Windows app Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning

Microsoft has raised concerns about the shutdown process of Windows PCs, indicating complications following the January 13, 2026, security update. PCs with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate, instead restarting unexpectedly. A temporary solution is to use the Command Prompt with the command shutdown /s /t 0 for shutting down, but there is no workaround for the hibernation issue. Microsoft recommends saving work and shutting down devices to avoid power loss. Additionally, some users are facing credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections, affecting services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Alternatives include using the Remote Desktop client for Windows or the Windows App Web Client. An emergency update is expected to resolve these issues.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Windows App forgets how to log in with first security update of the year

Microsoft's January security update, released on January 13, 2026, has caused connection and authentication failures for users of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, particularly affecting those using the Windows App. The update has resulted in credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections across all supported Windows versions, from Enterprise LTSC 2016 to Windows 11 25H2, as well as Windows Servers from 2019 to 2025. Microsoft is investigating the issue and plans to release an out-of-band update soon. Users have been advised to either uninstall the update or use the Remote Desktop Client or the Windows App web client as workarounds. Reports indicate persistent issues, including an "Unable to Authenticate" error when attempting to connect via the Windows App. Microsoft has also made a Known Issue Rollback available to address these credential problems.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft’s first Windows 11 preview build of 2026 brings more Copilot+ PC features to everyone

Microsoft has released its first Windows 11 preview build of the year, featuring an enhancement to the Narrator app that allows it to use Copilot for detailed image descriptions. This capability, previously available only to Copilot+ users, is now accessible to all Windows 11 devices, aiding blind and low-vision users. Additionally, Microsoft has improved the Cross Device Resume capability by introducing a new integration path via the Windows Notification System (WNS). The latest preview build is 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and is available through Windows Update for Insiders in the Dev or Beta Channel. Users are advised to switch to the Beta Channel to remain on the current 25H2 release, as the Dev Channel will soon change to higher build numbers, removing the option to switch between channels.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel have a limited opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel, which will close soon. New features include Copilot-powered image descriptions in Narrator, which enhances accessibility for blind and low-vision users. Administrators can now uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app for specific users under certain conditions. Improvements include enhancements to Cross Device Resume for developers and a refresh of the Windows Spotlight icon. Fixes have been implemented for various issues in the Start menu, File Explorer, input methods, print dialogs, and Windows Update settings. Known issues include problems with the Xbox full-screen experience, Start menu access, system tray visibility, Settings crashes, Bluetooth battery level display, and the Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually to Insiders.

Winsage

January 8, 2026

Microsoft 365’s best-kept secret is leaving the Windows desktop

The Windows app for Sway will be retired on June 1, 2026. Users can continue to access all features of Sway through the web. Sway is a free app that offers enhanced functionality with a Microsoft 365 subscription.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

4 Ways To Use Android Apps On Your Mac Or PC

You can access Android apps on your PC or Mac through various methods. 1. Phone Link: Windows 11 allows you to sync your Android phone with your PC using the Phone Link app, enabling you to send texts, make calls, browse photos, and launch Android apps. To set it up, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you need to install the Link to Windows app on your Android device. 2. Google Play Games: This desktop application lets you play Android games on Windows. Minimum requirements include Windows 10, 10GB SSD storage, 8GB RAM, and Intel UHD Graphics 630. You can download it from the Google Play Games website. 3. MuMuPlayer: An Android emulator that recreates the Android OS environment on your computer. It requires Windows 7 or later, a quad-core i5-7500 CPU, 4GB RAM, and 2GB free disk space. You can download and install it, then access the Play Store to run Android apps. 4. ScrCpy: An open-source tool for mirroring and controlling your Android screen on your computer via a wired connection. You need to enable Developer options and USB debugging on your Android phone, then connect it to your computer and run ScrCpy to mirror the screen. Each method has specific requirements and setup instructions.

Winsage

December 22, 2025

This week in Windows news— Saving RAM, testing Insider features, and the “fake” record lows of holiday shopping

In 2025, there has been a surge in news activity related to Windows 11, including updates for Windows Insiders and enhancements to the Link to Windows app, which now allows remote locking of PCs from Android devices. As Christmas approaches, discounts on Windows laptops and gaming handhelds are significant, with the Surface Pro 11 available at reduced prices. Finding the best deals is challenging due to complicated sales processes, with specific retailers like Newegg, Walmart, and Amazon offering various models at competitive prices. Automated tools often fail to identify the best prices across similar models, leading to labor-intensive searches for consumers. A recent flash sale for the Surface Laptop 7 has ended, but a variant with increased storage capacity remains available.

Winsage

December 20, 2025

Over Half A Million Windows Users Are Switching To Linux – Here’s Why

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, offering free Extended Security Updates until October 13, 2026, and paid options until 2028. The requirement for the TPM 2.0 security chip has prevented many users from upgrading to Windows 11, leading to increased adoption of Linux distributions like Zorin, which has surpassed a million downloads, with 78% from Windows users. Valve's Steam Deck has improved gaming on Linux, with major titles now supporting Linux compatibility, and the development of Proton has enhanced the ability to run Windows games on Linux. Zorin allows users to install Windows applications and progressive web apps, providing alternatives to traditional software.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

Smart new features for Android smartphones just arrived in Windows 11 – including remotely locking your PC via the phone

Microsoft is updating the Link to Windows app for Windows 11, which began rolling out in the second week of December. The new features include the ability for Android users to remotely lock their Windows 11 PC, share clipboard content between devices, one-touch screen mirroring, and access to a dedicated side panel from the Start menu. Users should update their Link to Windows app to the latest version to access these features, which can be done through the Settings panel on their Android device by navigating to Advanced features, tapping on Link to Windows, selecting the ellipsis in the upper-right corner, and tapping About Link to Windows to check for updates.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Decline of Native Windows Apps: Electron’s Rise and Hybrid Future

Native Windows apps, once central to the desktop experience, are declining in favor of web-based technologies like Electron and Chromium. Developers are shifting towards web wrappers for cross-platform compatibility and efficiency, despite performance drawbacks. WhatsApp has transitioned from a native app to a web wrapper, prioritizing maintenance over performance. This trend is evident across various software categories, with applications like Spotify and Slack adopting web frameworks, leading to increased resource consumption and slower performance. Microsoft’s focus on cloud services and AI has influenced this shift, as has the demand for cross-platform solutions. Native apps are being overshadowed by web technologies, which often lack deep integration with Windows features. Performance trade-offs are significant, with web wrappers consuming more memory than native apps. The rise of progressive web apps (PWAs) and AI integration further complicates the landscape, suggesting a future where the definition of "native" may evolve. The tech community is divided on these changes, with some advocating for a balance between web and native solutions.