tool Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

8 classic Windows features you can bring back with free tools

Windows 11 has introduced a range of tools and solutions to help users restore familiar features from previous versions of Windows. 1. GadgetPack: Revives Gadgets from Windows Vista for Windows 10 and 11, modernizing them with new functionalities like clipboard history, battery meters, and multi-core CPU monitors. 2. Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC): An alternative to the classic Windows Media Player, offering robust support for modern file formats and additional features. 3. OpenShell: A tool that restores the classic Start menu experience, allowing customization to resemble styles from Windows 95, XP, or Vista. 4. ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionality, including resizing and moving options, and reverts File Explorer to earlier command bars and context menus. 5. Task Switcher Options: ExplorerPatcher also allows users to customize the task switcher to resemble earlier Windows versions, including simplified views. 6. WinAero Tweaker: Provides a theme that evokes the Aero style of Windows 7, enhancing the nostalgic aesthetic. 7. Windows Photo Viewer: Can be re-enabled through a registry tweak, allowing users to access the familiar image viewing experience without additional software.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Most Useful 8 Android Apps for Architects

Mobile technology is increasingly important in architecture, providing architects with applications that enhance design capabilities, streamline project management, and facilitate collaboration. Key Android apps for architects include: - AutoCAD Mobile: Allows viewing, creating, and editing DWG files on mobile devices, enabling real-time adjustments to designs. - SketchUp Viewer: Offers augmented reality features for presenting 3D models in the field, improving client interactions. - Sketchbook: A digital drawing tool for quick concept sketches, supporting easy sharing of ideas. - Construction Master Pro Calculator: Simplifies complex calculations for accurate measurements and layout dimensions. - RoomScan Pro: Uses augmented reality for quick room measurements and floor plan creation. - BIMx: Provides an interactive 3D model interface for exploring Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects. - MagicPlan: Allows creation of detailed floor plans and project management directly from mobile devices. - Timely: A time-tracking app that logs productivity across projects and helps create project-specific timelines. These applications enhance architectural workflows and promote collaboration in a mobile environment.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer

A Copilot+ PC is not required to access many AI features in Windows 11; older laptops that run Windows 11 can still utilize various AI-driven tools. The Photos app includes AI enhancements such as the Background tool, which allows users to blur, remove, or replace backgrounds in images. The Generative Erase function in Photos enables users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Microsoft Clipchamp offers an Auto Compose feature for quick video editing, allowing users to create videos with AI assistance. Microsoft's Copilot has become a standalone app, enabling window movement and custom keyboard shortcuts, and integrates advanced language models to assist with various tasks across Microsoft applications.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows 11 installations that hinders future security updates for devices installed using installation media, specifically when the October or November 2024 security updates are included. No workaround is currently available for those impacted. New apps highlighted this week include Ashampoo Burning Studio 2025, an updated CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray burning software; Flow Launcher, an open-source file search tool and launcher for Windows; and Hasleo Backup Suite Free 5.0, which facilitates system, disk, partition, and file backups and includes a new compression algorithm for reduced disk space usage.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Install This Update On Your PC

Microsoft has issued a warning for Windows users about the installation process for Windows 11 24H2, indicating that a mistake during installation could prevent devices from receiving future Windows security updates. Users installing Windows 11 24H2 with the October or November 2024 security updates via USB or external drives may disrupt Windows Update functionality, as the version is shipped without these specific patches. The issue occurs only when installation media includes these updates; devices receiving updates through the standard Windows Update process are not affected. Microsoft suggests using the Media Creation Tool to create new installation media if users encounter issues with cumulative updates after installing Windows 11 24H2. The company acknowledges that the situation affects only a small number of PCs, though the number of affected users may be higher than initially thought. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and advises users to use the December 2024 security update to avoid complications with media-based installations.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Unable to install security updates after freshly installing Windows 11? You’re not alone

A bug in the recent installation media for Windows 11 prevents users from installing the latest security updates if the media includes the October 2024 or November 2024 security patches. Microsoft has acknowledged that this issue occurs only when using installation media, such as CD and USB flash drives, created in the last few months with these updates. The problem does not affect devices that receive the updates via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. Users are advised to avoid installation media with the October or November 2024 patches and instead use media with the September 2024 or December 2024 patches. Some users have found success using the "Fix Windows Update" button in the Recovery section of Windows Settings, and the official Windows 11 ISO tool can create an installation image without the problematic patches.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft warns Windows 11 install media bug blocks future security updates

Microsoft has issued a caution regarding the installation of Windows 11 version 24H2 using physical media, specifically if the media contains security updates from October 8 to November 12, 2024. In such cases, the operating system may not accept future security updates. This issue does not affect systems receiving updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, nor does it impact installations using the December 2024 security update. Microsoft recommends creating new installation media that includes the December 2024 security update to ensure future updates can be received. Users who have already installed version 24H2 with the October or November updates should apply the December 2024 security update to restore their system's ability to accept future updates. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution to this issue. Users have also reported challenges with the Disk Cleanup tool and speaker volume spikes since the launch of version 24H2. Maintaining an updated version of Windows 11 is essential for security, stability, and performance, as updates address vulnerabilities and fix bugs.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Can you still enable classic Alt+Tab in Windows 11 24H2?

Microsoft has removed the classic Alt+Tab interface in Windows 11, particularly with the 24H2 update, and has made it impossible to restore this feature through registry tweaks or third-party applications. Users have attempted to create a DWORD value named AltTabSettings in the Windows Registry to revive the classic menu, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. The modern Alt+Tab layout introduced in the 22H2 update features larger icons and thumbnails, contrasting with the minimalist design of the classic interface. The removal of the classic Alt+Tab is viewed as a significant loss for users who appreciate retro-themed aesthetics in their operating system.