third-party applications Archives

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Which Windows 11 Update Is Causing Problems in 2026? – TheZeroNet

KB5094126, released in June 2026, is causing significant issues for Windows 11 users, including BSODs, boot failures, BitLocker lockouts, and problems launching Office applications. This update has particularly affected HP enterprise hardware, leading to BitLocker recovery loops and black screens. The issues stem from disk space limitations related to Secure Boot certificate handling and restricted EFI partition space. Affected users are advised to locate their BitLocker recovery keys and consider workarounds, such as launching Office applications directly. Windows 10 users are also experiencing similar problems due to the related update KB5094127. Microsoft is expected to release fixes in subsequent updates, including KB5101650 in July 2026.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Windows 10 Is No Longer As Safe As It Used To Be – So Why Aren’t More People Updating?

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users, despite improvements like the option to uninstall AI features. Some users are attempting to run it on unsupported hardware, leading to frustrations, especially after updates. The percentage of Windows 10 users decreased from about 42% in October 2025 to 26% by May 2026, following the end of support for Windows 10. Safety for Windows 10 users depends on participation in the extended support program and staying updated, but risks include the expiration of security certificates crucial for Secure Boot, set to expire in mid-2026. Microsoft is issuing updates for eligible machines, but support is not indefinite, and older systems may face difficulties. Third-party applications may also withdraw compatibility with Windows 10. Alternatives to upgrading include Apple's Mac OS and Linux, which has seen a rise in market share, surpassing 4.7% globally by 2025. Linux distributions like Zorin OS and Linux Mint mimic the Windows experience, and ChromeOS can be installed on various computers.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Google may finally fix a major frustration with Android’s Photo Picker

Google is enhancing the Android Photo Picker by integrating a built-in media editor, as indicated by the "EditFeature" class found in the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2. This editor will allow users to make quick edits, such as cropping and marking images, directly within the Photo Picker interface. The media editor aims to streamline the editing process, enabling users to edit media without leaving the Photo Picker, thus improving user experience and consistency across third-party applications. The feature is part of a Project Mainline module, allowing updates through Google Play System Updates. While the media editor is not yet active, further developments are anticipated.

Winsage

August 5, 2026

Here’s when Windows 11 26H2 will roll out, and what’s actually new on existing PCs

Windows 11 26H2 is expected to be released in October 2026 as an enablement package, primarily serving as a servicing update to enhance stability for enterprise users rather than introducing significant new features. The support for Windows 11 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026, while 25H2 will be supported until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 26H2 will integrate into the existing servicing model of 24H2 and 25H2, allowing users to upgrade quickly with a small update size of 174KB. The system requirements for 26H2 will remain the same as its predecessors. New features include the rebranding of Windows Backup to "Windows settings backup and restore," which will automatically back up user settings and select personal files to the cloud by default. Another feature, Point-in-time restore, will be enabled by default for 26H2 users, allowing the creation of system restore points. This update aims to provide a consistent user experience and enhance business continuity without being a full operating system upgrade.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

This handy free Windows update tool drops a feature Windows 11 users can live without

Windows 11 updates include security and feature updates, with recent improvements in update management. Microsoft has introduced the option to pause updates for extended periods and users can utilize WUView, a tool that consolidates installed updates into a navigable list, providing detailed information and advanced logging capabilities. WUView supports saving update history in various formats and allows filtering and excluding specific updates. The latest version of WUView will only support 64-bit systems, reflecting the trend towards 64-bit usage. Enhancements in the new version include theme selection, a new light theme named Pale Graphite, improved localization, and various updates to logging and UI elements. WUView is available on its official GitHub repository.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

An official Microsoft engineer gives a favorite unofficial Windows 11 app a shiny polish

Microsoft is addressing performance gaps in Windows 11, particularly with built-in applications. Users have turned to third-party applications like Files, which has received a substantial update focusing on file extraction and folder loading improvements. The update includes enhanced user experience features, such as updated sidebar icons and improved management of encrypted archives. A notable addition is the integration of WindowSill into Files, allowing users to perform various tasks directly from file selections without opening dedicated applications. This integration provides context-aware actions for different file types, including images, PDFs, videos, and Office documents. The update also includes numerous bug fixes and performance enhancements. The latest version of Files, 4.2.2, is available for download on GitHub and the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Microsoft wants Windows 11’s right-click menu to work the way it should, by giving users more control

Microsoft is redesigning the context menu in Windows 11 to address complaints about its sluggishness and clutter. The new design will feature a more compact layout that enhances loading speed and offers full customization options. Users will be able to prioritize frequently used actions, hide seldom-used entries, and rearrange items in the menu. This initiative is part of the broader Windows K2 project aimed at improving the operating system's performance and user experience. The redesigned context menu is currently functional in internal testing, but no timeline for its public rollout has been announced.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

I still use Microsoft To Do — and I’m hoping one of my favorite daily Windows apps can avoid the graveyard of forgotten software

