productivity enhancements Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2025 winners

The Microsoft Store Awards recognized exceptional applications that enhance user experiences within the Windows ecosystem. AI Assistants category: - Winner: Perplexity by Perplexity AI - Features native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search, and deep desktop integration for rapid research. - Winner: ChatGPT by OpenAI - Provides instant answers, direct image and file uploads, and enterprise-level privacy controls. Business category: - Winner: Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator by Moon Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. - Streamlines finance tasks with customizable templates and real-time payment tracking. Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category: - Winner: Manus by Manus AI - Automates complex tasks within a secure sandbox and allows users to guide ongoing actions. Creativity category: - Winner: n-Track Studio by n-Track S.r.I. - Transforms devices into recording studios with support for unlimited tracks and advanced effects. Developer Tools category: - Winner: ngrok by ngrok - Facilitates secure tunneling and remote access with automatic updates and compatibility with Windows Defender. Education category: - Winner: Scratch 3 by Scratch Foundation - Empowers students in computational thinking through engaging projects and block coding. Game category: - Winner: Castle Craft by Clever Apps Pte Ltd - Offers an immersive gaming experience with dynamic resource merging and family-friendly design. Music category: - Winner: Moises Live by Moises Systems, Inc - Leverages real-time AI audio separation technology for remixing and practice. Productivity category: - Winner: Notion by Notion Labs Inc - Consolidates tasks and notes into a searchable workspace with automation features. Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

November 29, 2025

Make your PC feel new again with Windows 11 Pro for $10

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, making the upgrade to Windows 11 Pro essential for security updates and performance enhancements. The upgrade is currently priced at .97, down from 9. Windows 11 Pro offers a streamlined user experience with features like Snap Layouts and enhanced virtual desktops for multitasking. It includes advanced security features such as TPM 2.0, biometric login, Smart App Control, and BitLocker encryption. The operating system is optimized for modern hardware, improving performance and gaming experiences through DirectX 12 Ultimate. It also features an AI-powered assistant, Copilot, for productivity enhancements. The upgrade comes with a lifetime license.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Splitting Panes in Windows Powershell The Most Overlooked Feature

In Windows PowerShell, users can split panes within a single window or tab to enhance navigation and multitasking. An informal survey indicated that only about 20% of users were aware of this feature. Users can initiate a split by pressing Shift + Alt followed by either the + or - key, or by using the split tab function in the command menu. Shift + Alt + creates a horizontal split, while Shift + Alt - creates a vertical split. Closing a pane is done with Shift + Control + W, and duplicating a pane can be achieved with Shift + Alt + D. Users can also resize panes using Shift + Alt in combination with direction keys. This feature is beneficial for managing multiple outputs and can be incorporated into scripts.

Winsage

October 29, 2025

Windows 10 end of life has passed – here’s your business guide to Windows 11

Organizations are transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with major companies addressing potential deployment issues. Windows 10 mainstream support ended in October 2025, but users can access the Extended Security Update program for an additional 12 months of coverage. Windows 11 features a refined user interface with a centered taskbar, enhanced visual elements, and productivity tools like snap layouts and Cloud Clipboard. The Start menu has been simplified, and the File Explorer sidebar has been reorganized. Focus Assist is improved with direct settings and integrates with the Windows Clock app. Windows 11 includes Copilot for natural language queries and task automation, with enhanced features for devices with neural processing units. Security is strengthened with Windows Hello and optional integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and TPM version 2.0. All editions of Windows 11 support encryption and biometric security, with Pro and Enterprise editions offering additional features. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is typically free if the device meets the requirements, with prices for new purchases starting at around £119 for Windows 11 Home and £219 for Windows 11 Pro.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

I ditched the Windows File Explorer for this free open-source alternative and couldn’t be happier

