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Updated README and CHANGELOG

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CHANGELOG.md
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This document includes the same release notes as in the [Releases](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases) section on GitHub.
## 22000.318.37
Tested on build 22000.318 and 22000.346 (currently in Windows Insider beta and release preview channels).
#### New features
* The configuration interface is now accessed by right clicking on the taskbar and choosing "Properties" (previously, it was available in the `Win`+`X` menu). This behavior works when either the Windows 10 or Windows 11 taskbar is enabled. As well, you can launch the "Properties" window directly by pressing `Win`+`R` and typing `rundll32 C:\Windows\dxgi.dll,ZZGUI`, followed by `Enter`.
* Implemented a setup program:
* To install, simply run `ep_setup.exe`. File Explorer will restart and the program will be enabled right away.
* To uninstall, there are 2 options:
* Run `ep_setup.exe` again.
* Via "Programs and Features" in Control Panel, or "Apps and features" in the Settings app.
* Learn more about the setup program [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/Installer-How-To)
* Implemented automatic updates; there are 3 settings to choose from when File Explorer starts:
* Notify about available updates (default) - the program will check for updates and display a notification if a new build is available; you can go to "Properties" and install the update from there
* Prompt to install available updates - the program will check for updates, download them if any, and prompt you to install them automatically
* Do not check for updates - the program never checks for updates in the background
* Of course, you can manually check for updates at any point using "Properties" - "Updates" - "Check for updates". To install the update you were notified about, go to "Properties" - "Updates" - "Install latest version".
* When installing an update, you will be prompted using UAC to allow elevation - always check that the update originates from matches what you expect; official updates are currently served via https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher.
* Learn more about how to configure updates on your system, including how to set a custom endpoint [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/Configure-updates)
* Implemented a proper right click menu for the Windows 11 taskbar - it displays the most common options, similar to previous Windows releases and the Windows 10 taskbar, including frequently accessed items like "Taskbar settings", "Task Manager" and "Show the desktop"
* System tray icons are now left intact when switching between the Windows 10 and Windows 11 taskbars, or when switching builds, reinstalling the application etc. Basically, now, once you set a certain layout for the system tray with the Windows 10 taskbar, it will always be remembered, instead of the annoying behavior where Windows was discarding your choices in order to accommodate the Windows 11 taskbar
#### Feature enhancements
* Hardcoded symbols are now based on file hashes, not build numbers
* Better organization for the settings in "Properties"
#### Fixes
* Mitigated an issue that prevented the Windows 11 taskbar from displaying properly under certain circumstances
* Fixed an issue that would crash the Windows 11 taskbar when it was enabled after positioning the Windows 10 taskbar on either side of the screen (left/right)
* Fixed a bug in "Windows 10 Window switcher" that may have lead to `explorer.exe` crashing when more than 20 windows are opened on the screen (probably the cause for a lot of crashes)
* Fixed numerous issues when injecting processes, including as shell extension; reliability improvements
* Adjusted the padding of the system tray hidden icons indicator so that it is now properly centered vertically when using the classic theme mitigations
* Fixed a memory leak in "Settings Manager"
* Removed verbose output from "Settings Manager"
* Corrected import from `dxgi.dll`
## 22000.318.36
Tested on build 22000.318.

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PayPal donations: [here](https://www.paypal.com/donate?business=valentingabrielradu%40gmail.com&no_recurring=0&item_name=ExplorerPatcher&currency_code=EUR) or using e-mail address valentingabrielradu@gmail.com
<details>
<summary>About ExplorerPatcher and StartIsBack</summary>
![Build status](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/actions/workflows/build.yml/badge.svg)
The well-known [StartIsBack](https://www.startisback.com/) application recently introduced support for Windows 11. Currently, regarding Windows 11 functionality, it offers the same features as this patcher, plus all the functionalities from the older releases of the software; thus the differences between the two at the moment, besides their internal implementation (probably) resort in the cost, licensing, support and development model: StartIsBack is a paid app, proprietary, closed source and comes with support, while ExplorerPatcher is free ([gratis and libre - as in free beer and free speech](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratis_versus_libre)), open source and is provided as-is, with support offered in a best-effort attempt.
