windows apps Archives

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Microsoft and Nvidia are betting on AI to make old x86 Windows apps run better on next-gen RTX Spark PCs

The Microsoft Build 2026 Developer Conference will showcase new tools and frameworks aimed at enhancing developer productivity, insights into AI integration in applications, and updates on Azure services for cloud scalability. The conference will feature keynote speeches, interactive workshops on building cross-platform applications, enhancing user experience, and security best practices, as well as networking opportunities for developers to connect with peers and industry experts.

Winsage

June 4, 2026

Microsoft drives developers toward native Windows apps at Build 2026

Microsoft is focusing on increasing native applications and components in Windows 11 to improve performance and user experiences. At the Build 2026 conference, Microsoft encouraged third-party developers to create native applications through a series of sessions and provided tools and resources for this purpose. The Windows K2 initiative aims to transform key elements like the Start menu into native components. A session titled "Use agents to build WinUI 3 apps" discussed strategies for developing native applications, including the use of AI tools like the WinUI agent plugin for GitHub Copilot. Microsoft also introduced WinUI 3 templates to streamline native app creation and emphasized the modernization of applications beyond just code rewriting. The Surface Laptop Ultra, announced at Computex, is designed for AI workloads, featuring up to 128GB of RAM and built on the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform, which includes a 20-core Arm N1x CPU and an RTX GPU with up to 6,144 cores, delivering 1 petaflop of AI computing power. This device aims to attract developers to Microsoft's ecosystem.

Winsage

June 4, 2026

Microsoft is killing Windows 11’s web app slop, encourages devs to build native apps using WinUI

At the Build 2026 developer conference, Microsoft emphasized the creation of native applications for Windows 11, focusing on WinUI as the preferred framework over alternatives like Electron or React Native. The company is revitalizing Windows 11 with a commitment to quality, performance, and reliability, and has formed a dedicated team to develop native apps. Microsoft is rewriting the Start menu, previously built with React Native, and has reaffirmed its commitment to WinUI, dropping the "WinUI 3" label to signify stability. Chris Anderson stated that there are no plans for a new framework and that WinUI will be the production platform for Windows apps. Microsoft aims to address existing issues in WinUI, such as performance gaps, and is introducing new features like DataGrid and Charting support to attract enterprise developers. The company is also adapting WinUI for AI workflows and developing tools to assist developers in creating modern applications. While Microsoft acknowledges other frameworks, it seeks to position WinUI as the primary native framework for Windows. The Build 2026 conference marked a renewed focus on Windows, with plans to rewrite the Windows shell in WinUI for a cohesive user experience.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Build 2026: Furthering Windows as the trusted platform for development

Build is an annual event focused on connecting with the global developer community and sharing innovations. Feedback from developers emphasizes the need for a frictionless and adaptable platform for seamless development across various environments. Key announcements include: - Coreutils for Windows: A suite of Linux-like command line utilities available natively on Windows. - WSL containers: A forthcoming public preview feature for creating and interacting with Linux containers. - Windows Development Skills: Structured knowledge for building native Windows apps using WinUI3 and WinApp CLI, now generally available. - Intelligent Terminal: An experimental feature integrating context-aware intelligence into the terminal for improved debugging and task execution. - Windows Developer Configurations: A WinGet-powered setup for distraction-free development, now generally available. - Windows 365 with Developer Configuration: A pre-configured cloud-based development environment in public preview. For security, the announcements include: - Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) SDK: A policy-driven execution layer for agent access and containment, available in early preview. - Agent 365 integration: Enhances security for agents with protections from Defender, Entra, Intune, and Purview, available in preview. - OpenClaw: Runs securely on Windows using MXC for easy installation of agent connections. - NVIDIA's OpenShell: A deployment package for autonomous agents on Windows, built on MXC. - Windows 365 for Agents: Secure Cloud PCs for executing enterprise workflows, now generally available. For AI capabilities: - Aion 1.0 Instruct: An on-device small language model for local workloads, available soon. - Expanded Windows AI APIs: Now accessible on more Windows 11 PCs, enhancing local AI capabilities. - Surface RTX Spark Dev Box: A device for developers featuring NVIDIA RTX Spark silicon for local AI workloads. - DGX Station for Windows: A powerful AI supercomputer for developing agents, coming in Q4. - Project Solara: A platform for agent-driven experiences, simplifying development across environments. - New Speech Recognition API: Real-time, on-device transcription capabilities. - Expansion of Windows AI APIs across GPUs and CPUs: Now available for broader hardware support. Windows is enhancing its security framework to reduce risks and ensure robust protection for applications.

