Winhance Release #7 v25.05.28

What's Changed

• Merge Dev to Main: UAC Bug Fix & Installer Improvements by @memstechtips in #194
  Full Changelog: v25.05.22...v25.05.28

Detailed Changes

fix(installer): Improve installation and uninstallation process

• Fix incomplete uninstallation by adding proper [UninstallDelete] section
• Remove duplicate executable issue by optimizing file copying strategy
• Reduce installer size by ~40% (from ~125MB to ~74MB) by excluding unnecessary runtime components
• Add support for clean updates by implementing pre-installation cleanup
• Preserve Scripts folder during updates while removing old files
• Ensure proper internationalization by including language resource folders
• Add automatic application termination during uninstallation

Implement Custom UAC Settings Persistence

• Created a new CustomUacSettings model to represent custom UAC settings
• Implemented IUacSettingsService interface to define the contract for UAC settings persistence
• Added UacSettingsService to handle saving and loading custom UAC settings from UserPreferences.json
• Modified UacOptimizations to work with the new service-based approach
• Updated WindowsSystemService to use the new IUacSettingsService
• Enhanced WindowsSecurityOptimizationsViewModel to properly handle custom UAC settings
• Fixed potential deadlocks by making TryGetCustomUacValues completely synchronous
• Ensured Custom UAC option remains in dropdown when custom settings exist in preferences

🔐 Security Info

Important: Please verify your download using the information below. Any file with different values for this particular version is not from the official source.

• Winhance.Installer.exe (v25.05.28)
  • SHA256: e8070390adc8196c664f39ff7dfda0429ee9ff4645d9a17dc4e9c7904a885532

Installation

Download from winhance.net or directly from this release.

The Winhance.Installer.exe includes both Installable and Portable versions during setup.

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EDIT: Reupload Installer with Digital Signature

Winhance v25.05.xx Dev/Beta Testing Release #1

General Changes

Optimize WinGet logging and improve performance

• Simplified WinGet output logging by filtering out progress bar outputs and download information
• Only log essential download information (initial download URLs) while maintaining progress tracking
• Added caching for WinGet path to avoid redundant verification checks
• Fixed compatibility issues with older WinGet versions by removing problematic parameters
• Improved error handling for null or whitespace responses in earlier WinGet versions

These changes enhance log clarity and improve the overall user experience during app installations by removing unnecessary WinGet output messages.

Addresses issue #187

Added Beta Versioning Indication to the MoreMenu

Winhance v25.xx.xx Dev/Beta Testing Release #1

General Fixes

Fix (installer): Improve installation and uninstallation process

• Fix incomplete uninstallation by adding proper [UninstallDelete] section
• Remove duplicate executable issue by optimizing file copying strategy
• Reduce installer size by ~40% (from ~125MB to ~74MB) by excluding unnecessary runtime components
• Add support for clean updates by implementing pre-installation cleanup
• Preserve Scripts folder during updates while removing old files
• Ensure proper internationalization by including language resource folders
• Add automatic application termination during uninstallation

Implement Custom UAC Settings Persistence

• Created a new CustomUacSettings model to represent custom UAC settings
• Implemented IUacSettingsService interface to define the contract for UAC settings persistence
• Added UacSettingsService to handle saving and loading custom UAC settings from UserPreferences.json
• Modified UacOptimizations to work with the new service-based approach
• Updated WindowsSystemService to use the new IUacSettingsService
• Enhanced WindowsSecurityOptimizationsViewModel to properly handle custom UAC settings
• Fixed potential deadlocks by making TryGetCustomUacValues completely synchronous
• Ensured Custom UAC option remains in dropdown when custom settings exist in preferences

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Winhance.Installer.exe SHA256: ea71a876062ec20b37ab7afc448f264b1f43c5d31f1c8d1bbeb27844fd8f5b1e

Winhance Release #6 - v25.05.22

Release Notes Winhance v25.05.22

Winhance.exe & Winhance.Installer.exe is now Digitally Signed!

Installation Improvements

• Fixed Start Menu Shortcut Issue: Resolved the problem where Winhance shortcuts weren't appearing in the Start Menu (All Programs). Thoroughly tested on Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (24H2).
• Custom Installation Directory Support: Fixed issue #154 where the installer wasn't honoring custom installation directories. The installer now properly saves and persists the user's directory selection throughout the installation process, regardless of installation type.
• Windows IoT LTSC Compatibility: Verified Winhance compatibility with Windows 10 IoT LTSC 21H2 and Windows 11 IoT LTSC 24H2.
• Windows Sandbox Note: Investigated installation issues in Windows Sandbox, which appear to be related to known Windows Sandbox limitations affecting .NET applications rather than Winhance itself.

