utility Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Best Dying Light The Beast weapons

In Dying Light: The Beast, players can utilize a variety of weapons to combat the infected. Notable weapons include: - Military Shotgun: A pump-action shotgun effective at close range, but ammunition is limited. - Slashers: Modified knuckle dusters with blades, effective in one-on-one fights, found by locating a blueprint in the Groundskeeper's House. - Reinforced Camp Axe: A one-handed axe that can be modified, effective against small groups of infected. - Hunting Bow: Initially weak but becomes powerful when upgraded, useful for stealth attacks. - Fire Station Greataxe: Capable of hitting multiple enemies with strong swings, favored for aggressive play. Other weapons, such as the Skull Cracker hammer, may also be useful depending on the situation.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Windows Paint just got a major Photoshop-like upgrade you’ll want to try

Microsoft is introducing new features to Windows Paint, including the ability to save projects in a .paint format that retains all layers and edits. This feature is currently being rolled out to Windows 11 insiders on the Canary and Dev channels. Users can create and modify images with multiple layers, a capability previously limited to more advanced software. Windows Paint now includes an opacity slider for adjusting the transparency of strokes with the Pencil and Brush tools. Microsoft aims to position Paint as a competitive option against Photoshop and other graphic design tools. Additionally, updates to other Windows 11 applications include enhancements to the Snipping Tool and Notepad, which now features AI-powered tools. A wider rollout of these features to all Windows 11 users is expected soon.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

What is Click To Do? Meet Microsoft’s next AI headliner for Windows PCs

Click To Do utilizes optical character recognition (OCR) technology to make screens interactive by allowing users to select text as if it were tangible. Selecting an email address offers the option to “Send email,” while highlighting a website URL provides the choice to “Open website.” When more than ten words are selected, users can access actions powered by the Phi Silica language model on Copilot+ PCs, enabling text summarization, bulleted list generation, and content rewriting. The platform also features an “Ask Copilot” option to send selected text to Microsoft’s Copilot AI chatbot and a “Draft with Copilot in Word” option for initiating Word documents with AI assistance. The functionality is available only to users of Microsoft’s Copilot for home use or Microsoft 365 Copilot for business applications.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Microsoft insists the new Outlook delivers a “native” experience — but I’m not convinced

Microsoft is encouraging users to adopt the new Outlook app, which has been the default email and calendar solution for Windows 11 since its launch. Users face challenges with the new Outlook, including advertisements unless they pay for a subscription and the absence of several features from the previous Mail & Calendar app. Many users still prefer the classic Mail & Calendar app and express a desire for its return. The new Outlook is categorized as a Progressive Web App (PWA), raising questions about its classification as a native application. Critics have pointed out issues with the app's performance, design, and feature set, with some stating it does not meet user expectations. Microsoft has disabled the Mail & Calendar app on Windows 10 to compel users to transition to the new Outlook.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Stop struggling with Windows Search — try these 6 game‑changing alternatives

Windows 11's built-in search feature is often slow and inefficient, particularly with non-indexed locations and numerous files. It has a cluttered search home filled with advertisements. Several third-party tools are recommended as alternatives to enhance search functionality: - Command Palette: Part of PowerToys, it allows instant results for queries and supports command execution, quick navigation, and customization. - Fluent Search: Offers a comprehensive search experience with a native file indexer, rapid results, and OCR technology for searching visible content on screens. - Everything: Focuses on speed by indexing files and folders instantly, providing real-time results based on names, though it lacks additional features. - Listary: Integrates with Windows and File Explorer, allowing direct searches within these environments and offering customization for commands and automation. - Flow Launcher: A free, open-source app launcher that enhances search by integrating with the Everything indexer and includes built-in plugins for added functionality. - RayCast: An app launcher in beta for Windows, originally for macOS, featuring productivity tools and AI capabilities, allowing efficient task performance without a mouse. These tools cater to various user needs, improving the search experience on Windows 11.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Google is testing its own official app on Windows that competes with my favorite PowerToys feature

