web browsers Archives

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows XP returns! Re-experience the magic for free in your browser

Windows XP was launched in 2001 and officially discontinued in 2014. A project by Reddit user ducbao414, unveiled on July 13th to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Windows XP's development, allows users to experience a web-based replica of the operating system. This replica captures the classic interface but does not provide a fully functional version. Users can access familiar applications like Paint, Media Player Classic, Microsoft Word, and Minesweeper, but cannot browse the internet or run external applications. The project is available for free at win32.run.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

Miss Windows XP? You Can Now Relive It Right In Your Browser

Windows XP was launched in 2001 and is known for its user-friendly interface and improved performance. A new project allows users to experience Windows XP in their web browsers through an interactive emulation hosted on win32.run. This version replicates the original boot animation and desktop layout, includes classic games like 3D Pinball Space Cadet, Solitaire, and Minesweeper, and allows navigation of a functional file system. Users can save files, install third-party applications, and use an updated version of Microsoft Word. The emulation also features media content from the original Windows XP launch. Flash games can be played by downloading them and running them within the emulated environment.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

15 incredible DOS classics you can play in your browser

Between the late '80s and early '90s, DOS became the foundation of PC gaming, fostering innovation with advancements in 2.5D and 3D environments, first-person shooters, city-building simulations, and point-and-click adventures. DOS games are lightweight, allowing them to run on modern devices easily. Dangerous Dave (1988) is a nostalgic platformer that remains enjoyable today. Sid Meier's Civilization (1991) is considered one of the greatest DOS games, allowing players to build empires through various strategies. Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty (1992) is credited with shaping the real-time strategy genre, introducing base-building and resource management. Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons (1990) set the standard for PC platformers with its vibrant gameplay. Carmageddon (1997) is an iconic car combat game known for its humor and chaos. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992) is a hallmark of the point-and-click genre with engaging puzzles. The Oregon Trail (1990) started as an educational tool and became a classic game blending survival strategy with humor. Command and Conquer (1995) revolutionized the RTS genre with engaging gameplay. X-COM: UFO Defense (1994) is known for its strategic gameplay where every decision matters. Wolfenstein 3D (1992) is a pioneer of the FPS genre, influencing many subsequent titles.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Microsoft Begins Rolling Out Vision Desktop Share Across All Insider Channels

An update for the Microsoft Copilot app (version 1.25071.125 and higher) is being rolled out to Windows Insider Program members via the Microsoft Store. This update introduces two features: 1. Desktop Share: Users can share their entire desktop with Copilot, allowing it to analyze content and provide real-time assistance on various tasks. 2. Access Vision from Copilot Voice: Users can access Copilot Vision through voice commands and share their desktop while conversing with Copilot.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now steam owned games to PC

Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can stream over 250 games through the Xbox App on PCs, available to Xbox Insiders. This feature includes console-exclusive games not previously playable on the Xbox PC app. Users can access the Cloud Gaming section to stream their game catalog. The library of streamable titles will continue to grow with additional console-only games and Xbox Play Anywhere titles expected in the future.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

TapTrap Android Exploit Allows Malicious Apps to Bypass Permissions

A new Android vulnerability named TapTrap allows malicious applications to bypass the operating system's permission system without requiring special permissions. It exploits activity transition animations to mislead users into granting sensitive permissions or executing harmful actions. Researchers from TU Wien analyzed 99,705 applications on the Google Play Store and found that 76.3% are susceptible to this attack. TapTrap uses low-opacity animations (approximately 0.01 alpha) to make sensitive permission dialogs nearly invisible while still registering touch events. The attack can last up to six seconds and can lead to unauthorized access to critical functionalities like the camera and microphone, and even device administrator privileges. TapTrap bypasses existing defenses against tapjacking in Android, affecting popular web browsers as well. A user study showed that all participants failed to detect at least one variant of the attack. As of June 2025, Android 15 remains vulnerable, with no timeline for a comprehensive fix. The vulnerability has been assigned two CVEs, and researchers disclosed their findings to Google in October 2024. They propose solutions to mitigate the risks, including blocking touch events during low-opacity animations and setting an opacity threshold of 0.2.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge sets a new standard for speed and responsiveness

Microsoft Edge has achieved a global First Contentful Paint (FCP) time of under 300 milliseconds, reflecting a commitment to enhancing user experience through speed. This milestone was influenced by research indicating that delays beyond 300 to 400 milliseconds can negatively impact user satisfaction. Load times have been reduced by an average of 40% across 13 key browser features, including Settings, Read Aloud, Split Screen, and Workspaces. Future performance enhancements are expected for features like Print Preview and Extensions. FCP measures how quickly the various feature UIs of Microsoft Edge visually load.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft confirms Family Safety blocks Google Chrome from launching

Microsoft's Family Safety parental control service is experiencing a significant issue that prevents users from launching Google Chrome and other web browsers on Windows systems. This problem has been reported since early June, with users facing unexpected crashes when trying to access Google Chrome. A bug in the web filtering tool requires children to seek parental approval to use alternative browsers, as new versions of approved browsers are inadvertently blocked after updates. Microsoft is updating its block list to include the latest versions of these browsers. The issue affects devices running Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 22H2 or later. Users are advised to enable the 'Activity reporting' feature to ensure proper parental approval requests. Microsoft is working to resolve the absence of consent prompts and the unintentional blocking of updated browser versions.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Minecraft’s New Villains—This Hostile Mob Steals Everything

Cyber criminals are targeting Minecraft's player base, particularly the 65% of players under 21, who are often less aware of cyber threats. A recent report from Check Point reveals a sophisticated malware campaign that embeds malicious software in counterfeit Minecraft mods shared on platforms like GitHub. This malware operates in stages, starting with a Java downloader, followed by a stealer, and an advanced tool to harvest sensitive information such as passwords and cryptocurrency wallet details. The campaign is linked to Russian-speaking attackers and uses a distribution-as-a-service model to spread malicious links. Disguised as legitimate cheat tools, these files install additional malware on users' devices, capturing credentials from browsers and applications, and sending data back to attackers. To protect against these threats, it is advised to download mods only from trusted sources, be skeptical of cheat tools, keep antivirus software updated, and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Bring the “Windows 10 look” back to Windows 11 — Everything I changed to restore the desktop UI experience

Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 find the new design and interface changes challenging. Windows 11 features a centered Taskbar, a simplified Start menu, and an updated File Explorer and Settings app. Users can customize their Windows 11 experience to resemble Windows 10 by making several adjustments. To align the Taskbar and Start menu to the left, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select "Left" for Taskbar alignment. To show app labels in the Taskbar, users need to select "Never" for the "Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels" setting in the same menu. For those preferring the classic File Explorer, they can access it by searching for Windows Tools in the Start menu and selecting Home or This PC. Users can also change the color scheme by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting "Custom" mode, choosing a dark theme, and enabling accent colors for the Start and taskbar. To display classic desktop icons, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check the desired icons. In Notepad, users can disable new features by adjusting settings in the app to revert to a more classic experience. For further customization, third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher and Windhawk can be used. ExplorerPatcher allows users to restore various interface elements from earlier Windows versions, while Windhawk provides a framework for modifying Windows 11 with community-created mods. Both tools can be installed via the Windows Package Manager and offer options to revert to classic aesthetics.