Winget Archives

Winsage

June 13, 2026

I tried Microsoft’s new AI-powered Terminal, and it is a surprisingly different experience

Windows 11 has introduced a new command-line tool called "Intelligent Terminal," which is a fork of the open-source Windows Terminal project and integrates an AI agent, specifically GitHub Copilot by default. Users must manually download and install the Intelligent Terminal, which retains the familiar Windows Terminal interface but adds a side panel for AI interaction. Upon first launch, users select an Agent Client Protocol (ACP) compatible agent, with options to enable features like automatic error detection and session management. The Intelligent Terminal offers two main experiences: agent chat and agent management. The agent chat pane allows users to inquire about errors and receive assistance, while the agent management pane tracks active and past agent sessions. Users can also utilize other agents like Claude Code, Google Gemini, and OpenAI Codex, provided they are installed locally. The Command Palette is enhanced with AI actions, allowing users to initiate tasks without interrupting their workflow. Users can customize terminal and agent settings, including pane position and error detection features. Adjustments require saving to apply changes.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

PowerToys 0.1 Arrives With Improvements to Several Utilities

Microsoft released PowerToys 0.1, featuring several enhancements: - The Shortcut Guide now appears as a side pane, detecting the active application and displaying relevant shortcuts. - The Command Palette includes an extension gallery for easy management of extensions and supports multiple monitor configurations, along with a new Battery widget. - PowerDisplay has improved startup speed, monitor identification, and settings preservation, with a new Max compatibility mode. - ZoomIt now supports a webcam overlay during recordings and allows appending multiple clips with transitions. - Transition to .NET 10 has optimized performance, reduced installation size by 15%, and improved the auto-update feature. Quick Access and Workspaces have migrated to WinUI with a refreshed UI. - Additional improvements include the Keyboard Manager using the new WinUI editor, a Refresh Connections feature in Mouse Without Borders, enhanced high DPI and multi-monitor reliability in Quick Accent, an option to disable file preview tooltips in Peek, and various calculator enhancements in PowerToys Run. PowerToys can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, Windows Package Manager (winget), or the web.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage

PowerToys has released version 0.100.0, introducing several new features and enhancements: - Command Palette now includes an Extension Gallery for managing extensions directly. - Improvements to Command Palette include enhanced parameter pages, bookmarks for inline parameters, and better accessibility. - Dock feature enhancements allow for separate customization for each monitor and drag-and-drop functionality. - Performance Monitor introduces a Battery widget and dock bands for CPU, memory, and network metrics. - Calculator enhancements include new functions and improved error messaging. - Reliability improvements include a pinned commands section and smoother navigation. - FancyZones received updates for better localization and guidance. - File Explorer fixes address crashes related to Markdown previews. - File Locksmith improvements enhance handling of Unicode file paths. - Grab And Move has been fully released. - Image Resizer supports live settings reload. - Keyboard Manager editor is redesigned and enabled by default. - Mouse Without Borders adds quick access to refresh connections. - Peek's settings allow toggling of file preview tooltips. - PowerDisplay is optimized for better performance. - PowerToys Run improves calculator functionality and documents third-party plugins. - Quick Accent updates enhance UI consistency and language support. - Settings interface has been refreshed for better usability. - Shortcut Guide redesigned for reliability and includes built-in manifests. - Workspaces has a modernized editor. - ZoomIt introduces webcam overlay capabilities and improved recording features. - Development tools and dependencies have been updated for smoother contributions.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

4 Windows 11 tools from Build 2026 that signal what’s coming next for the OS

Microsoft announced several key updates at the Build 2026 developer conference, particularly for Windows 11: 1. Coreutils: This suite brings familiar Linux command-line utilities to Windows 11, allowing developers to use commands like ls, cp, and mkdir natively without third-party solutions. It can be installed via GitHub or the Windows Package Manager. 2. WSL Containers: This feature introduces a built-in container runtime for running Linux containers on Windows 11, eliminating the need for external platforms like Docker. It utilizes a command-line tool called "wslc.exe" and allows for OCI-compatible Linux containers. 3. Intelligent Terminal: This feature integrates AI agents into the terminal, providing context-aware assistance for developers. It can be installed via the Microsoft Store or Command Prompt. 4. Windows Developer Configurations: This configuration file for the Windows Package Manager automates the installation of essential developer tools and settings, streamlining the setup process for new development or testing machines.

