Enhanced Functionality Archives

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Windows 10 will die this fall — here’s how to survive

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, but users will not lose access to their systems immediately. Microsoft is launching an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to receive critical security updates until October 13, 2026, for a fee. Individual users can also access these updates for free by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or by backing up their data using the Windows Backup app and storing it on OneDrive. To upgrade to Windows 11, users should check their PC's compatibility with the PC Health Check app and back up their files before proceeding with the upgrade through the Windows Update app. If a PC does not meet the upgrade requirements, users may need to consider purchasing a new device.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

5 Windows PowerShell commands every power user should know

Microsoft has transitioned from the traditional command prompt to Windows PowerShell, a command-line interface tool designed for scripting and task automation. Key commands in PowerShell include: 1. Get-Process: Retrieves information about processes running on a local computer or a remote server, including process names, IDs, CPU usage, and memory consumption. Example usage includes filtering processes by memory usage or specific applications. 2. Get-Command: Lists all available commands within PowerShell, including cmdlets, functions, aliases, and scripts. It helps users discover commands for specific tasks. 3. Set-ExecutionPolicy: Configures the PowerShell script execution policy, determining whether scripts can run and under what conditions. It allows power users to adjust policies for executing custom scripts. 4. Get-EventLog: Accesses detailed system logs for troubleshooting errors or auditing system activity, including warnings and security breaches. It can filter logs based on criteria like log name and entry type. 5. Where-Object: Filters objects in a pipeline based on specified conditions, allowing users to narrow down results for analysis, reporting, and automation. It can be combined with other commands for enhanced functionality.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

The alternate history of Android

July 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Google’s acquisition of Android, Inc., which initially focused on developing an operating system for digital cameras. Android has evolved into a versatile operating system, known for its open-source nature that allows users to download, modify, and reinstall code. This flexibility has led to a vibrant community of developers, such as Steve Kondik, who created the CyanogenMod custom Android ROM. Around 2010, many Android users faced frustrations due to carrier restrictions that limited device customization and control. Despite these challenges, a culture of rooting and custom ROM development emerged, allowing users to unlock their devices and enhance functionality. The motivations for modifying devices stemmed from a desire for better performance and user experience, particularly in overcoming issues like bloatware. For example, the Motorola Atrix had impressive hardware but was limited by carrier restrictions, prompting the community to create a custom Android 4.4 ROM that improved its functionality. The evolution of Android has involved collaboration among manufacturers, Google, and a passionate user community dedicated to innovation and customization.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

You can now lock your Windows machine via an Android phone app you may already have

Users can now lock their PCs remotely through the Link to Windows app on Android, enhancing security by allowing users to secure their device with a "Lock PC" button. This feature disables the Phone Link functionality while the computer is locked. To use this feature, users must have Link to Windows version 1.25071.165 or later installed.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

Microsoft wants to fix “slow or sluggish” performance in Windows 11

The forthcoming 25H2 update for Windows 11 aims to address performance issues reported by users since the operating system's launch in October 2021, particularly concerning hybrid CPUs during gaming and overall sluggishness compared to Windows 10. Microsoft is actively seeking user feedback to identify and resolve these issues, utilizing a new test build that automatically collects performance logs from Windows Insiders. In 2023, Microsoft has implemented several performance enhancements, including increased speed for the Taskbar and notifications area, improved functionality of the quick settings panel, and reduced performance impact from startup applications. The previous 24H2 update also improved performance on older hardware. Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance Windows drivers with new requirements for developers, including mandating static analysis for driver certification to identify potential issues before deployment.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant can now optionally see your entire desktop—maybe it will be able to finally explain what Windows error code 0x8007002c means

Microsoft's Copilot Vision AI assistant now allows users to opt-in to share their entire desktop within Windows 11, currently available only in preview builds and not rolled out through Windows Update. This feature enables users to share their desktop, specific browser windows, or app interfaces with Copilot, which can then observe and engage in real-time conversations, providing analysis and guidance. The feature is part of Windows 11 build 1.25071.125 and is limited to users in the U.S. where Windows Vision is enabled. It is primarily targeted at Windows enthusiasts and developers in the Windows Insider program.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Microsoft just gave the Windows 11 Notepad app a controversial feature that people are either loving or hating

Windows 11's Notepad app has received an update that introduces new formatting capabilities, making it more similar to the retired WordPad. Users are receiving this update through the Microsoft Store for the stable version of Windows 11. Reactions to the update are mixed; some users appreciate the enhancements, while others feel that Notepad is becoming bloated with unnecessary features. Microsoft has included a toggle feature that allows users to disable the new formatting options, enabling them to revert to the traditional Notepad experience.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

5 apps I recommend to every savvy investor

Rita El Khoury recommends several investment apps based on her extensive experience in finance: - Koyfin: Her favorite for comprehensive market data, including financial records and analyst projections. It is user-friendly and free, with a subscription for additional features. - Yahoo Finance: A widely used app known for its extensive financial data and robust news section, crucial for timely market reactions. It offers a free version and an ad-free premium plan. - TradingView: Best for technical analysis, featuring superior charting capabilities and a community for sharing insights. While Rita focuses on a buy-and-hold strategy, it is valuable for active traders. - Investing.com: Covers a wide range of assets and includes features like watchlists, fundamental data, and alert notifications. It offers a free version and a premium option. - MarketWatch: Provides timely news and analysis, particularly on earnings announcements. It combines news, financial data, and charting but is less robust than Koyfin. It is free, with a premium subscription for more articles. Rita has also tried other services like FinViz and TIKR but found them limited due to the lack of dedicated mobile apps.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

macOS 26 Tahoe fixes a major pet peeve of Google Chrome users

macOS Tahoe introduces a feature that automatically fills SMS verification codes in Google Chrome, similar to a capability already available in Safari. This enhancement aims to simplify the process for users who frequently access multiple online accounts, reducing the time spent on entering verification codes. macOS 26 Tahoe was unveiled during WWDC25, with the developer beta now available, a public beta launching in July, and an official release planned for the fall.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Nintendo Switch Parental Control app gets a huge update ahead of a Switch 2 summer

Nintendo has released an updated version of its Parental Control app, available on the Play Store, featuring a redesigned interface and enhanced functionality. The app now includes comprehensive parental controls for GameChat, allowing parents to manage their children's communication and video chat interactions. Parents can also extend gaming sessions on the Switch or Switch 2 by increments of five, fifteen, or thirty minutes, or disable time limits entirely. The update introduces GameChat on the Switch 2, featuring a "C" button for initiating chats and a camera accessory for enhanced virtual interactions. Additionally, Nintendo is addressing potential emulation issues on Android devices with a planned "Game Key Card."