decision Archives

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Microsoft To Block ReFS-Formatted USB Drives And External Storage On Windows Starting January 2027

Starting in January 2027, Windows will block ReFS-formatted USB drives and external storage devices by default as part of a security initiative. This change will affect Windows 11, supported Windows 10 installations, and Windows Server. The rollout will occur in two phases: 1. On October 13, 2026, an initial security update will introduce auditing for affected ReFS volumes, allowing them to mount but recording them in the Event Viewer. 2. In January 2027, Windows will prevent affected ReFS volumes from mounting unless overridden by an administrator. This change will not erase the contents of affected drives, but users may lose access to their files. Microsoft has stated that this move aims to reduce exposure associated with unsupported storage configurations. Most users are unlikely to notice immediate effects, as common USB drives use FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, which are not subject to this restriction. Users with ReFS-formatted external storage should consider transferring their files to a supported format before the deadline. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a registry and Group Policy setting, RefsRemovableDeviceMountPolicy, to allow for configurable restrictions.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and added automatic ransomware backup to its Ultimate plan. The NOD32 engine was updated to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus options due to discrepancies between current product names and older installations. A comprehensive 13-step guide has been developed to facilitate the transition to new antivirus software, addressing potential risks such as performance issues from running multiple engines, improper uninstallation, and loss of license keys. In 2026, ESET introduced features like a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus includes real-time anti-ransomware protection and machine-learning threat detection. Security.org's 2025 report indicated that 84% of users made no changes to their antivirus software over the past year, with many only reconsidering when faced with price increases or product discontinuations. The choice between paid and free antivirus solutions is significant, with 54% of third-party users paying for their software. ESET's Ultimate tier is the only one that includes ransomware backup features. Before switching antivirus products, users should ensure they are running compatible operating systems, have administrator access, document current and new antivirus version numbers, and have a stable internet connection. A PowerShell command can check the current antivirus status. Steps for migration include auditing current antivirus features, choosing a suitable replacement, exporting license keys, and using official removal tools to uninstall the old software. After installation, users should verify real-time protection is active and rebuild exclusions and scan schedules. Common pitfalls during migration include failing to uninstall the old antivirus completely, forgetting to disable tamper protection, and losing exclusion lists. For mobile devices, permissions from the old antivirus must be cleared to avoid conflicts. Advanced users managing multiple devices may benefit from staggering migrations and checking for known vulnerabilities in the antivirus products. A PowerShell script can be created to log the antivirus state before and after migration.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Moonlighter studio won’t host a public playtest of its next game due to rampant AI-led cloning: ‘We know we’re not the only developers feeling this way’

Digital Sun Games has decided not to conduct a public playtest for their upcoming title, ReVamp, due to concerns about reverse-engineering and cloning of their game. This decision follows a trend of hastily produced clones appearing on platforms like Steam and Roblox, exacerbated by the rise of AI-driven tools that facilitate game replication. Other developers, such as those behind Drunken Goddess Reflux, have also canceled public demos for similar reasons. The number of demos available during the recent Steam Next Fest increased significantly, highlighting the issue of rapid cloning in the gaming industry.

Winsage

October 19, 2026

Why Windows 11 still won’t let you name a file CON, and Microsoft’s explanation goes back to MS-DOS

In Windows 11, certain names such as CON, PRN, AUX, and NUL are reserved as they correspond to specific devices, preventing users from naming folders with these terms. These reserved names date back to DOS 1.0, where folders did not exist. The names have specific functions: CON refers to the console, PRN to the printer, AUX to an auxiliary device, and NUL to a null device that discards output. Attempts to rename a folder to any of these names result in an error message indicating the device name is invalid. Adding extensions to these names does not bypass the restriction, as names like NUL.txt are still treated as equivalent to NUL. Despite some changes in Windows 11, the prohibition against using these reserved names for files or folders remains in place due to legacy compatibility concerns.

