app installations Archives

Winsage

April 14, 2025

5 Windows settings I should have disabled a long time ago (and how I did it)

- Disabling background apps can save system resources and improve performance. This can be managed through Settings -> Apps -> Installed apps or the Task Manager. - Hibernate mode may consume significant disk space and is not necessary for daily use; Sleep mode is sufficient for most users. Hibernate can be disabled using the command powercfg /h off or through Control Panel -> Power Options. - Telemetry and diagnostic data collection can be disabled in Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Diagnostics & Feedback, and previously collected data can be deleted to reclaim storage space. - Notifications, tips, and suggestions can be turned off in Settings > System > Notifications to reduce distractions. - The lock screen can be disabled to save resources; Windows 11 Pro users can use the Local Group Policy Editor, while Home users can modify the registry by creating a Notlockscreen DWORD value in the WindowsPersonalization key.

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

Android 16 has a new trick to speed up app installation

Android 16 introduces a feature called cloud compilation, which enhances app installation speed by shifting the compilation process from the device to the cloud. This feature allows application artifacts to be loaded directly from files downloaded via the Google Play Store, rather than being generated on the device. It is particularly beneficial for low-end devices that struggle with processing power or storage speed. The Android Runtime (ART) uses a tool called dex2oat to convert APK’s .dex files into application artifacts, which include .vdex, .odex, and .art files. Cloud compilation retrieves these artifacts from a new format called Secure Dex Metadata (SDM), ensuring application integrity while expediting installation. However, the feature is not yet operational as Google needs to configure the Play Store to generate these artifacts for use during installations.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Windows 11 gets a tool to control Android phones, but you’re not going to like it

Microsoft's latest feature in Windows 11, Copilot, allows users to control their Android devices from their desktop. Users must manually confirm actions on their phones, such as starting a meditation timer, which requires physical interaction with notifications. Initial tests showed mixed results, with unsuccessful attempts to set alarms and retrieving outdated or deleted messages. This indicates that while Copilot aims to enhance connectivity and assist with daily tasks, its current functionality has limitations.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

7 ways package managers make your life easier on Windows 11

Package managers like Winget and Chocolatey simplify software management on Windows by allowing users to install, update, and uninstall applications with single commands. Users can install applications with commands such as "choco install vlc.install" for individual apps or create scripts for batch installations like "choco install firefox vscode git 7zip -y" for multiple apps at once. Updating all applications can be done with "choco upgrade all," and selective updates can be performed using commands like "choco upgrade all --except='vlc, git'." Uninstalling applications is also streamlined with commands such as "choco uninstall vlc," which minimizes leftover files. Additionally, package managers optimize storage by managing shared dependencies efficiently, reducing redundant installations and conserving space. They enhance security by sourcing software from verified locations, mitigating the risk of malware.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google Play Store gets a smarter way to handle third-party apps

Android users can now temporarily disable security scans on sideloaded apps using a new "Pause" feature in Google Play Protect, introduced in version 42.2.19-31 of the Google Play Store. This feature automatically reactivates Play Protect the following day, reducing the risk of leaving devices vulnerable. Google also displays a warning message about potential scams related to pausing or turning off Play Protect.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

4 Big Reasons To Quit Windows And Try Linux In 2025

Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, leaving an estimated 240 million PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to new hardware requirements. Users can extend the life of their existing PCs by transitioning to Linux, which operates well on older hardware and is free. The installation of software on Linux has become easier with the introduction of Flatpak, allowing for quick and straightforward app installations. Linux provides a less intrusive user experience compared to Windows, with unobtrusive updates and no mandatory online accounts. Gaming on Linux has improved significantly, with many Windows games now running smoothly due to advancements like Valve's Proton compatibility layer. Transitioning to Linux involves choosing from various distributions to suit individual needs, with guides expected to assist users in the process.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

Google Play update makes it easier to find Android apps with widgets

Google has introduced enhancements to its widget system on Android to improve the connection between app developers and users. Key improvements include a visual badge on app detail pages in the Play Store to indicate apps that include widgets, a dedicated search filter for finding apps with widgets, and the creation of an Editorial Page to highlight exemplary widgets. These changes aim to increase the visibility of widget-enabled apps and educate users on their benefits.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Android 16’s enhanced Advanced Protection will let apps know when you’re serious about security

The latest beta version of Android 16 has introduced an API called AdvancedProtectionManager, which allows applications to determine if users are enrolled in the Advanced Protection program. This program enhances account security by prohibiting sideloading apps and requiring security keys or passkeys for Google account sign-ins. It blocks potentially harmful files from being downloaded and disables app installations from outside the Google Play Store. Additionally, it disables 2G connectivity and activates Memory Trust Execution (MTE) for compatible applications. Although the API is available in Android 16 Beta 2, users cannot yet enable the Advanced Protection mode, as synchronization with the operating system's features is pending a future rollout within Google Play Services. The effectiveness of the Advanced Protection program will depend on app developers' support in utilizing the new API.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 11 update breaks File Explorer

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, identified as KB5051987, aimed to fix various bugs and enhance user experience but has resulted in numerous user complaints. Issues reported include difficulties with File Explorer, such as the inability to open folders and launch the application, as well as installation problems where updates halt or freeze. Additional glitches reported include mouse stuttering, undetectable cameras, issues with .NET app installations, malfunctioning Taskbar animations, decreased battery life, and clipboard history failures. Some users have experienced delays in the Windows desktop appearing after login and context menu issues. Despite some users not facing these problems, the overall feedback indicates that the 2024 version of Windows 11 has more issues than previous versions.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

How to prevent forced installation of new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs

In February 2025, Microsoft began a mandatory update for Windows 10 users that included the forced installation of the new Outlook app as part of a strategy to integrate it into their ecosystem. This installation is linked to the KB5051974 update, which is a critical security patch. Users can prevent the new Outlook from being installed by modifying the Windows registry, specifically by creating a new string value named BlockedOobeUpdaters and setting its value data to ["MS_Outlook"]. This process must be repeated with each subsequent Windows 10 update. For users who have already had the new Outlook installed, it cannot be uninstalled through standard methods but can be removed using Windows PowerShell with the command: Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName. Additionally, to uninstall unsupported Mail or Calendar apps, the command is: Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where {$.DisplayName -match "microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps"} | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName {$.PackageName}.