Windows Settings Archives

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Windows 8 Remastered concept may make you forget your hate for the controversial OS

Windows 8 Remastered is a new concept by YouTuber AR 4789 that combines modern design with the original Windows 8 interface. It features a desktop experience with Live Tiles and Widgets, a traditional Taskbar with a Start button, and a redesigned lock screen. The File Explorer has been overhauled with Fluent Design principles and larger tiles, while the Charms bar has received cosmetic enhancements. The concept also includes Snap Assist and a redesigned Windows Settings app that retains personalization options from Windows 11. It is designed to work across various devices, catering to both touch-friendly and traditional desktop users.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Is Control Panel dying in Windows 11? Microsoft’s biggest UI revamp says not yet

Windows 11 is undergoing a significant design transformation, with updates to key components like Print Management, the Properties Sheet in File Explorer, and the AutoPlay dialog from Windows 8, all receiving a WinUI makeover. The Control Panel's future is uncertain, but it will remain until Microsoft can transition its features into Windows Settings. Microsoft plans to minimize the need for legacy features and is cautious about removing the Control Panel due to its importance for enterprise compatibility. Upcoming features include a modern Windows Run dialog set to launch in 2026, which will be faster and allow users to navigate to their user directory more efficiently. A modern Properties dialog is also being developed to replace the legacy version, and the AutoPlay dialog will be revamped to remember user preferences. A new Print Management app is in testing, aimed at improving printer management. The overall modernization of Windows 11 suggests that the Control Panel may eventually be phased out, but the timeline for this change is still unclear.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Windows 11 is modernizing a mouse indicator that hasn’t changed since the Windows XP

In the 1990s, locating the cursor on a Windows screen was challenging, leading to the introduction of a feature in the early 2000s that allowed users to press the Ctrl key to highlight the cursor, which became popular with Windows XP. This feature is being modernized in Windows 11, where users can activate a new Mouse Indicator by navigating to Windows Settings, selecting Accessibility, and toggling the “Mouse Indicator” on. The updated Mouse Indicator, which still activates with the Ctrl key, includes a circle animation and an optional feature to keep the indicator visible until dismissed using Win+Ctrl+Shift+M. Microsoft is also refreshing other features in Windows 11, such as the AutoPlay feature, which now remembers user preferences and presents a new WinUI-based dialog. The Properties sheet is being redesigned to incorporate modern WinUI elements, and a new Print Management app is expected to be released soon.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Windows 11 Tests Toggle to Force Apps to Open Maximized, Aiding Small Screens and Handhelds

Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to set applications to open maximized by default. This toggle, found in the accessibility section of Windows Settings, is labeled "Automatically open app windows maximized when they open." It ensures all applications open in a maximized state, enhancing user experience on smaller screens, particularly devices with screens under 13 inches. Previously, Windows 11 had a similar functionality that was removed. The feature is currently available only in Windows 11 preview builds and has not yet been released to the stable version.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

Microsoft releases PowerShell scripts for IT admins to manage Windows settings backup data

Microsoft has released new PowerShell scripts to assist IT administrators in managing users' Windows settings backup data through the Microsoft Graph windowsSetting APIs. The scripts include: - View-WindowsBackup.ps1: Allows viewing and exporting backup data. - Delete-WindowsBackup.ps1: Enables irreversible deletion of backup data with confirmation prompts. Commands to utilize these scripts are: - Get-WindowsBackup - Get-WindowsBackup -UserId [email protected] - Remove-WindowsBackup -UserId [email protected] Viewing and exporting data does not require special permissions, but deleting data requires the Microsoft 365 Backup Administrator role. Prerequisites for running the scripts include Windows PowerShell 5.1 or PowerShell 7, the Microsoft.Graph.Authentication module, and internet access to specific Microsoft domains. Users can install the scripts from the PowerShell Gallery using the command Install-Module WindowsBackupAdmin -Scope CurrentUser. The scripts are built on Microsoft Graph beta APIs, which may change and affect functionality.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

