app launcher Archives

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Say ‘no thanks’ Microsoft Windows 11 and ‘yes please’ to AnduinOS 1.3

Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, prompting users to consider alternatives to Windows 11, which has several challenges including strict hardware requirements and mandatory Microsoft account registration. One alternative is AnduinOS, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. The latest version, 1.3.0, is built on Ubuntu 25.04 and features GNOME 48, offering a familiar interface with a centered taskbar and rounded window corners. Key updates in version 1.3.0 include an integrated app store based on Flatpak, pre-installed GNOME Software, support for HDR displays, a new Super + V shortcut for clipboard history, and improved localization for Firefox. AnduinOS 1.3 is available for download with separate ISO files for each supported language.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

6 reasons Listary is one of the best launchers on Windows

Listary is an app launcher that enhances efficiency in locating and launching applications and files on Windows. Users can access a search field by pressing Ctrl twice, allowing for quick app searches even with typos. It offers a responsive search experience, unlike the slower Windows search feature, and simplifies file navigation with an interface similar to File Explorer. Listary allows customization of keyboard shortcuts and appearance settings, and integrates seamlessly with File Explorer for direct searches within specific directories. It is free for personal use, with a pro version available at an affordable price, offering additional features.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Ranking the 10 best PowerToys tools you should be using

PowerToys includes over 25 tools designed to enhance productivity on Windows 11. Key features include: - Mouse without Borders: Connects up to four PCs, sharing mouse and keyboard inputs and enabling clipboard synchronization for items up to 100MB. - Quick Accent: Simplifies typing accented characters by providing a pop-up menu when holding down a character. - Image Resizer: Allows users to resize multiple images simultaneously, offering preset sizes and custom options. - Keyboard Manager: Enables the creation of custom keyboard shortcuts and key remapping for improved efficiency. - Peek: Allows users to preview files in full size by pressing Space, enhancing file exploration. - PowerRename: Facilitates bulk renaming of files using regular expressions for complex tasks. - New+: Lets users create files and folders from templates, ensuring consistency in formatting. - Workspaces: Allows users to launch multiple applications simultaneously and configure app layouts with keyboard shortcuts. - FancyZones: Enhances window management by enabling custom layouts for applications, offering more flexibility than default Snap Layouts. - PowerToys Run: Acts as a fast app launcher, integrating with plugins for enhanced functionality.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

New Browser-Based RDP for Secure Remote Windows Server Access

Cloudflare has launched a clientless, browser-based Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) solution that enhances its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities for secure access to Windows servers. This solution eliminates the need for traditional RDP clients and utilizes IronRDP, a high-performance RDP client developed in Rust, which operates within the browser. The implementation secures RDP sessions using TLS-based WebSocket connections and integrates with Cloudflare Access for authentication through JSON Web Tokens (JWT). The system supports modern security standards, including Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and device posture checks. Cloudflare plans to add session monitoring, data loss prevention features, and pursue FedRAMP High certification for compliance with government standards.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

4 reasons PowerToys Run is the best Spotlight alternative for Windows users

PowerToys is a suite of productivity tools for Windows users, featuring PowerToys Run, which serves as an alternative to macOS's Spotlight. PowerToys Run allows users to launch applications and search for files quickly and efficiently, with built-in plug-ins for searching the Windows registry, executing terminal commands, converting units, performing calculations, creating timestamps, and conducting web searches. It offers high customization options, enabling users to adjust settings for an optimized search experience. Additionally, it supports third-party extensions for enhanced functionality, such as browser history searches and direct queries to ChatGPT. The entire PowerToys suite includes other tools like FancyZones for window management and PowerRename for file renaming, contributing to improved workflow efficiency.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Hands-on: Listary is a lightweight launcher that levels up your productivity on Windows

