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France has ditched Windows 11 for Linux on 2.5 million government PCs — here's why Microsoft should worry that millions more could follow by the end of 2026
Winsage
April 18, 2026

France has ditched Windows 11 for Linux on 2.5 million government PCs — here’s why Microsoft should worry that millions more could follow by the end of 2026

Dissatisfaction with Windows 11 is widespread, prompting the French government to transition from Windows to Linux for its computer systems, aiming for 'digital sovereignty.' French officials, including Minister David Amiel, emphasize the need to reduce reliance on American tools and regain control over digital infrastructure. The transition is mandated to be completed by fall 2026, with GendBuntu, a variant of Ubuntu, likely being adopted. Over 100,000 PCs currently run GendBuntu, and an additional 2.5 million government workstations will migrate from Windows. Other regions, such as Schleswig-Holstein in Germany and Denmark, are also moving away from Windows. Users have reported issues with Windows 11, leading to a backlash and prompting Microsoft to promise fixes. However, the effectiveness of these improvements remains uncertain, and if unresolved, users may increasingly consider alternatives like Linux or macOS. Microsoft has revamped its Windows Insider program to gather user feedback but lacks clarity on internal quality assurance improvements. The company's ability to regain user trust hinges on addressing ongoing concerns effectively.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 18, 2026

“A solid list from the community,” as Reddit users highlight 10 open‑source apps that run great on Windows 11 and deserve more attention

Open-source software is becoming increasingly popular among Windows 11 users for its control, privacy, and avoidance of subscription models. Key applications highlighted include: - Firefox: A recommended open-source browser known for its privacy, customization, and performance, with robust extension support and regular updates. - Bitwarden: An open-source password manager that offers encrypted vault syncing across devices, end-to-end encryption, and features like password generation and autofill. - OBS Studio: A standard tool for screen recording and live streaming, praised for its flexibility and hardware acceleration support on Windows 11. - LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite that provides document, spreadsheet, and presentation tools without subscription fees, supporting common Microsoft Office file formats. - 7-Zip: A file compression utility recognized for its speed and efficiency, offering enhanced security features not present in Windows 11's built-in archive support. - LocalSend: A file transfer tool that allows secure transfers over a local network without needing accounts or cloud services. - GIMP: An open-source image editing tool regarded as an alternative to Photoshop, known for its flexibility and extensive customization options. - Blender: An advanced open-source application for 3D modeling, animation, and video editing, benefiting from strong GPU acceleration on Windows 11. - PowerToys: A suite of productivity utilities for Windows 11 that enhances core features with tools like FancyZones and PowerRename. These applications are favored for their ability to enhance the user experience while prioritizing control, transparency, and long-term usability.
Microsoft is reportedly giving you a ton of Start menu customization options
Winsage
April 18, 2026

Microsoft is reportedly giving you a ton of Start menu customization options

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 Start menu by introducing customization options that allow users to select between a larger or smaller layout. Users will also be able to edit or remove sections within the Start menu, such as the Recommended section. Additionally, Microsoft aims to improve the responsiveness of the Start menu for better performance during multitasking. There is no official timeline for the rollout of these features.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 17, 2026

Microsoft plans major Start menu upgrades for Windows 11 with better customization and performance: Users will soon be able to resize it and toggle off entire areas of Start

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 Start menu to provide users with greater control over its appearance and functionality through the forthcoming WinUI 3 Start menu. The redesigned Start menu will retain a familiar look while introducing advanced customization features, allowing users to toggle sections on or off and choose between small or large layouts. These updates are part of a broader initiative, codenamed Windows K2, aimed at improving the Windows ecosystem by focusing on user experience and stability.
Windows 11's mandatory update is pushing users to Microsoft Edge
Winsage
April 17, 2026

Windows 11’s mandatory update is pushing users to Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has programmed its Edge browser to automatically launch after a Windows 11 update, displaying a page that informs users their update is complete and prompts them to explore new features. This page lacks a close button, directing users to click a blue "Next" button to proceed. The features highlighted include the reinstatement of the taskbar clock, the ability to pin Emojis to the taskbar, Copilot's document summarization, the Snipping Tool's Quick markup, and AI actions in File Explorer's context menu. Users can provide feedback via like and dislike buttons, but these do not close the page. Windows 11 also includes pre-installed Get Started and Get Help apps that could showcase features instead of redirecting users to Edge. Edge, built on the Chromium engine, supports all extensions from that platform and includes features like AI tab organizer, Vertical Tabs, and Immersive Reader.
Meta announces date for 2026 Conversations event
AppWizard
April 17, 2026

Meta announces date for 2026 Conversations event

Meta will host its 2026 Conversations messaging conference on June 3 in London, focusing on innovations for WhatsApp, Messenger, and IG Direct. The event will feature Meta executives discussing the future of messaging for businesses and the integration of AI tools. It will be live-streamed for global accessibility. This year's keynote will highlight innovations in business messaging, AI agents, and the potential for custom chatbots. Meta plans to invest over billion in AI infrastructure over the next three years. Messaging has become a key focus for Meta, with increased usage of private messaging and tools to enhance business interactions. The adoption of Click-to-Message ads is rising, and the conference will provide insights into the latest trends and tools in messaging.
The Best Mobile Games on Google Play Are Becoming Harder to Put in One Box
BetaBeacon
April 17, 2026

The Best Mobile Games on Google Play Are Becoming Harder to Put in One Box

Developers in the mobile gaming industry are now comfortable borrowing elements from various genres, resulting in games that are harder to define by a single genre. The best mobile games cater to different levels of commitment simultaneously, offering a surface loop for beginners and deeper systems for serious players. Mobile games now borrow structure from various sources, including console design, tabletop mechanics, and social media behavior. The diversity in mobile gaming has increased, with games offering a variety of tones and tempos within genres. The best mobile games are less predictable and offer a combination of different elements, making the platform more expansive and appealing to a wider audience.
More than half of PC gaming revenue comes from games outside the top 20, according to analysts
AppWizard
April 17, 2026

More than half of PC gaming revenue comes from games outside the top 20, according to analysts

Every year, a significant portion of players' engagement on consoles remains concentrated within the top 20 games, primarily in genres like sports, shooters, and sandbox experiences. According to Newzoo's PC & Console Gaming Report 2026, over half of the total revenue from PC gaming now comes from titles outside the top 20, with playtime for these games increasing by 44%, while engagement with the top 20 has plateaued. The PC ecosystem supports long-term interest in diverse titles, exemplified by games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Skyrim, which thrive years after release due to ongoing sales and community modifications. Survival games and action RPGs benefit from substantial content updates that attract new players. In contrast, PlayStation users tend to revisit classic first-party exclusives, while Xbox games not in the Game Pass library struggle for attention, with new free-to-play offerings accounting for less than 1% of overall playtime. The PC platform allows games to generate sales long after leaving bestseller lists, leading to frequent discounts on platforms like Steam to maintain sales momentum.
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