Windows taskbar Archives

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Hands-on: uBar is the macOS taskbar for those who can’t let go of Windows

uBar is an application designed for Mac users transitioning from Windows, providing a customizable taskbar experience that allows for better management of applications and windows compared to the traditional macOS dock. It presents each window separately, offers extensive customization options, includes a Windows-style Start menu for easy access to folders and applications, and features additional elements like a clock and volume indicator. However, users have reported issues such as the Finder app appearing on the taskbar despite settings to hide inactive applications, misaligned menu options when right-clicking, and closed windows remaining visible on the taskbar. A free trial is available for users interested in exploring uBar's capabilities.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Microsoft battles more bugs in Windows 11 24H2 with new round of patches

Microsoft released an optional update, KB5052093, for Windows 11 24H2 to address persistent bugs. Users may need to manually download and install this update as it is being rolled out gradually. The update includes fixes for File Explorer, improving performance with media files, context menu response for cloud files, and the reliability of the address bar. It resolves issues with color displays in the Start menu, hard drive misidentification in Task Manager, Guest account sign-ins, custom mouse pointer colors after UAC prompts, and audio bugs related to volume spikes and USB devices. Connectivity issues with Remote Desktop and display rendering problems have been fixed, along with improvements to drag-and-drop functionality and an error message in the Settings screen. New features include file sharing from the Taskbar jump list, simultaneous camera access for multiple applications, enhancements to Windows Narrator for easier navigation, and a more user-friendly Windows Spotlight. A referral card for PC Game Pass may also appear for eligible users. The update can be checked via Settings under Windows Update, and the official version will be released on March 11.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

Optional Windows 11 24H2 update brings fixes and more advertising

The optional KB5052093 update for Windows 11 24H2 introduces new camera options that allow users to use their cameras across multiple applications simultaneously, accessible through Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. A new "basic camera" mode has also been added for troubleshooting. Enhancements to the taskbar enable file sharing from a drop-down menu when right-clicking on an app, and File Explorer improvements include the ability to snooze or disable "Start backup" reminders, better performance with media files, consistent thumbnails for cloud files, and a fix for misdirected URLs. Microsoft has begun integrating advertisements for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass into the Windows 11 interface, appearing for users logged in with a Microsoft account linked to Game Pass. Additionally, the update resolves issues such as volume maxing out from standby mode and misidentification of HDDs as SSDs in Task Manager. The update is optional and must be manually installed.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

My favorite Windows 11 File Explorer alternative just got its biggest update in years

Windows 11's third-party application "Files" has been updated to version 3.9, introducing several enhancements: - The Update Files button has a new design with a vibrant icon for easier updates. - Icons and thumbnails are now DPI aware for clarity on all display types, and a Tags Widget allows for easy tagging by dragging files onto tags. - Users can rotate JPEG-XR images and set them as desktop or lock screen backgrounds directly from the application. - A new setting allows automatic focus on newly created tabs. - The Properties Window has been improved to browse for .icl files and modify the ‘compress contents’ attribute. - Individual launch protocols for each branch of Files have been implemented. - Performance improvements include immediate loading of breadcrumb flyouts and reduced load times for thumbnails. - Drag-and-drop functionality has been refined, allowing background operation when dragging items to other applications. - Files now supports .gz archives as the default for compressed files, with updates to 7zip dependencies. - Users can toggle columns in Details View settings, with changes reflecting across all tabs. - The Home Page has been streamlined for a cleaner appearance. - Keyboard navigation enhancements allow opening breadcrumb flyouts with Space and Enter keys. - The Windows Taskbar no longer displays the number of open tabs. - Support for Lucid Link v3 has been added for cloud drive capabilities. Fixes in version 3.9 include resolving crashes, improving keyboard navigation, fixing issues with drag-and-drop support, and addressing various problems with cloud drives, columns view, and tags.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Did the best files app on Windows 11 just beat Microsoft’s File Explorer again?

Files app has been updated to version 3.8.1, introducing enhancements such as: - Details Pane now displays storage information when viewing drive details. - Users can assign custom names when creating new shortcut files. - Support for changing the ‘compress’ attribute directly from the properties window. - The number of open tabs is no longer displayed in the Windows Taskbar. - Files can be set as the default application for opening gz archives on Windows. - Improved drag-and-drop functionality, preventing the app from coming to the foreground when dragging items to another application. - Modifications to enabled columns in Settings will automatically update existing tabs. - Revamped Release Notes dialog displays changelogs from the Files website, with a new action to open it. Fixes include: - Resolved duplicate items in the address bar flyouts. - Corrected tab order when dragged from other windows. - Fixed the ‘Run with PowerShell’ action for files with spaces in their names. The developer, Yair, announced that future release notes will be communicated via a blog for better transparency and user engagement.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

Previewing More Copilot+ Experiences with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2510 (KB5048780) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs, including the Recall feature and an expansion of Click to Do (Preview). To join the Dev Channel, users must register for the Windows Insider Program, link their Microsoft account, select the Dev Channel, and check for updates. The Recall feature allows users to find apps, websites, images, or documents by describing their content and includes timeline control for revisiting past activities. The Cocreator feature in Microsoft Paint enables AI-assisted artwork generation from text prompts. The Photos app has been updated with Image Creator and Restyle Image features for generating new images and applying artistic styles to existing photos, respectively. Click to Do has been enhanced with new activation methods and intelligent text actions, allowing users to summarize or rewrite text. Additional changes include a modernized Windows Hello experience, improvements to the system tray, and various fixes for audio and application stability. Known issues include problems with Recall and Click to Do functionalities, which will be addressed in future updates. The Microsoft Store now supports direct updates for Win32 apps.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

Microsoft is working on the File Search Companion app for Windows taskbar

Microsoft is developing a new File Search Companion app for Windows 11, part of the Microsoft 365 Companion suite. The app is currently available for download for users with work or school accounts, but not for personal Microsoft accounts. It allows users to search for files directly from the Windows taskbar, providing access to relevant, recent, and shared files. The app features a search bar and various filters for navigation, resembling Windows Search but in a more streamlined format. It operates as a WebView2 app and is designed to enhance productivity. Users can share the download link for the app.