Creative Cloud Archives

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Windows 12 Rumors Spark Shift Toward Linux

The anticipated arrival of Windows 12 may drive many PC users to consider switching to Linux due to its deeper integration of artificial intelligence, increased monetization strategies, and higher hardware requirements. Microsoft has indicated a shift towards an AI-centric operating system, which could alienate users who prefer a stable desktop experience. As Windows 10 nears the end of its support in 2025, users face the choice of paying for Extended Security Updates, upgrading to Windows 12, or exploring alternatives like Linux, which has reached a 4% global market share in 2024. Recent developments in Windows 11, such as the introduction of ads and telemetry, have caused dissatisfaction among users, while Linux distributions remain ad-free and focus on security and functionality. Windows 11's new hardware requirements may leave many older PCs behind, whereas Linux is compatible with less powerful hardware. The Linux desktop has matured, with improved app distribution and gaming capabilities, and offers extensive support options. If Windows 12 emphasizes AI, advertising, and hardware restrictions, it could lead to a significant migration towards Linux as users seek a more user-friendly and controllable operating system.

Winsage

January 31, 2026

I Switched From Windows 11 to Linux Mint. Here Are 7 Things It Does Way Better

Linux Mint is a free operating system that can be downloaded without any licensing fees, in contrast to Windows 11, which costs between 9 for the Home Edition and 9 for the Pro Edition. It has minimal hardware requirements, running efficiently on traditional AMD- or Intel-based systems, with a 3GB installer and support for devices with as little as 2GB of RAM. Linux Mint features a cleaner and more organized desktop interface compared to Windows 11, with three different editions: Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce, catering to various user preferences. Users can test Linux Mint risk-free via live USB drives, and it operates without AI features, unlike Windows 11. It collects minimal diagnostic data, prioritizing user privacy. However, Linux Mint does not support major software like Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft 365 desktop applications, and some hardware drivers may be lacking. Users may need some technical knowledge for optimal use.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Uninstalling apps on Windows 11 is about to get much easier — and it’s long overdue

Windows 11 will introduce a feature in the Microsoft Store that simplifies the uninstallation of applications, currently being tested by Windows Insiders. This feature allows users to remove Store-managed apps directly from the library page, while non-Insider users still lack this option. The Microsoft Store has evolved significantly since its launch, now supporting various app types, including Win32, UWP, PWA, .NET MAUI, and Electron apps. It has also attracted major developers like Adobe, Discord, Slack, and Spotify by allowing them to host their applications on their own servers. Additionally, Microsoft has reduced the entry fee for individual developers to join the Microsoft Store, making it more affordable compared to competitors like Google and Apple.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

I tried running Windows apps on Linux with Wine, but virtualization is still better

In recent explorations of running Windows applications on Linux, various solutions were tested, including WinApps, WinBoat, and Wine. Wine translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls in real time, allowing for lower overhead and improved performance, particularly with older applications. Successful installations included Winaero Tweaker, portable versions of Photofiltre 7 and Textroom, and Adobe Photoshop CS6, which had minor visual glitches but functional core features. DoubleKiller effectively identified duplicate files on Linux. The gaming experience with the Windows version of Re-Volt was positive, while attempts to install Microsoft Office 2016 were unsuccessful without an activation key. Modern applications faced significant challenges; Wine struggled with Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity Photo 2, and Microsoft 365, while WPS Office had installation issues. The Wine team noted that newer applications are less likely to succeed due to complex UIs. In contrast, WinApps provided better support for more applications, despite performance trade-offs. The author expressed a preference for WinApps for modern applications and highlighted the superiority of native Linux apps for seamless functionality.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Microsoft Store ditches fees for indie devs

