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Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft Releases Detailed Guide to Fix Windows Blue Screen Errors

Microsoft has released an official guide to address the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issues in Windows 11 and Windows 10, updated on May 11, 2025, following a significant global outage in July 2024 caused by a problematic CrowdStrike update. The guide categorizes troubleshooting into basic and advanced steps, highlighting common error codes like PAGEFAULTINNONPAGEDAREA (0x00000050). Approximately 75% of stop errors are attributed to faulty drivers, making driver verification essential. Basic troubleshooting includes removing recently added hardware, booting into Safe Mode, checking Device Manager for problematic components, ensuring 10-15% free disk space, installing the latest Windows Updates, and using System Restore. Advanced troubleshooting involves using Event Viewer, running Windows Memory Diagnostics, and analyzing memory dumps with WinDbg. The guide emphasizes the resource-intensive nature of Driver Verifier and suggests testing suspicious drivers in smaller groups. It also includes hardware-specific troubleshooting tips, such as checking for overheating components and performing disk diagnostics with the “chkdsk” command.

Tech Optimizer

May 12, 2025

Defendnot — A New Tool That Disables Windows Defender by Posing as an Antivirus Solution

Defendnot is a tool that disables Windows Defender by using the Windows Security Center (WSC) API, presenting itself as a legitimate antivirus solution. It was created by a developer named “es3n1n” and follows the removal of a previous tool called “no-defender.” The tool engages directly with WSC, which disables Windows Defender when third-party antivirus software is installed to avoid conflicts. Defendnot was developed through reverse engineering of the WSC service and involves understanding how WSC verifies processes. It registers a phantom antivirus product using COM interfaces and undocumented Windows APIs, leading Windows to disable its built-in protection. The tool requires administrative privileges to operate and adds itself to autorun to maintain its functionality after a reboot. Security experts express concern about its potential misuse by malware authors, while it also provides insights into vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s security architecture.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

Steam Users Can Get 3 Games for Free for a Limited Time

Three Steam titles are being offered for free for a limited time. 1. Asterix & Obelix XXL: Romastered - A remastered action-adventure game from 2003, typically priced at .99, is available for free through Fanatical with a newsletter subscription until May 15 or while supplies last. It has a 78% approval rating from 581 user reviews. 2. Furi Demake – The Chain - This game has been free since November 30, 2023, but will require a purchase starting June 23, with pricing yet to be determined. It has a 92% approval rating from 331 user reviews. 3. The Flayed Man - This narrative-driven horror game has been free since its release on April 17, but will change to a paid model on May 17, with future pricing uncertain. It holds a 90% approval rating from 128 user reviews. Furi Demake – The Chain is verified for play on Steam Deck, while Asterix & Obelix XXL: Romastered is marked as playable. The status of The Flayed Man on the Steam Deck is uncertain.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

The Best PC Games of 2025 So Far (Spring Edition)

Spring 2025 has seen the release of several notable PC games, including: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Released on April 24, 2025, by Sandfall Interactive, it sold over 1 million copies in three days and features a blend of French art nouveau aesthetics and JRPG combat mechanics. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Released on February 28, 2025, by Capcom, it introduces full narrative integration and dynamic monster interactions. - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered: Released on April 22, 2025, by Bethesda Game Studios, it attracted over 4 million players shortly after launch and features enhanced visuals and gameplay updates. Other early 2025 releases include: - Blue Prince (April 10, 2025) - Split Fiction (March 6, 2025) - Atomfall (March 27, 2025) - Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20, 2025) - Two Point Museum (March 5, 2025) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (January 23, 2025) - Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 22, 2025) - Ninja Gaiden II Black (January 23, 2025) - The Talos Principle: Reawakened (April 10, 2025) Highly anticipated titles for later in 2025 include: - Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2025) - Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025) - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025) - The Outer Worlds 2 (Expected 2025) - Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) - Marvel’s Blade (TBA 2025) - Hades II (Full Release later 2025) - Frostpunk 2 (Summer 2025) - Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access Expected 2025) - Anno 117: Pax Romana (Expected 2025) - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (October 2025) - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Expected 2025) - Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Expected 2025) In 2024, top-rated PC games included: 1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 2. Metaphor: ReFantazio 3. UFO 50 4. Tekken 8 5. Caves of Qud 6. Animal Well 7. Satisfactory 8. Balatro 9. Thank Goodness You’re Here! 10. The Last of Us Part II Remastered The PC gaming landscape in 2024 was characterized by significant hardware advancements, improved game integration and compatibility, and thriving online communities.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Grab a free PC copy of Gloomhaven, one of the greatest board games of all time

