app removal Archives

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Russia’s state-backed messenger ‘Max’ removed from App Store

Apple has removed the Russian messaging application Max from its App Store, allowing existing users to access the service but preventing new downloads and updates. This decision was made to comply with sanctions requirements, although specific sanctions were not disclosed. Max, developed by VK, has been promoted by Russian authorities and is pre-installed on devices sold in Russia, but is not accessible in the European Union. The CEO of VK, Vladimir Kiriyenko, has faced sanctions from the U.S., U.K., and EU since 2022.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Kremlin’s State-Mandated Max Messenger Removed From Apple Store

On June 3, Russia's Max messenger was removed from the Apple App Store. Max, launched in 2025 by VK, integrates messaging, social media, digital identification, payments, banking, and government services. The reasons for its removal are unclear, and VK plans to seek clarification from Apple. Following the removal, the app stopped sending push notifications. Max is part of the Kremlin's strategy for control over information and is positioned as a "secure" alternative, although it lacks end-to-end encryption. Moscow has previously restricted foreign social media platforms, including banning Facebook and Instagram, and has faced backlash for banning Telegram in 2026. Critics warn that Max may enable the Kremlin to monitor citizen communications, with concerns raised about the security of data shared through the app.

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

Google May Add Play Store Alerts For Removed Android Apps

Google has implemented a new feature in its Play Store that notifies users when an app has been removed from the marketplace. This update informs users that the app will no longer receive updates, including security fixes, which could leave them vulnerable. The notification will detail each deleted app and its removal from Google Play. There is uncertainty about whether the update will allow users to delete these apps directly. This initiative responds to a shift in the threat landscape, where exploiting vulnerabilities has become the primary method of breaching devices, surpassing stolen credentials. Recent reports highlighted the necessity for user notifications, citing a new ad fraud campaign involving 453 apps that were installed 24 million times before removal. Previously, users had no formal notification system for app removals.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

Google Play Store could soon warn you about dead Android apps on your phone

Google is working on enhancing its notification system for app removals from the Play Store. Currently, users do not receive alerts when an app is removed for reasons other than serious security violations. The latest version of the Google Play Store (v51.4.19) contains code indicating a new feature that will notify users when an installed app has been removed, informing them that the app will no longer receive updates. Notifications will vary based on the number of affected apps, providing clear communication to users. These features are still in development and may not be guaranteed for public release.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Microsoft now lets admins choose pre-installed Store apps to uninstall

Microsoft has updated its Windows 11 operating system to enhance the management of preinstalled applications. The new RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages policy allows IT administrators to remove any preinstalled MSIX/APPX applications by referencing their Package Family Name (PFN) through Group Policy Object (GPO) or custom OMA-URI for mobile device management (MDM). This feature requires devices to have at least the April 2026 Windows non-security update. It is available for Windows 11 version 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions, whereas it was initially exclusive to version 25H2 or later. A comprehensive list of supported applications and instructions for applying the policy are provided in Microsoft's documentation. Additionally, a new policy setting enables the uninstallation of the AI-powered Copilot digital assistant from enterprise devices after the April 2026 Patch Tuesday updates. The dynamic list option for this policy will be rolled out in the coming months.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. 1. Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps: IT administrators can now use a dynamic app removal list to remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their package family names through Group Policy. The dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP. 2. Windows Setup Experience: Users can select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process, which must adhere to standard naming conventions. 3. Windows Driver Policy Update: A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default. The feature will initially operate in audit mode for at least 100 hours. 4. Point-in-Time Restore Updates: Local administrators will see a settings dialog to view or modify default restore settings, including a list of available restore points. Updated messaging has been added to the restore experience. 5. Drag Tray Rebranding: The Drag Tray has been rebranded as Drop Tray, with settings relocated to System > Multitasking. 6. Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key. 7. File Explorer and Other Enhancements: Improvements have been made to the reliability of setting the preferred display language, and unexpected errors from the sfc/scannow command have been removed. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - Enhanced policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps for Windows ENT/EDU, allowing IT administrators to use a dynamic app removal list via Group Policy. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. - A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default, initially operating in audit mode. - Point-in-time restore now includes a settings dialog for local administrators and displays available restore points. - Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade their plan directly from the Accounts page in Settings. - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded to Drop Tray, with settings relocated. - Updates to Pen settings include a new option for the pen tail button. - Enhanced reliability for preferred display language settings and removal of an unexpected error from sfc/scannow. Updates are gradually rolled out to users who opt in through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

De-Enshittify an Existing Install of Windows 11 ⭐

Win11Debloat is a tool designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience by allowing users to remove unwanted elements while keeping desired features. It operates via a PowerShell script and offers a user-friendly graphical interface. Users can uninstall applications, adjust Windows 11 features, and specify whether changes apply to the current user or all users. Key functionalities include: - Uninstalling applications like Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, and various bundled apps. - Adjusting privacy settings, including disabling telemetry and targeted advertisements. - Modifying Windows Update settings to prevent automatic restarts. - Disabling Bing web search in the Start menu. To use Win11Debloat, users must follow specific instructions on GitHub, execute a script, and navigate through three main screens to make selections. The tool allows for the creation of a system restore point and offers options to apply changes to all users or just the current user. Users are advised to update apps before using Win11Debloat to prevent the Microsoft Store from reinstalling removed applications. If some apps remain after using the tool, they can be uninstalled manually. The tool's changes are reversible, and most removed apps can be reinstalled, except for the Microsoft Store app. Users are encouraged to take their time with the options available and can reapply settings if future updates from Microsoft alter their configurations.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Chinese app “Sileme” not available for download on Apple, Android app stores

The app "Sileme," which translates to "are you dead," has been removed from both Apple and Android app stores, confirmed by a search conducted by the Global Times. Following its delisting, similar apps have emerged, such as "Alive Yet? - Dead Yet? SMS Version" and "Dead Yet? Drift Version." One of Sileme's founders, surnamed Guo, confirmed its removal. Sileme's official Weibo account announced a daily check-in feature and invited the public to suggest a new Chinese name, while also revealing plans to adopt the global brand name "Demumu" in the next version. The app is designed as a safety tool for individuals living alone, allowing users to check in daily, with alerts sent to emergency contacts if they fail to do so within a set timeframe.

Winsage

December 10, 2025

De-Enshittifing Windows 11 Version 25H2: Win11Debloat ⭐

Tiny11 Builder requires a clean installation of Windows 11 to enhance the user experience. Key criteria for any utility aimed at replicating Tiny11 Builder's benefits include disabling telemetry, removing preinstalled bloatware, addressing issues with Microsoft Edge (including uninstallation), and mitigating problems linked to Microsoft OneDrive (also through uninstallation). Utilities mentioned for further refining Windows 11 include: - Rufus: Creates installation media without requiring a Microsoft account sign-in or hardware checks. - MSEdgeDirect: Allows the use of a preferred web browser for accessing stories from Widgets and web-based search results. - ExplorerPatcher: Addresses performance and reliability concerns within File Explorer. Win11Debloat is highlighted as a utility that meets optimization requirements, having undergone changes since August 2024. The updated process allows users to launch a Terminal with admin privileges to download and run Win11Debloat directly. It features three modes: Default mode, Custom mode, and App removal. Custom mode offers options for app removal, disabling telemetry, turning off tips and suggestions, and disabling Bing web search, Bing AI, and Cortana, among others.