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Winsage

April 18, 2026

“A solid list from the community,” as Reddit users highlight 10 open‑source apps that run great on Windows 11 and deserve more attention

Open-source software is becoming increasingly popular among Windows 11 users for its control, privacy, and avoidance of subscription models. Key applications highlighted include: - Firefox: A recommended open-source browser known for its privacy, customization, and performance, with robust extension support and regular updates. - Bitwarden: An open-source password manager that offers encrypted vault syncing across devices, end-to-end encryption, and features like password generation and autofill. - OBS Studio: A standard tool for screen recording and live streaming, praised for its flexibility and hardware acceleration support on Windows 11. - LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite that provides document, spreadsheet, and presentation tools without subscription fees, supporting common Microsoft Office file formats. - 7-Zip: A file compression utility recognized for its speed and efficiency, offering enhanced security features not present in Windows 11's built-in archive support. - LocalSend: A file transfer tool that allows secure transfers over a local network without needing accounts or cloud services. - GIMP: An open-source image editing tool regarded as an alternative to Photoshop, known for its flexibility and extensive customization options. - Blender: An advanced open-source application for 3D modeling, animation, and video editing, benefiting from strong GPU acceleration on Windows 11. - PowerToys: A suite of productivity utilities for Windows 11 that enhances core features with tools like FancyZones and PowerRename. These applications are favored for their ability to enhance the user experience while prioritizing control, transparency, and long-term usability.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

This is not a drill: All-timer weirdo game Deadly Premonition now playable on Linux as of Valve’s most recent Proton beta, plus 17 others and your EA library (until EA breaks it again)

Proton 11 beta 1 has been released by Valve, enhancing the Steam Deck and Linux desktops, and incorporating features from Wine 11. This update includes an initial Arm64 version of Proton, with plans for implementation in the upcoming Steam Frame. Some Windows games may perform better on Linux with this update. Newly playable games include "Unknown Faces," "Gothic 1 Classic," "X-Plane 12," "Breath of Fire IV," and "Deadly Premonition." The update also fixes various issues, such as video playback in "She Sees Red," rendering problems with the Ukrainian language option in "Chambers," and voice chat issues in "Phasmophobia." Improvements have been made in VR support for "No Man's Sky," and many other gameplay and performance enhancements have been implemented across various titles. Proton 11 beta 1 is based on Wine 11.0 and includes updates to several components, including vkd3d, dxvk, and Wine Mono.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

RedSun: Windows 0day when Defender becomes the attacker

A vulnerability has been discovered in Windows Defender that allows standard users to exploit a logic error in the file remediation process, enabling code execution with elevated privileges without administrative access. This flaw, identified by security researcher Chaotic Eclipse, occurs because Windows Defender does not verify if the restoration location of flagged files has been altered through a junction point. The exploit, named RedSun, takes advantage of a missing validation in the MpSvc.dll file, allowing attackers to redirect file restoration to the C:WindowsSystem32 directory. RedSun operates by chaining together four legitimate Windows features: Opportunistic Locks (OPLOCKs), Cloud Files API, Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), and Junction Points. The execution of the exploit involves monitoring shadow copies, triggering Defender's detection, synchronizing OPLOCKs, and ultimately writing malicious binaries to the System32 directory. The root cause is the lack of reparse point validation in the restoration process, and currently, no patch or CVE has been assigned for this vulnerability. It affects Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019 and later, and organizations are advised to implement behavioral detection strategies until a fix is available.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Steam Giving Away 4 PC Games for Free

Steam is offering four free PC games for a limited time, with the following details: 1. Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager - Free until April 23, 2021 release, 76% approval rating from 1,584 reviews, playable on Steam Deck. 2. Uncanny Tales: Cold Road - Free until April 20, 2025 release, 62% approval rating from over 100 reviews. 3. Stickman: Killing Zombie - Free until April 19, 2024 release, 92% approval rating, limited reviews. 4. NineHells - Free until April 20, 2024 release, no user review score available. Only one game, Legend of Keepers, is confirmed as playable on Steam Deck, while the compatibility of the others is unknown.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

