Leads Archives

Winsage

January 17, 2026

A bright idea: Latest Windows Insider build addresses file explorer’s ‘flash bang’ bug

Windows Insiders are receiving an update with Windows 11 build 28020.1371, which addresses a 'flash bang' effect in dark mode that has been troubling users, particularly on large OLED monitors. The update resolves an issue causing File Explorer to show a white flash when navigating between pages. It also introduces features such as Bluetooth LE audio support for two pairs of headphones and an internet speed check from the taskbar. Additionally, the Copilot app has been updated to version 1.25095.161. There are discussions about the reluctance of Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 due to stringent system requirements, although tools like Rufus allow some to bypass these limitations.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Riot moves to stamp out League of Legends duo queue abuse as “a few bad actors ruin things for everyone”

Riot Games has introduced new duo queue restrictions in League of Legends, disallowing duo play up to Grandmaster rank, even for players with Grandmaster MMR. The company has increased the duo penalty to reflect the advantages of playing in pairs. The current season has seen an increase in exploitative behavior, prompting these changes. Riot plans to implement an indicator to show when a player's actual MMR exceeds their displayed rank. Additionally, there is a delay in improvements to the autofill matching system, which aims to reduce mismatched roles for players.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Hytale Early Access Review So Far

Hytale, developed by former Minecraft modders, is a survival crafting game that serves as a spiritual successor to Minecraft. It retains familiar block-breaking and building mechanics but streamlines gameplay by allowing players to craft basic tools from easily collectible materials. Movement is enhanced with the ability to jump higher and utilize parkour mechanics. The game runs smoothly on high-performance systems, maintaining framerates above 60 even at maximum draw distance. Hytale features an engaging combat system with various weapon types and a diverse range of enemies. Building mechanics offer a broader selection of components, though some classic techniques may become obsolete. The Early Access version currently lacks clear direction, with the main hub area under construction and exploration revealing barriers in dungeons. Overall, Hytale presents thoughtful enhancements and a refreshing take on the survival crafting genre.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Slack Messenger Review: Why This Work Chat App Is Still the Only One That Feels Human

Slack Messenger is a collaboration platform developed by Slack Technologies, part of Salesforce Inc., designed to enhance work communication by replacing email and fragmented chat applications with an organized, searchable hub. It features channel-based messaging for project and topic organization, powerful search capabilities for efficient information retrieval, and integrations with popular tools like Google Drive and GitHub. Additional functionalities include Slack Connect for external collaboration, built-in audio/video huddles, Workflow Builder for automating tasks, and enterprise-grade security options. Users report a significant reduction in internal email, improved search efficiency, and a positive impact on team culture, although challenges such as notification overload and a learning curve exist. Compared to alternatives like Microsoft Teams and Google Chat, Slack is noted for its user-friendly experience and dynamic functionality.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Windows 2000 rusts in peace by the sea

A ticket machine at Comboios de Portugal is malfunctioning, running on Windows 2000, which has caused the system to freeze and made card payments unavailable. The issue appears to be related to the software rather than hardware failures. Despite the machine's wear and tear, there is currently no Blue Screen of Death. The situation highlights a decline in rail travel in Portugal as travelers increasingly prefer express bus services.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

Elder Scrolls fans are taking it well after Microsoft says it’s a ‘big year for games ending in 6’ ahead of its upcoming Xbox Direct showcase: ‘I’m practically living off hopium and copium at this point’

On January 22, Microsoft will host an Xbox Direct showcase featuring the anticipated titles Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation. Forza Horizon 6 is generating significant buzz, especially in comparison to Grand Theft Auto 6. Ride 6 is also set to launch in February. The Elder Scrolls 6 remains a highly anticipated but mysterious title, with fans eager for updates. Microsoft disabled replies to a teasing post, leading to speculation about managing expectations. Todd Howard, the director of The Elder Scrolls 6, indicated in December 2025 that while progress is being made, there is still a long way to go before its release. The likelihood of a full trailer debuting at the Xbox Direct showcase is considered slim.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Hell is Us review

Rémi Letam's latest adventure is set in a war zone where the protagonist searches for his parents, facing dangers such as kidnapping and interrogation. The game is an action-adventure journey through pseudo-Yugoslavia, developed by Rogue Factor and published by Nacon, with a release date of September 4, 2025. It is reviewed on Windows 11 with specific hardware requirements and is unsupported on Steam Deck. The game explores themes of heroism, vulnerability, and moral complexities.

Winsage

January 8, 2026

Windows can never be an immutable OS, and that might be a problem

"Immutable" operating systems are designed with a read-only core that is updated comprehensively, allowing user data and applications to exist independently from the base system, reducing risks of corruption and configuration drift. While macOS is largely immutable, Windows cannot transition to an immutable model due to its design based on mutability, which allows for continuous modification and backward compatibility. Windows 11's flexibility leads to a cumulative change model, making it increasingly difficult to troubleshoot and maintain. Microsoft has made some improvements within the mutable framework, but challenges remain, such as dependency control and application integration. Users expect seamless updates, but Windows is perceived as high-maintenance, leading to performance issues. A truly immutable version of Windows would conflict with user expectations and require significant software rewrites. Consequently, Windows is likely to remain in a hybrid state, adopting some immutable features while still facing issues related to its mutable architecture.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

3 Free Windows File Managers That Beat File Explorer

Recent evaluations of three free alternative file managers—OneCommander, Files, and FileVoyager—show that they outperform Windows File Explorer in efficiency and usability, particularly for tasks like bulk renaming and data transfer. While File Explorer has improved with features like tabs and cloud integration, it still falls short for power tasks, requiring excessive clicks and context switching. OneCommander offers a familiar interface with dual-pane layouts, tabs, and interactive navigation, excelling in seamless navigation and file operations. It maintained stable connections during large data transfers. Files is a modern, open-source option with strong cloud support and effective media handling, benefiting from community-driven updates. FileVoyager provides extensive control with dual panes and customization options, appealing to power users who prefer keyboard-driven control. All three alternatives demonstrate improved interaction efficiency and stability during complex tasks compared to File Explorer, making them viable replacements for users managing extensive media libraries or engaging in heavy bulk processes.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

Terra Invicta Finally Enters Full Release, Day One On Game Pass And PC

Terra Invicta has officially launched on PC and is available on Game Pass. Developed by Pavonis Interactive and published by Hooded Horse, the game focuses on humanity's response to an impending alien invasion, featuring seven factions with distinct ideologies. The game includes political maneuvering, space colonization, and hard science fiction elements, emphasizing realistic mechanics in space combat and resource management. It is priced at £34.99 for standalone purchase and has received a "Very Positive" rating on Steam. Currently, there are no plans for an Xbox console version.