transfer files Archives

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

12 apps I urge non-techies to install on their Android phones

The preinstalled Android apps on smartphones may not meet the needs of all users, especially those who are less tech-savvy. Alternative apps can enhance the smartphone experience. TeamViewer allows remote troubleshooting by connecting to others' devices for assistance. Vivaldi offers a customizable browsing experience with ad-blocking and privacy features, while Microsoft Edge is a good option for Windows users. Google Wallet simplifies mobile payments and serves as a digital wallet for various cards. Nobook is a lightweight alternative to the Facebook app, providing faster load times and a streamlined experience. Bitwarden is a password manager that securely stores passwords with one master password, promoting the use of complex passwords. Google Authenticator provides multi-factor authentication by storing 2FA codes securely. Localsend facilitates large file transfers over Wi-Fi networks. Google Photos offers 15GB of free storage for image backup, and Google Gallery helps manage images easily. Tubular provides an ad-free YouTube experience, while Files by Google simplifies file management with categorization and a secure Safe Folder. Gboard enhances typing efficiency with features like autocomplete and swipe typing.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Readers Share Favorite Android Apps of 2025

Users have been asked to identify the best Android app that has integrated into their daily lives in 2025, amidst a competitive landscape with hundreds of billions of global downloads. Key characteristics of standout apps include reliability, simplicity, and the ability to fill existing gaps without unnecessary complexities. Privacy is a major concern, with users encouraged to scrutinize app permissions and seek transparency in business models. Cross-device compatibility is increasingly important, especially with the rise of tablets and foldable devices. Notable apps mentioned include: - Octopi Launcher: Favored for its widget-rich interface and tag-based search. - LocalSend: Allows direct file transfers across local networks without accounts or cloud services. - Banana Browser: Known for its minimalist design and built-in media controls. - Niagara Launcher: Celebrated for its minimalist, one-handed design. - Organic Maps: Provides efficient offline navigation using OpenStreetMap. - RethinkDNS: Blocks trackers and enforces on-device firewall rules. - Obsidian: A note-taking app known for its vault-style organization and cross-device syncing. When choosing an app, users should assess transparency in the business model, data export options, and app permissions. Performance in real-world scenarios, such as offline functionality and multitasking, is also important. Users are encouraged to share their top app recommendations to help others enhance their Android experience.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Five beloved Android apps we loved and then lost

This year, several essential Android applications have been abruptly retired, creating a significant void for users. Pocket, originally launched as Read It Later and acquired by Mozilla, was a popular tool for saving articles but has now shut down, leaving users without a true replacement. Omnivore, an open-source read-it-later tool favored by academics, lost its original vision after being acquired by ElevenLabs, which shifted its focus to AI-enhanced reading. Syncthing's official Android app was withdrawn due to non-compliance with app store policies, despite the technology's capabilities. Kiwi Browser, known for allowing desktop-style Chrome extensions on Android, was archived to develop an extension store for Microsoft Edge, losing its independent essence. Nova Launcher, a highly customizable home screen application, ceased updates after its acquisition by Branch, disappointing its dedicated user community. The losses of these applications highlight the challenges faced by smaller teams in maintaining their products amidst changing regulations and corporate acquisitions.

Winsage

October 4, 2025

How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC: The Ultimate 2025…

To install Windows 11 on a new PC, you need the following: a brand-new PC without an operating system, a working Windows computer to prepare installation media, a USB flash drive (16GB or larger), a valid Windows 11 license key, and a stable internet connection. To create installation media, download Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on a functioning computer, run it, accept the license terms, and select “Create installation media for another PC.” Choose a USB flash drive as the destination, and the tool will download Windows 11 onto the USB. To install Windows 11, insert the USB into the new PC and reboot it. Access the BIOS/UEFI boot menu and set the USB drive as the primary boot option. Once the setup loads, select your language, region, and keyboard layout, enter your product key, and accept the license terms. Choose your primary SSD or HDD for a clean installation, which will erase all existing data on that drive. After installation, Windows will reboot multiple times. Complete the out-of-the-box experience by naming your PC, creating a user account, selecting privacy settings, and connecting to Wi-Fi. Post-installation, check for missing drivers via Windows Update and install essential software like a web browser and antivirus. If you need to transfer files from an old PC, consider using system migration software like 4DDiG Partition Manager for a smoother transition. You can install Windows 11 without a license key but will need to activate it later. If your new PC cannot connect to the internet, download necessary network drivers on another computer and transfer them via USB.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 makes the Linux Terminal way more useful with expanded file access

The upcoming quarterly update for Android 16 will enhance the Linux Terminal app by broadening its access to nearly all shared storage on the device, moving beyond the current limitation of only accessing files in the Downloads folder. This update aims to streamline file sharing and improve user experience by allowing the Linux Terminal to interact with a wider range of file directories, excluding system data directories and private app data. The feature is already available in the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, with a stable release expected in early December.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

Windows 11 Update: Here’s How To Upgrade Your PC From Windows 10 Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 10 on October 14, with extended security updates available for an additional year. Users are advised to transition to Windows 11 for better security. The upgrade process involves backing up files, downloading Windows 11 via a standard upgrade or clean install, and then installing the operating system. A clean install requires an 8GB+ USB flash drive and the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. Potential issues include errors from Windows updates, and users may consider alternatives like Linux if they find Windows 11's interface unappealing.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows Backup for Organizations

Microsoft has introduced Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool aimed at IT administrators to manage device resets and migrations from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool focuses on preserving Windows settings and a list of installed Microsoft Store apps, rather than serving as a comprehensive backup solution. Backups can be initiated from supported versions of Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11 (22H2 and later), with restoration limited to Windows 11 (22H2 and beyond). Only fully Entra-joined devices can restore settings and apps directly to the Start Menu. The backup policy can be enabled through mobile device management (MDM) or Group Policy and is opt-in by default. A scheduled task runs every eight days for backups. The Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) will be used for system restoration, but alternative restoration methods are not supported. The tool does not back up user files, and backup data is stored within the enterprise's tenant without support for cross-tenant migration or Cloud PCs.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

How I easily transfer files between my Android phone and Mac

QuickDrop is a free file transfer application designed for sharing files between Android and MacOS devices. Users need an Android device, a MacOS device, and a shared wireless network to use the app. Installation involves downloading QuickDrop from the Google Play Store on both devices. To transfer files, users launch QuickDrop on both devices, select the MacOS device from the list on the Android device, choose a file to send, and accept the transfer on the MacOS device. For sending files from MacOS to Android, users must add QuickDrop to the MacOS Share menu, enable it, and then select it when sharing a file. The transferred files are saved in the Downloads folder on the receiving device.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

This app lets Mac users take full advantage of Android’s Quick Share with new QR code support

The NearDrop application facilitates seamless file transfers between Android devices and Macs, utilizing a partial implementation of Google’s Quick Share. A recent update allows two-way file transfers, enabling users to send files from both Android devices to Macs and vice versa. The update also introduces QR code support for easier file sharing and adds support for multiple languages, including Romanian.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Microsoft’s trying to force OneDrive on us yet again – this time for moving from a Windows 10 PC to a Windows 11 one

Microsoft has released a promotional video demonstrating the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using its Backup app, which simplifies data and settings transfer from an existing PC to a new one. The video emphasizes the need for OneDrive subscriptions, as the free account offers only 5GB of storage, which may not be sufficient for many users. Users can avoid subscription fees by selectively transferring larger files, such as photos and videos, to an external drive. A future feature in the Windows Backup app will allow direct PC-to-PC migration via a local network, but it is not yet operational and requires a Microsoft account. The promotional video does not mention this feature.