Everything is a free application from Voidtools that indexes file and folder names quickly, allowing searches of up to a million files in a minute. It can index mapped network drives and supports Boolean operators and wildcards for advanced search needs. Flow Launcher is an open-source application that serves as a quick launcher and search utility, integrating with Everything for fast file searches and allowing users to open applications, search for files, and perform calculations from a single interface. NanaZip is an open-source archive manager derived from 7-Zip, supporting various archive formats and offering faster processing times, improved encryption, dark mode, and context menu integration. Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities for power users that includes tools like Command Palette, PowerRename, and FancyZones, available for free from the Microsoft Store. Ferdium is an open-source tool that consolidates web applications into a single platform, allowing users to manage multiple web apps within one window, supporting multiple instances of the same app and offering workspace management and a built-in To-do list panel.
Every new Windows laptop presents a pristine interface, but users often encounter frustrations such as locating files, cumbersome multitasking, and needing assistance with certain formats. A curated selection of applications can streamline the user experience significantly.
1) Microsoft PowerToys enhances multitasking with features like FancyZones for window arrangement, batch renaming files, resizing images, and customizing keyboard shortcuts.
2) Everything by Voidtools simplifies the search process on Windows, allowing users to find files instantly with just a few letters typed.
3) 7 Zip manages zipped folders and unconventional formats, offering features for compressing, splitting files, and securing documents with passwords.
4) Bitwarden centralizes passwords and notes, providing a single sign-in and autofill feature that syncs across devices, helping users avoid weak password reuse.
5) SumatraPDF is a lightweight PDF reader that opens documents quickly and supports epub and mobi files, serving as a basic eBook reader.
These applications alleviate daily annoyances on Windows and prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
Google acquired Cameyo, a company known for software virtualization, and launched Cameyo by Google as a rebranded solution integrated into the Chrome OS ecosystem. This allows businesses to run Windows applications directly on Chrome browsers or Chromebooks without needing a full Windows installation. Users can launch individual Windows applications within Chrome, simplifying operations for IT teams and enabling a transition to cloud-centric Chromebooks. There is potential for this technology to extend to everyday consumers, enhancing the capabilities of Chromebooks for various applications. Google plans to merge Chrome OS and Android, but the specifics of this integration remain unclear.
Google has rebranded Cameyo, the software virtualization company it acquired last year, as “Cameyo by Google” to enhance the usability of Windows applications on ChromeOS. Cameyo's platform allows users to stream individual Windows applications directly to their devices via a web app, integrating seamlessly with the native file system of Chromebooks. This solution targets enterprise users, enabling them to run legacy applications alongside modern web apps without the need for a separate virtual desktop environment. Cameyo also supports organizations in transitioning to ChromeOS while maintaining access to essential Windows applications, addressing the "app gap" that has hindered enterprise adoption of ChromeOS.
Windows 11 is set to introduce a "Split Context Menu" update for WinUI 3-based applications, aimed at reducing menu clutter and improving usability. This update will implement context-aware nested menus that adapt based on file types, allowing for a more streamlined right-click experience. The new API, SplitMenuFlyoutItem, will enable a single menu entry to display both primary actions and secondary options in a smaller adjacent flyout. This redesign could reduce menu length by up to 38% in some cases. Currently, the Split Context Menu is intended for WinUI applications, with no confirmation on whether it will extend to the entire Windows shell. The update is still in early development and not available for public testing.
Microsoft has introduced a "Multi-app Install" feature on the Microsoft Store website, allowing users to select and install multiple Windows applications simultaneously. Users can bundle several applications into a single installer, which, when executed, initiates the installation of all chosen apps without requiring additional clicks or permissions. Currently, users can select from a curated list of 48 popular apps, including Netflix, Instagram, Apple Music, and Spotify. This feature is only available on the web version of the Microsoft Store, as the desktop application does not support it yet.
Winboat is a software solution for Linux users that allows Windows applications to run seamlessly by creating an instance of Windows. The latest update includes features such as a customizable installation path, support for sharing the /home folder, a save state feature, multi-monitor support, auto-start containers, disk space warnings, general workflow improvements, integration of noVNC for web access, and experimental dynamic USB pass-through. Users are cautioned about potential security risks when sharing the /home folder and have reported bugs with multi-monitor functionality. There is community feedback requesting a one-click installation option as a Flatpak app. Winboat aims to provide an accessible alternative for users transitioning from Windows 10 or 11, with future enhancements anticipated, including improved GPU passthrough for gaming. Winboat version 0.8.7 is available for installation on Linux through .deb, .rpm, or AppImage formats.
Winboat is a software solution for Linux users that allows Windows applications to run in a native Windows environment. The latest version, Winboat 0.8.7, includes features such as a custom installation path, support for sharing the /home folder, a save state feature, multi-monitor support, auto-start containers, disk space warnings, inclusion of noVNC for web access, and experimental dynamic USB pass-through. Users should be cautious about sharing their home folder due to potential exposure to Windows-specific malware. The multi-monitor functionality has inconsistencies, particularly with monitors of different orientations, and maximized windows may exhibit bugs. Community feedback indicates a desire for a one-click installation option as a Flatpak app. Future developments may include the integration of LookingGlass's indirect display driver for GPU passthrough, enhancing performance for demanding applications. Installation files for Winboat are available in .deb, .rpm, or AppImage formats on the official download page.
Open-source software offers robust alternatives for Windows users, with notable applications including:
1. LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite that supports MS Office formats and is free to download.
2. Flow Launcher: A customizable file search and application launcher that is free to use.
3. Duplicati: A zero-trust backup solution that allows data backup to various destinations, available for free for personal use.
4. Nextcloud: An open-source platform for file storage and collaboration that can be hosted locally and is free to install.
5. Franz: An application that consolidates multiple messaging platforms into a single interface, free to use.
6. YAZB: A tool that creates custom top bars for Windows, providing system information and quick access controls, available for free.
7. File Converter: A tool for converting and compressing files through a right-click context menu, free to install.
8. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with a web browser extension, free to use with optional paid features.
9. AutoHotKey: An automation scripting language for defining hotkeys and streamlining tasks, available for free.
10. Ollama: An open-source AI application that allows interaction with various models, free to install and use.
