exit Archives

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Google takes down an invisible network that was secretly using your phone’s internet

Google has dismantled the IPIDEA residential proxy network, which had exploited millions of devices for cybercrime. This operation resulted in the liberation of approximately nine million Android devices and the removal of hundreds of compromised applications. IPIDEA's infrastructure was integrated into various software development kits (SDKs), allowing it to covertly enlist devices into its proxy pool. Google updated its Play Protect system to identify and eliminate affected applications and collaborated with partners to disrupt the network's underlying systems. The efforts led to a significant decrease in hijacked devices available for exploitation.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 2 to 6

Next week, several new titles will be released for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC: - DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined Digital Deluxe Edition by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. priced at .99, and DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined priced at .99, both releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. - MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice – Ultimate Edition, Deluxe Edition, and standard edition, all by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., with prices ranging from .99 to .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Carmageddon: Rogue Shift by 34BigThings, priced at .99, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Hidden Cats in Christmas by Silesia Games Sp. z o.o., releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere. - Lovish by DANGEN Entertainment, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 4. - New Yankee: Through the History Mirror Collector's Edition by Ocean Media, releasing on February 4. - Tiny Biomes by Eastasiasoft Limited, releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized. - Dragon Spira by KEMCO, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, and Xbox Play Anywhere. - Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass by Electric Airship, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - MENACE (Game Preview) by Hooded Horse, releasing on February 5. - Sora – Winds of the Jungle by EpiXR Games, priced at .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Car Cops by QubicGames S.A., releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere and handheld optimized. - Dark Quest: Remastered by Brain Seal Ltd, releasing on February 6. - Un.Key by Rebelião Studio, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized.

Winsage

January 31, 2026

Windows security breaks ROG Xbox Ally handheld game consoles

Microsoft's Windows Smart App Control feature has flagged essential software components of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally gaming handheld as untrustworthy following a recent update to Windows 11. This issue affects the Armoury Crate CE software, which manages the hardware functionality of the device, leading to difficulties in launching games outside of the Xbox app and adjusting performance settings. The problem may stem from inadequate configuration of certificates by Asus or the need for an update to Microsoft's trusted application database. Many Windows 11 PCs do not have Smart App Control activated, and users can disable it through SETTINGS > APP AND BROWSER CONTROLS > SMART APP CONTROL SETTINGS. If users choose to disable it, they may later need to reset or reinstall Windows to reactivate Smart App Control. ROG Xbox Ally owners are currently faced with the choice of waiting for a fix or disabling the security feature.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Amazon Games boss Hartmann reportedly leaving as firm retreats from PC and console

Christoph Hartmann, head of Amazon Game Studios, is leaving the company, which is shifting its focus from PC and console gaming to prioritize its Luna cloud streaming service. This change coincides with Amazon's layoffs affecting approximately 16,000 roles, following a previous round of 14,000 layoffs in October 2025. The gaming division may face challenges due to this strategic pivot, and significant reductions have already occurred in Amazon's gaming operations. The project New World Aeternum is scheduled to go offline in January 2027. Hartmann joined Amazon in 2018 and has over two decades of experience from 2K Games.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Microsoft said my PC can’t run Windows 11, but I upgraded in 5 minutes anyway

Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10 in October 2022, prompting users to consider their next steps, especially those with PCs that do not meet the requirements for Windows 11. A desktop built in 2020 with an Intel Core i9-9900 CPU lacks a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, which is necessary for Windows 11 eligibility. Microsoft encouraged users to invest in new hardware rather than upgrade existing systems. However, there are workarounds available for users with compatible machines. One method involves using the third-party program Rufus to install Windows 11, which requires an empty USB thumb drive with at least 8GB of storage. The installation process includes downloading Rufus, obtaining the Windows 11 ISO, and following specific steps to bypass TPM and other requirements.

