game applications Archives

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

The latest Windows 11 update is borking some multiplayer games, but Arc Raiders’ developer has a quick workaround

Microsoft is investigating game crashes following the Windows update released on or after August 11. Symptoms include unresponsive game applications, unexpected closures, the error message "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION," and unexpected device restarts. Confirmed crashes have been reported in games such as Arc Raiders, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub app. A temporary workaround suggested by Embark Studios involves commands in Command Prompt to stop and delete "inpoutx64" and its associated file. The update KB5121003 includes over 400 security updates, but it is unclear if they are responsible for the gaming issues. Some users have experienced graphical corruption in games like Valorant and Roblox, and uninstalling KB5121003 has resolved black screen issues for some. To revert Windows updates, users can search for Windows Update in the Start menu, click on Update history, select Uninstall updates, and uninstall update KB5120708.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

Windows 11 August Update is Breaking Games, Microsoft Investigates

Microsoft has acknowledged that the Windows 11 August update is causing significant gaming performance issues for several popular titles, including ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Users are experiencing problems such as forced crashes, random freezes, and unexpected device restarts. Symptoms include unresponsive game applications, applications closing without notice, the error message "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION," and unexpected device restarts. Microsoft is investigating these disruptions and encourages affected users to report their experiences through the Feedback Hub.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

The latest Windows 11 update is borking some multiplayer games, but Arc Raiders’ developer has a quick workaround

Microsoft is investigating crashes affecting a limited number of games following a Windows update on or after August 11. Symptoms include unresponsive game applications, unexpected closures, the error message "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION," and unexpected device restarts. Confirmed crashes have been reported in games such as Arc Raiders, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub app. A temporary workaround involves entering specific commands in Command Prompt to stop and delete the inpoutx64 driver. The update KB5121003, which includes over 400 security updates, may be related to these issues, and some users have resolved black screen problems by uninstalling it. Users can also roll back their Windows version by uninstalling update KB5120708.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Windows 11 ends Android app support: practical workarounds

Microsoft has discontinued the Windows Subsystem for Android and its integration with the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 due to low demand. Users can no longer use an official Microsoft method to install general Android apps. The primary alternatives are Google Play Games on PC, which focuses on gaming, and third-party emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and GameLoop for a broader range of applications. To use Google Play Games, users need a PC with at least 8 GB RAM, a modern quad-core processor, hardware-accelerated graphics, SSD storage with 10 GB free, and hardware virtualization enabled. Users must enable virtualization in their UEFI or BIOS settings and activate the Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform in Windows. Emulators allow users to run full Android apps on Windows. They can download apps from the Google Play Store within the emulator or sideload APK files. Users should be cautious about security risks when sideloading apps and stick to reputable sources. Performance tuning for emulators involves allocating sufficient resources, resolving virtualization conflicts, and optimizing settings like resolution and frame rate. Users are advised to install on SSDs and minimize background tasks for better performance.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Microsoft helps out app developers by wiping out Store fees

Microsoft has launched an initiative allowing app developers to publish their apps to the Microsoft Store without any fees, globally available in nearly 200 markets. Individual developers can register without a credit card, and the onboarding process includes free registration, lightweight ID verification, and streamlined setup. Microsoft offers free hosting, app signing, and automatic updates for MSIX packages. The Microsoft Store attracts over 250 million users monthly and supports various app types, providing trusted distribution and flexible commerce options for developers.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Winos4.0 Malware Found in Game Apps, Targets Windows Users

A newly identified malware framework called "Winos4.0" targets Windows users through game-related applications. It is a sophisticated variant of Gh0strat, capable of executing remote actions and granting attackers control over compromised systems. Winos4.0 is distributed via seemingly harmless applications, which download a BMP file that extracts and activates the Winos4.0 DLL file. The malware establishes persistence by creating registry keys or scheduled tasks. Its capabilities include clipboard monitoring, system information gathering, and detection of antivirus software and security applications. Winos4.0 targets educational institutions, particularly in "Campus Administration." It maintains communication with command-and-control (C2) servers to download encrypted modules and receive commands for actions like document management and screen capture. Fortinet compares Winos4.0 to frameworks like Cobalt Strike and Sliver, noting its encrypted data exchanges and C2 communication. Users are advised to download applications only from reputable sources.