testing Archives

Winsage

May 4, 2026

You Can Get Windows 11 Pro on Sale for A$18 Right Now

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for a reduced price of A, down from A6. The operating system includes features such as Windows Copilot, a redesigned user interface, new productivity tools, remote desktop access, and robust security features like TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, biometric login options, BitLocker encryption, Azure AD integration, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox. The upgrade is available for one PC that meets the minimum system requirements: a 1GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of hard disk space.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Windows 11’s Windows 95-era File Explorer Properties dialog is getting replaced with modern version and dark mode

Microsoft is replacing the legacy File Explorer Properties dialog box in Windows 11 with a modern version powered by WinUI 3. This change aims to improve the performance and reliability of Windows 11. The current Properties dialog does not support dark mode, which has been an issue for users. Recent findings from Windows 11 Insider builds indicate that Microsoft is actively developing a new file properties dialog. Strings for “DeletedFileProperties” have been discovered, suggesting the old dialog will be replaced. Microsoft is also modernizing outdated Windows 8 UI elements within Windows 11. The introduction of the WinUI 3 properties dialog is expected to enhance File Explorer's performance by streamlining its hybrid codebase. Users can anticipate gradual updates throughout 2026, with a rollout to the Experimental channel expected later this year.

TrendTechie

May 3, 2026

Обзор корпуса Fractal Design Torrent Compact

Fractal Design has launched the Torrent series of cases, including the Torrent Compact, designed for maximum efficiency and airflow. The Torrent Compact supports various motherboard sizes (E-ATX, ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX) and features a top-mounted power supply, seven expansion slots, and multiple fan and radiator mounting options. It includes two 180 mm Dynamic X2 fans, capable of moving 153 CFM of air, and has a net weight of 7.7 kg with dimensions of 450 x 222 x 467 mm. The case offers three 2.5" drive bays and one 3.5" drive bay, along with front panel ports including USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and USB 3.0. The design emphasizes unobstructed airflow and includes a removable dust filter. The case is equipped with a PWM-controlled hub for up to nine fans and features a dedicated mounting hole for custom cooling loops. The assembly process is standard, though the top-mounted power supply and limited cable management space may pose challenges. The case's performance was tested with high-end components, demonstrating effective cooling capabilities, although the fans can produce noticeable noise at maximum speeds.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Edge vs Chrome heats up again as Reddit users say performance and features matter more than brand loyalty

Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are both built on the Chromium foundation, but they differ in efficiency, features, and ecosystem integration. Microsoft Edge has introduced features like sleeping tabs and Startup Boost to enhance user experience and battery life, and it integrates seamlessly with Windows 11. Users have reported better memory management with Edge compared to other browsers. However, Google Chrome maintains a lead in ecosystem integration and reliability across various websites, as developers often prioritize it during development. Privacy concerns exist for both browsers, with users noting that neither is a privacy-first option. The choice between Edge and Chrome depends on individual usage patterns, with Edge being a strong option for Windows 11 users and Chrome being favored for its consistent performance and integration with Google services.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

After testing LAP Photo Manager on Windows 11, I’m convinced it outperforms the built‑in Photos app in all the ways that matter

Lap is a free and open-source photo management application for Windows 11 (and 10), macOS, and Linux, designed for local photo libraries. It offers a modern interface, built-in editing tools, and supports various image and video formats, including RAW and HEIC. Lap allows users to manage extensive photo collections efficiently, with features like duplicate file detection and local AI capabilities such as natural language search and facial recognition. The app is available for download from its GitHub releases page and may trigger a SmartScreen warning during installation. It operates without requiring account setup or cloud configuration.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Windows 11 is such a memory hog that I’ve had to resort to RAM optimizers — but can Microsoft turn things around with project K2?