User Interface Enhancements

• New "More" Navigation Menu: Added a convenient "More" button in the Main Window providing quick access to:
  • Winhance Version (with update checker)
  • About Winhance
  • Winhance Logs
  • Winhance Scripts
  • Close Winhance
• Improved Toggle Visualization:
  • Enabled State: Green fill with a checkmark on the knob
  • Disabled State: Red fill with a cross/X on the knob
• Enhanced Scrolling: Improved scrolling speed across all views for a smoother user experience.
• Cleaner UI: Removed redundant "Selection Indicators" from the headers of the subviews in the OptimizeView.

Software & Apps Improvements

• Internet Connection Verification: Added internet connection checks before and during app installation to prevent timeouts and installation failures (Issue #155).
• Fixed Installation Status Reporting: Corrected issue where apps were falsely reported as installed after WinGet installation.
• Typo Correction: Fixed typo in custom dialog box that incorrectly displayed "installd" instead of "installed" (Issue #146).

Windows Apps & Features

• OneNote Uninstallation Fix: Resolved issue #141 where Winhance failed to remove OneNote on Windows 11. Added special handling to check for OneNote installation using registry keys and properly trigger its uninstaller.
• Xbox Integration Fix: Resolved issue #34, #123, #158 where removing Xbox would trigger the "Get an app to open this 'ms-gamingoverlay'" popup by adding the necessary registry entry.

External Software Additions

Added numerous requested applications to the External Software section:

• KeepassXC (Issue #133)
• PotPlayer (Issue #138)
• Wise Registry Cleaner (Issue #164)
• BCUninstaller (Issue #161)
• Explorer Patcher
• Volume2
• Crystal Disk Info
• TailScale
• StreamLabs OBS
• Input Leap
• Bulk Rename Utility
• AutoHotKey
• Text-Grab
• VenToy
• Unlocker
• Windhawk
• Lively Wallpaper
• Rainmeter
• Sucrose Wallpaper Engine

Note about Adwcleaner: While the download works correctly, when installed via WinGet, Adwcleaner requires launching via Terminal/PowerShell with the command "adwcleaner" as no direct executable is saved to the desktop or Start Menu.

Optimization Improvements

Windows Security Settings

• Enhanced UAC Controls: Improved UAC slider to match all available Windows options by changing from a three-state slider to a combobox with 4 options that match the Windows UAC GUI (Issue #166).

Gaming & Performance

• HPET Toggle: Added option to disable High Precision Event Timer for gaming optimization (Issue #139).

Notifications

• Added toggles for "Location Notifications" and "Windows Security Notifications".

Explorer Improvements

• Wallpaper Quality: Added option to prevent Windows from compressing wallpaper images (Issue #130).

Windows Updates

• Label Clarity: Changed "Exclude Drivers from Windows Updates" toggle label to "Do not include drivers with Windows Updates" to match Windows terminology (Issue #167).

Customization Improvements

Taskbar

• System Tray Icons: Added "Always show all system tray icons" registry entry (works on Windows 10 only) (Issue #18).

Explorer Improvements

• File Visibility Options: Added toggles to show hidden files, folders, drives and to uncheck "Hide Protected Operating System Files" (Issue #30).
• Lock Screen Control: Added toggle to remove lock screen (Issue #105).

Technical Improvements

• WinGet Integration: Refactored the WinGet installation process to download the latest version and dependencies directly from the winget-cli GitHub repo.
• Installation Process: Refactored the app installation process when installing apps with WinGet.
• Progress Reporting: Enhanced progress reporting for both WinGet installation and app installation.
• Dialog Improvements: Refactored CustomDialog to correctly display longer messages.
• UI Organization: Created SoftwareAppsDialog for App Installations and Removals, formatted into 4 columns for better readability.
• Code Architecture:
  • Created BaseInstallationViewModel to avoid code duplication in WindowsAppsViewModel and ExternalAppsViewModel.
  • Created ApplicationCloseService to handle showing the SupportDialog and closing the application to avoid code duplication.

Known Limitations

New toggles or items that were added has no visual indicators indicating that they're new.
New toggles or items will be skipped when importing existing config files. Robust handling will be implemented to prevent this in future releases.

