package manager Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 28, 2026

Constructive Open Sources Agentic DB, the Postgres Memory Layer for AI Agents

Constructive has released agentic-db, an open-source Postgres database aimed at improving AI agents with features like persistent memory, structured knowledge, and hybrid retrieval. This database allows for efficient searching, filtering, and ranking of information, addressing inefficiencies associated with traditional markdown file storage. Key features of agentic-db include long-term memory, conversation tracking, a versioned registry for skills and tools, rules and policies for governance, task orchestration, and runtime observability. It is delivered as a single installable Postgres schema, indexed for multiple retrieval modes, and supports integration with various AI assistants through generated Agent Skills and CLIs. agentic-db is available under the MIT license for local use, with a cloud offering in development for secure, scalable solutions. Developers can access it on npm and GitHub.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

I explain how to use this simple Windows 11 tool to get automatic app updates forever

Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission when users buy through links in their articles. Windows 11 users often seek efficient application management, leading to the use of the Windows Package Manager (winget). The command "winget upgrade --all" requires user initiative, while the Microsoft Store only updates Store apps. This gap led to the development of Winget-AutoUpdate (WAU), which simplifies the update process. Initially designed for users familiar with scripts, WAU now includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it more accessible. The GUI allows users to toggle automatic updates, set schedules, and manage allowlists and blocklists. Users can create "excludedapps.txt" and "includedapps.txt" files for managing updates. WAU is particularly useful for those who frequently install applications via winget and want to automate updates. Once configured, WAU runs in the background, providing timely notifications without manual intervention. It is a free solution that addresses update management challenges for winget users on Windows 11, transforming manual updates into an automated process.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

“Your apps should update themselves” — Winget-AutoUpdate is the missing piece for automatic app updates on Windows 11

The Windows Package Manager (winget) traditionally requires users to manually execute commands like "winget upgrade --all" to update applications, while the Microsoft Store only provides automatic updates for Store apps. The WAU Settings GUI enhances the winget experience by introducing a graphical user interface that allows users to configure automatic updates without scripts. Users can set schedules, manage allowlists and blocklists, and receive notifications for completed updates. Winget-AutoUpdate (WAU) is designed for users who frequently install applications via winget and want a maintenance-free system, operating quietly in the background to automate updates.

Tech Optimizer

April 26, 2026

CanisterSprawl: pgserve Compromised on npm: Malicious Versions Harvest Credentials and Exfiltrate to a Decentralized ICP Canister

On April 21, 2026, compromised versions of pgserve (1.1.11, 1.1.12, and 1.1.13) were published on npm, containing a 1,143-line credential-harvesting script that executes during the postinstall phase of npm install. The malware functions as a supply-chain worm, reinjecting itself into other packages if it finds an npm publish token. Stolen credentials are encrypted using RSA-4096 and AES-256 and exfiltrated to a decentralized Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) canister. The last legitimate release was v1.1.10, published on April 17, 2026. The malware was detected by StepSecurity AI Package Analyst and Harden Runner, which flagged the compromised versions as Critical / Rejected and confirmed live exfiltration during analysis. The injected script performs operations such as harvesting environment variables, collecting filesystem secrets, encrypting payloads, and propagating to other npm packages and Python packages if a PyPI token is detected. The exfiltration domains have been added to a global block list.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

Linux promises freedom from Windows, but it demands something harder in return

The author has over two decades of experience with Linux, initially using it on a netbook during postgraduate studies. Linux is seen as a viable alternative to Windows, though its market share growth is slow. Recent gains in Linux's desktop market share are attributed to dissatisfaction with Windows, particularly due to unpopular AI features and disruptive updates from Microsoft. The increasing compatibility of Windows games with Linux has also helped. Linux addresses some issues associated with Windows, such as the absence of advertising and telemetry, and offers greater control over installations, which can improve performance on older hardware. However, users may face challenges with the variety of Linux distributions, leading to confusion and decision fatigue. Transitioning to Linux requires significant time and effort, as users must navigate a fragmented landscape without centralized support.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

“These mods completely changed how I use Windows 11”: As I walk through the 7 Windhawk tweaks that transformed my desktop, I’m surprised by which ones made the biggest difference

