crash Archives

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Emergency Updates For Most Windows PCs

Microsoft has released emergency fixes in response to issues arising from January's Patch Tuesday security updates. Users experienced shutdown failures and Remote Desktop login difficulties after the updates. Microsoft has resolved two critical bugs: one related to shutdown failures on Windows 11 version 23H2 and another concerning Remote Desktop connection failures on versions 24H2 and 25H2. However, three issues remain unpatched: a black screen before the cursor appears, a glitch resetting the desktop background to black, and problems with the desktop.ini file in File Explorer. Additionally, there is an unresolved issue with Outlook Classic that may cause it to freeze for users with older POP accounts. Microsoft has provided two emergency updates: KB5077744 for Remote Desktop connection failures on versions 25H2 and 24H2, and KB5077797 for the shutdown issue on version 23H2.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

This Thief fan mission has you play a blind character trying to steal back their sight, and honestly that’s probably the least weird thing about it

Selection Day is a newly released fan mission for the classic game Thief 2, set in a dystopian future where a City faces sinkholes and blindness. Players navigate using a braille system and machines that project braille into the air. The mission's objective is to "Seek Remedy for Your Blindness," and players take on the role of a court judge whose journey is interrupted by an Ocular Superior. It is recommended to use T2fix and an FM launcher like Angelloader, and to play in 1080p resolution for an enhanced experience. The designer of the mission is Hanover Aldercash.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (KB5074157) has been released to the Beta Channel. Changes and Improvements: - The "Accounts > Other Users" dialog has been redesigned using the WinUI framework and now supports dark mode. - Copilot prompt suggestions in Click to Do will load instantly, but this change is not available for Insiders in the EEA or China. - Users can now set .webp images as their desktop background. Fixes: - Taskbar autohide issue resolved. - Start menu memory leak fixed and issues with incorrect opening side for Arabic and Hebrew users addressed. - Bluetooth battery level display issue resolved. - Fixed unexpected app behavior in Xbox full-screen experience. - Login screen password icon issue fixed. - Resolved crash in Settings when interacting with audio devices. - Fixed keyboard character repeat delay settings discrepancy. - Addressed clipped text issues in msinfo32 and installation errors with .appinstaller files. - Notepad font display issue corrected. - Fixed explorer.exe hang issue upon logging in. Known Issues: - Some applications may exhibit unexpected behavior in Xbox full-screen experience. - Investigating visibility issues of apps in the system tray for some Insiders. - Addressing display issues on secondary monitors showing black screens. - Working on a fix for Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality when the app is not running. Reminders: - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2. - Features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - Features in development may not be released to the public and can evolve or be removed.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Microsoft releases 2026’s first Insider build of Windows 11

The latest Insider build of Windows 11, KB5072046, updates the operating system to build 26220.7535 and is available to Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. A significant enhancement is the new Narrator feature powered by Copilot, which allows users to generate AI-driven descriptions for images. This feature is not available in the European Economic Area due to regulatory restrictions. Users can press Narrator key + Ctrl + D to describe a focused image or Narrator key + Ctrl + S for a full screen description. Microsoft has also introduced a policy for system administrators to uninstall the Microsoft Copilot App under specific conditions, applicable to Enterprise, Pro, and EDU SKUs. Various fixes have been implemented, including resolving issues with the Start menu, File Explorer, input using the Snipping Tool, print dialogs, and Windows Update settings.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock Realms crash over the weekend; Reddit and social media erupt with complaints – The Times of India

Minecraft Bedrock Realms experienced significant connectivity issues over the weekend, preventing thousands of players from accessing their worlds. Reports of server connection failures and loading issues began on Saturday afternoon, with over 4,000 players reporting difficulties at the peak. Players expressed frustration on social media and forums, sharing their experiences and concerns about the outage, particularly during weekends when they typically play. Some players highlighted issues connecting with friends across different platforms, while others voiced dissatisfaction with the subscription value due to the outage occurring during peak gaming times.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel have a limited opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel, which will close soon. New features include Copilot-powered image descriptions in Narrator, which enhances accessibility for blind and low-vision users. Administrators can now uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app for specific users under certain conditions. Improvements include enhancements to Cross Device Resume for developers and a refresh of the Windows Spotlight icon. Fixes have been implemented for various issues in the Start menu, File Explorer, input methods, print dialogs, and Windows Update settings. Known issues include problems with the Xbox full-screen experience, Start menu access, system tray visibility, Settings crashes, Bluetooth battery level display, and the Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually to Insiders.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

Hackers Use Fake Windows BSOD To Spread Malware

Security researchers have identified a social engineering campaign that mimics the Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to deceive users into installing a remote access Trojan (RAT). The campaign, named PHALT#BLYX, begins with phishing emails that appear to be legitimate cancellation notices from travel websites, leading victims to a fake login page and an interactive CAPTCHA. This culminates in a full-screen imitation of the BSOD, prompting users to follow instructions that ultimately allow attackers to gain control of their computers. The attackers use a “ClickFix” process that involves executing commands through native Windows tools like PowerShell and MSBuild, making detection more challenging. The malware delivered is an obfuscated version of DCRat, which provides attackers with remote control capabilities, keylogging, and the ability to download additional malware. The campaign primarily targets hotels and hospitality businesses in Europe, exploiting the urgency of front-desk staff to respond to apparent technical issues. Indicators of a fake BSOD include the ability to interact with the screen, requests to execute commands via Windows tools, and the presence of CAPTCHA prompts. Organizations are advised to train employees, implement application control, enhance email and web defenses, and prepare for incident response to mitigate risks associated with such attacks.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

ClickFix attack uses fake Windows BSOD screens to push malware

A new social engineering attack campaign called ClickFix is targeting the hospitality sector in Europe, using fake Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) screens to trick users into executing malware. Initially identified in December by Securonix as "PHALT#BLYX," the campaign involves phishing emails that appear to be notifications from Booking.com, often mentioning significant refunds to create urgency. Victims are directed to a counterfeit Booking.com site that mimics the legitimate one and displays a fake error message prompting them to execute a malicious command. This command launches a PowerShell script that downloads and compiles malware known as DCRAT, a remote access Trojan that allows attackers to control infected devices, exfiltrate data, and spread within networks.

BetaBeacon

January 6, 2026

Someone made ‘Foldy Bird’ and it’s a glorious way to destroy your foldable

Foldy Bird is a Flappy Bird clone that uses a folding phone's hinge as a mobile game controller.

BetaBeacon

January 1, 2026

These are my picks for the best mobile games of 2025 that you should play in 2026

- Red Dead Redemption is a popular open-world action game set in the Wild West that can now be played on smartphones. - The Android release includes the full game and the Undead Nightmare expansion, and is available for free with a Netflix subscription.