Despite Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are no longer supported by Microsoft, here's an updated version of my classic app, Start Screen Color Tuner 1.1. The release doesn't app anything new besides a bug fix. A user reported that the app fails to detect Windows 8.1 to him. I checked out the source code and found out that the manifest file is not part of the project. So I re-added it and recompiled the app.
Category: Software announcements
Winaero Tweaker
Winaero Tweaker is a free app for all versions of Windows that lets you adjust (i.e. tweak) hidden secret settings that Microsoft does not let you adjust from the user interface. In addition, it allows you to add extra value to existing Windows apps and tools with advanced context menus, options, and handy commands.
It is a powerful system utility that supports Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11 and includes hundreds of settings. It also includes many options that were earlier available exclusively in my standalone applications.
Features | Screenshots | Version history | EULA
💡 Besides Winaero Tweaker, there are a number of other useful freeware tools created by Winaero. Check them out here: Winaero apps.
ExecTI
I got tired of having to take ownership and grant administrator privileges for protected Registry keys and files during the various tests I perform on my Windows PC. I coded ExecTI, a lightweight, tiny software, which allows you to execute a program as TrustedInstaller, then you are able to access protected resources like certain Registry keys and files owned by TrustedInstaller.
Context Menu Tuner
Context Menu Tuner is an application which allows you to customize Explorer's context menu in Windows 10, Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. 
More screenshots are available below.
Latest version is 3.0.0.2, see the change log below.
Unlike other tools, it provides you the following options:
- Ability to add ANY Ribbon command to the context menu of any file, folder, desktop or/and specific file type. This includes even commands which are not added to the ribbon by default.
- Ability to add a custom command to the context menu of any file, folder, desktop or/and specific file type. You can specify the title and icon for the context menu item and add command line arguments for the application you use.
- For every menu item you added you can additionally specify the following:
- position: top or bottom;
- separator: you will be able to add a separator before or after the context menu item;
- you can prevent the context menu item from being the default action;
- you can tweak the context menu item to be shown only if SHIFT key is pressed on the keyboard.
Winaero Theme Switcher
Winaero Theme Switcher is an application which allows you to change the Windows theme from the command prompt. It has the following GUI:
Version 1.1 is available. See the change log below.
But it is primarily intended to be used with the command prompt or in a batch file. It allows you to automate the applying of a custom theme.
The syntax is as follows:
Ribbon Disabler for Windows 10 and Windows 8
Yet another tool that i have initially created for Windows 8. Its Ribbon Disabler. 
The latest version is 4.0, now supports all Windows 10 versions including version 1903 "May 2019 Update".
Ribbon Disabler is compatible with all Windows 10 versions, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.
Note: If you have upgraded your OS from an earlier Windows release, please download Ribbon Disabler 3.0 first and then use it to disable the Ribbon. Don't use previous releases of Ribbon Disabler, or you will end with a black screen.
Ribbon Disabler will allow you to disable Ribbon in File Explorer and preserve Paint and Wordpad working. Aslo it has an option to restore ribbon.
There is no system files what will be modified by this tool.Since version 2 the Ribbon Disabler modifies your explorerframe.dll but makes backup. It is safe.
Here is example of Explorer without Ribbon:
OneClickFirewall
OneClickFirewall is a small app which will give you the ability to block any app from accessing the Internet. It integrates with the Explorer context menu. All you need to do is right click the application you want to block and select "Block Internet Access".
Latest version: 1.0.0.2
SimpleSndVol
SimpleSndVol is the simple application what sits in your system tray near the clock and provides some useful and fast ways to control your sound volume and balance.
Here is the list of features:
- Easy access to sound balance with one click.
- Global hotkeys to change or mute volume.
- Change sound volume with mouse wheel/scroll. Hover tray icon and scroll up or down. Very useful.
- Middle click on tray icon will mute the sound.
- Several nice icon sets for tray.
Latest version is 2.1.0.1, see the change log below.
Personalization Panel for Windows 10
Personalization Panel for Windows 10 is a brand new app from Winaero which I created to bring back the familiar user interface for personalizing Windows 10. It restores the options which were removed from the desktop context menu and replaced with the Settings app.
The latest version is 2.2. Please upgrade your Personalization Panel for Windows 10. See the change log below.
AeroRainbow
AeroRainbow is the software that can change the color of Aero windows depending on your desktop background's color, or by a predefined list of colors. It can also randomize the colors. Initially, it was designed for Windows 7 to add a more personalized touch to your desktop. Since version 2.7 you can use AeroRainbow in Windows 8. Starting with version 4.0, AeroRainbow supports Windows 10.
AeroRainbow 4.1 is available. Please upgrade your app.
