Open-Source Archives

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft Word 1.1a Runs Natively on Windows 11 on x64

A developer has adapted Microsoft Word 1.1a, originally for 16-bit x86 systems, to run natively on modern 64-bit Windows PCs through a project called “Opus.” This adaptation compiles the original source code into a genuine x64 application, avoiding the use of emulators or virtual machines. The developer translated incompatible segments of the original code, including 16-bit assembly language, into C or C++, while mapping Win16 functions to modern Win32 APIs. The project retains original resources and copyright notices, and is hosted on GitHub without a broad open-source license. Automated testing has been implemented to ensure functionality mirrors the original application. Microsoft has previously published similar historic projects, but this port is an independent effort, providing insights into early Windows software architecture.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Project Xodus Brings Native Xbox PC and Game Pass Games to Linux

Project Xodus is an open-source initiative focused on reverse-engineering Xbox PC and Game Pass titles to enable their use on Linux and Mac systems. The project has made significant progress in Microsoft authentication and package decryption, allowing Linux users to download and process Xbox subscription games locally. The team has successfully reverse-engineered Microsoft’s identity services and license verification systems, unlocking encrypted MSIXVC game files and enabling the verification of game licenses and decryption of installation packages on non-Windows operating systems. Xodus serves as a translation bridge for Microsoft’s proprietary ecosystem services, providing custom proxy libraries for games to function as if they are running in a native Windows environment. It specifically targets modern games built on Microsoft’s GDK framework, excluding older titles using the Universal Windows Platform and those dependent on kernel-level anti-cheat mechanisms. The project aims to improve access to Xbox Game Pass on devices like the Steam Deck by facilitating direct local hardware execution, reducing reliance on cloud streaming and enhancing portable gaming experiences. Community feedback has been positive, with developers actively sharing updates and engaging with inquiries.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Linux May Soon Get PC Game Pass via Open-Source Project

Xbox has reduced the pricing of its Game Pass offering, attracting interest from open-source developers, particularly those working on the Heroic Games Launcher. A new open-source project called Xodus aims to bring PC Game Pass games to Linux and macOS by utilizing Valve's Proton and custom runtimes. Previously, Linux gamers had limited access to Game Pass titles, mainly through Xbox Cloud streaming, which faced latency issues. Xodus plans to support third-party launchers like Heroic, Lutris, and Bottles, allowing users to install and launch games via Steam. The development team has made progress in authorization and game downloads and is now focusing on game SDK development to ensure effective gameplay on Linux.

Winsage

August 9, 2026

This VPN firm has created a way to stop Microsoft’s hidden tracking tool on Windows — although it will break some key cloud services

Windscribe has developed an open-source script called deGDID to remove Microsoft's Global Device Identifier (GDID) from Windows systems. The script functions as a firewall against the DeviceAdd endpoint, preventing Microsoft identity services from recognizing the machine as registered. It includes a flag, -Unprotect, to restore default settings if needed. Testing on a Windows 11 machine confirmed its effectiveness, with the -Status flag showing cached identifiers before removal. The tool is compatible with antivirus and endpoint protection but has limitations: it cannot delete keys stored on Microsoft's servers, cannot run on managed systems or domain-joined accounts, and Windows does not provide a built-in method to disable GDID. The identifier persists across IP addresses, regardless of VPN use. Windscribe notes that the script may disrupt certain Microsoft account functionalities, making it a partial solution rather than a comprehensive fix.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Developer ported Word for Windows 1.1a from 1990 to run natively on Windows 11

Microsoft Word has evolved from a basic text editor in the 1980s to an AI-enhanced platform capable of generating text autonomously. Developer Justin Marshall has revived Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a, originally released in 1990, using the open-source code made available by Microsoft in 2014. This version has been crafted into a native 64-bit Windows executable, allowing users to run it on Windows 11 without emulators. The interface is stripped of modern features, offering a simple sheet of paper and basic formatting tools reminiscent of early Windows design. Marshall has a history of reviving classic software and has other projects showcased on his GitHub page. Word for Windows 1.1a is available for download for those interested in experiencing early word processing.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

