automatic installation Archives

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Props for the honesty: Tim Sweeney says the reason ‘people characterize the Epic Games launcher as clunky’ is—wait for it—’because the Epic Games launcher is clunky’

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, described the Epic Games Store launcher as "clunky" and acknowledged that many users find it slow and cumbersome compared to Steam. The Epic launcher received a score of 41% in a recent evaluation, ranking behind competitors like the Microsoft Store and EA, and significantly trailing Steam and GOG Galaxy. Performance issues vary based on a user's proximity to a content delivery network and the size of their game library, with slower internet connections exacerbating loading frustrations. Sweeney believes the Epic launcher should incorporate convenient features from Steam while maintaining its unique advantages. He emphasized the importance of connecting players across platforms and criticized Valve for not allowing cross-platform functionality with Steamworks. Sweeney also addressed negative backlash against developers using Epic Online Services, citing harassment related to crossplay features. Users seeking alternatives to the Epic launcher can consider GOG Galaxy or Heroic, which are noted for better functionality.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 may now automatically install itself, whether you want it or not

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 has officially entered the final phase of its gradual rollout, making it available to all users. This automatic installation applies to individual users of Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2, excluding managed organizations or enterprises. Devices blocked due to known bugs are exempt from the update. Users can choose when to restart their devices or postpone the update, and they can also pause updates for one to five weeks. Users can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings and selecting Windows Update. Since its release, Windows 11 24H2 has faced various bugs and compatibility issues, leading to some updates being blocked and creating a cycle of fixes and new problems. As Windows 10 approaches its end of support in October, the need for stability in Windows 11 is becoming increasingly important.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

5 Windows tools and apps you can’t find on other operating systems

Certain features remain exclusive to the Windows operating system, offering unique functionalities not available on Mac or Linux. Microsoft has developed tools like PowerToys, which includes nearly 20 utilities enhancing Windows functionality, and Windows Sandbox, providing a secure environment for testing applications. Windows Notepad serves as a basic note-taking and coding app with features like spellcheck and autocorrect. The Snipping Tool allows users to capture screenshots and extract text from images, while the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables seamless access to both Windows and Linux environments. These tools are designed to enhance productivity and provide significant advantages for Windows users.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Microsoft is pushing a security update to Windows 11 that breaks File Explorer

The KB5051987 patch for Windows 11 is a mandatory security update aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the operating system. Many users have reported significant issues with File Explorer after installing this update, including it becoming unresponsive and unusual navigation behavior. There are also glitches affecting the Taskbar, and some users have experienced failed installations of the update. Users have the option to manually uninstall the patch, but this may expose their systems to security risks.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

How to prevent forced installation of new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs

In February 2025, Microsoft began a mandatory update for Windows 10 users that included the forced installation of the new Outlook app as part of a strategy to integrate it into their ecosystem. This installation is linked to the KB5051974 update, which is a critical security patch. Users can prevent the new Outlook from being installed by modifying the Windows registry, specifically by creating a new string value named BlockedOobeUpdaters and setting its value data to ["MS_Outlook"]. This process must be repeated with each subsequent Windows 10 update. For users who have already had the new Outlook installed, it cannot be uninstalled through standard methods but can be removed using Windows PowerShell with the command: Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName. Additionally, to uninstall unsupported Mail or Calendar apps, the command is: Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where {$.DisplayName -match "microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps"} | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName {$.PackageName}.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft is forcing the new Outlook for Windows app on Windows 10 users with the mandatory KB5051974 update

Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5051974 for Windows 10, which includes the automatic installation of the new Outlook for Windows app. The update highlights also mention fixes for various issues: - Resolved a problem where the Capture Service and Snipping Tool would stop responding when using the Windows logo key+Shift+S with Narrator active. - Stopped automatic suggestions in the Chinese Pinyin input method editor for search engines like Baidu, requiring manual suggestions via Ctrl+Tab or the chevron button. - Fixed playback interruptions with USB audio devices using USB 1.0 drivers. - Addressed a code 10 error message for certain external audio management devices. - Solved a recognition issue for USB cameras following the January 2025 security update. The update also includes security enhancements and bug fixes related to virtual memory, printer failures, and NFC readers.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

5 reasons to keep your Windows drivers up to date

Drivers are essential software that connect a computer's hardware to the Windows operating system, ensuring smooth operation and recognition of components like the motherboard and graphics card. Windows typically installs necessary drivers automatically when a new device is connected, but this process may not always occur. Keeping drivers updated is important for optimal functionality and security, as outdated drivers can lead to performance issues and vulnerabilities. Each hardware component requires specific drivers, and users can manually download them from the manufacturer's website if automatic installation fails. Regular driver updates can enhance hardware performance, particularly for gaming, and help avoid compatibility issues. Outdated drivers can cause hardware instability, leading to crashes or connectivity problems, which may be resolved by updating. Additionally, keeping drivers current protects against security vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. Updating drivers can also resolve longstanding hardware issues that persist despite other troubleshooting efforts.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

The official “Bing Wallpaper app” does some nasty, malware-like things to Windows

Microsoft has introduced the Bing Wallpaper app to the Windows Store, allowing users to update their desktop backgrounds daily with images from the Bing homepage. Concerns have been raised by developer Rafael Rivera regarding the app's security and privacy risks, including the automatic installation of Bing Visual Search, code for decrypting cookies from other browsers, integration of a geolocation web API, attempts to change default browser settings, and forced prompts to enable the Bing Search extension. Rivera has labeled the app as malicious and provided a list of extensions users may need to block. The online community has reacted negatively, with some users suggesting the possibility of a class action lawsuit. Alternatives to Bing Wallpaper exist that do not compromise user privacy, and Windows 11 offers built-in options for changing desktop backgrounds.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

No word from Microsoft on shock Windows Server 2025 installs

On November 5, Microsoft mistakenly assigned a globally unique identifier (GUID) to the Windows Server 2025 upgrade, leading to confusion among IT professionals. The upgrade was incorrectly labeled as KB5044284, a security update, which caused certain third-party patching software to misclassify it and deploy Windows Server 2025 unexpectedly on some servers. Heimdal, a security firm, reported that a customer found the new operating system installed without prior notice. The licensing check for Server 2025 occurs only after the upgrade is completed, potentially obligating users to purchase a new license without a straightforward rollback option. As of November 7, Microsoft had retracted the problematic update, but no rollback had been made available. Jim Gaynor from IT consultancy Directions on Microsoft emphasized the importance of vigilance in patch management and cautioned against the risks of integrating paid upgrades into security update channels.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Microsoft isn’t secretly installing Recall on your Windows PC

Microsoft's Recall feature, intended for capturing screenshots on Copilot Plus PCs, has faced controversy due to security concerns, leading to its delay and prioritization of security enhancements. Currently, Recall is not available for testing on Copilot Plus PCs, and there is speculation about its automatic installation with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update. IT manager Chris Titus claimed that Recall would be installed on all systems with the 24H2 update, but Microsoft clarified that it will be an optional feature that users can uninstall. Windows expert Albacore noted that the 24H2 update includes changes to simplify Recall's removal for system administrators, not mandatory installation. Bugs related to Recall's removal have been reported, and Microsoft confirmed that users would have the ability to uninstall the feature. Brandon LeBlanc from Microsoft reiterated that Recall has not been made available to Windows Insiders yet. Despite this, concerns about potential covert installation persist in online discussions.