Winhance, my Windows 11 enhancement utility, has received a significant update with Release #5. This update brings several important improvements and fixes that make the application even more reliable and user-friendly. If you’re using Winhance to keep your Windows 11 installation clean and optimized, you’ll want to download this latest version right away.
Key Takeaways
- Winhance now includes versioning support, automatically notifying you when new updates are available
- The application window is now fully resizable and adapts to different screen resolutions
- Fixed issues with app installation getting stuck and improved Windows Explorer process handling
Requirements
- Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11
- Administrator privileges on your computer
- Internet connection (for downloading and installing external software)
Why Update to Winhance Release #5?
If you’ve been using Winhance to keep your Windows 11 installation debloated and optimized, this update addresses several important issues reported by users while adding convenient new features that improve the overall experience.
The new versioning system ensures you’ll always be notified about future updates, making it easier to keep your system optimization tools current. Additionally, the improved interface scaling and resizing capabilities mean Winhance now works better on systems with different screen resolutions.
What’s New in Winhance Release #5
Versioning Support
One of the most significant additions in Release #5 is the implementation of versioning. When a new version of Winhance is released, users will now be automatically prompted to download and install the latest update.
This feature only takes effect after installing Release #5 (version 25.05.05). If you’re using an older version, you’ll need to manually download this update from the Winhance downloads page. Once you’ve installed this version, future updates will be automatically detected.
Improved Window Sizing and Responsiveness
Users with lower resolution displays previously reported issues with the Winhance window being too large. This has been fixed in Release #5:
- The main window now automatically adjusts to 90% of your available screen space
- The window is fully resizable – you can drag the corners to make it smaller or larger
- UI elements dynamically reorganize into a single column when the window is resized to a smaller width
These improvements ensure that Winhance works well on all display sizes, from small laptops to large desktop monitors.
Fixed App Installation Issues
Some users reported that app installations would get stuck at 66% or 78% completion. This issue has been resolved by:
- Removing unnecessary pre-installation checks that were causing the process to stall
- Enhancing progress reporting during WinGet-based app installations
- Ensuring apps are reinstalled properly even if they’re already present on the system
I’ve tested these fixes on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 virtual machines, confirming that app installations now complete successfully.
Enhanced Windows Explorer Process Handling
Previous versions of Winhance sometimes experienced freezing when changing Windows themes or cleaning the taskbar and start menu. This was related to how the application handled restarting the Windows Explorer process.
Release #5 includes improved handling when:
- Changing Windows themes
- Cleaning the taskbar
- Cleaning the start menu
These enhancements prevent the application from stalling or freezing during these operations.
Improved Config File Import
The config file import functionality has been enhanced with new prompts that ask if you want to clean up the taskbar and start menu when importing a configuration file.
Additionally, the config import handling has been improved to ensure all settings are properly applied to their correct states, not just updated if a change was found. This fixes issues where some registry keys weren’t being properly set during configuration imports.
Code Refactoring and Optimization
Behind the scenes, I have also refactored settings to avoid code duplication and improved the overall structure of the application. While these changes aren’t immediately visible in the user interface, they contribute to a more stable and maintainable application.
Conclusion
Winhance Release #5 represents a significant improvement to an already excellent Windows 11 optimization utility. The addition of versioning support ensures you’ll always be notified of future updates, while the interface improvements and bug fixes address the most common issues reported by users.
If you’re serious about keeping your Windows 11 installation clean, debloated, and optimized, updating to Winhance Release #5 is highly recommended. I’m really commited to improving the application based on user feedback, and this release demonstrates that commitment.
Download the latest version from the official Winhance website and keep your Windows 11 system running at its best, and if you want to support development, you can do so on Ko-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to uninstall the previous version before installing Winhance Release #5?
No, you can simply download and run the installer for Release #5. It will automatically update your existing installation while preserving your settings.
Will Winhance Release #5 work on Windows 10?
Yes, while Winhance is primarily developed for Windows 11, most functions and implementations also work on a fully updated version of Windows 10 22H2.
How do I know which version of Winhance I’m currently running?
In release #5 and before, there is no way to check the current version your are running, that feature will be added in a future update.
Does Winhance Release #5 completely remove the news and interests from the taskbar?
No, there are still some issues with completely removing news and interests from the taskbar due to protected registry keys, but I’m working on a fix for this in future releases.
How can I support the development of Winhance?
You can support through Ko-Fi, which helps me continue improving the project. You can also find the support link on the Winhance website.
