installation process Archives

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft will no longer auto-install M365 Copilot app on Windows PCs

Microsoft has temporarily suspended the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows PCs equipped with M365 applications due to user resistance. The rollout, which began in December, was intended to integrate AI functionalities across tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users in the European Economic Area were excluded by default, and IT administrators had the option to opt out. Existing installations of the app will not be removed, and users can choose to uninstall it if desired. Microsoft plans to provide further updates before any future rollout.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Oblivion turns 20 today, and I need Bethesda to return to its roots for Elder Scrolls 6

The author purchased The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion the day after its release, exchanging all their pocket money at Gamestation. The game came with a disc and a glossy map of Cyrodiil. Oblivion allowed players to take on various roles, showcasing the flexibility characteristic of RPGs. The author experienced the game on PC, while it also became a flagship title for the Xbox 360, broadening the appeal of RPGs to console gamers. Oblivion has influenced many contemporary games, including Elden Ring and Kingdom Come Deliverance. It is associated with the controversial horse armor DLC, which sparked discussions about microtransactions in gaming. The author reflects on the game's graphical limitations and the unnecessary nature of the Oblivion Remastered version. As Oblivion celebrates its 20th anniversary, the author considers the future of RPGs and the potential impact of The Elder Scrolls 6.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google Just Made Four Big Upgrades to Android Gaming on Your Windows PC

Google has introduced enhancements to the Google Play gaming experience on Windows PCs, focusing on game discovery and purchasing processes while expanding the availability of paid titles. Key updates include: - An expanded game library with more paid, premium games optimized for PC. - A new PC section in the Play Store Games tab on mobile devices to identify cross-platform compatible titles. - A single purchase option for games that allows access on both mobile and desktop platforms. - Game trials for selected titles, enabling free play up to a certain limit before prompting purchase, with progress carried over if bought. Upcoming games for PC include Moonlight Peaks, Sledding Game, and Low-Budget Repairs. Users can start playing by visiting the Google Play Games web portal, downloading the software, and syncing their Google account. After installation, a list of available games will be displayed, with options to customize controls and visual settings. However, syncing issues may occur, and Game Trials are still in development.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google Unveils New Process For Installing Unverified Android Apps

Google is implementing stricter measures for installing Android applications outside of its Play Store, requiring all apps to be signed by verified developers. Users will now access the Allow Unverified Packages setting through Developer Options, with a 24-hour security delay after device restarts. A limited free developer account option allows only 20 device installations, with a fee and government-issued ID required for more. These changes will affect third-party app stores, which must also comply with the new verification requirements. Scammers may still find ways to bypass these restrictions.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google adds 24-hour Android sideloading for unverified apps

Google is revising its approach to Android sideloading by allowing users to install applications from unverified developers while implementing a new 24-hour process to enhance security. Users must activate developer mode, confirm their decision, restart their devices, and re-authenticate before installation. A one-time 24-hour waiting period is also introduced to prevent scams. This change addresses concerns from developers and advocacy groups about the impact of stringent verification policies on smaller developers. Google is also offering limited-distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps without full verification. The updated process includes additional security measures to disrupt scams, while users are encouraged to use dedicated security solutions for better protection against mobile threats.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Android’s new sideloading rules are here, and they come with a 24-hour lock!

Google has introduced a new sideloading process for Android that includes a 24-hour waiting period and multiple steps for installing apps from unverified developers. The steps are as follows: 1. Enable Developer Mode. 2. Confirm you’re not being coerced into disabling device protections. 3. Restart your phone. 4. Wait 24 hours. 5. Re-authenticate using biometric authentication or a PIN. 6. Install the app, with a warning about its unverified status. This change aims to enhance user safety and protect less experienced users from scams. The new rules will take effect in August, primarily affecting users who sideload apps from third-party sources, while those using the Play Store will not see changes. Google is also requiring app developers to verify their identities to reduce the risk of malicious applications. Exceptions exist for limited distribution apps that can be shared without full verification.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google reveals its solution for true Android sideloading: a mandatory waiting period

Google is introducing a new "advanced flow" for installing certain apps on Android, which will take effect later this year. This process includes a one-time setup that requires users to enable Developer Mode, confirm they are not being pressured into disabling security settings, restart their device, and undergo a 24-hour cooling-off period before verifying their identity through biometric authentication or a device PIN to install apps from unverified developers. Developers will soon need to provide personal information and, in some cases, a government-issued ID for verification, with mandatory requirements expected in select countries by September and globally by 2027. Google also plans to launch a "Registered App Stores" program outside the U.S. by the end of the year and is working on accommodating rival app stores within its Google Play Store in the U.S.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Google gives Android users a way to install unverified apps if they prove they really, really want to

Google has announced that Android users will now be able to install apps from unverified developers, responding to user feedback against the previously planned developer verification requirement set for September 2026. The original plan required apps on certified Android devices to be linked to verified developer accounts, which faced criticism from various groups. In response, Google has implemented a one-time installation process for apps from unverified developers, requiring users to enable developer mode, confirm their decision, restart their device, and wait a day before proceeding. Users can then install apps from unverified developers for seven days or indefinitely. Additionally, a separate installation flow will allow students and hobbyists to share apps with a small group without verification. These changes are set to roll out in August.

Winsage

March 18, 2026

Microsoft says it won’t auto install Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows 11, likely due to outrage over ‘Microslop’

Microsoft has announced a temporary halt to the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows 11 due to feedback from commercial customers. Initially, the company planned to auto-install the app starting in September 2025, but as of October 2025, it decided to pause this process after receiving negative feedback. Existing installations will remain unaffected, and administrators can still deploy the app through other methods. The Microsoft 365 Copilot app is designed to enhance productivity by optimizing Office applications using AI. Microsoft justified the automatic installation by highlighting the app's potential benefits, but user dissatisfaction led to the reassessment of this strategy. The company is also facing criticism for its aggressive promotion of the Copilot app, which has impacted its reputation in the AI landscape. In response, Microsoft is reevaluating its integration of Copilot within Windows 11 to address user concerns and improve the overall experience.

Winsage

March 15, 2026

Microsoft Updates Windows 11 ISO Tool, How To Install It Without A Microsoft Account Or Internet Connection

A clean install of Windows can improve system performance and resolve issues. To begin, back up important files to a NAS, secondary PC, external storage, or cloud service. Wipe the system disk and start fresh. For installing Windows 11, options include performing a Cloud Download reinstall via the Windows Recovery Environment or using external storage with Microsoft's Media Creation Tool or an ISO. Microsoft updates installation ISOs monthly, reducing the need for additional driver installations. Download necessary drivers beforehand, focusing on graphics and chipset drivers. To perform a clean installation, download the latest Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) from Microsoft's website and use Rufus to write it to external storage. Rufus allows bypassing certain Windows 11 requirements, such as Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, and can facilitate creating a local account instead of using a Microsoft account. Ensure updated BIOS installations are checked if applicable. After writing the installation media, boot from it by accessing the boot menu or adjusting the UEFI setup. During installation, delete existing partitions and select empty space to proceed. Finally, install drivers post-installation.