The WinSxS folder, which is located inside the C:\Windows folder, represents the Component Store in modern Windows versions like Windows 10, Windows 7 and Windows 8. In Windows 10, this folder is used to store system files which are then hard linked to C:\Windows\system32. When you install updates, the files in the Component Store get updated. Due to such architecture, it is hard to say how much disk space is exactly used by the WinSxS folder! Because it contains many hardlinks, File Explorer reports the wrong folder size. Let's see how to see the actual size of the WinSxS folder in Windows 10.
Download .NET framework 4.6.1 offline installer
Yesterday, Microsoft rolled out a new version of .NET framework. If you are interested in getting its full offline installer, you will find links in this article. Having the offline installer is useful to install it on multiple PCs or without having to connect your device to the internet.
Enable Anti-Adware feature in Windows Defender
Recently, Microsoft shared a new security feature which can extend the protection level of the built-in Windows 10 antivirus called "Windows Defender". In addition to its default features of scanning for malware using definitions, it is possible to enable detection of potentially unwanted software (PUS). If you are interested in knowing how to enable it, follow the instructions in this article.
The full list of keyboard shortcut for Microsoft Paint
Paint is the default image editing app bundled with Windows since the earliest versions. Even Windows 3.11 had a Paintbrush app. If you are interested in learning the keyboard shortcuts for the Paint app in modern Windows versions, read this article.
Change color of inactive title bars in Windows 10
Previously there was an issue in Windows 10 that title bars were not colored at all. This outrageous design was changed by the TH2 update so colored title bars became available like all previous releases of Windows. But the title bar of a window when it becomes inactive/unfocused still cannot be easily changed. Many users are looking for a way to change the color of inactive title bars in Windows 10. With Windows 10 November Update, it too became possible although Microsoft has not documented it. Read this article to learn how it can be done.
Open command prompt elevated in the current folder
At Winaero, I often write a number of articles which require you to open an elevated command prompt. A few examples are How to open elevated command prompt in Windows 10, Open elevated command prompt from non-elevated instance and A hidden way to open the command prompt in Windows 10. Today, I would like to share how you can open an elevated command prompt at the current folder you are browsing in Explorer. This saves your time.
Rename files consecutively with Tab key in File Explorer
Previously, we covered how to rename multiple files in File Explorer without using third party tools. Today, I would like to share one more renaming related tip. In this article, we will see how to rename files consecutively using the Tab key in File Explorer.
Where to find Lockscreen Spotlight images in Windows 10?
Windows Spotlight is a fancy feature which exists in Windows 10 November Update 1511. It downloads beautiful images from the Internet and shows them on your lock screen! So, every time you boot or lock Windows 10, you will see a new lovely image. However, Microsoft made the downloaded images hidden from the end user. Here is how you can find those images and use them as your wallpaper or somewhere else.
Windows 10 build 10586.14 available, all downloads are restored
Microsoft has restored all downloads with an updated build, Windows 10 build 10586.14. Earlier, the company had rolled out all ISO images and Media Creation Tool of the TH2 update and then pulled them abruptly. Now, everything has been returned however this shows the fragile nature of the rapid release development lifecycle where serious untested bugs can crop in.
Windows 10 version 1511 removes your apps as you update builds
It has come to be known that when you upgrade Windows 10 to a newer build such as TH2 (Version 1511), it removes apps silently which are incompatible with the new build. The operating system does not warn the user, it is removing apps secretly. It is not possible to know exactly which apps will be removed in advance.
