Windows 11 users Archives

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Windows 11’s Start menu is getting redesigned again — and it’s not bad

Microsoft is preparing a significant redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu, featuring a new, larger layout that allows users to view all options on a single scrollable page. The update includes the ability to disable the recommendations feature and limits the pinned list to two rows, which can be expanded. This redesign was first revealed by a user on social media and is currently available only to participants in the Dev and Beta channels of the Windows Insider program.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

This third-party Windows tweaker finally lets you uninstall Edge and set a classic File Explorer style

The latest version of Wintoys, v2.0.81.0, allows Windows 11 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to uninstall Microsoft Edge, a feature previously restricted to EU users due to regulatory requirements. Wintoys simulates the necessary conditions for this capability, enabling users to remove Edge through Microsoft-sanctioned processes. Additionally, Wintoys v2.0.81.0 includes enhancements such as a Classic File Explorer Theme, System Settings Restoration, Real-Time Updates for system properties, and improved File Explorer functionality. Wintoys is available for download from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Wintoys new update lets you set classic File Explorer, uninstall Edge and more in Windows 11

Wintoys has released a significant 2.0 update for Windows 11 users after nearly a year without updates. Key features include a new logo supporting light and dark modes, a settings restore button, the option to revert to the classic File Explorer, compliance with the Digital Markets Act allowing uninstallation of Microsoft Edge in unsupported regions, an enhanced Super-user Tweaks menu, and updated system properties cards. The update also addresses bugs and improves performance, although there is a known issue with the Alt + Tab function freezing the app. Wintoys 2.0 is available for free download from the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11 users.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

A Windows 11 update causes issues with some Lenovo laptops

Windows 11 has encountered issues affecting Lenovo ThinkPad laptops, where a recent security update has blocked the installation of a crucial BIOS update. This problem is linked to changes in the Vulnerable Driver Blocklist and modifications to the WinFlash64.exe file. Lenovo ThinkPad owners receive an error message when attempting to update their BIOS through the BIOS Update Utility or Vantage app. Lenovo is rolling out a new BIOS version 1.61 to address the issue and recommends using Windows Update for the BIOS update. Additionally, Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10, with support ending on October 14, 2025, and encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. Over 50% of Windows users still operate on Windows 10, despite the rise in Windows 11 users. Microsoft has been notifying Windows 10 users about potential security risks and offering a streamlined upgrade process to Windows 11, which can be done for free, though it may involve some downtime.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Microsoft cracks down on Windows 11 users who don’t log in with Microsoft accounts

Microsoft is increasingly favoring the use of Microsoft accounts over traditional local accounts in Windows 11, reflecting a trend towards online connectivity. The ability to create local accounts has been further restricted, with the removal of the bypassnro.cmd script that allowed users to set up local accounts without internet access. Users must now complete the setup process with internet connectivity and a Microsoft account. Third-party tools like Rufus still allow the creation of local accounts during installation, providing a workaround for those who prefer local accounts.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft fixes «printer uprising» in Windows 11 and remote desktop

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting the Remote Desktop Platform (RDP) in Windows 11 24H2, which began surfacing in February 2025. An emergency server update is being implemented to resolve these complications, with users expected to see improvements within 24 to 48 hours. The RDP issues arose after the optional January Update, leading to frozen login screens and blank interfaces for some users. Microsoft recognized the problem on February 25, initially claiming it was addressed in the February update (KB5052093), but subsequent updates worsened the crashes. A Known Issue Rollback (KIR) is being deployed in stages, and users are encouraged to reboot their devices. Additionally, update KB5053657 has been released to fix a printer issue affecting USB printers that emerged after the January 11 update. A similar fix for Windows 11 24H2 is anticipated on March 27, 2025, with both resolutions included in April's "Patch Tuesday" updates.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Windows 11’s Game Bar gets a fresh coat of paint, plus a tweak to work better on handhelds – and I like the direction Microsoft’s heading in here

Microsoft has rolled out updates for Xbox consoles and Windows 11 users, particularly enhancing the Game Bar. The Game Bar has received a graphical overhaul, including redesigned widgets such as Capture, Performance, Resource widgets, and the Widget Store. Improvements have also been made to navigation within the Widget Store for controller users, especially in Compact Mode, which optimizes the display for gaming handhelds. The updates aim to create a cleaner and more organized user interface. There is anticipation for a potential 'handheld mode' for Windows 11, which has been rumored.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Recent Windows Server 2025 updates cause Remote Desktop freezes

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Remote Desktop functionality on Windows Server 2025 systems, which arose after the installation of security updates released since February 2025. Users may experience freezes in Remote Desktop sessions shortly after connecting, with unresponsive mouse and keyboard inputs requiring a disconnect and reconnect to regain functionality. This issue also affects Windows 11 24H2 systems, but Microsoft addressed it for Windows 11 users with an optional update (KB5052093) released on February 25. A fix for Windows Server 2025 devices is planned for an upcoming update. Additionally, Microsoft has implemented Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to reverse problematic non-security updates related to Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) connection issues from Windows 11 24H2 updates since January 2025. Users may experience Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) disconnections lasting up to 65 seconds when connecting from Windows 11 24H2 devices to RDS hosts on Windows Server 2016 systems. A permanent fix for RDP disconnection issues is planned for next month's cumulative updates. Microsoft is also investigating connection errors on Windows 11 24H2 systems related to restoring data from SMB network shares or Backup & Replication servers.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows 11 users can finally restore this lost Windows 10 taskbar feature, here is how

Windows 11 users can restore the Desktop Peek feature using a Windhawk mod called "Taskbar Show Desktop Button Aero Peek," which allows them to show the desktop by hovering over the taskbar. This functionality was removed by Microsoft, but the mod provides a way to revert to the previous method. Users can uninstall the mod or use keyboard shortcuts (Win + D to show the desktop, Win + , for a quick peek) to return to the default settings.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Google Chrome downloads ‘can’t run’ on Windows due to broken installer issue

A glitch is affecting the installation of Google Chrome on Windows devices, causing users to encounter a pop-up message stating, "This app can’t run on your PC." This issue is prevalent among Windows 10 and 11 users attempting to install from Google's official website. The problem arises because Google has mistakenly uploaded the Arm version of the Chrome installer instead of the x86 version. The download page typically selects the appropriate version based on the user's machine, but this error has led to disruptions. Users on Arm machines can install without issues, while others face difficulties. The standalone installer remains unaffected, offering a potential workaround.