Microsoft Apps Archives

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.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Microsoft’s overlooked Android launcher showed me everything Pixel Launcher is missing

Microsoft Launcher is an Android launcher developed by Microsoft, offering extensive customization options that surpass those of the default Pixel Launcher. It features up to ten customizable gesture options for enhanced usability, particularly for one-handed operation. The launcher includes a component called Your feed, which consists of Glance and News; Glance allows users to curate a personalized experience with scrollable cards from Microsoft apps, while the News section serves as a shortcut to MSN News but is criticized for excessive ads. Users can customize the home screen layout by removing or rearranging default widgets, and the app drawer has a spacious 5×8 grid layout with an alphabetical jump list. However, users may experience occasional animation glitches typical of third-party launchers on Pixel devices. Overall, Microsoft Launcher is considered a superior option for Pixel users seeking more features and customization.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Windows Photos adds fancy editing features from other Microsoft apps

Microsoft is updating its Windows Photos app with features from its Designer application in version 2025.11030.20006.0. The app will include AI-powered editing tools, such as image touch-ups, background removal, and photo upscaling, particularly for users with Copilot+ PCs that have a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). A new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature will enable users to import documents and extract text from images, similar to Office Lens. The integration of Designer's creative elements will allow users to create designs using existing images for greeting cards and other layouts. Users will be able to access the "Create with Designer" feature by right-clicking on photos in File Explorer. Additionally, the app will automatically display photos from subfolders in Gallery mode and will support JPEG XL (JXL) file formats.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

5 open source tools to replace Microsoft apps on Windows

Windows users can find open-source alternatives to Microsoft's applications, which can help avoid subscription fees. 1. Thunderbird: A free, open-source email client from the Mozilla Foundation, it offers features like multiple account support, a unified inbox, advanced filtering, and calendar integration. The latest version, 128, includes a modernized interface called Nebula UI and is available on Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android. 2. Nextcloud: An open-source platform for personal cloud storage and collaboration, allowing users to host their files on personal servers. It offers file storage, syncing, and sharing, but lacks advanced chat or video conferencing features. 3. Joplin: An open-source note-taking application similar to OneNote, supporting multiple themes, Markdown formatting, and tagging. It features end-to-end encryption and a web clipper for Chrome and Edge, though its user interface may feel outdated. 4. Kdenlive: An open-source video editor that supports multi-track editing, various effects, and advanced tools like chroma keying and audio mixing. It is free to use and compatible with many video and audio formats. 5. LibreOffice: A free office suite that includes applications comparable to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It allows users to open, edit, and save Microsoft Office formats, although it lacks mobile versions and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux desktops.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

This Linux distro is so Windows-like, it even comes with Microsoft apps

Linux allows for extensive customization of desktop environments. Wubuntu is a Linux distribution that mimics the look and functionality of Windows 11, featuring elements like Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot, and the Edge browser, while avoiding intrusive advertisements. It is built on Ubuntu and uses the KDE Plasma desktop, providing a familiar interface for Windows users. Upon first login, Wubuntu presents a Settings window for theme selection and includes a weather app, sidebar, comprehensive menu, run command launcher, favorites, system tray, and Copilot. It also offers tools such as Microsoft PowerShell and quick access to Office 365 applications, with OnlyOffice Desktop Editors available for local document management. Wubuntu supports interaction with Android devices, Active Directory, and comes pre-installed with applications like Google Chrome, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Steam, Thunderbird, VLC media player, Webcamoid, Wine/Winetricks, and Flatpak. Wubuntu is user-friendly and compatible with a wide range of hardware, running on kernel version 6.8.0-48. An icon for Copilot is located at the bottom right of the desktop, requiring a Microsoft account for access. Wubuntu caters to users who appreciate the Windows desktop experience but prefer a Linux environment, offering stability, ease of use, and the ability to run Windows applications. It combines the strengths of Ubuntu and KDE Plasma with a Windows-like aesthetic, making it a suitable option for those transitioning from Windows.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Finally! Windows 11’s Microsoft Store will soon let you update non-Microsoft apps

Microsoft is enhancing the functionality of Windows 11’s Microsoft Store by introducing a feature that allows users to update third-party applications, moving away from the previous limitation of only updating apps hosted on Microsoft’s servers. Users will soon be able to see third-party app updates listed alongside Microsoft’s offerings by clicking the 'Get updates' button on the Downloads page. This feature is currently being tested within all channels of the Windows Insider Program and will categorize third-party updates as ‘provided and updated’ apps. The enhancement aims to streamline the update process and attract more third-party developers to the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

How to make the most of Windows Autopatch with Intune

Patching is a critical responsibility for IT departments to protect organizational data. Windows Autopatch is a cloud-based service from Microsoft that automates the update management process for Windows, Microsoft 365 applications, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Teams, enhancing security and productivity. It integrates with Microsoft Intune and utilizes Windows Update for Business to manage patching for Windows devices. Organizations must acquire the necessary licensing for Windows Autopatch and ensure devices are registered for the update management cycle. Key features include deployment rings, which determine the percentage of devices receiving updates, and update settings that dictate update behavior. Reporting capabilities provide insights into update status and notifications. Windows Autopatch creates configuration profiles for managing updates and establishes deployment profiles for monthly and yearly updates.

Winsage

August 2, 2024

Microsoft details Windows 11 24H2’s new Energy saver, which replaces Battery saver

Microsoft has introduced the Energy Saver feature in Windows 11 24H2, which allows activation even when the PC is plugged in, unlike the traditional Battery Saver. Battery Saver activates automatically below 20% battery and is only available when the device is not connected to power. The Energy Saver reduces display brightness by 30% and disables transparency effects, but users cannot change power mode settings while it is enabled. Both features limit background applications and sync activities for select Microsoft apps to optimize power usage. The latest update also integrates power profiles from the control panel into Windows Settings.

Winsage

July 31, 2024

9 replacements for Windows features that Microsoft abandoned

Microsoft is discontinuing WordPad in Windows 11 version 24H2, prompting users to consider alternatives like Microsoft Word, the online version of Microsoft Office, AbiWord, FocusWriter, Softmaker Free Office, and LibreOffice. The Mail and Calendar app will be replaced by “The New Outlook” in 2024, with Thunderbird as a local email management alternative. For cleaning up PCs, Microsoft recommends new options under System > Storage, while Cleanmgr+ offers a thorough cleaning solution. Revo Uninstaller allows for faster uninstallation of multiple programs. Rufus can create bootable USB drives for Windows 10 or 11, replacing the Windows-To-Go feature. Cyberduck and Mountain Duck provide options for managing WebDAV connections. Alternatives to Internet Explorer include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Srware Iron. Hasleo Backup Suite and Duplicati offer backup solutions, while 7-Zip manages archive files. Copy Q helps manage clipboard history after the removal of the timeline feature in Windows 11.

Winsage

July 19, 2024

Microsoft Windows’ ‘Blue Screen Of Death’: Which services are affected in India?

The global Microsoft Windows outage was caused by a configuration change in a portion of its Azure backend workloads, leading to disruptions in various services such as airlines, Microsoft apps, social media platforms, banks, and brokerages in India.