experience Archives

Winsage

May 4, 2026

6 months after Windows 10 was put to pasture, over a quarter of Steam users are still on the dying OS

Windows holds a 93.47% share of users on Steam, but only 67.74% have upgraded to Windows 11 nearly five years after its launch, with 25.53% still using Windows 10. The adoption of Windows 11 has been hindered by the TPM 2.0 requirement and high hardware costs. Linux's share of Steam users decreased from 5% to 4.52%. Governments, including France, are considering alternatives to Windows.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Microsoft continues the good work on Windows 11, with tweaks to ‘quiet’ ads — and that big taskbar change is ‘coming soon’

Microsoft has reduced the prominence of advertisements in the widgets panel of Windows 11 to enhance user experience. In a recent preview build, default settings were introduced to make the widgets board less intrusive, aiming to minimize distractions and unexpected alerts. These changes are part of a broader update that includes improvements in File Explorer speed and overall system performance, with a significant update to the taskbar also planned.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

GTA 6 Boss Explains Why the Game Isn’t Releasing on PC Right Away

Grand Theft Auto 6 will not be available on PC at launch and will be exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, stated that Rockstar prioritizes console gamers as their core audience and believes it is essential to serve them first. While Zelnick did not confirm a future PC release, historical trends suggest that a PC version may come years after the console launch, as seen with previous titles like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2. The release date for GTA 6 is set for November 19th, and a marketing campaign will begin this summer.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

I never understood the appeal of a jumbo novelty d20 until I saw one inspired by one of my favorite new RPGs

Die Hard Dice has launched a new collection of d20 dice inspired by the RPG Esoteric Ebb, which is anticipated to be a top RPG of 2026. The collection includes three products, with two sets packaged in different colored bags (purple or orange). Each set contains three standard-sized d20s representing main characters from the game: Snell (a translucent green and blue die for the goblin rogue), Meek (a purple and white die for the wearable mimic), and Ettir (a dark brown die with a gold finish for the angelic character). Each die features a unique symbol corresponding to its character. Additionally, there is a metal die called The Cleric, which has blue and white faces and an electroplated finish. The game itself is noted for its immersive experience and innovative gameplay elements introduced by developer Christoffer Bodegård. Pre-orders for the dice are available, with fulfillment expected by June.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

NTLite Update Lets Users Strip Copilot and AI Features From Windows 11 25H2 Installation Images

NTLite has released version 2026.04.10936, which allows users to remove AI features like Copilot and Windows Recall from Windows 11 25H2 installation images. The update includes faster, multi-threaded extraction capabilities that reduce processing time for Windows images and results in a smaller installation size. NTLite modifies the installation image directly, enabling a streamlined installation without the need for post-installation uninstallation of these features. The tool is available for free download, with a paid license option for advanced features. The demand for such tools has increased due to Microsoft's integration of AI features in Windows 11.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Windows Update Preview: Haptic Feedback and Xbox Gaming Mode

Microsoft has released preview updates for Windows that include haptic feedback and an improved Xbox mode. The haptic feedback feature provides tactile responses during actions like aligning objects in PowerPoint and resizing windows, supported by select devices such as the Surface Slim Pen 2 and Logitech's MX Master 4 after a firmware update. The improved Xbox mode offers a full-screen interface for gaming, accessible via the Windows+F11 shortcut. File Explorer now supports additional formats and remembers view and sort preferences for Downloads and Documents folders. Monitoring capabilities for AI agents have been enhanced, and Windows 11 allows the removal of pre-installed Microsoft Store apps through policies. The updates also introduce a new policy preventing the acceptance of drivers with cross-signed root certificates and enhance security measures for batch files. The updated Windows 11 versions will display build numbers 26200.8328 and 26100.8328.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Microsoft Debloats Windows 11 Widgets In Preview Builds, UI Significantly Improved

Windows 11 is undergoing enhancements under the initiative "Windows K2" in response to user criticism. The latest Preview Build 26300.8346 features a revamped widgets panel, introducing a new subsection titled “Widgets is quiet by default” to minimize distractions. Key changes include disabling open-on-hover for the widgets panel, turning off taskbar badging, limiting the widgets experience to the first launch, and minimizing taskbar alerts. These adjustments aim to create a more coherent presentation of information and address critiques of Windows 11’s user interface. Microsoft is facing competition from macOS and Linux, and concerns over reliability and performance have affected Windows 11’s reputation.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

‘F-Droid’ allows you to easily install and automatically update free, open-source Android apps other than those on Google Play.

Google Play is a primary platform for Android app distribution but poses challenges for developers of free and open-source software due to registration fees and a strict review process. As an alternative, users can install apps via APK files, which allow direct installation but come with security risks. F-Droid is a dedicated repository for free and open-source Android applications, offering built-in update notifications and support. To use F-Droid, users must manually install the app from its official website. After installation, users can navigate the interface to find and install apps, grant permissions for updates, and manage app installations, including enabling settings for unknown sources. F-Droid provides a user-friendly experience for locating and updating apps, ensuring that users have access to secure and regularly updated software.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Star Wars, Aeon’s End, WINCH IT OUT, more

9to5Toys is a source for the latest deals and insights in technology and lifestyle products. It offers a homepage for news and trends, and connects with followers through social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The platform features curated selections of Apple product discounts, a daily podcast discussing technology and lifestyle, and a YouTube channel for product reviews and tips.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Not seeing Xbox mode in Windows 11 yet? Unlock it using this free tool

The optional April 2026 update for Windows 11 (KB5083631) introduces Xbox mode, which enhances gaming performance by disabling unnecessary processes. The rollout prioritizes users in North America, followed by Europe, but many are still waiting for access. Xbox mode can be manually activated using ViVeTool, a free command-line application available on GitHub, provided users have installed update KB5083631. Xbox mode, previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE), offers a console-like interface optimized for full-screen display, enhancing readability and navigation with a gaming controller. It allows seamless transitions between productive tasks and gaming sessions, aiming to replicate the console experience on a PC.