app installation Archives

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Microsoft fixes streaming issues triggered by Windows updates

Microsoft has resolved lag and stuttering issues with NDI streaming software on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems that occurred after the August 2025 security updates. Users reported severe performance problems, particularly with RUDP connections, linked to updates KB5063878 and KB5063709. Microsoft released updates KB5065426 and KB5065429 to fix these issues and recommended users install them. A temporary workaround involves changing the NDI Receive Mode to TCP or UDP. The September 2025 updates also addressed additional issues related to User Account Control prompts and app installation difficulties for non-admin users, as well as problems with security updates failing via WSUS and disruptions to Windows reset and recovery operations.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Google has been testing this app-launching trick since last year

Google is rolling out an auto-open feature for newly downloaded apps on its Play Store. The auto-open toggle appears below the installation progress bar and is set to off by default, allowing users to opt in for automatic launching post-download. After installation, users receive a notification with a five-second countdown to cancel the action if desired. Some Android users, including those with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, have already experienced this feature, which may vary slightly in user interface across devices. This feature aims to enhance user experience, particularly during lengthy downloads.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Google Play Store rolling out ‘auto-open’ option for newly installed apps

The Play Store has introduced a feature called "auto-open when ready" for Android users, allowing newly downloaded applications to automatically launch once fully installed. This feature appears as a toggle beneath the installation progress bar and is off by default. When enabled, users receive a notification with a 5-second countdown to cancel the auto-open. This is particularly useful for larger apps, such as games. The feature is currently active on devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and has been observed with a different interface on the older Pixel 9 Pro XL, where it appears only for games.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google To Start Verifying All Android App Developers

Google is implementing changes that will allow the installation of Android apps from sources beyond the Google Play Store due to a legal ruling from an antitrust case with Epic Games. This shift will introduce stringent measures requiring developers to meet Google's standards for app installation, potentially challenging hobbyist developers. The new regulations aim to reduce malware from non-Google Play sources, enhancing user safety, but may impact accessibility.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google to block sideloading of apps from unverified developers on Android devices from next year: All you need to know

Google will implement a developer verification program for Android app installations starting next year, requiring all developers to be verified by Google to install apps on certified Android devices. This new requirement extends to third-party app developers and will apply to smartphones with pre-installed Google Services, excluding custom ROMs and certain Chinese devices. Developers distributing apps outside the Play Store must register on a new Android Developer Console for verification. Testing begins in October, with access for all developers by March 2026, and the rollout starts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, potentially expanding globally in 2027. Google cites internal data showing sideloaded apps pose a significantly higher risk of malware and aims to establish developer identity to reduce this risk. The changes may also be influenced by a recent antitrust ruling related to third-party app stores.

BetaBeacon

August 1, 2025

Google just lost an appeal against opening up Google Play to Epic Games and others — what this means for you

Google Play will undergo changes following an antitrust ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The ruling requires Google to lift restrictions that make it difficult for rival app stores to operate on the platform. Epic Games praised the ruling, stating that it will allow them to distribute their own Epic Game Store on Google Play without the need for sideloading.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

Android Instant Apps Heads to the Google Graveyard This December

Google has announced the discontinuation of Android Instant Apps, which will cease to function by December 2025, although it will remain available on the Google Play Store until then. Launched in 2017, Android Instant Apps allowed users to sample applications without full downloads, but its success depended on developer participation, which has dwindled. Notable brands like Wish and Vimeo integrated Instant Apps, but overall interest did not meet Google's expectations. This move aligns with Google's trend of phasing out legacy features, including the recent sunsetting of Google Assistant in favor of generative AI and the Google Gemini platform.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft is making huge changes to Windows 10 and 11, cutting out nagging to use Edge… for some

Microsoft is implementing changes in Windows 10 and Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to address criticism regarding the promotion of Microsoft Edge. These changes, in response to the Digital Markets Act, include: - A broader range of link and file types will be included when users set their default browser via the “Set default” button, covering link types such as ftp, http, https, read, and file types like .htm, .html, .mht, .mhtml, .shtml, .svg, .xht, .xhtml, .xml. - The default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar unless users opt out. - Users can set the .pdf file type default for compatible browsers. - There will be fewer prompts to revert to Edge, and users will not receive reminders to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. - The Bing app will use the default web browser instead of defaulting to Edge. Additionally, enhancements to Windows Search will allow: - Apps to provide web search results directly within Windows Search. - Automatic enabling of web search providers upon app installation. - Viewing results from multiple web search providers simultaneously with scoping tabs for refined searches. - Reordering of web search providers in Settings. These updates are being rolled out in Windows Insider builds and are expected to reach retail versions by early June. It is uncertain if these changes will be extended to other regions.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps

Microsoft is introducing a new orchestration platform for Windows Update that will allow developers to manage updates for applications and drivers more effectively. This platform will enable developers to enroll in a private preview and is designed to support updates for a wide range of applications, particularly business applications. Currently, Windows Update focuses on core operating system components and essential drivers. The new platform aims to streamline the update process by allowing developers to schedule updates based on user activity and other factors. Developers will also be able to connect their applications with Windows Update notifications, ensuring visibility in the update history. Microsoft plans to support MSIX, APPX, and certain custom Win32 applications within this framework. The initiative follows previous efforts to encourage developers to list applications in the Microsoft Store, which has seen limited adoption for some proprietary applications. Additionally, the Windows Package Manager has been introduced to tackle app installation and update challenges, although its use has been mainly among power users and developers.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps

Microsoft is opening up Windows Update to third-party applications through a private preview of its new Windows Update orchestration platform. This platform aims to streamline the update process for any application or driver, focusing primarily on business applications while being accessible to a variety of apps and management tools. Traditionally, Windows Update has served to refresh core operating system components and essential drivers, but the new platform will allow developers to schedule updates based on user activity, battery status, and energy usage. Developers will also be able to connect with native Windows Update notifications, ensuring their applications appear in the update history. Microsoft will support MSIX and APPX packaged applications, as well as certain custom Win32 apps. Previous efforts to manage updates through the Microsoft Store and Windows Package Manager have seen limited adoption, raising questions about the future use of this new feature by businesses and major developers.