Microsoft is working on a project called 'K2' to optimize Windows 11 by addressing issues such as bloatware, reliance on artificial intelligence, and gaming performance. Users have reported frustrations with recurring bugs and poor memory management in Windows 11. A RAM optimizer developed by Priyom Saha on GitHub helps reduce memory consumption by eliminating unnecessary background applications and bloatware. The optimizer runs every ten seconds to monitor and trim RAM usage, allowing users to recover memory for demanding tasks. Testing showed a drop of up to 6GB in RAM usage when using browsers like Microsoft Edge or Chrome. While the optimizer recovers 1GB to 2GB of memory during idle periods, the excessive memory usage is a concern for lower-end PCs and handheld devices. The combination of Windows and various applications contributes to high RAM usage, making the K2 project a hopeful development for users seeking improvements.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Microsoft tests Auto SR, its AI upscaler for Xbox and Windows gaming

Microsoft has introduced a preview of Auto SR, an AI-driven upscaling technology for Xbox Insiders using the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld. This feature upgrades game output from 720p to 1440p and increases frame rates by about 30% in docked mode. Auto SR operates at the OS level, requiring no developer patches, but is limited to games that support DirectX 11 and 12, excluding titles using DirectX 9, Vulkan, and OpenGL. Currently, it is available only for the ROG Xbox Ally X and Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips, and the preview is invite-only and docked mode only. Early feedback indicates some user interface artifacts and a battery drain of 8–12% on the Ally X. A broader rollout for Windows began on April 30, 2026, but no specific consumer launch date has been announced. Auto SR is not intended for the upcoming Project Helix Xbox console, which will use AMD FSR Diamond instead.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft is finally turning off the MSN feed and ads in Windows 11 Widgets by default

Microsoft has modified the default behavior of the Widgets feature in Windows 11, confirming that the MSN feed will no longer be displayed by default when users hover over the Widgets icon. This change is being gradually rolled out through the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8346. The updated Widgets experience includes several modifications: - The Widgets board will no longer open on hover; users must click the Widgets icon to access it. - Taskbar badging for breaking news and alerts will be turned off by default. - Animated taskbar alerts will only appear after user interaction with the Widgets board. - Upon first launching the Widgets board, users will see core widgets like weather and calendar instead of the MSN news feed. Users can manually customize their Widgets experience by disabling the "Open Widgets board on hover" option, turning off the MSN feed, or completely removing Widgets from Windows 11. Additionally, a redesign of the MSN feed is planned, featuring rounded corners to distinguish it from the Widgets. Microsoft aims to create a calmer operating system by reducing distractions and excessive notifications.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Minecraft PvP scandal claims top player is a catfishing fraud

Marlow, a top player in the Minecraft PvP community, faces serious allegations of faked gameplay, manipulated proof videos, and misleading practices. Accusations suggest that Marlow's rise in the MC Tiers rankings was based on deceit, with investigative journalist Karl Jobst highlighting the lack of live-streamed gameplay and unedited footage. A handcam response video released by Marlow showed discrepancies between match logs and the footage, leading to claims that the fights were fabricated. Marlow admitted that many montages were staged. Investigations linked Marlow to another player, Danger Mario, who allegedly helped create Marlow's YouTube presence and used cheats. A face reveal video raised further skepticism about Marlow's identity, as the individual did not engage in gameplay and had a different voice. Initially banned by MCT for being suspected as Danger Mario, Marlow was reinstated after a face reveal and alleged verification, causing backlash and staff resignations. Claims emerged that the face reveal individual was linked to MCT staff member The Randomizer, who admitted to paying someone to impersonate Marlow. The MCT Discord was reportedly transferred to Minecraft YouTuber DrDonut, with ongoing discussions about new ownership involving Dream. The controversy raises significant questions about the integrity of the Minecraft competitive scene.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft spent two months overhauling Windows, and yes, that includes cutting Copilot

Microsoft is scaling back its Copilot initiative, removing unnecessary buttons and rebranding tools in Notepad. The focus has shifted to refining the Windows operating system with quieter updates, a more efficient File Explorer, and simplified Insider program participation. AI features will remain but will be more selectively integrated to enhance user productivity. Recent updates to Windows 11's Insider branch include the removal of the "Ask Copilot" button from tools like Snipping Tool and Photos, and a new "Writing Tools" label in Notepad. Microsoft has introduced a new Windows Update feature for greater control over update timing, and improvements to File Explorer have enhanced speed and stability.