desktop PC Archives

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

This open-source app turns Microsoft’s GitHub into an app store for your Android phone — and your Windows PC, too

GitHub Store is a new feature on GitHub that enhances discoverability and provides a mobile app store experience. It is designed to be user-friendly, with tabs for trending projects, hot releases, and popular selections. Users can search for mobile-compatible applications and filter results by platform. Installation is straightforward, similar to downloading apps from the Play Store, but does not include automatic updates unless using an additional app called Obtainium. GitHub Store also has a Windows version that showcases desktop-friendly projects. The app offers aesthetic customization options, including font choices and basic theming features.

Winsage

March 15, 2026

I stopped letting Windows 11 “help” with my files—my PC feels faster now

Windows File Explorer's performance has declined due to the accumulation of features that have made it more cumbersome. Users can improve performance by disabling certain features: 1. Disable OneDrive: OneDrive consumes over a gigabyte of memory during syncing. To disable it, right-click the cloud icon in the system tray, access settings, unlink the PC, and disable it from auto-launching in Task Manager. 2. Turn off Bitlocker: Bitlocker encrypts drives by default, which can slow down file operations. To disable it, go to Control Panel > System & Security > Bitlocker Encryption and select Turn Bitlocker off. 3. Disable automatic folder type discovery: This feature can cause lag when opening folders. To disable it, edit the Windows Registry by navigating to a specific path and creating a new String Value named "FolderType" with the value "NotSpecified." 4. Turn off Windows Search indexing: Windows Search consumes resources and may perform poorly. To disable it, access services.msc, stop Windows Search, and change its Startup type to Disable. Users can then download and use the tool "Everything" for a more efficient search experience.

Winsage

January 31, 2026

Windows security breaks ROG Xbox Ally handheld game consoles

Microsoft's Windows Smart App Control feature has flagged essential software components of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally gaming handheld as untrustworthy following a recent update to Windows 11. This issue affects the Armoury Crate CE software, which manages the hardware functionality of the device, leading to difficulties in launching games outside of the Xbox app and adjusting performance settings. The problem may stem from inadequate configuration of certificates by Asus or the need for an update to Microsoft's trusted application database. Many Windows 11 PCs do not have Smart App Control activated, and users can disable it through SETTINGS > APP AND BROWSER CONTROLS > SMART APP CONTROL SETTINGS. If users choose to disable it, they may later need to reset or reinstall Windows to reactivate Smart App Control. ROG Xbox Ally owners are currently faced with the choice of waiting for a fix or disabling the security feature.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Steam Machine release date speculation, specs and latest news

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine in early 2026, potentially up to April 2026, though delays may occur due to a RAM crisis affecting component prices. Pre-orders are currently unavailable, but customers can add it to their Steam wishlist for notifications. The Steam Machine is a PC-hybrid console, running SteamOS, and offers a desktop environment for flexibility. It has performance specifications between the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5, with 16GB of system memory and 8GB of video memory. Key specifications include a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU, semi-custom AMD RDNA3 GPU, and storage options of 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD. The Steam Machine will come with a Steam Controller, featuring standard controls and enhanced precision through dual trackpads and a gyroscope.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending: Windows 11 Upgrade Guide

- Before upgrading to Windows 11, it is essential to update Windows 10 to ensure a smoother migration process. - A USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB is needed if using the Media Creation Tool method for the upgrade. - A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading the upgrade, especially in Malaysia, where the download size is substantial. - The upgrade can be performed through three methods: Windows Update Automatic Upgrade, Media Creation Tool Installation, and Clean Installation Process. - A clean installation will erase all files on the device, so backing up important data is necessary before proceeding. - Users should complete their Windows 11 upgrade before October 14, 2025, to avoid potential issues after support ends. - Businesses can utilize Microsoft Endpoint Manager for remote upgrades and should verify device compatibility with Windows 11. - The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with a valid Windows 10 license. - If a device does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, transitioning to a compatible PC or laptop is recommended. - Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading, but after that, a clean installation is required to revert. - The upgrade process typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on hardware and internet speed. - Most applications that work on Windows 10 will continue to function on Windows 11, but testing critical applications is advised. - Backing up files before the upgrade is essential, with recommendations for both cloud and physical storage solutions. - Upgrading to Windows 11 provides enhanced security features, such as improved virus protection, biometric authentication, and encrypted storage. - The end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, impacts compliance, insurance coverage, productivity tools, remote work capabilities, and vendor support for businesses. - HP Malaysia offers a range of devices for users needing to transition to Windows 11-compatible PCs or laptops.

