windhawk

Windhawk arrives as a surprisingly polished bridge between what Microsoft ships in Windows 11 and what many users actually want: a lightweight, open‑source mod platform that makes the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer and other core UI elements genuinely customizable — and, in many cases...

ExplorerPatcher’s latest pre-release restores the long-missed File Explorer title bar, patches several Start menu and taskbar regressions, and moves under-the-hood hooking to a new library — but it also ships with a short list of known quirks and a reminder that modifying core shell behavior...

The Windows 11 taskbar looked like a fresh start—sleeker, centered, more modern—but for many users it felt more like a locked box than a customization canvas. A tiny, unofficial tool called Windhawk changes that: it’s a modular tweaking platform that restores missing functionality, unlocks...

Windows 11’s design choices have divided users since launch, and a growing cadre of third‑party developers has been quietly restoring the controls Microsoft removed. One of the most complete and community‑driven solutions is Windhawk, an open‑source mod manager that bundles dozens of focused...

The snap layouts flyout that appears when you drag a window to the top of the screen can be useful — but for many multi‑monitor users it’s an irritating interruption; Windows 11 exposes a single checkbox that removes that top‑of‑screen UI while leaving snap functionality intact, and this article...

After two decades on Windows and a few months of serious Linux testing, one thing stands out: desktop environments are the feature I wish Windows would borrow wholesale — a modular, swappable shell model that turns the platform into a true creative canvas rather than a single locked-in UI. rview...

Windows 11’s dark mode is supposed to be easy on the eyes — yet for years many users have been greeted with a jarring white flash every time File Explorer opens a new window or tab, turning a momentary UX glitch into a recurring irritation and, for a minority, a genuine health hazard. That flash...

Windhawk turns Windows 11 from a locked-down, opinionated UI into a modular playground you can tailor back toward productivity—and the four modules I reach for first (Classic Context Menu, Classic Navigation Bar, Vertical Taskbar, and Windows 11 Start Menu Styler) are small installs that deliver...

Windows 11’s taskbar clock just got a serious upgrade — without Microsoft — thanks to a Windhawk mod that lets you display custom date/time formats alongside system telemetry (CPU, RAM, network), weather, news headlines, extra timezones and flexible styling right inside the clock area...

Windows 11 continues to capture attention across homes and offices for its glossy visual update, but many longtime users argue that its design choices can feel like a productivity bottleneck—requiring more clicks, forcing clunky workflows, or hiding useful features behind layers of UI polish...

Windhawk has emerged as a powerful tool for Windows 11 users seeking to enhance their computing experience through customization. This open-source platform offers a variety of mods that can significantly improve productivity and aesthetics. Here are some standout Windhawk mods that have become...

If you’re bored with the default Windows 11 desktop, you’re not alone. The predictable design, static wallpapers, and familiar taskbar layout get old quickly—especially when powerful customization tools now put control back in your hands. Whether you want to overhaul your workspace with animated...

Ever since the introduction of the Start Menu in 1995, Microsoft’s flagship operating system has revolved around this iconic UI element—a gateway to the heart of the Windows experience. Over the past three decades, the Start Menu has evolved, reimagined with every generation. But for many...

There’s never been a better time—or a more pressing need—to make Windows better. For over three decades, Microsoft’s flagship operating system has shaped the way millions approach personal and professional computing, regularly evolving through user feedback, contentious design decisions, and...

For Windows 11 users, the drive for personalizing the desktop—particularly the much-discussed Start menu—has never been stronger. Ever since Microsoft launched its latest operating system, there has been a tug-of-war between streamlined, modern design and the cherished flexibility of classic...

Windhawk, a widely praised Windows customization utility, recently took a significant step forward with version 1.6, now offering full support for ARM64-based Windows devices powered by Snapdragon processors. This major update positions Windhawk as an essential tool for users seeking to enhance...

For many Windows 11 users, the Start menu remains a contentious design element—some appreciate its minimalist, touch-friendly layout, while others yearn for the rich customizability and classic feel of earlier Windows iterations. Since its debut, the Windows 11 Start menu has notably divided...

Windhawk, a prominent Windows customization tool, has recently expanded its capabilities to support ARM64 devices, marking a significant milestone in its development. This enhancement allows users of ARM-based systems, such as the Surface Pro X, to personalize their Windows experience more...

The Start menu stands at the heart of the Windows operating system, yet its evolution has not come without controversy or resistance. While Microsoft’s transition to a minimalist, widget-driven Start menu in Windows 11 strives for modern appeal and touch-friendliness, a vocal portion of the...

The Windows taskbar has always been a dependable workhorse, quietly powering our daily computing tasks. Yet, in today’s fast-paced digital world, simply accepting the default setup may not be enough if you’re chasing maximum efficiency. Whether you’re a productivity guru or just fed up with a...