file types Archives

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Microsoft quietly updated Windows 10 — here’s what’s new in 2025

Microsoft has continued to enhance Windows 10 with cumulative updates since the release of version 22H2 in October 2022. Notable updates include: 1. A redesigned "About" page in the Settings app that displays key technical specifications and includes a FAQ section. 2. Introduction of a System Components page that consolidates essential OS components. 3. Relocation of the Optional features page for better accessibility. 4. A new Manage devices feature that enhances connectivity with mobile devices. 5. Updates to the Taskbar Calendar, including the display of seconds and expanded calendar views. 6. Enhancements to the Windows Backup app that allow file transfer to a new PC during setup. 7. Updates to the File Explorer context menu, including an Ask Copilot option. 8. Redesign of icons on the Settings home page to feature solid colors. 9. Improvements to Windows Search for European users, allowing changes to the default web search provider. 10. Changes to the default browser configuration process for European users, allowing broader link types and the option to uninstall Microsoft Edge. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with an option for users to enroll in the Extended Security Update program until October 2026.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Copilot on Windows: Semantic Search and new home begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft has rolled out an update for the Copilot app on Windows, introducing several new features. The update includes a semantic file search feature that allows users to find files using natural language queries, such as "find images of bridges at sunset" or "find my CV." This feature is available on Copilot+ PCs and ensures user privacy by allowing management of permissions. The update also introduces a new Copilot home experience that consolidates recent apps, files, and conversations for easy access. Users can receive guided assistance by clicking on recent applications and can upload documents or photos into the Copilot chat for summarization and discussion. Copilot references the standard Windows "Recent" folder to display recently accessed files, ensuring privacy by not scanning the entire system. The Vision feature allows users to receive real-time guidance based on screen content or attached files. The update is being gradually rolled out (version 1.25082.132.0 and higher) across all Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store, and users are encouraged to provide feedback within the app. The app works with specific text, image, and document formats and is optimized for select languages. Supported file types for upload include .png, .jpeg, .svg, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx, .csv, .json, and .txt.

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

Android will soon become better at backing up your data

The latest beta version of Google Play Services (version 26.32.31 beta) indicates that Google may soon introduce a feature allowing users to select additional folders for backup, including the "Downloads" folder. Currently, automatic online backups do not include certain data, such as encrypted data from applications. The source code suggests that users may soon be able to back up specific directories, with a reference to "documents" indicating potential selective backups based on file types.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Windows 11’s top File Explorer alternative just scored a huge win for power users

The Files app on Windows 11 has been updated to version 3.9.14, introducing a new Signatures page in the properties window for viewing digital signatures associated with files. This feature was previously only available in File Explorer. The update also includes enhanced customization options, such as a Dual Pane setting and improved terminology for the "Add pane" action, now called "Split pane." Users can resize columns in the Column View layout and a header displaying the current search query will now appear during searches. Version 3.9.14 is currently in preview mode, and users on the stable version need to download the Files Preview app to access these new features.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

These are 5 of my favorite gallery apps, but one stands out from the rest

Focus Go is a lightweight gallery app that emphasizes simplicity and elegance, allowing users to organize photos by folder and offering features like fingerprint security and brightness adjustment. Aves Gallery provides tools for managing photos and videos, including metadata editing and user habit statistics, along with swift search capabilities. Piktures integrates with cloud services and USB drives, features a Secret Space for secure image storage, and has a visually appealing interface. Google Gallery is a simple app compatible with older Android versions, designed for easy navigation of photo collections. Fossify Gallery is an open-source app with customizable settings, suitable for users with large photo libraries, allowing for adjustments in display preferences.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

New Windows 11 update delivers a host of new features and fixes – here are 4 things I’m looking forward to

Windows 11's July update includes several new features and fixes, particularly benefiting gamers by resolving issues with mouse cursor behavior when Alt-Tabbing and addressing app freezes and display resets during full-screen gameplay. The update automatically resizes taskbar icons to fit more applications, with an option to disable this feature. Accessibility improvements include the ability to add custom words to the Voice Access dictionary and a new privacy feature for the Narrator tool that blackens the display while reading aloud. For European users, the update allows the chosen default browser to be linked to all file types, reducing unexpected launches of Microsoft Edge. Additionally, a new PC-to-PC migration feature is being introduced in the Windows Backup app to facilitate file and installation transfers over a shared network, with a full rollout expected before the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 10 KB5062554 cumulative update released with 13 changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5062554 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2, which includes thirteen new fixes and enhancements. This mandatory update addresses one critical zero-day vulnerability and 136 other flaws, and users can install it by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings. After installation, Windows 10 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.6093 and Windows 10 21H2 to build 19044.6093. The update features various fixes, including issues with the Start Menu, file server responsiveness, and USB-connected printers. A known issue with the update is that NOTO fonts may appear blurry at 96 DPI, particularly affecting CJK text in Chromium-based browsers, with a suggested workaround of adjusting display scaling to 125% or 150%.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2025

XWorm RAT Deploys New Stagers and Loaders to Bypass Defenses

The XWorm Remote Access Trojan (RAT) has evolved its attack strategies by incorporating advanced stagers and loaders to evade detection. It is known for its capabilities, including keylogging, remote desktop access, data exfiltration, and command execution, and is particularly targeted at the software supply chain and gaming sectors. Recent campaigns have paired XWorm with AsyncRAT for initial access before deploying ransomware using the leaked LockBit Black builder. XWorm utilizes various file formats and scripting languages for payload delivery, often through phishing campaigns with deceptive lures like invoices and shipping notifications. It employs obfuscation techniques, including Base64 encoding and AES encryption, and manipulates Windows security features to avoid detection. Persistence mechanisms such as registry run keys and scheduled tasks ensure sustained access. XWorm conducts system reconnaissance, queries for antivirus software, and attempts to disable Microsoft Defender. It can propagate via removable media and execute commands from command-and-control servers. The Splunk Threat Research Team has developed detections for suspicious activities related to XWorm infections. Indicators of compromise include various file hashes for different scripts and loaders associated with XWorm.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: redesigned Windows 11 Start menu, Xbox handheld is here, and more

Microsoft has released Patch Tuesday updates for June 2025, with Windows 10 receiving KB5060533 and Windows 11 receiving KB5060842 and KB5060999. The Windows Insider Program has unveiled several new builds, including a redesigned Start menu in build 26200.5641 and various enhancements in other builds. Microsoft has introduced Copilot Vision with Highlights for Windows, currently available in the U.S. for two applications. A quirky bug in the latest builds causes Windows 11 to play the Windows Vista startup sound. Microsoft Edge received an update in the Dev Channel, while Firefox rolled out version 139.0.4. Microsoft announced enhancements to Outlook and OneDrive for Mac. New Xbox handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, were unveiled, optimized for gaming. Steam's Next Fest allows free trials of hundreds of games until June 16, 2025, and the Epic Games Store is offering Two Point Hospital for free.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

LibreOffice backs campaign to help users move from Windows 10 to Linux – and ditch Office, too

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternatives like Linux. The End of 10 initiative aims to guide users toward affordable options, particularly Linux and LibreOffice, as many existing Windows 10 devices may not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements. The transition to Windows 11 may also lead to increased costs and reduced user autonomy due to its cloud-centric design. LibreOffice, an open-source productivity suite, offers essential tools without licensing fees and promotes open standards, though compatibility with Microsoft Office documents may vary. The Document Foundation suggests three steps for transitioning to Linux and LibreOffice: testing the new platform, assessing software compatibility, and providing training for users.