third-party application Archives

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Vulnerabilities in Preinstalled Android Apps Expose PIN Codes and Allow Command Injection

Significant vulnerabilities have been identified in pre-installed applications on Ulefone and Krüger&Matz Android smartphones, disclosed on May 30, 2025. Three vulnerabilities affect these devices, including CVE-2024-13915, which targets the com.pri.factorytest application, allowing unauthorized factory resets. CVE-2024-13916 and CVE-2024-13917 affect the com.pri.applock application on Krüger&Matz smartphones, enabling malicious apps to extract user PIN codes and inject arbitrary intents. These vulnerabilities stem from improper export of Android application components, allowing malicious applications to bypass Android’s permission model. Users are advised to check for updates and consider disabling vulnerable applications.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Resize your windows the right way on macOS using MacsyZones

The user transitioned from Windows to Mac and found macOS generally positive but lacking certain productivity features, particularly a built-in window snapping function similar to Windows' FancyZones. A third-party application called MacsyZones has been introduced, which allows users to create custom layouts for window snapping, enhancing workflow. The installation of MacsyZones is straightforward, and it resides in the menu bar with a minimalist interface. Users can create layouts by naming them and resizing windows, with each layout assigned a snap key for easy activation. MacsyZones allows for asymmetrical layouts, enabling one window to occupy a larger portion of the screen while others take up smaller spaces. This customization is beneficial for multitasking and improves productivity, especially for users with multiple applications or secondary monitors.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

How to restore a more classic Start menu to Windows 11

The Open-Shell-Menu utility allows users to restore the classic Start menu in Windows 11, reminiscent of Windows 7. It is lightweight and free to use, but may trigger browser warnings during installation. To install, users can run the command winget install --id Open-Shell.Open-Shell-Menu in an elevated Command Prompt. After installation, users can configure the Start menu by accessing Open-Shell Menu Settings, where they can choose from different styles, including Classic, Classic with two columns, and Windows 7 style. Users can also customize the Start button and select a skin, with the Windows Aero option recommended for a cohesive desktop experience. The utility includes features for modifying the Start menu items and reintroduces the classic bar for File Explorer. Users can disable the Classic Explorer Bar if desired.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

I started using a Mac full time for work – but these are the things I missed from Windows 11 that made me switch back

The author has used Microsoft Windows since Windows 3.1 and remains loyal to it due to familiarity, despite preferring macOS for its cleaner interface and respect for user preferences. Windows 11 is noted for its intrusive advertisements and tendency to override user settings, while macOS is appreciated for its stability and less aggressive promotional approach. The author misses Windows 11's Clipboard history feature and superior window management capabilities, which enhance productivity. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider alternatives, with the author contemplating a permanent switch to macOS Sequoia.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

How to easily create an unattended answer file for Windows 11

On Windows 11, an answer file named autounattend.xml can be created to streamline the installation process by bypassing setup steps. To create this file, users need to install the DISMTools application, which provides a wizard for generating the unattended file. The installation of DISMTools involves using Command Prompt to run the command: winget install CodingWondersSoftware.DISMTools.Preview. To create the unattended file, users launch DISMTools, navigate to the "Unattended answer file creator," and follow the wizard to configure settings such as system language, processor architecture, disk settings, product key, account settings, and network settings. The final step is saving the file as autounattend.xml. To integrate the answer file into Windows 11 installation media, users download the Media Creation Tool, select the USB flash drive option, and copy the autounattend.xml file to the USB drive. This prepares the USB for an unattended installation of Windows 11. The XML file may also appear as "unattend.xml" in other contexts.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

This Windows 11 battery app just got a major upgrade, including more support for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7

Microsoft is enhancing the battery icon for Windows 11, while the third-party application "Battery Flyout" by Michał Łeptuch provides deeper insights into battery health. The app allows users to toggle power modes and offers detailed charts of battery usage over time. Recently, Battery Flyout received an update that includes a functional power slider on ARM64 devices, the ability to generate a comprehensive battery report, minor stability and performance enhancements, and new settings for customizing the tray icon style. Battery Flyout can display battery percentage, a feature currently being tested in Windows 11. Michał Łeptuch is also known for developing other applications like Calendar Flyout and Fluent Emoji Gallery, among others, to enhance the Windows 11 experience.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

This simple mod is what Windows 11 Start menu should have been from the very beginning

Many users prefer the Windows 10 Start menu over the Windows 11 version due to its flexibility and customization options. The third-party application Windhawk offers modifications that allow users to recreate the Windows 10 Start menu experience while using Windows 11. One notable feature of Windhawk is a mod that presents pinned apps centered, a complete app list on the left, and recommended content on the right, reducing the number of clicks needed to access applications. To customize the Start menu layout using Windhawk, users need to download and install the application, find the "Windows 11 Start Menu Styler" mod, paste the appropriate code in the "Advanced" tab, and save the changes. The mod provides a high level of customization for the Start menu, improving usability compared to the default Windows 11 layout.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

Windows 11 fully streamlined in just two clicks? Talon utility promises to rip all the bloatware out of Microsoft’s OS in a hassle-free way

Talon is a debloating tool for Windows 11 developed by Raven, designed to simplify the process of removing unnecessary software and features. It allows users to achieve a streamlined experience with just two clicks, offering various debloat options, including a basic removal and tailored profiles like 'Gaming' that install popular platforms such as Discord and Steam. Talon automates the debloating process, making it accessible to less tech-savvy users, and utilizes established tools like ChrisTitusTech’s WinUtil and Raphi’s Win11Debloat. The tool's code is open source, promoting transparency and user safety. Users are advised to consider the risks of third-party applications while also having access to alternative resources for manual decluttering.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Power Automate vs RoboTask: Here’s what you should use to automate your PC

Power Automate and RoboTask are automation tools for Windows 11 users that aim to simplify repetitive tasks with minimal coding. Power Automate is developed by Microsoft and is pre-installed with Windows 11, offering many features at no additional charge, while RoboTask is a third-party application that requires a paid license after a 30-day trial. Power Automate has a modern interface that integrates well with Windows 11, making it easier to record workflows, whereas RoboTask has over 300 actions, including advanced capabilities like registry key manipulation. RoboTask can run automations based on various triggers, while Power Automate requires an internet connection to function and excels in integrating with Microsoft Office and cloud services.

Winsage

February 8, 2025

The wait is over: Windows 11 users finally get the File Explorer upgrade they deserve, but not from Microsoft

Microsoft is addressing challenges with Windows 11, particularly in managing tabs in File Explorer, which has not fully met user expectations. A third-party application, ExplorerTabUtility, enhances tab management by making tabs in File Explorer function more like those in web browsers. It allows users to open folders and external links in new tabs, offers tab history, and includes features like "Smart tab switching" to avoid duplicate tabs. The app also simplifies tab duplication with a Ctrl + D shortcut and runs with minimal system resource usage. To install ExplorerTabUtility, users need .Net 9 and Windows 11 22H2 or later, and it is available for download on GitHub.