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Windows 11’s new Start menu is here, and the community reaction is basically “why is this worse?”
Winsage
February 27, 2026

Windows 11’s new Start menu is here, and the community reaction is basically “why is this worse?”

Microsoft's redesign of the Start menu in Windows 11 has received mixed reactions, with many users criticizing its excessive size, automation, and lack of customization options. Users on larger monitors find the menu to be a "colossal waste of space," while those on laptops have a more favorable view. The automatic categorization of apps has been deemed ineffective, with users frustrated by the inability to rename or adjust categories. Some users appreciate the "List" view option, but overall, the menu's size overshadows its positive aspects. Functional issues such as icons failing to render and laggy animations have also been reported, contributing to dissatisfaction. Users express a desire for more control over their interface, suggesting that options for category editing and resizing could improve the experience.
Users Solve Windows 11 Issues With Four Settings Checks
Winsage
February 11, 2026

Users Solve Windows 11 Issues With Four Settings Checks

To address slowdowns and glitches in Windows 11, users should verify several settings before considering a complete reinstallation. Key actions include: 1. Check for Windows Updates: Navigate to Settings > Windows Update to install patches and update device drivers. Uninstall problematic updates if necessary. 2. Manage Startup Applications: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) or Settings > Apps > Startup to disable unnecessary auto-starting applications to improve boot speed. 3. Pause OneDrive Syncing: Temporarily pause OneDrive syncing during resource-intensive tasks to prevent performance degradation. 4. Adjust Visual Effects: Disable Transparency effects and Animation effects in Settings > Personalization > Colors and Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects, respectively, to reduce GPU strain. 5. Limit Notifications: Turn off notifications in Settings > System > Notifications to minimize interruptions. 6. Restrict Background Activity: Set background app permissions to "Never" for infrequently used applications to conserve memory and disk usage. 7. Run Security Scans: Use Windows Security to perform a Quick scan and ensure that real-time protection features are enabled to detect malware and adware. 8. Browser Maintenance: Reset browser settings, remove unknown extensions, and enable tracking protection to improve resource management. If issues persist, further steps include running System File Checker, testing memory, checking storage health, or performing a repair install of Windows.
What is Bazzite, and is it better than Windows for PC gaming? I installed this trending Linux distribution to see for myself
Winsage
January 19, 2026

What is Bazzite, and is it better than Windows for PC gaming? I installed this trending Linux distribution to see for myself

The debate over the superiority of Windows versus Linux for PC gaming has intensified, particularly with the introduction of Valve's Steam Deck, which uses SteamOS and Proton to enable Windows games on Linux. Bazzite, an open-source Linux distribution based on Fedora, is designed for gamers and features an immutable system that protects core files from user modification. It allows the use of Steam and other launchers through Lutris and organizes applications in containers to maintain system integrity. Bazzite includes a pre-installed software store called 'Bazaar' for easy access to game launchers and emulators, while additional software can be installed using Distrobox. Although Bazzite simplifies the gaming experience, the absence of some major PC games and the differences in file execution between Windows and Linux may pose challenges for new users. Despite these hurdles, Bazzite is considered a strong gaming-friendly distribution, closely resembling Fedora KDE, and is gaining traction among gamers as Linux becomes more prominent.
Steam Machine release date speculation, specs and latest news
AppWizard
January 9, 2026

Steam Machine release date speculation, specs and latest news

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine in early 2026, potentially up to April 2026, though delays may occur due to a RAM crisis affecting component prices. Pre-orders are currently unavailable, but customers can add it to their Steam wishlist for notifications. The Steam Machine is a PC-hybrid console, running SteamOS, and offers a desktop environment for flexibility. It has performance specifications between the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5, with 16GB of system memory and 8GB of video memory. Key specifications include a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU, semi-custom AMD RDNA3 GPU, and storage options of 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD. The Steam Machine will come with a Steam Controller, featuring standard controls and enhanced precision through dual trackpads and a gyroscope.
Half Life 3 Steam Machine rumors just won't go away, with high RAM prices now somehow connected
AppWizard
December 15, 2025

Half Life 3 Steam Machine rumors just won’t go away, with high RAM prices now somehow connected

Valve initially intended to unveil Half-Life 3 alongside the Steam Machine, but rising RAM prices led to a change in plans. The Steam Machine, powered by SteamOS, has generated hype, but lacks a confirmed release date or pricing. Insider sources suggest that Half-Life 3 could still be a launch title for the Steam Machine, though delays are attributed to increased PC RAM prices due to AI data centers consuming supply. This price surge has affected the tech industry, leading to speculation about potential delays or price increases for gaming products. Experts suggest Valve may separate the launches of the Steam Machine and Half-Life 3, as the success of the game appears independent of the hardware's debut. There are currently no definitive hints or leaks confirming the development of Half-Life 3.
RIP Windows: Linux GPU Gaming Benchmarks on Bazzite
Winsage
December 5, 2025

RIP Windows: Linux GPU Gaming Benchmarks on Bazzite

The shift from Windows to Linux, particularly with SteamOS, has increased interest in Linux testing among gamers. After three weeks of testing the Bazzite distribution, initial GPU results were obtained, revealing various issues such as crashes and lengthy shader compilation times. Bazzite was chosen for its popularity and developer engagement, offering two main versions: NVIDIA and non-NVIDIA, both with pre-installed drivers. The testing methodology was sensitive to change and not directly comparable to Windows due to different measurement tools. Benchmarking results showed that the RTX 5090 achieved an average of 176 FPS in Dragon’s Dogma 2 at 1080p, while performance disparities were noted in Black Myth: Wukong, where NVIDIA cards struggled with consistency. AMD GPUs often outperformed NVIDIA counterparts in several titles, indicating that while high-end NVIDIA hardware is capable, the Linux software environment may not fully utilize its potential. Ray tracing benchmarks in Cyberpunk 2077 also highlighted inconsistencies in performance. Overall, the Linux gaming environment is evolving, with expectations for improved compatibility and performance in the future.
Valve isn't slowing down with its Steam Labs updates – this one might be the best yet
AppWizard
October 22, 2025

Valve isn’t slowing down with its Steam Labs updates – this one might be the best yet

Valve has introduced a Personal Calendar feature for Steam users through its Steam Labs experiment, designed to help gamers track recently released and upcoming titles based on their gaming activity and wishlists. This tool allows users to view newly launched games, wishlist items, and receive game suggestions based on individual playtime. Currently accessible via Steam Labs, it may be integrated into the Steam platform if it gains popularity. The feature is particularly effective for users with large collections of roguelite and action games. This update comes as Microsoft launches a 'full-screen experience' mode for the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC, increasing competition among PC game launchers.
Windows is putting all your game launchers on the Xbox app to create a central hub for PC and handheld gamers
Winsage
August 22, 2025

Windows is putting all your game launchers on the Xbox app to create a central hub for PC and handheld gamers

Microsoft is enhancing the Xbox app for PC gamers by introducing a feature called “My apps,” which consolidates various launchers and gaming tools into a single interface. This feature allows gamers to manage applications like Steam, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, Chrome, and GOG Galaxy from the Xbox app. It is particularly beneficial for handheld gaming PCs, enabling access to all launchers in full-screen mode while minimizing background activity for improved gameplay. Currently, “My apps” is in testing with a limited selection of applications, and initial tests show that the Xbox app can open installed launchers or facilitate their installation without exiting the interface. Microsoft plans to expand support for more applications over time, aiming to make the Xbox app a central hub for PC gaming. The Xbox ROG Ally and Xbox ROG Ally X are set to launch on October 16, with pre-orders expected in September.
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