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“These mods completely changed how I use Windows 11”: As I walk through the 7 Windhawk tweaks that transformed my desktop, I’m surprised by which ones made the biggest difference
Winsage
April 5, 2026

“These mods completely changed how I use Windows 11”: As I walk through the 7 Windhawk tweaks that transformed my desktop, I’m surprised by which ones made the biggest difference

Windows 11 allows users to customize background images, themes, accent colors, and the Start menu and Taskbar. However, for more significant changes, Windhawk offers a modular approach to modify the operating system without risky file modifications. To install Windhawk on Windows 11, users can use the Windows Package Manager (winget) by running the command: winget install --id RamenSoftware.Windhawk. Notable mods available for Windhawk include: - Windows 11 Taskbar Styler: Provides control over the Taskbar's visual elements with three levels of customization. - Taskbar on Top for Windows 11: Allows users to reposition the Taskbar to the top of the screen. - Taskbar Height and Icon Size: Enables adjustments to the Taskbar's height and icon size without affecting DPI scaling. - Windows 11 Start Menu Styler: Offers complete customization of the Start menu's appearance using themes and custom XAML/CSS. - Windows 11 File Explorer Styler: Allows control over the File Explorer interface by injecting custom XAML styles. - Windows 11 Notification Center Styler: Modifies the layout, transparency, and aesthetics of the Notification Center and Quick Settings. Windhawk uses dynamic code injection to implement changes without altering system files, minimizing risks associated with traditional modifications.
Realistic FPS Gray Zone Warfare bounces back as a transformative, community-led update boosts players by 1000%
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

Realistic FPS Gray Zone Warfare bounces back as a transformative, community-led update boosts players by 1000%

The recent update to Gray Zone Warfare, named Spearhead, has generated significant enthusiasm for the tactical first-person shooter developed by Madfinger Games. The update includes a dedicated onboarding zone for newcomers, a comprehensive 110-page Field Manual, and an expansion of the island of Lamang with over 25 new locations and diverse biomes. The game features a restructured terrain and vegetation for enhanced player strategy, reorganized computer-controlled adversaries into seven factions, and a revamped progression system with over 250 replayable tasks. Spearhead introduces eight new weapons, over 380 weapon parts, and more than 150 gear pieces, along with a revamped vendor system and extensive changes to the loot system, doubling the number of distinct loot items. An animation overhaul has improved movement fluidity, and new sprinting options have been added. Audio quality has been enhanced with natural sounds and new enemy voiceovers. The health system has been refined for better combat clarity, and updates to the HUD and tactical map have improved user experience. Player engagement has surged, with active user counts increasing to over 40,000 and a total player count of 160,000. The game is currently available on Steam at a promotional price of £23.44 / .79. Future updates and an updated roadmap will be provided by Madfinger Games.
Linux 7.0 Cuts PostgreSQL Performance in Half
Tech Optimizer
April 5, 2026

Linux 7.0 Cuts PostgreSQL Performance in Half

An AWS engineer reported a significant drop in PostgreSQL throughput on Linux 7.0, with performance reduced to approximately half of its previous capability. Benchmark tests showed that the removal of the PREEMPT_NONE scheduling option was the main cause of this regression. On a 96-vCPU Graviton4 instance, throughput measured at just 0.51x compared to earlier kernel versions. Salvatore Dipietro from Amazon/AWS conducted benchmarking analysis of PostgreSQL 17, revealing that Linux 7.0 delivered only 0.51x the throughput of its predecessors. The root cause was traced to kernel commit 7dadeaa6e851, which eliminated PREEMPT_NONE as the default option, leading to increased contention due to the new PREEMPT_LAZY model. Profiling data indicated that 55% of CPU time is consumed by spinning in PostgreSQL’s spinlock, causing significant performance degradation. When a revert patch was applied, throughput rebounded to 1.94x the baseline. The decision to restrict preemption modes in Linux 7.0 aimed to address issues within the kernel's scheduling model. Dipietro proposed a patch to restore PREEMPT_NONE, but kernel developers suggested PostgreSQL adopt the rseq time slice extension instead. Database operators running PostgreSQL on Linux face potential performance reductions with the upgrade to Linux 7.0.
Wine 11.6 just made modding Windows games on Linux easier, and Proton could be next
Winsage
April 5, 2026

