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Microsoft is cutting off new Office features on Windows 10 soon
Winsage
August 13, 2026

Microsoft is cutting off new Office features on Windows 10 soon

Devices using Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will experience a significant transition with the rollout of version 2608, which will end feature enhancements for applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Security updates will continue until October 10, 2028. The OneDrive desktop app on Windows 10 version 22H2 will also receive updates until October 10, 2028, while older versions will not. Microsoft recommends transitioning to Windows 11 to avoid performance and reliability issues with Microsoft 365 Apps.
What Happens To Your Computer If You Skip Windows Updates
Winsage
August 6, 2026

What Happens To Your Computer If You Skip Windows Updates

Windows operating systems have hidden functionalities and privacy enhancements introduced through regular updates, which are crucial for maintaining system security. Neglecting updates leaves known vulnerabilities open to exploitation by malicious actors, as Microsoft typically addresses security flaws only after they are identified. Windows Update is the primary mechanism for addressing these vulnerabilities. Unpatched systems become targets for cyber threats, leading to severe consequences such as remote code execution, privilege escalation, ransomware attacks, and boot-level compromises. The PrintNightmare vulnerability (CVE-2021-34527) was acknowledged by Microsoft after active exploitation was detected, leading to the release of patches. The WannaCry cyberattack in May 2017 affected over 300,000 computers due to an unpatched SMB flaw, highlighting the risks of outdated systems. Timely updates can prevent vulnerabilities that may lead to ransomware, credential theft, and other compromises. Users are advised to install updates promptly and avoid connecting unsupported versions to the internet.
Four classic Xbox games are now playable with Backward Compatibility on PC
AppWizard
July 24, 2026

Four classic Xbox games are now playable with Backward Compatibility on PC

Microsoft is reviving the Xbox Backward Compatibility program by allowing classic Xbox games to be played on Windows PCs. The initiative, originally launched in 2015 for Xbox 360 games on Xbox One, had been effectively concluded in 2019. The new PC offering includes four original Xbox titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy, which can be played at no extra cost by owners of digital copies and are available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. The PC versions feature enhancements such as customizable graphics settings, higher rendering resolutions, V-Sync support, fullscreen and windowed display modes, anisotropic filtering, improved anti-aliasing, and additional visual upgrades. Minimum system requirements include a GPU like Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550, a CPU with at least 4 cores, 8GB RAM, and Windows 11. Recommended specifications include a GPU like Radeon RX 68005 or Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti, a 6-core CPU, DirectX12 API, 8GB VRAM, and Windows 11. Microsoft plans to add more backward-compatible titles and features, including Xbox achievement support, in the future.
Original Xbox Games Are Coming to PC Starting With Four Fan Favorites
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Original Xbox Games Are Coming to PC Starting With Four Fan Favorites

Microsoft has launched its Xbox Backward Compatibility preview, enabling four original Xbox games—Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy—to be played on PC and handheld devices. These games feature enhancements such as 4x resolution upscaling, VSync support, multiple display modes, anisotropic filtering, and improved anti-aliasing. They are available for purchase on the Xbox Store and can be accessed on PC or handhelds through Xbox Play Anywhere or Xbox Cloud Gaming. All four titles are also included in Xbox Game Pass. Minimum system requirements for playing these games include: - GPU: Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550 or Intel UHD 770 or Intel Arc A310 - CPU: Minimum 4 Cores Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor - RAM: 8GB - OS: Windows 11 - Drivers and Versions: Latest Version as of January 2026 Recommended specifications include: - GPU: Radeon RX 68005 or Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti or Intel Arc A770 - CPU: 6 cores and 12 threads Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme - DirectX Version: DirectX12 API, Hardware Feature Level 11 - GPU VRAM: 8GB - OS: Windows 11 - Drivers and Versions: Latest Version as of January 2026
Your Microsoft Store Office apps are losing security updates this year
Winsage
July 1, 2026

