change Archives

Winsage

March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 has been released to the Canary Channel. New features include: - A shared audio feature that allows two users to share audio with individual volume sliders for each listener and a taskbar indicator for audio sharing. - The context menu now displays the “Open” verb that matches the icon of the file's default application when right-clicking on .exe, .bat, or .cmd files. - An updated Feedback Hub app with a simpler feedback submission flow, improved navigation, a new compliment feedback type, options for private or public feedback, and enhanced screenshot capture tools. Additional notes for Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel include that features are rolled out gradually, a desktop watermark is present in pre-release builds, some features may appear in other channels first, localization may be incomplete, and exiting the Canary Channel requires a clean installation of Windows 11.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google eases Android app sideloading rules after

Google is implementing a policy change to allow easier installation of Android applications from sources outside its Play Store, following an antitrust settlement. This includes an "advanced flow" option that lets users bypass mandatory app verification safeguards through a structured process. The changes aim to balance user choice with protections against scams and malware risks. Previously, Google required all Android applications to be registered by verified developers to mitigate risks like malware and fraud. The new process requires users to enable developer mode, restart their devices, and undergo a waiting period of up to 24 hours before verifying their identity with biometrics or a PIN to install apps from unverified developers. Users can install these apps temporarily for up to seven days or indefinitely, with ongoing warning prompts. Additionally, Google is offering free, limited app distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps without full developer verification.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google Adds 24-Hour Wait for Unverified App Sideloading to Reduce Malware and Scams

Google has introduced a new "advanced flow" for Android sideloading, which includes a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for users installing applications from unverified developers. This follows a developer verification mandate requiring all Android applications to be registered by verified developers to help identify malicious actors and reduce malware distribution. The new sideloading protocol aims to mitigate risks from cybercriminals who may deceive users into disabling Play Protect, Google's anti-malware feature. Over 50 app developers and marketplaces, including F-Droid and Brave, have expressed concerns about the registration requirements, arguing they could create barriers and raise privacy issues. Google has outlined a one-time process for sideloading apps, which includes enabling developer mode, confirming voluntary sideloading, restarting the device, waiting 24 hours, and using biometric authentication or a PIN to install apps. Google plans to introduce free "limited distribution accounts" for hobbyist developers and students to share apps with up to 20 devices without needing government-issued IDs or registration fees. This process will not apply to installations via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and is set to be available in August 2026, ahead of new developer verification requirements. This announcement comes as a new Android malware, Perseus, targets users in Turkey and Italy, with at least 17 distinct Android malware families identified in the past four months.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Windows 11 Pro was $199, but now it’s only $10

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, leaving users vulnerable to cybersecurity threats due to the lack of security updates. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for .97, a significant discount from its usual price of 9. Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security features such as TPM 2.0, UEFI, BitLocker encryption, and Smart App Control. It includes tools for virtual machines and business networks like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox. The interface has been redesigned with a new Start menu and enhanced snap tools, along with virtual desktops. A built-in AI assistant is included, allowing users to access AI tools without additional fees. The .97 offer is available for a limited time. Prices on StackSocial are subject to change.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google Unveils New Process For Installing Unverified Android Apps

Google is implementing stricter measures for installing Android applications outside of its Play Store, requiring all apps to be signed by verified developers. Users will now access the Allow Unverified Packages setting through Developer Options, with a 24-hour security delay after device restarts. A limited free developer account option allows only 20 device installations, with a fee and government-issued ID required for more. These changes will affect third-party app stores, which must also comply with the new verification requirements. Scammers may still find ways to bypass these restrictions.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google adds 24-hour waiting period to Android app sideloading: Here’s what changes

Google is set to implement a new protocol for sideloading applications on Android devices in August 2026, featuring a multi-step process that enhances security. Users will need to activate developer mode and confirm their independent action, followed by a device restart and a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before installing any APK. After this period, users must authenticate their identity and choose between a seven-day or indefinite access for unverified installations, with a warning displayed for each unverified app. This 24-hour cooldown aims to reduce scams, as 57% of surveyed adults reported experiencing scams in the past year, leading to significant financial losses. Additionally, a developer verification process will begin in September in select countries, requiring identification and a fee, while verified developers will be exempt from the new sideloading steps. Google will also offer free limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps with up to 20 devices.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google adds 24-hour Android sideloading for unverified apps

Google is revising its approach to Android sideloading by allowing users to install applications from unverified developers while implementing a new 24-hour process to enhance security. Users must activate developer mode, confirm their decision, restart their devices, and re-authenticate before installation. A one-time 24-hour waiting period is also introduced to prevent scams. This change addresses concerns from developers and advocacy groups about the impact of stringent verification policies on smaller developers. Google is also offering limited-distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps without full verification. The updated process includes additional security measures to disrupt scams, while users are encouraged to use dedicated security solutions for better protection against mobile threats.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google introduces a new way for users to sideload Android apps that still protects against scams

Google has announced a new "advanced flow" setting that simplifies the process for Android users to install applications from sources outside the Play Store by allowing them to disable a verification requirement. This change responds to user demand for more flexibility in app installation, despite the associated risks of unverified applications. Previously, Google required all Android apps to be registered by verified developers to prevent malware and fraud. The new setting involves enabling developer mode, followed by a verification check to ensure users are not being scammed, a phone restart, and a protective waiting period of one day before confirming the change. Users can choose to enable the option to install apps from unverified developers for seven days or indefinitely, with a warning provided for unverified apps. Additionally, Google is offering free distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps with a small group without ID verification. These changes follow a legal settlement with Epic Games, resulting in reduced Play Store commissions to 20% on in-app purchases.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Android’s new sideloading rules are here, and they come with a 24-hour lock!

Google has introduced a new sideloading process for Android that includes a 24-hour waiting period and multiple steps for installing apps from unverified developers. The steps are as follows: 1. Enable Developer Mode. 2. Confirm you’re not being coerced into disabling device protections. 3. Restart your phone. 4. Wait 24 hours. 5. Re-authenticate using biometric authentication or a PIN. 6. Install the app, with a warning about its unverified status. This change aims to enhance user safety and protect less experienced users from scams. The new rules will take effect in August, primarily affecting users who sideload apps from third-party sources, while those using the Play Store will not see changes. Google is also requiring app developers to verify their identities to reduce the risk of malicious applications. Exceptions exist for limited distribution apps that can be shared without full verification.