PowerToys Run in Windows 11 is being compared to a new app launched by Google for Windows, which allows users to search without switching windows by pressing Alt + Space. This app can search across computer files, installed applications, Google Drive files, and the web, and includes Google Lens integration for selecting and searching screen content. The app is currently only available in the United States and offers enhanced AI-powered responses in AI Mode. It closely resembles PowerToys Run but provides specific advantages for users within the Google ecosystem. The app utilizes web access for Google Drive functionality, eliminating the need for a Windows client.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

Building Blocks: Desert Well

Wells have been a crucial water source, especially in arid regions, with the oldest known well in Cyprus dating back over 10,000 years. This ancient well reaches a depth of eight meters through limestone. Stepwells in western India, built between the 7th and 19th centuries, are notable architectural examples that provided water access and showcased artistic design. Hand-dug wells have historically been a simple and economical method for obtaining drinking water in dry climates and remain important in rural areas of developing countries. Modern practices often involve drilling wells with machines and using pumps for easier water retrieval. Additionally, in the game Minecraft, players can create their own water sources using sandstone blocks and water, although caution is advised when digging due to potential underground caves.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Microsoft: WMIC will be removed after Windows 11 25H2 upgrade

Microsoft has announced the removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool, effective with the upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 and subsequent versions. IT administrators are urged to transition to Windows PowerShell for WMI-related tasks, as WMIC will be phased out. While WMIC is being deprecated, the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) will remain operational. WMIC has been declining since its deprecation in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 10 21H1 and was converted into a Feature on Demand starting with Windows 11 22H2. Microsoft stated that the removal of WMIC is intended to enhance security by mitigating malware and attack strategies that exploit this tool, which has been used by ransomware operators and other malicious actors.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to open the Settings app on Windows 11

The Settings app in Windows 11 allows users to customize their operating system experience, including personalizing the interface, managing peripherals, configuring network settings, and controlling privacy options. It can be accessed through various methods such as the Start menu, Taskbar, Desktop, Start button, File Explorer, Quick Settings, and shortcuts. To set a default printer, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and click "Set as default." If the option is unavailable, disable "Let Windows manage my default printer." To install Windows 11 offline, press "Shift + F10" during setup to open Command Prompt, enter OOBEBYPASSNRO, and restart to create a local account without internet. If there are issues accessing the Settings app, repairing the installation may help. To adjust power and sleep settings, navigate to Settings > System > Power & battery. To reset to factory settings, go to Settings > System > Recovery, and under "Reset this PC," choose to "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." To set a default browser, access Settings > Apps > Default apps, select the browser, and click "Set as default." To create Virtual Desktops, use "Windows key + Tab" and select "New desktop," switching between them with "Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right" arrow keys.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to use DISM command tool to repair Windows 10 image

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a command-line utility in Windows 10 used for preparing, modifying, and repairing system images, including the Windows Recovery Environment, Windows Setup, and Windows PE. It can address various system issues, and when system files are missing or corrupted, the System File Checker (SFC) can replace them using the recovery image. If local image files are compromised, the SFC command may fail, and using the "install.wim" image file with DISM can repair the image, allowing SFC to function without a complete OS reinstallation. DISM includes commands such as "CheckHealth," "ScanHealth," and "RestoreHealth" for repairing system images. The "CheckHealth" command identifies corruptions without repairing them, while "ScanHealth" performs a comprehensive scan for underlying issues. The "RestoreHealth" command scans and repairs common problems, connecting to Windows Update to download and replace damaged files if needed. If DISM encounters difficulties, an "install.wim" or "install.esd" file can be used as an alternative source for repairs. The Media Creation Tool can download a fresh Windows 10 ISO file if necessary. Specific commands can be executed to repair the image using these files, and troubleshooting common errors may involve checking for source file locations or ensuring a stable internet connection. Once the image is restored, the SFC command can be run to repair the installation of Windows 10. The SFC tool checks and repairs system files using local image files, with logs saved for further review. DISM does not delete files, and its execution time can vary based on system speed and the extent of corruption.