thumbnails Archives

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Popular Windows 11 file manager Files gets improved tags, layouts, and new OneDrive icon

Files, a third-party file manager for Windows 11, has been updated to version 4.1.3, introducing several enhancements: - A "View size" button for each folder allows users to calculate folder sizes easily without changing settings. - File selection is retained when switching between different layouts. - Tag management has been streamlined, allowing users to remove tags via the context menu, toolbar, or Command Palette. - The OneDrive icon has been updated to reflect the current version from the OneDrive executable. - Bug fixes include resolving issues with tar archive extraction, crashes on the Signatures page, ensuring the Play action for single media files, correcting Smart Extract functions, addressing tag search issues, refreshing thumbnails, and displaying previously hidden BitLocker-locked drives. - A new Tree View sidebar feature is planned for future updates, enabling navigation of folders in an expandable hierarchy. Files can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store (paid version) or accessed through its official website (free version).

BetaBeacon

June 10, 2026

Struggling to find PC games that run well on your phone? GameNative has a cool solution.

GameNative is introducing new filtering options for its PC game library app, allowing users to filter games based on compatibility ratings, playability, and GPU compatibility. Users can rate their game experience and provide feedback on crashes and performance, which will be used to create optimal settings for different devices. The goal is to streamline the process of finding compatible games for Android devices.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Microsoft reveals Windows 11 will bulk delete files at least 30% faster, and it’s only the start

Microsoft is working on enhancements for File Explorer on Windows 11 to improve speed and efficiency, particularly in batch file deletions. Internal testing is underway for a performance boost, with potential speed increases of over 30% for bulk deletions following an upcoming update. Other file operations, such as transfers and copies, are also set to become faster. The company aims to improve launch times, reduce flickering, and eliminate distracting flashes in dark mode. Users have already noticed faster launch times and better handling of file names and paths. Microsoft is testing a preloading feature for File Explorer and plans to revamp the right-click menu for faster loading and a streamlined appearance. Additionally, the company is exploring ways to minimize File Explorer’s memory footprint and modernize legacy elements. Microsoft plans to introduce up to 19 new features by 2026, including a movable taskbar and a customizable Start menu.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

These are the 5 best Android apps I use that aren’t on the Play Store

Breezy Weather is a free, open-source weather app that prioritizes user privacy and offers flexibility with 50 different weather data sources. It features customization options, including theme modifications, icon packs, and 13 resizable widgets. Seal is a free app that allows users to download audio and video files from various websites, powered by yt-dlp. It enables users to save full videos or extract audio, with options for downloading YouTube videos with subtitles and thumbnails. Kvaesitso is a minimalist launcher that allows users to search for apps, settings, contacts, files, and calendar events from a single search bar. It features vertical scrolling, custom shortcuts, app tagging, and various customization options without ads or paywalls. Aurora Store is a front end for the Play Store that lets users browse, download, and update apps without a Google account. It includes features like Manual Download for older app versions and a Spoof Manager for accessing restricted apps, but does not support paid apps or in-app purchases. HeliBoard is a free, open-source keyboard app that functions offline, prioritizing privacy while offering typing suggestions, themes, customizable layouts, and clipboard history. It provides a reliable typing experience without unnecessary features.

Winsage

May 30, 2026

How to Free Up Disk Space on Windows 11

Your C: drive may be full, causing Windows to send reminders about low disk space or updates failing to install. Windows 11 includes built-in tools to help reclaim disk space. The guide outlines methods for recovering space, starting with the quickest techniques. 1. Cleanup Recommendations: Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations to review and remove temporary files, large or unused files, and apps. Deleting the previous Windows installation can recover several gigabytes but is irreversible. 2. Clear Temporary Files Manually: Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files to manually select and remove temporary files. 3. Empty the Recycle Bin: Right-click the Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin to reclaim space from deleted files. 4. Find and Move Large Personal Files: Use File Explorer to locate and move large files from Videos, Music, Pictures, or Downloads to an external drive. 5. Uninstall Unused Apps: Uninstall applications via Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, the Start menu, or Control Panel. 6. Turn On Storage Sense: Activate Storage Sense in Start > Settings > System > Storage to automate cleanups. 7. Configure Storage Sense Schedule: Adjust the schedule for Storage Sense cleanups in Start > Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense. 8. Use Classic Disk Cleanup: Access the classic Disk Cleanup tool by typing "disk cleanup" in the search box to remove system files and items overlooked by the Settings scan. 9. Free Up Local Space with OneDrive Files On-Demand: Enable Files On-Demand in OneDrive settings to keep files in the cloud and free up local space. 10. Redirect Where New Content Is Saved: Change the default save location for new files in Start > Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings. 11. Use External Storage to Install a Stuck Update: Connect an external USB drive with at least 10 GB of free space to assist with installing updates. 12. Rule Out Malware: Run a Windows Security antivirus scan if disk space continues to disappear unexpectedly. Deleting files in File Explorer moves them to the Recycle Bin, and space is not reclaimed until it is emptied. Deleting the previous Windows installation is irreversible and can only be done within 10 days of an upgrade. The KB5074105 update changed the scan context for Temporary files, preventing certain admin-restricted items from being detected. Storage Sense operates only on the system drive and does not automatically delete files in Downloads or OneDrive unless configured.

