application Archives

Winsage

July 27, 2026

Powerful Windows 11 app Wintoys just got significantly better with long list of improvements

Microsoft has enhanced the Windows experience with utilities like the Media Creation Tool and PowerToys, while third-party applications like Wintoys, an unofficial counterpart to PowerToys, have also been updated. The latest version of Wintoys features performance improvements from upgrades to .NET 10 and Windows App SDK 2.3.1, resulting in a 30% reduction in RAM usage on the Services page, a 20% decrease on the Apps page, and a 10% improvement on the Startup entries page. Key updates include the ability to enable or disable the recommended section in the Start menu, manage recent items tracking, and a new Device metadata option to prevent unauthorized app installations. The Services page has been rewritten for better memory usage and real-time updates. Additional improvements include enhanced keyboard navigation, new acrylic backdrop features for Windows 10 and 11, and various bug fixes for system settings, network stats, and overall stability. The updated version of Wintoys is available for download via the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Centre bans Bitchat app used during internet curbs; cites security risks

The Indian government has instructed GitHub to remove the Bluetooth-based messaging application Bitchat due to concerns about its potential misuse for anti-national activities, including terrorism and cybercrime. The directive was issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which noted that Bitchat's decentralized communication through Bluetooth mesh networks hinders lawful interception and investigations by law enforcement agencies. The lack of a centralized service provider complicates the ability to trace communications and gather data for investigations.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

I checked Reddit to see which Windows 11 features people truly find “life changing”, and the community had some surprising answers

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity, many of which are underutilized by users: 1. Clipboard History: Activated with "WIN + V", it allows users to access a history of copied text and images, improving multitasking by enabling retrieval of multiple copied items. 2. Snipping Tool: Beyond screenshots, it includes screen recording, text extraction (OCR), basic image editing, and GIF creation, streamlining workflows by reducing the need for third-party applications. 3. End Task from Taskbar: Users can terminate unresponsive applications directly from the Taskbar, simplifying the process compared to using Task Manager. 4. Windows Sandbox: Provides a temporary Windows environment for testing untrusted software without risking the main system, available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. 5. Winget Command: The Windows Package Manager simplifies app installation and updates via command line, saving time compared to searching for applications online. 6. Snap Layouts: Activated with "Win + Z", it enhances window management by allowing users to arrange applications efficiently on larger monitors. 7. Windows Key + Shift + Arrow: This shortcut enables quick movement of windows between multiple monitors, improving productivity for users with dual or multiple displays. 8. Voice Typing: Activated with "Win + H", it allows dictation in nearly any text field, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. 9. Reliability Monitor: Accessible via "perfmon /rel", it presents system issues on a timeline, making troubleshooting easier and potentially preventing unnecessary reinstallation of Windows 11. 10. Advanced Display Settings: Users can check and adjust their monitor's refresh rate in Settings, ensuring optimal performance, as many monitors default to 60Hz even if they support higher rates.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Microsoft shipped a native Xbox 360 emulator with its new backwards-compatible releases on PC — modders quickly got 360 games running with minor tweaks

Microsoft has released four original Xbox titles for PC, enhancing its gaming ecosystem and aligning with its commitment to backwards compatibility. These titles are packaged as standard Games on Demand (GOD) files, which can be converted into base ISOs using GOD extractors. The company has utilized a native x86 version of its Xbox 360 emulator, Xe03, to facilitate this transition. Xe03 is integrated into Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles for backwards compatibility and allows modern consoles to run original Xbox titles. The recent PC port of Xe03, combined with components from projects like XWine1, enables the running of dumped backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. Among the released titles is Fuzion Frenzy, and Microsoft plans to expand its library of backwards-compatible titles for PC. The PC version of Xe03 enhances the original 480p output of OG Xbox games to 4K and includes features like built-in V-Sync and enhanced anti-aliasing. These games are available through the Xbox PC app under the Xbox Anywhere program, allowing users with digital licenses on console to access them for free on PC. Microsoft is also set to introduce Xbox Achievements support for these titles.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Windows 11’s File Explorer is now faster at deleting large files, in a rare speed win from Microsoft

Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8935 on July 20, which improves File Explorer's ability to delete large, fragmented files more quickly in certain scenarios. The update promises at least a 30% speed increase for bulk deletions and enhances the responsiveness of the Home tab in File Explorer. The Recommended section now supports touch scrolling. Future updates will include a modernization of the Properties dialog and improvements to search functionality. These enhancements aim to address the sluggishness of File Explorer, which has been attributed to fragmentation issues in NTFS and the hybrid architecture of the application.

