application management Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Edge will stop begging you for attention (in Europe, at least)

Microsoft is adjusting its approach in the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with the Digital Markets Act by implementing several updates. Microsoft Edge will no longer solicit users to set it as their default browser, although reminders may still appear temporarily. This change began with an Edge update on May 29. Additionally, users who uninstall Microsoft Edge will not receive prompts to reinstall it, except for progressive web apps using Edge technology. Microsoft is also introducing an option to uninstall the Microsoft Store, with updates for previously downloaded applications continuing. This feature is expected to be available later this year for Windows 10 and 11 users.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows to update all software on your PC

Microsoft has introduced an update orchestration platform to improve the Windows Update infrastructure, streamlining the updating process for applications, drivers, and system components. Developers and IT teams can onboard updates using Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs or PowerShell commands and can join the private preview by contacting unifiedorchestrator@service.microsoft.com. The platform includes an update scan tool that manages downloads and installations based on user activity, power status, and network conditions, while also handling restart requirements and notification deadlines. It is currently in private preview for developers creating apps or management tools for updates, supporting applications packaged as MSIX, APPX, or Win32 installers. The platform offers a consistent notification experience and centralized app update history within the Settings app, and it works alongside Microsoft's Winget package manager and third-party tools like Chocolatey and Scoop.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

You Need a Windows Package Manager — Virtualization Review

Microsoft's WinGet is a command-line tool for managing software on Windows, allowing users to install, update, list, and uninstall applications. UniGetUI is an open-source graphical user interface that enhances WinGet's functionality, making it easier for users to manage software without using the command line. UniGetUI supports various package managers and features batch operations, automatic updates, and custom installation options. To install UniGetUI, users can execute the command winget install --exact --id MartiCliment.UniGetUI --source winget or download it from the Microsoft Store. Users can easily navigate its interface to discover, install, and uninstall packages.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

7 ways to customize the Windows taskbar for maximum productivity

The Windows 11 taskbar can be customized for better functionality and personalization through various adjustments. Users can disable unnecessary icons by accessing Taskbar settings, which allows for more space to pin preferred applications. Disabling taskbar grouping can enhance navigation by displaying individual windows instead of grouping them under a single icon. The Windhawk application offers customization options for taskbar labels, including adjusting width, text size, and padding. Volume control can be made easier with Windhawk's Taskbar Volume Control mod, allowing users to adjust sound levels by scrolling over the taskbar. The Middle click to close on the taskbar mod lets users close applications directly from the taskbar instead of opening new instances. Users can reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen using Windhawk or ExplorerPatcher. Finally, Start11 allows users to pin folder menus to the taskbar, transforming it into a file navigation tool.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

TikTok to let US Android users download app via kits on its website

Oracle Corporation's net sales are broken down by activity as follows: 74.4% from software license support and cloud services, 10.3% from customer services, 9.5% from the sale of cloud and on-premise software licenses, and 5.8% from the sale of equipment. Geographically, net sales are distributed as follows: 54.9% in the United States, 7.6% in the Americas, 24.6% in Europe/Middle East/Africa, and 12.9% in Asia/Pacific.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Microsoft shares new group policy to stop Windows Update catastrophes like KB5044284

Microsoft's Windows 11 KB5044284 update was mistakenly deployed to Windows Server 2019 and Server 2022 systems. Heimdal, a third-party application management provider, criticized Microsoft for this error. Microsoft later confirmed the deployment as an optional update for these server versions. The confusion may have stemmed from misclassifying the client OS update as a server update. Microsoft clarified that future feature updates would be labeled as "optional" instead of "recommended." The Windows Server 2025 feature update was released as an Optional update, and some devices upgraded automatically due to third-party update management tools. This issue has been mitigated. Additionally, a banner message was displayed for organizations wishing to perform an in-place upgrade, which has also been resolved. Microsoft is taking steps to prevent similar issues by working with third-party AMMs and introducing a new group policy "hold" setting for selecting feature update versions. The Windows Server 2025 feature update became generally available on November 1, 2024, under the same KB number as Windows 11, version 24H2. Future updates for both will share KB numbers but will have different release note sites.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Upgrade to Microsoft Office Pro and Windows 11 Pro with this bundle for 87% off

A lifetime license for Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro is available through Stack Social at an 87% discount. The Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021 suite includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and Teams. An alternative option, Microsoft Office 2019, is also available without Teams. Windows 11 Pro features include biometric login, Smart App Control, Windows Studio Effects, DirectX 12 Ultimate, Snap layouts, advanced voice typing, and Microsoft Copilot. Stack Social is an authorized Microsoft partner, but there is a possibility that Microsoft could revoke the license in the future. Users must have Windows 10 or 11 to access these deals. The offer may expire without notice.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

Your next Windows update should install much faster

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 24H2 servicing stack update will install up to 45.6% faster than previous versions, with a 39.7% reduction in restart times and a 15.3% decrease in CPU usage for well-maintained PCs. For PCs that have not been updated for 18 months, installation will be 43.6% faster, restarts will be 33.5% quicker, and CPU usage will decrease by 25%. The improvements are due to techniques such as parallel processing and smart caching, which streamline the update process and optimize RAM usage. Additionally, the redesign of application architecture within the Unified Update Platform (UUP) will allow the Edge browser to save 200MB during major updates. Overall, the update will require less CPU time and facilitate faster installations and restarts, reducing offline time and enhancing user productivity.

Winsage

October 23, 2024

UniGetUI is the ultimate package manager for Windows PCs

Package managers are essential for software management, and Microsoft has introduced the Windows Package Manager (winget) to simplify application handling on Windows PCs. A new tool, UniGetUI, integrates multiple package managers like Winget and Chocolatey into a single interface, enhancing user experience. It supports various package managers, including Scoop, PowerShell Gallery, Npm, and Pip, catering to diverse user needs. UniGetUI features a built-in backup tool for creating application bundles and offers an intuitive interface that provides an overview of installed packages. It includes a section for app updates, aggregating information from all enabled package managers, and notifies users of pending updates upon startup. UniGetUI is an evolution of WingetUI, designed to simplify app management processes.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

Sightful Cancels Spacetop, Pivots To PC Software For Xreal Air 2 Ultra

Sightful has canceled its Spacetop G1 project and will refund all preorder deposits of 0. The Spacetop G1 was intended to be a screenless laptop compatible with Xreal Air 2 Ultra AR glasses, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and running on Sightful's Spacetop OS, with a retail price of ,900. Instead of hardware, Sightful will focus on developing AR system software that allows Xreal Air 2 Ultra glasses to work with Windows laptops featuring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This software will enable users to project Windows applications into a virtual space and will support devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon, Intel Core Ultra, or AMD Ryzen AI chipsets. The software aims to enhance user experience with features like six degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking and multi-application management in a spatial environment. The launch of the Spacetop software for Windows is expected by the end of this year for laptops equipped with an NPU, also known as Copilot+ PCs.