ui customization

For many Windows veterans, the leap from the crisp and purposeful aesthetic of Windows 10 to the fresher—but, for some, alien—interface of Windows 11 can be a jarring experience. Microsoft’s push for a modern, touch-friendly environment in Windows 11 has delivered cleaner lines, a centered...

The evolution of the Start menu in Windows has long been a point of both nostalgia and controversy for users spanning multiple generations of the operating system. Microsoft’s ongoing development strategy for Windows 11 appears keenly aware of this legacy—making the Start menu not just a hub for...

The evolution of Windows 11’s Start menu has never just been about visual appeal—it’s a barometer for how Microsoft interprets the shifting needs of its user base and the relentless pace of device convergence. In its latest Dev Channel build, Microsoft is taking arguably its boldest step yet...

The convergence of various Start menu redesigns in Windows 11 signals a major evolution for Microsoft’s signature interface—and for the entire ecosystem of Windows users. Over several years, Microsoft has methodically teased, tested, hidden, and then re-revealed iterations of the Start menu...

The humble taskbar—first introduced alongside Windows 95—remains a cornerstone of Microsoft’s iconic desktop experience. From pinning frequently used apps to providing real-time system updates or simply delivering that unmistakable Start button, the taskbar has grown more indispensable with...

The Windows Registry—a vast, powerful database at the core of every Windows PC—remains both a blessing and a curse for everyday users and power users alike. While Windows 11 has become friendlier and more approachable with each update, persistent quirks and restrictions continue to frustrate...

When I go to Start > Run or hit WIN+R, the Run dialog no longer appears. It may be related to yesterday's KB5058499 update but I cannot be sure. Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.4202. Any ideas? EDIT: Solved by updating StartAllBack from v3.9.7 to v3.9.9.

With the debut of the KB5058499 non-security preview update for Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft is solidifying its strategy of incremental—yet impactful—OS evolution. This preview, rolling out as OS Build 26100.4202, is emblematic of Redmond’s growing focus on intelligent workflows, enhanced...

When it comes to productivity on Windows desktops, the recurring issue for many users is a cluttered workspace and the constant hunt for files, shortcuts, and folders. Stardock’s Fences has long positioned itself as a solution to this age-old frustration, and with the release of Fences 6, the...

For PC users seeking to squeeze every ounce of performance, customization, and control out of their Windows 11 system, few utilities garner as much attention or trust as Ultimate Windows Tweaker (UWT). The evolution of this utility, now at version 5.2, reflects both the growing complexity of...

Windows 11 is evolving rapidly, and its hallmark is integrating artificial intelligence technologies to supercharge traditional desktop experiences. The introduction of “AI Actions” in File Explorer, currently rolling out to select Insider builds, signals the start of a new era for Windows power...

For years, customization has been a hallmark feature that has endeared Mozilla Firefox to its dedicated base of users. Where browsers like Chrome have championed a minimalist aesthetic at the risk of limiting user choice, Firefox has reliably furnished a sandbox for tweaking, optimizing, and...

Just a few months ago, customization enthusiasts and IT power users faced a major setback as Microsoft began actively blocking third-party shell customization utilities on the path toward the Windows 11 24H2 milestone. ExplorerPatcher, the open-source project used by countless fans to replicate...

With the Windows 11 24H2 update, Microsoft has taken a firmer stance on system integrity, especially toward third-party customization utilities that modify core visual or behavioral aspects of the operating system. One such casualty of Microsoft's increasing lockdown has been ExplorerPatcher—a...

Microsoft Build 2025 has once again served as the launchpad for groundbreaking developer technologies, with Syncfusion® making headlines by unveiling its fourth set of open-source .NET MAUI controls. This announcement not only marks another milestone for the venerable provider but also signals a...

Microsoft is testing a redesigned Start menu for Windows 11—a move that takes a nostalgic yet progressive spin on one of the most iconic features of the Windows experience. The Start menu has evolved dramatically since its debut with Windows 95, a program centerpiece that not only introduced...

The evolving landscape of Windows 11 continues to intrigue both casual users and power enthusiasts, particularly as Microsoft introduces features that expand system customization without overt fanfare. The most recent development—the unannounced arrival of an “Advanced Settings” section—marks a...

For months, Windows 10 users endured an unexpected and—for many—frustrating omission: the absence of the seconds display in the system clock on the Calendar flyout. At first glance, the change may have seemed minor, perhaps trivial. But for a certain subset of users—those who rely on minute...

Windows 11 continues to divide opinion among users, with long-standing complaints about system bloat, unsolicited ads, and persistent data collection practices frustrating even loyal Microsoft fans. While Windows routinely receives quality-of-life improvements and security patches from Redmond...

Settling into a new Windows 11 PC is an experience many users know well. The first boot is wreathed in excitement—Microsoft’s polished setup wizards, vibrant taskbar, and a welcoming Start menu—but beneath the surface, the operating system carries a suite of default behaviors and bundled...