The following items will not be added to External Apps due to unavailability through WinGet or the Microsoft Store:

• FileZilla
• CDBurnerXP
• Classic Task Manager
• NirCmd
• TriggerCMD
• SyncToy
• Minimize to Tray
• Serial Port Notifier
• Sereby AIO Runtime
• FlowFrames

Note: Apps with a generic direct download link that always download the latest available version may be added in future updates.

🔐 Winhance v25.05.22 Security Info:

• Winhance.Installer.exe

  • Size: 131223680 bytes : 125 MiB
  • SHA256: 5f20b7be5741ce37a8663041ae8228c28e45b32f7ca260036c34c38e436e634c

• Winhance.exe

  • Size: 165248 bytes : 161 KiB
  • SHA256: 58e1fc0707f25e71738388817b397cdb98aa8037b0c275424b6f56c74bc56b05

This release fixes #154, #155, #146, #141, #34, #123, #158, #133, #138, #164, #161, #166, #139, #130, #167, #18, #30, and #105.

Winhance Release #5 - v25.05.05

What's Changed?

🐛 Issues Fixed

• MainWindow size too big on lower resolutions #126,

  • Window correctly gets current resolution and sets to 90% of available space
  • Window is fully resizable

• App Installation Status stuck on 66% (78%) overall #19, #128, #132, #134, #144, #145,

  • Issue was related to a "pre-check" to see if the selected app was already installed or not and the result was not being properly passed which caused the installation not to start.
  • Removed abovementioned check completely since the selected apps should be installed regardless of whether it is already installed or not
  • Enhanced progress reporting during app installations that use winget.

• Enhanced restarting of Windows Explorer process

  • Improved handling when changing Windows Theme, Cleaning Taskbar and Start Menu which should stop it from stalling and freezing the application

• Storage Sense toggle not reflecting in Windows Settings #153

  • Added a different registry entry that correctly handles the Storage Sense option.

✨ New Features

• Added Versioning to the application

  • When a new version is released, users will be prompted to download and install the latest update.

• Enhanced Config File Import

  • Added prompts to ask if the user wants to Clean the Taskbar and Start Menu when importing a config file.

🔧 Improvements

• Code Refactoring

  • Refactored "OptimizationSetting" and "CustomizationSetting" to use a Base class "ApplicationSetting" which adheres to "DRY- Don't Repeat Yourself" principles and avoids code duplication

• Better Configuration Import Handling

  • Ensured that settings are properly applied and not just "updated" if changes are found.

🔐 Winhance v25.05.05 Security Info:

• Winhance.Installer.exe

  • Size: 111853604 bytes : 106 MiB
  • SHA256: 7089df9406023bd5a5a311d45c5a2fe861dd22190c0e8410477df3a94133026b

• Winhance.exe

  • Size: 155136 bytes : 151 KiB
  • SHA256: ba87eff9b7350c5499f2e28cf5f01c9b34d6a90829b6e5f27e8ef8cd7266f5df

EDIT:

• Added relevant issue numbers that were fixed in this update.
• Added SHA256 values for Winhance.Installer and Winhance.exe so users can be sure they have the official Winhance files.

Winhance Release #4 - v25.04.27

Winhance C# First Release!

• Winhance changed from a PowerShell GUI Script to a C# application with proper install/uninstall support and a portable version.

• Winhance now has its own logo

• Winhance now has its own download page https://winhance.net

• MainWindow & UI Changes

  • Changed to Google Material Symbols rather than relying on Windows Fonts to render symbols which created inconsistencies in the app between Windows 10 and Windows 11.
  • Added Save & Import Config buttons that can be used to manage selections and settings in Winhance
  • Added Support/Donate Button
  • Added a styled scroll bar

• Software & Apps View Changes

  • Windows Apps & Features Section
    • Added a section with a legend to explain symbols that appear in the Windows Apps GUI and a search bar to search for items
    • Moved the "Remove Selected Items" button to the top and added an "Install Selected Items" button below it to install items if available.
    • Seperated Windows Apps, Legacy Capabilities and Optional Features into different sections for better organization.
  • External Apps Section
    • Added a new section with multiple useful apps in different categories ex. Browsers, Multimedia utilities, Document viewers etc. that can be installed via WinGet.

