Google has introduced a new passive sign-in feature for YouTube, allowing users to stay signed in to their Google account while accessing the platform, eliminating the need for repeated logins.
DroidDeck is an Android application that runs Valve's Steam client in Big Picture mode using ARM64 Proton and FEX translation technology to make Windows PC games playable on supported Android hardware. It also supports other PC gaming platforms like GOG, Epic Games, and Amazon Games. DroidDeck requires Android 9 or newer and a supported Qualcomm Adreno GPU, with devices using Adreno 730 or newer GPUs being supported. The application can be downloaded for free from its official GitHub repository, and users should avoid downloading APK files from unofficial sources to prevent malware.
Microsoft has reinforced the requirement for a Microsoft account during the setup of Windows 11, eliminating a recent workaround that allowed users to create a local account without signing in. Users must now sign in with a Microsoft account to complete the installation process.
Upon installing Windows 11, users encounter numerous pre-installed applications, promotional tiles, and cloud-connected features. These apps are organized in two phases: system-level staging and user-specific activation. The AppX Deployment Service registers these apps for users, creating app data folders. Microsoft also embeds custom app shortcuts and trial software into the Start menu using LayoutModification.json. During setup, Microsoft's Consumer Experience feature connects to cloud servers, downloading app placeholders that are pinned to the Start menu. Local search is integrated with Bing by default, sending requests for suggestions and promoted content.
To clean up Windows 11, users can uninstall non-essential applications through Settings, but this only removes them from the user profile. To permanently eliminate app templates, PowerShell commands can be used. Users can disable promotional content in Settings under Personalization and Privacy & Security. To sever Bing integration from search, modifications in the registry editor are required. The Task Manager can help manage startup applications, allowing users to disable non-essential third-party apps.
While removing unnecessary components can improve performance, essential packages like Edge WebView2 runtime, Microsoft Defender, and the Microsoft Store should be retained to avoid system errors. Regular maintenance is necessary, as Windows updates may reinstall previously removed apps.
Microsoft released the October 2026 Patch Tuesday update (KB5127648) for Windows 11, which fixes a mouse input stuttering bug affecting certain games. This issue was acknowledged in the release notes, stating that the update resolves the stuttering problem. The fix was not included in the optional preview released on September 22. While specific causes and affected games were not disclosed, anecdotal evidence suggests the problem originated from Windows itself. Users reported erratic mouse behavior in games like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Final Fantasy XIV, with persistent issues even after trying various fixes. The update brings Windows 11 versions to Build 26300.9711 for 26H2, Build 26200.9711 for 25H2, and Build 26100.9711 for 24H2, marking the final release for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro. An offline installer is available for those having trouble with Windows Update. If stuttering continues, users are advised to check for outdated drivers or other potential issues.
Microsoft's October 2026 Patch Tuesday updates addressed 1,413 vulnerabilities, including 1,102 in Windows, 134 in Office applications, 61 in developer tools, and 36 related to SharePoint Server. This total surpasses the vulnerabilities fixed by Microsoft in all of 2025, with over 4,000 vulnerabilities resolved in 2026. A critical zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2026-96951, with a CVSS score of 8.8, was also patched; it allows attackers to bypass Windows shell security features. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has included this vulnerability in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Additionally, two publicly disclosed vulnerabilities were patched, and Microsoft introduced 'risk cohorts' to help manage security updates.
The app allows users to manage their agenda with a simple press, enhancing productivity and organization. It features an easy-to-use app search widget for seamless transitions between applications, improving multitasking. Users can customize the camera cutout control panel to fit their aesthetic preferences. The “Gestures & Cards” settings offer various widget customization options. Selecting the “Widget” option enables quick adjustments to display preferences. Users can place any widget anywhere at any time for convenience. Material Capsule includes a dynamic flashlight control panel, adding functionality to everyday tasks.
Users can now create apps directly in Google AI Studio by providing a written prompt to Gemini, which generates the app. Once completed, the app can be sent directly to Google Play for installation on devices using a standard Google account, without needing a paid developer account. These personal apps are stored in a "personal library" section within the Play Store, remain hidden from search results, and are accessible only to the creator. This feature is currently available in the United States for users aged 18 and older, with plans to expand to other markets. Apps must adhere to Google Play’s policies, and a review will occur only if the app is made public. Future enhancements will allow sharing of personal apps with a small group and an onboarding process for creating a professional developer profile. Google Play is also introducing an AI assistant for app recommendations, a Game Finder tool, and additional gaming features, while optimizing the Play Store layout for vehicles and Android XR. An age-range feature will allow parents to share their child's age range with developers for tailored app experiences.
Microsoft released its October 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, addressing 1,413 vulnerabilities, including a critical fix for an exploited Windows Shell vulnerability (CVE-2026-96951) that bypasses Mark of the Web defenses. This update is the last monthly security update for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro users, who must upgrade to a supported version for future security fixes. The update packages KB5127648 and KB5127646 cover versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, and also include fixes for reliability issues such as Explorer.exe startup failures, VPN connection problems, and gaming mouse stuttering. Additionally, the update resolves issues with AC-3 playback, printing failures, and fingerprint sign-in failures after a cold boot. Users are advised to install the updates promptly and restart their systems to complete the process.
Google is preparing a significant update for Android Auto, with the latest version, Android Auto 18, currently in beta. The update, codenamed Cielo, represents the first major overhaul since Coolwalk and will introduce a new interface featuring widgets integrated alongside the main display. This design aims to maximize screen usage across various vehicle displays, including unconventional shapes like round screens. Android Auto 18 will also include a dynamic font called Google Sans Flex and enhancements to Work Profiles, allowing users to activate a work profile when connecting their phones to the vehicle. Additionally, the update will improve the capabilities of Gemini, which will leverage data from other Google services for contextual responses. Users can download the Android Auto 18.0 beta via an APK installer, but it is advised not to rely on this version for daily use due to potential issues.