Winsage

June 6, 2026

I break down 4 new Windows 11 tools from Build 2026 that genuinely stood out and show where the OS is heading

During the Build 2026 developer conference, Microsoft announced several updates for developers using Windows 11. Key announcements included: 1. Coreutils: A utility that enhances the experience of toggling between operating systems, allowing developers to install it via GitHub or the Windows Package Manager with the command "winget install Microsoft.Coreutils." 2. WSL Containers: A built-in container runtime that eliminates the need for third-party platforms like Docker, facilitated by a new command-line tool "wslc.exe" and an accompanying API. 3. Intelligent Terminal: A feature that integrates AI agents into the terminal, providing context-aware assistance directly within the command line. It can be installed via the Microsoft Store or with the command "winget install Microsoft.IntelligentTerminal." 4. Windows Developer Configurations: A configuration file (dev-config.winget) that automates the installation of essential developer tools and settings with a single command, simplifying the setup process for new development or testing machines.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Grep this: Microsoft grafts (most) Linux commands onto Windows

Microsoft has integrated over 75 Unix commands into Windows CMD and PowerShell through the introduction of coreutils, a multi-call binary file created in Rust. This includes commands like cat, ls, grep, and head, enhancing the command experience across various platforms. Grep is now available natively on Windows, allowing users to search through large files efficiently. Coreutils aims to provide memory safety and cross-platform compatibility, and can be downloaded via CMD WinGet. While some Linux commands overlap with existing Windows commands, coreutils simplifies the transition for users moving from Linux to Windows. Additionally, Microsoft is focusing on AI technologies and has introduced tools like OpenClaw and Microsoft Execution Containers to enhance developer capabilities.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Microsoft Brings AI Agents Directly Into the Windows Terminal

Microsoft has released Intelligent Terminal 0.1, an open-source variant of Windows Terminal that includes native agent functionality. It can be installed via the Microsoft Store or WinGet and operates alongside the existing Windows Terminal. Intelligent Terminal allows users to troubleshoot issues directly within the terminal by interacting with an AI agent that understands the terminal context. The tool features a persistent agent pane for seamless interaction, with GitHub Copilot CLI as the default agent, though it supports any ACP-compatible agent. Automatic error detection is included, providing users with relevant error context and potential fixes. An agent management panel helps users oversee multiple agents and their statuses. The Command Palette has been updated to facilitate agent interactions without disrupting the workflow. Microsoft plans to evolve Intelligent Terminal based on community feedback, with its GitHub repository open for contributions. The release also marks the phasing out of Terminal Chat in Windows Terminal Canary, while the mainline Windows Terminal remains unchanged.

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 3, 2026

One of Microsoft’s best apps now has an experimental sibling because, you guessed it, it’s been stuffed with AI

Microsoft has introduced the Intelligent Terminal, an experimental version of the Windows Terminal that integrates AI capabilities while keeping the core Windows Terminal unchanged. Users can access it via the Microsoft Store, winget, or GitHub, with GitHub Copilot as the default AI agent, though users can choose other compatible agents. Early reactions include skepticism about AI, but many users appreciate that the standard Windows Terminal remains intact.

Winsage

June 2, 2026

Build 2026: Microsoft Optimizes Windows 11 for Developers

Microsoft unveiled a series of enhancements for developers at Build 2026, aiming to retain its existing developer base and attract new ones to Windows 11. Key offerings include: - Windows Developer Configuration: A feature that creates a distraction-free environment for software development, now generally available. - Windows Developer Skills: Introduction of WinApp CLI with AI agents for creating native Windows applications, also generally available. - Terminal Improvements: An experimental preview of an Intelligent Terminal mode that features a dual-pane display. - Enhanced Linux Capabilities: Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) will support containers in public preview and has native support for Coreutils, now generally available. - Agentic Capabilities: Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) SDK in early preview, allowing resource specification for agents, with integration for security protections. - On-device AI: Introduction of Aion 1.0 Instruct and Aion 1.0 Plan for local AI tasks, with a preview available through Edge Insider channels and an open-source model expected in July. - Surface RTX Dev Box: A desk-based datacenter focused on AI capabilities set to launch later this year.