tray icons Archives

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Windows 11 brings back taskbar positioning and resizing, but longtime users will notice key differences

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to the Taskbar in Windows 11 with the latest preview build (26300.8493) from the Experimental channel for version 25H2. Users can now reposition the Taskbar to any edge of the screen—top, bottom, left, or right. The Taskbar can also be resized, allowing users to reduce its height and button size without needing a system restart. The option to change the Taskbar position is available under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, and resizing options are found in the same section. However, the implementation lacks the intuitive drag-and-drop functionality present in Windows 10, requiring users to navigate through settings for adjustments. Additionally, when the Taskbar is vertical, the year is shown in an abbreviated format, and seconds are omitted from the time display. The auto-hide feature has some issues, and the tablet-optimized Taskbar is limited to the bottom position.

Winsage

May 23, 2026

I tested Windows 11’s return of taskbar positioning and resizing, and it’s not the classic Windows 10 experience

The Taskbar in Windows 11 will receive enhancements allowing users to reposition and resize it, similar to features in Windows 10. The latest build, 26300.8493, enables placement of the Taskbar at any screen edge—top, bottom, left, or right. The interface will adapt to the Taskbar's position, with the Start menu and Search opening downward when docked at the top. In a vertical layout, the year will be abbreviated, and seconds will not be displayed. Users can ungroup app labels using the "Never combine" option when the Taskbar is on the left or right. The new "Taskbar position" setting is found under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar in the "Taskbar behaviors" section.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

FinalWire releases AIDA64 8.30 with FPS tracking and next-gen CPU support, but drops 32-bit Windows support

FinalWire has released AIDA64 version 8.30, featuring the AIDA FPS module for real-time FPS data capture in DirectX 11 and 12 games, available exclusively in the Extreme edition. The update includes an optimized performance test for APX SHA3 for Intel Diamond Rapids and Nova Lake processors, support for Turing 4.6 and 12.3-inch LCD displays, compatibility with Intel Core Ultra 250K Plus and 270K Plus, enhanced support for Intel Wildcat Lake and Nova Lake processors, preliminary support for AMD Zen 6 architecture APUs, support for Aqua Computer Ampinel and Thermal Grizzly WireView Pro II sensors, extended support for Adaptec RAID controllers, USB-NVMe pass-through support for Realtek RTL9220 controllers, support for EXPO 1.2 memory profiles, and detailed GPU information for Intel Arc Pro B65 and B70 as well as NVIDIA RTX Pro 4500 Blackwell Server Edition. The update enhances support for Intel's Nova Lake CPUs and introduces a new SHA3 benchmark optimized for APX architectures. It also lays groundwork for support of AMD's upcoming Zen 6 Medusa Point mobile processors and introduces support for AMD's EXPO 1.2 technology. AIDA64 version 8.30 discontinues support for 32-bit Windows and Windows XP x64, requiring users on those platforms to revert to an earlier version. The new web-based AIDA64 SensorPanel Tools allows users to create image sets for SensorPanel Manager. The update is available across the Extreme, Engineer, Business, and Network Audit editions.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

I just heard about this free Windows 11 customization app despite it having 42 million downloads

ExplorerPatcher is a free and open-source application that has over 42 million downloads and 32,200 stars on GitHub. It aims to restore legacy Windows shell components in Windows 11, allowing users to manage settings more comfortably. The app is compatible with both x86-64 Windows and Windows on ARM. Users can revert the Windows 11 taskbar to its Windows 10 design, disable the Windows 11 context menu, and restore the control ribbon in File Explorer. ExplorerPatcher offers additional features such as improved multi-display taskbar support and customizable settings. It includes preset configurations like the "Classic Windows 10" option and allows for custom configurations to be saved and shared. Despite its popularity, ExplorerPatcher is not widely recognized due to security warnings from Windows, which flag it as a potential threat, and potential disruptions following major Windows updates.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

I tested this Windows 11 customization app with 42 million downloads — why aren’t more people discussing it?

ExplorerPatcher is a free, open-source application that has surpassed 42 million total downloads and received 32,200 stars on GitHub. It allows users to customize their Windows 11 experience by restoring features from older Windows versions, such as reverting the taskbar to its Windows 10 counterpart. The app is compatible with both x86-64 Windows and Windows on ARM. It offers a simple settings menu for adjusting the Taskbar, File Explorer, Start menu, and System Tray, as well as advanced features like improved multi-display taskbar support and a customizable Win+X menu. Users can save and share custom configurations, and there are preset options like the "Classic Windows 10" preset. Despite its popularity, ExplorerPatcher faces challenges such as being flagged by Windows' security systems and potential disruptions after major Windows updates.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

How To Get Rid Of Microsoft Copilot On Windows 11

Microsoft has developed in-house AI models to improve user interaction with PCs through text and voice commands, featuring a Copilot that can perform actions on behalf of users. However, some Windows PC users are hesitant to adopt this AI-driven environment and prefer to maintain control over their interactions with AI. Microsoft has adjusted its AI features in response to past challenges, including privacy concerns that delayed the launch of its Recall feature. For users who wish to disable the Microsoft Copilot experience in Windows 11, they can follow specific steps in the Settings menu and the registry editor. Additionally, users can uninstall Copilot via the Start Menu or use PowerToys to remap the Copilot button.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

You might mock Microsoft’s new emoji button in Windows 11 but as someone that’s explained how to quickly access emojis and special characters too many times, I get it

Microsoft has introduced a dedicated emoji button in the taskbar of the latest beta build of Windows 11, allowing users to quickly access various emojis, including the thumbs-up. This feature can be activated using the Win + . shortcut, which brings up a window with emojis, emoticons, gifs, clipboard options, and special characters. Microsoft aims to improve the discoverability of this emoji panel, acknowledging its importance in a blog post. The feature is currently being tested in beta update 22635.5015 and is expected to be integrated into the main version of Windows soon. Users can also enable or disable system tray icons for a minimalist interface.

Winsage

December 15, 2024

Windows 11 Trials A New Emoji Panel Button On Taskbar

Microsoft has introduced a dedicated emoji button in the preview build 22635.4580 of Windows 11, located near the System Tray, allowing users to access the emoji panel with a click. This feature is optional and can be hidden through the Settings menu. Currently, the button is non-functional, but mockups illustrate its design. The rollout timeline for this feature is uncertain, but it may be included in a future Windows Update.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Windows 11 introduces a hidden system tray feature nobody asked for – could it actually be useful?

Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update, which includes a new battery indicator and an emoji panel feature integrated into the system tray. This feature, discovered in beta build 22635.4655, allows users to access an emoji panel with a single click from the taskbar. To enable the emoji panel, users must use ViveTool with the command for id:48504539, as it is not visible by default and is still in testing.

Winsage

October 26, 2024

5 settings I always change to declutter the System Tray on Windows 11

The System Tray on Windows 11 is located on the right side of the Taskbar and displays information such as the clock, network status, and volume control. Users can hide the time and date by going to Settings > Time & language > Date & time and toggling off the "Show time and date in the System tray" switch. An abbreviated format can be shown by toggling on the "Show time and date in the System tray" switch and selecting the "Show abbreviated time and date" option. To hide system icons, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > System tray icons and toggle off unnecessary icons. The "Show desktop" button can be disabled by unchecking the "Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop" option under Taskbar behaviors in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Notifications can be turned off by toggling on the "Do not disturb" switch in Settings > System > Notifications. The weather widget can be disabled by toggling off the "Widgets" switch under Taskbar items in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.