downgrading Archives

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Google Makes Uninstalling System App Updates More Complicated Than It Needs to Be

Google has removed the "Uninstall updates" button from the Play Store interface for core system apps, requiring users to navigate through the Settings app to roll back updates. This change affects several key system applications, including Android Auto, Android System WebView, and Pixel Camera Services. Users can now only find an "Open" button in the Play Store for these apps. To uninstall updates, users must long-press the app icon, select "App info," tap the three-dot menu, and choose "Uninstall updates." This alteration adds complexity to the process of reverting to earlier app versions.

BetaBeacon

November 25, 2025

Roblox “Security Threat Detected” error crashes games on Android

Android users are experiencing frustrating crashes while playing Roblox, with a puzzling error message causing confusion. The issue seems to be affecting a wide range of Android brands and models, including Samsung, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Huawei, Amazon Fire, and Google Pixel devices. The crashes started around November 22-24, possibly linked to a recent app update. Users have tried various troubleshooting methods without success and some have resorted to downgrading to an older Roblox version. Speculation suggests that Roblox's anti-cheat system may be mistakenly flagging legitimate devices as security threats. The company has not publicly addressed the issue, but users are encouraged to try installing an older APK file as a temporary workaround.

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.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

As Windows 10 Support Ends, Majority Of Users Are Migrating To Linux

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, affecting approximately 40% of Windows users. Many are migrating to Linux, with Zorin OS 18, based on the Gnome desktop environment, receiving 200,000 downloads in two days, 72% of which are from former Windows users. Zorin OS 18 offers a user-friendly design that mimics familiar operating systems and can run Windows applications via Wine 10. Users remaining on Windows 10 face security risks without updates, although Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update for an annual fee. Transitioning to Windows 11 is challenging due to its hardware requirements, affecting an estimated 200 million users, leading them to consider alternatives like Linux or downgrading to Windows 7.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

Should You Cancel Xbox Game Pass? Everything to Know on the Price Hikes and New Features

Microsoft overhauled the Xbox Game Pass structure on October 1, transitioning from four tiers to a new framework with the Core tier rebranded as Essential and Standard as Premium, while Ultimate retained its name. The Essential tier's monthly fee remains at .99, but Premium increased by 25% to .99, the PC-only plan rose by 38% to .49, and Ultimate saw a 50% increase to .99. Despite these price hikes, Microsoft introduced enhancements such as cloud gaming across all tiers, an expanded library for Essential (from 25 to over 50 games) and Premium (from around 50 to over 200 games), and Ultimate subscribers gaining access to over 400 games and day-one releases. The changes have led to a surge in cancellations among users, causing the membership site to crash.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Against all odds, this decades-old Windows OS grew over 100% in just two months

Windows 11's market share surpassed Windows 10's in July, with approximately 50.74% for Windows 11 and 43.09% for Windows 10 as of September. Meanwhile, Windows 7's market share increased from 2.02% in July to 5.2% in September, marking a growth of over 100% since July. This rise is notable despite Microsoft ending support for Windows 7 in January 2020. StatCounter's data, which tracks usage from over 1.5 billion websites, may not fully represent operating system usage trends.

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 11, 2025

Windows 10 resists its end: usage share climbs while Windows 11’s falls

Next month, Microsoft will end support for the home editions of Windows 10, with users able to extend support for one year and business customers for three years. Windows 11 has recently surpassed Windows 10 in popularity rankings, but in August 2025, Windows 11's usage share dropped from 53% to 49%, while Windows 10's share increased by three points to 45%. Windows 7 also saw a slight increase to over 3%. The fluctuations in operating system usage may not accurately reflect true market share and could be influenced by various factors. As Windows 10's end of support approaches, a decline in its usage is expected, with some users likely to extend support, transition to Windows 11, or explore alternatives like Linux.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

UpDownTool lets you move from Windows 11 to Windows 10 in just 5 clicks – without losing any data

A new application called UpDownTool allows users to revert from Windows 11 to Windows 10 without losing programs, files, drivers, or settings. Many users are dissatisfied with Windows 11 due to sluggish performance, a less intuitive interface, increased system requirements, and the removal of familiar features. Microsoft has limited options for downgrading, typically allowing a 10-day rollback period or requiring a clean install. UpDownTool simplifies the process by enabling users to transition to Windows 10 LTSC 2021 while preserving core data and configurations. Windows 10 LTSC 2021 is designed for long-term deployment and receives extended updates, with support for the IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition lasting until January 2032. The LTSC edition does not include preinstalled applications like the Microsoft Store and Cortana, making it appealing for users seeking a minimalist experience. UpDownTool can also repair existing Windows 10 LTSC installations or convert other editions to LTSC. Users must be cautious of licensing implications, as LTSC licenses are typically not available through consumer channels. The downgrade process involves downloading the installer and executing a batch script, with the system booting into Windows 10 LTSC 2021 upon completion. Users are advised to back up important files before proceeding.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 shows signs of life: what can we expect?

The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to be a modest enhancement rather than a major overhaul, continuing to use the Germanium codebase established with 24H2. A preview build, specifically build 27842 from the Canary Channel, has been identified, and references to GE25H2 were found in the AppraiserRes.dll file, which assesses PC compatibility for the new version. The update is anticipated to arrive in the latter half of the year, similar to previous incremental updates. Concerns exist regarding the stability of 25H2 compared to 24H2, which faced installation issues and compatibility problems. Windows 10 will reach the end of regular support on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Smaller updates like enablement packages tend to present fewer stability risks, and Microsoft has not officially confirmed any details about 25H2 or its update process for versions 23H2 and 24H2. Speculation about Windows 12 continues, but its timeline remains uncertain.