Listary is a hybrid app launcher and file search tool designed to enhance productivity by providing quick access to applications and files. Users can launch apps by pressing Ctrl twice, which opens a search bar for swift navigation, reducing reliance on the Windows Start menu. It features fast file search capabilities, allowing users to customize their search index and filter results based on content types and modification dates. Listary includes a Quick Switch feature for instant folder access and integrates with various third-party applications. However, it lacks extensive extensibility through plugins, offering limited advanced capabilities compared to competitors.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Hands-on: Ueli is a launcher you can use on Windows, macOS, and Linux — and it’s pretty good

Ueli is a cross-platform app launcher compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing a consistent user experience across these operating systems. The Windows and macOS versions are similar in functionality and design, though the Linux version is untested. Ueli offers a uniform interface with plugins that function identically on both Windows and macOS, but lacks a synchronization feature for settings across devices. Users can customize various aspects of their experience, including themes and search engines, but face limitations such as the inability to define specific prefixes for launching extensions. Ueli includes around 20 extensions, many disabled by default, which limits its versatility compared to competitors like Raycast and Flow Launcher. A notable feature is the Workflows extension, allowing users to create custom task sequences with a single command, although linking applications within workflows can be cumbersome on Windows. Overall, Ueli shows promise but has limitations that prevent it from fully competing with established tools.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

8 tools that will change how you use Windows

Windows 11 offers a variety of features and a vibrant ecosystem of third-party applications, but users often find the default experience lacking in productivity. Several tools are available to enhance the Windows experience: 1. EarTrumpet: A comprehensive volume mixer that allows users to control audio for each application and playback device seamlessly. 2. Twinkle Tray: Simplifies brightness adjustments across multiple monitors directly from the taskbar and offers automation features based on the time of day. 3. Everything: A lightweight search tool that indexes files quickly, allowing for instantaneous local file searches. 4. OneCommander: A dual-pane file management tool that enhances navigation and organization of files with features like color-coded labels and advanced previews. 5. Start11: Customizes the Start menu, allowing users to choose styles, create folders and groups, and integrate File Explorer folders for quick access. 6. Rainmeter: A platform for extensive customization of the Windows interface with community-driven skins and widgets. 7. PowerToys: Includes utilities like FancyZones for creating custom window layouts, enhancing multitasking efficiency. 8. Flow Launcher: A powerful search and app launcher that streamlines workflows by enabling users to perform tasks using just their keyboard. These applications collectively improve the Windows 11 experience by addressing common issues and enhancing productivity.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

From ordinary to extraordinary: Seelen UI transforms Windows 10/11 into the OS you’ve always wanted — download it now!

Windows 10 and 11 have a functional but sterile design characterized by flat icons and a muted color palette. Seelen UI is a free tool that allows users to customize their Windows desktop experience, offering features like adjustable menus, widgets, and a Tiling Windows Manager for better multitasking. It includes an integrated media module and an app launcher inspired by Rofi. Users can easily modify themes, taskbar layouts, and icons. Seelen UI requires the WebView runtime and Microsoft Edge for optimal functionality, with installation options including the Microsoft Store, Winget, and a .msix installer. The recent update to version 2.0.9 introduced enhancements such as XboxGameBarWidgets.exe, refactoring of themes, and fixes for window manager issues and resolution changes. Additional information and download options are available on their GitHub page.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 ditches Defender Application Guard and browser extensions on Edge

Microsoft has confirmed the deprecation of Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG) in the Windows 11 24H2 update, with the feature set to be phased out by June 2024. This change primarily affects enterprise users and does not significantly impact home users. MDAG, previously known as Windows Defender Application Guard, was designed to enhance security by isolating potentially harmful websites in a secure virtual machine environment. The associated Windows Isolated app launcher APIs have also been eliminated. Microsoft stated that the latest version of Windows 11 includes robust security measures that make MDAG unnecessary, and the enhanced security features in Microsoft Edge protect users from threats like phishing and data loss. Additionally, Microsoft has removed WordPad in the Windows 11 24H2 update.