BetaBeacon

December 2, 2025

Valve is working on a “Lepton” Android compatibility layer for Linux and VR — Could we ever see Android games running on the Steam Deck and its Steam Machine PC?

Valve is developing an Android compatibility layer called Lepton, potentially allowing users to run Android apps on devices like the upcoming Steam Machine desktop PC. The integration of Lepton with the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset could enable users to run Android apps in virtual reality. The expansion towards Android compatibility is supported by recent additions of 'androidarm64' references in Valve's Steamworks SDK.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet

In 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 to bridge traditional desktop environments and the tablet market, but it received a poor reception, leading to the release of Windows 8.1 a year later to address its shortcomings. Windows 8 aimed to compete with the iPad by transforming tablets into productivity tools. Windows 8.1 introduced features like on-demand OneDrive storage and the ability to snap apps side-by-side, marking a significant evolution in Windows. The concept of Windows RT for ARM processors faced challenges due to hardware limitations and underdeveloped applications but laid the groundwork for devices like the Microsoft Surface. The transition to touchscreen capabilities was revolutionary for users accustomed to older operating systems. The adaptation of the Windows Phone Metro UI for Windows 8 and 8.1 was innovative, despite criticism from traditional PC users. Windows 8.1 developed a dedicated fan base for its tile-based interface, leading to hopes for its return in future devices.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

New Intel CPUs for gaming laptops reportedly leaked with Core Ultra X branding

A leak has revealed that Intel is set to announce at least 12 Panther Lake CPUs for the laptop market, with the most powerful models branded as Intel Core Ultra X. Key models include Intel Core Ultra 9 X338H, Intel Core Ultra 7 X368H, and Intel Core Ultra 7 X358H, which will feature four P-cores, eight E-cores, four low-power E-cores, and twelve Xe2 GPU cores. The Intel Core Ultra 5 X338H is expected to have four P-cores, four E-cores, four low-power cores, and ten Xe2 GPU cores. Other models without the Ultra X branding include Intel Core Ultra 9 375H, Intel Core Ultra 7 355H, and Intel Core Ultra 7 345H, all featuring four P-cores, eight E-cores, four low-power cores, and four Xe2 GPU cores. The Intel Core Ultra 5 325H is anticipated to have similar specs but with only four E-cores. The new lineup aims to compete with AMD's offerings, and Intel plans to provide more details about Panther Lake soon, despite previous production challenges.

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

Can you play Black Ops 7 on the Steam Deck?

Black Ops 7 currently lacks an official rating for Steam Deck compatibility, but it is expected to receive an Unsupported rating due to the Ricochet anti-cheat system's requirements for secure boot and TMP 2.0 activation, which are not feasible on SteamOS. These changes were introduced with the launch of Season 5 Reloaded in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 in September 2025. Windows-based handhelds, like the ROG Ally X, should have no technical challenges running Black Ops 7, but playability will depend on whether the device meets the game's system requirements.

AppWizard

September 20, 2025

I’m a PC builder of 20 years. The latest games make me want to switch to console

The author has been a dedicated PC builder for nearly two decades, starting as a teenager with their mother's support. They have a strong passion for PC gaming, preferring it over consoles. However, they express sympathy for console users due to recent launch day challenges in PC gaming, particularly with the release of Borderlands 4, which faced performance issues despite high-end hardware. Other titles like Forspoken and Oblivion Remastered also had similar problems at launch. The author notes that building a PC can be daunting for newcomers due to the complexity and cost, with decent gaming PCs starting around ,000. They acknowledge the need for change in the PC gaming landscape, as the increasing costs and complexity may drive new gamers towards the simplicity of consoles.