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I finally found out what Windows does during "Getting things ready" — and I'm no longer annoyed
Winsage
August 29, 2026

I finally found out what Windows does during “Getting things ready” — and I’m no longer annoyed

Windows Patch Tuesdays often lead to uncertainty for users due to the "Getting things ready" screen, which lacks a percentage bar or estimated time of completion. During this time, Windows is performing complex tasks managed by the Update Orchestrator, which assesses applicable components of updates, prepares necessary files, and stages them for installation. The servicing stack, including Component-Based Servicing (CBS), ensures that only relevant parts of an update are applied at the component level. The update process involves checks, package handling, staging, installation, and finalization, influenced by each PC's unique configuration, installed components, optional features, and drivers. The variability in wait times is due to these factors, and while Microsoft does not provide precise completion times, clearer messaging about the current task could improve user experience. The lack of information can create confusion between necessary updates and a system that appears stuck.
Site provides instructions to get up to $175 back for your pre-installed Windows 11 license — new portal provides legal forms, but warns buyers not to wipe storage first
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Site provides instructions to get up to $175 back for your pre-installed Windows 11 license — new portal provides legal forms, but warns buyers not to wipe storage first

A significant portion of new PCs is sold with Windows 11 pre-installed, causing frustration among Linux enthusiasts. The Refund4Freedom initiative, launched by the Italian Linux Society and the Free Software Foundation Europe, aims to provide consumers with the option to purchase laptops without being tied to a specific operating system and to avoid paying for unwanted software. The initiative has three main demands: 1. Freedom of Choice: Consumers should not be forced to use or pay for pre-installed software. 2. Transparent Pricing: Consumers should be able to purchase hardware without pre-installed software and see price differences. 3. Clear Refund Processes: Manufacturers must provide clear guidelines for requesting refunds for pre-installed software. The Refund4Freedom website details various brands' reimbursement practices, noting that Acer and Lenovo have established refund processes for Windows, while Asus has a less visible route primarily in Italy. Dell and HP currently do not offer reimbursement options. For those wishing to reject Windows, Refund4Freedom advises documenting contract clauses, contacting customer service, and using a pre-made form for refunds, which is tailored for Italy. The typical reimbursement amount for a Windows license is around €50, though it varies by region and manufacturer.
I test Windows laptops for a living, and these are the 7 features I can't pass up
Winsage
August 29, 2026

I test Windows laptops for a living, and these are the 7 features I can’t pass up

The author has spent five years testing laptops and has identified seven essential features for selecting a Windows laptop based on their experience and travel needs: 1. An OLED display for better contrast and deeper blacks. 2. A 14-inch chassis that is lightweight, ideal for travel. 3. At least 512GB of storage to accommodate large files. 4. At least one USB-A port for compatibility with older hardware. 5. All-day battery life, enhanced by Intel's "Lunar Lake" processors. 6. A backlit keyboard for usability in low-light environments. 7. No proprietary chargers, favoring USB-C for flexibility and convenience. The author notes that while many brands offer these features, pricing has been affected by the ongoing memory crisis, pushing preferred models into a higher price range.
After GTA 6: Extended Look Showed Rockstar's Game Running at 30FPS, Tech Experts Say a 60FPS Console Version Is 'Extremely Unlikely' and 'Genuinely Challenging' Even on PC
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

After GTA 6: Extended Look Showed Rockstar’s Game Running at 30FPS, Tech Experts Say a 60FPS Console Version Is ‘Extremely Unlikely’ and ‘Genuinely Challenging’ Even on PC

Digital Foundry has analyzed the recent 27-minute reveal of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, which showcased gameplay at 30 frames per second (fps). The game is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S this November, with a focus on maximizing visual detail at the fixed frame rate. Significant advancements in character rendering, including skin shading and hair simulation, have been noted. The internal rendering on the PS5 is speculated to operate at 1440p without dynamic resolution scaling, although this may result in some softness and aliasing. Digital Foundry expresses skepticism about the feasibility of a 60fps mode on current consoles, citing the game's design balance and the complex CPU demands of its detailed world. Future console iterations and a PC release may support higher resolutions and features like DLSS, but achieving 60fps could still be challenging. IGN has provided exclusive insights into various aspects of the game, including its romance system and expansive map.
Nvidia: Windows 10 drivers for GeForce end in 2026
Winsage
August 29, 2026

Nvidia: Windows 10 drivers for GeForce end in 2026

Nvidia will stop regular support for Windows 10 drivers for GeForce graphics cards by October 2026, after which users will receive only quarterly security updates until October 2029. The last Game-Ready driver for Windows 10 will be released in October 2026, with the first driver lacking Windows 10 support scheduled for November 2026. Modern GeForce RTX graphics cards will not receive new drivers if running on Windows 10 after October 2026. Nvidia's support for older architectures like Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta will end in October 2025, with quarterly updates until October 2028. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, as Microsoft will conclude general support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users should check hardware compatibility for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. The last regular driver version for Windows 10 will remain available after October 2026, but Nvidia will not be obligated to address routine bugs or compatibility issues thereafter.
Google gives Android developers until February to use less RAM
AppWizard
August 28, 2026

Google gives Android developers until February to use less RAM

AI data centers are consuming memory chips faster than the semiconductor industry can adjust production, affecting the Android ecosystem. Google announced new memory reduction requirements for all applications on Google Play due to hardware supply constraints impacting device memory availability. Every Android application must comply with revised performance thresholds for dynamic memory usage and bitmap allocation, with developers exceeding limits receiving automated notifications. A Memory Limiter tool will be introduced to enforce compliance by restricting non-compliant applications' memory usage. Budget Android devices, particularly those with 4GB of RAM, are at greater risk of crashes without optimization from developers. This policy will impact millions of users in regions with affordable Android phones. Chip foundries like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are reallocating production capacity towards High Bandwidth Memory for AI training chips, leading to a tighter supply of conventional DRAM for consumer devices. Google has not specified numerical thresholds for compliance, and the consequences for non-compliance remain unclear, with only warnings mentioned. The Memory Limiter tools are expected to be rolled out before the end of 2026, with full enforcement starting in February 2027, and a second requirement, Zero Tap Sign-In, will be introduced in April 2027. Development teams should prepare for these changes in the latter half of 2026.
Gaming Has Never Been Better. So Why Does It Feel Like the Worst Time to Be a Gamer?
AppWizard
August 28, 2026

Gaming Has Never Been Better. So Why Does It Feel Like the Worst Time to Be a Gamer?

The gaming industry is experiencing a surge in high-profile releases, including Grand Theft Auto 6, Control Resonant, Ace Combat 8, and Modern Warfare 4. However, the cost of entry has increased significantly, with flagship consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X now priced at least 0 above their launch prices. Microsoft is reportedly losing 0 per console sold, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to see a price increase. A shortage of memory and storage, driven by AI demands, has made essential gaming hardware more expensive. Mobile gaming and PC gaming are also affected, with graphics card prices projected to rise by 20% to 30%. The term “RAMageddon” has emerged to describe the doubling of memory prices since late 2025. Major companies like Microsoft and Sony are facing disappointing hardware sales, with projections of an 11% decline in PC shipments by 2026. The traditional model of game ownership is shifting towards a rental-like system, with digital sales tying ownership to accounts and licenses. Concerns about game accessibility have grown, leading to the Stop Killing Games movement. Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for resale has raised questions about long-term access, while Sony plans to end production of physical game discs by 2028. The average cost of AAA games has risen, with new titles like Mario Kart World for the Switch 2 priced at . Cloud gaming and subscription services further complicate ownership, as game availability is contingent on licensing agreements.
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