File Compression Archives

Winsage

October 1, 2025

File Explorer’s best features available in 2025 on Windows 11 version 25H2 and 24H2

In 2025, Microsoft is enhancing File Explorer on Windows 11 with AI features and improved usability. Key updates include: - Microsoft 365 Files: New "Activity" column and "Recommended" section display people icons for users with Microsoft Entra ID accounts. - Windows Share Experience: Users can pin favorite apps in the "Share using" section, generate preview thumbnails when sharing links, and adjust image compression settings. Basic image editing tools for cropping, rotating, and applying filters are now available before sharing. A new flyout suggests apps for quick sharing when dragging files. - File Explorer Address Bar: A file backup reminder can be snoozed or disabled if not already backing up files via OneDrive. - AI Integration: An "AI Actions" menu in the context menu offers features like Bing Visual Search, background blurring, object erasure, and background removal. Microsoft 365 subscribers can summarize files stored in OneDrive and SharePoint. - Performance Improvements: Faster archive extraction for large files and improved loading times for folders with extensive media collections and cloud files. Overall, these enhancements aim to refine and elevate the user experience in file management.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

5 “just-enough” open-source apps I install on every fresh Windows setup

A fresh installation of Windows provides a clean slate, but soon requires essential tools for tasks like file extraction, text editing, audio recording, and screen capturing. The following open-source tools are recommended: - 7-Zip: A lightweight file compression tool that supports various formats (.zip, .rar, .tar, .7z, .iso) and integrates into the right-click context menu. It is free and maintained by a community. - OBS Studio: An open-source software for gamers and content creators that excels in livestreaming and game recording, featuring customizable recording parameters and a replay buffer. - Audacity: A long-standing open-source audio editing software that is lightweight yet feature-rich, ideal for straightforward audio editing tasks and supports built-in effects and plugins. - Notepad++: An enhanced text editor that supports multiple programming languages and syntax highlighting, making it suitable for editing configuration files, with lightweight nature and plugin support. - ShareX: An open-source screenshot tool that offers advanced features and customizable workflows, improving upon the Snipping Tool for seamless screenshot management. The author values these tools for being free, open-source, and reliable, often preferring them over proprietary software.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft’s ReFS file system resurfaces in latest Windows 11 build

Microsoft's Resilient File System (ReFS) was introduced in 2012 with Windows Server 2012 and has been relatively obscure compared to NTFS. It has recently emerged as an optional feature in a preview build of Windows 11 (Build 27823), allowing users to format partitions with a "Flexible Storage" option, offering a choice between NTFS and ReFS. ReFS is designed for larger storage capacities, can format partitions up to 35 petabytes, and supports single files as large as the entire volume. It includes advanced features like block cloning and file-level snapshots but lacks support for certain NTFS functionalities such as bootable volumes and file compression. Currently, ReFS is primarily aimed at enterprise and server environments, but its inclusion in Windows 11 may indicate plans for broader consumer access. The open-source community is developing unofficial documentation for ReFS, and Paragon Software has created a closed-source ReFS driver.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

7 forgotten Windows apps that somehow still exist

WinAmp, foobar2000, and RealPlayer were once essential media players but have seen a decline in popularity due to improvements in Windows Media Player and the rise of streaming services. Foobar2000 and RealPlayer still appeal to a niche audience. Napster, originally a peer-to-peer file sharing service, has transformed into a legitimate music streaming service after facing legal challenges. TeamSpeak, once favored in the gaming community for voice chat, has been overshadowed by Discord but remains operational with ongoing updates. Netscape Navigator was a leading web browser that declined with the rise of Internet Explorer and was discontinued in 2008, but has been reintroduced as a Chromium-based browser by AOL. WordPerfect was a dominant word processing software in the late 80s and early 90s but lost market share to Microsoft Word; it continues to exist as an office suite. WinZip, once the preferred file compression tool, has seen its relevance decline due to native ZIP support in Windows and free alternatives like 7-Zip; it is now owned by Corel. WindowBlinds, a customization tool for Windows, has been updated for Windows 11 but lacks the popularity it once had, reflecting a trend towards less customizable operating systems.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft is adding image editing and compression to its Windows Share feature – and I couldn’t be happier

