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Winsage

March 25, 2026

Microsoft may finally remove its frustrating Windows 11 setup requirement

Microsoft has required users to create a Microsoft account to log into Windows 11 PCs, which has frustrated many users. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft executive, acknowledged this frustration and indicated that he is working on addressing the issue. Currently, users must select a Microsoft account during the setup of a new Windows 11 computer, although they can switch to a local account afterward. Microsoft has faced criticism over various issues with Windows 11, but recent comments suggest the company may be starting to listen to user feedback, with plans for improvements in customization options, performance, and reliability.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft Hints at End to Windows 11 Setup Account Requirement

Microsoft is exploring the removal of the requirement to sign in with a Microsoft account during the initial setup of Windows 11, a change that has been frequently requested by users. Currently, Windows 11 Home and most consumer Pro installations require a Microsoft account for setup, although local accounts are available but not easily accessible. This requirement has faced backlash, leading to the development of workarounds by users. Microsoft has defended the necessity of the cloud account for benefits like password recovery and settings synchronization. A potential change could introduce a clearly labeled option for setting up with a local account during the out-of-box experience, while still allowing the option to sign in with a Microsoft account. Windows 11 currently accounts for about one-third of active Windows PCs, trailing behind Windows 10. The proposed changes aim to enhance user satisfaction and address privacy concerns.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

This overlooked Battlefield game is shutting down after 11 years, but only on Xbox and PlayStation consoles — the Steam PC version will live on, to my surprise

Battlefield Hardline, launched in 2015 by Visceral Games with support from DICE and EA, will have its digital availability end on May 22 for Xbox and PlayStation platforms, with online multiplayer support concluding on June 22. Players on Steam and the EA app will retain access to the game and its offline single-player campaign. The game is known for its focus on law enforcement versus criminals, differing from traditional military themes in the Battlefield franchise. EA noted that dwindling player numbers make it unfeasible to maintain online services for older games, with current statistics showing only 10 concurrent players on Steam and a peak of 34 in the last 24 hours.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

The Mess With Max, Telegram, And More: Russians’ Patience Tested By Online Troubles

In Moscow, messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram are facing increasing restrictions due to regulatory actions by the state tech regulator, Roskomnadzor, aimed at promoting the state-backed app, Max. Mobile internet access is being intermittently disabled, causing significant disruptions for residents who rely on connectivity for services like taxis and food delivery. The Kremlin spokesperson suggested using landlines as a solution. Reports indicate that Telegram may face a complete ban by April 1. Authorities have mandated the installation of Max on new mobile devices and enforced its use in universities, with students required to install the app to receive diplomas. The throttling of Telegram has raised concerns among military personnel and their families about communication. Mobile internet outages have affected millions, prompting public outrage, especially on International Women's Day, and leading to significant economic losses for businesses in Moscow. Similar issues have been reported in other cities across Russia.

TrendTechie

March 23, 2026

Лидия Торрент — о доверии и личных границах на премьере фильма в Мадриде

Lidia Torrent was a focal point at the premiere of the film ‘ZETA’ in Madrid, where she discussed trust in relationships and the challenges of living under public scrutiny. She expressed that she would remain calm if her partner, Jaime Astrain, checked her phone, emphasizing the importance of trust and personal boundaries. Lidia has been accustomed to media attention since childhood, shaped by her mother, Elsa Anka, a prominent figure in the industry. She actively engages with social media to control her narrative and mitigate stress from public speculation. Lidia's openness about her personal life has earned her respect in the Spanish entertainment industry, where discussions about personal boundaries and privacy are increasingly relevant. She gained recognition through her work on ‘First Dates’ and maintains a connection with her audience while navigating the public interest in her relationship with Jaime Astrain.

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Microsoft says it’ll make Windows 11 a calmer OS with fewer upsells or ads, as it tries to win back users

Microsoft has confirmed plans to reduce the presence of "upsells" in Windows 11 to enhance user experience. This announcement was made on March 20, coinciding with a significant update focused on performance and quality-of-life improvements. The update includes a faster File Explorer, a transition of the Start menu to WinUI 3, and an option to pause Windows updates indefinitely. There will also be a reduction in the use of Copilot across applications like Notepad. Microsoft is reconsidering the necessity of a Microsoft account during the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) and aims to decrease built-in promotions within Windows 11. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft engineering leader, acknowledged user frustrations and stated the goal is to create “a calmer and more chill OS with fewer upsells.” Users have expressed dissatisfaction with aggressive marketing tactics, including ads for Microsoft services during the setup process and full-screen alerts encouraging the switch to Edge. While some ads can be disabled, many users feel that they should not encounter advertisements after purchasing the operating system or devices.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Windows users are angry, and Microsoft is finally doing something about it

Microsoft is addressing user dissatisfaction with Windows 11 by implementing several changes. These include enhanced taskbar customization, allowing users to reposition the taskbar; a more selective integration of AI features, reducing unnecessary AI entry points in applications; greater control over updates, enabling users to skip or pause updates; performance improvements aimed at reducing sluggishness in File Explorer and enhancing memory efficiency; and increased reliability by focusing on reducing crashes and improving app stability. Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance various functionalities, including Bluetooth and USB connectivity, printer support, and search functionality, while also making widgets less intrusive.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

How many games can you identify just from a screenshot of their open world?

PC Gamer has released a collection of quizzes covering various gaming topics, including a quiz focused on open worlds. This quiz challenges players to identify games from 15 screenshots of landscapes, with a time limit of four minutes to complete it.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft announces major Windows 11 updates designed to fix biggest flaws

Microsoft has announced plans to enhance Windows 11, focusing on user feedback from the past two years. Key improvements will include better system performance, app responsiveness, and user interface adjustments. Users can expect enhancements in tools like File Explorer and the Windows Subsystem for Linux, with a goal of a more responsive and less resource-intensive operating system by year-end. The Taskbar will be repositionable, allowing customization, and the Windows UI framework, WinUI, will be expanded across more system areas. Windows Update will offer users greater control over updates, including the ability to pause them indefinitely. Microsoft aims to improve reliability by strengthening the Windows Insider Program, increasing OS and driver reliability, and enhancing Windows Hello biometric authentication. The focus areas for improvements are Performance, Reliability, and Craft, with specific goals outlined for each category, such as reducing resource usage, enhancing memory efficiency, and improving the search experience.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

No Crimson Desert Xbox Reviews Until Launch, But Here’s How The PC Version Is Faring

Crimson Desert is set to launch this evening at 6 PM ET / 10 PM GMT, with initial reviews for the PC version already appearing. The game currently has a Metacritic rating of 78, ranking 38th in the Best Games This Year list. Reviewers have expressed mixed opinions, noting its strengths in gameplay freedom and a rich open world, while also pointing out weaknesses such as a lack of polish, an underdeveloped narrative, and excessive systems. The Xbox version will be available later today, with official reviews expected to follow after the public release.