Windows app Archives

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

After Windows 11, Amazon is shutting down its app store on Android – The Times of India

Amazon will close its Android app store on August 20, 2025, and has stopped accepting new app submissions immediately. Developers can still submit updates for existing applications until the service is fully discontinued. In-app purchases will no longer be available in Japan on the Amazon Appstore, but will remain possible in other marketplaces until the shutdown date. Amazon will also discontinue its Coins digital currency on the same date, with refunds for unused Coins provided after August 20, 2025. The app store will continue to operate on Amazon's proprietary devices, such as Fire TV and Fire tablets. Additionally, Amazon's Windows app store, which supported Android apps, will end support by March 5, 2025.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft just made Windows 10 worse, and there’s (almost) nothing you can do about it

Windows 10 users are experiencing a transition to the new Outlook for Windows app, which has replaced the classic Mail & Calendar app following a recent update that also addresses security vulnerabilities. The new Outlook operates as a web app, leading to performance issues and mixed reactions regarding its design. A mandatory rollout of the new Outlook began this week with the Windows 10 KB5051974 update, which will be automatically installed for users on Windows 11 version 22H2. IT administrators can manage the update and can block or uninstall the new Outlook if necessary. Windows 10 is approaching its end of support in October, with fewer updates expected moving forward, while extended support will incur additional costs.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Windows 10 KB5051974 update adds a new app without asking

Microsoft has released the KB5051974 cumulative update for Windows operating systems versions 22H2 and 21H2, which includes essential security fixes and addresses a memory leak issue. This mandatory update introduces the new Outlook for Windows app, which can run alongside the classic version, allowing users to transition at their own pace. The update resolves several issues, including: - Fixing the code 10 error message stating, “This device cannot start,” after the January 2025 security update. - Removing automatic suggestions from Bing in the search box for alternative search engines like Baidu. - Restoring functionality for USB audio devices using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). - Correcting a problem where USB cameras failed to recognize when powered on. - Mitigating an issue that drained virtual memory, potentially causing applications to malfunction. The classic Outlook app is set to be retired in April 2026, prompting Microsoft's push towards the new app.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft is forcing the new Outlook for Windows app on Windows 10 users with the mandatory KB5051974 update

Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5051974 for Windows 10, which includes the automatic installation of the new Outlook for Windows app. The update highlights also mention fixes for various issues: - Resolved a problem where the Capture Service and Snipping Tool would stop responding when using the Windows logo key+Shift+S with Narrator active. - Stopped automatic suggestions in the Chinese Pinyin input method editor for search engines like Baidu, requiring manual suggestions via Ctrl+Tab or the chevron button. - Fixed playback interruptions with USB audio devices using USB 1.0 drivers. - Addressed a code 10 error message for certain external audio management devices. - Solved a recognition issue for USB cameras following the January 2025 security update. The update also includes security enhancements and bug fixes related to virtual memory, printer failures, and NFC readers.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 10 KB5051974 update force installs new Microsoft Outlook app

Microsoft has released the KB5051974 cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, which includes the new Outlook for Windows app and addresses a memory leak issue. This mandatory update provides essential security updates for January 2025 and can be installed via Windows Update. After installation, version 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5487, and version 21H2 to build 19044.5487. Users can also manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update includes several fixes, such as the introduction of the new Outlook app, resolution of issues with the Capture Service and Snipping Tool, disabling automatic suggestions from Bing in the Chinese Pinyin IME, fixes for USB audio device driver issues, and a solution for virtual memory depletion. Three known issues from previous updates include potential failures in OpenSSH connections, installation failures due to the Citrix Session Recording Agent, and an Event 7023 error related to SgrmBroker.exe, which does not affect device functionality. Microsoft plans to address these issues in future updates.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to add your Android phone to Windows 11 File Explorer

