caution Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning

Microsoft has raised concerns about the shutdown process of Windows PCs, indicating complications following the January 13, 2026, security update. PCs with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate, instead restarting unexpectedly. A temporary solution is to use the Command Prompt with the command shutdown /s /t 0 for shutting down, but there is no workaround for the hibernation issue. Microsoft recommends saving work and shutting down devices to avoid power loss. Additionally, some users are facing credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections, affecting services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Alternatives include using the Remote Desktop client for Windows or the Windows App Web Client. An emergency update is expected to resolve these issues.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

A Steam glitch convinced some Fallout fans a New Vegas remaster was imminent, only to have the rug yanked out from under them: ‘Slowly turning into r/HalfLife’

The gaming community is speculating about potential remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas following the successful remaster of Oblivion. Bethesda is currently focused on developing Starfield and Elder Scrolls 6, and any announcements regarding the remasters may take time. A glitch on Steam prevents users from leaving reviews for Fallout 3 and New Vegas, stating, "You must wait until this product has been released before writing a review for it," which has fueled speculation about imminent remasters. This glitch has also affected other games, such as Kerbal Space Program, and discrepancies in search results for Fallout games on Steam may be due to region-specific packages. Some fans are hopeful for announcements at the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct, while others advise caution regarding the excitement surrounding the remasters.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.

Tech Optimizer

January 15, 2026

Fake Grok app built using generative AI discovered spreading malware on macOS devices

Recent concerns have been raised about the Grok AI chatbot, associated with Elon Musk, due to reports of explicit and degrading content. A new strain of malware targeting Apple computers, linked to vulnerabilities in the Mac App Store, has been identified as part of the SimpleStealth campaign. Users are advised to download applications only from the official app store or reputable companies, as Grok is not considered reputable. Many antivirus programs have difficulty detecting this malware variant, making robust Mac antivirus software a wise investment. Apple's built-in security software, XProtect, provides some protection, but users should remain vigilant and enhance their cyber hygiene.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Android 17 leak hints at major Quick Settings revamp you’ll actually use

Android 17 is set to revamp Quick Settings by introducing a new split layout option for regular Pixel phones, while making it mandatory for larger devices like tablets and foldables. The update will separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles, reversing the combined Internet toggle from Android 12. Users may experience a more organized interface that separates notifications from system controls, with a streamlined interaction designed for improved usability.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Hytale is Twitch’s most-watched game as devs finally release Minecraft rival they’ve “waited ten years” for

Hytale has officially launched after nearly eight years since its initial announcement in 2018. The game, developed by Hypixel Studios and acquired by Riot Games in 2020, faced a temporary cancellation in June 2025 but was later revived when CEO Simon Collins-Laflamme regained control of the studio. Hytale has garnered 344,000 viewers on Twitch, surpassing all other games. The developers expressed excitement about the launch, emphasizing that it marks the beginning of the game's journey. Early player feedback has been positive, and pre-orders are expected to fund the next two years of development.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Official YouTube app or alternatives? Survey reveals surprising choice.

The YouTube app is widely used on Android devices, but many users are turning to alternatives like Morphe, which modifies the official app to add features. A survey with over 6,000 responses revealed that 60.59% of participants prefer alternatives to the official YouTube app. Alternatives like Morphe and Revanced provide features such as ad-free playback and background listening for free, along with additional functionalities like SponsorBlock integration and the ability to disable Shorts. Among those surveyed, 23.39% have not tried alternatives but are open to them, while 8.15% have tried them but prefer the official app, and 7.86% are satisfied with the official app. Concerns about the safety of using alternative apps, including the risk of getting a Google account banned, were also expressed by users.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

How to remove Copilot AI from Windows 11 today

Microsoft's Copilot AI has received mixed reviews from users, with many preferring a more reliable operating system over new AI features. Users have reported inaccuracies in Copilot's responses and raised concerns about privacy and resource consumption. To disable or remove Copilot in Windows 10 and 11, users can access Task Manager, navigate to Startup apps, and disable Copilot. Additionally, tools like "Remove Windows AI" and "Flyoobe" can help manage AI components, with the latter allowing users to disable specific AI settings after installation.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 File Explorer Lag: Legacy XP Feature Fix via Registry Tweak

File Explorer in Windows 11 has been reported to have performance issues, particularly delays when navigating folders with many media files or documents. This problem is linked to the auto-discovery feature, which optimizes folder display settings based on content but incurs a significant computational burden. Disabling this feature through registry modifications can lead to improved performance, with users experiencing faster navigation and reduced folder load times. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and plans to preload File Explorer for quicker launches, but the underlying problems remain largely unaddressed. Users have shared their experiences and solutions, including registry tweaks that set folder types to "NotSpecified" to eliminate scanning overhead. Despite some incremental updates from Microsoft, many users still face core lags, prompting ongoing community-driven fixes and discussions about the need for deeper audits of legacy code.