app list Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

Gemini Live redesign now works with more ‘Connected Apps’ on Android

Gemini Live on Android has expanded its integration capabilities, allowing access to a wider range of first- and third-party "Connected Apps." The update introduces a new floating interface that integrates Gemini Live into the text chat experience. Previously, it connected only with Google services and select third-party alternatives. The first-party app list now includes services such as Home, Hotels, Flights, Workspace, Image generation, Shopping, Utilities, YouTube, YouTube Music, and Spotify. The Utilities section introduces timers and alarms, but the ability to send Messages via Gemini Live is still forthcoming.

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

May 4, 2026

Microsoft is simplifying Edge by removing the sidebar

Microsoft has announced the retirement of the sidebar app list in Microsoft Edge, affecting users with Microsoft accounts. New apps will no longer be added to the sidebar, and existing pinned applications will be phased out in an upcoming update. The popular Copilot feature will remain unaffected. Many users have expressed their intent to abandon Edge if the sidebar is removed. Microsoft plans to focus on refining existing functionalities across its platforms, including Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge, in 2026.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users regarding its user experience and strict hardware requirements. Many users feel the OS is overloaded with features, including unwanted AI elements and pre-installed applications. In response, a customization community has emerged, with developers like Raditya Aryaputra proposing alternative designs, such as a "Refined" version of Windows 11 that focuses on a streamlined experience. Aryaputra's concept includes a compact Start menu without ads, a revamped Windows Search, and a simplified Widget panel. Microsoft is reportedly planning to reintroduce the movable and resizable project feature in its Windows K2 initiative, set for 2026. User options are limited as mainstream support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, although an Extended Security Updates program is available temporarily. Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu based on user feedback and is actively seeking input through Windows Insider meetups. Additionally, Microsoft has streamlined its AI strategy within Windows 11, removing Copilot from certain applications. A status tracker is available for users to follow changes related to the Windows K2 initiative.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users regarding its hardware requirements and perceived overload of features. A customization community has emerged, with developers like Raditya Aryaputra proposing a "Refined" version of Windows 11 that focuses on essential features and a cleaner interface. This concept includes a compact Start menu without ads or forced recommendations and a more intuitive Windows Search. Microsoft is planning enhancements for Windows 11, internally referred to as Windows K2, set for a 2026 release, which may incorporate user feedback and ideas from Aryaputra's project. Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu but received feedback that it is too large and lacks customization. The company is reintroducing Windows Insider meetups for user feedback and reassessing its AI strategy within Windows 11. Mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pushing users towards Windows 11.

Winsage

March 6, 2026

Apple promotes Microsoft Office to lure Windows 11 users to its $599 MacBook Neo

Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, a budget laptop priced at 9, targeting consumers who typically consider Windows PCs in the 0 range. The MacBook Neo emphasizes compatibility with Microsoft’s Office suite, featuring applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint prominently on its product page and in promotional materials. Apple has included a “Switch from PC to Mac” tab on the product page to assist Windows users in transitioning to macOS, despite potential challenges in adapting to a more controlled ecosystem. The marketing materials claim that macOS offers superior speed and efficiency compared to Windows, although the macOS versions of Microsoft Office do not match the feature set of their Windows counterparts. The MacBook Neo aims to attract budget-conscious consumers while potentially fostering long-term loyalty to Apple products.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Microsoft expands Windows restore to more enterprise devices

Microsoft has introduced a feature that allows enterprise users to restore personal settings and Microsoft Store applications from a previous Windows 11 device during their first login on a new or reimaged device using a Microsoft Entra ID account. This feature is part of Windows Backup for Organizations, which streamlines the migration process to Windows 11. The restore capability has been expanded to support hybrid-managed environments, multi-user device configurations, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Users will receive a prompt during the first login to either restore from a previous device's backup or set up the device as new, but those who bypass this step will not receive another prompt. IT administrators can manage this feature through Microsoft Intune or Group Policy. The feature will be available for devices with Windows updates released on February 24, 2026, and later. Windows Backup for Organizations was first announced in November 2024, reached public preview in May 2025, and became generally available in August.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Windows 11’s new Start menu is here, and the community reaction is basically “why is this worse?”

Microsoft's redesign of the Start menu in Windows 11 has received mixed reactions, with many users criticizing its excessive size, automation, and lack of customization options. Users on larger monitors find the menu to be a "colossal waste of space," while those on laptops have a more favorable view. The automatic categorization of apps has been deemed ineffective, with users frustrated by the inability to rename or adjust categories. Some users appreciate the "List" view option, but overall, the menu's size overshadows its positive aspects. Functional issues such as icons failing to render and laggy animations have also been reported, contributing to dissatisfaction. Users express a desire for more control over their interface, suggesting that options for category editing and resizing could improve the experience.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 — Uninstall, Hide, and Stop It from Coming Back

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into various parts of Windows 11, including the taskbar, Edge, and Notepad. Users have expressed a desire to remove Copilot, leading to the creation of a guide detailing methods to disable it. Copilot can be uninstalled through Settings, but additional steps are required to remove it from Edge, Notepad, and Windows Search. Users can also prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates by adjusting registry settings. The Copilot app is categorized as a standalone application in Windows 11 24H2, making it easier to uninstall compared to previous versions. Methods to disable Copilot include: 1. Uninstalling the app via Settings. 2. Hiding the icon from the taskbar. 3. Using Group Policy Editor (limited to Pro, Enterprise, Education). 4. Removing Copilot for all users using PowerShell. 5. Adjusting settings in Edge and Notepad to disable Copilot features. 6. Editing the registry to remove Copilot from Windows Search and Paint. 7. Remapping the physical Copilot key on newer laptops. 8. Disabling silent reinstallation of Copilot through registry edits. Disabling Copilot will not affect core Windows functionality but will remove AI-specific features such as the chatbot and writing assistance.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Edge is killing off Collections — and your data is caught in the crossfire

The Collections tool in Microsoft Edge is being retired, and users will soon be unable to add new items to it. They are advised to export their saved content or transfer pages to Favorites before the feature is removed. Transferring to Favorites will result in the loss of additional content like images and notes, while exporting will preserve content in a CSV file but will not keep it within the browser. Collections has not gained significant traction among users, leading to its phased-out status. Additionally, the Edge Sidebar app list is also being retired, raising concerns about the future of the entire Sidebar feature as Microsoft aims to simplify Edge and promote Copilot.