The Files app is a modern, free, and open-source file manager designed to improve file management for Windows users. It offers a visually appealing interface based on the Windows Fluent design, with customizable options for colors and backgrounds. The app includes built-in tags support for better file organization, allowing users to assign custom tags to files and folders. It features a Dual Pane view for side-by-side folder comparisons, a Column view for nested directories, a Preview panel, QuickLook support, Git integration, and seamless cloud integration with OneDrive and Google Drive. The Files app is community-driven and can be accessed for free, with an option to support its development by purchasing it from the Microsoft Store. Transitioning to the Files app can enhance productivity by addressing the limitations of Windows File Explorer.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Microsoft pushes NPUs as a way to an intelligent Windows

Microsoft is promoting the potential of neural processing units (NPUs) to enhance Windows intelligence, although NPUs are not yet part of official hardware requirements. NPUs are designed to accelerate local inference with lower power consumption and are found in devices from smartphones to Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft claims that NPUs can make sophisticated AI experiences more affordable, stating that tasks that once required expensive computing can now be performed on less costly devices. However, the current utility of local AI processing for users is limited, with few OS features requiring local processing and minimal impact on productivity. Microsoft has integrated AI capabilities into applications like Notepad and Photos, but these changes are not driven by user demand. Despite the lukewarm reception, Microsoft advocates for NPUs, highlighting their ability to run multiple AI applications concurrently. Concerns exist regarding future hardware requirements, as the company may eventually include NPUs in its specifications, echoing past experiences with Windows 10. As of early September, AI-enabled notebooks with NPUs made up 40.5 percent of the European distribution channel, a figure expected to rise.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Windows 12 Expected Release Date and Latest Updates

Microsoft's Windows operating system has seen significant evolution through its major releases. Windows 12 is expected to be announced in June 2025, with an official release anticipated in October 2025. The Microsoft Insider Program will facilitate early access to Windows 12 builds, and public previews will help address bugs before the consumer launch. Rumored features for Windows 12 include a modernized user interface with Fluent Design 3.0, an integrated AI assistant called Windows Copilot, enhanced security measures like Hardware Root-of-Trust, and improved app compatibility for legacy and Android apps. The expected hardware requirements for Windows 12 will be higher than those for Windows 11, with a minimum processor speed of 1.5 GHz, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of recommended storage. Windows 12 will focus on enterprise and educational adoption, offering tools for deployment and management, while also emphasizing sustainability through energy-efficient practices. The projected adoption rates suggest that by 2027, Windows 12 could reach 600 million installs, representing 60% of Windows devices. Potential challenges include legacy support issues and a learning curve associated with new automation features.

Winsage

September 28, 2025

Run Your Home Like a Pro and Save $20 on Microsoft Office 2024

Microsoft Office 2024 Home is currently available for .97, down from its MSRP of .99. It includes essential applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, featuring AI-powered writing suggestions, real-time data analysis, and comprehensive presentation tools. The suite offers a one-time purchase model for a lifetime license on both Mac and PC, with benefits including access to the latest updates, AI-driven productivity enhancements, real-time collaboration, and accessibility improvements. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft Launches Windows AI Labs for Experimental AI Features

Microsoft has launched Windows AI Labs, allowing a select group of Windows 11 users early access to experimental AI features in applications like Microsoft Paint. The program is a pilot effort that enables participants to test unreleased AI capabilities, such as advanced image editing options. Eligibility is based on hardware requirements, specifically devices with neural processing units (NPUs). The initiative aims to gather user feedback while minimizing risks associated with a full public beta. Concerns regarding data privacy and access limitations for users with high-end hardware have been raised. Future expansions may include integration with Microsoft's Copilot stack and features like real-time language translation and predictive text in Office tools.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

With Windows 10 support ending soon, Zorin OS 18 Beta arrives as a the ultimate alternative to Windows 11

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025. Zorin OS 18 is currently in beta and designed for users transitioning from Windows, built on Ubuntu. The beta features a refreshed aesthetic with redesigned applications, a new tiling system for workspace management, and enhanced integration with cloud services, including OneDrive support. Zorin OS can detect over 170 Windows installer files to suggest compatible Linux alternatives. It offers improved performance, better Bluetooth audio, remote desktop login capabilities, and long-term support until 2029. Some features are still in development in the beta version.