Winsage

May 6, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11’s File Explorer is sluggish, and preloading isn’t the only fix coming

Microsoft has increased its public relations efforts to highlight enhancements in Windows 11, announcing performance and reliability fixes following an update from Marcus Ash, the Windows Insider lead. Tali Roth, Microsoft’s Head of Product for Windows Shell, addressed user dissatisfaction with the preloading of File Explorer, which is seen as a resource-intensive solution that does not resolve underlying performance issues. Critics argue that while preloading improves initial launch times, it consumes an additional ~35MB of RAM and does not eliminate delays in folder navigation and other functions. In response to the criticism, Roth explained that Microsoft employs a multi-faceted strategy for improving File Explorer, which includes targeted optimizations to the launch sequence, removing unnecessary processes, and addressing deeper foundational issues. These improvements are being rolled out incrementally, with recent Insider builds showcasing enhancements like reduced visual glitches and a modernized Properties dialog.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

New Windows Insider Experience Starts Rolling Out to Some Canary Testers

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has transitioned Dev Channel testers to the new Experimental Channel and is expanding this initiative to include Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, who will also move to the Experimental (26H1) Channel. The new Windows Insider experience introduces feature flags in Windows Update settings, allowing testers to toggle features on and off. Microsoft plans to roll out new features through Controlled Feature Rollouts (CFRs) and has stopped gradual feature rollouts on the updated Beta Channel. Recently, Microsoft released four new builds available via downloadable ISOs. Canary testers on 29500 series builds will soon transition to the "Experimental (Future Platforms)" Channel and can currently download build 29580.1000, which includes a revamped Feedback Hub with a 500 MB file upload limit and design improvements. For Canary testers on the 28000 series, the transition to the "Experimental (26H1) Channel" follows the installation of build 28020.1921, which enhances the Task Manager app. Insiders who moved from the Dev Channel to the Experimental Channel can download build 26300.8346, featuring improvements such as a Widgets board that remains closed by default, a redesigned Run dialog, promotional app recommendations in Windows Share for Microsoft Entra account users, sharper file thumbnails in File Explorer, and enhanced Windows Magnifier functionality. The Beta Channel build 26220.8340 includes similar Windows Share improvements and minor UI enhancements for Task Scheduler. The Beta Channel is set to transition to a new experience that will eliminate Controlled Feature Rollouts.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows quality update: Progress we’ve made since March

The Windows Insider Program is undergoing changes to improve transparency and user control. Two main channels, Experimental and Beta, are being introduced, with the Beta channel eliminating controlled feature rollouts. Users will have the ability to select features in the Experimental channel and switch between channels more easily. Updates to the Feedback Hub are aimed at enhancing user experience. Windows updates will now be consolidated into a single monthly restart, providing users with more flexibility. AI features are being refined, with a focus on intentional integration. File Explorer is receiving architectural improvements for better performance, and there will be more control over widgets and notification settings. System performance enhancements include memory optimization and improved app launch responsiveness. Upcoming features include Taskbar customization, and the team is engaging with Insiders in various cities for feedback.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Windows AI Recall is pushing data destruction upstream

The introduction of Copilot+ PCs has created new complexities in IT asset disposition (ITAD), as these devices may contain a comprehensive, time-stamped archive of user activity, which was not present on corporate laptops two years ago. Microsoft's Recall feature captures user activity screenshots and stores them securely, but recent research by Alexander Hagenah suggests that the safeguards may be ineffective, as his tool can extract sensitive data without breaking encryption. Microsoft defends the security of Recall, stating that observed access patterns align with intended protections. This situation presents challenges for ITAD operators, as pre-collection now constitutes a data-destruction event, requiring devices to be powered down or purged before leaving the client’s environment. Certificates of sanitization must evolve to address the specific destruction of Recall snapshot stores, and conversations with clients should differentiate between managed and unmanaged fleets regarding Recall settings. The presence of Recall shifts some data-destruction responsibilities upstream to clients, complicating traditional ITAD value propositions.

Winsage

April 15, 2026

Windows Vista: A Beautiful Disaster that Stole My FPS 💻🔥

Windows Vista was released in January 2007 after five years of development, following the long tenure of Windows XP since 2001. Initially, it promised a revolutionary file system, enhanced security, and improved graphics. However, a significant "Development Reset" in 2004 led to a rushed launch with many issues. Vista required a minimum of 2 GB of RAM, significantly more than Windows XP's 512 MB, causing performance problems on older computers. Many games that ran well on XP became unplayable on Vista, and users faced frequent crashes due to driver issues. The User Account Control feature was seen as intrusive and annoying. Ultimately, many users, including the author, reverted to Windows XP due to dissatisfaction with Vista, which was later followed by the more successful Windows 7 in 2009. Despite some relevant features introduced by Vista, it is often viewed as a failure compared to its predecessor.