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“Your apps should update themselves” — Winget-AutoUpdate is the missing piece for automatic app updates on Windows 11
Winsage
April 26, 2026

“Your apps should update themselves” — Winget-AutoUpdate is the missing piece for automatic app updates on Windows 11

The Windows Package Manager (winget) traditionally requires users to manually execute commands like "winget upgrade --all" to update applications, while the Microsoft Store only provides automatic updates for Store apps. The WAU Settings GUI enhances the winget experience by introducing a graphical user interface that allows users to configure automatic updates without scripts. Users can set schedules, manage allowlists and blocklists, and receive notifications for completed updates. Winget-AutoUpdate (WAU) is designed for users who frequently install applications via winget and want a maintenance-free system, operating quietly in the background to automate updates.
Go straight to sell! Windows second-chance setup hawks Microsoft services at IT's expense
Winsage
April 26, 2026

Go straight to sell! Windows second-chance setup hawks Microsoft services at IT’s expense

Months after acquiring a laptop, users may encounter a prompt from Windows 11 stating, “You’re almost done setting up your PC.” This leads to a series of inquiries about adopting Microsoft’s recommended browser settings, linking a phone for SMS notifications, and acknowledging Office installation. Users may feel compelled to click through these prompts, which can include advertisements, such as for Xbox Game Pass Premium at .99 per month. This series of prompts is referred to as the Second Chance Out of Box Experience (SCOOBE), which can resurface due to Windows updates and may lead to unnecessary support calls and potential unauthorized subscriptions in organizational settings. Users can disable SCOOBE by adjusting settings in Windows or Group Policy, but ongoing vigilance is required due to the evolving nature of Microsoft’s software.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
April 26, 2026

NVIDIA Neural Texture Compression: AI-powered compression aims to alleviate VRAM pressure in PC games

NVIDIA's Neural Texture Compression (NTC) improves memory efficiency in PC gaming by using small neural networks to compress texture data, achieving up to eight times better memory efficiency compared to traditional methods. In a technical demo, NTC reduced a scene's VRAM requirement from 6.5 GB to approximately 970 MB, an 85 percent reduction. The RTX Neural Texture Compression SDK has seen enhancements, including a 20 to 40 percent increase in inference speed. NTC is compatible with RTX hardware and Tensor Cores, but its real-world performance impact is yet to be determined. Microsoft is developing Cooperative Vectors and DirectX methodologies to support machine learning in graphics, which may facilitate broader adoption of NTC. The successful integration of NTC will depend on its stability, documentation, and economic viability for developers.
‘Shutdown, Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows On 1 Billion PCs
Winsage
April 26, 2026

‘Shutdown, Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows On 1 Billion PCs

Microsoft has announced changes to the Windows operating system to improve user experience concerning updates, restarts, and shutdowns, impacting over a billion users. Key enhancements include the ability to skip updates during the out-of-box experience, extend update pauses indefinitely, always-available options to shut down and restart without updating, and more insights on available updates. These changes are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders and those in the Experimental channels, with plans to extend to all users soon.
How Microsoft hopes to win back enthusiasts: A deep dive into the Windows Insider reboot
Winsage
April 25, 2026

How Microsoft hopes to win back enthusiasts: A deep dive into the Windows Insider reboot

Microsoft is making significant changes to the Windows Insider Program to address user feedback and improve community engagement. Key changes include: - A simplified channel strategy with clearer purpose-driven channels: an Experimental track for early feature flags and a Beta track for more predictable releases. - Introduction of a feature-flags page in Experimental builds, allowing testers to opt into visible features. - Easier movement between channels without needing complete reinstalls. - Assignment of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) to oversee specific areas based on community feedback. Upcoming features for Windows 11 include new taskbar positioning options, improved integration of Copilot, enhanced File Explorer functionality, and a redesigned Feedback Hub. Microsoft aims to rebuild trust by focusing on quality in Beta builds and publicly acknowledging community contributions. The company is prioritizing refining Windows 11 over launching a new version, Windows 12.
Have a Samsung phone and PC? You need the new Galaxy Connect Windows app
AppWizard
April 25, 2026

Have a Samsung phone and PC? You need the new Galaxy Connect Windows app

The user expanded their Samsung ecosystem with a Galaxy Book 4 Edge and tested the Galaxy Connect application, which includes four features: Continue on other devices, Storage Share, Multi Control, and Second Screen. Multi Control allows users to connect their Samsung phone or tablet as a secondary display, enabling seamless control of the mobile device from the primary display. The Second Screen feature lets users utilize a Galaxy tablet as a wireless display for their Windows computer, reducing lag by connecting directly. Storage Share provides access to files on Samsung devices from the PC's File Explorer, and the Continue on other devices feature syncs the clipboard for easier two-factor authentication. Users with ARM-based PCs may face limitations, and some without Intel network adapters have reported issues with Galaxy Connect's functionality.
10 awesome Shizuku apps I use to level up my Android experience
AppWizard
April 25, 2026

10 awesome Shizuku apps I use to level up my Android experience

Shizuku is an open-source tool that connects elevated Android functionalities with third-party applications, enabling access to previously restricted features. Canta allows users to uninstall any app, including bloatware and system applications, on devices like Samsung, providing guidance on safe uninstallation. ColorBlendr enhances control over Android's color-picking system, allowing users to select colors from wallpapers and standard palettes. Essentials is a toolkit for Pixel and other Android devices that unlocks hidden settings for granular adjustments and includes tools like a real-time distance calculator. Smartspacer extends the At A Glance widget's functionality beyond Pixel devices, integrating information from various sources. ShizuWall is a firewall that prevents selected apps from accessing the internet without needing a VPN or Private DNS. aShell You allows users to run ADB commands directly on their device, featuring a list of commands and bookmark support. Install With Options streamlines APK installation with modifications like bypassing SDK limits and downgrading apps. Adaptive Theme automatically switches between Dark and Light modes based on ambient light levels. SD Maid SE is a storage-cleanup tool that identifies and removes unnecessary files, with enhanced capabilities when used with Shizuku. Shappky enables users to terminate any running app, including system apps, with a simple tap.
NoVoice malware hit 2.3 million Android devices through apps Google never should have approved
AppWizard
April 25, 2026

NoVoice malware hit 2.3 million Android devices through apps Google never should have approved

McAfee researchers discovered a complex Android rootkit campaign, dubbed Operation NoVoice, that infiltrated 50 applications on Google Play, exploiting vulnerabilities in the kernel that had been patched but not uninstalled. The malware was resilient enough to survive factory resets and was concealed within seemingly benign apps, which collectively garnered 2.3 million downloads. The malicious payload was hidden in the com.facebook.utils package and used steganography to embed an encrypted payload within a PNG image. The malware conducted multiple checks to avoid detection and established contact with a command-and-control server, polling for exploit packages every 60 seconds. It utilized 22 distinct exploits, including vulnerabilities that had received patches between 2016 and 2021. The malware disabled SELinux enforcement and installed a persistent rootkit that could survive factory resets. Google confirmed the removal of the infected apps but noted that users who had already downloaded them remained at risk, especially if their devices were running unpatched Android versions. McAfee advised affected users to treat their devices as compromised and consider professional inspection or hardware-level storage wiping for remediation.
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