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Microsoft: Outdated Windows devices will stop receiving security updates
Winsage
October 9, 2026

Microsoft: Outdated Windows devices will stop receiving security updates

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for devices running unsupported versions of Windows after the Windows Update certificate rotation in May and June 2027, specifically on May 17, 2027, and June 19, 2027. Users and administrators are advised to upgrade to a supported version of Windows before these dates to maintain system integrity. Replacement certificates have already been issued for supported versions, requiring no action for those systems. Specific upgrade guidance includes: - Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: Install the September 2025 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Other supported versions of Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and Windows 10: Install the July 2026 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Install the July 2026 security update or later before May 17, 2027. - Other Windows versions: Upgrade to a supported version of Windows client or Windows Server. IT administrators should evaluate their networks for unsupported Windows versions and ensure monthly updates are applied to supported devices. The directive does not apply to devices receiving updates through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Microsoft also announced the rollout of Windows 11, version 26H2, as an enablement package for eligible systems.
Microsoft Windows and Surface event
Winsage
October 8, 2026

Microsoft Windows and Surface event

A new initiative has been introduced to simplify the purchasing process by enhancing customer experience. Key components include: - Customers will provide essential location details: state, zip code, and country. - A dropdown menu will allow customers to select their state, reducing input errors. - The zip code input field will accommodate a maximum of seven characters for ease of entry. - A clear label will guide customers to specify their country, aiding in service customization. This redesign aims to improve user experience and operational efficiency.
Google Messages Update: Games Coming Soon?
AppWizard
October 7, 2026

Google Messages Update: Games Coming Soon?

Google Messages is set to introduce a new gaming feature within chats, similar to Apple’s iMessage GamePigeon. The latest beta update reveals plans for a dedicated “Games” section with games codenamed “Midnight,” including titles like Chess, Pool, Darts, Cup Pong, Checkers, Crazy 8s, Basketball, Four in a Row, and Word Scramble. Details on whether these games will support multiplayer functionality remain unclear.
Prepare for Microsoft's Windows and Surface event with these cutting-edge features for Insiders
Winsage
October 6, 2026

Prepare for Microsoft’s Windows and Surface event with these cutting-edge features for Insiders

Microsoft is testing five new builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows K2 initiative, which includes several updates: - Support for Unicode 17.0 has been added, allowing Windows to display over 4,800 new characters and scripts. - Performance improvements have been made to the Settings home page, reducing loading times. - The Settings > Apps > Installed apps section now shows version numbers for packaged apps. - A new entry point for Cloud Rebuild has been introduced under Settings > System > Recovery. - The Cloud rebuild feature can restore a Windows 11 PC to a clean state without USB media. - The Address Bar in File Explorer now supports the '~' character for quicker navigation. - Adjustments to the preview pane in File Explorer include a new button for HTML files and automatic previews for non-HTML files. - Folder view customizations in File Explorer are now consistently maintained. - The Windows Magnifier now allows input of exact zoom percentages and includes preset step increments. - Cloud rebuild options have been enhanced to include drive sanitization. - The Windows share window now allows users to pin favorite apps. - Messaging related to age-restricted parental controls in Family Safety has been improved. - Minor visual issues in the taskbar have been addressed. - Fixes have been implemented for certain USB Audio Class 1.0 devices. - Corrections have been made for Remote Desktop window sizing. - Issues causing lag for some Insiders after updates have been resolved.
The Google app could soon get a cleaner, more organized settings page, and here's your first look
AppWizard
October 6, 2026

The Google app could soon get a cleaner, more organized settings page, and here’s your first look

Google is redesigning the settings page for its Google app to improve usability and accessibility. The new layout will transition from a list format to a card-based design, categorizing settings under labels like Your App Experience and Privacy & Safety. Key features such as Search personalization and SafeSearch will be more prominently displayed on the main settings screen. The redesign will follow Google's Material 3 Expressive design language, but it differs from a similar initiative for the Gemini app. The release timeline for the new settings page is currently uncertain.
Quote of the day by Panos Panay: "To make a great product, you can't have great software without the hardware; you can't have great hardware without the software." — Can Microsoft's October 7 Surface event keep this vision alive?
Winsage
October 6, 2026

Quote of the day by Panos Panay: “To make a great product, you can’t have great software without the hardware; you can’t have great hardware without the software.” — Can Microsoft’s October 7 Surface event keep this vision alive?

This week marks the fifth anniversary of Windows 11. Microsoft will host a Surface event on October 7, focusing on the NVIDIA RTX Spark chip and the new Surface Laptop Ultra lineup. Recently, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 12-inch (Gen 2) and Surface Laptop 13-inch (Gen 2) on September 23 during Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, raising questions about the timing of these announcements. The Surface Laptop Ultra was initially revealed at Computex 2026, and further details are expected at the upcoming event, which will be streamed at 1 PM ET.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
October 6, 2026

The final showdown: Motion blur vs chromatic aberration

The competition to determine the most unpopular graphical effect in gaming has concluded with two final contenders: Motion Blur and Chromatic Aberration. Motion Blur significantly alters the gaming experience, as seen in Hunt: Showdown, where players experience a stark contrast between clarity and blur. Chromatic Aberration, used by developers like Bungie in the game Marathon, creates a red and blue border effect that some players appreciate while others find distracting. The results of the vote to eliminate one of these effects will be announced later this week.
EU probes Minecraft and Candy Crush over hidden costs
AppWizard
October 4, 2026

EU probes Minecraft and Candy Crush over hidden costs

EU consumer authorities are investigating nine major gaming companies over player spending transparency, particularly regarding the pressure on players to buy excessive virtual currency. The inquiry focuses on how these games communicate the costs of in-game purchases, with authorities advocating for clearer pricing and reduced pressure on players. Industry representatives argue that changes could lead to costly redesigns and affect game viability, especially for smaller developers. They propose solutions like tailored top-ups, smaller bundles, indicative real-money prices, and refunds for unused bundles. The CPC Network is applying existing laws, but concerns have been raised about extending these laws beyond permissible limits. Regulators are seeking clearer pricing, cancellation rights, and better protections for younger players, and may pursue national enforcement measures if issues remain unresolved.
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