophia Script to take back control of Windows 11, and I wish I did it sooner

Sophia Script is a PowerShell module available on GitHub that simplifies the process of adjusting Windows settings through the command line interface (CLI), offering over 150 regularly updated functions. It provides GUI-based options for managing tasks like telemetry settings, scheduling tasks, and uninstalling OneDrive, allowing users to select multiple tasks at once. The setup process involves opening the main PS1 file in Notepad++, changing the directory, and executing a command from GitHub, with comprehensive instructions available. Users can customize settings by adding or replacing code with a hashtag next to the script they wish to run, and it allows changes to be applied across all user accounts. Sophia Script is particularly useful for configuring new PCs or fresh installations, as it helps remove unnecessary bloatware and streamline system performance. It can uninstall Microsoft apps, including the Windows Copilot app, and has created five scheduled tasks after running, saving time compared to traditional methods. The creator, Farag2, is also developing a GUI version, SophiApp 2.0.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

3 reasons I prefer managing packages with WinGet over Chocolatey now

Package managers streamline software installation and management on PCs, with WinGet being Microsoft's user-friendly solution for Windows 11. Unlike Chocolatey, which requires complex setup, WinGet is ready to use out of the box after accepting license terms. It integrates with PowerToys, allowing users to execute commands via the Command Palette without opening a Terminal. Additionally, WinGet manages applications from the Microsoft Store, providing a comprehensive experience that can yield more relevant search results. While Chocolatey has a larger repository and advanced features for professionals, WinGet is more accessible for average users.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

6 first world Windows 11 problems I desperately want Microsoft to fix

Windows 11 creates local user directories using the first five letters of a user's email address instead of their actual name, which can be frustrating for users. The Taskbar thumbnail preview animations are lacking fluidity compared to previous Windows versions. Dark mode is inconsistent, with light mode interfaces appearing in various parts of the OS. Task View and Virtual Desktops animations can be choppy on systems without dedicated graphics cards. The transition between the Start menu and the Search pane feels abrupt and unrefined. Additionally, ads within Windows 11 lack personalization, leading to frustration for users who already subscribe to Microsoft services.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Download WampServer (free) for Windows

WampServer is a web development environment designed for Windows users, integrating MySQL, Apache, and PHP into a single package for local web application development. It simplifies the setup process, allowing novice developers to create functional development servers without affecting live websites. WampServer operates independently of an internet connection and provides a user-friendly control panel for managing server components. It supports both free-form PHP coding and content management systems like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. WampServer is free to use and compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, but not with macOS or Linux. Alternatives to WampServer include MAMP, XAMPP, and Apache HTTP Server, each offering different features and compatibility.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Google Home updates are finally more transparent and easier to track

Google has updated the Google Home app to include detailed release notes that clarify updates, moving away from vague messages. The latest update, dated March 4, 2025, includes enhancements such as more consistent device setup flows and several bug fixes: - Resolved an issue where the app would fail during the “Finalizing Network” step after deleting and setting up a new home. - Addressed the missing notification toggle option under Sound Check in Smoke & CO device settings. - Fixed multiple notifications for Alarm silenced triggered for Smoke & CO Heads-Up or Emergency Alarm. - Corrected an error where “Couldn’t connect” or “Unable to save settings” appeared when toggling On/Off Emergency shutoff options. - Corrected the Activity tab showing an incorrect device list. - Fixed the “Allow Monthly Sound Check” toggle button not enabling properly.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

I tried installing Windows on an ReFS drive, and I actually don’t hate it

Microsoft has been developing a new file system called ReFS (Resilient File System) to eventually replace NTFS. Users can boot Windows 11 from an ReFS drive, but the setup process is complex and requires formatting the drive using the Command Prompt. After installation, Windows 11 operates normally on ReFS, offering advantages in data resiliency and durability, especially for virtual hard disks and Storage Spaces. However, performance tests show that ReFS is slower than NTFS across various metrics, indicating it may not provide speed enhancements for general use. ReFS is seen as a promising alternative to NTFS, with potential future improvements in performance, particularly for specialized workloads.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

Microsoft is finally making the Start menu better — now fix these 5 things, too

Users have expressed frustration with the restrictive Start menu in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, prompting some to seek third-party solutions. A newly discovered Start menu design is larger, allows immediate access to the full list of applications, and offers the option to remove the Recommended section. Microsoft's inclusion of Clipchamp as a video editing tool is seen as a step forward, but it lacks features compared to Apple’s iMovie and operates as a web-based application. Widgets in Windows 11 are not well-received due to their isolated interface, and integrating them onto the desktop could improve accessibility. The gaming experience on Windows remains subpar, particularly in navigation with a gamepad, and Windows Search directs users to Bing and Edge, limiting browser choices. The initial setup process for Windows 11 is cumbersome, with numerous prompts for Microsoft services, leading to a frustrating experience.