WPF Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Lightweight Windows 11 version finally gets an update

Microsoft has released version 2504 of Validation OS, a streamlined version of Windows 11 designed for hardware validation, error diagnosis, and quality control in Windows device production. This version includes enhancements in .NET support, driver management, and USB boot capabilities. It operates through a command-line interface (CLI) and supports Win32 applications. Key features of the 2504 release include support for WPF applications via the Microsoft-WinVOS-WPF-Support package, inclusion of Surface Dock drivers, improved USB boot functionality with RAM disk size configuration through DISM, separation of CJK fonts from the general font package, and an upgrade to the latest .NET implementation. Some known issues remain, such as instability with Bluetooth and Serial Console packages on ARM64 systems. The update builds on previous releases that added features like the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and Hyper-V-compatible VHDX images. Validation OS is not intended for end users but benefits manufacturers and IT professionals in hardware production and validation. The latest build is available for download from Microsoft's official page.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Powertoys 0.90: Command palette allows quick program start

Microsoft has released version 0.90.0 of Windows Powertoys, featuring the new "Command Palette" that allows users to quickly search for and launch applications by pressing the Windows key, Alt, and the space bar. The update also includes minor bug fixes, improvements to the color picker, and enhancements to the New+ function for creating predefined files and directories with variable support. Users can check for updates directly within Powertoys. The new installation packages for Powertoys 0.90.0 are available for download in both user and system-wide installations for x64 and ARM64.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool

PowerToys version 0.90.0 introduces the Command Palette, also known as "CmdPal," which enhances the previous PowerToys Run feature by allowing users to launch applications and perform tasks efficiently using the shortcut Win+Alt+Space. The update also includes improvements to the Color Picker, Peek feature enhancements that allow file deletion, and new customization options for template filenames. The update is available for download on the PowerToys GitHub page.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool

PowerToys version 0.90.0 introduces the Command Palette, or "CmdPal," which enhances app launching and user efficiency. Users can access it by pressing Win+Alt+Space, allowing for quick app launches and mathematical calculations. The update also includes enhancements to the Color Picker, which now features improved visual consistency and theme support, the ability to delete files directly from the Peek feature, and support for variables in template filenames in the New+ module. The update is available for download from the PowerToys GitHub page.

Winsage

December 18, 2024

PowerToys just fixed the one flaw stopping me from using one of the app’s best features

Microsoft's PowerToys version 0.87.0 includes several updates: - Workspaces now supports Progressive Web Applications (PWAs). - Advanced Paste introduces "Advanced AI" for clipboard transformations. - A feature in Workspaces allows users to move existing windows. - Mouse Jump has new customization settings for pop-ups. - New+ is now compatible with Windows 10. - Quick Accent enables selection of character sets in the UI. - Improvements in Awake, File Explorer add-ons, Keyboard Manager, Monaco Preview, Peek, PowerToys Run, Screen Ruler, and Settings have been made. - The Workspaces editor position is saved for consistent reopening, and issues related to application positioning and crashes have been resolved. - Documentation has been updated, and development has upgraded to .NET 9.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

PowerToys 0.87 is out with a new utility for Windows 10 users and a lot of improvements

The latest update for PowerToys, released in December 2024, includes the following enhancements for Windows 10 users: - New+ utility is now fully compatible with Windows 10. - Advanced Paste introduces "Advanced AI" using Semantic Kernel technology for clipboard transformations. - Workspaces now supports Progressive Web Applications and allows users to move existing windows. - Mouse Jump adds settings for customizing the pop-up appearance. - Quick Accent enables users to select displayed character sets in the user interface. Additional improvements include: - Advanced Paste now has an optional AI feature for clipboard transformations. - Awake has improvements in initialization, logging, and tray icon setup. - File Explorer Add-ons now utilize PerMonitorV2 DPI mode. - Keyboard Manager has added labels for IME keys and resolved an issue with the Shift key. - Monaco Preview supports .ahk and .ion files and adds syntax highlighting for .srt files. - Peek assesses local capabilities for image formats and resolves loading issues for the Code Files Previewer. - PowerToys Run includes a scoring function for WindowWalker plugin results and updates to the calculator plugin. - Screen Ruler can now display measurements in inches, centimeters, or millimeters. - Settings have been updated for milestone links, navigation bar icons, and accessibility issues. - Workspaces has improved features for window management and application version detection. PowerToys can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or GitHub.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Modernizing Windows desktop development: WPF and Windows Forms will share code in .NET 10, React Native for Windows gets new architecture

Microsoft is introducing a shared code capability in the upcoming .NET 10 release for Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Windows Forms, allowing developers to write code once and deploy it across both frameworks. This feature aims to enhance productivity, reduce redundancy, and improve maintainability, aligning with the trend toward cross-platform development. The initiative reflects Microsoft's recognition of the ongoing relevance of WPF and Windows Forms for enterprise applications and aims to modernize these frameworks while engaging with the developer community for feedback.

Winsage

June 25, 2024

Microsoft wants to modernize more Windows 11 apps, improve performance

Upgrading WPF for Windows 11 will allow apps to access new color schemes, rounded corners, and features like Snap Layouts. Microsoft aims to improve accessibility and performance of apps built on WPF, while also addressing major bugs and issues within the framework. The company plans to prioritize fixing existing problems before adding new features like emoji support or SVG compatibility.