legacy Archives

Winsage

September 21, 2026

Internet Explorer is finally, truly dying, and Microsoft wants you ready by 2029

Microsoft has announced the impending cessation of support for IE Mode in the Edge browser, urging organizations to begin their migration strategies. Initially set to be supported until the end of 2029, Microsoft is emphasizing proactive planning for transitioning away from legacy systems. A communication from Microsoft highlighted the importance of providing a year’s notice before the end of support for IE Mode, which is crucial for IT administrators managing legacy applications. IE Mode uses the Chromium engine while allowing access to web pages through Internet Explorer 11's Trident engine. Organizations still dependent on IE Mode need to evaluate their IT infrastructure and identify critical applications that require updates or replacements. Microsoft is offering its App Assure service to help eligible customers improve compatibility with modern Windows platforms. Early planning is essential to reduce migration risks and maintain operational efficiency.

BetaBeacon

September 20, 2026

MuMu Player vs GameLoop vs KOPLAYER: Android 15 Gap

Android emulators for PC have become a crowded market with close to a dozen actively maintained clients. Tencent and NetEase have first-party products like GameLoop and MuMu Player to control the PC on-ramp to their mobile catalogs. Independent players like BlueStacks and LDPlayer focus on platform-agnostic performance and feature breadth. KOPLAYER appears to be abandoned in 2026 with no updates, functioning website, or active development. MuMu Player supports Android 15, offering newer features for mobile games. GameLoop is focused on Tencent's mobile titles with updated documentation. MuMu Player and GameLoop are free, while KOPLAYER is also historically free. MuMu Player and GameLoop have ongoing updates and security, while KOPLAYER's lack of updates poses a security risk.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

Persona 4 Revival gets February 2027 release date

SEGA has announced the revival of the role-playing game Persona 4, originally released in 2008. The revival will feature enhanced graphics, improved character models and environments, expanded content with additional storylines and characters, and modernized gameplay mechanics. The announcement has generated excitement among fans, who are discussing their favorite aspects of the original game and speculating on new features. SEGA plans to share more details, including gameplay trailers and previews, as the release date approaches.

Winsage

September 20, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a new look as Microsoft’s design boss confirms more ancient dialogs are next

Microsoft is modernizing outdated dialogs in Windows 11, including the Voice packages dialog, which currently lacks the rounded corners characteristic of the operating system's design. March Rogers, Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, confirmed that this dialog is scheduled for redesign, along with other legacy interfaces from older Windows versions. Microsoft is using a dual strategy for modernization: some dialogs are receiving dark mode support, while others are being rebuilt using WinUI 3. The File Properties dialog has already been successfully updated with this framework. The new Run dialog, developed with C# and WinUI 3, features dark mode and improved performance, while the legacy version will still be available. Additionally, the AutoPlay feature and Print Management app are also being redesigned in WinUI 3. Outdated interfaces, such as the local-account switching flow and the Windows 8-style input switcher on the login screen, are also set for redesign. Microsoft is updating various pages in the Settings menu, but the Control Panel will remain part of the Windows ecosystem.

Winsage

September 20, 2026

How Windows turned months of inactivity into a 7-hour update hostage situation

Microsoft is working to reduce the memory footprint of Windows, aiming for acceptable performance with 8 GB of RAM. However, users face challenges with lengthy update processes, as demonstrated by a recent experience where a laptop took approximately seven hours to boot due to numerous updates. This includes patches for Windows components, firmware, and drivers, leading to multiple restarts and frustrating progress bar behavior. The tech industry is recognizing the need for greater efficiencies, but Microsoft must also address the overwhelming frequency of updates that hinder user experience.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

6 Actors Starring In Upcoming Video Game Movies

Actors are increasingly pursuing roles in video game adaptations, which have gained respect following the success of series like The Last of Us. Upcoming adaptations feature high-profile actors, including: - Kirsten Dunst will portray Alex in the sequel to A Minecraft Movie, following the success of the first installment. - Sam Neill will make his final on-screen appearance in The Legend of Zelda, with speculation about his character. - Kristen Bell will voice a character in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, joining a cast that includes Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves. - Kit Connor has been cast in the adaptation of Elden Ring, alongside Ben Whishaw and Nick Offerman. - Sophie Turner will portray Lara Croft in a television adaptation of Tomb Raider. - Dave Bautista will take on the lead role of Kratos in the television adaptation of God of War, after Ryan Hurst stepped down due to injury.

Winsage

September 19, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a better way to find your mouse cursor, and we tried it

Microsoft has released a modernized version of the Mouse Indicator in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26340.9502 on September 18, 2026. This update features a new animation that can be activated through Accessibility settings, allowing users to keep the indicator on until they press the Esc key. Users can choose to activate the Mouse Indicator with a single or double Ctrl press. The previous version displayed a simplistic circle around the pointer briefly, while the new version offers a smoother, more dynamic animation. The feature is currently available only in the Insider build for the Experimental channel, and users can enable it by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch > Mouse indicator.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

The real reason your Windows 11 taskbar couldn’t move for 5 years

Tali Roth, overseeing Windows core user experience, revealed that Windows 11 did not inherit significant portions of the legacy Win32 code, particularly affecting the taskbar's customization and repositioning features. Microsoft had to rebuild the taskbar from scratch, which complicated the ability to allow users to move it, as each application would need to adapt to such changes. Initially, the demand for a movable taskbar was low, but user feedback prompted Microsoft to reconsider. Similarly, the Start menu in Windows 11 offered fewer customization options compared to Windows 10 due to a design shift towards a minimalist aesthetic, making it difficult to reintegrate previous features. Microsoft is balancing user feedback with its design vision as it evolves the Windows experience.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

The real reason your Windows 11 taskbar couldn’t move for 5 years

Windows 11 did not inherit significant portions of the legacy Win32 code, leading Microsoft to rebuild the taskbar from scratch, focusing on essential functionalities. The task of allowing users to reposition the taskbar proved challenging due to the need for all applications to adapt to this change. Initially, the demand for a movable taskbar was low, but over time, some users expressed a desire for this feature, prompting Microsoft to conduct tests with Windows Insiders. Similarly, the Start menu faced challenges in reintroducing customization options due to Windows 11's design philosophy, which emphasized a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Speed Fixes Are Coming to All Users

Windows 11 users have experienced delays in File Explorer and the Start menu since the operating system's launch in 2021. Recent reports from Windows Insiders indicate significant improvements in system responsiveness, confirmed by Marcus Ash from Microsoft, who stated that these enhancements will be rolled out to all users by fall 2026. Recent cumulative updates have addressed issues like File Explorer lag and Start menu stuttering, with specific updates (KB5120998, KB5095093, and KB5089573) improving responsiveness and reducing micro-stutters. Enhancements to the taskbar, Start menu, and context menus are also being developed, including taskbar repositioning and streamlined context menus. Users on the 25H2 version can expect these improvements through cumulative updates before the 26H2 update this fall. Keeping Windows Update active will ensure access to these enhancements.