account linking Archives

Tech Optimizer

December 29, 2025

Best antivirus software of 2025: security, speed, pricing

In 2025, the best antivirus software includes: - MacKeeper: Best for Mac users, cryptocurrency holders, and identity protection. Key features include real-time protection against malware, ID Theft Guard, adware cleaning, built-in VPN, and system performance tools. Pricing starts around €9.86/month. - Norton 360: Best for families and multi-device protection. It offers advanced malware protection, a VPN, cloud backup, Dark Web monitoring, and parental controls. Pricing is approximately .50–/month. - Bitdefender: Best for aggressive ransomware protection with minimal CPU load. It features ransomware recovery, advanced threat detection, multi-layer malware defense, and a secure password manager. Pricing starts from .99–.99/year. - McAfee: Best for identity theft monitoring and financial protection. It includes effective malware detection, credit checks, and privacy tools. Pricing ranges from .99–.99/year. - Surfshark One: Best for lightweight antivirus combined with privacy tools. Key features include real-time antivirus and a VPN. Pricing starts from €1.69-€4.19/month. - Avast: Best for free antivirus features. It offers free real-time protection and a Ransomware Shield. The free version is available, with premium starting around .99/year. - AVG: Best for beginners needing a simple, effective free antivirus. It provides real-time threat protection and ransomware defense. The free version is available, or .68/year for advanced features. - Malwarebytes: Best for removing active malware and adware. It excels in malware cleanup and fast scans. Pricing starts from .49/year. - TotalAV: Best for strong first-year pricing and antivirus + privacy bundle. It protects against malware and includes a VPN. Pricing is approximately .00 for the first year, renewing at .99/year. Pricing information is based on rates available in December 2025.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Windows activation phone line now redirects callers to the web, users report

Microsoft has discontinued phone activation for Windows products, redirecting users to an online portal for activation. The automated message informs callers that it is no longer possible to activate Windows or any Microsoft product over the phone. This change has been confirmed by users on social media, and the phone activation system was still operational as recently as October 2025. Users now must sign in with a Microsoft account to activate their products online, which poses challenges for those without internet access or using legacy systems. The official support documentation still mentions phone activation, causing confusion. Additionally, Microsoft has blocked the KMS38 activation method, further limiting activation options.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Escape from Tarkov launch times and release date for 1.0

Escape from Tarkov 1.0 is set to launch on November 15 after an eight-year beta phase. It will be available through Battlestate Games' client and on Steam, but players wanting full Valve integrations will need to make a new purchase. The game will launch at different times across various time zones: - 3 am PST (Los Angeles) - 6 am EST (New York) - 8 am BRT (São Paulo) - 11 am GMT (London) - 12 pm CET (Berlin) - 10 pm AEDT (Sydney) - 12 am NZDT (Auckland) A countdown timer and a special Tarkov TV broadcast will start at 12 am PST on November 15, with broadcasts available on Twitch. Preloading for the game is currently available via Steam, with an initial preload size of approximately 33 GB, though additional downloads may be needed once the servers go live.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME Launches Highly Anticipated PC Version on Steam®!

KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME has launched its PC version on Steam®, featuring Main Story Chapter 4: London Defense Operation and introducing two new ★5 characters: Chester Lochburn and Kikoru Shinomiya. Players can link their accounts from the mobile version for continuity. Chapter 4's narrative involves characters Kafka, Kikoru, and Sagan teaming up with Chester Lochburn to combat Kaiju in London. A login bonus offers up to 10 Pick Up Gacha Tickets, and the Gacha Fes will include the new characters, with a promotion for complimentary pulls. Chester Lochburn is a strategic CLOZER member with a new weapon, the AR-Anollococ, while Kikoru Shinomiya uses the Dimensional Numbers Weapon 2 and has a new weapon, the Fs-Magni. The game is co-produced by Akatsuki Games, TOHO, and Production I.G, and is available on multiple platforms, including the App Store and Google Play Store, supporting various languages. It is free-to-play with in-app purchases.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

The Last of Us Part II Remastered Coming to PC On April 3, 2025

“The Last of Us Part II Remastered” will be released on PC on April 3, 2025, available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. This marks the first time Windows users can access the game, which previously received over 300 Game of the Year awards on PlayStation. The remastered edition includes enhancements such as improved graphics, performance, and new content, including a roguelike mode called “No Return.” Pre-orders are currently available. The PC version will support customizable graphics settings, ultrawide monitor support, and full DualSense controller features. New playable characters Bill and Marlene will be introduced in the “No Return” mode, alongside a Guitar Free Play mode and restored cut content. The game will require a minimum of an Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300x processor and 16GB RAM.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Sony partially pulls back on account linking requirement for PC games

Sony has announced that players can now play four specific games without the need for a PlayStation Network account. The affected titles are Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War Ragnarok, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. While linking an account is optional, Sony is offering incentives such as trophy support and unique in-game skins to encourage players to do so. This decision follows backlash from the gaming community regarding a previous requirement to link PlayStation Network accounts with Steam accounts. The criticism was partly due to the PlayStation Network's inaccessibility in some countries where Steam operates. Sony has not confirmed if it will relax the account linking requirement for more titles but will continue to explore benefits for linked accounts.