Microsoft has announced that individual developers can now publish their applications in the Microsoft Store without incurring any fees, eliminating the previous requirement of a one-time payment. The process has been streamlined, as developers no longer need to provide a credit card to publish their apps. This change applies to over 200 markets and was hinted at during the Build 2025 conference. While individual accounts can publish for free, company accounts still require a one-time fee. Developers must have a Microsoft account, provide identification, submit a selfie for verification, and fill out additional details to register. The Microsoft Store has evolved since its launch in 2012, now supporting various app formats and allowing developers to host apps on their own servers. Popular applications available in the store include Adobe Creative Cloud, Discord, Slack, and Spotify.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 is actually great now — here’s why you should be using it in 2025

The Microsoft Store was launched as the "Windows Store" with Windows 8 in 2012, initially struggling to gain traction. It was rebranded as the "Microsoft Store" during the Windows 10 era and saw significant improvements with the launch of Windows 11 in 2021. The store now features a user-friendly interface, a diverse selection of applications, and allows legacy and desktop-class Windows applications without strict compliance requirements for developers. The app listings are responsive, and the homepage suggests apps based on user preferences. Popular applications available include Opera, Firefox, Adobe Creative Cloud, OBS Studio, and Paint.NET, although Google Chrome is not available. The Microsoft Store provides a safer environment for app discovery compared to web search engines and does not require a Microsoft Account for many downloads. Enhancements have also been made for Windows 10 users.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder are Now Native on Windows 11 on Arm

Adobe has released public beta versions of Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder for Windows 11 on Arm architecture. These applications are expected to work well on Qualcomm Snapdragon X-based laptops and tablets. Certain features will be included in the final release of Premiere Pro, such as support for third-party extensions, ProRes support, and hardware-accelerated playback of H.264 and HEVC. However, some features will not be available, including the Loudness Radar effect and export to Wraptor DCP. For After Effects, issues include limited format support and the absence of certain features like Keylight and Mocha. Adobe recommends using the latest Qualcomm Adreno GPU driver for optimal performance. Beta versions of Audition and Media Encoder are also available for Windows 11 on Arm.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Adobe Photoshop for Android Is Now Available for Free: Here’s Why It Is Better

Adobe has launched the main Photoshop app for Android, currently available for free on the Google Play Store. The app is in beta testing and includes familiar desktop features, premium tools, and generative AI technology such as Generative Fill and smart subject selection. This is the first authentic Adobe Photoshop app for Android, aiming to provide a comprehensive mobile editing experience that bridges the gap with desktop capabilities and supports Creative Cloud.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Adobe Photoshop finally launches on Android

Adobe has launched its Photoshop app for Android devices, featuring desktop-level tools and generative AI capabilities. The app includes layering, masking, and the Spot Healing Brush, with a free version offering professional-grade tools. It integrates with Adobe Stock for access to curated assets and is compatible with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Notable features include Generative Fill and Generative Expand, powered by Adobe's Firefly AI. Advanced tools like Object Select and Content-Aware Fill are available through a premium subscription priced at .99 per month or .99 annually. The beta version is available for download on the Google Play Store.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows-on-Arm woes: Amazon warns customers about Surface laptop returns

Qualcomm and Microsoft are enhancing the Windows-on-Arm ecosystem, highlighted during the Microsoft Build event in May 2024. The Surface brand laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors received positive feedback for performance and battery life. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) has been flagged by Amazon as a "frequently returned item," prompting buyers to check reviews. Customer feedback indicates that app compatibility issues are a primary reason for the returns. Intel's interim Co-CEO suggested that devices with Snapdragon chips are returned at higher rates due to unmet functionality expectations. Despite this, the market for Windows-on-Arm systems remains strong, with major manufacturers adopting Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Other Snapdragon-powered devices, like the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, have not faced similar return warnings. The Surface Laptop may have higher return rates due to its popularity and specific shortcomings noted in reviews, such as display quality and keyboard comfort. Microsoft also offers Intel versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, which may confuse consumers. Qualcomm and Microsoft are working with developers to improve software support for Windows-on-Arm, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop now available. Challenges remain, including Qualcomm's discontinuation of its Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows and limited native support for some applications. Users with specialized needs may prefer traditional x86 Windows versions. Qualcomm plans to unveil its second generation of Snapdragon X processors in late 2025.