ExplorerPatcher is offered more like a tool for people to study the source code and the techniques used, to learn and adapt it in order and to enable people to build each on top of the work of the others. The aim is to benefit both the community and its users. You are encouraged to take a look at the source and adapt it to your needs. While the source and the application in its current form will always be available here, I cannot make any guarantes over how long it will work in newer Windows 11 builds. Thus, these things being considered, if you would like, you can check out the beta test for StartIsBack [here](http://startisback.com/tbd/) and report any issues and make suggestions to its developer. It will probably mature in a release that will be better supported from a consumer point of view than ExplorerPatcher.
</details>
## Feature summary
<img src="https://gist.githubusercontent.com/valinet/d0f72ff09773702584e77c46065b95e0/raw/94036ed3e38218b87744a29ae5c40b06be637daf/ep_img0.png" width=100% height=100%>
* Choose between Windows 11 or Windows 10 taskbar (with labels support, small icons and lots of customization).
* Disable Windows 11 context menu and command bar in File Explorer and more.
* Open Start to All apps by default, choose number of frequent apps to show, display on active monitor and more.
* Choose between the Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows NT Alt-Tab window switcher with customization.
* Lots of quality of life improvements for the shell, like:
* Skin tray menus to match Windows style, make them behave like flyouts and center them relative to the icon.
* Choose action when left and/or right clicking the network icon.
* Revert to the Windows 7 search box in File Explorer, or disable Windows Search altogether.
* Disable immersive menus and use mitigations that help you run the real classic theme without glitches.
* Learn more about all the functionality offered by this program starting with this article in the wiki, [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/All-features).
The functionality of this software includes:
## How to?
* Taskbar from Windows 10:
* "always combine" / "combine when full" / "never combine" options for main and secondary taskbars
* Search button
* Task View button
* optional skinned, centered and toggled pop-up menus, or non-skinned (useful for classic theme users)
* open "Network and Sharing Center" when clicking "Open Network & Internet settings" in the pop-ip menu of the system tray network icon
* hide Control Center button
* Show People on the taskbar
* Show touch keyboard button
1. Download the latest version of the [setup program](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases/latest/download/ep_setup.exe).
2. Run the installer. It will automatically prompt for elevation, after which it will install the necessary files.
3. When done, you will be greeted with the familiar Windows 10 taskbar. To customize the options offered by the program, right click the taskbar and choose "Properties".
* File Explorer
* disable the Windows 11 command bar
* disable the Windows 11 context menu
* disable even the Windows 10 (immersive) context menu (useful for classic theme users)
* disable modern search bar (reverts to the search bar in early Windows 10 builds or Windows 7/8)
* disable search bar completely
* Start menu from Windows 11
* open Start on monitor containing the cursor
* open Start at logon
* open Start in "All apps" by default
* positioning on screen
* maximum number of frequent apps to show
* Window switcher (Alt-Tab) from Windows 10:
* choose whether to include desktop in the window list
* ability to set opacity of the window list
* set row size, maximum extents etc
* Others
* Open the time and date flyout when pressing `Win`+`C` (instead of Microsoft Teams)
* Set default shutdown action for `Alt`+`F4` on the desktop
* Show Command Prompt instead of PowerShell in the `Win`+`X` menu
That's it. It's that simple.
Screenshots: [<1>](https://gist.githubusercontent.com/valinet/d0f72ff09773702584e77c46065b95e0/raw/94036ed3e38218b87744a29ae5c40b06be637daf/ep_img0.png) [<2>](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/6503598/131937638-d513ca72-ead7-459b-a8ce-619fb302b7da.png)
## What next?
## dxgi.dll - the patcher
In the [Releases](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases) section, you will find a download for a DLL called `dxgi.dll`. It has been tested on the latest stable build of Windows 11 (22000.258), but it may work just fine on newer builds too. This is the runtime part of the application. You need to place this DLL in the following location: `C:\Windows`.
* Consult the [wiki](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki) - this is highly recommended. There you will find information about more advanced tasks, modes of operation and features offered by this patcher.
* Get familiar with most of the features offered by this patcher in the wiki [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/All-features)
* Learn how to manage updates and what to expect from new versions and new Windows builds [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/Configure-updates)
* Have a question? Consult the [FAQ](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/Frequently-asked-questions)
* Even more questions? Open a thread in [Discussions](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/discussions)
* Found a bug or have an issue with the application? Carefully look through previous threads for something similar, or open a new topic in [Issues](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/issues)
* I highly encourage you to check out the source code and tinker with it. I am open to merging new features, enhancements and fixes; also, I think it provides a good insight on topics of interests in this area.
