Windows Customization Archives

Winsage

May 4, 2025

This incredible desktop replacement will change how you use Windows

Windows 11 has received mixed feedback from users, particularly regarding its limited customization options, such as the inability to reposition the taskbar. Seelen UI is a free application that offers extensive customization, allowing users to overhaul their user interface. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or GitHub, with the former recommended for easier updates. Upon installation, Seelen UI replaces the taskbar with the Seelen Dock and introduces a Fancy Toolbar for system stats. The Seelen Dock can be customized in size and position, offering more flexibility than Windows 11's default taskbar. Seelen UI also features a Windows Manager that organizes open windows in a cascading manner, enhancing productivity and allowing for further layout customization. Overall, Seelen UI encourages users to create a personalized desktop environment that boosts productivity.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

7 forgotten Windows apps that somehow still exist

WinAmp, foobar2000, and RealPlayer were once essential media players but have seen a decline in popularity due to improvements in Windows Media Player and the rise of streaming services. Foobar2000 and RealPlayer still appeal to a niche audience. Napster, originally a peer-to-peer file sharing service, has transformed into a legitimate music streaming service after facing legal challenges. TeamSpeak, once favored in the gaming community for voice chat, has been overshadowed by Discord but remains operational with ongoing updates. Netscape Navigator was a leading web browser that declined with the rise of Internet Explorer and was discontinued in 2008, but has been reintroduced as a Chromium-based browser by AOL. WordPerfect was a dominant word processing software in the late 80s and early 90s but lost market share to Microsoft Word; it continues to exist as an office suite. WinZip, once the preferred file compression tool, has seen its relevance decline due to native ZIP support in Windows and free alternatives like 7-Zip; it is now owned by Corel. WindowBlinds, a customization tool for Windows, has been updated for Windows 11 but lacks the popularity it once had, reflecting a trend towards less customizable operating systems.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

One of Stardock’s best Windows customization tools is getting even better

Stardock has released the beta version of Fences 6, a desktop organization tool for Windows 11 that enhances user experience and productivity. Key features include tab support for creating multiple fences, icon tinting for visual cohesion, a new color picker for personalization, and improved folder navigation within Folder Portals. Fences 6 now runs natively on Windows on Arm, improving performance on Arm-based devices. The beta is available for .99, with a one-year license, and the annual subscription will be .99 after the beta phase. Users subscribed to the Object Desktop suite will have access to Fences 6 at no additional charge.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

8 tools that will change how you use Windows

Windows 11 offers a variety of features and a vibrant ecosystem of third-party applications, but users often find the default experience lacking in productivity. Several tools are available to enhance the Windows experience: 1. EarTrumpet: A comprehensive volume mixer that allows users to control audio for each application and playback device seamlessly. 2. Twinkle Tray: Simplifies brightness adjustments across multiple monitors directly from the taskbar and offers automation features based on the time of day. 3. Everything: A lightweight search tool that indexes files quickly, allowing for instantaneous local file searches. 4. OneCommander: A dual-pane file management tool that enhances navigation and organization of files with features like color-coded labels and advanced previews. 5. Start11: Customizes the Start menu, allowing users to choose styles, create folders and groups, and integrate File Explorer folders for quick access. 6. Rainmeter: A platform for extensive customization of the Windows interface with community-driven skins and widgets. 7. PowerToys: Includes utilities like FancyZones for creating custom window layouts, enhancing multitasking efficiency. 8. Flow Launcher: A powerful search and app launcher that streamlines workflows by enabling users to perform tasks using just their keyboard. These applications collectively improve the Windows 11 experience by addressing common issues and enhancing productivity.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Rainmeter is an impressive Windows customization tool

