ISOs Archives

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Microsoft shipped a native Xbox 360 emulator with its new backwards-compatible releases on PC — modders quickly got 360 games running with minor tweaks

Microsoft has released four original Xbox titles for PC, enhancing its gaming ecosystem and aligning with its commitment to backwards compatibility. These titles are packaged as standard Games on Demand (GOD) files, which can be converted into base ISOs using GOD extractors. The company has utilized a native x86 version of its Xbox 360 emulator, Xe03, to facilitate this transition. Xe03 is integrated into Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles for backwards compatibility and allows modern consoles to run original Xbox titles. The recent PC port of Xe03, combined with components from projects like XWine1, enables the running of dumped backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. Among the released titles is Fuzion Frenzy, and Microsoft plans to expand its library of backwards-compatible titles for PC. The PC version of Xe03 enhances the original 480p output of OG Xbox games to 4K and includes features like built-in V-Sync and enhanced anti-aliasing. These games are available through the Xbox PC app under the Xbox Anywhere program, allowing users with digital licenses on console to access them for free on PC. Microsoft is also set to introduce Xbox Achievements support for these titles.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

The Phocus Mobile app for Hasselblad cameras has finally arrived on Android

Phocus Mobile has launched on Android, allowing users to process, view, and export RAW photographs from smartphones and tablets. The app is compatible with Hasselblad cameras such as the X2D II 100C, X2D 100C, and 907X & CFV 100C. It features the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS), AI-powered noise reduction, editing tools, and a photo management system. For HDR-capable devices, it processes images with full dynamic range and fine-tunes HDR highlights. The app includes Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction (HNNR) for low-light photography, reducing noise in 100MP RAW images in about 15 to 20 seconds. Phocus Mobile offers two processing modes: Purity Mode for noise reduction and Detail Mode for capturing microtextures and fine details.

Winsage

June 8, 2026

Microsoft making much needed change to Windows 11, 10 Patch Tuesday security updates

Microsoft has rolled out new Defender patches for Windows 11 ISOs, aligning with its commitment to security updates. Updates for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's endpoint detection and response (EDR) will no longer be included with monthly Windows security updates or Patch Tuesdays; they will now be delivered via Microsoft Update. This change aims to allow faster deployment of EDR enhancements independently of the operating system's update cycle. The rollout for Windows 10 began in late May 2026, with plans to extend support to Windows 11 and other versions by fall 2026. EDR updates will be delivered using KB5005292, contingent on prerequisite updates. Systems must run Sense version 10.8798.25857.1000 or later and have specific Windows updates installed to qualify for the new delivery method. Organizations should align their update policies with this new approach before the broader rollout. In case of significant issues, the EDR update can be reverted using a specific command. Further details are available in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center under message ID MC1381119.

Winsage

June 6, 2026

Microsoft released new Defender update for Windows 11, 10, Server ISO installations

Microsoft is rolling out updates for Windows Defender to protect users from newly discovered malware threats. These updates occur frequently, with a significant refresh every three months for Windows installation images (WIM and VHD) and ISOs. The recent Windows 11 update includes the latest definitions and addresses vulnerabilities from outdated anti-malware definitions in installation images. The latest security definitions were delivered through security intelligence update version 1.445.323.0, applicable to various platforms, including Windows 11 and several Windows Server versions. The update enhances the anti-malware client, engine, and signature versions to platform version 4.18.26040.7, engine version 1.1.26040.8, and security intelligence version 1.447.236.0. The most recent intelligence update is version 1.451.297.0, which improves threat detection against various malware types.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Why I’m still tweaking Windows 11’s Registry, even after April’s “improvements”

Windows 11's April update includes performance boosts, a refined File Explorer, and a revamped Settings app, but primarily addresses existing issues rather than customization preferences. Users still face challenges with the lack of easily accessible customization options, leading many to rely on registry tweaks to adjust settings not available through the standard Settings menu. Key registry modifications include restoring the classic right-click menu, adding an "End Task" option to the taskbar's right-click menu, disabling Bing search in the Start menu, and removing the Recommended section from the Start Menu. These tweaks enhance functionality and convenience, as the updates do not sufficiently address user customizability concerns.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Miss Windows XP or 7? Then I have a free, open-source alternative for you

ReactOS has merged its Live and Boot ISOs into a single installation image, simplifying the installation process for users. This integration allows users to test the OS in a live environment and transition to installation without needing multiple discs or USB drives. The installation process still resembles older Windows versions with a text-based setup, but a full graphical installation interface is expected in the upcoming 0.4.16 build. Additionally, ReactOS is expanding its hardware compatibility with a new ATA storage driver, enabling it to boot on a wider range of storage devices. ReactOS is currently in its alpha stage of development and is not yet suitable for everyday use.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