I’ve always wanted to fire the infinite cannons of a giant anime battleship, and this solo dev’s giving me a chance on Steam later this year

Dreadnought Tartarus is a semi-automated strategic simulation game developed by a solo developer, Benkimchi, allowing players to command a massive battleship. It features gameplay options such as manual weapon control, automatic attack modes, and Focus Fire Mode. Players can gather intelligence from defeated foes to upgrade their ship and customize loadouts. The game also allows players to launch and pilot a combat mech from the battleship. Dreadnought Tartarus is set for release in Q3 2026 on Steam, and players can wishlist it and follow development updates on X.

BetaBeacon

April 17, 2026

Epic Games Store Mobile Free Game This Week: Broken Sword

The original Broken Sword game was launched in 1996 and the Reforged version in 2024 brought enhanced visuals and audio while keeping the core story intact. Players take on the role of American tourist George Stobbart in a murder mystery tied to the Knights Templar. Epic rotates its mobile free games every Thursday, with iOS availability restricted to the EU and Android users having a broader library selection. Endling: Extinction is Forever is available on the Android library. Epic's mobile push is gaining momentum with a growing selection of games.

Winsage

April 16, 2026

Microsoft VP releases free Windows tool inspired by macOS feature

Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft executive, has introduced Peek Desktop, a free utility for Windows users that allows them to hide all open windows with a click on the desktop wallpaper. The tool is available for download on GitHub and enables users to quickly access files and folders. Users can restore their previous window arrangement by clicking on the desktop or tapping the taskbar. Peek Desktop was inspired by a similar feature in macOS Sonoma and has received nine updates since its release two days ago, improving user experience and functionality. There is hope that it may be integrated as a native feature in Windows 11 in the future.

Winsage

April 16, 2026

Windows 11 adds haptic feedback for snapping, resizing, and more but most laptops can’t use it yet

Windows 11 will introduce haptic feedback for interactions like snapping or resizing windows, hovering over the close button, and aligning objects in PowerPoint, but it requires compatible hardware, specifically haptic trackpads. This feature is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders using Preview Build 26300.8155 or higher in the Dev channel. Confirmed actions for haptic feedback include aligning objects in PowerPoint, window snapping, window resizing, and hovering over the close button. Users can toggle haptic feedback effects in the settings. Microsoft has not specified which devices qualify as compatible input devices, although haptic trackpads are likely candidates. The success of this feature depends on OEMs producing compatible devices, as many current Windows laptops do not include haptic touchpads.

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2026

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security includes features such as a network security inspector, advanced ransomware defense, a hardened browser, and an active Do Not Track system. It offers a two-tier pricing model: an individual subscription for .99 per year for five licenses and a family subscription for .99 for 25 licenses, which includes parental controls. The software features an interface similar to Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, with user-configurable buttons for quick access to features. It boasts high scores from independent antivirus testing labs and excels in malware protection and antiphishing tests. Bitdefender includes a SecurePass password manager, firewall protection, spam filtering, webcam protection, and cryptomining protection. The parental control features allow parents to manage their children's online activities, but they may not be as effective as dedicated solutions. Bitdefender Total Security provides protection for macOS and Android, with high ratings for its performance on these platforms. The Android app includes malware scanning, web protection, and anti-theft features. The Bitdefender Central app allows users to manage their security settings from mobile devices.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Players have already found exploits for the Sulfur Cube in Minecraft, including using it as a mode of transportation

The Sulfur Cube, introduced in the Chaos Cubed update, is currently in testing and has generated excitement among players. A Reddit user demonstrated a creative use of the Sulfur Cube as a mode of transportation by attaching it to a boat with a lead, along with a potion of slow falling and a spear, allowing for high-speed travel. This method offers a new way to navigate the game, surpassing traditional transport options like elytra, horses, or minecarts. There are concerns that this exploit may be patched soon, but it presents an opportunity for players to explore the Sulfur Cube's capabilities.