active development Archives

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft asks Windows 11 users to ignore yet another error message

Microsoft has advised users to disregard a new error related to the CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll), logged as Error ID 57 in the Event Viewer, which may appear after installing the optional July 2025 update or later updates. The error message states that the 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' provider was not loaded due to initialization failure. Microsoft clarified that this error can be safely ignored, as it does not indicate an issue with any active Windows component and is related to a feature under development. There is no impact on Windows processes, and no action is required from users.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Latest Windows patches cause false error to appear

Microsoft is addressing an issue with its Windows operating system where users see an event log message after installing the July 2025 non-security preview update or the August 2025 security update. The Event Viewer may show an error with ID 57 related to the CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll), stating: "The 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' provider was not loaded because initialization failed." This error can be safely ignored, as it pertains to a feature under development, specifically the Pluton architecture for processor security, and affects users on Windows 11 24H2. Microsoft is working on a resolution and has indicated that there is no impact on Windows processes related to this event, advising users that no action is needed.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

5 file management apps you should use instead of Files by Google

Files by Google is a free and lightweight file management application for Android that helps users manage files, clean up duplicates, and free up storage space. In a recent poll, users reported their preferences for file management apps: Files by Google (15%), Mixplorer (4%), Material Files (12%), Solid Explorer (23%), Cx File Explorer (12%), Fossify File Manager (12%), and another app (8%). Mixplorer is noted for its versatility, integrating various storage solutions and supporting symlinks, with a customizable design and a dropdown breadcrumbs menu. It is available for free via XDA, with a paid version, Mixplorer Silver, on the Play Store. Material Files features an intuitive interface influenced by Material You, adapting to device color themes, but lacks Google Drive browsing capabilities. Solid Explorer offers a polished UI with a two-pane file management system and real-time folder size displays, along with fingerprint security for storage access. Cx File Explorer focuses on managing storage with analysis tools that highlight storage usage and a clean design. Fossify File Manager is a free, open-source option that emphasizes privacy, allowing users to lock files and folders, with a user-friendly interface and customizable themes.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 has been released to the Canary Channel. Changes include a refined organization of Windows Search settings, consolidating previous pages into one under Settings > Privacy & security > Search. Fixes address a crash in File Explorer when accessing the digital signatures tab and issues with the Microsoft Changjie Input method and phonetic keyboards. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometric sign-in for users transitioning from other channels, rendering issues with the progress wheel during upgrades, multiple error pop-ups in the Group Policy Editor, crashes related to dao360.dll, Remote Desktop being limited to the primary monitor, and non-functional widgets after the upgrade. Insiders are reminded that builds in the Canary Channel reflect early development changes and may not align with specific Windows releases. Features may evolve or be removed, and some may appear in other channels first. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel, and a desktop watermark is standard for pre-release builds.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Microsoft halts work on Avalanche’s Contraband

Microsoft has halted development on Avalanche Studios' game, Contraband, which was originally unveiled in 2021. After five years of development, the project is now "on hold," and Avalanche Studios has confirmed that active development has stopped while they evaluate the project's future. This decision reflects broader challenges within Microsoft's Xbox division, which has experienced layoffs, project cancellations, and studio closures, including Avalanche Studios shutting down its locations in New York and Montreal in 2024.

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

Peregrino: A Brutal, Yet Stylish, Survival-Management Game

On August 6, a new survival-management game titled Peregrino was announced for PC. The game features isometric gameplay where players guide a caravan of pilgrims through a harsh landscape, making decisions that significantly impact the group's survival. It includes a cast of characters with unique motivations and emotional backgrounds, and players must manage resources while facing moral dilemmas. The game emphasizes emotional and strategic implications of choices, contrasting with lighter titles in the genre. Visually, it employs a painterly aesthetic with a muted color palette and haunting soundscapes, enhancing the immersive experience. Peregrino focuses on endurance and adaptation rather than empire-building, with characters evolving based on player decisions. The game is currently in development and does not have a confirmed release date.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

More than a year after its last update, this forgotten RTS from the makers of Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is being removed from Steam

The development team behind Crossfire: Legion announced they will cease active development and support for the tactical RPG. The game was initially introduced during the 2022 PC Gaming Show and launched in early access in May 2022, transitioning to full release in December 2022. Despite its potential, it struggled to build a dedicated player base. Players who own the game will retain access, but without future updates or support, which may affect multiplayer functionality over time. A demo is available on Steam, and a budget-friendly option for purchasing a Steam key is offered through Fanatical for .49.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key features include: - Taskbar Icon Scaling: Icons on the taskbar can automatically resize when the taskbar is full, with options to keep them at original size or always small. - Quick Machine Recovery: This feature identifies and resolves common issues automatically via the Windows Recovery Environment, reducing downtime. - Custom Words in Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary to improve dictation accuracy. - Screen Curtain in Narrator: This feature blacks out the display for privacy while using Narrator. - Privacy Dialogs Update: Privacy dialogs for app permissions have been redesigned for better focus. - Accessibility Enhancements: Text descriptions for assistive technologies have been added to the Accessibility flyout. - File Explorer Improvements: Dividers have been added to the context menu for better organization. - Adaptive Energy Saver: An opt-in feature that manages energy saver settings based on power state and system load. - Windows Share Updates: Visual previews are now shown when sharing links or web content. - Expanded Voice Access Support: Voice access now supports Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. - Narrator Guidance: Narrator will guide users through its features with modal windows. - Settings Adjustments: The selected country or region during setup is now displayed in Settings. Fixes include performance improvements in File Explorer, resolution of input issues with the touch keyboard, and fixes for crashes in Settings. Known issues involve potential loss of Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and graphical issues with Remote Desktop on Arm64 PCs.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520 (KB5060834) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, improvements, and fixes, which are being gradually rolled out. New features include: - A passwordless improvement in collaboration with 1Password, allowing users to integrate a plugin passkey provider and authenticate using Windows Hello. - Temporary disabling of Japanese support in voice access due to bugs. - Changes to default browser settings, where the new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless opted out. Fixes include: - Resolved crashes in File Explorer Home and issues with thumbnail visibility. - Addressed duplicate entries in the Start menu and animation issues with folder expansion. - Fixed a crash involving ctfmon.exe and resolved a memory leak related to the lock screen slideshow. - Improved responsiveness of system dialogs to text scaling. Known issues include: - New Beta Channel joiners may experience a rollback issue during installation. - Touch navigation in the Start menu may not function reliably, and drag-and-drop capabilities are limited. - Xbox Controller users may encounter bugchecks via Bluetooth. - Narrator scan mode may not function correctly in File Explorer for AI actions. - Limitations in pinning within the new widgets board experience. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package, with features rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Some features may not be publicly released and could change based on feedback.

Tech Optimizer

June 24, 2025

“Serious” MySQL bug celebrates 20 years unfixed – another reason to switch to PostgreSQL?

A bug in MySQL, reported in June 2005, remains unfixed after 20 years and is classified as “S2 (Serious).” This ongoing issue has led some developers to consider switching to PostgreSQL, which is known for its advanced features and active development. The persistence of this bug raises concerns about the long-term viability of MySQL for mission-critical applications and may affect user confidence in the platform's stability and security.