alternative methods Archives

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft is killing this 25-year-old Windows tool. Your scripts might break

Microsoft is phasing out the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool, which will be entirely absent from existing Windows PCs following the latest preview update. WMIC, a command-line utility for extracting system information and performing administrative tasks, is being removed, although the underlying Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) framework will remain supported. Users relying on older management and automation scripts that utilize WMIC may face challenges, as commands associated with WMIC will no longer function after the update.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Your Android Phone Can Now Automatically Back Up Documents – Here’s How

Google Play Services version 26.26 has introduced a new backup feature for Android users that automatically backs up documents in various formats (.DOC, .PPT, .XLS, .PDF) from devices to Google Drive. This feature can be activated through Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup settings, where a new Documents category will appear. Backed-up documents will be stored in a folder named Android backups within Google Drive, but users should monitor their storage space as this will utilize their cloud storage. Alternative backup methods include using manufacturer-specific features or third-party apps like Syncthing.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Google Play Store could soon make app search easier for millions of users

The Google Play Store is introducing a new feature in version v52.4.41-34 that includes a dedicated language selector for its voice search tool, allowing users to choose from over 20 languages. Currently, the voice search only recognizes English, but the upcoming feature will enable users to select their preferred language directly, facilitating search queries in that language. Early testing has shown successful recognition of Hindi terms, although the feature does not yet support automatic language detection. The Play Store will also remember recently used languages for easier toggling. This feature is still in development and not yet available to the public.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Modders finally got a high-quality third-person camera working in Baldur’s Gate 3 for all you Dragon Age sickos

Modder Relysia has introduced an over-the-shoulder third-person camera for Baldur's Gate 3, which has been well-received for its effective execution. The mod, uploaded to Nexus Mods last week, allows for immersive exploration of the Undercity Ruins, although some animations may appear jittery. It complements the popular WASD character movement mod and offers customizable settings such as field of view, camera offset, height, and horizontal tracking speed. Relysia's mod stands out for its precision and user-friendly options, enhancing the visual experience and gameplay engagement.

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Here’s How to Check If Windows 11 Is Secretly Gobbling Up Your Disk Space

Users upgrading to Windows 11 have reported a significant decrease in available storage on their C: drive, attributed to the Capability Access Manager process consuming excessive disk space. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and released an optional update (KB5095093) to improve disk space management for the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file, which can grow to several hundred gigabytes instead of the typical few megabytes. Users can check the file size in the directory C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsCapabilityAccessManager, and tools like TreeSize or the command prompt can assist in this process. The CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file functions as a write-ahead log for application access requests to system components, and its abnormal growth indicates it is not being properly merged back into the main database.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

How to Get Shelf Mushrooms in Minecraft 26.3

The autumn season introduces Shelf Mushrooms, which grow on Poplar trees and fallen logs. They can be found in the Dappled Forest, where they are recognizable by their shell-like shape. Larger specimens yield two mushrooms when harvested, and they can be collected by hand or with tools. Alternatively, players can cultivate Poplar trees at their base to grow Shelf Mushrooms or purchase them from the Wandering Trader for one Emerald. Shelf Mushrooms are useful as a renewable food source, an ingredient for brewing, and can be composted with a 65 percent chance of increasing the composter's level, producing Bone Meal.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Microsoft Edge 150 Adds Google Account Sign-In on Windows and macOS

Microsoft has introduced the ability to sign into its Edge browser using a Google account, starting with version 150 on Windows and macOS. This feature allows users to integrate their Google accounts alongside Microsoft accounts and is being rolled out gradually. System administrators can manage this feature through the NonMicrosoftAccountSignInEnabled policy, which organizations can enable or disable based on compliance and security needs. Edge 150 is the last version compatible with macOS 12 Monterey, and users are encouraged to upgrade to macOS 13 Ventura or later. The update has transitioned the Workspaces feature to a new architecture but removed the sharing function. Users can sign in to Google accounts by updating to version 150.0.4078.48 or newer and following the sign-in process in Edge Settings.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

How to get free Windows 10 security patches until October 2027 – and avoid the $30 fee

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, but users can receive critical security updates until October 12, 2027, through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no cost. To qualify, users must have a Windows 10 PC running version 22H2 or later and sign in with a Microsoft account, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. In the European Economic Area, customers automatically qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enrollment can be done through Settings > Windows Update, and users may need to back up their settings or redeem Microsoft Rewards points. Business customers must purchase ESU subscriptions at a higher cost. Users should be cautious of potential issues, such as cloud storage consumption during backup.

Winsage

June 6, 2026

I found the easiest way to transfer files between Android and Windows

Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission when purchases are made through links in their articles. The author initially used Pushbullet for data transfer but switched to a NAS system, specifically the DiskStation DS1823xs+, for storing data. They discovered Quick Share, Google's file-sharing method for Android, which is now available on Windows and compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. Quick Share was first introduced on Windows in 2021, initially limited to Samsung Galaxy Book devices, but a standalone app is now available for any Windows PC. To use Quick Share, users must download the app, log in with their Google account, and can then easily transfer files between their phone and PC. The author finds Quick Share reliable, although large file transfers may take time due to Bluetooth reliance.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

I found the easiest way to transfer files between Android and Windows

The author initially used Pushbullet for data transfer between their smartphone and Windows PC but switched to a NAS solution, specifically the DiskStation DS1823xs+, for easier file uploads and downloads. They found Syncthing as an alternative for syncing folders but discovered Quick Share as a more efficient option. Quick Share is Google's default method for sharing data between Android devices and is compatible with iPhones, particularly models like the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10. It requires a 64-bit version of Windows (Windows 10 or 11) and allows for seamless file transfers, including folders, with no connectivity issues reported during a month of use. To use Quick Share, users must download the application on Windows, log in with the same Google account linked to their phone, and select their PC as a target device for file transfers. The process involves selecting files on the phone, choosing Quick Share, and initiating the transfer on the PC.