Gloomhaven's PC edition is currently available for free download to Amazon Prime members, with the promotion valid until June 18. The game is accessible through the Epic Games Store and not Steam. Created by Isaac Childres and Cephalofair, Gloomhaven has been highly acclaimed, previously holding the title of the best board game before being succeeded by its sequel, Frosthaven. The game involves guiding a party of adventurers through quests in the city of Gloomhaven, utilizing ability cards for tactical challenges, with a campaign that allows for multiple character playthroughs and the unlocking of 17 unique classes.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Fake Alpine Quest Mapping App Spotted Spying on Russian Military

A malicious variant of the Alpine Quest navigation app has been identified, specifically targeting Russian military Android devices. Security experts from Doctor Web discovered that this modified app contains the Android.Spy.1292.origin spyware, which collects sensitive information and executes remote commands. The spyware is distributed as a free download through a deceptive Telegram channel, marketed as a premium version of the legitimate app. Upon installation, it transmits data such as the user's phone number, account details, contact list, geolocation data, and stored files to a remote server. It also communicates with a Telegram bot controlled by the attackers, providing updated location information. The spyware can download additional modules to extract specific content, particularly documents from messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. It searches for a file named locLog generated by Alpine Quest, which records user movements. Doctor Web advises against downloading apps from unofficial sources and warns that malicious applications can bypass review processes on official app stores. The identity of the group behind this campaign is unknown, but there are previous associations with Ukrainian hacktivist factions targeting Russian military personnel.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Xbox gamers surprised with major free download to celebrate Microsoft 50th anniversary

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary by offering a free 50th anniversary theme for Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X players, which was made available on April 4, 2025. The theme features iconic gaming characters like Master Chief, Marcus Fenix, and Vault Boy. It is integrated into all Xbox owners' profiles and can be activated through the settings menu. Additionally, Microsoft is providing free Gamerpics, including Clippy, and has updated Microsoft Solitaire with the anniversary theme in its card designs.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

How an app about a cartoon bird is helping me be a better person

Three weeks ago, the author began using the Finch app, which serves as a habit tracker and routine builder. Users go through an onboarding process to create a personalized starter plan based on their responses to questions about sleep patterns and routines. Finch allows users to set and customize their goals, with reminders for daily habits. A unique feature is the ability to hatch and care for a virtual bird, which grows and embarks on adventures as users complete their goals. Finch also encourages self-care by prompting users to check in on their mood and offering suggestions for uplifting activities. The app has helped the author form positive habits, such as journaling and flossing, and it is available for free download on Android.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Wintoys new update lets you set classic File Explorer, uninstall Edge and more in Windows 11

Wintoys has released a significant 2.0 update for Windows 11 users after nearly a year without updates. Key features include a new logo supporting light and dark modes, a settings restore button, the option to revert to the classic File Explorer, compliance with the Digital Markets Act allowing uninstallation of Microsoft Edge in unsupported regions, an enhanced Super-user Tweaks menu, and updated system properties cards. The update also addresses bugs and improves performance, although there is a known issue with the Alt + Tab function freezing the app. Wintoys 2.0 is available for free download from the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11 users.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

Minecraft – Official ‘A Minecraft Movie’ DLC Trailer

Mojang has released a trailer for the 'A Minecraft Movie' DLC, which allows players to engage in new adventures inspired by cinematic moments. The DLC includes activities such as Elytra Races, Survival Challenges, and a Woodland Mansion Heist. It is available for free download from the Minecraft Marketplace.