Windows admin tasks have always been a chore

Ask anyone who juggles both Linux and Windows daily, and they’ll tell you the same thing: running something as administrator on Windows is needlessly awkward. You either hunt for the right-click menu, pick “Run as administrator,” or keep a separate elevated Command Prompt window open at all times. It works, but it’s clunky.

Linux users have had it better for decades. A simple sudo prefix in front of any command grants temporary elevated rights, right there in the same terminal. No extra windows, no context menus. Just type, hit Enter, and move on.

Windows 11 finally closed that gap with a native Windows sudo command. And here’s the kicker — most people still don’t know it exists.

What exactly is sudo on Windows?

Microsoft introduced sudo for Windows 11 in 2024, starting with Insider builds and rolling out to stable versions since. It works almost exactly like its Linux counterpart: prefix any command with sudo, and it runs with administrator privileges.

No separate elevated window. No right-click gymnastics. You type sudo net start some-service or sudo del stubborn-file.txt and it just works. For anyone tired of the old dance, this is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.

There are a few differences, of course. Windows sudo can run in three modes, and you’ll want to pick the right one before you start relying on it.

The three sudo execution modes

• Force new window — runs the command in a fresh elevated window. Simple, but you lose the current context.
• Input closed — runs elevated in the same window but closes the input stream, so you can’t type further commands until it finishes.
• Inline — the closest to Linux. Runs the command elevated right in your current terminal, allowing subsequent commands in the same session. This is the one you want.

Without picking inline mode, you’re not getting the full benefit. Head to Settings → System → For developers, find the sudo section, and switch it to “Inline.” That single change makes the feature feel native.

Why you should bother enabling it

If you’re a developer, a power user, or anyone who spends time in the Windows terminal, the Windows sudo command saves real time. Instead of opening an admin PowerShell instance every time you need to tweak a service or edit a protected file, you just prepend sudo.

It also reduces the chances of running a command in the wrong window. With the old workflow, you’d sometimes type a command into a non-elevated prompt, get an access denied error, and have to restart the whole process. With sudo, you know exactly what you’re getting.

For those who already use Windows Terminal tips and tricks, adding sudo to your muscle memory is a natural next step. It pairs especially well with tools like PowerShell automation scripts.

How to enable sudo on Windows 11

Enabling it takes less than a minute. Here’s the quick path:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to System → For developers.
3. Toggle “Enable sudo”.
4. Under “How sudo runs commands,” choose Inline.

That’s it. Once enabled, open any terminal — Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal — and try sudo whoami. You’ll see the elevation prompt, and the command runs with admin rights.

If you’re using an older Windows 11 build and don’t see the option, make sure you’ve installed the latest updates. The feature hit stable versions in late 2024, so most current systems should have it.

Is sudo on Windows as good as Linux’s?

Not quite. Linux sudo is deeply integrated, with per-user permissions, session caching, and a rich ecosystem of configuration. Windows sudo is simpler — it just elevates the current command, with no fine-grained control.

But for everyday use, it’s close enough. The syntax is identical, the behavior is predictable, and it removes the biggest friction point in Windows admin work.

If you’re coming from Linux and miss the old workflow, or if you’re a Windows loyalist who never understood why people complained, give it a try. You’ll wonder why it took Microsoft this long.

For more on getting the most out of your system, check out Windows 11 hidden features you might have missed.

A decade later, Instagram finally changes its wordmark

Instagram rolled out a redesigned wordmark on Thursday — the text-only logo that spells out the company’s name. The old version had been in use for roughly ten years, and the social media giant decided it was time for a refresh.

The announcement came from Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who shared the news on both Instagram and Threads. He described the new logo as “sharper and more modern,” while noting it still pays homage to the original and keeps things simple.

It’s a bold move for a brand that millions of people see every single day. But change, especially when it comes to logos, rarely goes unnoticed — or uncontested.

Early reactions: compliments amid the complaints

People are often wary of brand redesigns, and Instagram’s update is no exception. Yet this time, the response isn’t all negative. Some users are actually complimenting the fresher look, and others are praising the font choice. That’s a win in the world of logo overhauls, where backlash is almost expected.

Of course, there’s also the inevitable wave of jokes. A number of people have pointed out that the new font makes the wordmark look like it reads “Instagzam” — thanks to the curly shape of the “r.” But here’s the thing: Instagram is such a recognizable name that most people will instantly know what it says, artistic flourishes and all.

The cursive connection — and a generational gap

Take a closer look at the new wordmark, and you’ll notice something interesting. The font borrows from cursive writing, adding old-fashioned curves to the “s,” “r,” and “g.” It’s a stylistic choice that gives the logo a handcrafted feel.

But here’s the catch: younger generations, by and large, aren’t learning cursive in school anymore. So for many of them, the swooping shape that resembles the sail of a little boat might not immediately read as an “s.” It’s a subtle generational disconnect that could make the design feel less intuitive to the platform’s youngest users.

From rainbow camera to pink gradient: a brief history

This isn’t the first time Instagram has shaken up its visual identity. The last major update came in 2016, when the company ditched the classic brown camera with the rainbow stripe in favor of the vibrant pink-to-orange gradient that remains the app icon today.

