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New Windows malware lays dormant until a custom command activates it like a sleeper agent
Winsage
August 27, 2026

New Windows malware lays dormant until a custom command activates it like a sleeper agent

Researcher Dominik Reichel has identified a new malware implant called SLEEPWALKER, which is disguised as an agent from ESET. SLEEPWALKER is unique because it does not contain malicious code and remains dormant until it receives specific network signals to activate. It appears to be designed for targeted attacks, likely orchestrated by nation-states. Although it was submitted to VirusTotal last year, it has not been linked to any active campaigns or confirmed victims. The origins of SLEEPWALKER are unknown, and its code is described as somewhat "rough around the edges," indicating it may still be in development.
Windows update that breaks some multiplayer games linked to our desire for gaming PCs that light up all the colors of the rainbow
AppWizard
August 25, 2026

Windows update that breaks some multiplayer games linked to our desire for gaming PCs that light up all the colors of the rainbow

A bug following the Windows update KB5121003 has caused several games, including Arc Raiders, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, to become unresponsive. Embark Studios suggested that the crashes are linked to the driver inpoutx64.sys and recommended disabling it through the Command Prompt. Microsoft confirmed that the update is the cause of the issues and is investigating a potential connection between RGB lighting components and the affected games. They provided a method to disable the driver via the registry, advising users to back up the registry first. Disabling the driver may affect RGB lighting features. Users can also consider rolling back to a previous Windows update as a temporary solution.
Google's Android Sideloading Rules Take Shape: Installation Won't Be Blocked, but Apps from Unverified Developers Will Be Intercepted
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Google’s Android Sideloading Rules Take Shape: Installation Won’t Be Blocked, but Apps from Unverified Developers Will Be Intercepted

Google has introduced a new app installation framework called "Advanced Flow," which allows sideloading of apps on Android devices but requires developers to complete real-name verification. Applications signed by unverified developers will be flagged during installation. Users can still sideload apps, but must enable "Developer Options" and acknowledge risks associated with unverified software. A 24-hour waiting period is imposed after enabling Developer Options, with options for permanent or temporary toggling. Google plans to enforce these developer verification requirements starting September 30 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global rollout expected by 2027. ADB installations are not subject to these restrictions.
Google Is Putting Tighter Memory Limits on Android Apps
AppWizard
August 20, 2026

Google Is Putting Tighter Memory Limits on Android Apps

Google has implemented tighter memory limits for applications in Android 17 to enhance device performance and prevent memory-intensive apps from monopolizing system resources. This OS-level enforcement is currently being rolled out on Pixel devices, with plans for broader adoption by various OEMs next year. The memory limits are tailored to each device's total RAM, ranging from 4GB to over 16GB. When an app exceeds its memory threshold, Android can compress its data or terminate the app if necessary. Developers must optimize their applications to stay within these limits, aiming to maintain a smooth user experience.
Microsoft disables Windows 11's new "Ask Copilot" Taskbar feature to "incorporate feedback" as it pivots to unified Copilot app
Winsage
August 18, 2026

Microsoft disables Windows 11’s new “Ask Copilot” Taskbar feature to “incorporate feedback” as it pivots to unified Copilot app

Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 Taskbar, integrating Copilot into the search experience. The feature, initially called "Ask Copilot," allows users to interact with Copilot while accessing traditional app and file searches. It has been gradually rolled out in a preview format to select users, primarily in commercial settings using Microsoft 365 Copilot. A consumer version is also in development, but the Ask Copilot feature has been temporarily removed to update the experience based on user feedback. Users will revert to the traditional Windows Search experience automatically during this transition. The Windows Search functionality is being redesigned for improved accuracy and speed. The Ask Copilot search pane includes a chat box for interactions with Copilot and shortcut buttons for Copilot Vision, but the full rollout of Ask Copilot will require further refinement.
Improving File Explorer & Context Menu: faster, simpler, and more customizable
Winsage
August 18, 2026

Improving File Explorer & Context Menu: faster, simpler, and more customizable

File Explorer is a key component of Windows, and Microsoft is focused on improving its performance, reliability, and user experience. Enhancements include faster launch times, reduced freezes and delays, and improved navigation workflows. The Address Bar now supports more input types, and users can open folders in new tabs with middle-click. The context menu has been updated to be faster, simpler, and more customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their preferences. Users can manage built-in commands and app extensions, and there are options to restore layouts familiar from Windows 10. Microsoft is committed to ongoing improvements based on user feedback.
Marvel Rivals players are messing with their config files 'to cancel games with no consequence' before they get a loss
AppWizard
August 17, 2026

Marvel Rivals players are messing with their config files ‘to cancel games with no consequence’ before they get a loss

Players are exploiting the cheating detection system in Marvel Rivals to manipulate match outcomes by canceling games when losing, using configuration files during gameplay. Streamer LytePk reported this issue on social media, stating he experienced it multiple times in one day. Evidence includes a player named Murder Rate leaving a game while at a disadvantage, leading to a cancellation attributed to cheating, with teammates expressing disbelief in the chat. NetEase has issued warnings about modded configurations, but penalties have been mild, mainly resulting in auto-cancellations without serious consequences. The community is calling for more stringent penalties to address this challenge to fair play.
Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Bug Breaks IE Mode in Microsoft Edge for Some Users
Winsage
August 16, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Bug Breaks IE Mode in Microsoft Edge for Some Users

Microsoft has acknowledged a bug in Windows 11 that disrupts the functionality of Internet Explorer mode within Microsoft Edge for certain users, affecting the loading of legacy websites and applications. This issue primarily impacts organizations that rely on IE mode for older internal web applications. Microsoft is investigating the matter and developing a fix, but no timeline for resolution has been provided. Organizations are advised to identify affected internal websites, monitor the Windows release health dashboard for updates, avoid altering IE mode configurations, and report issues through Microsoft support if they impact critical applications.
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