full-screen Archives

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Xbox Releases A Game-Changing Update For PC

Microsoft has begun the phased rollout of Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs, enhancing the gaming experience. Xbox Mode provides a full-screen user interface optimized for controller use, displaying only one application at a time to minimize distractions. Players can switch between Xbox Mode and the traditional Windows 11 desktop and Xbox Game Pass subscribers can navigate their game libraries easily. Xbox Mode was initially available for testing in late 2025 and officially started its public rollout on April 30, with deployment occurring in waves across various regions.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Classic First-Person Shooter PC Game Now 100% Free on GOG

A classic first-person shooter from 1995, Citadel Remonstered, is now available for free download on the GOG platform, celebrating its 31st anniversary. This remastered version retains original assets and maps while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics and graphic enhancements. It features updated level graphics, rebalanced difficulty settings, additional training levels, quicksave and quickload functionality, mouse wheel support, and full-screen mode compatibility. The game was originally developed by Virtual Design and published by Arrakis Software for the Amiga 500. The remaster is exclusive to GOG and has received positive feedback from the gaming community. Speculation exists about the future of the Citadel franchise and the ownership of its license.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Windows Update Preview: Haptic Feedback and Xbox Gaming Mode

Microsoft has released preview updates for Windows that include haptic feedback and an improved Xbox mode. The haptic feedback feature provides tactile responses during actions like aligning objects in PowerPoint and resizing windows, supported by select devices such as the Surface Slim Pen 2 and Logitech's MX Master 4 after a firmware update. The improved Xbox mode offers a full-screen interface for gaming, accessible via the Windows+F11 shortcut. File Explorer now supports additional formats and remembers view and sort preferences for Downloads and Documents folders. Monitoring capabilities for AI agents have been enhanced, and Windows 11 allows the removal of pre-installed Microsoft Store apps through policies. The updates also introduce a new policy preventing the acceptance of drivers with cross-signed root certificates and enhance security measures for batch files. The updated Windows 11 versions will display build numbers 26200.8328 and 26100.8328.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Not seeing Xbox mode in Windows 11 yet? Unlock it using this free tool

The optional April 2026 update for Windows 11 (KB5083631) introduces Xbox mode, which enhances gaming performance by disabling unnecessary processes. The rollout prioritizes users in North America, followed by Europe, but many are still waiting for access. Xbox mode can be manually activated using ViVeTool, a free command-line application available on GitHub, provided users have installed update KB5083631. Xbox mode, previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE), offers a console-like interface optimized for full-screen display, enhancing readability and navigation with a gaming controller. It allows seamless transitions between productive tasks and gaming sessions, aiming to replicate the console experience on a PC.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Your PC is an Xbox, your Android is a Windows Phone, and Windows K2 is here to save Windows 11

Microsoft has restructured its Windows team to enhance Windows 11 and restore user confidence. A new preview build will hide the MSN feed by default, allowing access to widgets on a dedicated page. The latest optional non-security preview update includes reliability upgrades and AI agents. Windows 11 now features Xbox Mode, providing a full-screen, controller-friendly interface for gamers. Significant improvements have been made for Xbox Series X|S consoles and the Xbox app on PC. The original Xbox dashboard has been reverse-engineered for use as a PC launcher. A new custom Android launcher, METROV, recreates the Windows Phone 8.1 experience, while community efforts like 8Marketplace are reviving Windows Phone 8 through restored app access.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

“Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me

Microsoft will begin rolling out the May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on May 12, 2026. Key features of this update include: 1. Xbox Mode: Transforms PCs into a console-like experience, prioritizing system resources for gaming and freeing up to 2GB of memory. 2. Voice Typing Improvements: Redesign of Voice Typing elements on the touch keyboard. 3. New Arabic 101 Legacy Keyboard Layout: Available for addition from the Region page in Settings. 4. Drop Tray Changes: Renamed from Drag Tray and can be disabled in Settings > System > Multitasking. 5. Taskbar AI Agents Support: Allows monitoring of AI agents directly from the Taskbar, starting with the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. 6. Debloat Policy with Dynamic List Support: Enables administrators to specify additional apps for removal beyond the default list. 7. Windows Driver Policy Update: Changes how the kernel manages trust for third-party drivers, eliminating default trust for cross-signed drivers. 8. Batch File Security Changes: Enhances security for batch files and Command Prompt scripts, with an option for a hardened processing mode. 9. Format FAT32 up to 2TB: The format command-line tool now supports formatting volumes up to 2TB using FAT32.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083631 update released with 34 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5083631 optional cumulative update for Windows 11, featuring 34 enhancements aimed at improving user experience and system performance. Key features include a new Xbox mode for immersive gaming, improved performance for startup applications, enhanced security for batch files and CMD scripts, haptic feedback on supported devices, improvements to Secure Boot, and updates to Kerberos authentication. The update also addresses issues with Windows Security event logging, eliminates a white flash in dark mode, and increases the reliability of explorer.exe processes. Users can install the update via Windows Settings under Windows Update. After installation, Windows 11 devices will be updated to builds 26100.8328 and 26200.8328. Additionally, updated Secure Boot certificates are being rolled out, and some Windows Server 2025 devices may require a BitLocker recovery key after the update.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Xbox mode is now available on PC Windows 11

Microsoft has begun rolling out a dedicated Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs, providing a full-screen console interface that enhances the gaming experience. Users can switch between this Xbox mode and the standard desktop by pressing the Win and F11 keys. The new interface is optimized for modern gamepads and reduces background processes by 15%, improving performance during gaming. It includes a built-in library for easy access to the Xbox catalog, Game Pass, and other digital storefronts like Steam. Early access to the mode can be obtained through the update center, with a gradual rollout planned. Users will eventually be able to set the Xbox app as the default Home app for quicker access to gaming.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Optional April Update for Windows 11 Brings AI Agents on Taskbar, More

Microsoft's optional April update for Windows 11, designated as KB5083631, introduces several new features, including: - Xbox Mode, which offers a console-like interface for PC games. - AI agents on the taskbar, allowing users to monitor agents like the Microsoft 365 Researcher. - File Explorer improvements that support additional archive formats. - New haptic feedback effects for compatible pens. - Redesigned touch keyboard voice typing feature. - Rebranding of the Drag Tray to Drop Tray with a new compact view. - Enhancements to the Microsoft Store to reduce specific error codes during app downloads. Additionally, Microsoft released the optional KB5083806 update for Windows 11 version 26H1, aimed at new ARM-powered devices expected to launch later this year.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Android 17 Tackles App Layout Issues on Foldables and Tablets

Google is enhancing app adaptability for larger devices with the upcoming release of Android 17, which aims to resolve issues with apps not adjusting layouts across different screen sizes. In previous versions, apps were limited by developer-defined rules, but Android 17 will override these settings for apps targeting API 37, allowing them to run in full-screen mode. Some exceptions may apply, particularly for gaming applications that require fixed screen ratios. The final version of Android 17 is expected to be released around mid-2026, with Samsung planning to launch its One UI 9 alongside new foldable devices.