That 2016 change was a big deal at the time, and it set the tone for the brand’s modern aesthetic. Now, nearly a decade later, the wordmark is getting the same treatment — a sign that Instagram is willing to evolve its look as the platform itself continues to change.

What’s next? Don’t expect an app icon overhaul just yet

So far, Meta hasn’t responded to requests for further comment about the redesign, and there’s no word on whether more design changes are coming — like a new app icon. The wordmark update feels like a standalone refresh, but it’s hard not to wonder if the icon could be next.

For now, the new wordmark is live, and users are already getting used to it. Whether you love it, hate it, or just see “Instagzam” every time you scroll, one thing’s certain: Instagram’s look is evolving, and this is only the beginning.

If you’re curious about other recent platform updates, check out our piece on WhatsApp HD photo sending or the latest Meta AI features in messaging apps. And for more on Instagram’s ongoing changes, keep an eye on Instagram’s latest interface tweaks — there’s always something new on the horizon.

Elegoo Centauri 2 Review: The Best Budget CoreXY 3D Printer

For years, the CoreXY design was the domain of enthusiasts willing to drop a grand or more. Elegoo just flipped that script. The Centauri 2 is a fully enclosed, fast, and surprisingly polished CoreXY machine that costs less than half that. It’s the kind of printer that makes you wonder why you ever considered a bedslinger.

I’ve spent weeks with the Centauri 2, and it’s not just a good budget printer. It’s a genuinely great printer, period. Here’s why it’s the best budget CoreXY 3D printer you can buy right now.

What Makes the Centauri 2 Different

CoreXY printers move the print head on a belt-driven gantry system, which allows for faster, more precise movement than the traditional Cartesian design. That’s why they’re the standard for high-end machines. Elegoo brought that same architecture to the budget segment without cutting corners that matter.

The Centauri 2 ships fully assembled. No all-night build sessions, no bags of loose screws, no head-scratching over misaligned rails. You unbox it, plug it in, and run through a quick setup wizard. That alone is worth something. Most printers in this price range require hours of assembly and calibration before you get a single successful print.

It’s also enclosed, which is rare at this price. That enclosure keeps temperatures stable for materials like ABS and PETG, and it makes the printer quieter. It’s not silent, but it’s unobtrusive enough to run in a shared space.

Print Speed and Quality: The Real Test

Specs are one thing. Real-world results are another. The Centauri 2 claims a max speed of 500 mm/s, and while you won’t run it at that for most prints, it handles 200-250 mm/s with ease. That’s roughly three times faster than a typical budget printer.

I printed a Benchy in under 25 minutes at 0.2mm layer height, and the quality was impressive. Sharp corners, clean overhangs, and no visible layer lines at a glance. The 0.4mm nozzle handles detail work well, and the auto-bed leveling means you don’t have to fiddle with manual leveling every few prints.

For a budget CoreXY 3D printer, the Centauri 2 punches well above its weight. It’s not a high-end 3D printer, but it’s close enough that most hobbyists won’t notice the difference.

Build Volume and Features

The Centauri 2 offers a build volume of 220 x 220 x 220 mm, which is enough for most functional parts, cosplay props, and prototypes. It’s not massive, but it’s practical. The magnetic flexible build plate makes part removal a breeze — just flex it and pop your print off.

Other notable features include:

• A 4.3-inch touchscreen interface that’s actually responsive, not a laggy afterthought
• Wi-Fi connectivity with remote monitoring via the Elegoo app
• Filament runout sensor and resume-print functionality
• Dual Z-axis screws for improved stability

These aren’t just checkboxes. The touchscreen is a genuine upgrade over the clunky rotary knobs on older budget machines. The app works well enough for starting prints and checking progress, though I wouldn’t rely on it for heavy file management.

Software and Slicing Experience

The Centauri 2 works with Elegoo’s own slicer, which is based on OrcaSlicer. That’s a good thing — Orca is one of the best open-source slicers out there, and the Elegoo version is well-configured out of the box.

You can also use Cura or PrusaSlicer if you prefer, but the Elegoo profiles are tuned for the machine. I stuck with the default profiles and got great results without tweaking. For a printer aimed at beginners and intermediate users, that’s the right call. Nobody wants to spend hours dialing in retraction settings on day one.

If you’re new to 3D printing, this is a huge plus. You can focus on learning the craft, not fighting the machine.

Value and Verdict

The Elegoo Centauri 2 is priced around $450, which is remarkable for a CoreXY machine with this feature set. Comparable printers from Bambu Lab or Prusa cost $800 or more. That price difference isn’t justifiable for most hobbyists, especially when the Centauri 2 delivers 90% of the performance.

Are there compromises? Sure. The camera quality is mediocre, the build plate is slightly smaller than some rivals, and the enclosure isn’t perfectly airtight. But none of these issues affect the core experience. It prints fast, it prints clean, and it doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re in the market for a new printer and don’t want to spend a fortune, the Elegoo Centauri 2 is the best budget CoreXY 3D printer you can buy. It’s a no-brainer recommendation for beginners and a solid upgrade for anyone stuck on a slower, older machine.

For more options, check out our roundup of the best budget 3D printers or learn how to choose your first 3D printer.