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August's Windows 11 update breaks printers and PDFs. Microsoft explains why
Winsage
August 25, 2026

August’s Windows 11 update breaks printers and PDFs. Microsoft explains why

Microsoft has acknowledged that users may encounter printing issues after installing the August 2026 .NET Framework cumulative update, particularly with applications that use certain fonts like Calibri. Some WPF applications may fail with a System.IO.FileFormatException when printing or generating PDF/XPS content. Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround while investigating these issues. Additionally, the KB5121003 update has been linked to problems affecting the gaming community, which Microsoft is also addressing.
Paradox's next grand strategy game is taking cues from Fallout and Mad Max
AppWizard
August 25, 2026

Paradox’s next grand strategy game is taking cues from Fallout and Mad Max

Paradox Development Studio is developing a new game titled Afterworld, set in a post-apocalyptic North America. Players will lead a tribe of survivors, choosing their tribe's origins and focusing on survival by gathering resources. The game allows players to rebuild civilization or create new societal structures, including religions and laws, while utilizing pre-collapse technology. A unique tech tree evolves through exploration, with procedural generation ensuring varied experiences in each playthrough. Dan Lind, the game director, emphasizes that Afterworld is Paradox's first non-historical setting in a decade, offering a fresh perspective for a grand strategy game. A preview of the game mechanics will be released in the coming weeks.
Microsoft's leaked new OS is one you'll hope stays buried, and it's not Windows
Winsage
August 25, 2026

Microsoft’s leaked new OS is one you’ll hope stays buried, and it’s not Windows

Leaked documents reveal that Microsoft developed Project Aion, a Copilot-centric operating system distinct from Windows 11, which was never released. Aion was designed without a Start menu, desktop icons, or a traditional taskbar, placing Copilot at the center of user interaction. The project was conceived as early as 2024 and aimed to redefine user engagement with technology, focusing on education, entertainment, and task completion. It utilized a streamlined Windows codebase called Win3, which was lighter than Windows 11 but lacked support for legacy Win32 apps. Aion featured a personalized dashboard with task cards and app icons for both Microsoft and third-party applications. It was intended to run on various AI-focused devices and aimed to create a versatile operating system adaptable to different hardware configurations. Key features included a conversational user experience, an "Ask me anything" box for queries, and "Spaces" for project organization. Despite its innovative design, Aion was primarily aimed at enterprise use and faced limitations due to the absence of traditional desktop applications. The likelihood of Aion's release is slim as Microsoft has shifted its focus to refining Windows 11 and has begun retracting ambitious AI integrations, prioritizing stability and performance enhancements over new operating systems.
How to Fish: Strategies for beating the Pufferfish
AppWizard
August 25, 2026

How to Fish: Strategies for beating the Pufferfish

Players in How to Fish face the challenge of defeating the Pufferfish boss, which requires multiple attempts and strategic upgrades to weapons, particularly the SMG. To obtain Pufferfish bait, players must find endangered fish and feed them to a swimmer in exchange for Carrot Bait. Tips for defeating the Pufferfish include maintaining constant movement, using trees for cover, avoiding its purple poison, and taking advantage of its size increase to dodge more easily. Players should not stop to shoot the Pufferfish but instead keep moving to succeed in the battle.
My FOMO over The Duskbloods not coming to PC evaporated once I actually played it
AppWizard
August 25, 2026

My FOMO over The Duskbloods not coming to PC evaporated once I actually played it

The Duskbloods is a multiplayer game exclusive to the Switch 2, which was tested in a closed network event. Players had access to only one map and six characters, with no build customization and significant input lag issues. The tutorial was incomplete, leaving many gameplay aspects unclear. The game features mechanics similar to MOBAs, where players collect Virtue points while battling AI-controlled enemies and other players. Players can recruit enemies as allies, adding a strategic element. The game has a nostalgic charm reminiscent of older titles, but it currently lacks the depth and cohesion seen in previous FromSoftware games. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki's comments suggest that the game may remain a Nintendo exclusive, similar to Bloodborne's situation.
Pixel 11 owners can't play Genshin Impact, but a fix is on the way
BetaBeacon
August 25, 2026

Pixel 11 owners can’t play Genshin Impact, but a fix is on the way

Pixel 11 series owners are facing issues playing Genshin Impact on their devices due to severe graphical problems caused by the PowerVR GPU. Google has acknowledged the problem and is working on a fix to address the optimization issue in an upcoming game update.
You don't want this Sleepwalker backdoor on your Windows machine
Winsage
August 24, 2026

You don’t want this Sleepwalker backdoor on your Windows machine

Malware researcher Dominik Reichel has discovered a sophisticated Windows backdoor named Sleepwalker, which remains dormant in memory until activated by a specially crafted network packet. Sleepwalker uses a 23-instruction command language to execute tasks, including running code in memory and exfiltrating data. It activates through a proprietary activation packet that does not contain readable commands. The malware targets a VMware VMCI and disguises itself as Microsoft's dpapi.dll, mimicking its functions while redirecting calls to a non-existent file. Once it confirms its host process as ERAAgent.exe, it enters a dormant state to evade detection. Sleepwalker monitors for a specific pattern known as a magic packet to decrypt and interpret commands. Commands sent to it are encrypted with AES-256-CCM and must be read in a specific order. The backdoor includes functionalities for sending and concealing data, receiving tasks, and executing programs. Reichel has developed a toolkit to decode Sleepwalker’s bytecode and a mitigation guide for affected users. However, there are significant gaps in knowledge regarding the initial access method, victim identification, and the malware's operator.
Microsoft shares temporary fix for Windows 11 gaming issues
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Microsoft shares temporary fix for Windows 11 gaming issues

Microsoft has acknowledged gaming issues related to Windows 11 updates released on August 11, 2026, affecting games like ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Problems reported include game crashes, failures to launch, freezes, and unexpected system restarts, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft identified a link between these issues and drivers or components associated with RGB lighting devices, specifically the inpoutx64.sys driver. A temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry, with caution advised regarding potential unintended consequences. Users are encouraged to report issues via the Feedback Hub app as Microsoft investigates further.
Blood Dungeon review
AppWizard
August 24, 2026

Blood Dungeon review

Blood Dungeon, developed and published by Messhof, is set to release on August 26, 2026. It is a sidescrolling platformer in the 'bullet heaven' genre, where players navigate a scrolling arena, avoiding projectiles and battling enemies. Each level up offers randomized perks, and rounds typically last under ten minutes. The game features a distinctive 2D art style and a dungeon drum 'n' bass soundtrack. Players start as Gun Man and can unlock various characters and weapons, each with unique abilities. The maps have fixed layouts with randomized item locations, enhancing replayability. However, the game may become repetitive over time as the excitement of upgrades diminishes.
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