downloads Archives

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Xbox PC App Now Allows Users to Stream Games They Own Through Microsoft Store

Microsoft has introduced a new feature for the Xbox PC app that allows players to stream their own games without additional downloads, free of charge aside from the game purchases. This feature enhances the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which enables game purchases via the Microsoft Store for play across Xbox consoles and PCs. Over 250 games are currently available for streaming through the app, which has expanded access beyond Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to include PC and smartphone browsers in 28 countries. The app now allows users to stream games instantly, bypassing download times and conserving storage. Updates for Xbox Insiders include tracking play history across devices and access to all cloud-playable games. The streaming capability is beneficial for lower-powered devices, such as the upcoming Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld systems, with rumored pre-orders starting on August 20 and a potential launch in late October.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Secure Windows with Microsoft’s Security Compliance Toolkit

The Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit is a suite of tools for administrators to assess Group Policy Objects (GPOs) against Microsoft's security baselines, helping to identify discrepancies and implement secure settings. It includes tools such as the Policy Analyzer, Local Group Policy Object (LGPO) utility, and Set Object Security application. Administrators can download the toolkit from Microsoft's website, which contains zip files for various security baseline packages. The Policy Analyzer compares GPOs with local security policies to identify inconsistencies, while the LGPO tool manages local security policies and allows for policy backup and verification. The Set Object Security tool applies security descriptors to objects like files and folders. For Windows Server, administrators should test security baselines in non-production environments before deployment. With Windows Server 2025, the OSConfig platform allows for direct application of security baselines through PowerShell, simplifying the update process and maintaining compliance.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera files complaint against Microsoft’s tricks to make you use Edge

Opera has filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, accusing the company of using "manipulative design tactics" to dominate the browser market and hinder competition. Opera's general counsel, Aaron McParlan, stated that Microsoft creates barriers for other browsers, such as excluding them from preinstallation opportunities and complicating the download process. The complaint highlights Microsoft's practices of overriding users' default browser preferences and using Windows features to promote Edge. Opera seeks remedies to allow PC manufacturers to preload alternative browsers and stop blocking downloads. Additionally, the complaint criticizes Microsoft's requirement for OEMs to deliver devices in S mode to receive rebates on Windows OS licenses. This action is part of Opera's broader strategy to challenge Microsoft's practices globally, including an appeal to EU courts regarding the classification of Edge under the Digital Markets Act. Opera has a history of raising concerns about Microsoft's browser practices, including a 2007 antitrust complaint that led to the creation of a browser ballot screen.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

7 in 10 German game purchases are now digital downloads

Digital downloads represent 70% of all video game purchases in the German market, according to a report from the German Games Industry Association (game) released on July 29. The share of digital downloads increased by 8% in 2024, rising from 60% to 68%, while physical media accounts for 32% of purchases. Nearly all PC games (99%) were acquired digitally in 2024, and digital purchases of console games increased from 40% in 2023 to 44% in 2024. Physical media still holds 56% of the console market. Individuals aged 20 to 29 purchase 77% of their games as downloads, while those aged 50 and above account for 47% of all physical purchases. The German games industry is facing a downturn, with a 4% decline in the number of game companies in 2025 and a 6% decrease in total sales revenue from 2023 to 2024. There was a 17% decrease in purchases across mobile, PC, and console games, and a 10% drop in hardware sales, although revenue from online gaming services increased by 12% since 2023.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Call of Duty is finally freeing some of the older games from the CoD HQ launcher nobody likes

Morgan Park from PC Gamer criticized the launch of Call of Duty HQ in 2023, calling it a "data management nightmare," especially with the upcoming release of Modern Warfare 3. He noted that players no longer need to launch Modern Warfare 2 to access Modern Warfare 3, but Warzone now requires Modern Warfare 3 to be launched first. Activision announced that as of July 29, both Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 will be available as standalone downloads, and any legacy content related to these games will be automatically removed from the main Call of Duty installation on August 7. This move is seen as a way to streamline offerings ahead of the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Windows 10 turns 10: No compatibility chaos

