installations Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

android users malware stay alert

A new strain of malware called "Crocodilus" is targeting Android users, designed to steal funds. It spreads through advertisements on social media that entice users to download an app with promises of rewards. Once installed, the malware can modify the user's contact list, adding numbers under trustworthy names like "Bank Support" to deceive victims. Security experts from Threat Fabric warn that this malware represents a significant threat and recommend that users only download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store, and to verify app developer credentials and user reviews before installation.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Fallout Shelter has been downloaded 230m times

Fallout Shelter has achieved over 230 million installations since its launch in June 2016. It was initially released on mobile platforms, then expanded to PC in July 2016, followed by Xbox One in February 2017, and later to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in June 2018. Bethesda has added extensive content updates to the game, including characters from the Amazon Prime Fallout series and a new questline with eight quests and various new themes, weapons, and outfits.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

6 registry tweaks every tech-savvy user must apply on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides customization tools such as the Settings app, Control Panel, and Group Policy Editor, but advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor for deeper control. Key Registry tweaks include: 1. Disable the Home page in Settings: Modify the Registry to revert the Settings app to open directly to the "System" section instead of the "Home" page by creating a string value named SettingsPageVisibility and setting it to hide:home. 2. Disable automatic Windows Update: Prevent automatic downloads and installations by creating a key named WindowsUpdate under Policies, then a subkey AU, and a DWORD value NoAutoUpdate set to 1. 3. Disable the Lock Screen experience: Expedite the sign-in process by creating a key named Personalization and a DWORD value Nolockscreen set to 1. 4. Enable automatic Registry backup: Restore automatic Registry backups by creating a DWORD value EnablePeriodicBackup set to 1 and scheduling a task to run daily for backup. Editing the Registry carries risks, and it is advised to back up the PC before making changes.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

You Might Have Just a Few Months to Use Android Instant Apps

Google will discontinue its Instant Apps feature for Android by the end of 2025 due to limited adoption and usage. Support for Instant Apps will cease in December 2025, including the discontinuation of publishing capabilities and associated Google Play Instant APIs. Tooling support within Android Studio will also be removed. The feature, which debuted in 2017, allowed users to run lightweight versions of applications without installation. Users needed to enable the feature through Google Play to access app-like interfaces instantly when tapping links.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google To Shut Down Android Instant Apps By End of 2025: What Is It? What Will You Miss?

Google introduced Android Instant Apps in 2017, allowing users to access a lightweight version of an app without full installation. However, Google has announced that support for Instant Apps will be discontinued in December 2025, meaning developers will no longer be able to publish new instant apps or receive support for existing ones. The decision is attributed to low user engagement, prompting a shift towards more effective app promotion methods, such as AI-driven highlights and simultaneous installations. Instant Apps required developers to create compact versions of their applications, which was challenging for complex apps. Most users were unaware of the feature, and its adoption was limited.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

XYZAPK Free Download: How to Safely Access Premium Android Apps

XYZAPK is an independent repository specializing in APK files for Android applications, offering modded apps, unpublished versions, and region-restricted software. Users can download APKs for free without needing a Google account. The official XYZAPK website provides secure downloads and installation guides, organized into sections for apps and games. The download process involves browsing for an app, tapping "Download APK," and installing it after enabling "Unknown Sources." Popular downloads include modified versions of Spotify Premium, Minecraft Arcade, and PikaShow. Benefits of using XYZAPK include access to premium apps without costs, bypassing region locks, and privacy from Google account requirements. However, risks involve increased malware exposure, lack of official updates, and potential legal issues. To ensure safety, users should verify the official site, check user ratings, use antivirus software, review permissions, and back up their devices. Compared to other platforms like APKPure or Uptodown, XYZAPK is known for its modded versions, while the latter focus on official releases with enhanced safety checks.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google to Sunset Android Instant Apps by End of 2025 Due to Low Usage

Google has announced plans to phase out the Instant Apps feature by December 2025 due to low usage and engagement levels. Instant Apps, launched in 2017, allowed users to access lightweight app versions without installation but struggled to gain widespread adoption. A warning message in Android Studio confirmed the discontinuation, stating that Instant Apps support will be removed, and all related APIs will no longer function. Google aims to invest in more effective tools for app discovery, as developers are increasingly using alternatives that align better with user behavior.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Windows Task Scheduler Vulnerability Let Attackers Escalate Privileges

A critical security vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-33067, has been identified in the Windows Task Scheduler, allowing attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level access without prior administrative rights. This vulnerability is rated as "Important" with a CVSS score of 8.4 and is due to improper privilege management within the Windows Kernel’s task scheduling component. It affects multiple Windows versions, including Windows 10 (Versions 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (22H2, 23H2, 24H2), and Windows Server 2016-2025. Microsoft released security updates on June 10, 2025, to address this flaw across 27 different Windows configurations. The vulnerability requires local system access, no prior privileges, and no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous. Security researcher Alexander Pudwill discovered and disclosed the vulnerability.

Tech Optimizer

June 12, 2025

How to Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus

To uninstall Avast Free Antivirus from a Windows computer, first disable the Self-Defense mode by opening Avast, clicking on Menu, selecting Settings, choosing General, then Troubleshooting, and unchecking the box next to Enable Self-Defense. Confirm the change by clicking OK. Next, open the Control Panel, select Programs and Features, find Avast Free Antivirus, click Uninstall, confirm by selecting Uninstall again, and then click Yes in the confirmation window. The uninstallation process will begin and may take some time. After completion, restart the computer to finalize the uninstallation.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

6 essential steps that Windows 11 users often miss after a fresh install

Many users overlook crucial default settings after installing Windows 11, which can lead to performance issues, privacy vulnerabilities, and complications during recovery. Key settings to configure include: 1. System Restore: This feature is disabled by default and allows users to revert system files and settings to a previous state. To enable it, users must access the System Properties page, select the main drive, click Configure, and turn on system protection. 2. BitLocker Recovery Key: Windows 11 automatically activates BitLocker on new installations. Users should back up their recovery key in their Microsoft account to avoid issues during startup. 3. Power Settings: Users should adjust power settings to prevent underperformance. This includes selecting "Best Performance" for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" modes and configuring screen and sleep timeouts. 4. Privacy Settings: Windows 11 collects diagnostic data by default. Users can enhance privacy by turning off features like "Find my device," "Personalized offers," and "Advertising ID," as well as disabling optional diagnostic data transmission. 5. Device Drivers: Users should verify that all device drivers are correctly installed, as the operating system may not install drivers for critical components. This can be checked in Device Manager, and updates can be managed through Windows Update. 6. System Backup: Establishing a backup is essential for data protection. Users can set up regular backups using the "Backup and Restore" feature by connecting an external drive and following the setup process in Control Panel.