taskbar Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

8 classic Windows features you can bring back with free tools

Windows 11 has introduced a range of tools and solutions to help users restore familiar features from previous versions of Windows. 1. GadgetPack: Revives Gadgets from Windows Vista for Windows 10 and 11, modernizing them with new functionalities like clipboard history, battery meters, and multi-core CPU monitors. 2. Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC): An alternative to the classic Windows Media Player, offering robust support for modern file formats and additional features. 3. OpenShell: A tool that restores the classic Start menu experience, allowing customization to resemble styles from Windows 95, XP, or Vista. 4. ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionality, including resizing and moving options, and reverts File Explorer to earlier command bars and context menus. 5. Task Switcher Options: ExplorerPatcher also allows users to customize the task switcher to resemble earlier Windows versions, including simplified views. 6. WinAero Tweaker: Provides a theme that evokes the Aero style of Windows 7, enhancing the nostalgic aesthetic. 7. Windows Photo Viewer: Can be re-enabled through a registry tweak, allowing users to access the familiar image viewing experience without additional software.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

4 ways to restart File Explorer in Windows 11

When File Explorer on Windows 10 or 11 has issues like freezing, it can often be resolved by restarting it. There are several methods to restart File Explorer: 1. From Task Manager: Press Win+Shift+Esc, go to the Processes tab, right-click Windows Explorer, and select Restart. 2. Kill explorer.exe and run a new instance: Open Task Manager, right-click Windows Explorer, choose End task, then click Run new task, type explorer.exe, and hit OK. 3. From the command line: Use PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the commands: - taskkill /f /im explorer.exe - start explorer.exe 4. Create a Batch File: Write the following in Notepad:


   taskkill /f /IM explorer.exe
   start explorer.exe
   exit

Save it with a .bat extension for quick access. These methods help restore access to files and folders when File Explorer is unresponsive.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

How to play Minecraft Bedrock on Steam Deck

Minecraft Bedrock Edition can be played on the Steam Deck using a third-party application called Prism Launcher, despite it not being natively supported. To play, users must switch the Steam Deck to Desktop Mode, install Prism Launcher from the Discover Software Center, and log in with their Microsoft account. After setting up the desired game version and optimizing settings, users can integrate Prism Launcher into Steam by adding it as a non-Steam game. Finally, they can switch back to Gaming Mode to launch Minecraft.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

You’re running out of time to get Windows 11 Pro for $20

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for .97 during an end-of-year sale (regularly 9). Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in 2025. Windows 11 Pro features a user-friendly interface, redesigned Start Menu, centered taskbar, Snap Layouts, and Virtual Desktops for improved workflow and multitasking. It includes advanced security features such as biometric logins, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox. For gaming, it offers DirectX 12 Ultimate, Auto HDR, and DirectStorage. Windows 11 Pro integrates with Azure Active Directory, supports Remote Desktop, and allows easy docking with external monitors. The sale price reflects a 90% discount.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 11 suffers more bugs in latest update, with the Start menu hit hard by some frustrating issues

Microsoft's December 2024 update for Windows 11 has caused issues, particularly with the Start menu becoming unresponsive. This glitch is associated with cumulative updates KB5048667 for Windows 11 24H2 and KB5048685 for Windows 11 23H2. Users have limited options to address the problem, either reverting the update or dealing with the malfunctioning Start menu. Additional reported issues include the 'Safely Remove Hardware' icon being stuck on the taskbar and display problems linked to HDR after installing Windows 11 23H2 KB5048685. Microsoft needs to improve the stability of its updates to restore user confidence.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has identified new issues affecting the upgrade to Windows 11's version 24H2, including a glitch with Auto HDR that may cause game freezes and color distortions. Start11 has been updated to reintroduce vertical taskbars, allowing users to position the taskbar on the left or right side of the screen, with a beta release expected to become final soon. USBCopy is a new tool that allows users to copy files from a designated folder to up to 20 USB devices simultaneously, ensuring data integrity by verifying correct file copying.

Winsage

December 18, 2024

Intel driver 23.100.0 adds improved Wi-Fi sensing to Windows 11 / Windows 10

Windows 11 and Windows 10 users can benefit from Intel's driver update version 23.100.0, which enhances Wi-Fi connectivity and improves the detection of Wi-Fi networks, particularly on Windows 11 devices like the Spectre. The update includes a new refresh button for Windows 11 24H2 users, although it does not significantly speed up detection. Windows 10 users do not have this refresh option. The update also optimizes Intel adapters for better performance with Wi-Fi 6 technology and includes various security enhancements. Users can obtain the update through Windows Update or the Driver and Support Assistant tool. Additionally, Microsoft has warned of potential BSOD issues for Windows 11 24H2 users with outdated audio drivers, advising the use of the latest drivers for improved performance.

Winsage

December 18, 2024

5 ways to make Windows 11 feel less annoying

Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements, a centralized taskbar, a redesigned Action Center, and advertisements on the Start menu, which frustrate some users. Users can make the following adjustments to improve their experience: 1. To silence account notifications, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off "Show account related notifications occasionally in Start." 2. To disable targeted Microsoft ads, navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > General and toggle off "Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID." 3. To remove the news feed from Widgets, press Windows key + W, click the gear icon in the Widgets board, select "Show or hide feeds," and toggle off the switch next to Feeds. 4. To hide ads in Microsoft Edge, open a new tab, click the gear icon, and set the Content setting to Off. 5. To remove Bing from Windows Search, open Registry Editor, navigate to ComputerHKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows, create a new key named Explorer, create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named DisableSearchBoxSuggestions, set its value to 1, and restart the PC.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

You Can Now Test ‘Recall,’ Windows’ Controversial AI Feature

The Recall feature in Windows allows users to revisit their digital history by accessing past documents, photos, and webpages through captured screenshots processed by Copilot AI. Users can opt-in during installation and manage settings related to snapshot retention and storage limits. A sensitive information filter prevents the storage of critical data, and users can exclude specific apps and websites. Recall requires identity verification and encrypts all captured information locally. The interface allows users to search through snapshots using natural language and offers options to delete, transfer, or extract content from them. Recall is currently in a preview phase, with ongoing discussions about its privacy and security measures.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

Clear system tray space on your taskbar by hiding the clock in Windows 11

The taskbar in Windows 11 can become cluttered, prompting users to hide the system clock. To hide the clock on Windows 11 version 23H2 or higher, users can open the Settings app, select Time & language, click on Date & time, and toggle off the Show time and date in the System tray button. Alternatively, users can right-click the clock in the system tray and select Adjust date and time. For Windows Pro, Education, or Enterprise editions, users can use the Local Group Policy Editor by navigating to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar, double-clicking Remove Clock from the system notification area, setting the policy to Enabled, and applying the changes. Users must sign out or restart their system for the clock to disappear. Hiding the clock can create a less cluttered workspace, and the change can be easily reversed through the Settings app, while the Group Policy method requires adjusting the policy back to Disabled or Not Configured.