installer Archives

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC isn’t dead yet – this OS from Google can revive it

On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of life, affecting users with older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. ChromeOS Flex is a free operating system by Google designed to modernize older Windows PCs and Macs, offering a fast and secure alternative built on Chromium OS. It does not support standalone Windows applications but allows access to Microsoft 365 and other SaaS applications via web portals. ChromeOS Flex focuses on security with features like automatic updates and data encryption, and it has never experienced a reported ransomware attack. The minimum system requirements include an Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and the ability to boot from a USB drive. To install ChromeOS Flex, users must back up their files, create a USB installation drive using the Chromebook Recovery Utility, and boot from the USB drive to test compatibility before proceeding with a full installation.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Get HyperOS 2 Android 16 Beta 2 apps today on any Xiaomi device

Xiaomi has released system apps from the HyperOS 2 Beta 16 Android build, allowing users to enhance their devices without flashing the entire beta ROM. The updated applications include: Productivity Apps: - Note (v1.2.6.8) - Premium note-taking features. - Calculator (v15.3.4) - Smarter calculation functions. - Calendar (v16.0.20.10) - Improved scheduling and reminders. - File Explorer (v7.0.4.7) - Efficient file management. Media & Entertainment: - Browser (v19.1.90312) - Enhanced web surfing speed and protection. - Media Editor (v1.8.10.16) - Advanced photo and video editing capabilities. - Gallery (v25100112) - AI photo organization. - Screen Recorder (v2.14.2.4.1) - Smooth screen recording. System Utilities: - Theme Store (v18.0) - Access to new themes for HyperOS 2. - System Updater (v8.8.9) - Improved update process. - Weather (v16.0.5.8) - More accurate forecasting. - Mirror (v17.00.01) - Low-latency screen casting. - Sound Recorder (v6.2.5) - High-quality recordings with noise reduction. - Mi Share (v3.7.1) - Quicker file sharing between devices. - Quick Search (v10.12.1.03137) - Enhanced search functionality. - Always-on Display (RELEASE-2228.3.0.0) - New designs for the feature. - Security Center (v10.7.3-250325.0.1) - Strengthened device protection. - Mi Wallpaper (v4.4.4.1-ALPHA) - Dynamic wallpapers. - MIUI Home Launcher (RELEASE-5.39.31.10941) - Refined home screen experience. - Package Installer (v5.3.3.0.0) - Safer app installation process. To install these apps, users must download the APKs, enable "Install from Unknown Sources," install each APK individually, and restart the device. Each application has been optimized for performance with reasonable file sizes.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft fixes actively exploited Windows CLFS zero-day (CVE-2025-29824)

April 2025 Patch Tuesday introduced fixes for over 120 vulnerabilities, including a critical zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-29824) that is actively exploited. CVE-2025-29824 is a user-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS), allowing privilege escalation to SYSTEM on compromised Windows machines. Microsoft has patched 32 CLFS vulnerabilities since 2022, with six exploited in the wild. Updates for Windows 10 are not yet available. Other notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-26663 and CVE-2025-26670, both unauthenticated user-after-free vulnerabilities in Windows LDAP, and CVE-2025-27480 and CVE-2025-27482 in Windows Remote Desktop Services. None of these vulnerabilities have been patched for Windows 10 systems, but updates are forthcoming. Microsoft reversed its decision to discontinue driver update synchronization to WSUS servers, confirming that WSUS will continue to synchronize driver updates.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Google’s Play Store Warning—Do Not Update This Setting

A sophisticated trojan named TsarBot is targeting over 750 legitimate banking and shopping applications on Android devices. It overlays a counterfeit login screen on real apps to capture user credentials. TsarBot is believed to have Russian origins and can remotely control the device's screen, simulating user interactions and capturing device lock credentials through a deceptive lock screen. The trojan is typically installed from phishing websites, where a dropper application delivers the TsarBot APK file. Once installed, it disguises itself as the Google Play Services app and urges users to enable Accessibility services. Users are advised to avoid installing apps from outside the Google Play Store, ensure Play Protect is enabled, and only enable Accessibility Services when necessary to mitigate risks.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Microsoft Office apps will soon preload on Windows boot for faster launch

