web apps Archives

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Former Windows boss reveals why modern Windows 11 apps feel slower, says Microsoft once gave every engineer a stopwatch

Steven Sinofsky, former head of the Windows Division at Microsoft, discussed the company's engineering culture and its focus on resource management from 1980 to 2000, where every engineer was given a physical stopwatch to measure various performance metrics. This practice emphasized optimizing software for speed and efficiency, a stark contrast to modern applications that consume significant RAM due to shifts in market dynamics and hardware advancements. The current trend prioritizes rapid feature deployment over optimization, leading to performance issues in applications. Microsoft is responding to criticism by enhancing the performance of Windows 11, focusing on native desktop applications and optimizing core components, including the Start menu and File Explorer. They are also testing new CPU scheduling profiles to reduce micro-lags during user interactions.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Android Apps on Windows 11: Safe Alternatives After WSA

In 2025, Microsoft announced it would discontinue support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), making Android applications non-functional on Windows 11. This decision surprised many users in Indonesia who relied on these applications. HP developed a guide outlining secure alternatives to WSA, which included reputable Android emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and NoxPlayer, as well as native Windows alternatives such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 apps. Users were advised against unverified APK sideloading, unofficial emulators, and modified apps due to security risks. Microsoft’s end of support means no further security updates or bug fixes will be provided, and integration with the Amazon Appstore will cease. Users can continue using WSA apps, but they will be exposed to potential security threats. To migrate data from WSA, users were instructed to inventory apps, research alternatives, and export app data before performing a clean uninstall. Best practices for running Android apps safely on Windows included downloading from official sources and keeping software updated.

Winsage

May 7, 2026

Microsoft admits Windows 11 is still built on 90s-era Win32, and no one saw it coming

Users engage with the Win32 API when right-clicking files or launching desktop applications in Windows 11, a technology that has persisted since Windows 95. Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer, Mark Russinovich, noted that the longevity of Win32 was unexpected, as it was not part of the company's original vision for the future. Despite attempts to replace Win32 over the past two decades, many users still have more Win32 applications than modern alternatives. Microsoft has introduced several frameworks to replace Win32, including MFC, WinForms, WPF, WinRT, and UWP, but none have fully succeeded. Developers have shown a preference for RAM-intensive web applications over native ones due to concerns about the stability of Microsoft's frameworks. Microsoft has introduced WebView2 to embed web technologies in desktop applications, leading to increased memory usage. In response to user needs, Microsoft is shifting back to native applications with WinUI 3, aiming to modernize Windows 11 while retaining access to Win32 infrastructure. The company is gradually replacing legacy Win32 UI elements with WinUI 3 components, improving performance and user experience.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

FEMITBOT Network Abuses Telegram Mini Apps for Crypto Scams and Android Malware

A fraud network called FEMITBOT has emerged, using Telegram's Mini App feature to conduct investment scams and distribute malware. Identified by the research firm CTM360, the network operates through API responses and presents itself as organized. The scams involve Telegram Mini Apps that display phishing pages, fake dashboards showing fictitious earnings, and urgency tactics to pressure users into making quick decisions. FEMITBOT mimics well-known brands like Apple and Coca-Cola to enhance credibility and disseminates Android malware disguised as legitimate applications. The operation is highly organized, utilizing marketing tools to optimize their scams. Users are warned to be cautious of bots requesting deposits before granting access to funds.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Microsoft says it’ll simpilify Windows 11’s Edge browser by removing features like Sidebar, pledges to win back users

Microsoft is removing the Sidebar feature from Microsoft Edge, starting with users of Microsoft accounts (MSA), though no specific timeline has been provided. The Sidebar, which allowed users to integrate web apps like Outlook and Bing, will no longer support adding new apps, and its quick access list will be gradually removed. The Copilot feature within the Sidebar will remain unaffected. CEO Satya Nadella stated that Microsoft is committed to enhancing user engagement across its platforms, including Edge, which has gained market share for 20 consecutive quarters.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Telegram Mini Apps abused for crypto scams, Android malware delivery

