launcher Archives

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

EA “investigating” why FC 26 PC players can’t get in, as infamous Origin launcher returns from the dead

Players who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition of EA Sports FC 26 were promised up to seven days of early access starting September 19. However, many PC players are encountering a "DisplayName field missing from registry" error, which instructs them to activate the game on the now-defunct Origin.com, preventing them from accessing the game. EA is aware of the login issues affecting the EA Play and EA Play Pro trials on PC and is "actively investigating" the situation, but there is no timeline for a resolution. Players are expressing their frustration on social media and forums.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Minecraft 1.21.9 Pre-Release 1

The copper age update introduces enhancements focused on copper golems, adjustments to mannequins, and various bug fixes. Key changes include: - Copper golems can now only attempt to open adjacent chests when acting as passengers. - Notifications now use the format minecraft:notification/ instead of notification:. - The Data Pack version has been updated to 87.1. - Mannequin descriptions are now configurable, and they can accept the minecraft:profile component from spawner items. - New data fields for mannequins include pose (with valid entries such as standing, crouching, swimming, fall_flying, sleeping), immovable, description, and hidedescription. - The spawnpoint command now accepts a pitch argument, and the setworldspawn command is no longer restricted to the overworld. - The fetchprofile command provides clickable text to summon a mannequin with the resolved profile. - Modified entity data for players includes required fields for yaw, pitch, and dimension. - New context values for loot functions have been added. - Multiple bugs have been fixed, including issues with copper golems, mannequins, and game crashes. Pre-releases are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and users are advised to back up their worlds before testing.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Stop struggling with Windows Search — try these 6 game‑changing alternatives

Windows 11's built-in search feature is often slow and inefficient, particularly with non-indexed locations and numerous files. It has a cluttered search home filled with advertisements. Several third-party tools are recommended as alternatives to enhance search functionality: - Command Palette: Part of PowerToys, it allows instant results for queries and supports command execution, quick navigation, and customization. - Fluent Search: Offers a comprehensive search experience with a native file indexer, rapid results, and OCR technology for searching visible content on screens. - Everything: Focuses on speed by indexing files and folders instantly, providing real-time results based on names, though it lacks additional features. - Listary: Integrates with Windows and File Explorer, allowing direct searches within these environments and offering customization for commands and automation. - Flow Launcher: A free, open-source app launcher that enhances search by integrating with the Everything indexer and includes built-in plugins for added functionality. - RayCast: An app launcher in beta for Windows, originally for macOS, featuring productivity tools and AI capabilities, allowing efficient task performance without a mouse. These tools cater to various user needs, improving the search experience on Windows 11.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Google is testing its own official app on Windows that competes with my favorite PowerToys feature

PowerToys Run in Windows 11 is being compared to a new app launched by Google for Windows, which allows users to search without switching windows by pressing Alt + Space. This app can search across computer files, installed applications, Google Drive files, and the web, and includes Google Lens integration for selecting and searching screen content. The app is currently only available in the United States and offers enhanced AI-powered responses in AI Mode. It closely resembles PowerToys Run but provides specific advantages for users within the Google ecosystem. The app utilizes web access for Google Drive functionality, eliminating the need for a Windows client.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

Windows Xbox app update now pulls in your Steam and other PC games

Microsoft and Asus will launch the Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld next month, featuring full Windows 11. Microsoft is also updating its Xbox app to create a unified interface that consolidates games from various platforms, including the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Activision-Blizzard’s Battle.net, and GOG. The updated app will automatically populate the “My Library” section with installed games, including Fortnite from the Epic Games Store. The update includes a touch-friendly launcher for third-party applications and an upcoming feature to display cloud gaming history across Windows devices, along with a “Jump back in” feature for resuming gaming sessions.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

How to fix the Skate crash error

Many players experience a crash error in the early access version of the game Skate, which causes their PCs to lock up and display a black or gray screen. This issue is related to the game itself and not to hardware or drivers. To fix the crash error, players can launch Skate and quickly switch to another application while waiting for the game to load in the background. Once the game has loaded, they can click on the game window to start playing. This workaround has been effective since the alpha playtests, and developers are likely aware of the issue and working on a permanent fix. Players are also advised to check the Skate server status guide for smooth access to multiplayer features.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Hate Windows 11’s vibe? Make it look more like Linux or MacOS

The author, a long-time Linux enthusiast, critiques the Windows user interface, particularly its lack of customization compared to Linux. They review Seelen UI, a customizable desktop environment for Windows, which enhances the Windows 11 experience with features like tiling windows, a media module, and various themes. Installation can be done via the Microsoft App Store or by downloading a binary installer, requiring Microsoft Edge and WebView. The customization process is user-friendly, allowing users to adjust settings and apply themes, resulting in a more visually appealing desktop.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Windows 11 version 25H2 is almost here — and it’s so boring it almost becomes interesting

Windows 11 version 25H2 is set to launch in 2025 without any new features, serving as an enablement package that activates existing features rather than introducing new code. It shares the same development branch as version 24H2, meaning future updates will apply to both versions. Key changes include the removal of outdated features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC tools, and commercial users will be able to disable certain built-in Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy. Microsoft is developing new functionalities for both versions, including a revamped Start menu that improves app accessibility, enhancements for handheld gaming devices, and compatibility of Windows Studio Effects with USB webcams. The update cycle for Windows 11 has been less predictable compared to macOS, which is releasing substantial updates.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

This new Windows 11 update turns the Xbox app into an all-in-one game launcher

Microsoft has updated its Xbox app on Windows 11 to streamline the gaming experience by consolidating all installed games into a single library, allowing access to titles from various third-party storefronts like Steam and Epic Games. The update includes an aggregated game library, support for popular storefronts, customizable visibility settings, and easy access to individual storefront applications. Microsoft plans to introduce cloud-playable games and play history features in a future update. The update is now live for Windows 11 gaming PCs after a successful testing phase with Xbox Insiders.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

Android will soon theme every app icon, and Google Play won’t let developers opt out

Google has mandated support for its Themed Icons feature across all applications on the Android platform to enhance user experience and address inconsistent aesthetics on home screens. With the upcoming release of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, the operating system will automatically generate themed icons for apps that lack a designated monochromatic version using a color filtering algorithm. Google has updated its Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) to include a clause that grants users a nonexclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license to modify the color and themes of app icons. This change will take effect immediately for new developer accounts and will be implemented for existing developers by October 15, 2025.