Tech Optimizer

July 26, 2026

How to Stop McAfee from Running on Windows

McAfee offers features such as file scanning, network traffic filtering, VPN services, and browser warnings to protect users. Users can pause Real-Time Scanning by opening the McAfee app, selecting Real-Time Scanning under My Protection Widgets, and turning it off. To disable the Advanced Firewall, users must access the Advanced Firewall section in the app and turn it off. Scheduled scans can be stopped by navigating to Scheduled Scans in the app and clicking Turn off. To prevent Secure VPN from reconnecting, users can toggle it off in the Home tab and set Auto Connect to Never connect automatically. Browser protection features can be managed by toggling off McAfee WebAdvisor in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Users can block fake McAfee popups by adjusting notification settings in their browsers. To prevent McAfee startup helpers from opening, users can manage startup settings in Windows. To completely remove McAfee, users should uninstall it through Settings or Control Panel and follow the prompts. If remnants remain, the MCPR tool can be used for complete removal. Microsoft Defender will reactivate automatically after McAfee is uninstalled.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

Microsoft finally found a Windows ad it doesn’t like

Users of LG monitors have reported frustration over unsolicited McAfee pop-up ads that automatically appear during the Windows Update process. This issue arises from the installation of the "LG Monitor App Installer," which includes promotional software alongside the standard monitor driver. Reports indicate that this software installs without user consent, even when only a video cable is connected. Following an investigation by Gamers Nexus, Microsoft announced that LG has agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up, although the LG Monitor App Installer will still be automatically downloaded via Windows Update.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Govt orders GitHub to remove code for internet-free messaging app

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has directed GitHub to remove three repositories associated with the Bitchat messaging application, co-founded by Jack Dorsey. This action is one of the first implementations of the amended IT Rules' "reasoned intimation" mechanism, extending the takedown framework to software repositories. I4C expressed concerns about Bitchat's potential misuse for unlawful activities such as coordinating unlawful assemblies, inciting violent protests, disseminating misinformation, radicalization, and criminal conspiracies. The application allows for anonymous communication without user registration or centralized logging, complicating law enforcement's ability to conduct lawful interception and investigations.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

It’s impossible to recommend paid Windows cleanup utilities when Windows Sysinternals does everything for free

Many utility suites for Windows maintenance require a yearly subscription but often only aggregate basic tools. Users can achieve similar results without costs, as Windows manages routine maintenance effectively. Microsoft's Sysinternals suite offers advanced tools like Autoruns, which provides a comprehensive view of startup entries, and Process Explorer, which offers detailed process monitoring. SDelete securely deletes files beyond recovery, while RAMMap provides insights into memory usage without the risks of third-party applications. Although Sysinternals tools may lack polished interfaces, they deliver substantial functionality for users willing to learn how to use them.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Amid youth protests, Centre directs blocking of messaging app that works without internet: Developer

The Union Home Ministry has requested GitHub to remove repositories related to Bitchat, a Bluetooth-based messaging app that functions without internet connectivity, due to security concerns amid protests in central Delhi. Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, shared the directive, which aims to suppress the availability of such technologies. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre has expressed worries that decentralized communication tools like Bitchat could be misused for unlawful activities. The directive, issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, requires GitHub to disable access to three Bitchat-related repositories within three hours. The Internet Freedom Foundation criticized the government's lack of transparency and argued that concerns about potential misuse do not justify banning access to the app's code. The protests, initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party, are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged mismanagement of competitive examinations, with increased support following police actions against demonstrators.