Users prioritize speed and efficiency in Windows applications, favoring tools that launch quickly and use minimal system resources. Microsoft To Do is highlighted as a simple task management app that serves as a modern version of Wunderlist, offering effective synchronization across devices. The app can help organize daily responsibilities, though its effectiveness varies by user. There are concerns about the future of Microsoft To Do, with speculation about potential integration into Microsoft 365. Despite the availability of alternatives, the author appreciates the functionality of Microsoft's in-house applications.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

Miss Samsung Messages? This unofficial app brings it back, including RCS

Samsung has officially ceased operations of its Samsung Messages app in the U.S. Users will need to transition to Google Messages, as Samsung Messages is no longer available for sending or receiving texts. A new app called Messages by OzarksMade is in beta testing and aims to replicate the One UI messaging experience, supporting SMS, MMS, RCS, group chats, and conversation categories. However, users must have Google Messages installed for RCS to function, as third-party apps cannot access Google's RCS infrastructure directly. The app is planned for public release at a one-time purchase price of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: What you need to know In a notable shift for messaging on Galaxy devices, Samsung has officially ceased operations of its Samsung Messages app in the U.S. However, a promising new contender has emerged to fill the void. The app, aptly named Messages by OzarksMade, seeks to recreate the beloved One UI messaging experience that many users have come to appreciate. This innovative app supports a range of messaging functionalities, including SMS, MMS, RCS, group chats, and even conversation categories. It is important to note that users will still need to have Google Messages installed, as Google's RCS infrastructure remains closed to third-party applications. Currently, the app is in beta testing, with plans for a public release at a modest one-time purchase price of [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: What you need to knowSamsung Messages no longer works in the U.S., but a new app aims to recreate the familiar One UI messaging experience.Messages by OzarksMade supports SMS, MMS, RCS, group chats, and conversation categories.You'll still need Google Messages installed since Google's RCS infrastructure isn't open to third-party apps.The app is currently in beta, with a public release planned later for a one-time purchase price of $0.99.Samsung discontinued its Samsung Messages app in the U.S. earlier this month, but a new third-party app aims to bring back the same experience, complete with the familiar One UI design and RCS support.Earlier this year, Samsung confirmed that Samsung Messages would stop working in the U.S. beginning in July 2026, encouraging users to switch to Google Messages instead. That deadline has now passed, and Galaxy users in the U.S. can no longer send or receive messages through Samsung Messages.Samsung Messages features like conversation categories. Chat themes are still missing for now, but the developer says they're already planned for the next update.Since Samsung retired its own messaging app, the company has been directing users towards Google Messages as the default messaging app on Galaxy phones. And while Google Messages has improved significantly over the past few years and now offers many of the same features, it still doesn't completely replicate the Samsung Messages experience. That's exactly the gap this app is trying to fill.Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of AndroidThere is one important limitation, though. Because Google doesn't allow third-party apps direct access to its RCS infrastructure, you'll still need Google Messages installed in the background for RCS to work. Even so, you'll continue using Messages by OzarksMade as your primary messaging app.I haven't had a chance to try the beta myself just yet, but I'll be going hands-on with it very soon. If you're interested, you can already sign up for the beta through the developer's website.Once development is complete and the app leaves beta, the developer says it will be available for a one-time purchase of $0.99." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99. Earlier this year, Samsung announced that its messaging service would be phased out by July 2026, prompting users to transition to Google Messages. That timeline has now elapsed, leaving Galaxy users in the U.S. without access to Samsung Messages for sending or receiving texts. While Google Messages has made significant strides in functionality over recent years, it has yet to fully replicate the user experience that Samsung Messages provided. This is where Messages by OzarksMade aims to bridge the gap, offering a familiar interface and essential features that resonate with former Samsung Messages users. Despite its potential, there is a notable limitation to consider. Due to restrictions imposed by Google, third-party apps cannot directly access RCS capabilities. Therefore, while Messages by OzarksMade can serve as your primary messaging platform, Google Messages must remain installed in the background to facilitate RCS messaging. For those eager to explore this new app, the beta version is available for sign-up through the developer's website. As I prepare to test the app myself, it appears to be an exciting development for users seeking a seamless messaging experience reminiscent of Samsung's original offering. Once the beta phase concludes, the app will be available for a one-time fee, making it an accessible option for many." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

Powerful Windows 11 app Wintoys just got significantly better with long list of improvements

Microsoft has enhanced the Windows experience with utilities like the Media Creation Tool and PowerToys, while third-party applications like Wintoys, an unofficial counterpart to PowerToys, have also been updated. The latest version of Wintoys features performance improvements from upgrades to .NET 10 and Windows App SDK 2.3.1, resulting in a 30% reduction in RAM usage on the Services page, a 20% decrease on the Apps page, and a 10% improvement on the Startup entries page. Key updates include the ability to enable or disable the recommended section in the Start menu, manage recent items tracking, and a new Device metadata option to prevent unauthorized app installations. The Services page has been rewritten for better memory usage and real-time updates. Additional improvements include enhanced keyboard navigation, new acrylic backdrop features for Windows 10 and 11, and various bug fixes for system settings, network stats, and overall stability. The updated version of Wintoys is available for download via the Microsoft Store.