transfer files Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

I switched to indie apps for privacy, and now my workflow is a mess

The attempt to send a file from an Android device to a Windows 11 PC highlighted the challenges of using independent applications instead of major tech tools. The user replaced several Google services with alternatives, including Sync for cloud storage, Obsidian for note-taking, ToDoist for task management, Elemental for chat, Kobo for ebooks, VLC for music, Firefox for browsing, Ecosia for search, and Fastmail for email. Fastmail was noted for its efficiency and privacy, while Sync was criticized for its reliability. The user found the experience of using multiple independent apps to be fragmented and cumbersome, leading to higher costs than anticipated. Despite ethical concerns about Big Tech, the integration and convenience they offer were acknowledged as significant advantages. Ultimately, Fastmail and ToDoist were retained, while the user returned to Google for some services, illustrating the difficulties of maintaining a fully independent digital life.

Winsage

May 18, 2025

It just got way easier to control your Android phone from your Windows PC

Microsoft is adding a Phone Link panel to the start menu of Windows 11 to improve the user experience for managing Android devices. The panel provides an overview of the Android device's status, including connection status and battery level, and features direct access buttons for Messages, Calls, and Photos. It includes a 'Recent' section for the latest phone calls, text messages, and images, while notifications can be received as banners. The Phone Link app can also stream Android apps to Windows 11 PCs, with file transfer capabilities through a 'send files' button. This feature is being rolled out to all Windows 11 users after being available to Beta and Dev channel users for several months.

Winsage

April 6, 2025

5 best dual-pane file managers for Windows power users

The default Windows File Explorer lacks multi-pane support, making file management cumbersome for users who frequently transfer files between folders or manage multiple drives. Dual-pane or multi-pane third-party file managers offer solutions by allowing users to view and manage multiple folders side by side within a single window. Total Commander is a veteran dual-pane file manager with built-in FTP support, fast file transfers, and comprehensive archive handling. Directory Opus is a premium file management solution with a dual-pane layout, tabbed navigation, and features like batch file operations and scripting capabilities. FreeCommander XE is a free dual-pane file manager that offers essential features such as tabbed browsing and folder synchronization. XYplorer is a portable dual-pane file manager designed for speed, featuring tabbed browsing and powerful search functions. Q-Dir, or Quad-Directory Explorer, allows for up to four panes in a single window and supports drag-and-drop functionality and color filters.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Intel Unison, a powerful free app bridging Android phones and PCs, is shutting down

Intel Unison will cease operations on June 30, 2025. The app has been recognized for transforming Android tablets into external displays and allowing users to make calls, send texts, and transfer files from Windows PCs. While some features can be replicated with Microsoft Phone Link, many users prefer Intel Unison for its comprehensive experience. Lenovo Aura platforms will continue to support Intel Unison until the end of 2025. The app requires Windows 11 machines with at least version 22H2 and a minimum of a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, but it is also compatible with non-Intel machines. Certain Intel Evo 13th-generation and later devices came pre-installed with Intel Unison. Users will need to switch to Microsoft Phone Link for connectivity between Android devices and Windows PCs after the discontinuation.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Is it time to ditch Windows File Explorer? 6 signs you’ve outgrown it

Windows File Explorer is the default file management tool for Windows but often disappoints power users due to several limitations. The search function is slow, taking several minutes for results, especially in large folders or external drives, and requires careful configuration of indexing settings. Customization options are limited, lacking advanced features like split views or custom color labels, while third-party tools offer extensive customization. File Explorer's reliance on traditional folder structures is outdated, missing features like tagging or smart folders, which are crucial for professionals in creative fields. File transfers can be frustrating, with stalls and unpredictable speeds, whereas alternatives like TeraCopy provide faster and more reliable transfers. Filtering and sorting options are basic and insufficient for managing large collections, lacking advanced capabilities found in third-party explorers. Additionally, the absence of dual-pane navigation hinders efficiency, despite recent updates introducing tab functionality.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

5 reasons I use PowerShell to automate boring Windows tasks

PowerShell automates repetitive computing tasks, enhancing productivity by offering a faster command-line interface (CLI) compared to traditional graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It simplifies app management, allowing users to reinstall or update applications more effectively than through the Microsoft Store. PowerShell also streamlines file management with the Move-Item cmdlet, which transfers files and deletes the original from the source. Users can automate scripts with Task Scheduler for routine tasks, and it supports system maintenance through cmdlets and custom scripts, benefiting both IT administrators and casual users. PowerShell's automation capabilities make it a valuable tool for optimizing computing experiences.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

5 reasons why Windows isn’t the best OS for productivity

Operating systems significantly influence user interactions with computers, accommodating various preferences. Windows is the most widely used operating system for traditional desktops but has several productivity limitations: 1. Windows installations often come with excessive pre-installed applications (bloatware), unlike macOS and most Linux distributions, which have minimal bloatware. 2. Windows lacks built-in productivity software, requiring users to purchase Microsoft Office or use alternatives, while macOS includes basic applications and Linux offers LibreOffice for free. 3. Windows does not have an integrated local file-sharing solution comparable to Apple's AirDrop, making file transfers between devices more cumbersome. 4. Keyboard and touchpad shortcuts in Windows are less intuitive and consistent compared to macOS, which can hinder productivity for users accustomed to macOS gestures. 5. Windows is a primary target for malware due to its widespread use, leading to a higher risk of system compromise compared to macOS and Linux, which encounter less malware.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

Clues in Windows 11 suggest Microsoft has a nifty plan to help you move all your stuff from an old PC to a new computer more easily and conveniently

A new 'Migration' tool has been introduced in Windows 11, integrated within the Backup app, allowing users to wirelessly transfer files and settings between two PCs connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This feature, discovered through code analysis and community collaboration, is expected to utilize Nearby Sharing, similar to Apple's AirDrop, facilitating direct local transfers without relying on cloud storage. The Migration tool is still in the conceptual phase and not yet available for testing, but it aims to enhance the Backup app's capabilities by providing a more efficient transfer process. There is potential for the Migration feature to support third-party software, broadening its utility for users.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

I’ve been waiting for this possible Windows 11 transfer tool

A new transfer application for Windows 11 has been discovered in a preview build, potentially allowing users to migrate data without external storage or cloud services. Features may include "Back up to this PC" and "Transfer files to a new PC," utilizing a wireless transfer mode that requires both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi network. The app could leverage technology similar to Nearby Sharing for an intuitive interface. Users may need to pair their devices and connect to a power source for the transfer, though it might not show available controls or a list of files for transfer. The app is integrated into Windows 11’s Backup app, but its development status is uncertain, with no official announcement from Microsoft. The project is not currently undergoing active testing, leaving its future unclear. If released, it could simplify the transition to new devices without additional charges for larger file sizes.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2’s latest bug turns a simple file move into a total nightmare, and you could be its next victim

Moving program files from .ZIP files in Windows 11 can cause File Explorer to freeze. Users can restart File Explorer via Task Manager to resolve the issue temporarily. Microsoft has not acknowledged this bug, and it is recommended to avoid using drag-and-drop for moving files to prevent the freeze.