Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-twenty in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
The core Windows apps Notepad and Paint are getting more AI features. Some of them are reserved for Copilot+ PCs, others are available for all Windows 11 devices.
Fix Windows 11 and enjoy the OS as it was meant to be
Despite Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to improve Windows 11 with updates and new features, the operating system still has issues. Users often report glitches, usability problems, and design inconsistencies that combine modern elements with outdated visuals.
To bridge this gap, many turn to tweaks, customization tools, and third-party projects for a smoother Windows experience.
UnattendedWinstall 2.0 uses Microsoft answer files to simplify and customize Windows 10 and 11 installations -- download it now
UnattendedWinstall is a simple tool for automating and customizing Windows 10 and 11 installations. It uses Microsoft’s answer files, to allow users to modify Windows settings and packages directly during setup. It's ideal for deploying Windows efficiently across multiple devices, saving time that would otherwise be spent on repetitive installations.
The tool defaults to installing Windows Pro, bypasses Windows 11 system requirements, and can disable Windows Defender and User Account Control (with options to re-enable them after installation). It also skips Microsoft account setup, removes unnecessary apps (keeping essential tools like Edge, Notepad, and Calculator), and includes privacy-focused registry tweaks to reduce telemetry. For smooth operation, UnattendedWinstall limits updates to security patches for the first year.
Frustrated with Windows 11? The stunning Nitrux Linux 3.7.1 is the OS you deserve
If you’re ready to break free from the familiar but uninspiring confines of Windows 11, it’s time to consider a different approach. Many of us stick with Microsoft’s OS because it’s what we know, not because it’s the best option out there, but imagine an operating system that prioritizes speed, simplicity, and style, all while keeping your workflow seamless and frustration-free.
Enter Nitrux -- a sleek, modern Linux OS designed to offer exactly that. Unlike Windows, Nitrux keeps things light and nimble by being built on a minimalist foundation that ditches unnecessary extras. Its NX Desktop provides a fresh, visually polished interface that feels intuitive and responsive, ideal for anyone seeking a fast, adaptable, and aesthetically pleasing computing experience without the sluggish updates and system bloat Windows users know all too well.
Windows 10: Microsoft reveals how much you'll need to pay to keep receiving updates
Earlier this year, Microsoft confirmed that it would be resurrecting its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. The company had good news this time for home users too, as it promised that ESU would become available for practically everyone and not just businesses and organizations.
What Microsoft did not reveal back then was the price that home users would have to pay to keep their precious Windows 10 devices secured with updates.
Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-nineteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Microsoft has finally announced the price that home users have to pay to extend support for Windows 10.
Ditch Microsoft Windows 11 and switch to the Ubuntu-based Linux Lite 7.2 -- you won't regret it
Linux Lite 7.2 has arrived, giving disillusioned Windows users the chance to explore a streamlined, user-friendly OS. Renowned for its lightweight design, Linux Lite aims to ease the transition from Windows 10 and 11, and is perfect for first time Linux users. This latest release introduces AI-powered support options and fresh customization features, offering a unique experience beyond typical Windows capabilities.
Yes, Linux Lite utilizes AI to simplify the support experience, making it easier for users to find solutions to issues quickly. It’s a massive addition to Linux Lite’s overall quest to remain accessible, particularly for those new to Linux.
Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-eighteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Several new issues were added to the list of known issues of Windows 11 version 24H2 this week. Some of these have been mitigated by now, including the BlueScreen crash that plagued users of certain Western Digital storage devices.
Microsoft creates a new reason to buy an AI-powered Copilot+ PC -- image upscaling in Microsoft Photos
Image upscaling has existed as a technology for a number of years, but the results for both videos and still images have proved somewhat mixed. But with the continuous creeping development of AI, Microsoft has just added a preview of super resolution for Copilot+ PCs to its Photos app.
While there are updates and new features for both the Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions of Microsoft Photos, image upscaling is only available to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs with Windows 11, version 24H2 and higher in the Canary, Dev, and Release Preview Channels. A powerful new OCR feature is available to everyone, however.
Bring your Windows 10 and 11 desktops to life with the amazing (and free!) Sucrose -- download it now
Static Windows wallpapers can often feel a bit uninspiring, especially if you don’t change them regularly. Sucrose offers a solution by bringing a dynamic, customizable approach to desktop backgrounds.
The versatile wallpaper engine allows you to animate and personalize your desktops with interactive wallpapers and it supports both light and dark themes. Sucrose works across multiple screens and in a range of resolutions, making it compatible with different display configurations.
Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-seventeen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Microsoft ended support for Windows 11 version 22H2 Home and Pro this month. No more updates for the version, but updates are available to newer versions. There are bypasses available for devices that do not meet the official system requirements.
Seelen UI transforms Windows 10 and 11 into your dream OS -- download it now
Windows 10 and 11 have often been criticized for their lackluster and uninspired design. Despite being "modern" operating systems, both versions seem stuck in a minimalist rut, with flat, dull icons and uninspired color schemes that feel more like placeholders than a true visual upgrade. Microsoft’s attempts at a "clean" design often come across as sterile and soulless, leaving users craving the depth and personality found in older versions like Windows 7.
Seelen UI is a Windows desktop customization tool designed to boost both personalization and productivity. It's easy to use and offers users a range of features that help tailor their desktop environment and streamline workflow.
How to activate all of Windows 11's secret God Modes
Windows 7 introduced a useful hidden feature called God Mode, which provides access to all admin tools and control options in one place. Since Microsoft hasn't fully removed the Control Panel from Windows 11, God Mode remains functional in the company's newest operating system -- and you can use it in Windows 10 too.
To enable God Mode, you simply need to create a folder and rename it using a specific command. In addition to the standard God Mode, there are several alternative modes you can activate. Here’s what you need to do.
Declutter Microsoft Windows -- remove Copilot, Widgets, and News and Interests from the taskbar
Microsoft has introduced features like “News and Interests” and the “Copilot” AI assistant to its operating systems. The aim is to provide quick access to information and productivity tools, but not everyone appreciates those tools and plenty of people would prefer a cleaner taskbar, like we had with the likes of Windows 7.
Disabling these features can streamline the desktop interface and potentially improve system performance. This guide will show you how to remove News and Interests on Windows 10 and disable Copilot and the Widgets feature on Windows 11.
Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-sixteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Microsoft released Windows 11, version 24H2 and ended support for version 22H2 on this patch day. Upgrades to the latest version are available. If you run Windows 11 on incompatible hardware, check out this guide on installing the latest version.