After you have completed the above setup, make sure you have an active Internet connection and restart the Explorer process using Task Manager or by issuing the following command: `taskkill /f /im explorer.exe`. Once File Explorer restarts, some necessary files (symbol files) will be downloaded from Microsoft (around 50MB). This should be relatively quick, depending on your Internet connection speed. When this is done, File Explorer will restart again and will be ready for use. Notifications should show up informing you about the progress, and you can also use Task Manager to watch for network activity. This process only happens when a new Windows 11 build is installed on the machine.
## Known issues
Now, the classic taskbar should be enabled. Still, there is some more setup to do, depending on your preferences.
Items marked with "bug" that are still "Open" represent known issues. Active work is undergone regarding an item if it is additionally marked with "investigating". Help is especially required for items marked with "help wanted". Consult the list in [Issues](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/issues).
Important! As you may notice, the usual system tray icons are not enabled by default. To enable them, open the GUI (`Win`+`X` and choose "Enable missing system tray icons").
## Uninstalling
## Configuration interface
* Run `ep_setup.exe` again.
* Via "Programs and Features" in Control Panel, or "Apps and features" in the Settings app.
To configure the most common options, the application now comes with a configuration user interface. To open it, right click the Start button (or press `Win`+`X`) and choose "Properties".
All of the options described above, and more, can be configured using the GUI. Below is a screenshot of the main page ("Taskbar") of the configuration interface.
<img src="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/6503598/137494597-6ab591bc-3384-4b86-99be-80d2dedcd492.png" width=70% height=70%>
The icon near an option signifies its current state:
* ✔️ enabled
* ❌ disabled
* ➕ link to another resource
## Recommended tools
Here is a list of things you may want to try to fix/enhance a few of the aspects which are not addressed by this patcher directly:
### Fix the battery applet
As you will notice, the battery flyout in the taskbar is broken in Windows 11. You can replace it with a much better alternative called [Battery Mode](https://en.bmode.tarcode.ru/) which has all the stock options and more.
### Disable blue highlight in menus
To disable the blue highlight in the context menu and return to the classic gray highlight from early Windows 11 builds, read [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/issues/18).
### Center taskbar icons
If you want the same behavior as the default one in Windows 11, which is to have the icons centered along with the Start button, but would like to use this proper classic taskbar which has features like button labels, toolbars and more, you can use my fork of the popular [TaskbarX](https://github.com/ChrisAnd1998/TaskbarX) program which fixes compatibility with Windows 11 and adds this behavior; a guide about how to set it up is available [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/issues/33).
### Disable window rounded corners
You can try one of my other utilities available [here](https://github.com/valinet/Win11DisableRoundedCorners).
## Manual configuration
You can manually configure the application by setting registry values. The registry entries supported by this application are described in [this file](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/blob/master/ExplorerPatcher/settings.reg).
To open the configuration interface manually (for example, when unable to access it via `Win`+`X` - Properties), run the following command: `rundll32 C:\Windows\dxgi.dll,ZZGUI`.
## More configuration
Even more registry configuration settings are described in the following document, make sure to take a look on it [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/issues/9).
## Uninstallation
First, move the taskbar to the bottom, if you have moved it to the top or to the sides. This is so that the Windows 11 taskbar can render correctly.
Then, to uninstall, rename the DLL in the locations where you placed it from `dxgi.dll` to `dxgio.dll`. Then, reboot the computer and delete the `dxgio.dll` file from the locations where it is placed. You can also then safely delete the `%appdata%\ExplorerPatcher` directory as well.
## More details
A changelog is available [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/blob/master/CHANGELOG.md).
<details>
<summary>How does this work?</summary>
A detailed description of how this works is available on my web site [here](https://valinet.ro/2021/08/09/Restore-Windows-11-to-working-Windows-10-UI.html).
The way the application gets loaded is by exploiting the DLL search order in Windows. I take advantage of the fact that Explorer is one of the few system processes located in `%windir%` and not in `%windir%\System32`, so it does not affect most apps. Also, `%windir%` is not first in the search path. Read more about this technique [here](https://itm4n.github.io/windows-dll-hijacking-clarified/). The main advantage here is that you do not have to keep an extra process running in the memory; plus, due to the diverse nature of how Explorer is launched, hooking it can be difficult.
I picked `dxgi.dll` because it is not on the `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\KnownDLLs` list, because it has few exports and is loaded very early by Explorer, when calling the `DXGIDeclareAdapterRemovalSupport()` function.
