package manager

Winsage
June 24, 2025
Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 find the new design and interface changes challenging. Windows 11 features a centered Taskbar, a simplified Start menu, and an updated File Explorer and Settings app. Users can customize their Windows 11 experience to resemble Windows 10 by making several adjustments. To align the Taskbar and Start menu to the left, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select "Left" for Taskbar alignment. To show app labels in the Taskbar, users need to select "Never" for the "Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels" setting in the same menu. For those preferring the classic File Explorer, they can access it by searching for Windows Tools in the Start menu and selecting Home or This PC. Users can also change the color scheme by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting "Custom" mode, choosing a dark theme, and enabling accent colors for the Start and taskbar. To display classic desktop icons, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check the desired icons. In Notepad, users can disable new features by adjusting settings in the app to revert to a more classic experience. For further customization, third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher and Windhawk can be used. ExplorerPatcher allows users to restore various interface elements from earlier Windows versions, while Windhawk provides a framework for modifying Windows 11 with community-created mods. Both tools can be installed via the Windows Package Manager and offer options to revert to classic aesthetics.
AppWizard
June 20, 2025
Packet is a tool that allows users to transfer files from a Pop!_OS Linux desktop to an Android device over the same wireless network. It works with Quick Share and requires a Linux distribution with Flatpak support, an Android device with Nearby Share enabled, and sudo privileges on the Linux machine. The installation involves executing a command in the terminal, toggling the Static Network Port option to 'On', and ensuring port 9300 is open on the firewall. Files received on the Linux desktop are stored in the ~/Downloads folder, which can be customized.
Winsage
May 30, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a "unified future for app updates" through a new Windows Update orchestration platform, aiming to streamline the update process for applications, drivers, and components on personal computers. This initiative addresses the fragmented nature of traditional app and driver updates, which often burden IT administrators. In late 2024, Microsoft began testing a feature allowing the Microsoft Store to update applications not hosted on its servers, transforming it into a "one-stop shop for all app updates." The new orchestration platform supports apps and components not listed in the Microsoft Store, enhancing the update experience alongside improvements to the Microsoft Store and the Windows Package Manager.
Winsage
May 28, 2025
Microsoft is introducing a new orchestration platform for Windows Update that will allow developers to manage updates for applications and drivers more effectively. This platform will enable developers to enroll in a private preview and is designed to support updates for a wide range of applications, particularly business applications. Currently, Windows Update focuses on core operating system components and essential drivers. The new platform aims to streamline the update process by allowing developers to schedule updates based on user activity and other factors. Developers will also be able to connect their applications with Windows Update notifications, ensuring visibility in the update history. Microsoft plans to support MSIX, APPX, and certain custom Win32 applications within this framework. The initiative follows previous efforts to encourage developers to list applications in the Microsoft Store, which has seen limited adoption for some proprietary applications. Additionally, the Windows Package Manager has been introduced to tackle app installation and update challenges, although its use has been mainly among power users and developers.
Winsage
May 28, 2025
Microsoft is opening up Windows Update to third-party applications through a private preview of its new Windows Update orchestration platform. This platform aims to streamline the update process for any application or driver, focusing primarily on business applications while being accessible to a variety of apps and management tools. Traditionally, Windows Update has served to refresh core operating system components and essential drivers, but the new platform will allow developers to schedule updates based on user activity, battery status, and energy usage. Developers will also be able to connect with native Windows Update notifications, ensuring their applications appear in the update history. Microsoft will support MSIX and APPX packaged applications, as well as certain custom Win32 apps. Previous efforts to manage updates through the Microsoft Store and Windows Package Manager have seen limited adoption, raising questions about the future use of this new feature by businesses and major developers.
Search