Windows UI 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

April 1, 2025

There’s One Huge Problem With That Xbox Handheld Teaser From ASUS

Project Kennan is Microsoft's Xbox gaming handheld, currently in the prototype phase with a release expected within the year. Microsoft may collaborate with ASUS, a potential partner for the device, which aims to enhance Windows 11's gaming interface. A recent teaser trailer from ASUS features their robot mascot, OMNI, and showcases upgrades for the ROG Ally X, including a larger battery, increased storage, and a more powerful processor. The trailer does not indicate that it is the anticipated Xbox handheld, as it focuses on the ROG Ally X Pro rather than the new device.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Windows Shortcut Zero-Day Under Active Attack

A zero-day vulnerability in Windows shortcut (.lnk) files has been exploited by state-sponsored hacking groups since 2017, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems. Microsoft has classified this vulnerability as “not meeting the bar servicing,” meaning no security updates will be issued. Trend Micro tracks it as ZDI-CAN-25373 and has linked it to cyber-espionage campaigns involving 11 nation-state actors from countries like North Korea, Iran, Russia, and China. Nearly 1,000 malicious .lnk samples exploiting this flaw have been identified, with many more potentially undetected. Attackers often use phishing emails to deliver these malicious files, which can download additional malware, granting full control over the compromised machine. Organizations are advised to scan their systems and implement security measures against this vulnerability.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

Microsoft just rebuilt Copilot for Windows with a fancy native UI, and it looks GOOD

Microsoft has unveiled a new Copilot app for Windows 11, currently available in preview for Insiders. This updated app features a sidebar for managing chats, enhanced mica blur effects, and context menus that align with Windows 11's aesthetic. The app has transitioned from a web view to a fully realized native application, improving launch speed and visual appeal while maintaining all previous functionalities, including text-based conversations and the Copilot Voice feature. Users can store chat history in the sidebar and initiate new chats easily. The app includes settings for user control, such as enabling or disabling startup with Windows and toggling the alt+spacebar shortcut. The update is designated as version 1.25023.106.0 and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

October 3, 2024

Rebound 11 fixes Windows 11’s flaws — without altering system files!

Rebound 11 is a customization tool developed by Ivirius for Windows 11, designed to improve its aesthetic and usability without altering core system files. It enhances the visual appeal and functionality of classic Win32 applications while integrating modern UI elements from WinUI 3. The tool features the Rebound Hub for installation and management, offering modernized control styles and a redesigned control panel. Rebound 11 ensures a cohesive look across applications and allows users to easily revert to the original Windows UI. It is a lightweight and non-destructive option compared to other customization tools. Users can find more information and download the software on the ReboundHub GitHub page.

Winsage

September 1, 2024

4 ways improvements to Windows for gaming handhelds can also benefit desktop users

Recent discussions focus on improving the Windows experience for gaming handhelds, with Microsoft refining the Xbox app for smaller screens and Valve releasing drivers for the Steam Deck OLED and LCD to run Windows. Enhancements in navigation and input support aim to benefit both handheld and traditional desktop users. The touchscreen experience on Windows devices has issues like phantom touches and lag, especially on smaller screens. Improvements for handhelds could also enhance the desktop experience. Windows 8's tile-based Start menu aimed at tablet users alienated desktop users, suggesting a need for a modernized approach to touch interfaces. The Steam Deck offers a seamless setup by signing into Steam and downloading updates, while Windows gaming handhelds often require complex processes for driver and software updates, particularly for Wi-Fi and GPU drivers. Streamlining this process could improve user experience for both handheld and desktop users. Currently, third-party applications enable controller navigation for Windows handhelds, but integrating this feature into the operating system could enhance usability, especially for Xbox controllers. Microsoft should standardize controller navigation to make Windows more inclusive. Adaptive screen refresh rates, common in mobile devices, are limited on desktops. Implementing this feature could improve efficiency, energy conservation, and hardware longevity, benefiting users and the environment. Improvements for handheld devices can enhance the overall Windows experience across all device types.

Winsage

August 3, 2024

Microsoft is wrong: The new Outlook for Windows is not ready for prime time

Microsoft has officially rolled out its new Outlook for Windows app to the general public, marking a significant milestone in its development. Users can still opt into the new experience within the classic Outlook app, which remains available. The new Outlook will become the default email and calendar solution on Windows PCs running version 24H2 of Windows 11, with older Mail & Calendar apps no longer pre-installed. This change will also extend to older versions of Windows, including Windows 10, with automatic replacement of the Mail & Calendar apps by January 1. Users have reported that the new Outlook's performance lags behind that of the Mail & Calendar apps, taking longer to launch and load emails, and experiencing delayed notifications. The design of the new Outlook has drawn criticism for being less appealing and feeling more like a web application. It also lacks essential touch functionalities, such as swipe gestures and pinch-to-zoom, which are standard in competing applications. Future improvements could include transitioning to a native Windows UI, incorporating basic touch functionalities, and addressing speed and resource efficiency to enhance the user experience.

BetaBeacon

March 26, 2024

Windows 11 Clings to the Past, Retains Outdated Format Dialog Features

Windows 11 maintains features from its predecessors, including unchanged interface elements and reliance on the traditional Control Panel. The Format dialog in Windows 11, which includes a design, options, and a 32GB size limit for FAT volumes, was initially meant to be temporary but has continued to be part of the operating system.