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Microsoft says it's optimizing Windows 11 for 8GB PCs, so I tested 26H2 on an 8GB laptop
Winsage
October 22, 2026

Microsoft says it’s optimizing Windows 11 for 8GB PCs, so I tested 26H2 on an 8GB laptop

Following the Windows 11 26H2 update, users with 8GB PCs reported a significant reduction in RAM usage. One user noted a decrease from 5GB to 3.3GB after a restart, while tests on a virtual machine showed RAM usage drop from 4.1GB to between 2.8GB and 3.2GB. Microsoft has optimized RAM usage for 8GB PCs, aiming for improvements through 2026, with anecdotal evidence suggesting a reduction of 1GB to 2GB in boot RAM usage. Specific improvements include Windows now retaining up to 2GB more active data in memory and allowing Widgets to load only when accessed, freeing over 200MB for other tasks. The separation of Widgets from the Discover feed has also contributed to reduced RAM usage.
Microsoft says October updates didn’t actually fix VPN issues
Winsage
October 21, 2026

Microsoft says October updates didn’t actually fix VPN issues

Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing connection issues with its Always On VPN feature, which were initially reported as resolved in the October 2026 cumulative updates for Windows 11. However, these issues persist, particularly affecting users with automatic protocol selection using IKEv2 and SSTP. A service alert revealed that the bug was mistakenly marked as resolved and has since been changed to "Mitigated." Microsoft is working on a proper fix and has provided a temporary workaround for affected users by advising IT administrators to select a single tunneling protocol instead of automatic protocol selection. The September cumulative updates have also caused various other problems for users, prompting Microsoft to release emergency out-of-band updates to address critical issues.
Windows Server 2025 gets support for quick machine recovery
Winsage
October 21, 2026

Windows Server 2025 gets support for quick machine recovery

Microsoft has introduced a Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature for IT administrators managing Windows Server 2025, enabling quick recovery from boot failures after the October 2026 security update without physical access to systems. When activated, QMR boots the system into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to troubleshoot issues, collecting crash data for remote assistance from Microsoft. Cloud remediation is disabled by default but can be enabled through Group Policy. Administrators can disable QMR by turning off 'Enable Cloud Remediation' and 'Enable Auto Remediation.' QMR was initially introduced in November 2024 as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative and began testing in March 2025, with improvements made by November 2025.
How to Change Windows 11 Clock Font, Size, and Color
Winsage
October 21, 2026

How to Change Windows 11 Clock Font, Size, and Color

Windows 11 does not provide built-in options to customize the taskbar clock's font, size, or color. To achieve this, users need a third-party tool called Windhawk along with its Taskbar Clock Customization mod. Testing on Windows 11 Pro version 25H2 confirmed that the mod allows changes to the clock's font family, size, weight, and color. The mod requires Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 (version 22H2 or newer) and must be installed from windhawk.net. Users need internet access for the initial mod load, as Windhawk downloads necessary debug symbols. Windhawk is open-source, and while generally safe, code injection may trigger antivirus alerts. Users can revert to the default clock by disabling or removing the mod through Windhawk.
An unofficial Android app blacks out your phone screen, but not your Xreal glasses
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

An unofficial Android app blacks out your phone screen, but not your Xreal glasses

An unofficial Android application called "Glasses Mode" has been released, allowing users of USB-C display glasses to blank their phone's screen and disable touch input while the glasses continue to display content. The app, which requires Android 14 or newer, was released on October 18 and is currently available for testing on the OPPO Find N6 with Android 16 and ColorOS. It works with any USB-C glasses that mirror a phone's display and employs a technique that attaches a black layer to the phone’s display to keep the mirrored display on the glasses active. Users can activate the mode with a double-tap of the volume buttons, and the app does not require rooting or a PC for installation. The application is not available on the Play Store and must be downloaded as an APK from the project's releases page. Unplugging the glasses automatically disables the mode, and the app is designed to work with devices that may have varying compatibility.
Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel rolling out with 21 fixes
AppWizard
October 20, 2026

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel rolling out with 21 fixes

The Android 17 QPR3 preview is set to launch in March 2027, with Beta 2 now available for Google Pixel devices. This update resolves various issues, including: - Intermittent device crashes and reboots during normal usage. - Persistent text in the Internet Quick Settings tile when mobile data is active without Wi-Fi. - Media output dialog failing to recognize the monochrome system theme with external audio devices. - Misalignment of pin icons next to pinned apps in the share sheet. - Unexpected API lint and source compatibility check errors from internal PublishedApi declarations. - Unexpected device shutdowns during WhatsApp video calls. - Overlapping lock screen notifications with UI elements causing stuttering animations. - Cellular data, MMS, and hotspot services failing on Dish Network. - Screen recording freezing after screen rotation. - Abnormally small rendering of system UI, fonts, and apps regardless of display size settings. - Display turning black and unresponsive after ending a phone call. - Terminal app failing to launch the Linux development environment virtual machine post-installation. - Wi-Fi Aware errors when establishing data paths after network request release. - Paired watches ringing after an incoming call is answered. - Airbnb app failing to connect when sending messages. - Misalignment of Bluetooth subtitle in Quick Settings. - Unexpected closure of the app drawer when switching keyboard languages. - Bluetooth pairing failures due to connection timeouts. - VoLTE, VoNR, and Wi-Fi calling unavailable on the IT&E network. - High idle battery drain from motion sensors remaining active post Face Unlock or camera use. - Wi-Fi Calling unavailable on the OXIO network. Users can report issues via the Android Beta Feedback app or the Android Beta community on Reddit. System images for Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 are available for various Pixel devices, and interested users can join the Android Beta Program for an on-device OTA experience.
Windows 98 SE users get a Thunderbolt 4 driver, thanks to AI assistance — vibe-coded xHCI98 driver works in Microsoft OSes up to Windows 7
Winsage
October 20, 2026

Windows 98 SE users get a Thunderbolt 4 driver, thanks to AI assistance — vibe-coded xHCI98 driver works in Microsoft OSes up to Windows 7

Windows 98 SE now has experimental support for USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4 through the xHCI98 v3.0.0.0 driver developed by Yeo Kheng Meng. This driver enables the use of generic USB 3.x, USB4, and Thunderbolt host controllers on legacy operating systems like Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, and 7. It allows connections for USB storage devices, replaces native USB drivers, and supports USB 1.1, 2.0, SuperSpeed devices, UAS storage, and Thunderbolt docks and NVMe enclosures. Meng utilized AI tools for development and primarily tested the driver on Intel hardware, while advising users to be cautious of potential bugs. He also provides guidance on hardware compatibility, installation methods, and updates.
Latest Windows update disables key security setting - but there's a workaround
Winsage
October 20, 2026

Latest Windows update disables key security setting – but there’s a workaround

Microsoft's October update for Windows 11, released on October 13, has caused a glitch that disables the Smart App Control feature for some users. This feature, introduced in 2022, is intended to block harmful applications and files. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Users can check if they are affected by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > App & browser control > Smart App Control settings. If the option is set to Off and the On option is grayed out, they have encountered the bug. A temporary workaround involves executing specific commands in the command prompt to modify the Windows Registry, which may allow users to enable Smart App Control again after rebooting their PC.
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