Users are exploring alternatives to the default File Explorer in Windows 11, with OneCommander being a popular choice among enthusiasts. Various recommendations from the community include Total Commander and Directory Opus. A user experienced burn-in on their QD-OLED monitor after using a static image for a year but found relief by switching to dynamic wallpaper. They appreciate QD-OLED technology and plan to upgrade to a newer generation panel. The Linux ecosystem features numerous distributions, with the user rotating between NixOS, Pop_OS!, Debian, and Q4OS based on their needs. A user transformed an outdated dual-Xeon CPU and motherboard into a home lab and budget gaming system, highlighting its versatility. Despite being a professional writer, the user relies on four fingers for typing and feels retraining could hinder productivity. Their first laptop was a Dell Inspiron 8500, which sparked their interest in technology. Microsoft’s OneDrive integration in Windows 11 has mixed reviews, with some users disabling automatic backups for a cleaner workspace. The gradual rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has not introduced significant changes, leading some users to wait for broader adoption. A Discord server dedicated to co-working has helped one user maintain productivity while working from home. The challenge of non-repairable tech is noted, with companies like Framework promoting sustainability through repairable products. Opinions on drive partitioning vary, with some advocating for multiple partitions while others prefer a single partition for simplicity. Casual gaming with Vampire Survivors has become a favorite for low-stress gameplay. The need for RAM in gaming PCs is increasing, with 16GB being standard and 32GB ideal for many users. The user was motivated to build their first PC for better gaming performance, inspired by the original Titanfall game. They transformed an old PC into a smart home hub using Home Assistant, enhancing device management. Obsidian is being explored for running tabletop RPGs, showcasing its versatility. The user transitioned from the unreliable Snipping Tool to Greenshot for capturing screenshots. Odd-length M.2 drives are noted as scarce in consumer markets despite the rise of smaller NVMe SSDs. The user is exploring alternative browsers like Floorp and Vivaldi after years of using Chrome.

Winsage

October 23, 2024

I tried replacing the Windows 11 desktop with a web app, and I’m very excited for the future

Seelen UI is a web-based application designed to enhance the Windows 11 desktop environment by replacing the taskbar and window manager with a customizable interface. It features a floating taskbar that displays open applications and provides access to pinned apps and media controls, along with a menu bar for quick access to settings. Users can customize the toolbar layout, dock positioning, and background themes, although theme options are currently limited. The application requires Microsoft Edge and WebView 2 to operate. However, it has a steep learning curve due to a lack of comprehensive guidance, and its organization can be confusing. Future improvements are anticipated, including custom widgets and multitasking features.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

One of the most powerful unofficial Windows customization tools finally released

Seelen UI is a mod for Windows 11 and 10 that allows users to customize the taskbar's position and includes an app launcher similar to Rofi on Linux. It enhances user interaction with the operating system and provides an alternative to Microsoft's default interface. Users can download Seelen UI from the Microsoft Store or install it manually via GitHub or Winget.

Winsage

September 6, 2024

Forget Windows 10 taskbar, you can now have Windows 7 Start menu and taskbar on Windows 11

Explorer7 is a third-party project that allows users to integrate the classic Windows 7 taskbar into modern operating systems, primarily focusing on Windows 8.1, but also compatible with Windows 10 and 11. It is currently available as a public beta, requiring a Windows 7 image file for installation, which adds complexity. A significant limitation is that modern applications, including those from the Microsoft Store and essential stock apps like Settings, cannot run on Windows 8.1, 10, or 11 when using Explorer7. Known issues include the inability to run UWP/Metro UI apps, lack of support for multi-monitor taskbars, potential autoplay functionality issues, missing context menu entries, and limitations in the all programs list functionality. Users may also experience problems with thumbnails, icon badges, accent color changes, notification icon settings, and unusual color behavior on the taskbar. More information is available on its forum page at winclassic.net or its GitHub repository.

Winsage

August 29, 2024

Super God Mode for Windows grants easy control over 1,200 settings

Super God Mode is a free tool available for download on GitHub that provides access to over 1,200 Windows settings from a single command center. It is a PowerShell script that creates shortcuts to folders, logs, and other components, and can generate CSV files detailing each shortcut's function. To use it, users download a ZIP file containing two key files: SuperGodMode.ps1 and SuperGodMode-EasyLauncher.bat. Running the EasyLauncher.bat file activates the script, creating a folder named Super God Mode with organized shortcuts and tips. The script allows for optional parameters to customize the experience, and the created folder can be relocated for easy access. However, it does not alter settings directly, and users should be cautious when modifying settings they do not understand.

Winsage

August 28, 2024

Windows 11 optimization app xd-AntiSpy gets a new control panel and a plugin marketplace

xd-AntiSpy has been updated to version 4.12.5, named GothamX. The update features a revamped settings page for centralized control, a new plugin marketplace for accessing various plugins from GitHub, and significant improvements in load times. Key updates include a dynamic settings form, a live Plugins/Marketplace page for direct downloads, and pre-installed options like the Debloater. xd-AntiSpy is a free, open-source tool available on GitHub, and users are advised to be cautious with third-party applications. An alternative, WinToys, is available through the Microsoft Store.