disruption Archives

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Windows App forgets how to log in with first security update of the year

Microsoft's January security update, released on January 13, 2026, has caused connection and authentication failures for users of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, particularly affecting those using the Windows App. The update has resulted in credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections across all supported Windows versions, from Enterprise LTSC 2016 to Windows 11 25H2, as well as Windows Servers from 2019 to 2025. Microsoft is investigating the issue and plans to release an out-of-band update soon. Users have been advised to either uninstall the update or use the Remote Desktop Client or the Windows App web client as workarounds. Reports indicate persistent issues, including an "Unable to Authenticate" error when attempting to connect via the Windows App. Microsoft has also made a Known Issue Rollback available to address these credential problems.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock Realms users report widespread loading and connection issues: What we know so far

Minecraft Bedrock Realms experienced a service disruption on Saturday, preventing many players from accessing their worlds for several hours. Complaints surged around 12 PM EDT, peaking at over 4,000 reports of issues primarily related to server connectivity. Data indicated that 93% of affected users in the United States faced server connection failures, while 5% reported issues launching the game and 2% had login problems. Major cities impacted included Los Angeles, Houston, Tampa, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Neither Mojang nor Microsoft provided a public explanation for the incident, leaving the duration of the disruption uncertain.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Is Minecraft still down? Players report widespread outage

Minecraft Realms experienced a significant outage on January 10, 2026, affecting both Bedrock and Java Edition users. The disruption began around noon Eastern Daylight Time, with over 4,000 players reporting issues accessing paid Realms servers. Users were unable to load their worlds or connect to multiplayer servers for extended periods. The community expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Mojang regarding the outage, with players highlighting the disappointment of being unable to access a paid service.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

When will Minecraft realms be back up? Frustrated users report ‘bedrock couldn’t load’ error

On Saturday, the Minecraft community experienced significant loading issues with Bedrock Realms starting around 12 p.m. EDT, leading to over 4,000 error reports logged on DownDetector. Users reported difficulties connecting to servers and accessing gameplay, with many expressing frustration on social media. Minecraft has not yet issued an official statement regarding the outage or provided a timeline for service restoration.

BetaBeacon

January 10, 2026

Android may soon let users test paid games before buying

Google Play Store is reportedly testing a try before you buy feature for games, allowing users to experience paid titles before making a purchase. Developers can set trial windows from a few minutes to several hours, and users who buy a game after the trial can continue where they left off. The feature is only for games and could potentially be used by freemium titles to provide temporary access to locked content or ad-free playing. There is no confirmed rollout date or design specifics from Google.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

DataVare Simplifies Access to Mac Outlook Data on Windows Outlook with Smart Migration

DataVare has launched a migration tool that enables the transfer of Mac Outlook OLM emails to Windows Outlook, allowing users to access their previous emails without data loss or disruption. The tool maintains the original email structure, supports bulk migration, and does not require an internet connection. It is compatible with all major Windows operating systems and offers a free trial version. DataVare specializes in email migration and data management software.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

20+ Years of Windows Activation Method Invalidated Overnight: Win11/Win10 Phone Activation Suddenly Fails Without Microsoft Announcement or Notice

Reports indicate that the phone activation feature for Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 7 is no longer operational, affecting users in government agencies, enterprise organizations, and industrial control systems. This change was made without any official announcement from Microsoft, and practical tests show that nearly all offline activation methods have become ineffective. Users attempting to activate via phone are met with an automated message directing them to online activation, despite support documentation still suggesting phone activation is possible. This shift poses significant challenges for environments that require offline activation, leading to user backlash against Microsoft for the abrupt disruption of established activation processes.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

AIB ‘working to resolve’ issue affecting android banking app

AIB resolved a technical issue that affected thousands of customers using Android devices, preventing access to the bank's mobile app and online banking services. The disruption began around 4 AM, and by late afternoon, AIB confirmed that all services were operating normally. The bank provided a contact number, 0818 724 724, for customer support regarding any concerns.

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

Rainbow Six Siege is under siege by hackers, Ubisoft forced to take all servers offline — players randomly received billions of credits, ultra-exclusive skins, and bans or unbans

Ubisoft has taken all Rainbow Six Siege servers offline due to a significant breach that has compromised the game's backend. The incident was confirmed on December 27 at approximately 9:10 AM EST, leading to an Unplanned Outage across all platforms. Players have reported receiving 2 billion R6 credits, Renown, exclusive developer-only skins, and the Glacier weapon skin. Additionally, numerous accounts, including those of high-profile streamers, have experienced random bans and unbans. Players are advised to remain offline and update their passwords as a precaution. The full extent of the breach is still unclear, marking it as one of the most impactful disruptions in recent gaming history.

Tech Optimizer

December 27, 2025

Best Virus Protection for PC (2026): Webroot Rated Top Choice for Fast Threat Detection by Software Experts

Webroot has been identified as the leading platform for rapid threat detection and lightweight PC security, according to a recent analysis by Software Experts. The evaluation highlighted Webroot's cloud-based threat intelligence, efficient scanning, and low system resource usage, making it suitable for home and small office users concerned about malware, phishing, and system slowdowns. Webroot's detection system can classify files within seconds, even during multitasking, and it effectively addresses behavior-based attacks through monitoring tools and rollback features. The platform's advantages include minimal local footprint, continuous monitoring without large updates, and robust firewall and network safeguards. Users expect virus protection tools to function quietly with minimal maintenance, and Webroot's compact installer and rapid setup cater to this need. The study also noted a shift towards cloud-based cybersecurity solutions, with Webroot's cloud network facilitating faster identification and categorization of threats. Key features of Webroot's protection include real-time scanning, behavioral monitoring, rollback tools, anti-phishing functions, browser shields, and network filtering, all designed to operate with minimal user intervention.