Windows 10 was launched as a response to the mixed reception of Windows 8, aiming to provide a stable and reliable alternative. It offered improved performance on solid-state drives compared to Windows 7, although it did not achieve the same affection. The development included the Windows Insider program for user feedback, but responsiveness to that feedback was inconsistent. The operating system faced issues, such as the problematic October 2018 Update that deleted user files. Windows 10 Mobile, launched alongside, quickly faded due to lack of interest. The desktop version thrived, aided by a free upgrade offer and hardware compatibility. Privacy concerns arose due to telemetry and data collection practices. Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with the Edge browser, which later adopted the Chromium engine. Despite challenges, Windows 10 maintained a strong presence in the desktop market, proving to be a stabilizing force for Microsoft after Windows 8.

Tech Optimizer

July 29, 2025

Developer of Kapitano (Linux Virus Scanner) Abandons Ship

Kapitano, a user-friendly ship-themed virus scanner, has been officially shelved by its developer, zynequ, who cited negative experiences and personal attacks as reasons for discontinuation. The application, which served as a graphical user interface for the ClamAV scanning engine, received positive feedback but faced skepticism regarding the need for virus detection on Linux systems. The developer has released the source code into the public domain under The Unlicense, allowing others to continue its development. The app will be delisted from Flathub and marked as end-of-life, meaning it will no longer receive updates but will still function for existing users.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

July Update for Xbox Delivers Two Major New Features for PC Gamers

The July Xbox update introduces enhancements for PC gamers, including the ability to stream over 250 compatible games directly through the Xbox app on Windows without additional downloads. It also features cross-device history, allowing players to continue gaming sessions seamlessly across devices, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access all cloud-playable titles, including console-exclusive games. Additionally, gamers can track their Xbox rewards through the app on Windows.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

10 hidden Windows settings you should change now

Most Windows users engage with basic settings, but there are hidden settings that can enhance usability and performance. 1. Adjust App Permissions: Navigate to Settings -> Privacy & security -> App permissions to limit unnecessary app permissions. 2. Disable "Let Apps Run in the Background": Go to Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps, select the app, click the three dots, choose Advanced options, and turn off "Let this app run in the background." 3. Turn Off Ad Tracking and Personalization: Go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> General and deactivate ad-tracking options. 4. Disable Tips and Suggestions: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Notifications, expand Additional settings, and uncheck "Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows." 5. Enable Clipboard History: Go to Settings -> System -> Clipboard and toggle on "Clipboard history." Access it with Windows key + V. 6. Manage Startup Apps: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), switch to the Startup tab, and disable unnecessary apps. 7. Turn On Storage Sense: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Storage -> Storage Sense to enable automatic cleanup of temporary files. 8. Prevent Apps from Reopening on Startup: Go to Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in options and disable "Automatically save my restartable apps." 9. Hide Recently Opened Files in Quick Access: Open File Explorer, click the "three dots," select Options, and uncheck "Show recently used files" and "Show frequently used folders." 10. Set Active Hours for Windows Update: Visit Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced options -> Active hours to define your active hours for updates.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Google Play, Android fuel Rs 4 lakh crore app revenue, economy boost in India during 2024: Report

A report by Public First estimates that Google Play and Android generated Rs 4 lakh crore in revenue for app publishers and the Indian economy in 2024. The digital economy in India is one of the largest and fastest-growing globally, driven by smartphone adoption, affordable data, and a vibrant developer ecosystem. The combined ecosystem of Google Play and Android contributed to the creation of over 35 lakh jobs in 2024. India has over 10 lakh developer jobs, with nearly 79% of Indian app developers serving overseas users. Indian developers achieved a total of 720 crore app downloads from the Play Store, including 600 crore from domestic users and 120 crore from international users.