windows apps Archives

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Winhance transforms Windows 11 (and Windows 10) into the bloat-free, faster operating system you always wanted

User sentiment towards Windows 11 has led to the development of third-party tools to enhance the experience. Talon can debloat Windows 11 with just two clicks, removing unnecessary pre-installed applications like Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Copilot, and Clipchamp. Winhance is another tool that debloats and optimizes Windows 11, also compatible with Windows 10 (22H2). Winhance features include: - Software & Apps: - Install Software - Permanently Remove Windows Apps (e.g., Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Copilot) - Optimize: - Set UAC Notification Level - Disable/Enable Windows Security Suite - Privacy Settings - Gaming Optimizations - Windows Updates - Power Settings - Scheduled Tasks - Windows Services - Customize: - Toggle Windows Dark or Light Mode - Taskbar Customization - Start Menu Settings - Explorer Options - Notification Preferences - Sound Settings - Accessibility Options - Search Configuration To use Winhance, users must open PowerShell as Administrator, confirm privileges, enable script execution, and run a specific command to download and execute the application from GitHub. Winhance has received significant updates since its release in February, with version 2 introducing UI/UX improvements, critical fixes, and bug resolutions, including issues with Windows Search and OneDrive folder cleanup. A demonstration video is available for viewing.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Windows 7 gains support for modern apps, but not the way you’d expect

Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 7, ending security updates and features, with the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program concluding in 2023. VxKex NEXT is an application that enables users to run Windows 8 and Windows 10 applications on Windows 7 by redirecting application calls to its own dynamically linked libraries (DLLs). The application is available for download on GitHub and does not alter system files, ensuring system stability. It can be uninstalled easily if users choose to upgrade to a newer version of Windows in the future.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

8 Old Windows Apps That Are Still Around in Windows 11

Windows 11 includes several classic applications that remain relevant and functional for users: - Notepad: A simple text editor for quick note-taking and code editing. - Paint: A basic graphics editor for quick sketches and image editing. - Calculator: An evolved multifunctional application that includes scientific and graphing capabilities. - Windows Media Player: A reliable option for playing local media files. - WordPad: A formatted text editing experience between Notepad and full-fledged word processors. - Snipping Tool: A utility for capturing screenshots easily. - Task Manager: A tool for monitoring system performance and troubleshooting issues. - Control Panel: A powerful tool for advanced system management options.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

This major brand has a tool to run PC games, Steam on your Android tablet

Xiaomi has introduced a new tool called WinPlay for Android tablets, which allows users to play Windows games locally using three-layer virtualization technology. The tool is currently restricted to China as part of an internal beta program for the Xiaomi Pad 6s Pro, with no plans for a global launch in the short term.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows 11 installations that hinders future security updates for devices installed using installation media, specifically when the October or November 2024 security updates are included. No workaround is currently available for those impacted. New apps highlighted this week include Ashampoo Burning Studio 2025, an updated CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray burning software; Flow Launcher, an open-source file search tool and launcher for Windows; and Hasleo Backup Suite Free 5.0, which facilitates system, disk, partition, and file backups and includes a new compression algorithm for reduced disk space usage.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to Use Windows on Meta Quest 3 Headsets

At Ignite 2024, Microsoft announced enhanced support for Windows applications on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices, allowing users to access Microsoft’s suite of tools without additional software. Users can create multiple virtual windows for multitasking, such as switching between Microsoft Teams and spreadsheets. Previously, users accessed Windows apps via Air Link, Remote Desktop in Horizon Workrooms, or third-party software. The new integration allows streaming from a Windows 11 PC or virtual Windows Cloud PC, enabling quick access to Windows applications in an XR environment. This functionality includes creating multiple virtual monitors or a single large monitor while maintaining visibility of physical surroundings. The experience is supported by a program called “Volumetric Apps.” Microsoft has discontinued its “Windows Mixed Reality” platform but continues to support XR innovators. Microsoft also announced the end of software support for HoloLens 2 in 2027 and hinted at a new deal with Samsung for OLED displays for a future mixed-reality headset.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has identified new issues affecting the upgrade to Windows 11's version 24H2, including a glitch with Auto HDR that may cause game freezes and color distortions. Start11 has been updated to reintroduce vertical taskbars, allowing users to position the taskbar on the left or right side of the screen, with a beta release expected to become final soon. USBCopy is a new tool that allows users to copy files from a designated folder to up to 20 USB devices simultaneously, ensuring data integrity by verifying correct file copying.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Easily Run Windows Apps on Linux Using These Tools

Running Windows applications on Linux can be done using tools like Wine, which is a compatibility layer allowing Windows programs to run without a full Windows installation. Users can utilize Wine through command-line or GUI wrappers such as PlayOnLinux, Bottles, Heroic Launcher, and Lutris. To install Windows applications like Notepad++ using Bottles, users can install Bottles via Flatpak, create a new bottle for the application, and run the installer from within Bottles. For more control, users can install Wine via the command line and execute Windows executables directly. The winecfg command allows users to adjust settings, and Winetricks can be used to install necessary components for certain applications. Virtualization software, such as VirtualBox and VMware Player, can be used to create a virtual Windows environment on Linux, which is beneficial for resource-intensive applications. For gaming, tools like Proton and Lutris can facilitate running Windows games on Linux, with Proton being optimized for Steam. Users can also run a Windows virtual machine for gaming, though it may require more resources. Checking for native Linux versions of games is recommended before using compatibility layers or virtualization.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has reiterated its non-negotiable requirement for TPM 2.0 for Windows 11, which poses challenges for Windows 10 users with unsupported devices. The Microsoft Store has been enhanced for a better user experience, now offering improved organization and support for Win32 applications. New or notably improved Windows apps include Handbrake 1.9.0, which adds support for lossless VP9 encoding and Intel QSV VVC video decoding; Media Squeeze, which optimizes storage through compression of image and video files; and PixTidy, a free app for photo organization that helps create folders based on location and time, and identifies redundant photos and videos.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft acknowledged several issues impacting Windows 11, version 24H2, particularly affecting Ubisoft gamers. Blender 4.2 LTS has been released on the Microsoft Store, featuring enhancements such as the latest EEVEE render engine. Files, an alternative to File Explorer, has introduced a new version with features like tag management from the sidebar, a direct link to Storage Sense, support for alternate data streams, and a path-copying option for the current tab. Notepad++ has updated to include the ability to pin tabs, improving workspace organization by keeping pinned tabs before regular tabs.