Windows 11 allows users to customize background images, themes, accent colors, and the Start menu and Taskbar. However, for more significant changes, Windhawk offers a modular approach to modify the operating system without risky file modifications. To install Windhawk on Windows 11, users can use the Windows Package Manager (winget) by running the command: winget install --id RamenSoftware.Windhawk. Notable mods available for Windhawk include: - Windows 11 Taskbar Styler: Provides control over the Taskbar's visual elements with three levels of customization. - Taskbar on Top for Windows 11: Allows users to reposition the Taskbar to the top of the screen. - Taskbar Height and Icon Size: Enables adjustments to the Taskbar's height and icon size without affecting DPI scaling. - Windows 11 Start Menu Styler: Offers complete customization of the Start menu's appearance using themes and custom XAML/CSS. - Windows 11 File Explorer Styler: Allows control over the File Explorer interface by injecting custom XAML styles. - Windows 11 Notification Center Styler: Modifies the layout, transparency, and aesthetics of the Notification Center and Quick Settings. Windhawk uses dynamic code injection to implement changes without altering system files, minimizing risks associated with traditional modifications.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Windows App Development CLI Updated with .NET Project Support, More

Microsoft has released version 0.2 of its Windows App Development CLI (winapp), incorporating several new features based on community feedback. Key updates include first-class support for .NET projects, allowing integration of WinUI 3, WPF, Windows Forms, and .NET console applications. Developers can initialize projects with winapp init, which aligns them with the appropriate Windows SDK version and generates necessary folders. The update also introduces manifest placeholders for easier app packaging, integrates Microsoft Store CLI commands into winapp, and enhances the help and error messaging system for better usability. Additional improvements include new commands for external catalogs and package identity, updates to winapp pack and manifest update-assets, and a Flutter guide with a sample project for using Windows App SDK APIs.

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows Package Manager 1.28.190 is final

Microsoft has launched WinGet 1.28.190, aligning its version number with App Installer to resolve discrepancies. The previous version 1.12.470 has been replaced by this update. Key changes include consistent directory separators for portable packages, compatibility of the –suppress-initial-details option with winget configure test, corrections to the experimental “font” property, and the introduction of the experimental sourceEdit feature, which allows users to set a source for package management. The update signifies a consolidation of versioning and enhances clarity for users and administrators.

Winsage

February 21, 2026

If you’re still debloating Windows manually, this one tool does it better

Windows has a nearly 70% global market share as the dominant desktop operating system, but users often complain about bloatware. Windows Utility by Chris Titus is a tool that simplifies the debloating process through a single command in Windows PowerShell, offering a graphical user interface for tasks like debloating, disabling telemetry, uninstalling preinstalled applications, and managing services. It enhances performance by enabling high-performance power plans and optimizing Windows Update behavior. The utility includes O&O's ShutUp10++ for managing data collection practices and allows users to save customized settings for future installations. It features a built-in package installer that supports Chocolatey and WinGet, enabling bulk installations of applications.

Winsage

February 17, 2026

How to Uninstall and Reinstall Chrome on Windows 11 Using Winget CMD

Google Chrome can experience performance issues on Windows due to corrupted profiles, extension conflicts, broken updates, and crashes. A complete uninstall and reinstall often resolves these issues, and the Windows Package Manager (Winget) provides a command-line method for this process. To uninstall Chrome using Winget, open Terminal as an administrator and run the command PLACEHOLDER7836d906c03bd8f1. After uninstallation, verify it with PLACEHOLDER30cf24d62406b8ee, then reinstall using PLACEHOLDER76e40aae6965d719. For a clean reinstall, delete the leftover user data folder at PLACEHOLDER142352b706501488. Commands: - Check installed version: winget list Google.Chrome - Uninstall Chrome: winget uninstall Google.Chrome - Verify removal: winget list Google.Chrome - Reinstall Chrome: winget install Google.Chrome - Silent install: winget install Google.Chrome --silent - Delete leftover data: rmdir /s /q "%LocalAppData%GoogleChrome" Before executing commands, ensure Winget is available and updated, and that you have administrator privileges. Backup data by enabling Chrome Sync. Close Chrome completely before uninstalling to avoid process interference. A clean reinstall involves deleting the Chrome user data folder, which removes bookmarks, passwords, and other stored data. Winget is faster and more suitable for scripting and remote management compared to traditional uninstall methods through the Settings app or Control Panel. Common troubleshooting for Winget includes handling errors related to package recognition, installation blocks, and access issues. If uninstalling fails, terminate any running Chrome processes and retry the command. If unsuccessful, use the Settings app for removal and then Winget for reinstallation.