feedback Archives

Winsage

April 27, 2026

Forced Windows updates can now be paused forever

Microsoft has introduced updates to its Windows Update system, allowing users to pause updates indefinitely for up to 35 days and reset this limit as needed. Users can also shut down or restart their devices without being forced to install updates. These changes are in response to user feedback about disruptions caused by unexpected updates. The new features are currently being rolled out to participants in the Windows Insider program, specifically in the Dev and Experimental Channels.

Winsage

April 27, 2026

Windows 11’s hidden modern Run dialog (Win+R) gets a slimmer design, but it’s still not rolling out

Windows Run, accessed via the Win + R shortcut, is being tested for a modern design update in newer preview builds of Windows 11. The updated version features a slimmer design similar to a floating search bar, with a new 'Run' icon and a centered text field. This modern variant will be optional, allowing users to switch back to the classic version if desired. Microsoft is also exploring additional advanced features for the modern Run dialog, which maintains comparable performance to the legacy version.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

Gmail, Drive, and other Google apps are getting a major icon redesign

Google is redesigning the icons for its Workspace applications, including Gmail, Drive, and Calendar, adopting a gradient style and moving away from the strict use of all four Google brand colors. The new icons feature more focused color themes, with notable changes in Calendar, which is shifting to a blue-dominant palette, and Gmail, which will maintain its 'M' envelope shape but with a vibrant gradient. Google Meet is also being visually revamped with a brighter yellow theme. The new icons have not yet started rolling out to users.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

“Average Steam Deck framerate” graph shows PC game developers how their Verified titles really run on Valve’s handheld — Will users ever see this data

Valve has introduced new beta Steamworks tools for game developers as part of its Steam Deck Verified Games initiative. These tools allow developers to monitor average framerates over the past 30 days and access user survey results regarding the Verified status of their games. Participation in data collection is opt-in, ensuring user privacy. The user survey appears after at least ten minutes of gameplay, allowing users to agree or disagree with a game's Verified status and provide feedback on various criteria. The Steam Deck Verified program assesses game compatibility based on four criteria: Controller input, Display, Seamlessness, and System support. Games are rated as Verified, Playable, Unsupported, or Unknown, with these ratings displayed in the Steam store. Valve may potentially make the collected data accessible to the public in the future.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

Last Flag, the multiplayer shooter from the Imagine Dragons guy, is free to play for every weekend until its first update comes out

Last Flag, a multiplayer shooter from Night Street Games, was released on Steam earlier this month but has received a subdued reception despite promotional efforts. The game is priced at £12 and aims to stand out in a crowded market. In response to its lukewarm reception, Night Street Games announced that Last Flag will be available for free every weekend until its first update this summer. Early impressions suggest it offers an engaging experience, described as a mix of capture the flag and hide and seek. The game currently holds a 'Mostly Positive' rating of 73% on Steam, with player feedback highlighting core mechanics while noting issues such as the lack of regional servers and matches filled with bots. The free weekend initiative is intended to grow the player base and address these concerns.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

‘Shutdown, Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows On 1 Billion PCs

Microsoft has announced changes to the Windows operating system to improve user experience concerning updates, restarts, and shutdowns, impacting over a billion users. Key enhancements include the ability to skip updates during the out-of-box experience, extend update pauses indefinitely, always-available options to shut down and restart without updating, and more insights on available updates. These changes are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders and those in the Experimental channels, with plans to extend to all users soon.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

Microsoft rolls out revamped Windows Insider Program

Microsoft is overhauling its Windows Insider Program to enhance the reliability of Windows 11 and improve user feedback responsiveness. The program will now consist of two channels: Experimental, which replaces the Dev and Canary channels for testing experimental features, and Beta, which will provide immediate access to all features listed in the release notes without gradual rollouts. The transition will occur in phases, starting with users in the Dev Channel moving to Experimental. Users from the Canary Channel will also be transitioned to specific versions of the Experimental channel. Beta Channel users will experience a new Beta setup, with minor adjustments possible. Microsoft is updating build details, with the latest builds including Build 26220.8283 for Beta, Build 26300.8289 for Experimental, Build 28020.1873 for Experimental 26H1, and Build 29576.1000 for Experimental Future Platforms. Additionally, a new Windows Update experience will allow users to pause updates and avoid unexpected reboots.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

Microsoft explains why Windows 11 File Explorer scrolls smoothly in some places, but not everywhere

Users have reported an inconsistent scrolling experience in Microsoft’s File Explorer, with smooth scrolling in the Gallery and Home views but jagged scrolling in standard folders. This discrepancy is due to the Gallery and Home views utilizing the WinUI 3 framework, while standard folders rely on legacy Win32 code. Microsoft is modernizing aspects of File Explorer but has not yet rewritten its foundational elements, leading to different rendering paths. The traditional folder views retain essential functionalities but sacrifice some modern UI features. Touch support issues are acknowledged, with current interactions prioritizing mouse and keyboard over touch gestures. Microsoft is addressing performance and reliability issues, with improvements in folder view consistency and reduced crashes noted in recent preview builds. These updates are expected in the May 2026 update, while smooth scrolling enhancements are planned for the future.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

Microsoft is Officially Rebuilding Windows 11 Again to Satisfy Users

Microsoft is committed to improving Windows 11 based on consumer feedback, particularly from Windows Insiders. The company has formed a team of product experts to enhance the Windows experience and is actively reviewing feedback from testers. A highly requested feature, a movable taskbar, is confirmed to be in development and has been showcased in recent preview builds. Microsoft plans to implement changes influenced by user input, with a focus on performance, reliability, user-friendliness, and overall experience, including significant updates expected in 2026. Anticipated enhancements include redesigning legacy interfaces, improving multitasking, expanding Virtual Desktop customization, allowing taskbar and Start menu resizing, introducing a faster File Explorer, creating a cleaner Notification Center, reducing reboots during updates, offering flexible update pause controls, and minimizing upsell prompts during setup. The company emphasizes a renewed focus on stability and responsiveness driven by user feedback.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Assassin’s Creed producer assures fans ‘there WILL be blood’ in the Black Flag remake, and it won’t be DLC

Producer Justin Ng from Ubisoft Singapore confirmed that blood will be included in the final version of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced and will not be part of paid downloadable content (DLC). He acknowledged feedback regarding visual effects and audio cues during combat, stating that these elements are being toned down. Ng emphasized that the game's essence remains intact, responding to fans' concerns about the absence of visceral gameplay elements.