storage space Archives

Winsage

May 3, 2025

I use these 5 free tools to search files on Windows 11, and they are a lot better than Windows Search

Finding files swiftly and efficiently is essential for productivity, but Windows Search often falls short. A range of third-party tools exists that can significantly enhance your file search experience on Windows 11, offering superior speed, features, and user experience. 1. Everything: This lightweight application indexes files quickly, creating a searchable database with real-time updates. It has a minimalist interface and uses minimal system resources. 2. Listary: Integrates with File Explorer, offering instant search capabilities and customizable commands. It allows easy navigation between directories and serves as a launcher for files and applications. 3. DocFetcher: An open-source tool that indexes not just filenames but also the contents of text files, supporting formats like PDFs and Word documents. It requires initial indexing but provides quick search results afterward. 4. SearchMyFiles: Offers customizable search options with advanced filters and can find duplicate files. It is portable and user-friendly, suitable for various users. 5. FileSeek: A versatile tool for both simple and complex searches, capable of searching file contents and defining specific parameters. It offers search profiles for quick access and has a trial version that reverts to a free version. These tools outshine Windows Search due to their rapid speed, advanced search options, file content indexing, and lightweight operation.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Speed up your Windows 11 PC: 12 must-do tweaks and tips

Users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 often accumulate unnecessary files, creating an opportunity for digital cleanup to reclaim storage space. It is recommended to use Windows' built-in tools for this process. To start, users can launch the Disk Cleanup application to select and delete various categories of files, such as Lifetime Optimization Files from Windows Update. The Downloads folder should also be checked for large, unneeded files, which can be sorted by size for easier identification and removal. Additionally, outdated components can be removed via the command prompt using the commands: 1. dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /AnalyzeComponentStore 2. dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup This method can free up significant space, with reports of nearly five gigabytes reclaimed even on fresh installations. While third-party software is generally discouraged, programs like Wiztree are exceptions, as they efficiently scan disks and display files by size, aiding in the cleanup process. Users should avoid deleting files from critical folders and verify any uncertain files through web searches.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

5 reasons I use Windows 11 Backup over Macrium Reflect

Backups are crucial for data preservation, especially when primary machines face issues. Windows 11 provides various backup tools, including the Windows Backup app, which allows users to safeguard files, applications, and system preferences. This app can restore backups during Windows reinstallation and remembers wireless network credentials, simplifying the restoration process. It enables users to restore Microsoft Store apps with a single click and features a user-friendly interface that makes navigation easy. Windows Backup also offers data protection against ransomware through OneDrive storage. However, it cannot restore third-party apps and has limited cloud storage of 5GB on OneDrive, necessitating careful management of saved files.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

Google Photos now lets you spice up your pictures with Ultra HDR glow

Google Photos has introduced the Ultra HDR feature, replacing the previous HDR effect, allowing users to enhance the brightness and vibrancy of their photos. The rollout has begun, with select users already experiencing it, and it is part of version 7.24.0.747539053 found in the “Adjust” tab. When applied, images will have an “Ultra HDR” tag in the metadata, and the Ultra HDR version may take up less storage space than the original image due to a compact gain map. Each Ultra HDR file also includes a standard dynamic range (SDR) version for compatibility with non-HDR displays.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

I disabled these 5 Windows services to improve my PC performance

Windows operating systems have numerous background services that can consume system resources and slow down performance. Users can improve responsiveness by disabling non-essential services. 1. Windows Search: Indexes files and data for quick searches; can tax CPU and RAM. To disable: press Ctrl + R, type services.msc, locate Windows Search, stop the service, and set Startup type to Disabled or Manual. 2. SysMain (formerly Superfetch): Preloads frequently used applications into memory but can lead to unnecessary disk activity on SSDs. To disable: access services.msc, find SysMain, stop the service, and set Startup Type to Disabled. 3. Windows Update Delivery Optimization: Shares update files with other PCs, consuming bandwidth. To disable: go to Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced Options and turn it off. 4. Remote Desktop Services: Enables remote connections, which can drain resources and pose security risks. To disable: locate Remote Desktop Services in services.msc, stop it, and set Startup type to Disabled. 5. Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects usage data and can transmit sensitive information. To disable: turn off the service and navigate to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Diagnostics & Feedback to disable Diagnostic data. Additional services that may be disabled include Print Spooler, Fax, Bluetooth Support, and Windows Error Reporting Service for further performance optimization.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC

Microsoft's April updates have led to user concerns, including the appearance of an empty folder named “inetpub,” which is linked to a security patch for vulnerability CVE-2025-21204. Users are also facing error code 0x80070643 during the installation of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) update, which may give the impression of a failed update, but Microsoft states that the update is usually applied successfully after a restart. Some users have reported issues with partition size on the Recovery disk, even with sufficient storage available. Microsoft advises users not to delete the “inetpub” folder and to refrain from further updates immediately after applying the April updates, suggesting that a restart may resolve issues. Additionally, Microsoft emphasizes the importance of upgrading from Windows 10 before its end of support on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

5 Windows settings I should have disabled a long time ago (and how I did it)

- Disabling background apps can save system resources and improve performance. This can be managed through Settings -> Apps -> Installed apps or the Task Manager. - Hibernate mode may consume significant disk space and is not necessary for daily use; Sleep mode is sufficient for most users. Hibernate can be disabled using the command powercfg /h off or through Control Panel -> Power Options. - Telemetry and diagnostic data collection can be disabled in Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Diagnostics & Feedback, and previously collected data can be deleted to reclaim storage space. - Notifications, tips, and suggestions can be turned off in Settings > System > Notifications to reduce distractions. - The lock screen can be disabled to save resources; Windows 11 Pro users can use the Local Group Policy Editor, while Home users can modify the registry by creating a Notlockscreen DWORD value in the WindowsPersonalization key.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Optimize Facebook storage on Android: Steps to free up space

Clearing the cache can reclaim storage space and improve device performance without compromising personal data. The cache stores temporary files that can accumulate and hinder device operation. To clear the cache for the Facebook app, navigate to Settings, select Apps, find Facebook, choose Storage, and select Clear Cache. This action removes junk files while preserving personal information.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

HOW TO: Find Large Files on Your Windows Laptop

Running low on storage space on a Windows PC can slow down the system. File Explorer has search filters to help identify large files. To find large files, open File Explorer (Windows + E), select a folder or drive, and use search terms like size:gigantic for files over 4GB, size:huge for files between 1-4GB, or size:large for files from 128MB to 1GB. You can combine filters for specific file types, such as .mov size:>300MB or .exe size:>100MB. To delete files, right-click and select delete, which sends them to the recycle bin.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

How to use the Files by Google app to free up storage on your Android phone

Many Android devices, including those from Samsung and Google, often come with 128GB or less of internal storage, highlighting the need for effective storage management. The Clean tool in the Files by Google app helps users manage storage by identifying outdated files for deletion. Users can access the Clean tool by opening the app, selecting the Clean tab, and following prompts to delete unnecessary files. To permanently free up space, users must also delete files from the Trash tab. Pixel phone users can enable Smart Storage, which automatically deletes media backed up to Google Photos that is older than 60 days. Regular storage maintenance is important to prevent running out of space, and the Files by Google app provides tools for monitoring and managing storage effectively.