system tray Archives

Winsage

June 7, 2025

Make your Windows 11 taskbar transparent for a cool, minimalist vibe

Many users find the standard Windows 11 taskbar distracting and prefer a minimalist approach with a transparent taskbar. Windows 11 has a native transparency option under Settings > Personalization > Colors, but it typically results in a frosted glass effect. The TranslucentTB app, available for free on the Microsoft Store, allows users to customize the opacity and color of their taskbar. To use it, users should download and install the app, find the TranslucentTB icon in the System Tray, and select "clear" from the Visible Window menu for full transparency. Users can also adjust Security and Privacy settings if the app does not function properly. TranslucentTB offers dynamic behavior options, allowing the taskbar to change transparency based on user activity, such as becoming transparent only when a window is maximized.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Don’t toss your Windows 10 PC! Try switching to Plasma instead

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 at midnight on October 14th, ending new features, security updates, and app compatibility. In response, Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 or recycle their devices. Many users are hesitant to upgrade due to financial constraints or preference for their current system. KDE has launched the KDE for Windows 10 Exiles campaign, promoting Linux as an alternative for those unable to upgrade. The campaign highlights KDE Plasma, a user-friendly interface compatible with various Linux distributions like OpenSUSE, Fedora, Manjaro, and Kubuntu. Users can install OpenSUSE with Plasma to revitalize their machines, and resources are available to help extend the life of Windows 10 PCs after support ends.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Updaing your Windows 10 PC? I found a Linux distro that can give it 5 to 10 more years of life

FunOS is a Linux distribution focused on stability, performance, and security, built on Ubuntu LTS. It features a lightweight architecture with Joe's Window Manager, resulting in an idle RAM usage of approximately 250 MB and an installer size of 1.8 GB. The installation process takes less than five minutes, and the desktop layout resembles traditional environments. FunOS lacks a graphical user interface for the package manager and does not include an app store, requiring users to manage software via the command line. Users can install Synaptic for easier software management. FunOS is designed for older Windows 10 machines, offering a practical solution for extending their lifespan without the bloat of heavier operating systems.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

This lean Linux distro can give your Windows 10 PC an extra 5 to 10 years of life

FunOS is a Linux distribution built on Ubuntu LTS, focusing on stability, performance, and security. It has an idle RAM usage of approximately 250 MB and an installer size of 1.8 GB, making it suitable for older hardware. The installation process is straightforward, taking about five minutes. FunOS features a familiar desktop layout but lacks a graphical user interface for the package manager and does not include an app store. Users can install Synaptic via the terminal for software management. FunOS is designed for users with older Windows 10 machines, aiming to extend their lifespan while prioritizing a simple and efficient user experience.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161 (KB5058515) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the Microsoft 365 Text Action in Click to Do, allowing users to draft content in Word by selecting recognized text. Lock screen widget personalization is now available globally, enabling users to customize their lock screens. The update introduces support for multiple dashboards in Widgets, enhancing organization and access to favorite widgets. Improvements include recommendations from the Microsoft Store in the "Open with..." dialog and a new PC-to-PC migration experience in the Windows Backup app. Various fixes have been made to the Start Menu, Task Manager, Narrator, and Voice Access. Known issues include incorrect build version display post-PC reset and Bluetooth issues with Xbox Controllers. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This marks the transition from Build 22635.5305, the last update for version 23H2. All Beta Channel Insiders will be automatically upgraded to the latest version. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to perform tasks like editing images or summarizing documents directly from the context menu. Currently supported image actions are Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, with support for .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. New AI actions for Microsoft 365 files, such as Summarize and Create an FAQ, will be introduced soon, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription and enrollment in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Advanced settings have been redesigned and are now accessible via Settings > System > Advanced, including options for enabling long paths, managing virtual workspaces, and displaying Git information in File Explorer. Changes and improvements include added text descriptions for assistive technologies in the Accessibility flyout, notifications for incomplete search results in the Windows search box, and a new visual experience for the widgets board. User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management has been introduced to reduce power consumption during inactivity. Fixes include resolving issues with core Windows surfaces in safe mode, maximizing File Explorer, and loading Bluetooth information in Settings. Known issues involve incorrect build version display post-PC reset, bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers, and ongoing investigations into various features. Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will be based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may not be widely released as they are subject to testing and feedback.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to edit images and summarize documents via right-click options. Four image actions are available: Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, supporting .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. Upcoming AI actions for Microsoft 365 files include generating document summaries and creating FAQs, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot. Advanced settings have been redesigned for easier access, introducing features like Enable long paths and Virtual workspaces. Improvements include updates to the taskbar, search functionality, and accessibility features. Known issues involve problems with Xbox Controllers and various features in File Explorer and Narrator.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27858 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27858 has been released to the Canary Channel. A new system tray icon for the emoji and more panel has been introduced, allowing users to access emojis, GIFs, and Kaomojis, with customization options available. Several fixes have been implemented, including resolving black screen issues during upgrades, enhancing accessibility in File Explorer, updating desktop icon logic, fixing voice typing initiation issues, resolving explorer.exe crashes related to snap layouts, addressing taskbar icon resizing problems in tablet mode, fixing night light functionality, and resolving MIDI device recognition issues. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics on new Copilot+ PCs and unresponsive pen input on certain devices. Insiders are reminded that builds in the Canary Channel are early development versions and may change. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel, and a desktop watermark will be present in pre-release builds.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Copilot on Windows: “Hey, Copilot!” begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is rolling out an update for the Copilot app through the Microsoft Store, introducing several enhancements. A key feature is the "Hey, Copilot" wake word, allowing users to activate Copilot Voice hands-free. Users must enable this feature in the app's settings. Once activated, users can say "Hey, Copilot" followed by their query, and the Copilot interface will appear on the screen. Conversations can be ended by tapping the ‘X’ or automatically after a few moments of silence. The feature requires manual activation and will show that the microphone is in use when enabled. The wake word detection occurs locally, and no recordings are sent to the cloud until the wake word is recognized. The feature is available only in English and requires the PC to be powered on and unlocked. The update version 1.25051.10.0 and higher is being rolled out gradually to Insiders with English display language settings. Users can provide feedback through the app.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft shares its process (and discarded ideas) for redone Windows 11 Start menu

Microsoft is testing a revamped Start menu for Windows 11, which retains familiar elements but offers reorganization and customization options. The redesign process included concepts that were ultimately discarded, such as a Windows XP-inspired sidebar, a full-screen Start experience from Windows 8, and various layouts emphasizing different functionalities. Ideas included an abundance of icons, thumbnail previews for recently opened files, a dedicated area for calendar reminders, and a "create" button suggesting generative AI capabilities. Microsoft engaged over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts for feedback to inform the redesign, aiming to enhance user experience while maintaining familiarity.