alternative methods Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Sniper Arena codes May 2026

Sniper Arena offers competitive gun-based gaming with opportunities to enhance gameplay through in-game items. The latest codes for Sniper Arena are: - FREELIKE1 - unlocks a random mystic knife - 50mvisit - grants one neon core case - freecase - provides one release case - weaponfix - offers one limited case To redeem codes, players must launch the game, access the settings menu, select the redeem code option, input a code, and click redeem. Codes are released by the developer, 9D Game Club, and can often be found in the game's Discord community. Expired codes include: 3mvisit and EASTER2026.

Winsage

May 5, 2026

Microsoft to retire Edge sidebar apps as part of Windows 11 simplification

Microsoft is retiring the sidebar app list feature from its Edge browser, starting with users signed in with a Microsoft account. The ability to add new apps to the sidebar has already been disabled, and existing pinned apps will be removed in a future update. Users will receive notifications prior to the full removal of the feature. Microsoft has not provided a direct replacement for the sidebar app list, and while features like Split Screen remain available, they do not replicate the sidebar's quick-access functionality. Microsoft plans to continue developing its Copilot integration within Edge, despite mixed user responses to the removal of the sidebar app list.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

How to Record Windows 11 Internal Audio with Audacity for Free

Windows 11 does not have a built-in option to record internal audio directly from PC speakers. The Stereo Mix feature, which allowed easy recording of audio output, has been phased out on many modern devices. Microsoft's Voice Recorder app only captures microphone audio. Audacity, a free and open-source audio editor, can be used to record internal audio by configuring it to use the Windows WASAPI audio API with a loopback function. This method captures the digital audio stream without quality loss. To record internal audio with Audacity, users need to download and install the software, set the audio host to Windows WASAPI, select the appropriate loopback device, set recording channels to stereo, and then hit record while playing the desired audio. The recorded audio can be exported in various formats such as WAV, MP3, or FLAC. If the WASAPI loopback does not work, users can try enabling Stereo Mix if available or using a virtual audio cable like VB-CABLE. Tips for cleaner recordings include setting the project rate to 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz, disabling audio enhancements, and closing distracting applications. Common issues include no audio recorded, loopback devices not showing up, distorted sound, low volume, and microphone access denial, which can usually be resolved through settings adjustments or driver updates.

Tech Optimizer

April 23, 2026

The antivirus feature I skip on every SSD-powered PC

File shredders may not effectively erase data on solid-state drives (SSDs) due to the way SSDs distribute data, which can lead to deleted files remaining retrievable. Additionally, using file shredders can reduce the lifespan of SSDs because of their limited write cycles. Instead of file shredders, drive encryption is recommended for protecting sensitive data on SSDs, as it ensures that deleted data remains unreadable. Windows 11 offers integrated drive encryption for users with a Microsoft account, and tools like VeraCrypt or Cryptomator can create encrypted folders for managing sensitive documents. It's important to safeguard access to encrypted data by backing up decryption passwords or recovery keys.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Microsoft suspends VeraCrypt and WireGuard signing accounts, blocking Windows updates

Microsoft has suspended developer accounts necessary for signing Windows drivers for VeraCrypt and WireGuard, blocking updates for millions of users who rely on these software solutions for data encryption and secure networking. This suspension raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities for users and presents challenges for developers seeking alternative methods to maintain software functionality and security. The cybersecurity community has reacted with frustration, calling for clearer communication from Microsoft regarding the reasons for the suspensions and exploring workarounds to continue providing updates. The open-source community is also supporting affected developers in addressing these challenges.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Microsoft VP Signals Windows 11 Forced Account Requirement Could Be Removed

Scott Hanselman, Vice President at Microsoft, discussed the mandatory Microsoft account requirement for setting up Windows 11, which applies to both Home and Pro editions. This requirement was introduced with the 22H2 update in 2023 and has faced criticism as it prevents the creation of local accounts without an internet connection. There are unofficial workarounds to bypass this requirement, but they are not officially supported by Microsoft. Internal debates at Microsoft exist regarding the necessity of this account requirement, with some advocating for its removal while others support its continuation. No definitive timeline or commitment for changes to the account requirement has been provided by Hanselman or Microsoft.

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.