• Optimize View Changes

  • Added an info section with a legend and search bar to search for items.
  • Added an icon to indicate if a registry key or value is missing.
  • Added toggle switches to each available setting in their subcategories (ex. Privacy, Gaming etc.) to allow users better control over what is applied.
  • Moved Sound, Notifications and a part of the Explorer customizations from Customize View to the Optimize View.
  • Added a Combobox/Dropdown menu in Power Settings to select a Power Plans

• Customize View Changes

  • Added an info section with a legend and search bar to search for items.
  • Added an icon to indicate if a registry key or value is missing.
  • Added toggle switches to each available setting in their subcategories (ex. Taskbar, Start Menu etc.) to allow users better control over what is applied.
  • Changed the Windows Theme selector (Dark Mode/Light Mode) to a Combobox/Drodown Menu

• About View Changes

  • Removed About View, will add a similiar view with a better structure in a future update

🚀 Winhance Release #3 - v25.02.17

🚀 Winhance v25.02.17 - UI Refinement and Stability Improvements
🧹 UI Cleanup

🔧 Removed problematic entries from Optimize Screen

Deleted Scheduled Tasks & Services sections

🔍 Streamlined Customize Screen

Removed Accessibility and Search entries

🛠️ Functionality Enhancements

🖥️ Improved Desktop Shortcut Creation

Enhanced path detection and reliability

🌟 Loading Screen Optimization

Upgraded error handling and cross-environment compatibility

📝 Notes
Temporarily removed sections that were causing instability. These will be refined and reintegrated in future updates to ensure a smoother user experience.

🚀Winhance Release #2 - v25.02.13

What's Changed

feat(ui): Enhance User Interface and Resolve Critical Issues

🎨 UI/UX Improvements & Critical Fixes

• Added more granular control over package management (Software & Apps Screen) (#3, #10, #14)
• Added option to create Winhance desktop shortcut (About Screen)
• Updated theme system with new light theme and improved dark theme colors
• Added Theme Toggle, Minimize and Maximize buttons
• Added a Loading Screen to display while script is launching

🐛 Bug Fixes:

• Fixed Windows Search typing issue by setting WSearch service to Automatic (#25)
• Removed potentially dangerous OneDrive folder cleanup logic to prevent accidental data loss (#26)
• CloseButton Support Prompt Bugfix

New Contributors

• @memstechtips made their first contribution in #32

Full Changelog: v25.02.06...v25.02.13

First Release v25.02.06

Winhance First Release - v25.02.06

Winhance - Windows Enhancement Utility 🚀

Winhance is a PowerShell GUI application designed to optimize and customize your Windows experience.
From software management to system optimizations and customization, Winhance provides functions to enhance Windows 10 and 11 systems.

Winhance features most of the same enhancements as UnattendedWinstall without needing to do a clean install of Windows.

Requirements 💻

• Windows 11
  • Tested on Windows 11 24H2
  • Most things should work on Windows 10 22H2 but there are some issues
• Windows PowerShell 5.1 (Preinstalled in above versions)

Usage Instructions 📜

To use Winhance, follow these steps to launch PowerShell as an Administrator and run the installation script:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

   • Windows 10/11: Right-click on the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)
   • PowerShell will open in a new window.

2. Confirm Administrator Privileges:

   • If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow PowerShell to run as an administrator.

3. Enable PowerShell Script Execution:

   • Run the following command to allow script execution:

   Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

4. Paste and Run the Command:

   • Copy the following command:

   irm "https://github.com/memstechtips/Winhance/raw/main/Winhance.ps1" | iex

   • To paste into PowerShell, Right-Click or press Ctrl + V in the PowerShell or Terminal window
   • Press Enter to execute the command

This command will download and execute the Winhance application directly from GitHub.

Current Features 🛠️

Software & Apps 💿

• Install Software
• Remove Windows Apps (Permanently)
  • Microsoft Edge
  • OneDrive
  • Recall
  • Copilot
  • Other Useless Windows Bloatware

Optimize 🚀

• Set UAC Notification Level
• Disable or Enable Windows Security Suite
• Privacy Settings
• Gaming Optimizations
• Windows Updates
• Power Settings
• Scheduled Tasks
• Windows Services

Customize 🎨

• Toggle Windows Dark or Light Mode
• Taskbar Customization
• Start Menu Settings
• Explorer Options
• Notification Preferences
• Sound Settings
• Accessibility Options
• Search Configuration

About ⓘ

• About Winhance
• Author Socials
• Support Information

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Note

This tool is currently in development. Any issues can be reported using the Issues tab.

Also, I'm not a developer, I'm just enjoying learning more about scripting/programming and learning as I go.


Please also understand that I prefer to develop and work on these projects independently.
I do value other people's insights and appreciate any feedback, but don't take it personally if a pull request is not accepted.

Support the Project

If Winhance has been useful to you, consider supporting the project—it truly helps!

Feedback and Community

If you have feedback, suggestions, or need help with Winhance, please join the discussion on GitHub or our Discord community:

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