native application Archives

Winsage

April 21, 2025

Microsoft is finally making the Start menu better — now fix these 5 things, too

Users have expressed frustration with the restrictive Start menu in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, prompting some to seek third-party solutions. A newly discovered Start menu design is larger, allows immediate access to the full list of applications, and offers the option to remove the Recommended section. Microsoft's inclusion of Clipchamp as a video editing tool is seen as a step forward, but it lacks features compared to Apple’s iMovie and operates as a web-based application. Widgets in Windows 11 are not well-received due to their isolated interface, and integrating them onto the desktop could improve accessibility. The gaming experience on Windows remains subpar, particularly in navigation with a gamepad, and Windows Search directs users to Bing and Edge, limiting browser choices. The initial setup process for Windows 11 is cumbersome, with numerous prompts for Microsoft services, leading to a frustrating experience.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

Apple Maps web app is now available on all devices, including Android

Apple has expanded access to its Maps application by introducing a web version that can be accessed from various mobile devices, including Android. The web app, which is no longer in beta, functions more like a standard website and lacks several features found in Google Maps, such as user logins, transit maps, and 3D building visuals. Users can access Apple Maps via "maps.apple.com," which includes basic search and navigation functionalities, as well as the Look Around feature. The web app can also be added to a mobile device's home screen for easier access.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google Drive is now widely available on Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops

The Google Drive app is now fully available for users of Arm-powered PCs, including those with Snapdragon X chipsets. This native version allows seamless integration with Windows File Explorer, enabling users to sync and store files online easily. Additionally, Google has updated its Quick Share app for Windows to support Arm, although it is still a non-native application.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Sorry, Microsoft has fixed the Copilot automatic uninstall bug

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 devices affected by the unintended removal of its AI assistant, Copilot, are being restored to their original state. A bug caused the uninstallation of Copilot and its removal from the taskbar following the March 11th update. Users are advised to reinstall Copilot from the Microsoft Store and manually pin it to the taskbar while a permanent fix is developed. Copilot, introduced as a native application for Windows, allows users to initiate a voice chat by pressing Alt + Spacebar. Additionally, users on Arm-powered devices are facing difficulties downloading Roblox from the Microsoft Store, and Roblox is working on a solution. Users can access the game directly from Roblox.com in the meantime.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

This month’s Windows updates are removing the Copilot app (accidentally)

Microsoft's Windows updates have focused on integrating generative AI features, particularly the Copilot assistant, into Windows 11. Recently, some users have reported the removal of the Copilot app from their devices and its unpinning from the taskbar. Microsoft is addressing this issue and recommends users reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store and repin it to the taskbar. Since mid-2023, various versions of Copilot have been included in new Windows 11 installations, and a dedicated Copilot key was introduced on standard Windows keyboards in early 2024.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

This week's highlights include the updated Copilot app from Microsoft, which has transitioned from a progressive web app to a fully native application available for Insiders in the Microsoft Store. Users should expect improved performance and usability, though it will gradually reach the stable release channel. Notable discounts are available this week, with some apps enjoying extended offers. New or improved apps include: - Intel Graphics Software (Beta): A management hub for Intel graphic cards, offering features like graphics settings and performance monitoring, requiring .NET Runtime 8 or newer. - PowerToys 0.89: An update introducing a new feature in the Advanced Paste tool that allows users to transcode audio and video files to mp3 or mp4 formats using a shortcut. - PreventSleep: A utility that keeps Windows systems awake by preventing sleep mode, screen dimming, or screensaver activation.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Microsoft revamps the Copilot app for Windows 11, makes it truly native

Microsoft has rolled out a revamped version of its Copilot application for Windows 11 Insiders, transitioning it into a native application integrated within the operating system. Initial feedback indicates that the new Copilot app outperforms the ChatGPT desktop application, operating with speed and efficiency while using only 50 to 100 MB of RAM. The app has been redeveloped using Windows technologies like XAML and WinUI, featuring its own controls, a dedicated taskbar icon, and picture-in-picture mode. It allows for quick initiation of conversations with the AI chatbot and provides tailored responses based on installed components and applications. The current version does not control Windows 11 directly, but future updates may introduce this capability. The rollout is ongoing for Windows 11 Insiders, with the latest version identified as 1.25023.101.0.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

Microsoft just rebuilt Copilot for Windows with a fancy native UI, and it looks GOOD

Microsoft has unveiled a new Copilot app for Windows 11, currently available in preview for Insiders. This updated app features a sidebar for managing chats, enhanced mica blur effects, and context menus that align with Windows 11's aesthetic. The app has transitioned from a web view to a fully realized native application, improving launch speed and visual appeal while maintaining all previous functionalities, including text-based conversations and the Copilot Voice feature. Users can store chat history in the sidebar and initiate new chats easily. The app includes settings for user control, such as enabling or disabling startup with Windows and toggling the alt+spacebar shortcut. The update is designated as version 1.25023.106.0 and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Running Ubuntu on Windows 11 is easier than ever

Ubuntu has introduced a new distribution architecture for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) that simplifies the management of Ubuntu instances on Windows 11. This new tar-based WSL distribution format replaces the previous Microsoft Store method, allowing IT administrators to distribute and manage Ubuntu WSL instances using tar files. Organizations can now host and manage their own WSL images with specific policies, providing greater control and flexibility. The new method requires WSL version 2.4.8 or higher, and installation can be done via command line or by double-clicking the .wsl file.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

4 ways to view a file in Windows without its application

The Preview pane in File Explorer allows users to view file contents directly in a panel on the right side of the screen, supporting various formats including Office documents, PDFs, images (JPG, PNG), audio files (WAV, MP3), and videos (MP4). Microsoft PowerToys offers a feature called Peek for rapid file previews using a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Space), supporting images, PDFs, and Microsoft Office documents. The QuickLook app for Windows enables file previews by selecting files and pressing the spacebar, supporting images, videos, and compressed files (ZIP, RAR), as well as text documents like Markdown files. WinQuickLook is a paid alternative to QuickLook that allows users to preview files in File Explorer by pressing the spacebar, displaying essential file information and enabling quick access to native applications.