8 free Android productivity apps I can’t live without in 2026

Notesnook is a free, open-source note-taking app that offers end-to-end encryption and syncs across devices, featuring a text editor, support for attachments, and organizational tools. Obsidian serves as a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins, Graph View, and Advanced Tables for structured note-taking. TickTick is a to-do app with essential features in its free version, including task lists, subtasks, reminders, and Smart Recognition for creating tasks using natural language. Trello is a project management tool with a Kanban-style interface, allowing users to manage multiple projects with custom fields and subtasks. Toggl Track is a time management app that logs hours spent on tasks and provides insights into productivity through a calendar view. Airtable is a database app with a spreadsheet-like interface for organizing information, customizable for various purposes. Raindrop.io is a bookmark manager that allows users to save articles, images, and videos, with tagging and search features for easy retrieval. MacroDroid is an automation tool for Android that enables users to create macros for repetitive tasks, improving efficiency.

BetaBeacon

August 8, 2026

Mastering Sideloading: Safe APK Installation on Android

People reach outside the Play Store to download APKs for emulators, early builds of apps, region-locked releases, modded versions of apps, and apps like betting and casino apps that are restricted by Google's store policies. Google has found that there is over 50 times more malware coming from internet-sideloaded sources than from apps on Google Play. Starting in September 2026, Google will require every developer to verify their identity for apps installed on certified Android devices, including sideloaded apps. To sideload without getting burned, users should pull APKs from reputable sources, match permissions to the job, keep Play Protect switched on, and revoke the "install unknown apps" permission after installation.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Permanently disable Microsoft’s hidden tracker on all Windows 11 versions with this script

Microsoft's Global Device Identifier (GDID) is an internal marker that uniquely identifies each Windows installation across Microsoft services. It is a persistent device-level identifier that remains constant across supported services, and there is no option to disable or regenerate it manually. Windscribe has developed a free utility called deGDID to permanently remove the GDID from Windows systems and prevent its recreation. This tool operates by blocking Microsoft registration pathways and wiping local GDID-related states without altering system files. While it can remove the GDID from the local system, it cannot erase historical records linked to the device. Windscribe provides instructions for using the tool, which is compatible with Windows 10 version 22H2 and all versions of Windows 11 from 21H2 to 25H2. Users should be aware that disabling GDID generation may impact Microsoft services that rely on device identification, but the tool includes an undo feature to revert changes.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Linux users finally get a real Copilot app, and Microsoft didn’t even make it

Linux is gaining popularity, with Microsoft acknowledging its relevance by introducing applications for the operating system. An unofficial Copilot alternative for Linux, developed by Hayden Barnes, features a dedicated GTK window for the Copilot web application, allowing secure login sessions and integration with the desktop environment. The app supports autostart, system downloads, and hardware permissions, while providing a native GTK design that enhances user experience with desktop accent colors and dark themes. It isolates Copilot from the browser to improve performance. The first public release of the app occurred this week, and its long-term stability and performance will be monitored.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

The offline messaging apps challenging internet shutdowns

Governments are finding it harder to suppress protests through internet shutdowns due to the use of offline messaging applications. Bitchat, an app launched in 2025 by Jack Dorsey, allows devices to communicate via Bluetooth without internet access and gained popularity during recent student protests in New Delhi amid an internet blackout. The Indian government attempted to block access to Bitchat's source code on GitHub, marking a notable first instance of trying to geoblock an open-source repository. On July 26, Bitchat had 430,000 daily active users in India, with 74% of global downloads occurring in the country from July 20 to July 26. The app has been used in various protests globally, including those in Hong Kong, Myanmar, Nepal, Uganda, Madagascar, and Iran. On July 23, the Indian government ordered GitHub to disable access to three Bitchat repositories in India quickly. Jack Dorsey expressed concerns about the Indian government's stance on Bitchat, while digital rights advocates criticized the government's actions as unnecessary. The repositories remained accessible in India and were mirrored on decentralized platforms, complicating removal efforts. India's government has increasingly scrutinized communication platforms based on their design, imposing restrictions on apps like Telegram and WhatsApp.