file Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2026

A Windows Defender bug is making VLC take 30 seconds to open an MP3 file

Jonathan Blow criticized the VLC media player for significant performance issues, specifically a 33-second delay in loading MP3 files, and announced his intention to switch to Microsoft Media Player. The VideoLAN team responded, attributing the delays to a known issue with Microsoft’s Windows Defender antivirus software, which quarantines the VLC plugin cache. They suggested users could resolve the issue by reinstalling VLC or regenerating the plugin cache. VLC has been downloaded over 6 billion times across various platforms. Microsoft Defender has been known to cause false positives and interfere with third-party applications. Some users have found success using alternative antivirus solutions like Bitdefender Antivirus Free to avoid conflicts with VLC. Additionally, there are suggestions that using VLC for MP3 playback may not be practical, and switching to Microsoft Media Player is viewed unfavorably compared to alternatives like Foobar2000.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

This Solitaire game is so tiny it can load from a QR code, which is just what I need in the age of massive games and expensive storage

TinySol is a minimalist solitaire game created by Classic Bits, accessible via a QR code and discovered by YouTuber LGR Blerbs at the VCF Southwest convention. It is intentionally monochrome for clarity on old displays, with a QR code version offering limited features. Currently, it includes a 3-card draw mode, with a one-card draw mode planned for future release. TinySol is available for free download on the Classic Bits website and can be run in DosBox. Many three-card draws may not be winnable, but Classic Bits has provided 640 winnable save files for download.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Devs blame Windows for VLC media player bug that causes 33-second delay when playing MP3 files — creators allege Microsoft Defender blocking plugin cache is to blame

VLC, an open-source media player, is experiencing delays of up to 33 seconds when playing MP3 files on Windows 11, attributed to a bug in Microsoft Defender from a recent update that affects VLC's plugin cache. The VLC development team suggests that reinstalling VLC or regenerating the plugin cache can resolve the issue.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

The Windows 11 Microsoft shipped in 2021 and the Windows 11 we have in 2026 are worlds apart — this is the full breakdown of what changed

Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 in October 2021, featuring a centered Start menu, revamped Taskbar, and rounded corners, along with productivity enhancements like Snap Layouts and a redesigned Microsoft Store. The initial release faced criticism for lacking familiar features from Windows 10, such as tabbed File Explorer and extensive Taskbar customization. Over the years, Microsoft has worked to restore many of these features and improve user experience. The Start menu has evolved from a basic design with limited customization options to a more flexible interface with size options and better organization of content. The Taskbar has seen the restoration of drag-and-drop functionality, app labels, and repositioning options. File Explorer now includes tabs, a Gallery feature, and improved cloud integration. The Settings app has become more consistent and capable, reducing reliance on the Control Panel. Productivity features like Search and Snap Layouts have improved significantly, with AI becoming a central aspect of the operating system. Performance has also enhanced, addressing initial sluggishness. Security and accessibility features have evolved, with stronger protections and expanded interaction methods. The setup experience has shifted to emphasize connectivity and Microsoft accounts, making local account creation more challenging. Despite these improvements, some legacy components and issues remain.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Windows 11 is dangerously close to letting you move the taskbar

Windows 11 users can now reposition the taskbar to the top or either side of the screen in the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, with a broader rollout expected with the September Patch Tuesday update. Additional enhancements include a more customizable Start menu, improved Windows Search, and a faster File Explorer. Users can choose between small or large Start menu sizes, recent items are highlighted, and search functionality has been refined for better clarity. File Explorer now launches more quickly and supports touch scrolling. Updated progress indicators and enhanced security features for administrators are also included in the updates.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Don’t panic if Windows 11 reboots multiple times for security updates, here’s why it’s happening

