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Secure Boot certificate updates are broken on some PCs, Microsoft confirms
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Secure Boot certificate updates are broken on some PCs, Microsoft confirms

Microsoft has acknowledged that several older Secure Boot certificates have expired, necessitating updates for Windows 10 and 11 users. A temporary halt in the issuance of new Secure Boot certificates affects specific PCs, particularly various HP models. Most PCs will receive updates automatically through Windows Update, but some may require a firmware update from the manufacturer. Users may see messages indicating that Secure Boot certificate updates are paused or blocked due to known issues or hardware/firmware limitations. Until manufacturers like HP release necessary firmware updates, users cannot update their Secure Boot certificates. Although the immediate risk from expired certificates is low, it is expected to increase over time. Devices with un-updated Secure Boot certificates will continue to function normally, but they will not receive new security updates, making them vulnerable to emerging threats. Essential features that rely on updated security measures may cease to function correctly as new security challenges arise.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's offline mode failure proves Ubisoft doesn't actually know what an offline mode is supposed to be
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s offline mode failure proves Ubisoft doesn’t actually know what an offline mode is supposed to be

Sony announced the discontinuation of physical discs for PlayStation, prompting discussions about digital media ownership. Ubisoft launched Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, which sold 2 million units on launch day. However, a significant outage of Ubisoft Connect, the DRM platform for PC users, prevented many players from accessing the game. Although the game was designed for a single online connection for validation, players expected to switch to offline mode afterward, leading to frustration when server issues arose. Ubisoft had previously promised an offline mode for The Crew 2 but has left players questioning future assurances. Some users noted that pirated versions of the game remained playable during the outage, increasing interest in DRM-free titles. A gamer shared their positive experience with Project Motor Racing, which allowed for offline installation, highlighting a trend toward user-friendly gaming solutions as frustrations with DRM systems grow.
Steam, Dota 2 и Counter-Strike 2 снова столкнулись со сбоями по всему миру
TrendTechie
July 14, 2026

Steam, Dota 2 и Counter-Strike 2 снова столкнулись со сбоями по всему миру

On the evening of July 13, users of the Steam platform reported widespread connectivity issues starting around 20:00 MSK, affecting cloud saves and online game launches. Dota 2 players faced difficulties initiating match searches, while Counter-Strike 2 users encountered errors redirecting them to the main menu. The cause of the outages is unclear, but full access is expected to be restored within a few hours.
Microsoft just decluttered Windows 11 Search after years of MSN tiles, ads, and trivia
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Microsoft just decluttered Windows 11 Search after years of MSN tiles, ads, and trivia

Microsoft is rolling out significant enhancements to Windows Search, starting on July 13, aimed at creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for Insiders. The update eliminates clutter from the interface, removing web suggestions and ads, and replacing them with a clean home screen that displays recent searches. Each search result now includes clear labels indicating its source, and the layout has been improved for better organization. Sponsored product cards have been removed from web results, leading to direct answers without promotional content. Users can customize their experience with toggles to disable Bing web results or Microsoft Store suggestions. Local matches now take precedence over web results, improving search accuracy. File search has been enhanced to display results more quickly and include cloud files alongside local ones. Microsoft has also improved the reliability of Search, reducing crashes and loading issues. Users can enable the new features through the Feature flags page if they do not activate after a reboot. There is no official timeline for when these changes will be available to all Windows users.
It's Monday, and Steam is currently struggling just like the rest of us
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

It’s Monday, and Steam is currently struggling just like the rest of us

On July 13 at 11:30 PT, Steam experienced intermittent downtime and various errors affecting the store, community hub, and game APIs. Users reported that the store and community pages had a "Very Slow" status, and Deadlock's multiplayer API showed an Internal Server Error. The Steam API displayed erratic behavior, with users encountering "Bad Gateway" errors. By the end of the day, all systems were reported to be functioning normally.
Thinking About Installing Windows on Your Steam Machine? Read This First
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Thinking About Installing Windows on Your Steam Machine? Read This First

Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to replace SteamOS with Windows for greater software flexibility. This transition requires a complete OS overhaul and may result in performance issues due to reliance on generic AMD graphics drivers, as Valve does not provide official support for Windows on the Steam Machine. Users have encountered a hardware issue known as the “Red Bar of Death,” which can often be resolved through power resets and ensuring proper ventilation. The upcoming Steam Frame VR headset is designed to operate independently of a PC, featuring standalone capabilities and enhanced SteamOS integration, but its success will depend on competitive pricing and developer support. The Steam Machine faces challenges such as high pricing, aging hardware, and limited official support, impacting its competitiveness in the gaming market.
Confused about your PC specs or hardware? Windows 11's Copilot app is getting new powers to help you 'understand your device'
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Confused about your PC specs or hardware? Windows 11’s Copilot app is getting new powers to help you ‘understand your device’

Windows 11's Copilot app is testing a new feature called 'PC insights,' which allows users to ask questions about their device's hardware and receive direct answers. Users can inquire about specifications like RAM, storage, GPU details, processor usage, antivirus status, and battery health. The feature connects to Windows APIs and requires user permission to access system details, which can be granted temporarily or permanently. Microsoft assures that the feature is opt-in and does not allow the app to read file contents, only their sizes. Currently, 'PC insights' provides diagnostic suggestions but does not resolve issues directly, with potential future developments for proactive troubleshooting.
Improving Windows Search Box, with less clutter and more control
Winsage
July 14, 2026

Improving Windows Search Box, with less clutter and more control

Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel are beginning to receive phased enhancements to the Windows Search Box. Key improvements include a streamlined home screen to reduce visual clutter, clearer context for search results indicating their source (app, setting, file, web result, or Store suggestion), and the removal of promotional content from web results. Users can control the display of web and Microsoft Store results through a new setting. Local results are prioritized when relevant, and the search function has improved its handling of typos and partial words. Ranking enhancements for settings results and better file search capabilities have been implemented, along with increased reliability and reduced crashes. Feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.
Windows questions? How Copilot can analyze your PC settings now
Winsage
July 13, 2026

Windows questions? How Copilot can analyze your PC settings now

Microsoft has introduced a new feature called PC Insights within its Copilot AI, aimed at simplifying troubleshooting within the Windows operating system. This feature allows users to ask questions about their system, such as battery health, BIOS version, CPU usage, network adapters, storage availability, and printer status. Users must download and install the Copilot Windows app to utilize PC Insights. Upon asking a question, Copilot requests permission to access system resources, which can be granted for a single request or for future similar requests. The AI retrieves the necessary data without storing or using personal files for training, and permissions can be revoked through the app's privacy settings. While PC Insights can provide information and clarify technical details, it cannot autonomously fix issues or implement system changes, requiring users to resolve identified problems themselves.
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