New Windows Insider Experience Starts Rolling Out to Some Canary Testers

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has transitioned Dev Channel testers to the new Experimental Channel and is expanding this initiative to include Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, who will also move to the Experimental (26H1) Channel. The new Windows Insider experience introduces feature flags in Windows Update settings, allowing testers to toggle features on and off. Microsoft plans to roll out new features through Controlled Feature Rollouts (CFRs) and has stopped gradual feature rollouts on the updated Beta Channel. Recently, Microsoft released four new builds available via downloadable ISOs. Canary testers on 29500 series builds will soon transition to the "Experimental (Future Platforms)" Channel and can currently download build 29580.1000, which includes a revamped Feedback Hub with a 500 MB file upload limit and design improvements. For Canary testers on the 28000 series, the transition to the "Experimental (26H1) Channel" follows the installation of build 28020.1921, which enhances the Task Manager app. Insiders who moved from the Dev Channel to the Experimental Channel can download build 26300.8346, featuring improvements such as a Widgets board that remains closed by default, a redesigned Run dialog, promotional app recommendations in Windows Share for Microsoft Entra account users, sharper file thumbnails in File Explorer, and enhanced Windows Magnifier functionality. The Beta Channel build 26220.8340 includes similar Windows Share improvements and minor UI enhancements for Task Scheduler. The Beta Channel is set to transition to a new experience that will eliminate Controlled Feature Rollouts.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

Should you debloat Windows 11? The custom ISO scene is bigger than you think

Windows 11 is the preferred operating system for many users after the discontinuation of Windows 10, but its adoption faces challenges due to strict hardware requirements and design issues. Customization has been largely driven by third-party developers, with tools like Winhance enhancing user experience. Users are interested in debloating Windows 11, seeking scripts and custom ISOs such as AtlasOS, FoxOS, ReviOS, and GGOS. AtlasOS is noted for its lightweight modification aimed at improving privacy, usability, and performance while eliminating telemetry and background processes. Microsoft has stopped the mandatory update process during Windows 11 setup, allowing users to bypass a previous wait time. The company plans further improvements by 2026, including reducing the visibility of Copilot and reintroducing features like a movable Taskbar. Microsoft is also integrating AI into the user experience with upcoming features on the Taskbar and Search Box.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

Windows 11 users are taking it upon themselves to debloat the OS, because Microsoft isn’t trying hard enough

Windows 11 has become the preferred operating system for many users after the discontinuation of Windows 10, though its adoption has faced challenges due to strict hardware requirements and design inconsistencies. The customization landscape for Windows 11 is growing, largely driven by third-party developers responding to perceived shortcomings in Microsoft's offerings. Debloater applications, which remove unnecessary pre-installed apps, have gained popularity, with tools like Winhance being noted for their user-friendliness. Users are seeking straightforward scripts and custom Windows ISOs to simplify their experience, with recommendations including AtlasOS, FoxOS, ReviOS, and GGOS. AtlasOS is highlighted as a lightweight modification that aims to enhance performance and privacy by eliminating telemetry and unnecessary background processes. Users can expect improved CPU performance and higher framerates in games, but there are risks associated with using third-party modifications, such as potential security vulnerabilities and missing feature updates. Microsoft has made it easier to bypass mandatory updates during setup, while continuing to refine Windows 11 with new features. The ongoing evolution of Windows 11 customization raises questions about whether these enhancements will reduce the appeal of custom ISOs like AtlasOS.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

I used Win11Debloat on my PC, and I could never install Windows without it again

In August of last year, Windows was reinstalled on a dedicated SSD for gaming, and non-gaming applications were later added. The use of Win11Debloat significantly improved the experience, making it hard to consider installing Windows without it. Win11Debloat does not make major system changes and is simpler than alternatives like Tiny11. It removes unwanted software such as TikTok, Microsoft Teams, OneNote, Copilot, Recall, and Xbox Game Bar, while also addressing perceived downgrades in Windows 11, such as a less intuitive context menu and cluttered taskbar. The tool disables excessive telemetry and advertisements, contributing to a cleaner interface and allowing resource allocation to important applications. Users can choose to reinstall removed applications from the Microsoft Store. Win11Debloat implements registry changes to disable unnecessary features, making it a valuable option for minimizing bloat and telemetry in Windows installations.