GUI Archives

Winsage

February 10, 2026

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user download

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users, particularly on Windows. Notable applications include: 1. LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite with a customizable interface, supports MS Office formats, and is free to download. 2. Flow Launcher: A file search and application launcher that enhances efficiency, customizable, and free to use. 3. Duplicati: A zero-trust backup solution with encryption and scheduling features, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, free to install on Windows. 5. Franz: Consolidates multiple messaging platforms into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: Allows users to create custom top bars for system information and quick access controls, enhancing the user experience. 7. File Converter: Simplifies file conversion and compression within the Windows file manager, available for free. 8. Bitwarden: A password management tool with a free version and additional paid features for collaboration. 9. AutoHotKey: Automates tasks on Windows through scripting, free to install and use. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI interaction tool that prioritizes privacy, free to use on Windows.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? I found the best Linux distro to replace your Windows 10 PC

SDesk is an Arch-based Linux distribution available for free installation on an unlimited number of computers. It features a user-friendly GNOME desktop environment that resembles traditional operating systems like Windows and macOS, including a panel, menu, top bar, favorites, and desktop icons. Pre-installed applications include LibreOffice, Geary, GNOME Music, GNOME Video, Octopi, GNOME Maps, and Swirl. Users can install additional software via Octopi or Flatpak. The distribution offers a visually appealing and functional layout, with quick application launch times and a window snapping feature for enhanced productivity. However, it has some issues, such as a desktop lock-up after updates and a lack of multimedia codecs for MP3 and MP4 playback, which can be resolved by installing VLC.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

I found a 16-inch Windows laptop that’s a worthy MacBook Pro alternative (and it looks like one, too)

The Geekom X16 Pro is a lightweight 16-inch laptop priced just over ,300, weighing 2.87 pounds. It is powered by either an Intel Core U9-185H or U5-125H with Arc graphics and an integrated NPU. The laptop features a 16:10 IPS display with a 2.5K resolution, 100% sRGB coverage, a 120Hz refresh rate, and brightness levels up to 400 nits. It runs Windows 11, although the setup process is lengthy. Performance tests showed efficient handling of local AI tasks, quick downloads, and smooth operation for tasks like video playback, browsing, and running applications such as GIMP and LibreOffice. The Geekom X16 Pro offers good value for its specifications, including an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Development of a Counter-Strike 1.6 remake has been “frozen” as Valve silence leaves its future in doubt

CS: Legacy, an unofficial remake of Counter-Strike 1.6 developed by a team of veteran modders, has faced significant challenges since its announcement. The project aimed to use Valve's 2013 Source Engine but received a warning from a Valve employee regarding the use of the Counter-Strike intellectual property, leading to uncertainty about its future. Communication with Valve has been minimal, prompting the developers to freeze the project and seek one last attempt to engage with Valve while shifting their focus to a new multiplayer game in the Godot engine. The team has refunded Patreon backers and halted development, expressing frustration over the lack of response from Valve. They have made progress on their new game, which features elements reminiscent of classic Valve shooters.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

How to use the new ‘Virtual Workspaces’ settings in Windows 11 to quickly enable (or disable) virtualization features

Microsoft has added a "Virtual Workspaces" page to the Settings app in Windows 11, allowing users to manage virtualization capabilities. The latest cumulative update has refreshed the Settings app for easier navigation. To enable virtualization features, users must open Settings, click on System, select the Advanced page, and then click the Virtual Workspaces setting. Features include Containers, Guarded Host, Virtual Machine Platform, Windows Hypervisor Platform, and Windows Sandbox. Users can also activate Hyper-V features, which include Hyper-V GUI Management Tools, Hyper-V Module for Windows PowerShell, Hyper-V Hypervisor, and Hyper-V Services. To disable virtualization features, users follow the same steps and turn off the feature before restarting the device. Users can also enable or disable features via the "Windows Features" page and PowerShell.

Winsage

December 19, 2025

Automatically Remove AI Features From Windows 11

The 'Remove Windows AI' project on GitHub, developed by zoicware, aims to simplify the process of disabling AI features in Windows 11 for users who find them unwelcome. It requires a Windows 11 system running at least version 25H2 and a PowerShell script with Administrator privileges to manipulate the Windows Registry and prevent Windows Update from reversing changes. The script automates the disabling of features such as Copilot, Recall, AI Actions, and integrations within applications like Edge and Paint. A graphical user interface (GUI) is also available for easier toggling of settings. The project includes a custom package to prevent the reinstallation of removed components and provides a list for manually toggling settings that cannot be disabled automatically. Alternatives for further customization include Winaero Tweaker and Open-Shell, which offers a Windows 2000-style start menu.

