install Archives

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Windows 11 KB5074109 issues: black screen, freezes Outlook POP, breaks Azure Virtual Desktop, LocalizedResourceName (desktop.ini)

Windows 11 KB5074109 has caused several issues for users, particularly those with Nvidia GPUs, including black screens, Outlook freezing with POP accounts, and problems with File Explorer's desktop.ini settings. Users have reported random black screens and desktop freezes after installing the update, with some finding temporary relief by changing their monitor's DisplayPort mode. Outlook Classic has been problematic, remaining active in the background and freezing shortly after opening, prompting users to terminate the process in Task Manager or uninstall the update. Additionally, the update disrupts Azure Virtual Desktop functionality, leading to sign-in failures and connection issues. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems and is investigating solutions, including a Known Issue Rollback for AVD. The update also breaks the LocalizedResourceName directive in File Explorer, preventing folder name customization. Users can uninstall the update through Settings, but this may expose them to security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

January 17, 2026

How to fix Nvidia GPU FPS drop due to the Windows January 2026 update?

Users with Nvidia GPUs are experiencing decreased gaming performance after the January 2026 Windows update (KB5074109), which was intended to enhance security and address vulnerabilities. Reported issues include drops in frames per second (FPS), black screen freezes, display hangs, and driver crashes related to nvlddmkm errors. Nvidia has released a new GPU driver to address these problems. A temporary solution for affected users is to uninstall the KB5074109 update, although it is a security patch that may need to be reinstalled later. Users can also update their Nvidia drivers to the latest hotfix version and use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode for better results. It is recommended to pause Windows updates until a fix is provided by Microsoft.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Google blocks unverified Android apps, millions affected

Google has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the Android app installation process, introducing a more stringent verification protocol for sideloaded apps. This change aims to enhance user security by mitigating risks associated with unverified applications that may contain malware or security vulnerabilities. The new verification process is expected to impact millions of Android users globally and will require developers to ensure their applications meet the new standards set by Google. This could lead to changes in app development and distribution practices. Users may need to reconsider their approach to sideloading as the balance between convenience and security becomes increasingly important.

Winsage

January 17, 2026

A genuinely useful Windows 11 feature remains half‑implemented, forcing users to install new mods just to get the experience they expect

A recent enhancement to Windows 11 through the Windhawk mod allows users to manage audio settings on a per-application basis directly from the taskbar. Users can hover over any app in the taskbar and adjust its volume by scrolling. The Taskbar Volume Control Per-App mod was introduced recently and has received several updates. Additionally, there is another mod that enables users to control the overall system volume by hovering over the taskbar and scrolling.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (KB5074157) has been released to the Beta Channel. Changes and Improvements: - The "Accounts > Other Users" dialog has been redesigned using the WinUI framework and now supports dark mode. - Copilot prompt suggestions in Click to Do will load instantly, but this change is not available for Insiders in the EEA or China. - Users can now set .webp images as their desktop background. Fixes: - Taskbar autohide issue resolved. - Start menu memory leak fixed and issues with incorrect opening side for Arabic and Hebrew users addressed. - Bluetooth battery level display issue resolved. - Fixed unexpected app behavior in Xbox full-screen experience. - Login screen password icon issue fixed. - Resolved crash in Settings when interacting with audio devices. - Fixed keyboard character repeat delay settings discrepancy. - Addressed clipped text issues in msinfo32 and installation errors with .appinstaller files. - Notepad font display issue corrected. - Fixed explorer.exe hang issue upon logging in. Known Issues: - Some applications may exhibit unexpected behavior in Xbox full-screen experience. - Investigating visibility issues of apps in the system tray for some Insiders. - Addressing display issues on secondary monitors showing black screens. - Working on a fix for Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality when the app is not running. Reminders: - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2. - Features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - Features in development may not be released to the public and can evolve or be removed.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Wine 11 runs Windows apps in Linux and macOS better than ever

Wine 11.0 has been released, allowing users to run 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit Windows x86 binaries on Unix-like operating systems without distinguishing between 32-bit and 64-bit commands. It introduces support for the Linux kernel's NT synchronization primitive, enhancing performance for Windows binaries. Wine 11 is compatible with older kernels, though with reduced performance. It supports x86-to-Arm translation on Arm64 Linux systems through FEX-Emu and works on Apple Silicon Macs via Rosetta 2. The version simplifies command usage to a single wine command and eliminates 32-bit support libraries. Enhancements include improved clipboard handling over Wayland, full-screen mode functionality, Direct3D support, native Vulkan video decoding for H.264, and better handling of SCSI devices and game controllers. Wine 11 downloads are available for Linux and macOS, with a FreeBSD port expected. Testing on Ubuntu 25.10 under GNOME using Wayland showed positive results for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Is Hytale Steam Deck compatible?

Hytale is not officially compatible with the Steam Deck, but it can still be played on the device using its native Linux installer. Players can install Hytale by switching the Steam Deck to desktop mode, downloading the Linux installer from the Hytale website, and following a series of steps to add the game to their Steam library. Additionally, Hytale can be installed on other gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, Xbox Ally X, or Lenovo Legion Go using its Windows installer.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 makes Settings easier to navigate and squashes plenty of bugs

Google has released the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2, focusing on stability improvements and bug fixes for Pixel phone users. The update addresses critical crashes, notification shade glitches, charging limit issues, and slow Wi-Fi connectivity. It also features a revamped System Settings layout with grouped sections for easier navigation. The beta is available as an OTA update for enrolled users and is compatible with Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10 lineup. Users can also manually flash factory images if preferred. The stable release of Android 16 QPR3 is expected around March 2026.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

This ideal distro for Linux newbies includes a bonus for Windows users

Q4OS is a Linux distribution built on Debian, designed for users transitioning from Windows. It features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, known for its balance of elegance and user-friendliness, and also supports the Trinity desktop environment. The Welcome app includes a Desktop Profiler tool for switching between different Q4OS versions and installing alternative desktop environments. Q4OS comes preinstalled with applications like LibreOffice, Chromium, Thunderbird, and VLC, and utilizes the Flatpak package manager for additional software. Users can access apps through KDE Discover and the Q4OS Software Center, which includes tools like LookSwitcher for changing KDE Plasma themes. Q4OS prioritizes stability by following the Debian development model, ensuring a reliable operating system. It is available for free download, and the q4os-winsetup tool allows Windows users to set up a dual-boot system.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Microsoft updates Windows DLL that triggered security alerts

Microsoft has resolved an issue where third-party security applications mistakenly flagged the WinSqlite3.dll component of the Windows operating system as vulnerable. This issue affected various systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012 through 2025. The flagged vulnerability was linked to a memory corruption issue (CVE-2025-6965). Microsoft released an update to the WinSqlite3.dll component in updates from June 2025 and later, advising users to install the latest updates for their devices. WinSqlite3.dll is a core component of Windows, distinct from sqlite3.dll, which is not part of the operating system. Microsoft had previously addressed other false positive issues affecting its Defender for Endpoint platform.