<![CDATA[ Latest from Windows Central in Software-apps ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:04:18 +0000 en <![CDATA[ I tried Microsoft's region-locked PC Manager and now I wish everyone could use it ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/i-tried-microsofts-region-locked-pc-manager-and-now-i-wish-everyone-could-use-it JHFmLyJGAmQmRoVyr3SFE6 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:04:18 +0000 <![CDATA[ Steve Ballmer called Google Chrome a "rounding error" — 17 years later, Internet Explorer is dead, and Microsoft Edge can barely catch up ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/steve-ballmer-called-google-chrome-a-rounding-error-17-years-later-internet-explorer-is-dead-and-microsoft-edge-can-barely-catch-up 5SBQsjkpzZ2iprhJsGf7Qn Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:17:48 +0000 <![CDATA[ Why Microsoft Authenticator ditched multiple-choice logins ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/why-microsoft-authenticator-ditched-multiple-choice-logins jYTdrYuJbwPXahUiqFShZc Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:25:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft kills mandatory MSA Edge sign‑in after years of complaints, and Google login support will arrive in July ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-edge-google-login-support-in-july y5FEbnpvrUwvgvXgaxuQJR Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:14:39 +0000 <![CDATA[ Spotify cares so little about Windows 11 the controversial disco ball icon came and went without ever touching a PC ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/spotify-cares-so-little-about-windows-11-the-controversial-disco-ball-icon-came-and-went-without-ever-touching-a-pc pXP9xPPHwwuTa4Pcckjwn8 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:12:04 +0000 <![CDATA[ This Windows 11 taskbar alternative is my new favorite — GroDock is the ultimate desktop productivity tool with deep customization ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/grodock-windows-11-taskbar-alternative-tested grTJQhCwpDRxEde3wQY5sh Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:06:34 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft refuses to add this File Explorer feature, so the Files app stepped up ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-refuses-to-add-this-file-explorer-feature-so-the-files-app-stepped-up AzqRajsLX3qBCu7fjQjH4g Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:33:04 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft fixed the issues that made Teams feel slow, but is it enough? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-fixed-the-issues-that-made-teams-feel-slow-but-is-it-enough HdZBQb5jpEscRZqDKmuT5h Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:11:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/powertoys-just-made-command-palette-extensions-easier-to-install-and-manage zkHPVghPfcjAWVR7nGdoL4 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:08:39 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft lists 15 new reasons to switch to the New Outlook but many users say it still isn’t ready ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-lists-15-new-reasons-to-switch-to-the-new-outlook-but-many-users-say-it-still-isnt-ready RYuv4UJujVcQkUTDzXTd5m Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:05:47 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Edge goes passwordless with Windows Hello — marking a major shift toward biometric and device-based security ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-edge-goes-passwordless-with-windows-hello m9cUWz4fEZ2QqRiQjNriPJ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:18:03 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft wants AI to help developers port apps for RTX Spark and Snapdragon X ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-wants-ai-to-help-developers-port-apps-for-rtx-spark-and-snapdragon-x qMGAK833rZZQgmipTQqH2U Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft uses Build 2026 to push developers toward fully native Windows apps, not web wrappers, with new tools and a clearer roadmap ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-drives-developers-toward-native-windows-apps-at-build-2026 uLmkpuhBPY2j6cb65yNcRX Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:40:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft launches seven in‑house AI models to cut developer costs and reduce reliance on OpenAI ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-launches-seven-in-house-ai-models-to-cut-developer-costs-and-reduce-reliance-on-openai KqQ9ySyNr9YPV8sLtxGJAQ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:15:06 +0000 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:15:20 +0000 <![CDATA[ One of Microsoft's best apps now has an experimental sibling because, you guessed it, it's been stuffed with AI ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/one-of-microsofts-best-apps-now-has-an-experimental-sibling-because-you-guessed-it-its-been-stuffed-with-ai xuZJ4ToZAMGhkKLE7XpZJD Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:33:02 +0000 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:40:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ Adobe will supercharge Photoshop and Premiere with RTX Spark and the N1x chip ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/adobe-will-supercharge-photoshop-and-premiere-with-rtx-spark-and-the-n1x-chip S9gtRB4oC5FJvJkc9zmcFP Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:28:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ Meet EuroOffice, Europe’s bold alternative to Microsoft 365 promising sovereignty and control ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/meet-eurooffice-europes-bold-alternative-to-microsoft-365-promising-sovereignty-and-control r93PAEWWVp2sn8ohKN6ZGX Sat, 30 May 2026 13:13:01 +0000 Sat, 30 May 2026 21:58:44 +0000 <![CDATA[ Discord boosts performance on Snapdragon X PCs by releasing a native Arm app ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/discord-boosts-performance-on-snapdragon-x-pcs-by-releasing-a-native-arm-app dhjiZKAgKygpDWh74ZT9f7 Tue, 26 May 2026 13:24:18 +0000 <![CDATA[ I knew Linux PCs would get a free pass from California's controversial age-verification law for operating systems ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/linux-pcs-get-a-free-pass-from-california-age-verification-law gjfeNjwpVtsUBXTFVBzqBQ Tue, 26 May 2026 10:46:35 +0000 <![CDATA[ This new Windows app is a quiet, thoughtful Markdown reader that feels great to use ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/this-new-windows-app-is-a-quiet-thoughtful-markdown-reader-that-feels-great-to-use 69r7JQjcvdgmgdKGExDGoD Thu, 21 May 2026 16:41:52 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Teams is retiring Together mode, and I'll miss the quirky feature ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-teams-is-retiring-together-mode-and-ill-miss-the-quirky-feature SdqYyPz45rn2LKxFKMnEpL Thu, 21 May 2026 12:39:22 +0000 Thu, 21 May 2026 12:39:50 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Atrocious implementation": Microsoft's unremovable Copilot button is driving Excel users crazy with forced AI in spreadsheets ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/unremovable-copilot-button-is-driving-excel-users-crazy DMG24AqjmkoKceSxPzFFMP Mon, 18 May 2026 09:10:35 +0000 Tue, 19 May 2026 09:33:40 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft reverses course on Edge password handling but denies users were ever at risk ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-reverses-course-on-edge-password-handling-but-denies-users-were-ever-at-risk GqnJZxZGhh3DeTmeHqgS8Z Fri, 15 May 2026 20:08:07 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Edge ditching Copilot Mode means more AI in your browser, not less ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-edge-ditching-copilot-mode-means-more-ai-in-your-browser-not-less 4ei9cob8injesiNzfDNQGk Thu, 14 May 2026 12:51:29 +0000 <![CDATA[ Reddit is now blocking your access to its mobile website, forcing users into its app instead: "I just won't use Reddit anymore" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/reddit-is-blocking-access-to-mobile-website-forcing-app iW2544eSsD8CzyoQJHVFe4 Tue, 12 May 2026 09:34:59 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Store drops registration fees for companies as part of onboarding overhaul ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-store-drops-registration-fees-for-companies-as-part-of-onboarding-overhaul WTJAyfUkzLmu6Gpo8g47WX Fri, 08 May 2026 14:31:01 +0000 <![CDATA[ Google Chrome is quietly installing a 4GB AI model on devices and users are not happy about it ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/google-chrome-quietly-installs-a-4gb-ai-model-on-devices kmwgf3awpMSnMi5iX8aJkM Thu, 07 May 2026 10:10:57 +0000 Thu, 07 May 2026 16:46:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Teams will add new protections as attackers target external calls with brand impersonation tactics ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-teams-will-add-new-protections-as-attackers-target-external-calls-with-brand-impersonation-tactics sksizUWT6B5nRfWthpdsRC Wed, 06 May 2026 16:36:21 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Edge is removing its Sidebar to cut clutter while leaving the ever-controversial Copilot untouched ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-edge-is-removing-its-sidebar-to-cut-clutter-while-leaving-the-ever-controversial-copilot-untouched qdKWZkip45H3C7xWF7LwZ7 Wed, 06 May 2026 12:42:04 +0000 <![CDATA[ N‑Studio brings a full screen recorder and editor to the Microsoft Store with a generous free tier ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/n-studio-brings-a-full-screen-recorder-and-editor-to-the-microsoft-store-with-a-generous-free-tier 7TfSxPCEkFMzLGBQ46oYt4 Tue, 05 May 2026 18:20:05 +0000 <![CDATA[ "This could cost people their jobs": VS Code added Copilot as co-author without permission or notice ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/this-could-cost-people-their-jobs-vs-code-added-copilot-as-co-author-without-permission-or-notice WjnKvoLpipEbhaNPTfEQg6 Tue, 05 May 2026 14:34:32 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft wants to retire Edge’s Sidebar, but users are fighting back with a petition: "I am literally only on Edge for that very reason" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-wants-to-retire-edges-sidebar-but-users-are-fighting-back-with-a-petition wr4sBv4nX4juj5rfVGkJHK Tue, 05 May 2026 13:38:54 +0000 Tue, 05 May 2026 13:40:39 +0000 <![CDATA[ After the latest PowerToys update I have one less reason to swap from Windows 11 to Linux ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/after-the-latest-powertoys-update-i-have-one-less-reason-to-swap-from-windows-11-to-linux NB7rGNdLsekK7RCvbiZSW8 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:14:45 +0000 <![CDATA[ "We’ve confirmed service health has returned to normal": Microsoft 365 and Outlook are back up and running ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-365-and-outlook-are-down-to-start-the-work-week-microsoft-confirms-outage GZhYT3wY92r2auknMTXF8Q Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:18:23 +0000 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:56:12 +0000 <![CDATA[ Copilot Keyboard launches in Japan, but it’s the return of the dolphin “Kyle” stealing the spotlight ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/copilot-keyboard-launches-in-japan-but-its-the-return-of-the-dolphin-kyle-stealing-the-spotlight DtxCvLbuZv5fCgRPfofgw3 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:34:14 +0000 <![CDATA[ File Explorer feels outdated again after this Files update ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/file-explorer-feels-outdated-again-after-this-files-update 5ATxaSUF5t6DggZLXAGEHU Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:42:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ The quiet surrender: Why Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam all handed social to Discord ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/the-quiet-surrender-why-xbox-playstation-and-steam-all-handed-social-to-discord dK4vvTrd82vQY6rjhQJAdb Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:37:48 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:44:06 +0000 <![CDATA[ Clipchamp is going backward: Microsoft will retire iOS app instead of making an Android one ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/clipchamp-is-going-backward-microsoft-will-retire-ios-app-instead-of-making-an-android-one 9rA4vUwbtLLXgJmaxg7U6a Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:16:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ How to move the Windows 11 Taskbar and restore the classic look ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/hate-the-windows-11-taskbar-heres-the-ultimate-way-to-bring-back-a-classic-look-from-windows-95-to-windows-vista PTrphTs5T9rbUN3iGmgvGm Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:01:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ I tested this Windows 11 customization app with 42 million downloads — why aren't more people discussing it? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/explorerpatcher-windows-11-customization ZG25dG3QKoKTKdy2z8aqZf Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:22:17 +0000 <![CDATA[ “This company reeks of desperation”: Microsoft is giving away $1 million and a Mercedes-Benz just to get you to use Edge ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/this-company-reeks-of-desperation-microsoft-is-giving-away-usd1-million-and-a-mercedes-benz-just-to-get-you-to-use-edge uswcjuwUybaQxTwaqnUz2E Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:06 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:27:22 +0000 <![CDATA[ Your old Windows laptop is worth more than you think: I found 5 projects that can replace cloud subscriptions ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/your-old-windows-laptop-is-worth-more-than-you-think-5-projects-replace-cloud-subscriptions t8S6KSwhmzXE28rx5ju9RX Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Edge for mobile could make me ditch Chrome for good: Free YouTube background play without interruptions ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-edge-for-mobile-free-youtube-background-play-without-interruptions n6kFub8BWSFQeQZTZR99bL Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:01:00 +0000 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:07:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ Sniffnet is my new go-to app for network monitoring — Free, open-source, and taking on GlassWire and Wireshark ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/sniffnet-network-monitor-app tKwkUWV2iab3jXo82RHfLc Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:01:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Users can now simply ask what happened": AppControl's optional AI integration gives you in-depth PC diagnostic history in plain English — It works with popular LLMs, but I'll use offline models for added security ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/appcontrol-update-ai-integration KEvACh4ehd5zMwfRVXC9M Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:26:38 +0000 <![CDATA[ Our friends at Tom's Guide are upgrading: Here's what it means, and how our sister site's overhaul affects Windows Central ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/the-new-toms-guide-is-live zcumzbuq8n6Vtkzj5FzEk3 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:11:20 +0000 <![CDATA[ I've finally found a loophole to block a specific type of YouTube ads, and it won’t cost you a dime: Just a little teamwork ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/block-youtube-live-ads-a-little-teamwork WrcUa4zcfkbamXeJhqCCWA Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:03:13 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Repeated choices to serve their business over their customers": Mozilla accuses Microsoft of using 'dark patterns' to force its Copilot AI on Windows 11 users ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/mozilla-accuses-microsoft-dark-patterns-to-force-copilot-on-windows-11-users tdPy9bWprrrJqdSftyezRo Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:32:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ "This is exactly the kind of thing driving me away from Windows": even Edge users don't want this new feature ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/this-is-exactly-the-kind-of-thing-driving-me-away-from-windows-even-edge-users-dont-want-this-new-feature zcVkMucyFyFzKZPZnTUL4a Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:17:52 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Gaming just got smoother on Snapdragon": You can finally customize your gaming gear on Windows on Arm ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/gaming-just-got-smoother-on-snapdragon-you-can-finally-customize-your-gaming-gear-on-windows-on-arm E75fTZPotndUW3y96F7AzD Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:06:15 +0000 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:59:05 +0000