compatibility

Winsage
August 7, 2026
Windows 11 has faced criticism from users, despite improvements like the option to uninstall AI features. Some users are attempting to run it on unsupported hardware, leading to frustrations, especially after updates. The percentage of Windows 10 users decreased from about 42% in October 2025 to 26% by May 2026, following the end of support for Windows 10. Safety for Windows 10 users depends on participation in the extended support program and staying updated, but risks include the expiration of security certificates crucial for Secure Boot, set to expire in mid-2026. Microsoft is issuing updates for eligible machines, but support is not indefinite, and older systems may face difficulties. Third-party applications may also withdraw compatibility with Windows 10. Alternatives to upgrading include Apple's Mac OS and Linux, which has seen a rise in market share, surpassing 4.7% globally by 2025. Linux distributions like Zorin OS and Linux Mint mimic the Windows experience, and ChromeOS can be installed on various computers.
AppWizard
August 7, 2026
QuakeCon 2026 is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Quake franchise. A new episode titled "Dawn of the Machine," created by MachineGames and id Software, is now available as a free update for Quake, featuring a 19-map campaign, time-bending mechanics, a new soundtrack, and a new Deathmatch map. A special event discussing this episode will take place on August 6 at 1:30 PM CT with industry legends. The id Signature Series has new designs available for purchase, including tees and hoodies. "Quake: The Board Game," a cooperative dungeon crawler developed by Archon Studios, is set to launch in Q4 2026. The DOOM Collection for Evercade, including DOOM (1993) and DOOM II), is available for preorder, along with a limited-edition Evercade Nexus DOOM Edition releasing in October 2026. Additionally, "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" is now available uncensored in Germany on various platforms.
Winsage
August 6, 2026
Windows has faced user dissatisfaction due to inconsistent user interface designs since Windows 8, which worsened with Windows 10. Windows 11, launched in 2021, introduced a consistent design language through the WinUI framework, modernizing various UI components and replacing older elements. Enhancements included a more consistent dark mode and updates to features like volume controls and context menus. Microsoft is revamping the File Properties dialog and the Start menu for improved speed and responsiveness while optimizing resource consumption. Context menus are also being redesigned for better customization and quicker access. Ongoing efforts aim to modernize legacy components of the OS, with a focus on performance and reduced memory usage.
AppWizard
August 6, 2026
Fanatical has launched the Power Picks bundle, which is compatible with the Steam Deck, featuring mostly Verified or Playable games. The bundle allows gamers to select their own titles, with a tiered pricing structure: .65 each for three to four games, .60 each for five to six games, and .50 each for seven or more games. The full bundle of 23 Steam Deck-compatible games costs .98, representing a 91% discount from the original value of 9.77. The bundle includes 18 individual titles, one triple-pack, and one double-pack. A list of Steam Deck-friendly games includes titles such as "Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons," "Lethal League Blaze," and "Final Vendetta," among others. Additionally, Fanatical is hosting a Summer Sale with many titles available for under .
Winsage
August 6, 2026
Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will end on January 12, 2027, coinciding with the release of a final security update. Organizations can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to maintain security updates beyond this date, which will cost per device in Year 1, with prices doubling each subsequent year until the program ends on January 8, 2030. ESU sales will start on September 1, 2026, and licenses are cumulative. The ESU program does not cover Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which is supported until January 13, 2032. Organizations using Microsoft’s cloud-based update services can receive a 25 percent discount on the Year 1 price. As of July, 16.9 percent of monitored devices were still running Windows 10, with migration to Windows 11 stalling due to compatibility issues and hardware requirements.
AppWizard
August 6, 2026
Minecraft will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27th, featuring enhanced visuals and performance. The game will include a default Vibrant Visuals graphics option for improved lighting and graphical fidelity. The Super Mario Mash-Up will also receive visual upgrades. An upgrade path for existing Minecraft players on the original Nintendo Switch will be available, though details on whether it will be complimentary are unclear. A major update introducing a new biome is expected later this year.
Winsage
August 5, 2026
Mark Russinovich, the Chief Technology Officer of Microsoft Azure, has created a project called DoomPaint, which allows the classic game DOOM to be displayed within Microsoft Paint. The game operates through the ViZDoom engine, rendering frames headlessly and transferring them to Paint via the Windows clipboard. DoomPaint features full keyboard controls, sound effects, and a MIDI soundtrack, maintaining a frame rate of around 35 FPS. To run DoomPaint, users need to download the project from GitHub, ensure Python is installed, extract the folder, and run a batch file, which sets up a virtual environment and opens Microsoft Paint for gameplay. The default controls include movement with W/S or arrow keys, turning with A/D or arrow keys, strafing with Q/E, firing with Ctrl/F, and other functions assigned to different keys. The project uses the shareware DOOM1.WAD for the initial episode and additional maps from Freedoom due to licensing restrictions. DoomPaint differs from previous attempts to integrate DOOM into Paint by using Paint’s canvas as the sole display for the game. The clipboard race condition was addressed by allowing the application to own the clipboard as a reference-counted OLE data object. Sound effects come from ViZDoom through OpenAL, and music is played using a separate module that loops through the Windows MIDI sequencer. Russinovich utilized Claude Fable 5 for this project, demonstrating how AI tools can enhance software development.
AppWizard
August 5, 2026
AnduinOS V2.0 has launched, featuring a full Wayland stack that improves user experience. It is a custom Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, designed for newcomers to Linux, with a GNOME desktop environment that resembles Windows. The distribution includes minimal preinstalled software, such as Firefox and a music player, but allows users to install additional applications via GNOME Software with Flathub integration. A key feature is the onboarding process that prompts users to enable the Windows Compatibility Sandbox for running Windows applications. Waydroid can be easily set up with two terminal commands, providing access to Android apps. AnduinOS maintains stability and speed comparable to other Linux distributions, supports easy application installation, and offers user-friendly customization options. It promotes open-source principles by combining Linux, Android, and Windows functionalities.
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