backup solution Archives

Winsage

February 10, 2026

Your Windows PC has a secretly useful backup tool – here’s how to access it

Windows Backup is a built-in feature in Windows that allows users to back up specific folders and files, as well as create a complete system image. Backups can be directed to various media, including CDs, DVDs, external hard drives, or network locations, and users can schedule backups to run at regular intervals. However, Windows Backup has been deprecated by Microsoft and is no longer supported or updated, which may lead to occasional issues. A newer tool also named Windows Backup exists, designed for backing up and restoring specific files and settings for PC transitions. Users should prepare their storage media, typically external drives with 16GB to 32GB of space, before using the older Windows Backup. Restoration options include returning files to their original location or a different one, depending on the situation. Despite its deprecated status, Windows Backup remains functional and is considered a valuable tool for users seeking a built-in backup solution.

Winsage

February 10, 2026

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user download

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users, particularly on Windows. Notable applications include: 1. LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite with a customizable interface, supports MS Office formats, and is free to download. 2. Flow Launcher: A file search and application launcher that enhances efficiency, customizable, and free to use. 3. Duplicati: A zero-trust backup solution with encryption and scheduling features, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, free to install on Windows. 5. Franz: Consolidates multiple messaging platforms into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: Allows users to create custom top bars for system information and quick access controls, enhancing the user experience. 7. File Converter: Simplifies file conversion and compression within the Windows file manager, available for free. 8. Bitwarden: A password management tool with a free version and additional paid features for collaboration. 9. AutoHotKey: Automates tasks on Windows through scripting, free to install and use. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI interaction tool that prioritizes privacy, free to use on Windows.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Windows 11’s Point-in-Time Restore: A Quiet Safety Net for When Things Go Wrong

Windows 11 Point-in-Time Restore is a recovery feature that captures snapshots of the system's state, including system files, applications, settings, and user data, allowing users to revert to a recent stable state when issues arise. It operates automatically once activated, using Volume Shadow Copy technology for comprehensive backups. The feature can quickly reverse changes made within the last 72 hours, addressing problems like faulty driver installations without requiring a complete reinstallation of Windows. However, it has limitations, such as storing restore points locally for a maximum of 72 hours, not recovering long-deleted files, and requiring significant storage space. To enable it, users must use ViveTool to unlock the feature, configure settings for snapshot frequency and retention, and access restore options through the Windows Recovery Environment if needed. It is particularly useful for casual users who frequently modify their systems but may not suffice for power users needing comprehensive backup solutions.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

10 free Windows apps that improved my productivity (and I’d easily pay money for)

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users. Notable applications for Windows include: 1. LibreOffice: A free office suite with tools similar to MS Office, offering a modern or classic interface and local data privacy. 2. Flow Launcher: A rapid file search and app launcher that is customizable and visually appealing, available for free. 3. Duplicati: A backup solution that allows data backup to various destinations, including cloud services, with features like scheduling and remote management, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, installable on Windows at no cost. 5. Franz: An application that consolidates multiple messaging services into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: A customizable top bar for Windows that displays system information and provides quick access to controls, enhancing desktop aesthetics and functionality. 7. File Converter: A tool for converting and compressing files directly from the Windows file manager, free to use. 8. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with essential features, free to use with a premium option for advanced features. 9. AutoHotKey: A tool for automating tasks through scripting, available for free installation. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI solution with a user-friendly interface, free to install and use on Windows.

Tech Optimizer

November 20, 2025

Windows Has Another Hidden Malware Scanner Tool – How and When to Use It

Microsoft Defender is the primary security tool for Windows systems, while the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) serves as an additional defense against malware. MSRT is updated monthly through Windows updates and operates in Quiet Mode, targeting common malware infections such as trojans, rootkits, and worms. It enhances its capabilities with each update by adding new malware families and removing outdated ones. MSRT not only eliminates infections but also aims to reverse any damage caused by malware. MSRT is beneficial in several scenarios: it can be used alongside third-party antivirus programs to enhance security, it can undo changes made by malware, and it remains effective even when other security tools are compromised. By default, MSRT runs monthly but can also be initiated on demand by typing "mrt" in the Run dialog. Users can choose from Quick, Full, or Customized scans, and the tool automatically addresses any detected infections. After scanning, a report detailing the findings is available for review.

Tech Optimizer

November 11, 2025

Percona announces Percona Distribution for PostgreSQL to support open source databases

Percona has launched the Percona Distribution for PostgreSQL, based on version 11.5, aimed at enhancing support for open-source databases. This distribution supports both cloud and on-premises deployments and will be officially launched at Percona Live Europe from September 30 to October 2. Key features include: - pg_repack: Allows rebuilding of database objects without table locks. - pgaudit: Provides session and object audit logging for compliance. - pgBackRest: A backup tool that scales for large workloads and uses streaming compression. - Patroni: A high availability solution for production deployments. The distribution includes various extensions supported by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group and signifies a commitment to enterprise-level support for open-source database instances. Percona Monitoring and Management will now also support PostgreSQL.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

10 open-source Windows apps I can’t live without – and they’re all free

Open-source software offers robust alternatives for Windows users, with notable applications including: 1. LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite that supports MS Office formats and is free to download. 2. Flow Launcher: A customizable file search and application launcher that is free to use. 3. Duplicati: A zero-trust backup solution that allows data backup to various destinations, available for free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source platform for file storage and collaboration that can be hosted locally and is free to install. 5. Franz: An application that consolidates multiple messaging platforms into a single interface, free to use. 6. YAZB: A tool that creates custom top bars for Windows, providing system information and quick access controls, available for free. 7. File Converter: A tool for converting and compressing files through a right-click context menu, free to install. 8. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with a web browser extension, free to use with optional paid features. 9. AutoHotKey: An automation scripting language for defining hotkeys and streamlining tasks, available for free. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI application that allows interaction with various models, free to install and use.

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Microsoft: Windows Backup now available for enterprise users

Microsoft has launched Windows Backup for Organizations, a backup solution aimed at simplifying the backup process and aiding transitions to Windows 11. It was first introduced at the Microsoft Ignite conference in November 2024 and entered public preview in May 2025. To use this tool, users must install the September 2025 Windows Monthly Cumulative Update on devices joined to Entra, and it is off by default until activated by an IT administrator. The tool backs up Windows settings, user preferences, and Microsoft Store applications on Windows 10 and 11 systems, facilitating restoration during Windows 11 setup. The backed-up data is stored securely in the Exchange Online cloud, with access limited to specific situations like troubleshooting or legal compliance, and protected by encryption methods.