default applications

Winsage
January 9, 2026
PowerToys is a suite of utilities developed by Microsoft, available for free on GitHub and other platforms, which enhances the Windows user experience with frequently updated functionalities. Key utilities include: - Command Palette: A tool for launching applications, searching for files, and locating open windows, with a Bookmarks feature for quick access to folders and websites. - Light Switch: Allows users to toggle dark mode with a keyboard shortcut and schedule it based on fixed hours or local sunset times. - Peek: Enables quick file previews by pressing the Space bar, allowing seamless navigation through files. - Text Extractor: A utility for extracting text from images faster than Windows' built-in OCR, using the shortcut Windows + Shift + T. - Image Resizer: Simplifies the process of resizing images through a right-click option in File Explorer, offering preset sizes and custom resolutions. - Awake: Keeps PCs active beyond default sleep settings, allowing users to choose a duration for their systems to remain awake. - FancyZones: Provides custom window layouts for efficient workspace organization, allowing users to snap windows into designated zones.
Winsage
January 6, 2026
The text discusses three free file managers that enhance file management capabilities for Windows users: 1. Total Commander: - Dual windows with drag-and-drop support - Side panels for navigation - Built-in tools for batch renaming and archiving - FTP client integration - Favorites for quick access - Comprehensive file operations (copy, move, delete, rename) - File comparison with a built-in text editor - Folder synchronization - Encoding and decoding options - Full-text and duplicate file search - Customizable layout and toolbar - Background downloading support - Secure FTP over SSL/TLS 2. OneCommander: - Custom rendering and DirectX support - Session-saving tabs - Dual-pane view - Choice between Miller-Columns navigation and standard layout - Dark and light themes - User-editable icons - Built-in file preview capabilities - Support for long Unicode paths - Organized favorites into project groups - Quick filtering options - Adaptive view and dynamic columns - File Automator for advanced renaming and conversion 3. FileVoyager: - Dual-pane interface - Multiple browsing modes (report and thumbnail) - Comprehensive file operations - Support for numerous compression formats - Multimedia playback for audio and video - Folder synchronization and file comparison tools - Quick preview for any file format - Support for viewing ebooks and comic book files - Syntax highlighting for source code - Display files in flat or hexadecimal format All three file managers are available for free, with OneCommander offering a Pro version for additional features.
Winsage
November 10, 2025
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000, focusing on hardware optimization rather than major user interface changes. This build supports advanced silicon from Qualcomm and NVIDIA, specifically targeting Windows-on-Arm platforms featuring Snapdragon X2 Elite processors and NVIDIA's N1 and N1x SoCs. The 26H1 update will not be a feature update for version 25H2 but will include platform modifications for new hardware, with no action required from users. Microsoft plans to use an enablement package (eKB) to unlock functionalities within the 26H1 framework, similar to the 25H2 update, which also introduced few new features and emphasized security improvements while deprecating certain features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC due to security vulnerabilities. Additionally, IT administrators can remove pre-installed Microsoft default applications on Enterprise and EDU devices through Group Policy or MDM CSP.
AppWizard
November 4, 2025
A leaked APK for Samsung Pass indicates that the app may soon support enhanced document and ID storage features, including IDs, passports, invoices, and tax identification numbers. The new version, 15.3.01.6, will allow users to securely store sensitive information and save images of both sides of ID cards. Current features, particularly password synchronization with Samsung Cloud, are reportedly experiencing issues. If these updates are released, Samsung Pass could compete with Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet, and Apple Wallet.
Winsage
October 1, 2025
Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 as a lightweight enablement package (eKB) that activates features already present in version 24H2. The update requires only a single restart and shares a common servicing branch with 24H2, allowing for efficient annual feature updates. The Enterprise and Education editions of 25H2 have a 36-month support cycle, while Pro editions have a 24-month cycle. The update focuses on security enhancements, removing vulnerable features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, and allows IT administrators to remove pre-installed Microsoft applications. Users can expedite access to 25H2 by enabling a specific Windows Update option or by downloading the enablement package from Microsoft's website.
Winsage
September 30, 2025
Microsoft is considering an enhancement to the Windows 11 taskbar search box that may allow users to open search queries in their preferred default web browser instead of being directed to Edge and Bing. This change aligns with recent regulations in the European Economic Area (EEA) that respect users' default browser and search engine preferences. If implemented globally, users could perform searches from the taskbar and have results displayed in their chosen browser, marking a shift from Microsoft's historical preference for its own products. However, these developments are still speculative, as the indications found in early test versions of the Edge browser are not yet confirmed.
Winsage
September 1, 2025
Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 (Build 26200.5074) in the Release Preview Channel, focusing on security enhancements rather than major changes. The update removes PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC due to security vulnerabilities. IT administrators can remove pre-installed Microsoft default applications via Group Policy or MDM CSP on Enterprise and Education devices. The update uses an enablement package (eKB) for delivery, activating features already embedded in machines running version 24H2 with a simple restart. Both versions share the same servicing branch, allowing for efficient annual feature updates. The support timelines have been reset, with Enterprise and Education editions on a 36-month cycle and Pro editions on a 24-month cycle.
AppWizard
July 17, 2025
Gemini has begun its phased rollout on Android watches equipped with Wear OS 4 and above. It offers improved natural language command recognition and tailored responses from Google's Search LLM, allowing users to interact seamlessly with Google and Samsung applications. Gemini can create Google Calendar reminders and YouTube Music playlists through voice commands. It provides specific examples in response to queries, such as suggesting foods rich in carotenoids, and can deliver concise answers to spontaneous inquiries. Gemini efficiently pulls data from Search and Maps for tasks like finding local theater showtimes and creating calendar entries. Users can select default applications for tasks, enhancing speed and functionality. Battery consumption is manageable, with only about 20% used during a full afternoon of heavy use. However, it occasionally misinterprets commands and could benefit from brevity in responses. A "View on phone" button and better recognition of speech completion would improve user experience. Support for the new One UI 8 Watch Tile format could enhance functionality further.
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