feature Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2026

“God Mode? Hardly.” Microsoft debunks Windows 11’s God Mode, but the trick still works

The "God Mode" in Windows is activated by creating a folder and renaming it to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}, which transforms the folder icon to resemble the Control Panel and displays a comprehensive list of all settings tasks available in Windows. This trick was clarified by Microsoft engineer Brandon Paddock, who stated that the name "GodMode" is misleading, as the folder can be named anything with the same CLSID code, and it merely exposes two documented elements of the Windows shell. The functionality was intended for developers and not casual users, and the trick could be altered or removed in future updates.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

The 5 best Linux alternatives to Windows in 2026 (that aren’t Mint)

Linux is gaining popularity due to increased privacy concerns, reduced reliance on artificial intelligence, and improved user experience. Many users are looking for alternatives to Windows that maintain ease of use, leading to the emergence of curated Linux distributions for those considering a switch. 1. Zorin OS is user-friendly, designed for Windows migrants, and features a subsystem for installing Windows applications with open-source alternatives. It offers four layouts, including one that resembles Windows. 2. MainstreamOS provides an exceptional onboarding experience, surpassing Windows, with a MacOS-like desktop and extensive customization options. It is built on Arch Linux with the Hyprland window manager. 3. stillOS features a polished interface and an Electron-based web app runtime called SWAI, allowing web applications to function like native apps. It offers multiple layout options and an atomic update feature for reliability. 4. Kubuntu combines Ubuntu's robustness with KDE Plasma's elegance, providing a visually appealing and reliable operating system with a Windows-like desktop layout and extensive customization options. 5. VanillaOS focuses on security and stability, using atomic updates and a unique installation process called ABRoot. It defaults to a GNOME desktop but can be customized with the Dash to Dock extension for a more familiar interface.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a system stability and gaming performance issue on Windows 11 devices, which has caused crashes, game launch failures, and freezing, often with the "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" error message. The problem was linked to updates from August 2026 and was identified as being related to peripherals with RGB lighting features that installed disruptive drivers. Specifically, the inpoutx64.sys driver was found to be responsible for these disruptions. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected systems, starting from August 26, 2026. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices, a temporary workaround involves manually disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has assured users that this action should not cause unintended behavior and can be reversed.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a problem causing system crashes and gaming disruptions on Windows 11 devices, specifically related to game launch failures and freezing with "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors. The issue affects various games, including ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and is linked to peripherals with built-in RGB lighting. The inpoutx64.sys driver has been identified as the cause of these complications. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected devices, starting on August 26, 2026, and it may take up to 24 hours to reach all impacted devices. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices that do not automatically receive the fix, a temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has stated that disabling this registry key should not lead to unintended behavior.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Did A New Google ‘Pulse’ App Just Appear On Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Does

A new app called Pulse has been released on the Play Store, quickly reaching over 10 million downloads. It is an existing Google system service that became more visible in the settings app following a recent update and has been in place since March. Pulse may collect information related to app performance but does not share data with third parties. It can be accessed on Pixel devices through Settings > Google services > All services > Privacy & security > System services. Disabling system services like Pulse could disrupt features, so it is advisable to keep it installed. Pulse helps monitor resource usage in Android, including battery drain, memory usage, and CPU activity, and is part of Google's efforts to track issues within the operating system. Google plans to implement stricter measures against apps that excessively consume resources.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft Issues Windows 11 Version 26H2 to Release Preview

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2 (Build 26300.9278) in the Release Preview Channel for customers to preview ahead of its general availability later this year. This version will be delivered as an enablement package, allowing for seamless integration of new features and enhancements. Users with PCs in the Release Preview channel can manually install this version. Key features for business users include Windows Backup, app actions from the Taskbar, and improvements to File Explorer. Organizations can deploy Windows 11 version 26H2 using Windows Update client policies and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Updates to the ISOs on the Windows Insider Program download site will also reflect this new version.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Windows Search still can’t find half my files, because Microsoft fixed the wrong part

Windows 11's native Search feature has been improved with a new indexing system that automatically indexes frequently accessed folders. The latest build, 26100.9267, allows search results to appear after two keystrokes and is more forgiving of typographical errors. Users can choose between web or store suggestions. However, issues persist, such as files remaining invisible in indexed folders. Users have two indexing options: Classic mode, which covers limited locations, and Enhanced mode, which indexes all partitions but may affect battery life and CPU usage. Many users prefer third-party alternatives like Everything, which indexes files directly from the NTFS Master File Table without requiring mode selection. Despite improvements, the overall search experience in Windows remains unsatisfactory.

Tech Optimizer

August 27, 2026

Scammers Impersonate Microsoft to Push Fake Security Scans and Refund Fraud

A network of fraudulent websites, branded as SysScan, has been discovered, which falsely claims to evaluate antivirus software effectiveness through deceptive security scans. These sites manipulate users into uninstalling legitimate antivirus products and disclosing sensitive personal and banking information. Eleven distinct domains associated with SysScan have been identified, all hosted on a single server. The fraudulent scans generate misleading results based on static findings rather than actual system assessments, and users are coerced into believing their computers are at risk. The scams misrepresent normal browser behaviors as security threats and instruct victims to uninstall their antivirus software, compromising their defenses. The operation targets both individual and business users, collecting extensive personal information and utilizing remote-access tools. The data submitted is sent to Telegram via its bot API. Users are advised to disconnect from the internet and secure their devices if they suspect they have been compromised. Indicators of compromise include specific IP addresses and domains associated with the scam.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Goes Into Release Preview Channel

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2, build number 26300.9278, in the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insiders. This update focuses on extending the support cycle for users transitioning to 26H2. Microsoft has been rolling out support and updates since late 2024, activating essential features with each new release cycle. Enablement packages (eKBs) are crucial for the update mechanism, allowing users on versions 24H2 or 25H2 to upgrade to 26H2 with a simple eKB, while users on older branches like 22H2 and 23H2 will undergo a full feature update. Additionally, the KB5120996 update has been released for Windows 11 26H1, specifically for Windows-on-Arm devices, aligning with enhancements in the KB5120998 update for the 24H2 and 25H2 branches, which include taskbar and Start Menu customization and overall performance improvements.

AppWizard

August 27, 2026

Google forces Android apps to use memory more wisely as RAMpocalypse rages

Starting in early 2027, Android apps on Google Play must meet new memory performance standards due to rising RAM prices and consumer demand for streamlined smartphones. Google is concerned about a potential "ecosystem-wide memory crisis" and aims to improve memory efficiency in app development. The new standards will be implemented in two phases: the first phase in February 2027 will set thresholds for undesirable behavior and code optimization, while the second phase in April 2027 will enhance device migration with a zero-tap credential restoration feature. Specific memory limits include: - For devices with 8 GB of RAM: foreground app usage capped at 2.25 GB, 1.5 GB for user-perceived services, and 1.5 GB for background processes. - Devices with more than 16 GB of RAM will be largely exempt from these restrictions. - Bitmap memory usage limited to 200 MB for user-perceived and background services, with a cached limit of 400 MB across all devices. - Gaming applications will have different memory requirements. The DEX code optimization mandate aims to improve memory utilization, app launch speed, and runtime performance. The zero-tap sign-in requirement in the second phase seeks to streamline device migration and enhance security, addressing risks associated with manual sign-ins.