Windows PCs are experiencing multiple reboots during the installation of monthly cumulative updates, particularly due to updates related to Secure Boot certificates and accompanying firmware updates. Microsoft is rolling out the Secure Boot certificate update to millions of Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices, with users who haven't received the certificates expected to do so soon, unless firmware limitations arise. Microsoft has acknowledged that multiple reboots may occur during this rollout. The August 2026 Patch Tuesday update addressed around 400 security vulnerabilities and included a Secure Boot certificate update for a wider range of devices. It is advised not to delay updates beyond three days to avoid potential AI-driven security threats. The August 2026 Update also activates the Low Latency Profile for app launches and improves file size displays in File Explorer. Reports indicate that devices lacking the Secure Boot 2023 certificate have successfully received it following this update, and Microsoft will continue deploying certificates via Windows updates in the coming months.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

After years of requests, Windows 11 is dangerously close to bringing back full taskbar freedom — top, left, right, or bottom

Windows 11 users can now relocate the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen with the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature will be included in the September Patch Tuesday update, but is available immediately to those in the Release Preview Channel. The update also allows for a smaller taskbar option, enhancing screen space for smaller devices. Key features in Build 26100.9267/26200.9267 include: - Taskbar customization with new positioning options and a smaller taskbar option. - Enhanced Start menu with size options, renaming of the Recommended section to Recent, and a redesigned settings page. - Improvements to Windows Search, including a simplified interface and automatic indexing of frequently used folders. - Updates to File Explorer for faster launch times and touch scrolling support. - General design updates with modernized progress indicators. - New Windows Share feature for discovering apps from the share window. - Enhanced security with just-in-time privileges for administrative tasks. - Improved responsiveness when switching between virtual desktops. - Updates for display settings and brightness reliability. - Reliability improvements for Task Manager and Windows Update behavior. - Network improvements for VPN-related issues. - Enhanced typing reliability with the Japanese IME. - Introduction of the ML-KEM algorithm for TLS key exchange. - Removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line utility in future versions.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock 36.41/42/43 Applied via Update 1.056

Mojang released hotfixes for Minecraft Bedrock versions 26.41, 26.42, and 26.43 on August 14, appearing as Minecraft update 1.056. The update includes fixes for several crashes that could disrupt gameplay and resolves issues related to missing assets during world loading, especially with fluctuating network connections. Cloud world storage has been temporarily disabled on Windows platforms to address identified issues.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft Defender vs. VLC: Which is causing MP3s to take 30 seconds to load?

Jonathan Blow expressed frustration on social media about delays in opening MP3 files in VLC Media Player, which he claimed could take over 30 seconds. A community note suggested that Microsoft Defender might be contributing to the delay. VideoLAN, the organization behind VLC, responded to the discussion, while Blow maintained that VLC should address the issue, despite acknowledging a faulty AMD graphics driver as a factor. Users on Reddit indicated that adding VLC's folder as an exception in Microsoft Defender resolved the delay. Steps to create this exception include navigating to Windows Security, selecting Virus & threat protection, managing settings, and adding an exclusion for the VLC folder. After creating the exclusion, the time to open an MP3 file decreased from approximately five seconds to under one second.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

August’s Patch Tuesday is a monster: 751 fixes, with an exploited Windows flaw

Users can connect to SMB shares with features like RDMA, leases, and Continuous Availability, allowing efficient data transfer and session management. Hyper-V users can create, checkpoint, and export Generation 2 virtual machines, enable virtual TPM and BitLocker, and connect USB storage and MIDI devices. MSI package management has improved, allowing easy installation, repair, and uninstallation with UAC prompts. TAPI has 11 entries focused on parity fixes, with enhancements in TCP/IP, HTTP.sys, Windows Firewall, Bluetooth, wired 802.1X, and message queuing. Users can verify TAPI line status, HTTP.sys functionality across protocols, and confirm TCP/IP IPsec tunnels. Office updates include client updates for MSI Office 2016 and SharePoint Server updates for 2016, 2019, and Subscription Edition, requiring attention to browser-based editing functionality. On-premises Exchange Server receives a security update addressing seven CVEs, including one critical elevation of privilege vulnerability and six important issues.