Winsage

December 11, 2025

Zorin OS vs. AnduinOS: How to pick the right Windows-like Linux distro for you

Zorin OS has over one million downloads within a month of Windows 10's discontinuation, with 75% from Windows users. It features an intuitive user interface with four layouts, including two resembling Windows, and offers additional layouts in the Pro edition. Zorin OS supports modern and older hardware through the Hardware Enablement (HWE) kernel and comes pre-installed with software like LibreOffice and Evolution. It includes features such as seamless Android connectivity via Zorin Connect, lightweight design, robust security, full-disk encryption, accessibility in over 100 languages, built-in window tiling, and is available in Core, Pro, and Education versions. Zorin OS suggests Linux alternatives for Windows applications and uses the Flatpak package manager for application installation. AnduinOS closely resembles Windows 11 and is based on Ubuntu, utilizing the GNOME desktop environment. It integrates Flatpak for application installation and has fewer preinstalled applications compared to Zorin OS. AnduinOS supports HDR, is optimized for various hardware, and undergoes active development with monthly updates. It does not collect user data, ensuring privacy and a secure experience. Users can adjust the default dark theme to match the Windows 11 aesthetic.

Winsage

December 10, 2025

Zorin OS vs. AnduinOS: How to pick the right Windows-like Linux distro for you

Zorin OS has over one million downloads in just over a month, with 75% from Windows users. It offers four user interface layouts, two resembling Windows, and supports both modern and older hardware through the Hardware Enablement (HWE) kernel. Zorin OS comes preloaded with software like LibreOffice and Evolution, supports Android connectivity via Zorin Connect, features a lightweight design, includes security measures such as the Uncomplicated Firewall and AppArmor, offers full-disk encryption, is available in over 100 languages, and has built-in window tiling. It supports Windows applications by suggesting Linux alternatives and includes Flatpak for application access. AnduinOS features a single layout resembling Windows 11 and uses the GNOME desktop environment. It employs Flatpak for app installations and has fewer preinstalled applications. AnduinOS also utilizes the HWE kernel, supports HDR, and is designed for a diverse user base. It prioritizes user privacy by not collecting data or displaying ads, and it allows users to switch themes easily. Regular updates are provided with new builds released monthly.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft says AI agents are “risky”, but it’s moving ahead with the plan on Windows 11

Microsoft is integrating AI agents into Windows 11, despite acknowledging risks such as hallucinations, unpredictable behavior, and vulnerabilities to cyber threats like Cross Prompt Injection (XPIA). The company plans to transform every Windows 11 PC into an AI-powered machine by introducing features like Copilot Voice, Copilot Vision, and Copilot Actions. The Windows 11 taskbar will feature a new "Ask Copilot" interface for users to interact with AI agents. These agents will operate under separate accounts with limited permissions, controlled folder access, and tamper-evident logs, but still have access to personal folders like Documents and Downloads. The Agent Workspace is a key feature that allows AI agents to perform tasks in a controlled environment, separate from the user's session. Agents can interact with applications and execute multi-step tasks while being monitored. Microsoft employs the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to regulate agent interactions with applications, ensuring security and proper permissions. Despite concerns over privacy and security, Microsoft believes that integrating AI is essential for keeping Windows competitive. The company has faced backlash over previous features like Recall, which raised privacy issues, and must work to rebuild trust with users. The experimental AI features are currently optional, and Microsoft aims to demonstrate their value to encourage acceptance.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Minecraft Snapshot 25w46a

The latest update for the Mounts of Mayhem game drop includes several changes and enhancements: - Mobs: The Parched are immune to the Weakness effect; various horse types remain calm when controlled by other mobs; Nautiluses and Zombie Nautiluses emit a dash sound during their dash attack. - Items: Spears no longer create item interact vibrations; spawn eggs are thematically sorted in the Creative Inventory into categories such as Overworld, Nether, and The End. - UI: A new inventory UI for Nautilus and Zombie Nautilus has been introduced; the "Show Music Toast" option has been renamed to "Music Toast" with a new display state; a new splash text has been added. - Technical Changes: Data Pack version is now 93.1; Resource Pack version is updated to 74.0. - Data Pack Changes: Food properties added to specific fish bucket items; a new field for item interact vibrations has been introduced; the removal of contents from the dynamic loot pool entry has been reverted. - Resource Pack Changes: Textures for still water and lava are hardcoded; a warning will be printed for sprite name conflicts; block model format expanded for additional rotations. - Bug Fixes: Numerous bugs have been fixed, including issues with recipes, animations, hitboxes, and visual discrepancies. Snapshots are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and users are advised to back up their data before testing.