Winsage

June 2, 2026

NVIDIA reveals if RTX Spark (N1X) can run all your Windows 11 apps

NVIDIA has introduced the RTX Spark, an Arm-based processor codenamed N1X, designed to run all Windows applications seamlessly in collaboration with Microsoft. The processor features up to 128GB of unified memory, native support for AI agents, and is integrated with NVIDIA’s graphics stack. The Surface Laptop Ultra is among the first devices to utilize this processor. Jensen Huang, NVIDIA's CEO, claims the RTX Spark can run 100% of NVIDIA’s software stack and has been meticulously optimized for compatibility with Windows applications. While many popular applications and games now run natively on Windows on Arm, NVIDIA has not yet released performance benchmarks for the RTX Spark. The "Prism" emulator allows Windows apps designed for x86 processors to run on Arm hardware through real-time translation, enhancing performance. Recent updates to Windows 11 have improved support for various x86 extensions, increasing compatibility for applications.

Winsage

June 1, 2026

How to watch Microsoft Build 2026: Windows 11, NVIDIA RTX Spark, AI agents, and more

Computex is currently underway, and Microsoft Build is set to start soon, focusing on advancements in Windows and artificial intelligence. Microsoft and NVIDIA have launched the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with the N1x chip, aimed at transforming PC application development and supporting the transition of Windows apps to ARM architecture. Microsoft is working to increase the number of native applications for Windows 11 and will share insights during Build. The keynote by CEO Satya Nadella will be streamed live without registration, but full event access requires prior registration, which is now closed. The session catalog includes hundreds of offerings, with many exclusive to in-person attendees. Comprehensive coverage of key announcements will be provided throughout the week, and discussions can continue on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral.

Winsage

May 27, 2026

My new favorite Windows app made my PC safer and more reliable

A significant shift in Windows applications is enhancing user experience and security, with experts recommending the use of digitally signed packages from trusted sources instead of random installers. Most commonly used Windows applications are now available through the Microsoft Store or the WinGet package repository, simplifying installation and enhancing security. The UniGetUI application streamlines software management and updates, allowing users to create bundles for easy transfer between PCs. It supports packages from various repositories and tracks applications for easy updates and uninstallation. Originally developed by Martí Climent, UniGetUI is now maintained by Devolutions, focusing on stability and security.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Microsoft: Windows 11 to Be Faster Than Ever

Microsoft is enhancing the performance of Windows 11 with a focus on speed and efficiency. Key improvements include: - Accelerated app launch times, minimized system lag, enhanced memory and CPU efficiency, and smoother user interface interactions. - Introduction of the Low Latency Profile, which temporarily elevates CPU speed during intensive tasks to improve responsiveness. - Refinements to the WinUI 3 framework for quicker UI rendering and reduced system resource calls. - Enhancements to File Explorer for faster startup, decreased lag, and smoother file operations. - Reduction of RAM usage when idle, increasing memory availability and multitasking capabilities. - Transition towards more native Windows apps instead of web-based components for faster loading and a consistent user experience. - Improvements in system reliability with fewer driver issues, better update management, and reduced system crashes. These updates are expected to roll out gradually through 2026.

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Linux gains more critical Windows apps … 3D Movie Maker and Space Cadet Pinball

Several notable Windows applications, including Space Cadet Pinball and Microsoft 3D Movie Maker, have been successfully ported to Linux. Space Cadet Pinball, originally part of the Microsoft Plus Pack for Windows 95, has been decompiled and rebuilt, now available across 14 platforms, including Linux, thanks to Muzychenko Andrey. The source code for Microsoft 3D Movie Maker was released by Microsoft, and a new fork has been developed by Mark Cave-Ayland and Ben Stone, enabling it to run on Linux. Their project also includes bug fixes, 64-bit compatibility, and builds for ARM64 Windows, with plans for a Raspberry Pi version.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft is boosting the launch time of key Windows apps and features

Microsoft is piloting a new feature in Windows 11 called the Low Latency Profile, which aims to improve user experience by enhancing the speed and responsiveness of the operating system. This feature, available in the latest Insider builds, can make applications like Edge and Outlook launch up to 40% faster and improve the Start menu and context menus by up to 70%. The Low Latency Profile works by temporarily boosting CPU frequency during specific actions, such as launching apps or opening menus, for brief intervals of one to three seconds. It operates automatically in the background without a manual toggle option for users, with minimal impact on battery life and heat generation. While the feature is generally viewed positively, some users have criticized it, suggesting such enhancements should be standard in Windows 11.