installation Archives

Tech Optimizer

October 22, 2026

Run a Virus Scan on Windows 11: 12 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which many users overlook. Manual virus scans are important due to evolving cyber threats, and a tutorial exists for conducting a full scan in 12 steps, taking about 45 minutes for setup. Users should confirm that Microsoft Defender is active and can automate scans with a script. Fake antivirus alerts can appear as browser notifications, and users should not follow their instructions. If a fake alert occurs, users should close it and run a quick scan through Windows Security. Common pitfalls in virus scanning include running multiple antivirus programs, scanning with outdated definitions, and initiating scans from pop-ups. Advanced security strategies include using Windows Sandbox and monitoring startup items. Regular scans are recommended, with a quick scan weekly and a full scan monthly. Microsoft Defender may be sufficient for many users, but additional protection may be necessary if other tools frequently identify missed threats. In case of a confirmed infection, users should disconnect from the network, change passwords, and report the incident.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Hide.me VPN update adds redesigned dashboard and SmartGuard to Android TV

The latest update from Hide.me VPN features a redesigned dashboard for its Android mobile application and Android TV app, improving user navigation and access to connection settings and server selections. The update simplifies VPN connection management, particularly for smartphone and tablet users, and addresses navigation challenges for Android TV users. It includes server speed indicators for better performance comparison before connecting. Additionally, SmartGuard has been introduced to the Android TV app, providing security by blocking ads, preventing tracking, and restricting access to harmful websites. The update also enhances the WireGuard protocol for improved connection reliability. Existing users can download the update via the Google Play Store, while new users can access the application there as well. Hide.me offers a free VPN option for users to evaluate the service before committing to a paid subscription.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Assetara Expands Android Beta Access and Details Version 0.4.17 Updates

Assetara Limited has released version 0.4.17 of its beta Android application, now available on its official website. Key features include balance monitoring, portfolio charts, access to the AI Trading Copilot, and enhanced two-factor authentication. The update improves clarity on trading plans, coupon usage, and contract limits, providing better explanations for coupon errors and transaction failures. Users are advised to download the app only from the official website, as it remains in beta and may change. Assetara Limited is incorporated in England and Wales, registration number 17530240, and offers services such as AI-assisted trading and portfolio monitoring, subject to eligibility and geographic restrictions.

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.

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.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Steam is a better way to run Windows apps on Linux than Wine, and it’s not just for games

Many users are considering switching from Windows to Linux, but a challenge is the lack of native Linux versions for popular Windows applications. Tools like Wine and Steam's Proton compatibility layer help address this issue, with Proton built on Wine and offering enhancements. Steam can create separate Windows filesystems for applications, allowing for independent operation and customization. Setting up Windows applications through Steam is straightforward, and they are stored in a specific directory. However, not all applications work perfectly; results vary, with some applications performing well while others encounter issues. Steam provides a practical way to manage Windows applications on Linux, though it may not offer the same flexibility as other solutions like Bottles.

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.

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.

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.

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.