app Archives

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Making Windows a developer platform, again

Setting up a PC with the base Dev Config has been streamlined for developers, utilizing the Winget configuration service to install applications, execute updates, and apply developer settings on Windows. Users can access setup scripts by cloning a GitHub repository or downloading a zip archive, with clear instructions provided by Microsoft. The installation may require a reboot during the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) installation, but the script resumes automatically afterward. The process installs applications such as PowerShell, Git, GitHub command-line interfaces, Windows App SDK, Visual Studio Code, and language support for Node.js, Python, and .NET. It also includes developer-friendly fonts and a theme engine for Windows Terminal, along with options for customizing File Explorer and the Windows Task Bar. After WSL installation, developers can use WSL Comfort scripts to install additional tools and personalize their Windows Terminal experience. This utility has two phases: the Windows component configures WSL and Ubuntu, while the Linux component fine-tunes the WSL environment, allowing for zsh and starship terminal display tools. It also integrates popular command-line interfaces and supports the Homebrew package installer, targeting existing Ubuntu instances without needing a new Linux distribution installation.

BetaBeacon

June 25, 2026

Google Play Store Fees Will be Lowered Thanks to Epic Games Lawsuit, Settlement

Google Play Store fees are getting lower starting on June 30, with the service fee starting at 10% on the first million in annual earnings. Developers using Google Play's billing system will pay an additional 5% billing fee. The changes are a result of Epic Games' lawsuit against Google, which required the company to make structural changes to its Play Store operations. Apple also made changes to its App Store policies following a lawsuit from Epic.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

PowerToys replaced tools I used to install on every Windows PC

Raycast for Windows, a productivity app, was initially a valuable tool for launching applications and executing actions quickly. However, the introduction of the Command Palette in Microsoft PowerToys provided similar functionality, leading to Raycast being less essential for the user's needs. The user found that the Command Palette effectively served as a fast app launcher, integrating well with other PowerToys features. The user also transitioned from GlazeWM, a tiling window manager, to FancyZones in PowerToys for better window management, as FancyZones offered more tailored window layout options. Additionally, Text Extractor in PowerToys streamlined the user's optical character recognition (OCR) tasks by allowing easy text extraction from images. Overall, PowerToys consolidated several utilities into one suite, enhancing the user's productivity while reducing the need for multiple separate applications.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Is Halifax down? Issues with banking app and login reported

Bank account holders have reported difficulties accessing the Halifax app and online banking services since around 8:30 AM, with users voicing concerns on Downdetector. In the UK, including cities like Birmingham, London, and Bristol, 69% of users experienced problems with the app, 12% faced login issues, and 13% reported mobile banking problems. A notice on the app indicated a technical error preventing users from logging in. Downdetector tracks disruptions in online services by allowing users to report issues, providing real-time analysis of reported problems.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Google’s new rules for the app store will allow alternative billing next week

Google is overhauling its app store billing structure, moving away from the 30 percent commission rate. A tiered fee system will be introduced, allowing developers to potentially receive direct payments from users. Developers earning over one million dollars annually will have a reduced rate of 20 percent on new in-app purchases and 10 percent on subscriptions. Google is launching two new initiatives, the Games Level Up and Apps Experience programs, to reward developers who meet specific performance benchmarks and guidelines. Changes to the billing system will roll out in phases, with updates expected by the end of September 2026 and full implementation by September 30, 2027.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

The Useful Feature That Isn’t Enabled By Default On Your Windows 11 Laptop

The Night Light feature reduces blue light impact from screens, creating a warmer visual experience. Devices like Macs, iPhones, and iPads have a similar feature called Night Shift. Utilizing Night Light can enhance comfort during late-night work and alleviate eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule, lowering screen brightness, and enabling dark mode can further help with eye care. To enable Night Light on Windows, users can press Win + A to access Quick Settings or go through the Settings app by pressing Win + I, selecting System, then Display, and toggling the Night Light option. Third-party applications like f.lux can provide additional customization. Once activated, users can adjust the warmth using a "Strength" slider in the Night Light settings. Night Light also offers a scheduling feature to automate activation from sunset to sunrise or at specific times set by the user.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot update released to all, hours ahead of expiry

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update to eligible Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs ahead of the expiration of the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 on June 24, 2026. This update enhances device targeting data for automatic Secure Boot certificate updates. Secure Boot is a firmware-level security feature that verifies digital signatures of boot components to prevent rootkits and bootkits. The certificates for Secure Boot were first issued in 2011, with subsequent expirations for related certificates occurring in June and October 2026. Users can check their Secure Boot certificate status through the Windows Security app or System Information. If a PC does not receive the update, it will still boot normally but will lose the ability to receive future boot-level security updates. Multiple restarts after updates are expected due to the Secure Boot certificate process. A new folder, C:WindowsSecureBoot, is not malware but is used for staging cryptographic certificate files. Windows 10 users enrolled in the Extended Security Updates program will also receive the Secure Boot update, while those not enrolled will not. The expiration of the KEK CA 2011 means Microsoft will not be able to sign new Secure Boot revocation payloads using the old key, but existing signed payloads will remain functional.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows 11 is now five years old

Windows 11 was unveiled by Microsoft on June 24, 2021, marking its fifth anniversary. The operating system features a modern interface, improvements to virtual desktops, support for Android apps, integration of Microsoft Teams into the taskbar, a refreshed Microsoft Store, and enhanced security measures. However, it faced criticism for removing certain taskbar functionalities and imposing strict hardware requirements, leading to increased sales of TPM chips. Microsoft has begun to address user feedback by redesigning the Start menu, reinstating missing taskbar features, and enhancing Windows Update. Recent updates suggest a commitment to improving Windows 11, which is expected to remain relevant in the operating system market.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Point-in-Time Restore for Windows 11 is Generally Available

Microsoft has rolled out the Point-in-time restore feature for Windows 11, enhancing recovery capabilities. Users need to install the June Week D preview update to access it, and the rollout is a Controlled Feature Release (CFR), meaning availability will vary by device. This feature is available in Windows 11 Enterprise, Pro, and Home editions, allowing users to revert systems to a prior state quickly. It offers automatic restore points, improved reliability, integrated management through the Settings app, lower storage impact, and future remote management capabilities via Intune. For Windows 11 Home and Pro users, Point-in-time restore is enabled by default in versions 24H2 and 25H2, and can be managed in the Settings app under System > Recovery > Point-in-time restore.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Morphe v1.32.0 brings back a heavily missed YouTube feature

Morphe has released its v1.32.0 patch bundle, which includes interface enhancements and bug fixes. Key features include a settings toggle to revert to the previous video action bar layout, restoring the dislike counter on YouTube (as estimates), and the option to hide the “Connect” button. Users can filter comments using a keyword-based comment blocker and open videos in fullscreen mode. The update also enhances the top toolbar with options to hide the Cast and live Chat buttons. Compatibility updates include experimental support for Reddit (version 2026.25.0), YouTube Music (version 9.24.51), and YouTube (version 21.25.523). Bug fixes address issues with link redirects, app crashes in tablet mode, player popup panels, and playback issues in YouTube Music. The update is available through the Morphe Manager application.