thumbnails Archives

Winsage

March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.

Winsage

March 3, 2026

This third‑party Windows 11 app fixes one of its most annoying UX problems

The Files app has been updated to version 4.0.28, featuring an improved right-click context menu, bug fixes, support for the Microsoft Store version of Dropbox, icon customization for URL and shortcut files, and an option to disable smooth scrolling. The update resolves several issues, including problems with the 'Open With' menu, tab switching, and tag searches. The development team is focused on performance improvements, particularly for thumbnail loading times. Microsoft has plans to enhance Windows 11 and address user pain points related to File Explorer.

Winsage

March 3, 2026

This third‑party Windows 11 app just fixed one of its most annoying design problems — because someone had to step in and do it

Microsoft introduced Windows 11 nearly five years ago, but its market adoption has been slow due to challenges such as design flaws and high hardware requirements. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. In response to these issues, third-party applications like the 'Files' app have emerged, with the latest update (version 4.0.28) improving the right-click context menu and fixing bugs. Microsoft is working on changing perceptions of Windows 11 and addressing user feedback, including reassessing its AI strategy. Last year, the rollout of a new File Explorer feature to display "recommended" files was halted.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium? Morphe picks up where Revanced left off.

Several developers and contributors have left the Revanced project, leading to the creation of the Morphe app, an open-source alternative for YouTube and YouTube Music. Morphe enhances user experience by unlocking features typically reserved for Premium subscribers. Key features include SponsorBlock integration to skip sponsored segments, YouTube Dislike support, Shorts content management, and thumbnail customization. Users can access these features through Settings > Morphe in the patched YouTube app. To use Morphe, users must download the original YouTube APK (version 20.37.48) and follow a straightforward setup process that includes installing microG. The patched version of YouTube coexists with the stock app and has its own icon. Users can rename the patched app for personalization. After signing in via microG, Morphe resembles the original YouTube app but omits the Shorts tab and plus icon, replacing them with a notifications tab and offering customization options in the settings menu. The future of Morphe is uncertain due to potential disfavor from Google regarding free access to Premium features. Further details and download options are available on the official Morphe website.

Winsage

December 16, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key updates include: - Full screen experience (FSE) for handheld devices is now available on more devices, enhancing gaming through the Xbox app. - The Click to Do context menu has been redesigned for easier access to actions like Copy and Save. - Enhancements to the agent in Settings for quicker modifications and more search results. - Windows Studio Effects now supports additional cameras beyond integrated ones. - Drag Tray feature supports multi-file sharing and intelligent app suggestions. - Dark mode improvements in File Explorer for consistency across various dialogs. - Users can manage mobile devices from the Settings under Bluetooth & Devices. - New context menu options for Windows Spotlight backgrounds. - More keyboard settings transitioned to Settings, including character repeat delay and cursor blink rate. - Updates to Game Pass branding in Settings. - New OneDrive icon in Accounts and Homepages within Settings. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) will perform a one-time scan for solutions. - Virtual Workspaces can now be activated in Advanced Settings. - Various fixes for issues in File Explorer, Settings, Taskbar, Start menu, internet connectivity, display and graphics, login and lock screens, Narrator, Windows Update, Task Manager, and app responsiveness. Additionally, Paint version 11.2511.281.0 introduces a collapsible toolbar feature.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Google Drive update makes navigating PDFs and files effortless

Google Drive has upgraded its file viewer, introducing a new interface that improves the experience for accessing PDFs, images, and videos. The PDF viewer now features a sidebar with a table of contents and page thumbnails for easier navigation. Video files include a transcript search tool for locating specific spoken keywords. Google Drive also offers Gemini-powered audio summaries, allowing users to generate and listen to quick overviews. The new design includes a redesigned toolbar and intuitive file menu for a more organized environment. The rollout is in progress for users on Google’s Rapid Release track, with Scheduled Release domains expected to receive the update starting December 11, 2025. Both personal and Workspace users will benefit from these enhancements.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Google Messages update adds cleaner link and YouTube video previews

Google is introducing a redesigned link preview feature in its Messages app, focusing on larger website titles and thumbnails while removing full link URLs and descriptions. The new previews will display a general site URL beneath the title and prioritize a minimalist design, resembling Google Discover cards. Users can access the full URL by copying it or adjusting settings to disable link previews. The update is rolling out with version 2025112100RC01 on the beta channel, with wider availability expected soon.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Microsoft hits the breaks on Windows 11 File Explorer ‘recommended files’ feature

Microsoft has paused the rollout of a new feature for File Explorer on Windows 11 that showcases "recommended" files at the top of the Home tab. The feature began its initial rollout on October 28 but was halted on November 5. It allows cloud storage providers to display cloud-based placeholder files in File Explorer, similar to OneDrive functionality. The feature was initially rolled out to domain-joined Windows 11 PCs and later expanded to consumer-facing PCs. It displays recently downloaded or opened applications and files with large thumbnails and highlights recent activity from shared documents and cloud files. Users can disable this feature if they choose. Microsoft has not provided a timeline for when the rollout might resume.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Windows Graphics Vulnerabilities Allow Remote Attackers to Execute Arbitrary Code

Multiple vulnerabilities have been identified in Microsoft’s Graphics Device Interface (GDI), particularly related to Enhanced Metafile (EMF) formats, allowing potential remote code execution and information exfiltration. Key vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2025-30388: Rated Important with a CVSS score of 8.8, it involves out-of-bounds memory operations during processing of records, affecting Windows 10/11 and Office for Mac/Android. It allows attackers to read or write beyond allocated heap buffers. - CVE-2025-53766: Rated Critical with a CVSS score of 9.8, it permits remote code execution through out-of-bounds writes in the ScanOperation::AlphaDivide_sRGB function, affecting Windows 10/11 without requiring privileges. - CVE-2025-47984: Rated Important with a CVSS score of 7.5, it exploits a flaw in handling EMR_STARTDOC records, leading to information disclosure by exposing adjacent heap memory. Microsoft has released patches to address these vulnerabilities, and users are advised to apply them promptly. Recommendations include disabling EMF rendering in untrusted contexts and using sandboxed viewers for document access.