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Microsoft says RGB is responsible for recent Windows 11 and game crashes
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Microsoft says RGB is responsible for recent Windows 11 and game crashes

RGB lighting setups may be causing system instabilities on Windows 11, particularly during gaming sessions, as reported by Microsoft. The issue affects PCs running Windows 11 version 25H2 or newer, especially after the August 11 KB5121003 update, and is linked to driver or code components associated with 'inpoutx64'. Users have experienced 'ExceptionAccessViolation' blue screens, which occur when software accesses memory outside its designated boundaries. The problem may be related to anti-cheat technology in various games conflicting with RGB software. Affected titles include Arc Raiders, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Microsoft and game developers are working on solutions and recommend temporarily disabling inpoutx64, which may result in loss of RGB functionality. The issue also affects internal RGB components.
Windows 11 is getting faster, but its apps aren't keeping up
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Windows 11 is getting faster, but its apps aren’t keeping up

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 by rolling out new context menus and refreshing the AutoPlay dialog box. Discussions are ongoing about branding the next major update as Windows 12, but improving the quality of applications is crucial for the overall user experience. Microsoft is working on enhancing its suite of applications, with developer Rudy Huyn assembling a team focused on improving Windows applications. Despite previous rebuilds, core issues with applications like Microsoft Teams persist, and there are concerns about whether the team will focus on native applications or continue to rely on sluggish web apps. Additionally, flagship applications like Photos and OneDrive may not be addressed by Huyn's team, potentially impacting user experience if Teams remains slow. Microsoft 365 is currently available at a discount when bundled with NordVPN.
A faster OS and UI fixes won't save Windows 11 if Microsoft's apps remain laggy web wrappers
Winsage
August 24, 2026

A faster OS and UI fixes won’t save Windows 11 if Microsoft’s apps remain laggy web wrappers

Microsoft is testing new context menus and updating the AutoPlay dialog box in Windows 11. The Windows K2 initiative is prompting discussions about a potential Windows 12 update. Concerns remain about the performance of key applications like Microsoft Teams, which has been criticized for slow loading times. The upcoming Windows 11 update will include a refreshed Start menu, Taskbar enhancements, and quality fixes. A study by Signal65 found that the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme outperforms Intel and AMD chips. Rudy Huyn is leading a team to improve Windows applications, but it is uncertain how many apps will benefit from these efforts. Many major applications operate independently from Huyn's team, raising concerns about user experience. Microsoft 365 is currently available at a discount when bundled with NordVPN.
Windows 11 is finally getting better, and the Windows Central Podcast breaks down all the improvements that have been announced and delivered since March
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Windows 11 is finally getting better, and the Windows Central Podcast breaks down all the improvements that have been announced and delivered since March

In the latest episode of the Windows Central Podcast, hosts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden discuss significant updates to Windows 11, including revamped context menus, enhancements to File Explorer, and a new feature that allows apps to launch in full-screen mode. Key highlights include: - Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 chips outperform Intel and AMD in recent laptop evaluations. - New customizable context menus in Windows 11 Insider builds improve speed and third-party app management. - File Explorer has received performance enhancements, eliminating freezing issues and providing a more polished user interface. - A new setting enables users to automatically launch applications in full-screen mode. - A retrospective look at quality-of-life improvements introduced to Windows 11 since March.
Windows 11 will soon let you control unified memory, just in time for NVIDIA RTX Spark
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Windows 11 will soon let you control unified memory, just in time for NVIDIA RTX Spark

A new feature in the Windows Insider program for Windows 11 allows users to designate specific amounts of unified memory for graphics and AI applications, discovered in build 29648 by user @XenoPanther. Unified memory enables sharing between the CPU, GPU, and other processors, with support for up to 128GB of unified RAM from NVIDIA and integrated features from AMD. This feature aims to reserve additional unified memory for demanding applications, enhancing performance by ensuring consistent access to high-speed memory and reducing latency issues. It is still in development and not officially announced by Microsoft, but users can enable it using ViveTool, with a recommendation to wait for further testing before widespread use.
The Witcher 4 is 'targeting' a 2028 release
AppWizard
August 24, 2026

The Witcher 4 is ‘targeting’ a 2028 release

CD Projekt co-CEO Michał Nowakowski announced that more than 500 developers are working on the sequel to The Witcher series, referred to as The Witcher 4, which is expected to launch in over a year. The game will feature a vast open world, intense gameplay, and a deep narrative, making it the company's biggest and most ambitious project to date. The release timeline is flexible, reflecting lessons learned from previous game launches, and Nowakowski encouraged fans to be patient, stating that the wait will be worth it.
Windows 95's redesign is still the most profound 31 years later — I take a look at what survived more than three decades of hardware evolution
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Windows 95’s redesign is still the most profound 31 years later — I take a look at what survived more than three decades of hardware evolution

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, featuring a memorable appearance by Jay Leno and CEO Bill Gates. The launch included a promotional video set to "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones. Windows 95 introduced the Start button, marking a significant change in user experience compared to Windows 3.1, which used a full-screen Program Manager for application organization. The introduction of the Start button reshaped user interaction with computers and contributed to the legacy of Windows 95, which continues to influence users today, even with the release of Windows 11 in 2021.
Weekly Recap: Microsoft (MSFT) cloud growth and China Windows 10 phase-out
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Weekly Recap: Microsoft (MSFT) cloud growth and China Windows 10 phase-out

ICE Data Services is expanding its market data offerings to enhance accessibility and quality for investors and analysts. FactSet is providing enhanced reference data services to improve decision-making for clients. Both companies are leveraging advanced technology to streamline data delivery. The American Bankers Association is partnering with FactSet to provide the CUSIP Database for tracking and trading securities. Quartr supplies SEC filings and essential documents to support transparency and compliance in financial markets.
Windows 11 26H2 Update Focuses on Extended Servicing, Not New Features
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Update Focuses on Extended Servicing, Not New Features

The forthcoming Windows 11 26H2 release will focus on recalibrating support cycles rather than introducing new features. Microsoft has implemented a shared servicing model for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 since late 2024, allowing for consistent updates across branches. Users on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 can transition to 26H2 with an enablement package (eKB), while those on older versions like 22H2 and 23H2 will receive it as a full feature update. The 26H2 version will reset the support cycle, providing 24 months of updates for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education versions, extending until October 2028 for Home and Pro and October 2029 for Enterprise and Education starting in 2026. The 26H2 update will not introduce new features, with a more comprehensive upgrade expected in Windows 11 27H2. Additionally, Windows 11 26H1 is designed for Windows-on-Arm devices using Snapdragon chips, with devices featuring NVIDIA RTX Spark expected to launch this fall.
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