discontinuation Archives

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows 11 continues gaining traction, nears 75% market share — Windows 10 finally on the way out, some five months after Microsoft axes support

Windows 11 has an installation rate of nearly 75% on desktop PCs globally, with a market share of 72.78%, up from just over 50% in late 2025. Windows 10's installations have decreased to 26.27% from around 45% during the same period. Launched in October 2021, Windows 11 gained popularity after Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows 10, although its adoption faced challenges due to hardware requirements and the need for a Microsoft account. Users have sought workarounds for these limitations, but Microsoft has tightened restrictions. Some former Windows 10 users are switching to alternatives like macOS or Linux instead of upgrading to new Microsoft-promoted PCs. Windows 11 has also encountered technical issues, including a missing sign-in password icon, reduced gaming performance on certain Nvidia GPUs, and data loss due to BitLocker recovery. Microsoft has committed to addressing these issues in the near future.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Windows 11 February 2026 Update Is Now Available With 3 New Features

Microsoft has released a non-security feature preview update for Windows 11, designated as version KB5077241, which introduces performance and visual enhancements. This optional update is available for all Windows 11 users and is not yet part of the stable channel, with a full release expected on March 10. Key features of the update include: 1. A built-in network speed test accessible via the taskbar, allowing users to evaluate their network connection's performance. 2. Improvements to the taskbar search function, enabling result previews without opening additional windows. 3. Minor system upgrades, including backup and restore options for select Windows Professional devices, new emojis, an updated accounts menu, a built-in system monitor, and a revamped widgets settings menu. 4. Enhancements to printing services, nearby sharing features, and Windows Update, along with new camera settings for supported devices. 5. Performance improvements in File Explorer, including more reliable window opening using shortcuts and the introduction of an "Extract All" option for non-ZIP archived folders. 6. Optimizations in the Network page of File Explorer for better device display and improvements in display responsiveness after sleep.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Meta to Shut Independent Messenger Website

Meta will close its standalone Messenger website in April 2026, requiring users to use Facebook or the Messenger mobile app for messaging. Users without Facebook accounts can still use the Messenger app and restore chat histories with backup PINs. This decision follows the previous discontinuation of Messenger desktop applications, which redirected users to Facebook's website. Meta aims to streamline services and focus on improving the mobile and web versions of Messenger, despite user dissatisfaction with increased reliance on Facebook accounts.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Meta to Shut Down Messenger Website in April 2026

Meta Platforms Inc. will officially discontinue the standalone Messenger website in April 2026, as announced on the company's help page. Users will need to use the Messenger mobile app to access the service, particularly those without a Facebook account. Users can restore their chat history using a personal PIN created during data backup, with a reset option available if forgotten. This decision aligns with Meta's trend of closing standalone Messenger desktop applications and aims to reduce operational costs by streamlining services. Messenger, originally launched as Facebook Chat in 2008, became a standalone app in 2011, and features were partially reintegrated into the Facebook app in 2023.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Meta Will Shut Down Messenger Website, Merge Back with Facebook

Meta will close the Messenger website in April, redirecting users to the messaging feature on Facebook. Users' chat history will be preserved during this transition. The Messenger desktop application for Windows and Mac has already been discontinued. Users can still access Messenger through the mobile application. Meta aims to simplify its services by reducing standalone platforms. Messenger was first introduced as Facebook Chat in 2008, separated in 2014, and will reunite with Facebook in 2023.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Notepad is reportedly getting image support, and I’m wondering what Notepad’s niche is now

Microsoft is enhancing Notepad by introducing image support, as indicated in recent Insider builds. A new image button is expected to appear in Notepad's toolbar, although the feature is still in development and not fully implemented. Currently, clicking the button leads to a "What's new" dialog box. Notepad has evolved over the years, adding features like formatting options, table support, and Copilot integration. Users can disable the new image feature for a more minimalist experience.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Messenger web users will be redirected to Facebook.com for chats

Meta will close its standalone Messenger website, messenger.com, in April 2026, redirecting users to facebook.com/messages for web-based messaging. Users without Facebook accounts will lose access to web messaging and must use the Messenger mobile app. Following the discontinuation of Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac, web messaging will require a Facebook account login. Users who accessed Messenger via a standalone phone number will be limited to mobile devices. Chat history can be recovered if a backup PIN was created; a reset option is available for forgotten PINs. Meta has communicated these changes through pop-up notifications, and there is user frustration, particularly among those who deactivated their Facebook accounts but used Messenger on the web. The consolidation is part of Meta's strategy to streamline messaging services and reduce operational overhead, following a trend of reintegrating Messenger features back into the Facebook app.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Meta Pulls the Plug on Dedicated Messenger Website

Meta plans to discontinue its standalone Messenger website, messenger.com, effective April 15, 2026. Users will still be able to send and receive messages through Facebook on the web or via the Messenger mobile app, with automatic redirection to facebook.com/messages for desktop messaging. The mobile app will remain operational for users without a Facebook account, and chat history can be retained using a PIN number. The decision has disappointed users, especially those who have deactivated their Facebook accounts. Messenger started as Facebook Chat in 2008 and became a standalone app in 2011, but Meta has recently integrated it back into the Facebook app in 2023.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Minecraft is facing a major transformation. Developers say it’s inevitable.

Mojang is transitioning Minecraft Java Edition from the OpenGL framework to the Vulkan API, with a gradual rollout starting with snapshot versions and a stable release expected in summer 2026. This change is driven by the outdated nature of OpenGL and Apple's discontinuation of support for it on new macOS devices. Vulkan offers native support for Windows and Linux, and compatibility with macOS, aiming to improve stability across all platforms. The transition will introduce graphical enhancements previously exclusive to the Bedrock version, although average players may not notice significant changes unless using mods. Modders will need to adapt their creations to the new architecture, and Mojang will provide support for them during this migration. The updates will only affect Java Edition, leaving the Bedrock version unchanged.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Meta to shut Messenger website in April 2026, redirect users to Facebook

Meta will discontinue its standalone Messenger website on April 2026, redirecting users to facebook.com/messages for web-based conversations. The Messenger mobile app will remain available for messaging, but users without a Facebook account will have limited options. Users can retrieve chat history using a PIN from Messenger’s secure backup process, with a reset option available for forgotten PINs. This change follows Meta's previous discontinuation of standalone Messenger desktop applications. The move is part of Meta's strategy to unify its messaging services, having previously separated Messenger from Facebook in 2014 and now reintegrating features back into the core Facebook application. Online reactions have been mixed, with some users frustrated by the transition.