GameLoop Emulator Setup for PC Gaming: 15 Steps [2026]

Mobile gaming has shifted towards competitive play using keyboard and mouse with titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Free Fire. Tencent's GameLoop is a popular emulator for these games, offering seamless integration and features like pre-tuned graphics profiles and key-mapping templates. GameLoop is Windows-only and based on Android 7.1. Minimum system requirements include Windows 10 64-bit, a dual-core CPU, 4GB RAM, DirectX 11 support, and 10GB free storage. The installation process involves downloading from the official site, running the installer as an administrator, and completing first-time setup. Users can adjust graphics settings, configure key mapping, and enable FPS boost. GameLoop supports multi-instance functionality and has a built-in screen recording tool. Common issues include black screens and game crashes, which can often be resolved by updating drivers and checking settings. GameLoop is free to use, but users should verify game policies regarding emulator use for competitive play.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

I tried Windows 11’s new customizable context menus, and they’re a major improvement: Microsoft will let you restore Windows 10 style vertical layout for primary actions and more

Microsoft is enhancing the context menu system for Windows 11, introducing a "Customize menu" option at the bottom of the context menu. This feature directs users to the Windows Settings app, where they can customize the layout and actions of the context menu.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows 11 Gets Dynamic File Sizes in File Explorer, Low Latency Profile for Apps, and More

Microsoft's August update, KB5121003, includes several enhancements: - The File Explorer now displays file sizes in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB) dynamically, simplifying file management. - The Low Latency Profile is expanded to more applications, improving launch speeds for Microsoft apps like Edge and Outlook by up to 40%, and other system components by up to 70%. - Windows Search has been improved to better handle typos and incomplete queries, prioritizing relevant results and indexing files across the operating system. - The Start Menu now more effectively respects user preferences, ensuring consistent settings.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Ships as an Enablement Package With Movable Taskbar, Local Search, and Default Cloud Recovery

Windows 11 version 26H2 is expected to launch around October 2026 as a small enablement package using the same Germanium platform as versions 24H2 and 25H2. Key enhancements include a movable taskbar, expanded Start menu controls, deeper Copilot integration, and new default cloud recovery settings for managed PCs. Users on versions 24H2 or 25H2 will experience a quick upgrade process requiring only one reboot. The taskbar will allow repositioning and smaller icon sizes, and the Start menu will have new configuration options and privacy settings. Search functionality will prioritize local content, with an option to disable web results. The update will enhance cloud-assisted setup and recovery for eligible Microsoft Entra devices, enabling automatic backup of settings and app lists. Copilot will be integrated into Search and File Explorer, and Windows Security will improve Administrator Protection. The support timeline for 26H2 will reset, offering 24 months for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Hardware requirements remain unchanged, and Arm devices on Windows 11 26H1 will not receive the 26H2 update.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 is a small update with big quality-of-life improvements, expected around October 2026

Windows 11 will undergo a significant transformation with the upcoming annual update, version 26H2, which introduces enhancements to the interface, search functionality, backup processes, and AI integration. The update will allow users to reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen and adopt a smaller layout with reduced icon sizes. The Start menu will have new configuration options and a privacy feature for hiding account details during screen sharing. Search functionality will prioritize local content over web results, with an option to disable web results entirely. Cloud-assisted setup and recovery will become a default setting for eligible Microsoft Entra devices, automatically saving configuration settings and app lists. Copilot will be more integrated into daily operations, including a dockable side panel in File Explorer. Updates will also be made to traditional system tools, including a modernized Run dialog and enhanced security for administrator-level operations. The support timeline for Windows 11 installations will reset, with Home and Pro editions receiving 24 months of support and Enterprise and Education editions receiving 36 months. The hardware requirements remain unchanged, and the rollout of 26H2 is anticipated in the latter half of 2026, likely around October.