Windows integration Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2025 winners

The Microsoft Store Awards recognized exceptional applications that enhance user experiences within the Windows ecosystem. AI Assistants category: - Winner: Perplexity by Perplexity AI - Features native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search, and deep desktop integration for rapid research. - Winner: ChatGPT by OpenAI - Provides instant answers, direct image and file uploads, and enterprise-level privacy controls. Business category: - Winner: Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator by Moon Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. - Streamlines finance tasks with customizable templates and real-time payment tracking. Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category: - Winner: Manus by Manus AI - Automates complex tasks within a secure sandbox and allows users to guide ongoing actions. Creativity category: - Winner: n-Track Studio by n-Track S.r.I. - Transforms devices into recording studios with support for unlimited tracks and advanced effects. Developer Tools category: - Winner: ngrok by ngrok - Facilitates secure tunneling and remote access with automatic updates and compatibility with Windows Defender. Education category: - Winner: Scratch 3 by Scratch Foundation - Empowers students in computational thinking through engaging projects and block coding. Game category: - Winner: Castle Craft by Clever Apps Pte Ltd - Offers an immersive gaming experience with dynamic resource merging and family-friendly design. Music category: - Winner: Moises Live by Moises Systems, Inc - Leverages real-time AI audio separation technology for remixing and practice. Productivity category: - Winner: Notion by Notion Labs Inc - Consolidates tasks and notes into a searchable workspace with automation features. Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Sysmon – Go-to Tool for IT Admins, Security Pros, and Threat Hunters Coming to Windows

Microsoft will integrate native System Monitor (Sysmon) functionality into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, enhancing security operations for IT teams. This integration will provide instant threat visibility, automate compliance through Windows Update, and include features such as process monitoring, network connection tracking, credential access detection, file system monitoring, process tampering detection, WMI persistence tracking, and custom configuration support. It will also offer official customer service support and allow seamless access to events through Windows Event Logs or Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. Administrators can enable Sysmon using the command "sysmon -i." Future plans include expanding Sysmon’s capabilities with enterprise-scale management and AI-powered detection.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

I still don’t understand why these 8 PowerToys features aren’t built into Windows

PowerToys enhances the Windows 11 experience with several standout features: - FancyZones: Allows users to create custom layouts for windows, improving workspace organization. - Hosts File Editor: Simplifies the process of editing the hosts file with a user-friendly interface. - Peek: Enables file previews without leaving the current window, similar to a feature in macOS. - File Explorer add-ons: Improve file management by allowing previews of various file types. - Quick Accent: Provides easy access to accented characters for typing in different languages. - PowerRename: Offers robust options for bulk renaming files, enhancing the native functionality. - Always on Top: Allows users to pin application windows above others, a feature missing in Windows by default. - File Locksmith: Helps users identify and terminate processes that lock files, facilitating file deletion. The absence of these features in Windows suggests that Microsoft is lagging behind competitors in innovation.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Microsoft makes major change to Copilot app – and I’m wondering if this is a glimpse of Windows 12’s Start menu

Microsoft is updating its Copilot app for Windows 11, introducing a new home page that resembles the Start menu. The update is being gradually rolled out through the Microsoft Store. The revamped app will feature a more intuitive interface and may integrate a ChatGPT-powered Agent for tasks like booking travel tickets. Users can open recently-used documents directly in Word from the Copilot app. The design draws inspiration from the Start menu, suggesting a potential future convergence between the two. The update indicates a deeper integration of AI within the Windows 11 ecosystem.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

The Microsoft Store is now faster, more personalized… and injected with AI

Microsoft has updated the Microsoft Store app, introducing a personalized home page and improved performance, with start times reportedly twice as fast as six months ago. Users can now install individual game components, and there is a new feature for launching Windows search to quickly find and install apps or games from the Store. Additionally, app suggestions for opening file extensions are being tested for Windows Insiders in the US and China. Copilot AI features have been added, allowing users in the US to ask questions while browsing product pages. Other enhancements include better search capabilities and improved labeling and discovery options.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Leveling up your Microsoft Store on Windows experience

The Microsoft Store on Windows serves over 250 million users monthly and is enhancing user experience through customer feedback. The homepage is being redesigned to offer personalized recommendations based on user interests and activities. Significant improvements to search functionality include a more intent-aware search feature, the introduction of Copilot for assistance, a "Discover More" section on product pages, and badges for apps with AI features. Integration with Windows is being improved by allowing users to launch searches for Store apps and suggesting apps for specific file extensions. The Store now launches twice as fast, with improved installation reliability. Additional enhancements include the ability to install individual game components, faster in-app rating dialogs, and updated information on product pages. New developer partnerships have been established, and users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

This apps adds features to Windows 11’s File Explorer I didn’t even know were missing

Windows 11's File Explorer has been enhanced over the years but still lacks certain features found in third-party alternatives. The Explorer Tab Utility is a free program available on GitHub that adds functionalities to File Explorer, such as opening windows as tabs, duplicating tabs, navigating custom paths, and reopening closed tabs with the CTRL+SHIFT+T shortcut. The utility aims to inspire further improvements to File Explorer, which has had a dark mode for years but still struggles with incomplete UI elements. The latest update, version 2.0.0, includes major architectural changes like complete COM integration, improved thread safety, and better state management, along with new features such as smart tab switching, tab history, and enhanced hotkey systems. Technical improvements include native Windows integration, elimination of UI automation dependencies, and better handling of race conditions.

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

October 5, 2024

Here’s How to Access Android Phone Storage Directly in Windows 11 File Explorer

Microsoft has introduced a feature that allows users to access their Android phone's storage directly through Windows 11 File Explorer. This is enabled by the Cross Device Experience Host, which also allows the use of an Android phone's camera as a webcam on Windows 11. To set it up, users must enable Phone Link in mobile device settings, install the Link to Windows app on their Android device, and grant storage permissions. Once connected, users can access their smartphone in File Explorer, enabling file transfers in both directions. The transfer speed is capped at approximately 9 MBps, and there may be delays in syncing changes made to files on the phone's storage back to File Explorer.

Winsage

September 26, 2024

Mark Zuckerberg says Windows 11 PCs will pair with Meta Quest VR headsets just by glimpsing at the keyboard soon

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced at the Meta Connect 2024 event that Quest VR headsets will soon be able to pair with Windows 11 PCs by simply gazing at the keyboard. This feature will support multiple virtual displays and connect through the Remote Desktop app, enhancing productivity. Meta will discontinue sales of the Quest 2 and Quest Pro by the end of 2024 to launch the Quest 3S VR headset. The integration with Windows 11 is a collaborative effort with Microsoft, aiming to create a cohesive ecosystem. Once connected, users will see their laptop's screen turn off and be replaced by a virtual display, allowing for general computing tasks beyond gaming. The new feature will simplify the connection process by eliminating the need for additional software.