To integrate your Android phone with Windows 11, you need a Windows 11 PC with the latest updates, an Android device running Android 11 or later, and the Link to Windows app installed on your phone. 1. Open the Link to Windows app on your phone and log in with your Microsoft account. Select ‘Go to device settings’ and tap ‘ADD COMPUTER’. Visit www.aka.ms/phonelink on your PC or scan the QR code displayed on your PC screen to establish the connection. 2. On your phone, grant permissions to view photos and send texts by selecting ‘View permissions’, then ‘Settings’, and enabling access for ‘Phone’, ‘SMS’, ‘Contacts’, and ‘Storage’. 3. In the Phone Link app on your PC, click ‘Open settings on mobile device’ to grant notification permissions on your phone by navigating to ‘Device and app notifications’, selecting the ‘Link to Windows’ app, and toggling on ‘Allow notification access’. 4. On your PC, go to ‘Settings’, select ‘Bluetooth & devices’, and enable ‘Allow this PC to access your mobile devices’ and ‘Phone Link’. In ‘Manage devices’, ensure your phone is toggled on and enable ‘Show mobile device in File Explorer’. 5. On your phone, go to ‘All file access’ settings, select the ‘Link to Windows’ app, and toggle on ‘Allow access to manage all files’. A confirmation message will indicate successful linking. 6. Your phone should now appear as a tab in File Explorer, allowing easy access to your mobile storage.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft 365 is getting a ‘massive’ redesign early next year

Microsoft will rebrand its Microsoft 365 app as "Microsoft 365 Copilot" and introduce a new user interface in mid-January 2025. Key changes include: - Elimination of the traditional top header, with essential tools moved to the bottom left toolbar. - The feedback button will be located under "Settings and more" in the bottom left toolbar. - A prominently featured search box on the Homepage for locating content, though the search experience remains unchanged. - Applications listed on the left toolbar will be aligned to the top, with AI features like Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and Copilot Pages grouped together. - The organization logo will no longer be visible in the app. - The "Back" button will be removed from the Windows app, but navigation will still be possible using the left AppBar. - The "My Day" feature will be discontinued, removing calendar and to-do functionalities. - The "Help me create" feature will be retired and replaced by AI-powered document creation capabilities in the new Copilot tab.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Immersive productivity with Windows and Meta Quest

The full capabilities of Windows 11 are now accessible on mixed reality headsets, starting with the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, through a collaboration between Microsoft and Meta. Users can engage in a public preview that allows seamless access to local Windows PCs or Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Connecting a Quest headset to a local PC is straightforward; users can press “Windows + Y” to generate a QR code for scanning. The Windows App on Meta Quest devices provides secure access to Windows 365 Cloud PCs, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. The Meta Quest headset allows users to utilize multiple high-resolution virtual monitors, enhancing productivity while maintaining awareness of their physical environment through the Passthrough feature. This experience is part of an experimental feature rolling out with the v72 software update for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, which will be deployed gradually.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Quest 3’s Windows 11 Integration Arrives As Experimental Feature

Quest 3's latest enhancement, introduced during Meta Connect 2024, integrates Windows 11 into Horizon OS v72, allowing users to connect and mirror their Windows 11 PC with a simple tap by looking at the device. This feature is developed through a partnership with Microsoft, utilizing Windows 11 Remote Desktop technology. Once connected, the PC screen turns off and is replaced by a virtual display, enabling users to create up to three virtual monitors. Currently, users must enable 'Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link' in their headset settings and download the Mixed Reality Link app on their Windows 11 PC for setup, but this will not be necessary once the feature exits beta. After setup, users can connect to their PC with a tap on a virtual button without launching any applications. However, the feature requires a local network for operation, unlike Apple's similar feature, which can function without one.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Microsoft Store expands to update all Win32 apps, but users remain skeptical

Microsoft is working to enhance the Windows App Store by allowing third-party publishers to manage updates for their Win32 applications directly through the Store. The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27758 introduces support for Win32 applications, enabling users to manage and update these programs without leaving the Store. Users can access updates via the "Downloads" page, but must manually initiate the update process. This centralized update feature is exclusive to applications downloaded from the Microsoft Store, while traditional Win32 software remains unaffected. The update capability provides developers with a new distribution method while retaining control over updates. Additionally, the build addresses various bugs in Windows components, although some compatibility issues with Windows 11 24H2 persist.