Windows key Archives

Winsage

July 4, 2025

I made Windows 11 look like 10 without tools

Many users wish to replicate the aesthetics of Windows 10 while using Windows 11. Adjustments can be made using built-in settings without additional software: - Start menu alignment: Users can change the Start menu from center to left by navigating to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors. - Classic File Explorer: Users can access the classic File Explorer interface by pressing the Windows key and searching for Windows Tools, then clicking on Home or This PC. - Return app labels: Users can enable app labels on the taskbar by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors and selecting Never next to “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.” - Always show scrollbars: Users can make scrollbars always visible by navigating to Settings -> Accessibility -> Visual Effects and toggling on the “Always show scrollbars” option. - Change the color scheme: Users can modify the color scheme by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Colors, selecting Custom for “Choose your mode,” and opting for Dark for “Choose your Windows mode.” - Desktop icons: Users can restore legacy desktop icons by navigating to Settings -> Personalization -> Themes and clicking on Desktop icon settings. These adjustments help create a Windows 10-like experience within Windows 11.

Tech Optimizer

July 1, 2025

Is McAfee Slowing You Down? Here’s How to Remove It

To uninstall McAfee antivirus software on various operating systems, follow these steps: Windows 11 & 10: 1. Open Settings and navigate to Apps (Installed apps in Windows 11). 2. Search for McAfee and select the product to remove. 3. Click the three-dot menu and select Uninstall. 4. Confirm the uninstallation and restart the computer. Windows 8: 1. Access the Start menu and right-click on the McAfee product. 2. Select Uninstall and confirm in the Programs and Features window. 3. Restart the computer after completion. Windows 7: 1. Open Control Panel and select Add or Remove Programs. 2. Choose the McAfee product and click Add/Remove or Change/Remove. 3. Confirm removal and restart the computer. Using the McAfee Removal Tool: 1. Download the MCPR tool from the McAfee website. 2. Run MCPR.exe and follow the prompts to uninstall. 3. Restart the computer after removal. Mac: 1. Open the Applications folder and launch the McAfee Internet Security Uninstaller. 2. Optionally, select to uninstall SiteAdvisor. 3. Enter the administrator password and complete the uninstallation. For multiple McAfee applications, uninstall them one at a time. For Android, toggle off McAfee Mobile Security in Device admin apps, then delete it from Apps. To uninstall McAfee Safe Connect or LiveSafe, follow similar steps in the Apps settings.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 has been released to the Canary Channel, with downloadable ISOs available. This build introduces a new profanity filter setting for voice typing, allowing users to manage the transcription of profane words. A new feature called speech recap has been added to Narrator, enabling users to track spoken content and access live transcriptions. General improvements include security certificate updates, a redesigned needy state pill on the taskbar, enhanced accessibility features, and new image editing capabilities in the Windows share window. A new FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page, and various fixes have been implemented across different components. Known issues include problems with the taskbar display and the "Reset this PC" option not functioning after the upgrade. Users joining the Canary Channel on new Copilot+ PCs may experience loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

6 registry tweaks every tech-savvy user must apply on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides customization tools such as the Settings app, Control Panel, and Group Policy Editor, but advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor for deeper control. Key Registry tweaks include: 1. Disable the Home page in Settings: Modify the Registry to revert the Settings app to open directly to the "System" section instead of the "Home" page by creating a string value named SettingsPageVisibility and setting it to hide:home. 2. Disable automatic Windows Update: Prevent automatic downloads and installations by creating a key named WindowsUpdate under Policies, then a subkey AU, and a DWORD value NoAutoUpdate set to 1. 3. Disable the Lock Screen experience: Expedite the sign-in process by creating a key named Personalization and a DWORD value Nolockscreen set to 1. 4. Enable automatic Registry backup: Restore automatic Registry backups by creating a DWORD value EnablePeriodicBackup set to 1 and scheduling a task to run daily for backup. Editing the Registry carries risks, and it is advised to back up the PC before making changes.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

7 accessibility features in Windows 11 that make life easier for everyone

Windows 11 includes a variety of accessibility features designed to enhance usability for all users. Key features include: 1. Customize Mouse Appearance: Users can change the mouse pointer's style, color, and size, and enable a mouse indicator for easier location on the screen. 2. Change Text Cursor Appearance: Users can customize the text cursor's color, thickness, and size to improve visibility. 3. Voice Control: Users can control their PC entirely through voice commands by enabling the Voice Access feature. 4. Voice Typing: Users can convert spoken words into text using the Voice Typing feature, which can be activated with a keyboard shortcut. 5. Always Show Scrollbars: Users can ensure that scrollbars are always visible in applications by enabling the corresponding setting. 6. Control Keyboard Sensitivity: The Filter Keys feature allows users to adjust keyboard sensitivity to manage repeated keystrokes. These features aim to improve navigation and overall user experience on Windows 11.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Windows 11 gets some much-needed HDR improvements

The Windows 11 update KB5058499 enhances High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, allowing users to stream HDR video without enabling HDR system-wide. Users can toggle HDR streaming for platforms like Netflix and YouTube independently of the global HDR setting. The update also provides greater control over Dolby Vision, enabling independent toggling for specific content or throughout Windows. This flexibility is advantageous for users who previously disabled HDR due to inconsistent application support. The update allows HDR to be enabled for games using a keyboard shortcut while keeping standard dynamic range for other applications. Despite improvements, there is still a need for better HDR functionality across various applications.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Windows 11 brings back an old keyboard shortcut for Copilot AI

Microsoft has reinstated the Windows key + C keyboard shortcut for launching the Copilot AI assistant in Windows 11 with the release of update KB5058502. This update is part of the optional May patch for Windows 11 23H2. The shortcut was previously removed in June 2024, when Microsoft introduced a dedicated Copilot key and other engagement methods. Users can now use the Windows key + C for text chat mode or a long press for voice chat mode. Adjustments to the shortcut can be made in the Settings menu. The shortcut has a history of use, originally for the Charm menu in Windows 8 and later for Cortana in Windows 10.