Wine 11.6 just made modding Windows games on Linux easier, and Proton could be next

Wine version 11.6 introduces DLL load-order heuristics to enhance the modding experience for gamers on Linux, allowing third-party mod DLLs to load automatically and prioritizing them over default Microsoft versions. The update also revives the Android driver, suggesting potential future support for running Android applications and games on Linux. Additionally, it includes various bug fixes and enhancements to VBScript compatibility, improving the functionality of Windows-based applications on Linux devices.
New Crimson Desert patch brings a huge storage upgrade, but waves goodbye to its best flight trick
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

New Crimson Desert patch brings a huge storage upgrade, but waves goodbye to its best flight trick

The latest update for Crimson Desert, version 1.02.00, introduces significant enhancements based on community feedback. Key features include: - Inventory expansion, allowing private storage to grow from 240 slots to 1,000 with five possible expansions. - Improved movement controls with the option to toggle between new 'basic' controls and classic settings, along with enhanced fast travel capabilities. - A headgear visibility toggle for character customization, with future updates promising additional options for hiding weapons. - Balancing adjustments, including a nerf to a popular flight trick, while maintaining the ability to activate flight mid-air. - New features such as a fresh armor set for cats, clearer visibility for explosive barrels, and a reorganized save/load menu for better user experience. - Graphical improvements addressing foliage display and screen flickering, alongside fixes for crashes and localization errors. The update is available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Mac App Store.
Microsoft is Forcing Windows 11 25H2 Update to 24H2 Users
Winsage
April 4, 2026

Microsoft is Forcing Windows 11 25H2 Update to 24H2 Users

Microsoft is forcefully upgrading users from the 24H2 version of Windows 11 to the latest 25H2 version through a "machine learning-based intelligent rollout." The 24H2 version will lose official support on October 13, 2026. Users can schedule a restart or postpone the update briefly, but they cannot opt out of the upgrade. The upcoming 26H1 update will be specifically for Windows-on-Arm devices, while the 26H2 update is expected later this year, promising new features and improvements.
Bungie brings the nerf hammer down on Marathon's problematic 'rich get richer' gun
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

Bungie brings the nerf hammer down on Marathon’s problematic ‘rich get richer’ gun

Bungie is addressing concerns about the Marathon Biotoxic Disinjector, a powerful weapon that combines a trace rifle and grenade launcher, which has been criticized for creating an uneven playing field in the game. The weapon is particularly effective in close-quarters combat, capable of nearly eliminating opponents with a single grenade hit. Game director Joe Ziegler acknowledged its overpowering nature and announced a 35% damage reduction as a temporary nerf, with plans for further balance adjustments. The weapon's exclusivity, available only to players who excel in challenging encounters, exacerbates the advantage for those who possess it. Prominent community figures have expressed concerns that the weapon could deter players from engaging with the game. Other content creators have noted its overwhelming effectiveness, with suggestions for additional measures to level the playing field, such as disabling the weapon in certain game modes.
A Major Fantasy MMORPG Is Finally Coming to PC Game Pass
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

A Major Fantasy MMORPG Is Finally Coming to PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass is expanding its offerings with the addition of Elder Scrolls Online, which will be available on PC Game Pass starting June 2nd. The game will feature Xbox Play Anywhere support, allowing cross-progression between PC and Xbox consoles. ZeniMax has announced a new free, seasonal content model for Elder Scrolls Online, and the game is currently available as a free title on PS Plus Essential until April 6th. The introduction of crossplay and cross-progression is being actively pursued by ZeniMax, addressing a long-standing demand from the community.
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