alternative methods Archives

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft will no longer auto-install M365 Copilot app on Windows PCs

Microsoft has temporarily suspended the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows PCs equipped with M365 applications due to user resistance. The rollout, which began in December, was intended to integrate AI functionalities across tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users in the European Economic Area were excluded by default, and IT administrators had the option to opt out. Existing installations of the app will not be removed, and users can choose to uninstall it if desired. Microsoft plans to provide further updates before any future rollout.

Winsage

March 18, 2026

Microsoft says it won’t auto install Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows 11, likely due to outrage over ‘Microslop’

Microsoft has announced a temporary halt to the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows 11 due to feedback from commercial customers. Initially, the company planned to auto-install the app starting in September 2025, but as of October 2025, it decided to pause this process after receiving negative feedback. Existing installations will remain unaffected, and administrators can still deploy the app through other methods. The Microsoft 365 Copilot app is designed to enhance productivity by optimizing Office applications using AI. Microsoft justified the automatic installation by highlighting the app's potential benefits, but user dissatisfaction led to the reassessment of this strategy. The company is also facing criticism for its aggressive promotion of the Copilot app, which has impacted its reputation in the AI landscape. In response, Microsoft is reevaluating its integration of Copilot within Windows 11 to address user concerns and improve the overall experience.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

The Simpsons Hit And Run Guide: The Best Way To Play In 2026

The gaming landscape once featured numerous titles inspired by The Simpsons, but today, there is a noticeable absence of new games. The Simpsons: Hit and Run is considered the best Simpsons game, and while there is no official modern port or remaster, players can revisit it through Donut Team's custom PC launcher, which enhances the original PC port and adds new features. Obtaining a copy of the game for PC can be challenging, with prices for sealed copies on platforms like eBay being high. The launcher supports modern controller use, improved visuals, and bug fixes, and also offers a library of mods that add new content. Donut Team's launcher is compatible with the Steam Deck, allowing players to run the game on the device with some setup. Emulating the game through PCXS2 or Dolphin is another option, although it lacks the enhancements of the updated PC version. Playing the game on original hardware, such as the PS2, is considered less appealing compared to modern platforms.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

How to Install Windows Configuration Designer Using Winget Command

The Windows Configuration Designer is a tool from Microsoft that allows users to create provisioning packages for automating the setup of Windows devices. These packages, saved as .ppkg files, can pre-configure settings such as network configurations, user accounts, and device names. The tool is not pre-installed on Windows systems and is primarily intended for IT administrators. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or installed via the command-line tool winget, which requires the package name to be enclosed in double quotes for proper recognition. The installation process involves opening a terminal as an administrator, checking for winget availability, and executing the installation command. The download size is approximately 30 to 50 MB, and installation typically completes in under a minute. Users can verify the installation by searching for the application or using winget commands. Alternative installation methods include using the Microsoft Store or the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). The tool is free and does not require a Microsoft account for winget installations.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Reports of Windows 10’s death appear to have been greatly exaggerated as 29% of Steam users still cling on

As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 has reached the end of its official support lifecycle, with Extended Security Updates available until October 2026 for those who opted for it, and at no charge for residents of the European Economic Area. As of November, 29.06% of users still rely on Windows 10 for gaming, reflecting a decline of 2.08% from October. Windows 11 has stringent system requirements that may deter some users, leading to alternative methods for installation. Linux accounts for 3.20% of users in the Steam ecosystem, with a slight increase of 0.15% from the previous month, but many gamers hesitate to switch due to a lack of support for popular multiplayer games.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Microsoft Store Will Soon Let You Uninstall Apps Directly From the Library

Microsoft is testing an update for the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 that allows users to uninstall Store-managed applications directly from the Store’s library page. This feature is available to Windows Insiders using Microsoft Store version 22510.1401.x.x and higher. Previously, users had to navigate to the Settings app to uninstall apps. The update introduces a native uninstall button, simplifying the process and improving user experience. Additionally, Microsoft has eliminated its developer registration fee earlier this year, further streamlining app management.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Survey reveals you’d rather go hands-on than try to troubleshoot with a remote app

Many Americans seek tech support from family during Thanksgiving gatherings. Remote support apps allow users to connect directly to a relative’s device, making it easier to diagnose and resolve issues. However, the effectiveness of these apps depends on prior setup, and many users are hesitant to invest time in this process. Survey results show that about two-thirds of respondents have acted as troubleshooters, but only 10% use remote support apps as their first choice, and 12% consider them a last resort. Additionally, 36% of participants have convinced others they lack the skills to help. Concerns about setup complexity and potential misuse by scammers contribute to the low adoption of these tools. One reader suggested RustDesk as an alternative to TeamViewer.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Microsoft is finally adding a real em-dash shortcut to Windows 11 – just as AI made you want to stop using it

Microsoft has introduced a new keyboard shortcut for Windows 11 users to easily access the em dash, part of the September preview update. The shortcut allows users to input an em dash with a simple three-key combination, improving efficiency compared to previous methods that required the Alt key and a series of numbers or navigating through the emoji panel. This update addresses the inconvenience faced by users of tenkeyless keyboards, who found previous methods particularly cumbersome.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

Epic vs Google ends: Fortnite-maker and Google settle five-year long court battle with lower fees, and opening Android to rival app stores – The Times of India

Google and Epic Games have settled their antitrust dispute, leading to changes in the Android app ecosystem, including lower fees and improved access to rival app stores until 2032. Google will reduce service fees to 20% for in-app purchases that provide gameplay advantages and 9% for those that do not, allowing developers to direct customers to alternative payment systems without incurring fees. Additionally, Android will enable users to install competing app stores with a simple prompt, addressing barriers that previously hindered such installations. The settlement is pending review by US District Judge James Donato.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Where to find Abbot’s Universal Key in The Outer Worlds 2

During the 'On the Trail of the Traitor' quest in The Outer Worlds 2, players need Abbot's Universal Key to unlock a glass cabinet containing a legendary assault rifle called The Oracle. To obtain the key, players must meet Seer Landon Wiley at the conclusion of the quest and then speak with Abbot Josef Newell, who will provide the key regardless of dialogue choices. Once players have the key, they can unlock the cabinet or use alternative methods to access it. The Oracle rifle features the Prediction Optics attachment, operates on Long Rounds, and has a weak spot bonus of +90% for headshots.