Windows Store Archives

Winsage

April 29, 2026

Microsoft engineer says native apps are back, and it could finally revive Windows 11’s fight against web apps

A distinguished Engineer at Microsoft has suggested that native apps are making a comeback, aligning with the company's initiatives to revitalize Windows 11. The Windows Store, currently dominated by web apps, has improved significantly in performance and offers a diverse array of applications. Microsoft expanded options for developers to create apps using preferred methods, attracting notable applications like Netflix and WhatsApp to transition to WebView2-based Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). However, this shift has led to high resource consumption issues, with WhatsApp consuming up to 600MB of RAM and Electron-based applications like Discord using as much as 4GB of RAM. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with PWAs lacking essential functionalities compared to native apps. In response to feedback, Microsoft plans to develop 100% native apps for Windows 11, with Rudy Huyn confirming this intention. David Fowler declared, “Native apps are back,” indicating a focus on restoring native applications. The Start menu is transitioning from React-based elements to WinUI to enhance performance. The recently launched .NET 10 introduces Native AOT compilation, which aims to decrease app startup times and optimize memory usage. Microsoft's web-based Copilot app has also faced criticism for high resource consumption. The company must persuade developers to prioritize native app creation and demonstrate the advantages of native apps by converting its own applications to be fully native on Windows 11.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Gam

Valve is collecting frame rate data from its user base to predict game performance on individual systems. This initiative started with a SteamOS beta that gathers performance metrics. A code string in a recent Steam update suggests that Valve plans to use this data to estimate game performance based on users' CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications. Users will have the option to input their hardware details or receive projections based on their existing configuration. This feature aims to provide more comprehensive performance estimates compared to existing offerings from other digital game stores. The current data collection is limited to the beta client, but the rollout of this feature is expected to help gamers assess their hardware's capability to run new titles.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Gam

Valve is planning to use frame rate data from its user base to estimate game performance on individual gaming PCs. This initiative began with a beta version of SteamOS that collects performance metrics. A code string found in a recent Steam update indicates that users will soon be able to input their CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications to receive tailored performance estimates. Steam will also automatically generate projections based on users' current hardware configurations. This feature aims to provide more comprehensive performance insights compared to existing platforms like the Xbox app and Windows Store. The frame rate data collection is currently in beta and may take time to become widely accessible.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Game Will Actually Run on Your PC

Valve has integrated frame rate data from its user base to provide estimates on game performance tailored to individual gaming rigs, starting with a SteamOS beta that collects performance metrics. A recent code discovery suggests that users will soon be able to input their CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications for tailored performance projections. Steam will also automatically generate performance estimates based on existing hardware configurations for users accessing the platform on their gaming PCs. This feature aims to enhance the accuracy of performance estimates, particularly for the Steam Machine, which may benefit from data collected from similar configurations. The frame rate data collection is currently in beta and may take time before becoming widely accessible.

Winsage

March 15, 2026

Microsoft Updates Windows 11 ISO Tool, How To Install It Without A Microsoft Account Or Internet Connection

A clean install of Windows can improve system performance and resolve issues. To begin, back up important files to a NAS, secondary PC, external storage, or cloud service. Wipe the system disk and start fresh. For installing Windows 11, options include performing a Cloud Download reinstall via the Windows Recovery Environment or using external storage with Microsoft's Media Creation Tool or an ISO. Microsoft updates installation ISOs monthly, reducing the need for additional driver installations. Download necessary drivers beforehand, focusing on graphics and chipset drivers. To perform a clean installation, download the latest Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) from Microsoft's website and use Rufus to write it to external storage. Rufus allows bypassing certain Windows 11 requirements, such as Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, and can facilitate creating a local account instead of using a Microsoft account. Ensure updated BIOS installations are checked if applicable. After writing the installation media, boot from it by accessing the boot menu or adjusting the UEFI setup. During installation, delete existing partitions and select empty space to proceed. Finally, install drivers post-installation.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

After 21 years, GTA: San Andreas speedrunners discover a wild 31-step skip that lets you beat the original PC port in under an hour

A new speedrunning technique for the PC version of GTA: San Andreas allows players to complete the game in under an hour using a method called the Arbitrary Jump in Script (AJS) skip. This technique involves approximately 30 precise steps and was detailed by Reddit user Vitosi4ek. The AJS skip enables speedrunners to execute a JUMP instruction that leads directly to the game's conclusion. The discovery comes 21 years after the game's release, reflecting its lasting popularity and the innovative efforts of the speedrunning community.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Gift Digital Xbox and PC Games for the Holidays

Gifting digital games through the Microsoft Store is popular during the holiday season, allowing users to send digital codes easily across Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, ROG Ally devices, and web browsers. On Xbox consoles, users select a game, click the gift-wrap icon, and choose a friend or enter an email address to send the gift. Both sender and recipient must be in the same country. The recipient receives a redeemable code via Xbox message and email. The process is similar on the Xbox app for PC and ROG Ally, as well as through the Microsoft Store online, which only supports email delivery. The Microsoft Store on Windows also allows gifting via email. Digital Xbox gifts cannot be sent internationally, and subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can be gifted. Gifting is not supported through web3 wallets or blockchain services, and redeemed codes cannot be refunded or transferred.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

I’m fed up with gaming on Windows 11 — here’s how Valve’s Steam Machine can fix PC gaming

Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was rolled out to all Windows-based handhelds on November 21, followed by a broader release for gaming rigs and laptops for Windows Insider members. The update process on Windows 11 was slow, causing frustration for users. Accessing the Xbox FSE through various shortcuts was unsuccessful, and the experience was marred by instability and frequent updates. A recent system update (KB5066835) resulted in a significant drop in gaming performance. The author expressed a preference for Linux and SteamOS due to their stability and user-friendly interface compared to Windows. The upcoming Steam Machine is anticipated for its compact design and potential for a hassle-free gaming experience.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

I miss when Windows came with fun games

Windows has included built-in games since its inception, starting with Reversi in Windows 1.0. Classic games like Minesweeper, Pinball, and chess were staples, particularly during the golden era of Windows XP in 2001, which offered a diverse selection of games. Windows Vista and 7 maintained enjoyable built-in games, but Windows 8 marked a decline, moving many classic games to the Windows Store and redesigning them with monetization strategies. Windows 10 further complicated the gaming landscape by integrating heavily monetized titles, leading to a perception of greed rather than enjoyment. The shift in gaming experiences reflects broader industry trends, with fewer companies offering free built-in games.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Windows 10 KB5066791 last update without ESU, direct download links (.msu)

Windows 10 KB5066791 is the final update for users not opting for Extended Security Updates (ESU). It addresses several bugs, primarily benefiting enterprise users, while providing minimal enhancements for consumers. The update is distributed via Windows Update, with direct download links available for manual installation. Upon installation, users may not notice visible changes, and it appears as “2025-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5066791).” Windows 10 Build 19045.6456 does not introduce significant new features but fixes issues, including a correction for the Chinese Input Method Editor (IME) and a bug affecting Windows Remote Management. A new servicing stack update has been introduced, and the legacy driver tmdm64.sys has been removed. Security has been enhanced with a requirement for Key Storage Provider (KSP) smart card certificates, which may cause issues with smart cards in older 32-bit applications. Microsoft has confirmed that KB5066791 can lead to smart card failures, particularly in older programs, and has provided registry modification steps for users to potentially resolve this issue. The first security update for users opting for Windows 10 ESU is scheduled for November 11, 2025. Users can enroll through the Windows Update page or purchase a paid option through the Windows Store for .99, extending updates until October 13, 2026.