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a fraud operation named FEMITBOT that exploits Telegram’s Mini App feature to conduct various crypto scams, impersonate reputable brands, and distribute Android malware. This operation uses a unique string in API responses and employs Telegram bots with embedded Mini Apps to create convincing app-like experiences. The scams include fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms and financial services, with impersonation of brands like Apple, Coca-Cola, Disney, eBay, IBM, Moon Pay, NVIDIA, and YouKu. The operation utilizes a shared backend infrastructure, allowing multiple phishing domains to use the same API response. Users interacting with the bots are shown phishing pages within Telegram’s WebView, often featuring fake balances and urgency tactics to prompt deposits or referrals. Additionally, some Mini Apps attempt to distribute malware disguised as legitimate Android APKs. Users are advised to be cautious when engaging with Telegram bots related to cryptocurrency investments and to avoid sideloading APK files.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

Microsoft engineer says native apps are back, and it could finally revive Windows 11’s fight against web apps

A distinguished Engineer at Microsoft has suggested that native apps are making a comeback, aligning with the company's initiatives to revitalize Windows 11. The Windows Store, currently dominated by web apps, has improved significantly in performance and offers a diverse array of applications. Microsoft expanded options for developers to create apps using preferred methods, attracting notable applications like Netflix and WhatsApp to transition to WebView2-based Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). However, this shift has led to high resource consumption issues, with WhatsApp consuming up to 600MB of RAM and Electron-based applications like Discord using as much as 4GB of RAM. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with PWAs lacking essential functionalities compared to native apps. In response to feedback, Microsoft plans to develop 100% native apps for Windows 11, with Rudy Huyn confirming this intention. David Fowler declared, “Native apps are back,” indicating a focus on restoring native applications. The Start menu is transitioning from React-based elements to WinUI to enhance performance. The recently launched .NET 10 introduces Native AOT compilation, which aims to decrease app startup times and optimize memory usage. Microsoft's web-based Copilot app has also faced criticism for high resource consumption. The company must persuade developers to prioritize native app creation and demonstrate the advantages of native apps by converting its own applications to be fully native on Windows 11.

Winsage

April 21, 2026

Microsoft continues to improve Windows 11 with storage menu fixes and changes to FAT32

Microsoft is updating Windows 11, including reducing Copilot integration in native applications and streamlining Control Panel settings. The latest Insider Preview build introduces significant changes to storage management, notably removing the FAT32 volume size limit, expanding it from 32GB to 2TB, while individual file sizes remain capped at 4GB. The update also eliminates the User Account Control (UAC) prompt in the Storage menu, improving responsiveness and loading times. Microsoft is also committed to enhancing Windows Search and transitioning from web apps to native applications.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Microsoft’s Shift to Native Windows Apps: A Win for Users?

Microsoft is shifting its focus towards web applications, raising concerns among users about the future of the Windows operating system. This trend has led to a homogenization of the Windows experience, making it harder for users to distinguish it from other operating systems. Historically, Microsoft has prioritized native applications, which provide unique performance and functionality. The rise of web apps has been influenced by the popularity of mobile devices and the need for cross-platform compatibility. There is uncertainty about whether Microsoft will continue down the path of web technologies or return to prioritizing native app development. Tish Haag, an author, noted that while web technologies are useful, they have contributed to the loss of Windows' unique identity. To maintain relevance, Microsoft needs to reconsider its strategy and reinvest in native app development.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

New Copilot for Windows 11 includes a full Microsoft Edge package, uses more RAM

A new iteration of Copilot is being released for Windows 11, transitioning from native code (WinUI) to web components and including a full version of Microsoft Edge. The update replaces the previous native app and is available for download through the Microsoft Store, which now requires an installer similar to the Microsoft Edge installer. The new Copilot resembles the web version and has higher RAM usage, consuming up to 500MB in the background and nearly 1GB during use, compared to less than 100MB for the previous version. The new Copilot is a hybrid web application that operates with a rebranded instance of Edge within a WebView2 container, including a complete Microsoft Edge installation that occupies approximately 850 MB. It contains the msedge.dll file, confirming the presence of a full Chromium browser engine, and includes Edge subsystems like Browser Helper Objects and Trust Protection Lists. The Copilot app functions as a web app rendered via WebView2, raising questions about the necessity of such applications on Windows 11 given the existing alternatives.