Your Microsoft Store Office apps are losing security updates this year

By December 2026, support for Microsoft Store versions of Office applications will cease, and they will no longer receive security updates. New feature updates for Microsoft 365 Apps installed via the Microsoft Store stopped in October 2025. Users are encouraged to transition to Click-to-Run versions to maintain access to updates and security features. Click-to-Run allows for immediate application usability while downloading in the background and updates automatically. The Office Deployment Tool (ODT) can assist users in transitioning to Click-to-Run versions.
PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage
Winsage
June 10, 2026

PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage

PowerToys has released version 0.100.0, introducing several new features and enhancements: - Command Palette now includes an Extension Gallery for managing extensions directly. - Improvements to Command Palette include enhanced parameter pages, bookmarks for inline parameters, and better accessibility. - Dock feature enhancements allow for separate customization for each monitor and drag-and-drop functionality. - Performance Monitor introduces a Battery widget and dock bands for CPU, memory, and network metrics. - Calculator enhancements include new functions and improved error messaging. - Reliability improvements include a pinned commands section and smoother navigation. - FancyZones received updates for better localization and guidance. - File Explorer fixes address crashes related to Markdown previews. - File Locksmith improvements enhance handling of Unicode file paths. - Grab And Move has been fully released. - Image Resizer supports live settings reload. - Keyboard Manager editor is redesigned and enabled by default. - Mouse Without Borders adds quick access to refresh connections. - Peek's settings allow toggling of file preview tooltips. - PowerDisplay is optimized for better performance. - PowerToys Run improves calculator functionality and documents third-party plugins. - Quick Accent updates enhance UI consistency and language support. - Settings interface has been refreshed for better usability. - Shortcut Guide redesigned for reliability and includes built-in manifests. - Workspaces has a modernized editor. - ZoomIt introduces webcam overlay capabilities and improved recording features. - Development tools and dependencies have been updated for smoother contributions.
PostgreSQL backup tool gets some backup of its own after sole maintainer sounds alarm
Tech Optimizer
May 20, 2026

PostgreSQL backup tool gets some backup of its own after sole maintainer sounds alarm

A coalition of companies, including AWS, Percona, Supabase, pgEdge, and Tiger Data, has formed to support the maintenance of pgBackRest, an extension for the PostgreSQL database, after its long-time maintainer, David Steele, could no longer continue due to a lack of sponsorship following the acquisition of Crunchy Data by Snowflake. pgBackRest is a backup and restore solution for PostgreSQL, which is widely used by major cloud service providers. Steele had been seeking sponsorship to maintain the project but was unsuccessful, prompting concerns about its future. The coalition aims to provide stability and reduce reliance on a single sponsor by onboarding a new maintainer and seeking additional support. Percona's CEO emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure the project's health for the community.
Open Source Stays Open: Percona Sponsors pgBackRest to Keep PostgreSQL Backups Running
Tech Optimizer
May 19, 2026

Open Source Stays Open: Percona Sponsors pgBackRest to Keep PostgreSQL Backups Running

Percona has become a sponsor of pgBackRest following the departure of its primary maintainer due to funding challenges. This sponsorship aims to revitalize pgBackRest, a critical backup and recovery tool for PostgreSQL, ensuring its continued development and support. Percona's CEO, Peter Farkas, highlighted the importance of pgBackRest and the decision to coordinate with other companies to maintain its health. The plan for pgBackRest's future includes dedicated time from David Steele for bug fixes and feature enhancements, assistance from Percona's engineering team in onboarding a new maintainer, and efforts to attract additional sponsorship to diversify support. Percona's investment aims to prevent future uncertainties associated with reliance on a single maintainer.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
May 8, 2026

New Slay the Spire 2 update deletes its most controversial boss fight

The Doormaker has been removed from Mega Crit's Slay the Spire 2, replaced by a new boss named Aeonglass, which has unique abilities and starts with three stacks of Artifact. The game will now follow a two-week beta patch cycle instead of weekly updates to allow for more substantial changes and community feedback. The Defect class has received several buffs, including enhancements to its starter relic and damage increases for specific abilities, while the Silent class has experienced a minor nerf. New Neow relics have been introduced, and changes have been made to various enemies and their abilities. The Bestiary feature has been added, allowing players to study enemy types, and additional updates include new art, music, and bug fixes. The latest patch, version 0.105.0, is available on the beta branch for players.
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