Windows Explorer Archives

Winsage

January 7, 2026

“Microslop”: Infuriating Video Sums Up How Microsoft Is Ruining Windows With AI

Programmer Ryan Fleury criticized Windows 11's AI-powered search feature in a video, highlighting a suggestion that users ask, “My mouse pointer is too small,” which yielded no results after a ten-second wait. In contrast, a simple search for the word “test” produced three relevant outcomes. Microsoft is committed to enhancing Windows 11 with AI, having ended support for Windows 10 to encourage users to transition to the new system featuring a virtual assistant called Copilot. New features include a Copilot icon on the taskbar and integration into Windows Explorer for generating document summaries. However, security concerns persist due to past incidents where sensitive information was saved in unsecured locations. Discontent with Microsoft's AI direction has grown since the discontinuation of Windows 10, and CEO Satya Nadella's comments against the term “slop” have led to increased use of the term “Microslop” on social media. Fleury's sarcastic remarks about AI's coding capabilities reflect skepticism about the effectiveness of AI in delivering quality results.

Winsage

December 11, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows Explorer white flashes in dark mode

Microsoft resolved an issue in Windows 11 where users experienced bright white flashes when launching File Explorer in dark mode after installing the KB5070311 update. This glitch affected various actions within the application. The KB5072033 cumulative update fixed this issue, improving the experience in File Explorer. Additionally, the KB5072033 update addressed network connectivity loss on virtual machines and introduced enhancements to Windows PowerShell, including warnings for potentially harmful scripts. Microsoft also acknowledged a bug affecting system components like File Explorer and the Start Menu during the provisioning of Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices. Furthermore, Microsoft is testing a feature to preload File Explorer in the background to enhance performance.

Winsage

December 6, 2025

Linux File Managers Outshine Windows Explorer in Speed and Customization

Windows File Explorer is facing criticism for its speed and features compared to Linux-style file managers like Dolphin, which offers advantages such as dual-pane views, tabbed browsing, and rapid search capabilities. Users have reported that Linux file managers can load directories with thousands of files in under a second, while Windows File Explorer may take several seconds. The growing dissatisfaction with Windows' performance and privacy policies has led to an increase in Linux adoption, with over 3% of the gaming market now using Linux. Additionally, Linux file managers provide high customization options and modularity, appealing particularly to developers. Discussions on social media platforms reflect a preference for Linux alternatives due to their superior performance and user experience.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Microsoft preloads File Explorer to mask performance issues

Microsoft is addressing sluggish launch times for File Explorer by preloading the application in the background, rather than streamlining its code or removing features. This update is available in a Windows Insider build for the Dev and Beta Channels. The preloading feature is experimental and can be disabled by users in the Folder Options under the View tab in File Explorer. Microsoft previously open-sourced the classic Windows File Manager in 2018, which was a lightweight tool for file system activities. Over time, File Explorer has increased in size and complexity, leading to performance challenges.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Linux-Inspired File Managers Outpace Windows Explorer in Speed and Features

Microsoft's Windows File Explorer is facing competition from third-party file managers like Files, which is open-source and available for free from the Microsoft Store. Files offers features such as dual-pane views, tabbed browsing, and advanced tagging, making it faster and more customizable than Explorer. Benchmarks show Files loading directories up to 30% faster on average hardware. Despite recent updates to Explorer, it still lacks the innovation found in alternatives. Users are increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with Explorer's bloat, with some preferring alternatives like File Pilot. Linux-inspired managers, including Files, incorporate usability features such as breadcrumb navigation and integrated terminal access, appealing to developers and IT professionals. Open-source alternatives benefit from community oversight, enhancing security and performance. The trend towards these innovative tools may compel Microsoft to rethink Explorer. Additionally, there is a growing convergence of Windows and Linux file management, with Microsoft acknowledging Linux's strengths by integrating Linux files into Explorer. The rise of these alternatives reflects changing user expectations and demands for more customizable and efficient file management solutions.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows 10 still has the best Start menu, so I brought it back for free

Windows 11's Start menu has received criticism from some users who believe it lacks the intuitiveness and customization of the Windows 10 Start menu. The Windows 10 Start menu was praised for its design, functionality, and features like Live Tiles, which allowed real-time information access and personalization options such as resizing and organizing tiles. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that enables users to customize the Windows 11 Start menu to resemble that of Windows 10, allowing for features like pinning apps and organizing the menu. Users can download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub and switch the Start menu style with ease. The tool also offers additional customization options, although it has some reported bugs.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

New Warning As Microsoft Windows Attacks Confirmed

Microsoft has rolled out an emergency security update for Windows users, but a new vulnerability, CVE-2025-9491, is being exploited by attackers and remains unpatched. This vulnerability is being actively exploited by threat actors associated with China, primarily targeting European diplomatic entities in Hungary, Belgium, and other nations. The attacks involve phishing emails with embedded URLs that deliver malicious LNK files, allowing attackers to execute obfuscated PowerShell commands and deploy a multi-stage malware chain, culminating in the PlugX remote access trojan. Users are advised to block .lnk files from untrusted sources to mitigate risks.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Windows LNK File UI Misrepresentation Enables Remote Code Execution Attacks

A vulnerability in the Windows operating system, identified as ZDI-CAN-25373 and disclosed in March 2025, allows advanced persistent threat (APT) actors to deploy malware by manipulating whitespace in Windows LNK files. This technique has been adopted by espionage groups from North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran for data theft and intelligence-gathering. The flaw enables malicious PowerShell commands to be concealed within seemingly legitimate shortcut files, which execute automatically when opened. The exploitation involves weaponized LNK files that initiate obfuscated PowerShell commands to decode embedded TAR archives containing a legitimate Canon printer utility, a malicious loader DLL, and an RC4-encrypted payload with remote access trojan malware. The legitimate executable, although signed with an expired certificate, is trusted by Windows due to its valid timestamp. As of October 2025, Microsoft has not released a patch for this vulnerability, prompting organizations to implement defensive measures against its exploitation.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Windows 11 Update Glitch Keeps Task Manager Running: Don’t Hit That ‘X’

The latest preview update for Windows 11 has introduced a glitch in Task Manager, preventing it from closing properly and resulting in multiple background instances that consume system resources. This issue arose after the October 2025 optional update (Build 26200.7019 / 26100.7019), causing Task Manager to remain active in the background and launch additional instances upon reopening. While not affecting every user, many have reported encountering this bug. Users are advised to avoid using the “X” button to close Task Manager and instead use alternative methods such as ending the task from within Task Manager, restarting Windows Explorer, or using Command Prompt or PowerShell to force-close Task Manager instances. Microsoft is expected to address this issue in a future update. Users may also consider uninstalling the October 2025 update if the problem significantly impacts performance.

Winsage

October 26, 2025

I used older Windows versions, and I think nostalgia has blinded us

Windows XP was the first operating system for many users in the early 2000s but had limitations like cumbersome multitasking and limited customization options. Windows Vista introduced enhanced customization and a search bar but faced criticism for intrusive User Account Control and performance issues. Windows 7 improved user experience and performance but still lacked features like a customizable Start menu and virtual desktops. Windows 8.1 was criticized for its chaotic interface that disrupted desktop users' workflows, despite introducing app snapping and an improved File Explorer. Windows 10 incorporated effective multitasking and a customizable Start menu but received criticism for its bland aesthetics. Windows 11 brought advancements in multitasking and built-in app functionality, along with enhanced security features, but faced challenges like upselling during setup and some users finding unnecessary features.