editions Archives

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft Releases the Windows 11 2026 Update, Version 26H2, as a Small Enablement Package

Microsoft has unveiled the Windows 11 2026 Update, version 26H2, on September 29, 2023, accessible for eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 24H2 or 25H2. The update is a controlled feature rollout and is delivered as an enablement package, activating features already embedded in the system. It consolidates improvements, security patches, and enhancements from the past year, with some features previously disabled in 25H2 now enabled by default in 26H2. Installing 26H2 resets the support lifecycle, providing 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Users can manually request the update through Windows Update settings. Organizations can deploy 26H2 via Windows Autopatch and other management tools, with targeted deployments recommended first. Devices that shipped with Windows 11 version 26H1 cannot upgrade to 26H2 and will receive a future upgrade path instead. Microsoft may also implement safeguard holds on devices with known compatibility issues.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft Launches Windows 11 26H2 Update

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 26H2 update, introducing new features not available in the 25H2 version. Key enhancements include a revamped File Explorer with improved summarization and AI tools, an upgraded Windows Search prioritizing file searches, and updates to the Magnifier and Narrator. The update also expands voice command capabilities on the Copilot+ PC and refreshes the Start menu and Taskbar with new customization options. The support cycle for the 26H2 release extends to 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions and 24 months for Home and Pro editions, starting September 29, 2026. Microsoft has been rolling out support and updates since late 2024, with enablement packages allowing users on newer versions to upgrade easily, while older versions will require a full feature update to transition to 26H2.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update

Windows 11, version 26H2 is now available for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update is delivered via a small enablement package that activates new features already integrated into the operating system. The installation process is similar to a monthly update, requiring a minor download and a quick restart. The update includes enhancements in quality, reliability, and security. For commercial and educational customers, it can be accessed through existing management tools like Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Version 26H2 offers 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Some features that were disabled in version 25H2 will now be enabled by default in version 26H2.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Bandai Namco Apologizes for PC Version Issues of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve and Promises Prompt Fixes

Owners of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve have reported technical issues with the PC version, including frequent crashes, connectivity problems, and complications with flight joystick setups. Crashes occur during intro scenes, flight beginnings, and mission replays, with some players encountering error code 01 that closes the game prematurely. Project Aces is investigating these issues and has suggested temporary measures such as updating video card drivers, ensuring sufficient storage space, and adjusting virtual memory settings. Joystick support has also been problematic, with limited customization options and incorrect device recognition for HOTAS and HOSAS setups.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is coming, and there are exclusive pre-order rewards available

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to launch on September 29, 2026, and pre-orders are open until September 28, 2026. Players can choose between a Deluxe Edition and a Standard Edition, both of which support solo and cooperative gameplay for up to four players. Pre-order bonuses include a hero cape, a hero pet chicken, or a hero emote pack. The original Minecraft Dungeons is currently available for .99.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 releases any day now, and here’s who gets it and when

Windows 11 26H2 is expected to begin public rollout around the week of September 28 or early October. Microsoft has released evaluation ISOs for enterprise users to assess compatibility before broader deployment. The release of these ISOs indicates that the public rollout is imminent. Windows 11 26H2 is built on the same platform as versions 24H2 and 25H2, which allows for a smoother upgrade experience. Support for Windows 11 25H2 ends on October 12, 2027, and for 24H2 even sooner, prompting the introduction of 26H2 to provide users with a new support window. Windows 11 26H2 will be available as an optional feature update and will take about five minutes to install for users with up-to-date systems running 24H2 or 25H2. Eligibility for the update includes any PC currently running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. The rollout is expected to occur on a Tuesday, with potential dates of September 29 or October 6. Not all eligible PCs will receive the update simultaneously, and users can manually check for updates or download ISOs as needed.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Minecraft Live unveils new dimension, Dungeons II release date and a real-world theme park

Mojang Studios hosted its annual Minecraft Live event on September 26, announcing several significant updates and projects. The highlight was the introduction of The Sift, a new dimension set to launch next year for both Java and Bedrock editions, marking the first new dimension in over 14 years. Additionally, Minecraft Dungeons II is scheduled for release on September 29, featuring enhanced character customization and cooperative multiplayer options, allowing players to explore The Sift before its full integration into the main game. Mojang also provided an update on Minecraft World, a UK-based amusement park set to open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, which will include a coaster named Escape the Nether and a themed hotel. The studio announced a new initiative to foster creativity within the community, with ongoing improvements to tools for creators. Upcoming game updates include a new biome called Frozen Caves, the Wilderness Bound community challenge, and new Sound Effects Packs launching on the Minecraft Marketplace before the end of 2026. Minecraft is also set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, and the Minecraft: Education Edition is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

Winsage

September 25, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions reach end of updates on October 13, 2026 — here’s what you must do

Microsoft announced that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 24H2 will stop receiving updates after October 13, 2026. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to be supported until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 SE will also reach its end of support in October 2026, with no feature updates after 24H2. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 version 25H2 to extend their support window until October 2027. The upgrade requires Windows 11 version 24H2 and a specific cumulative update. If users do not upgrade, Microsoft will automatically push the 25H2 update to unmanaged Home and Pro devices.

Tech Optimizer

September 24, 2026

The Best Small Business Cybersecurity Suites for 2026

A small business is typically defined as one where the owner can personally name all employees, usually comprising a workforce of a few dozen. Licensing options for IT protection for small businesses vary, with Malwarebytes and Norton covering up to 20 devices, ESET offering plans for five to 25 devices, and Bitdefender providing options for three, five, ten, or 25 users. Avast and AVG allow licenses for one to 999 devices. All security suites support Windows, and most, except AVG, also support Mac devices. Four suites offer protection for Android and iOS devices, while Avast and AVG do not support mobile devices. Bitdefender, ESET, and Norton provide dedicated server editions, while Avast and AVG allow individual policy definitions for servers. Remote installation features vary in reliability, but all suites enable administrators to manage installations and monitor device status. Norton offers backup solutions and 500GB of shared hosted storage, while firewall protection is standard except for Malwarebytes. Bitdefender and ESET provide anti-theft systems for lost devices, and both ESET and Avast have measures against unauthorized device access. Malwarebytes and Norton offer 24/7 priority support, and Norton provides dark web monitoring for sensitive information.

Winsage

September 22, 2026

Lock down your Windows 11 taskbar so no one else can change it

Administrators can manage taskbar settings in Windows by either freezing current configurations or restricting user modifications through the Registry or Group Policy. The Group Policy Editor is available in Windows Professional, Education, and Business editions. To lock down taskbar changes via the Registry, access the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named TaskbarLockAll, set its value to 1, and confirm. This will grey out certain options in the Taskbar settings. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Start Menu and Taskbar, enable "Lock all Taskbar Settings," and confirm. To prevent standard users from altering taskbar settings, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsExplorer in the Registry and create a new DWORD (32-bit) value.