Microsoft has released a beta update for Windows 11 version 23H2 that enhances image editing and sharing capabilities. This update allows users to edit and compress images directly within the Windows Share interface, enabling cropping, adjusting, and filtering without the Snipping Tool. The feature is currently available in the beta version, but its future in subsequent updates is uncertain. This development aids users in managing file sizes when sharing larger images and may reduce reliance on third-party compression tools. Users have expressed satisfaction with the stability of version 23H2 compared to version 24H2.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

Free Alternatives to Paid Windows Software

Windows operating systems often require third-party software for specialized tasks, with free alternatives available to replace paid options. 1. BleachBit is used for system cleaning as a free substitute for CCleaner Pro, effectively enhancing PC performance by removing unnecessary data without tampering with the Windows Registry. 2. Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller) is a free tool for uninstalling programs and bloatware, scanning for leftover files and simplifying the cleanup process with filtering options and color-coded listings. 3. Google Docs is preferred over Microsoft 365 for its user-friendly nature and free 15 GB storage per Gmail account, while LibreOffice is recommended as an alternative for standalone applications. 4. GIMP serves as a free substitute for Adobe Photoshop, offering essential graphic design tools without being resource-intensive. 5. Kdenlive is a free video editor that meets basic video editing needs and is compatible with lower-end PCs, providing a comprehensive suite of features and regular updates. 6. Audacity is used for audio editing, capable of handling both basic and professional tasks, with tools for noise elimination and vocal enhancement. 7. 7-Zip is a lightweight file compression and archiving tool that offers superior compression capabilities and password protection, operating unobtrusively in the background.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

7 alternatives to built-in Windows tools that will blow you away

- Process Lasso is a powerful alternative to Task Manager, offering features like dynamic CPU adjustments and SmartTrim memory management. - Notepad++ is a text editor that supports multiple programming languages, syntax highlighting, and includes macros and plugins. - 7-Zip is a file compression tool that handles various formats and allows users to split, merge, and encrypt files. - Everything is a search tool that quickly finds files and folders, scanning both names and document contents. - Audacity is a multitrack digital audio workstation for recording audio, supporting various formats and real-time effects. - Flow Launcher allows users to launch files, folders, applications, and websites without using the Start menu. - VLC Media Player plays a wide range of audio and video file formats and offers features like file conversion and live stream recording.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Free Guide – How to Edit a PDF File on Windows 10

Editing PDF files on Windows 10 is often necessary for correcting errors, filling out forms, adding comments, or updating information. Various free PDF editors are available online, including Tenorshare PDNob, which offers a free month of premium features. To edit a PDF using Microsoft Word, open the program, select the PDF file, and make edits after it converts to an editable format. Adobe Acrobat allows for professional editing but requires a subscription for advanced features. Tenorshare PDNob provides a free solution with features like text editing, file conversion, compression, watermark removal, image extraction, and secure editing. Windows 10 does not include a built-in PDF editor, but it has Microsoft Edge for basic viewing and annotations. Editing a PDF file is possible with tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or dedicated editors like Tenorshare PDNob.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

The Windows File Explorer isn’t good enough — 5 file managers for power users

The native File Explorer in Windows 11 is perceived by users as lacking in speed and functionality, prompting interest in alternative file management applications. Notable alternatives include: - Files app: Features a modern design with Mica and Acrylic materials, dual-pane view for file transfers, and a compact overlay mode. - Total Commander: Offers a dual-pane view by default, customizable interface, FTP support, and file compression capabilities. - FreeCommander XE: Combines a dual-pane interface with enhanced readability, customizable menus, and additional tools for screenshots and file compression. - OneCommander: Balances modern design with functionality, featuring a dual-pane view, preview pane, color-coded file labels, and batch processing capabilities. - Directory Opus: Highly regarded for its efficiency, dual-pane layout, navigation tree, and extensive features including image conversion and customizable themes. These applications can potentially replace File Explorer and serve as default file managers, enhancing user productivity and file management experiences.

Winsage

November 24, 2024

This popular Windows utility for ZIP files has a dangerous vulnerability

A significant security vulnerability has been identified in early versions of the file compression software 7-Zip, with a severity score of 7.8 out of 10. The flaw affects all versions prior to 24.07, allowing potential attackers to execute arbitrary code on a victim's machine. The issue was discovered by Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative, with researcher Nicholas Zubrisky identifying it in June. Users are advised to update to the latest version to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.