web app Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

5 Essential Windows Apps Everyone Should Be Using In 2025

Everything is a free application from Voidtools that indexes file and folder names quickly, allowing searches of up to a million files in a minute. It can index mapped network drives and supports Boolean operators and wildcards for advanced search needs. Flow Launcher is an open-source application that serves as a quick launcher and search utility, integrating with Everything for fast file searches and allowing users to open applications, search for files, and perform calculations from a single interface. NanaZip is an open-source archive manager derived from 7-Zip, supporting various archive formats and offering faster processing times, improved encryption, dark mode, and context menu integration. Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities for power users that includes tools like Command Palette, PowerRename, and FancyZones, available for free from the Microsoft Store. Ferdium is an open-source tool that consolidates web applications into a single platform, allowing users to manage multiple web apps within one window, supporting multiple instances of the same app and offering workspace management and a built-in To-do list panel.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Google’s Gemini Agent can orchestrate complex tasks on your behalf in the Gemini app

Google is updating the Gemini app with a new interface and Gemini 3 Pro support. Google AI Ultra subscribers can try the Gemini Agent, which can complete actions within the Google ecosystem and on the web. The app is gaining two generative interfaces that create custom views in real-time based on user requests. Gemini 3 enhances multimodal understanding and agentic coding capabilities. The Gemini Agent is an experimental tool that simplifies multi-step tasks and integrates with Google Workspace applications. It can manage calendar events, set reminders, and organize Gmail inboxes, while prioritizing user control for significant changes. The app introduces visual layouts and dynamic views for customizable user engagement. Users can experiment with Gemini 3 Pro by selecting the "Thinking" model, while the Gemini Agent is exclusive to Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Google makes it easier for businesses to run Windows apps on ChromeOS amid an uncertain future

Google has rebranded Cameyo, the software virtualization company it acquired last year, as “Cameyo by Google” to enhance the usability of Windows applications on ChromeOS. Cameyo's platform allows users to stream individual Windows applications directly to their devices via a web app, integrating seamlessly with the native file system of Chromebooks. This solution targets enterprise users, enabling them to run legacy applications alongside modern web apps without the need for a separate virtual desktop environment. Cameyo also supports organizations in transitioning to ChromeOS while maintaining access to essential Windows applications, addressing the "app gap" that has hindered enterprise adoption of ChromeOS.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Facebook Messenger desktop version for Windows and MacOS will shut down in December 2025

Meta has confirmed that the Messenger desktop applications for Windows and macOS will cease operations on December 15, 2025. Users will be redirected to the Facebook website for messaging after this date. Notifications about the shutdown will be sent within the app starting 60 days prior to the closure, after which the app will be inaccessible. Users are encouraged to uninstall the app and can continue using Messenger via the web version or the Facebook Desktop App for Windows. To safeguard correspondence history, users should activate the “secure storage” feature and set a PIN code. This decision aligns with Meta's strategy to embrace web technologies, transitioning to a Progressive Web App (PWA) version in September 2024. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, preferring the desktop application over the browser interface.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Messenger Is Discontinuing Its Windows and Mac Desktop Apps

Meta is phasing out the native Messenger applications for Windows and macOS, directing users to the web version. The apps are no longer available for download, and they will cease to function after a winding-down period. Users are receiving notifications about the change, which will leave Messenger accessible only through web browsers. Enhancements such as end-to-end encryption and improved calling features are part of this web-focused evolution. Users can still access core functionality on Messenger.com but will lose some app-specific features, including a persistent menu bar icon and offline access. Meta encourages users to enable secure storage for end-to-end encrypted chats and offers a tool to download messages and media for local archiving. Messenger remains one of the largest chat platforms globally, with active user counts similar to Telegram. Competitors like Telegram, Discord, and Slack have different approaches to desktop messaging. Users can transition smoothly by utilizing the web version and configuring desktop notifications and shortcuts.

AppWizard

October 19, 2025

Facebook is shutting down one of its popular messaging apps, but WhatsApp fans don’t need to panic

Meta will retire its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and Mac desktops on December 15, 2025. Users will still be able to access Messenger via web browsers at Facebook.com or Messenger.com. After receiving an in-app notification, users will have 60 days to continue using the desktop app before being blocked from it. Meta recommends users delete the app after this period. WhatsApp's desktop app will remain available. Users can preserve their chat history by enabling secure storage and setting up a PIN before transitioning to the web version. After the transition, conversations will remain accessible across all platforms. Users without a Facebook account will be directed to Messenger.com for messaging.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Meta to shut down Messenger desktop app for Windows

Meta is discontinuing its standalone Messenger desktop applications for Windows and macOS, effective December 15, 2025. After this date, users will be redirected to the Facebook website for messaging. Users will receive a 60-day notice before the apps are fully deprecated. During the transition, the apps will remain functional but access will be blocked after the deadline. Meta suggests uninstalling the applications once they are non-functional. Users can access Messenger through the Facebook desktop app or website, and chat functionality is available for Messenger-only accounts via the web version. Meta recommends enabling secure storage and a PIN to protect chat history. This decision is part of a broader strategy to shift towards web-based messaging, following the introduction of a Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Messenger in September 2024.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta to shut down Messenger apps on Windows and Mac

Meta will phase out its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and Mac computers, with functionality expected to cease around December 15, 2025. After this date, users will be redirected to Messenger.com or Facebook.com. Users are advised to back up their messages and media, and utilize secure storage features for a smooth transition to web-based Messenger or mobile applications. In 2024, Meta launched a Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Messenger, which operates within a browser and offers similar functionalities to the desktop applications. The Messenger desktop app has also been removed from the Mac App Store. Meta is enhancing its Threads app with new features, including private messaging, to compete with other platforms. The company faces lawsuits related to youth mental health concerns and has faced backlash for using user AI chat data for ad personalization without an opt-out option.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Updates Break IIS Websites After Patch Tuesday

Microsoft has acknowledged that the Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 updates are causing disruptions for IIS websites due to a conflict in the Windows HTTP stack driver (HTTP.sys), resulting in “ERRCONNECTIONRESET” errors for localhost loopbacks and IIS connections. The issue affects devices with updates released on or after September 29, including KB5066835 and KB5065789, impacting server-side applications reliant on HTTP.sys and leading to failed IIS websites or blank pages. The problem may vary based on internet connectivity, system timing, or update installation order. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and has advised IT administrators to implement a known issue rollback (KIR) through Group Policy to restore stability. Additionally, Microsoft has lifted an upgrade block on Windows 11 24H2 devices that was due to a conflict with a third-party driver.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta Messenger desktop apps reach end of life in December

Meta is discontinuing its standalone Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac, with the shutdown scheduled for December 15. Users will be redirected to the Facebook website to access Messenger after this date. In-app notifications will inform users about the transition, and Mac users will have a 60-day grace period to continue using the app post-notification. Meta encourages users to delete the application, as it will no longer be usable after the grace period. For Windows users, the Facebook desktop application is recommended as a substitute, and both platforms can use the web interface on Facebook. To preserve chat history, Meta advises users to enable secure storage and set up a Personal Identification Number (PIN).