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Windows 11 KB5074109 issues: black screen, freezes Outlook POP, breaks Azure Virtual Desktop, LocalizedResourceName (desktop.ini)

Windows 11 KB5074109 has caused several issues for users, particularly those with Nvidia GPUs, including black screens, Outlook freezing with POP accounts, and problems with File Explorer's desktop.ini settings. Users have reported random black screens and desktop freezes after installing the update, with some finding temporary relief by changing their monitor's DisplayPort mode. Outlook Classic has been problematic, remaining active in the background and freezing shortly after opening, prompting users to terminate the process in Task Manager or uninstall the update. Additionally, the update disrupts Azure Virtual Desktop functionality, leading to sign-in failures and connection issues. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems and is investigating solutions, including a Known Issue Rollback for AVD. The update also breaks the LocalizedResourceName directive in File Explorer, preventing folder name customization. Users can uninstall the update through Settings, but this may expose them to security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft: Windows 11 update causes Outlook freezes for POP users

Microsoft is addressing an issue with the classic Outlook desktop client freezing and hanging, particularly for users with POP email accounts, following the January security update KB5074109 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The problem causes Outlook to fail to exit properly and not restart after being closed. Microsoft is investigating the issue but has not provided a timeline for a resolution. Users can temporarily resolve the issue by uninstalling the KB5074109 update through the Settings app, although this may expose their devices to security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

EDRStartupHinder Disables Antivirus and EDR Protections During Windows 11 25H2 Startup

A new tool named EDRStartupHinder was unveiled on January 11, 2026, which allows attackers to inhibit the launch of antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions during the Windows startup process. Developed by security researcher Two Seven One Three, it targets Windows Defender and various commercial security products on Windows 11 25H2 systems by redirecting essential system DLLs during boot using the Windows Bindlink API and Protected Process Light (PPL) security mechanisms. The tool employs a four-step attack chain that includes creating a malicious service with higher priority than the targeted security services, redirecting critical DLLs to attacker-controlled locations, and modifying a byte in the PE header of the DLLs to cause PPL-protected processes to refuse loading them. This results in the termination of the security software. EDRStartupHinder has been tested successfully against Windows Defender and other unnamed antivirus products, demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing these security solutions from launching. The source code for EDRStartupHinder is publicly available on GitHub, raising concerns about its potential misuse. Security teams are advised to monitor for Bindlink activity, unauthorized service creation, and registry modifications related to service groups and startup configurations to detect this attack vector. Microsoft has not yet issued any statements regarding patches or mitigations for this technique.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

How to edit text files directly from Command Prompt and PowerShell on Windows 11 — using Microsoft Edit just like Linux’s Nano

Windows 11 includes the Microsoft Edit command-line tool for editing text files directly within Command Prompt or PowerShell. The tool is under 250KB in size. To install Microsoft Edit, users can open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: winget install --id Microsoft.Edit. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from GitHub, but manual configuration is required. To use Microsoft Edit, users can launch it by typing PLACEHOLDERb167be8248c505bb in Command Prompt or PLACEHOLDER4905f66b5f26fc6f for administrator access. Existing text files can be edited using the command edit filename.txt, and new files can be created with the same command. Basic editing options include undo, redo, cut, copy, paste, and find and replace. Files can be saved with "Ctrl + S" and exited with "Ctrl + Q". The tool is designed for straightforward text editing without the need to switch applications.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

The Mass Effect spiritual successor I can’t wait to play just lost its studio head, but he doesn’t want you to worry

James Ohlen, the former studio head of Archetype Entertainment, announced his departure from the company in December, following the release of the latest trailer for the sci-fi adventure game Exodus. He stated that his decision to step down was made last summer, was amicable, and had the full support of Hasbro. Ohlen emphasized that Exodus is "in a good place" and expressed confidence in the team's ability to continue the project under the leadership of trusted colleagues. He will remain with Wizards of the Coast as a creative consultant, focusing on tabletop RPGs and his own venture, Arcanum Worlds. The game Exodus features a time dilation mechanic where players experience long journeys at near-light speed, with a planned release date set for early 2027.