AppWizard

November 11, 2024

Sony Boss: PSN Linking for PC Games Is for Players’ Safety

The requirement for players to link their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts has been implemented for both live service and single-player games, including Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. This has led to player dissatisfaction and mixed reviews for the game. Helldivers 2 faced negative feedback and "review-bombing," which resulted in Sony removing the PSN account linking requirement for that game. However, other upcoming Sony titles on PC may still require account linking, which the company states is necessary for security purposes.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Sony boss admits forcing PC gamers into PlayStation accounts can “invite pushback,” but insists they have to keep games safe – which doesn’t really track in single-player

Sony's president, Hiroki Totoki, discussed the company's strategy to promote PlayStation Network account linking among PC gamers during a financial call, acknowledging potential pushback. The requirement for account linking has faced criticism, particularly after the backlash from the Helldivers 2 community and the mandatory linking for the Horizon Zero Dawn remaster on PC. This approach raises concerns about user experience, especially for single-player titles, as many PC gamers prefer a straightforward gaming experience without additional hurdles. Sony's strategy appears aimed at increasing PlayStation Network user numbers, but it contrasts with the smoother integration offered by Xbox games. Despite the rationale for account management in multiplayer games, the necessity for single-player titles remains contentious, and Sony is likely to continue facing resistance from the PC gaming community. The company has recognized the need for improved user testing and evaluation based on past challenges.

AppWizard

September 25, 2024

God of War Ragnarok Now Have A Game Changing Mod for PC Players

A new mod developed by iArtoriasUA allows PC gamers to bypass the mandatory PSN account sign-in for God of War Ragnarok, enabling offline play without linking to a PSN account. The mod works by adding a specific file to the game’s directory, removing the PSN overlay and simulating offline mode. Early user reports indicate that it functions well, addressing frustrations with the PSN account linking policy. However, players are cautioned about potential risks during installation. The mod's emergence adds to the ongoing debate about PSN account linking in PC gaming, which has seen backlash in other titles like Helldivers 2 and Ghost of Tsushima.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Amazon Prime member? Then hurry and download these 40+ free games on your Steam Deck

Valve's Steam Deck is recognized as a leading handheld gaming device with a large library of games. Amazon Prime subscribers can access over 40 free games compatible with the Steam Deck, available for download at no cost until their expiration dates. As of September 18, two games have been removed from the offer, but many remain accessible. Users can enhance their gaming experience using the Heroic Games Launcher, which allows for account linking and simplifies game management. A list of currently available games for download on the Steam Deck includes: - Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland (Works with Proton Experimental, Epic, Ends 9/19/2024) - Super Crazy Rhythm Palace (Verified, Epic, Ends 9/19/2024) - Young Souls (Not rated, Prime, Ends 9/25/2024) - Heaven Dust 2 (Playable, Prime, Ends 9/25/2024) - Card Shark (Verified, Epic, Ends 9/25/2024) - Soulstice (Playable, Epic, Ends 9/25/2024) - Forager (Verified, GOG, Ends 9/25/2024) - LEGO Lord of the Rings (Verified, GOG, Ends 9/30/2024) - Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor GOTY (Verified, GOG, Ends 9/30/2024) - Wall World (Verified, Prime, Ends 10/1/2024) - Shadow of the Tomb Raider - Definitive Edition (Playable, Epic, Ends 10/5/2024) - LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Game (Playable, Prime, Ends 10/9/2024) - Samurai Bringer (Verified, Prime, Ends 10/9/2024) - YouTubers Life 2 (Playable, Prime, Ends 10/16/2024) - Arcadegeddon (Verified, Epic, Ends 10/16/2024) - Masterplan Tycoon (Playable, Prime, Ends 10/23/2024) - Cat Quest 2 (Verified, GOG, Ends 10/23/2024) - Midnight Flight Express (Verified, GOG, Ends 10/23/2024) - Spells and Secrets (Verified, GOG, Ends 10/23/2024) - Gravity Circuit (Verified, Prime, Ends 11/6/2024) - Kraken Academy (Verified, Prime, Ends 11/6/2024) - Whispered Secrets: Everburning Candle CE (Not rated, Prime, Ends 11/6/2024) - Greedfall Gold Edition (Playable, GOG, Ends 11/6/2024) - Loop Hero (Verified, Epic, Ends 11/6/2024) - Trek to Yomi (Verified, Epic, Ends 11/6/2024) - Beholder 3 (Verified, Prime, Ends 11/13/2024) - Golfie (Verified, Prime, Ends 11/13/2024) - En Garde (Verified, GOG, Ends 11/13/2024) - Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical (Verified, GOG, Ends 11/13/2024) - Hard West 2 (Works with Proton Experimental, GOG, Ends 11/13/2024) - Moonlighter (Verified, GOG, Ends 11/13/2024) - Figment 2: Creed Valley (Not rated, Prime, Ends 11/20/2024) - KeyWe (Playable, Epic, Ends 11/20/2024) - Arcade Paradise (Verified, GOG, Ends 11/27/2024) - Industria (Verified, GOG, Ends 11/27/2024) - Borderlands 2 (Verified, Epic, Ends 11/27/2024) - Minabo A Walk Through Life (Verified, Prime, Ends 12/4/2024) - Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (Playable, Epic, Ends 12/4/2024) - Eternights (Verified, Epic, Ends 12/4/2024) - Tales of the Borderland (Playable, Epic, Ends 12/11/2024) - 9 Years of Shadows (Playable, GOG, Ends 12/11/2024) - Cursed to Golf (Playable, GOG, Ends 12/11/2024) - Hell Pie (Verified, GOG, Ends 12/11/2024) - Showgunners (Verified, GOG, Ends 12/12/2024) - Tiny Robots Recharged (Not rated, Prime, Ends 12/31/2024) - Faraway: Arctic Escape (Not rated, Prime, Ends 12/31/2024) - Faraway 2: Jungle Escape (Playable, Prime, Ends 12/31/2024)