key Archives

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 11 Now Suffering From BSODs And Instability Due To An Unlikely Culprit; RGB Peripherals, Microsoft Offers A Remedy To Users Experiencing Problems

Microsoft's update for Windows 11, designated “KB5121003,” has caused issues for users with RGB peripherals, leading to system freezes, game crashes, and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. The problems are linked to drivers associated with RGB lighting, particularly a driver named “inpoutx64,” which disrupts system stability when certain games are launched. Affected games include Arc Raiders, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, with BSOD errors citing “EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION.” Microsoft has suggested a workaround involving temporarily disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows registry, but users are cautioned about potential complications. Disabling this driver may affect the functionality of RGB features on peripherals, and re-enabling it carries risks as well.

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

Nintendo pre-order updates – August 23, 2026 – Minecraft for Switch 2, more

Nintendo has an impressive lineup of products available for pre-order during the week of August 23, 2026. Key upcoming game releases include: - Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 on August 27 - Brigandine Abyss on August 27 - Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition and Wanderstop on August 28 - Orbitals on September 3 - Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Complete Edition on September 3 - Onimusha: Way of the Sword Steelbook Edition on September 4 - NBA 2K27 on September 4 - Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush on September 10 - Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave collection on September 17 - Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on October 1 - Final Fantasy Resonance on October 22 - Hello Kitty Party Land on October 30 New amiibo figures include Kirby Air Riders – Chef Kawasaki on September 3 and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Mineru’s Construct on September 17. Upcoming books include the Pokemon Deluxe Character Guide Limited Edition Box Set Collection on August 25 and The Art of Final Fantasy Tactics on November 10.

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

XRPPower Launches Its Android App on Google Play, Expanding Access to AI-Powered Digital Asset Services

XRPPower has launched its mobile application on Google Play for Android users, enhancing accessibility to its digital platform with AI-driven tools and services. The app allows users to manage accounts, navigate the platform, and access support directly from their smartphones. It features a user-friendly interface and robust security measures, including encrypted data transmission and account authentication. The company aims to broaden access for global users, focusing on multilingual and mobile-oriented features. Since its inception in 2023, XRPPower has attracted over 3 million registered users across 180+ countries.

Tech Optimizer

August 23, 2026

Aura vs LifeLock vs Identity Guard 2026: $5M Coverage

Identity theft complaints are increasing, leading to a competitive market for protection services. Aura offers a comprehensive security suite with up to million in identity theft insurance, while LifeLock provides tiered coverage from million to million under the Norton brand. Identity Guard is a budget-friendly option with coverage capped at million and lacks features like antivirus and VPN. Aura includes three-bureau credit monitoring on all plans, while LifeLock's comprehensive monitoring is only available on its highest tier, and Identity Guard's entry-level plan does not include credit monitoring. All three services provide dark web monitoring and SSN alerts, but Aura features AI-driven scam detection. Aura's Family plan covers up to five adults and unlimited children, whereas LifeLock's family options are more restrictive. Identity Guard's pricing is predictable, with a 20% increase after the first year, while Aura does not advertise significant post-year-one hikes. LifeLock operates under Gen Digital, which also owns Norton, while Aura is privately held and Identity Guard operates independently.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft is updating Windows Production CA, IT admins and devs should take action ASAP

Microsoft is updating its Windows certificate framework, focusing on Secure Boot certificates and the expiration of certain Windows 11 Insider certificates. A new certificate update is crucial to prevent disruptions in applications and IT processes. Microsoft is phasing out outdated certificates and modernizing signing algorithms, with the Windows Production Public Certificate Authority (PCA) 2011 set to expire on October 19, 2026. It will be replaced by a new PCA, and stronger signing algorithms like RSA-3072 and SHA-384 will be adopted later this year. Applications relying on outdated technologies may fail due to these updates. IT administrators and application developers are advised to review software, adopt algorithm-agnostic approaches, test certificate changes, and check private trust stores for issues. The timeline includes the PCA expiration in 2026, a transition to stronger configurations later that year, and a default to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in 2027, with ongoing updates as security needs evolve.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Windows 11’s September update reshapes key parts of the OS, and these 3 customizations instantly make the new release feel faster, cleaner, and more personal to use

In September 2026, Microsoft will release an update for Windows 11 that enhances user control over the interface with new customization options. Users will be able to relocate the Taskbar to the top of the screen, modify the size of the Start menu, and disable web results from Windows Search. These features are part of the Windows K2 initiative and will be rolled out gradually across devices.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft highlights useful Microsoft Account feature Windows 11 users could miss

Many readers and developers express dissatisfaction with the Microsoft Account requirement for Windows 11. Microsoft advises users to unlink or remove devices from their Microsoft Account, especially after upgrading or retiring old machines, as the Microsoft Store limits accounts to 10 devices. Users can manage their devices through the Microsoft Account online portal, and unlinking or removing a device frees up space for new ones. Unlinking does not delete the account, and removing a Windows user account from a PC only clears sign-in information from that device. Microsoft recommends backing up data and resetting a device before removal when selling or donating. Users should periodically review their linked devices and can designate trusted devices to streamline sign-ins, while also implementing additional security measures like two-step verification.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

I think Microsoft is finally fixing the customization problems that held Windows 11 back

Windows 11 is evolving into a more user-centric operating system, with recent updates enhancing customization options like moving and resizing the Taskbar and improving Start menu control. This change is part of Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative, which aims to boost performance and user experience. Initially, Windows 11's design aimed for simplicity but reduced user choices, leading to frustration. The context menu was simplified but became cluttered again, prompting updates that allow users to customize its organization. Microsoft recognizes that users have varied preferences for interacting with the OS, and the flexibility in Taskbar positioning enhances satisfaction. While the updates are positive, there is criticism that Microsoft should not be overly praised for restoring previously removed features. The goal is to maintain a modern interface while enhancing user experience without sacrificing functionality. Recent changes reflect an understanding that the issues with Windows 11 arose from removing options rather than having too many choices, guiding future updates to balance user-friendliness with customization.

BetaBeacon

August 23, 2026

Affordable Xiaomi smartphone makes expensive gaming phones unnecessary

The Xiaomi 17T offers impressive gaming features such as a vibrant OLED panel, Game Turbo mode, and long-lasting battery. It can run demanding games like Genshin Impact at maximum frame rate potential without noticeable drops and achieve high frame rates in PUBG Mobile even at high graphics settings. The MediaTek Dimensity 8500 in the Xiaomi 17T is sufficient for playing modern Android games, with no significant difference in performance compared to high-end or gaming phones.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Windows 11 is modernizing a mouse indicator that hasn’t changed since the Windows XP

In the 1990s, locating the cursor on a Windows screen was challenging, leading to the introduction of a feature in the early 2000s that allowed users to press the Ctrl key to highlight the cursor, which became popular with Windows XP. This feature is being modernized in Windows 11, where users can activate a new Mouse Indicator by navigating to Windows Settings, selecting Accessibility, and toggling the “Mouse Indicator” on. The updated Mouse Indicator, which still activates with the Ctrl key, includes a circle animation and an optional feature to keep the indicator visible until dismissed using Win+Ctrl+Shift+M. Microsoft is also refreshing other features in Windows 11, such as the AutoPlay feature, which now remembers user preferences and presents a new WinUI-based dialog. The Properties sheet is being redesigned to incorporate modern WinUI elements, and a new Print Management app is expected to be released soon.