</details>
<details>
<summary>A note on antivirus false positives</summary>
The DLL you download may trigger a false positive alert in your antivirus program. This is fairly normal, a sign that the product you are using is decently capable, since it features detection methods a bit more advanced than what was state of the art in 1999. The program being flagged is usually done through heuristic analysis, not via a database of know viruses. That means that the antivirus program thinks that due to the nature of the code in this application, it likely may be a virus, a program that the user does not really mean to run. Injecting code into other executables is rarely done by legitimate programs. One such kind of legitimate programs is this patcher, that you deliberately choose to run and let it alter Explorer's code and memory in a controlled manner so that you achieve a certain effect. Thus, this patcher falls in the category of false positives: your antivirus thought such a program was not something you meant to run, but that's not the case this time.
If you still feel a bit iffy running this, then that's why the source code is available on the web site. You can take a look and even compile the DLL yourself and make an informed decision when running the software. Never run untrusted binaries from questionable sources, especially when you lack access to the source code and a way to reproduce that binary.
</details>
## License
Hooking is done using the excellent [funchook](https://github.com/kubo/funchook) library (GPLv2 with linking exception), which in turn is powered by the [diStorm3](https://github.com/gdabah/distorm/) (3-clause BSD) disassembler. Thus, I am offering this under GNU General Public License Version 2.0, which I believe is compatible.
## Compiling
If you encounter some issues when following the steps below, or should you want to find out more information and the latest tips from other users/me regarding how to pull this off, consult the relevant thread in Discussions located [here](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/discussions/190).
The following prerequisites are necessary in order to compile this project:
* Microsoft C/C++ Optimizing Compiler - this can be obtained by installing either of these packages:
* Visual Studio - this is a fully featured IDE; you'll need to check "C/C++ application development role" when installing. If you do not require the full suite, use the package bellow.
* Build Tools for Visual Studio - this just installs the compiler, which you'll be able to use from the command line, or from other applications like CMake
Download either of those [here](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=840931). The guide assumes you have installed either Visual Studio 2019, either Build Tools for Visual Studio 2019.
* A recent version of the [Windows SDK](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/downloads/windows-10-sdk/) - for development, version 10.0.19041.0 was used, available [here](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2120843) (this may also be offered as an option when installing Visual Studio)
* [CMake](https://cmake.org/) - for easier usage, make sure to have it added to PATH during installation
* Git - you can use [Git for Windows](https://git-scm.com/download/win), or git command via the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Steps:
1. Clone git repo along with all submodules
```
git clone --recursive https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher
```
If "git" is not found as a command, type its full path, or have its folder added to PATH, or open Git command window in the respective folder if using Git for Windows.
2. Compile funchook
```
cd libs
cd funchook
md build
cd build
cmake -G "Visual Studio 16 2019" -A x64 ..
```
If "cmake" is not found as a command, type its full path, or have its folder added to PATH.
Type "Win32" instead of "x64" above, if compiling for x86 (IA-32). The command above works for x64 (amd64).
Now, in the `libs\funchook\build` folder, open the file `funchook-static.vcxproj` with any text editor, search and replace all occurences of `<RuntimeLibrary>MultiThreadedDLL</RuntimeLibrary>` with `<RuntimeLibrary>MultiThreaded</RuntimeLibrary>`.
Once done, you can now compile funchook:
```
cmake --build . --config Release
```
3. Compile ExplorerPatcher
* Double click the `ExplorerPatcher.sln` file to open the solution in Visual Studio. Choose Release and your processor architecture in the toolbar. Press `[Ctrl]`+`[Shift]`+`[B]` or choose "Build" - "Build solution" to compile.
* Open an "x86 Native Tools Command Prompt for VS 2019" (for x86), or "x64 Native Tools Command Prompt for VS 2019" (for x64) (search that in Start), go to folder containing solution file and type:
* For x86:
```
msbuild ExplorerPatcher.sln /property:Configuration=Release /property:Platform=IA-32
```
* For x64:
```
msbuild ExplorerPatcher.sln /property:Configuration=Release /property:Platform=amd64
```
Debug builds mostly work as well, although they may have some quirks or issues. I mostly test the software as release builds.
The resulting libraries will be in the "build\Release" folder in the folder containing the solution file.
That's it. later, if you want to recompile, make sure to update the repository and the submodules first:
```
git pull
git submodule update --init --recursive
```
## More information
* [How does this work?](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/How-does-it-work)
* [About antivirus false positives](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/Antivirus-false-positives)
* [Compiling](https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/Compiling)