Winsage

October 19, 2026

Microsoft Restores App-V Server Support Through 2029

Microsoft has reinstated the App-V Server into its extended support program, which will last until October 9, 2029. The original retirement date was set for April 2026, but the extension is aimed at supporting organizations still using App-V Server for Win32 applications. During this extended period, organizations will receive essential security updates, although no new features or active development will be provided for App-V Server. Microsoft is promoting a transition to Azure Virtual Desktop App Attach and the MSIX packaging format as the future model for application delivery.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Kerala HC seeks Centre stand on plea challenging blocking of BitChat messaging app

The Kerala High Court is addressing concerns regarding the open-source messaging application BitChat, which gained popularity during the internet shutdowns in Delhi in July 2026. The app operates over Bluetooth and does not require an internet connection. In October, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ordered the blocking of BitChat, leading to its removal from app stores by Apple and Google in India. The Appropriate Technology Promotion Society has filed a legal challenge against this decision. During a recent hearing, the court instructed several ministries and representatives from Apple and Google to submit affidavits regarding the app's blocking. The court is considering the maintainability of the petition and has scheduled the next hearing for November 11.

BetaBeacon

October 18, 2026

AYN Thor Setup Guide: 13 Steps, 90 Minutes [2026]

- AYN's Thor is a clamshell Android handheld with two AMOLED panels: a 6-inch top display and a 3.92-inch touchscreen on the bottom. - It comes in four configurations: Lite, Base, Pro, and Max, with varying specs including RAM, storage, and GPU. - Setup of the AYN Thor takes longer than expected as it does not come with bundled games, preinstalled emulators, or a third-party launcher. - The setup process includes steps such as unboxing and inspecting the model, charging fully before the first boot, updating firmware, configuring the dual-screen display, setting up the microSD card, installing RetroArch, Winlator, and Moonlight, mapping controls, calibrating sticks, setting up cloud and PC game streaming, optimizing battery and thermal behavior, organizing storage, launchers, and backups, and running a final full-system pass.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

Xbox is crazy if it thinks making Fallout and Minecraft exclusive will work

Microsoft is considering making major gaming titles like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout exclusive to Xbox, which has sparked concern among gamers about the brand's strategic direction. A former Xbox One owner expressed relief at not upgrading to the Xbox Series X/S due to perceived missteps and a lack of sincerity from executives. Microsoft has started polling its fanbase about the interest in exclusivity, but this may not yield objective feedback. The recent release of Gears Of War: E-Day underperformed, highlighting the challenges of exclusivity in a market leaning towards subscription services. The idea of limiting access to popular franchises raises questions about market strategy, especially with Skyrim nearing its 20th anniversary. Some gamers believe Microsoft should consider divesting its console business to foster a more competitive landscape that prioritizes franchise legacy over short-term strategies.

Tech Optimizer

October 16, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and updated its NOD32 engine to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus solutions due to discrepancies between their current software and available offerings, with 84 percent of users making no changes in the previous year. Financial factors influence decisions, with 54 percent of third-party antivirus users opting for paid versions. ESET's new features include a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. The comparison of antivirus options highlights that the best choice depends on individual needs, with ESET's Ultimate tier offering ransomware backup. A comprehensive 13-step process is outlined for safely transitioning between antivirus solutions, emphasizing the importance of proper uninstallation and installation procedures to avoid conflicts and maintain protection.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Google sparks privacy outrage by quietly linking phone numbers to secondary accounts on Android phones — here’s how to disable it

Google has begun automatically linking phone numbers to all signed-in Google accounts on Android devices, raising privacy concerns for users managing multiple accounts. This feature associates users' phone numbers with secondary accounts without explicit consent, potentially exposing personal information. Users can remove their phone numbers from unwanted accounts through their Google account settings, but some have reported that this change may revert back automatically. The Android community has expressed significant dissatisfaction with this development, with many users voicing their frustrations online. Additionally, users of GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused operating system, have reported similar issues, indicating that Google Play Services may trigger this automatic linking feature even in more secure environments.