downgrade Archives

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Pixel’s home screen search just got worse for everyday use

Google is replacing the Pixel Launcher's native search with a full-screen Google Search interface powered by the Google app as part of the November 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. The new search UI removes quick access to contacts and device settings, which many users perceive as a downgrade. The change aims to facilitate quicker access to AI Mode and will display more suggested apps at the top of the screen.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

High demand leads Google to cap Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro usage

Google has reduced access limits for its Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro tools due to high demand. Gemini 3 Pro now allows only "basic access" with fluctuating limits, down from five prompts daily, while Nano Banana Pro has decreased free image creations from three to two per day. These changes were not formally announced and were first noted on an updated support page. Free users are switched to Google's Fast model after reaching their daily cap, which can disrupt their tasks. Additionally, NotebookLM is facing capacity challenges, leading to temporary unavailability of advanced features for free users and new limitations for Pro subscribers. Users have limited visibility on their remaining prompts, causing further frustration.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

Insane Gemini 3 Pro demand forces Google to cap access

Google has changed the access parameters for its Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro image generation tools. Users of Gemini 3 Pro can now submit a variable number of prompts daily instead of the previous limit of five, depending on server demand. The Nano Banana Pro has reduced its daily free image generation from three to two. These changes were not officially announced but were noted on an updated support page. Free users will revert to Google’s Fast model upon reaching the new limits. Additionally, NotebookLM is facing capacity challenges, leading to temporary restrictions on advanced tools like Infographics and Slide Decks for both free and Pro subscribers. The new limits may significantly affect users who rely on Gemini 3 Pro for professional tasks.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Pixel Camera finally works again on GrapheneOS — and no downgrade is needed

The Pixel Camera app has faced issues on de-Googled operating systems like GrapheneOS, crashing or failing to launch without Google Play Services due to a missing font. Users have reverted to older app versions for functionality. A solution is available for GrapheneOS users on version v2025102300 and earlier, allowing them to install the GmsCompatLib app version 100 from the GrapheneOS store to fix the crashing issue. An upcoming update, version v2025102600, is in Alpha and will include the necessary fixes natively, eliminating the need for the compatibility app. Users can choose to install the app or wait for the system update.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

It looks like Google just locked out GrapheneOS users from the Pixel Camera app

Google's Pixel Camera app version 10.x is incompatible with privacy-centric operating systems like GrapheneOS, requiring Google Play Services and causing crashes for users who prefer a de-Googled experience. Users can revert to version 9.9.106.773153235.19 (Build ID 68469120) through the Aurora Store by uninstalling the current app and installing the older version, while blocking future updates. Users with sandboxed Google Play Services on GrapheneOS report no issues with the latest update, indicating a divide in experiences based on configurations. The GrapheneOS team plans to develop their own camera application aiming for Pixel-level image quality.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Arc Raiders’ most daring and lucrative exploit is being patched before launch, but Embark’s impressed by your efforts

Embark Studios is making adjustments to Arc Raiders based on player feedback from the recent Server Slam. Enhancements include improving visuals, rebalancing flying Arc machines like the Snitch and Hornet, and removing an exploit that allowed players to access the Dam Tower loot cave through parkour. The Dam Tower is a key location in the game's Dam Battlegrounds map, offering a loot room accessible via a scavenged key or defeating a player with one. Players had discovered a method to reach the loot room easily by scaling the tower. Embark acknowledged this exploit and stated it was too accessible. They also addressed concerns about the flying machines' detection capabilities and visual quality, which had been perceived as a downgrade. The game is set to launch on October 30, and players are encouraged to check system requirements.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Windows 7 market share suddenly doubles as Windows 10 support ends

Windows 11 surpassed Windows 10 in global market share for the first time in July 2025, reaching 50.74% by September, while Windows 10's share was 43.09%. Meanwhile, Windows 7's market share increased from 2.02% in July to 5.2% in September 2025, marking a growth of over 100% in a few months. This rise occurs despite Windows 7 being officially unsupported since January 2020. The increase in Windows 7 usage may be influenced by StatCounter's tracking methodology rather than a true rise in its user base.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Microsoft confirms DRM playback issues in Windows

Microsoft has announced a remake of its DreamScene video wallpaper feature for Windows, while also confirming playback issues in Windows 11 version 24H2. Users may experience difficulties playing protected content after installing the non-security preview update from August 29, 2025, or subsequent updates, including the cumulative update from September 9, 2025. The issues primarily affect applications using the Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM, resulting in copyright protection errors, playback interruptions, freezing, or black screens. This problem does not affect popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max. Microsoft is working on a resolution and has suggested options for users, including downgrading the operating system, switching to alternative playback applications, or refraining from watching DRM-protected content until a fix is released.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Microsoft says Windows September updates break SMBv1 shares

Microsoft has acknowledged that the September 2025 Windows security updates are causing connection difficulties with Server Message Block (SMB) v1 shares across various platforms, including Windows 11 versions 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2, and Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, as well as Windows Server 2025 and Windows Server 2022. The issue occurs when connecting to SMBv1 shares via the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) protocol after installing the September 2025 update or later. Microsoft is working on a resolution and has provided a temporary workaround that involves enabling traffic on TCP port 445. SMBv1 has been largely phased out and officially deprecated since 2014, with Microsoft urging system administrators to eliminate support for it due to security vulnerabilities, especially after the 2017 leak of NSA exploits that targeted SMBv1.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft Fixes 80 Flaws — Including SMB PrivEsc and Azure CVSS 10.0 Bugs

Microsoft addressed 80 vulnerabilities in its software, with eight classified as Critical and 72 as Important. None of these vulnerabilities have been exploited as zero-day threats. The vulnerabilities include 38 related to privilege escalation, 22 concerning remote code execution, 14 linked to information disclosure, and three associated with denial-of-service attacks. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-55234 (CVSS score: 8.8), which involves privilege escalation in Windows SMB, and CVE-2025-54914 (CVSS score: 10.0), a critical flaw affecting Azure Networking. Other significant vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-55232 (CVSS score: 9.8) in Microsoft HPC Pack and CVE-2025-54918 (CVSS score: 8.8) affecting Windows NTLM. Two additional privilege escalation vulnerabilities in Windows BitLocker were also identified. Microsoft recommends enabling TPM+PIN for BitLocker security and implementing the REVISE mitigation to prevent downgrade attacks. Other vendors, including Adobe, Cisco, and IBM, have also released security patches recently.