Microsoft has introduced a feature called Startup Boost for its Office applications on Windows, aimed at reducing launch times. This feature preloads essential components of apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint into memory upon Windows startup, keeping them in a paused state until needed. Startup Boost requires a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 5GB of free disk space to function effectively and will disable itself in Energy Saver mode. Users can disable Startup Boost through Office settings, but it will be automatically reactivated with the next Office update. The rollout is expected to begin in mid-May, starting with Word, followed by other Office apps.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

How to restore a more classic Start menu to Windows 11

The Open-Shell-Menu utility allows users to restore the classic Start menu in Windows 11, reminiscent of Windows 7. It is lightweight and free to use, but may trigger browser warnings during installation. To install, users can run the command winget install --id Open-Shell.Open-Shell-Menu in an elevated Command Prompt. After installation, users can configure the Start menu by accessing Open-Shell Menu Settings, where they can choose from different styles, including Classic, Classic with two columns, and Windows 7 style. Users can also customize the Start button and select a skin, with the Windows Aero option recommended for a cohesive desktop experience. The utility includes features for modifying the Start menu items and reintroduces the classic bar for File Explorer. Users can disable the Classic Explorer Bar if desired.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Microsoft: New Windows scheduled task will launch Office apps faster

Microsoft is launching a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office applications, scheduled for rollout in mid-May. This feature aims to improve loading times by introducing a background task that activates upon user logon, integrated into the Windows Task Scheduler. Users will see new tasks labeled Office Startup Boost and Office Startup Boost Logon in their task scheduler. The feature requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk space and will deactivate when Energy Saver mode is activated. Users can disable Startup Boost through the Office app settings, but it will reactivate with each new Office update. Additionally, Microsoft is testing ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Google Chrome downloads ‘can’t run’ on Windows due to broken installer issue

A glitch is affecting the installation of Google Chrome on Windows devices, causing users to encounter a pop-up message stating, "This app can’t run on your PC." This issue is prevalent among Windows 10 and 11 users attempting to install from Google's official website. The problem arises because Google has mistakenly uploaded the Arm version of the Chrome installer instead of the x86 version. The download page typically selects the appropriate version based on the user's machine, but this error has led to disruptions. Users on Arm machines can install without issues, while others face difficulties. The standalone installer remains unaffected, offering a potential workaround.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Chrome failed to install on Windows PCs, but Google has issued a fix

Several Reddit users have reported difficulties installing Google Chrome on Windows PCs, a problem also experienced by the Laptop Mag team on multiple Windows 11 laptops. Users noted that the direct download from Google was problematic, while a workaround using the installer from ninite.com was successful. Issues were reported on both Windows 10 and 11, with speculation about a glitch in the latest installer release. Google acknowledged the issue and confirmed a fix had been implemented, allowing successful installations afterward. A step-by-step guide for resolving the installation hurdle was provided, recommending the use of an offline installer named “ChromeStandAloneSetup64.”

Winsage

March 26, 2025

An open-source Windows alternative you’ve probably never heard of just got updated

ReactOS 0.4.15 is the largest release to date, focusing on compatibility, bug fixes, and improved system stability. It introduces new features such as registry mechanisms, enhanced security, and improvements to system tools. The release supports 64-bit x86 architecture and includes significant updates to the Plug and Play Manager, audio enhancements, and better memory management. Users can now boot from USB devices and utilize more third-party drivers. The update also features quality-of-life improvements in tools like Notepad and Paint, and a new visual style. Future upgrades are promised, including power management and UEFI support. ReactOS 0.4.15 is available for download, but it remains in alpha status.