guides Archives

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: All about new (smaller) Surface PCs

This week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast features Daniel and Zac discussing Microsoft's launch of Surface PCs, including initial impressions of the new 12-inch Surface Pro and its integration into the Surface lineup. They also share insights on upcoming features for Windows 11, including an AI agent in the Settings menu and an updated Start menu.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

The End of 10 group aims to save Windows 10 PCs from landfills using Linux

Windows 10 will reach its end of support in October, prompting users to consider alternatives for their devices. Microsoft recommends transitioning to Windows 11 hardware, raising concerns about sustainability. The "End of 10" initiative encourages users to switch from Windows to Linux to extend the life of older PCs and avoid waste. The organization provides education on maintaining computers securely and offers assistance for users transitioning to Linux. Computers purchased after 2010 can continue to be used effectively with an updated Linux operating system. The initiative includes resources for installation help and has gained attention from public figures, potentially increasing interest in Linux as a long-term computing solution.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Weirdly, one of our favorite board games works even better in Minecraft

The British YouTube group, The Yogscast, has adapted the social deduction game Blood on the Clocktower within Minecraft, introducing unique characters such as the Wizard, who can transform players into sheep, and the Amnesiac, who must discover their power by finding hidden items in the game world. This adaptation features a collaborative map developed with the Lonely Yogs Discord, including detailed town buildings and houses for players. The community continues to innovate and preserve the essence of the original game through creative adaptations and shared experiences.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

The Thaumaturge, Amnesia: The Bunker, and Evil West Lead May’s Humble Choice

Humble Choice for May 2025 includes the following games: The Thaumaturge - Deluxe Edition, Amnesia: The Bunker, Evil West, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, STAR WARS: Bounty Hunter, Ultros, and Corpse Keeper. Members will also receive one month of IGN Plus. The subscription costs .99 and allows members to keep all eight games. Membership offers a 20% discount in the Humble store, and 5% of the fee supports Comic Relief USA's Red Nose Day.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

I used Sophia Script to take back control of Windows 11, and I wish I did it sooner

Sophia Script is a PowerShell module available on GitHub that simplifies the process of adjusting Windows settings through the command line interface (CLI), offering over 150 regularly updated functions. It provides GUI-based options for managing tasks like telemetry settings, scheduling tasks, and uninstalling OneDrive, allowing users to select multiple tasks at once. The setup process involves opening the main PS1 file in Notepad++, changing the directory, and executing a command from GitHub, with comprehensive instructions available. Users can customize settings by adding or replacing code with a hashtag next to the script they wish to run, and it allows changes to be applied across all user accounts. Sophia Script is particularly useful for configuring new PCs or fresh installations, as it helps remove unnecessary bloatware and streamline system performance. It can uninstall Microsoft apps, including the Windows Copilot app, and has created five scheduled tasks after running, saving time compared to traditional methods. The creator, Farag2, is also developing a GUI version, SophiApp 2.0.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft Reveals New Windows 11 Start Menu and Upcoming Copilot+ Features

Microsoft has announced upcoming features for Windows 11, including a redesigned Start Menu, enhancements to Click to Do, and improvements in Windows Search. Key features for Windows Insiders using Qualcomm-powered Copilot+ PCs include an AI Agent in Settings, new Click to Do actions for scheduling and messaging, dynamic lighting controls in Photos, a Paint sticker generator, object selection in Paint, an improved Snipping tool, and rich image descriptions in Narrator. Additional features for all Windows Insiders include a new Start Menu with a phone companion sidebar, AI actions in File Explorer, updates to Notepad, Copilot improvements, and a Microsoft Store AI Hub. Notably, Copilot+ PC experiences will not be available in all markets until later, with some features expected to arrive in the European Economic Area in 2025.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Revenge of the Savage Planet review

The game is a comedy co-op metroidvania titled "Revenge of the Savage Planet," developed and published by Raccoon Logic Studios, set to release on May 8, 2025, priced at £33. It features a whimsical gait for characters, a vibrant ecosystem, and elements of survival and exploration across four distinct planets. The game includes color-coded goo that affects gameplay, allowing for creative interactions and traps in co-op play. It shifts from a first-person to a third-person perspective and emphasizes player expression and fun over grindy mechanics. The game is designed for cooperative enjoyment rather than solitary play, although solo players will still find engaging elements.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Get A Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Minecraft Movie With This New Artbook

The Minecraft movie is performing well at the box office, and a new book titled A Minecraft Movie: From Block to Big Screen provides an overview of its production, featuring concept art and commentary from the production team. The book is 192 pages long and available on Amazon. Additionally, there is an official Minecraft Movie Coloring Book for younger fans, priced at .18. Other official Minecraft books, including The World of Minecraft, offer insights into the game's history and are available for .24. Merchandise related to the Minecraft Movie is being released, including action figures and a remote-control exploding Creeper. Fans can also preorder the Blu-ray release of the movie, which includes a Limited Edition 4K Steelbook Edition and a Walmart-exclusive Collector's Crafting Table Edition.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

How to browse your Android storage on Windows 11 without any USB cables

The latest update to Windows 11 allows Android users to wirelessly access their device's storage directly from File Explorer. To connect an Android device to Windows 11, users need to enable access in the Settings app, download the Link to Windows app if prompted, and confirm the connection using a QR code and verification code. Once connected, users can browse their Android storage through File Explorer, view storage usage, and access various folders like Cameras, Documents, and more. The recycle bin on the Android device will display deleted files for up to 30 days.

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

The 15 Hottest Android Apps You Need This May 2025

Android maintains its leading position in the mobile operating system market with a diverse ecosystem of applications. A selection of 15 notable Android apps for May 2025 includes: 1. Gesture Control: Edge Seek allows users to create customizable gestures for tasks like volume adjustments and app launches. 2. Device Mirroring: Screen Copy for Android enables users to mirror and control one Android device from another. 3. Customization: Everything Widgets offers over 100 customizable widgets, while Anting Icons provides a unified icon pack. Creative App combines widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs, and Fluffy KWGT features 3D-style widgets. 4. Cross-Device Integration: Sapphira syncs Android with Windows for messaging and file sharing, while Our Quick Share extends functionality for Mac and Linux users. 5. AI Tools: Adma is a free AI image upscaler that enhances image resolution offline. 6. Gaming and Entertainment: Swick is a platform for discovering and playing mini-games. 7. Lightweight Alternatives: Notebook is an ad-free alternative to the Facebook app with a minimalistic design. 8. Rooted Device Tools: Pixel Launcher Enhanced and Android 16 Expressive Theme provide advanced customization for rooted devices. 9. Productivity and Organization: Pixel Shot organizes screenshots, and Digipause tracks time spent on video apps. 10. Utility Tools: Curome combines over 25 features, including a QR code generator and Pomodoro timer. These apps enhance functionality, creativity, and efficiency for Android users.