menu Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Windows 26H2 Is Nearly Here: 7 Features Worth Knowing About

Microsoft has released Windows version 26H2 on the Release Preview Channel, with a public launch expected later this year. Key features include: 1. Taskbar Customisation: Users can reposition the taskbar and adjust its size. 2. Local-only Search: A feature that allows searching only local files without web results. 3. Ask Copilot Integration: An optional AI feature for accessing settings and launching applications from the taskbar. 4. Start Menu Redesign: Customization options for hiding user information and a streamlined layout. 5. Low Latency Profile: Improved performance for quicker app launches and responsiveness. 6. Pause Windows Updates for Longer: Users can pause updates for up to 35 days, with smarter update bundling. 7. Modern Run: A redesigned run window with a larger input field and dark mode option.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft preps this year’s Windows 11 feature tweaks: 26H2 hits Release Preview

Microsoft has introduced Windows 11 26H2 into the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, coinciding with the rollout of August's preview update. This version shares its servicing branch with previous versions 24H2 and 25H2. Notable features in the August Preview Update include a movable taskbar, expanded Start Menu customization options, and the ability to exclude web and Microsoft Store suggestions from local search results. The update is delivered through an enablement package, allowing activation of already downloaded functionalities without a complete OS overhaul. Windows 11 26H2 resets the support timeline, offering 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Enterprises need to validate this release, but compatibility with 25H2 and 24H2 is expected. Microsoft advises organizations to test compatibility with their applications and infrastructure. The company has adopted a more cautious approach to updates since the problematic Windows 10 October 2018 update. The August Preview Update faced some criticism from users reporting issues, but Microsoft claims it is not aware of any significant problems.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

“God Mode? Hardly.” Microsoft debunks Windows 11’s God Mode, but the trick still works

The "God Mode" in Windows is activated by creating a folder and renaming it to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}, which transforms the folder icon to resemble the Control Panel and displays a comprehensive list of all settings tasks available in Windows. This trick was clarified by Microsoft engineer Brandon Paddock, who stated that the name "GodMode" is misleading, as the folder can be named anything with the same CLSID code, and it merely exposes two documented elements of the Windows shell. The functionality was intended for developers and not casual users, and the trick could be altered or removed in future updates.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a system stability and gaming performance issue on Windows 11 devices, which has caused crashes, game launch failures, and freezing, often with the "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" error message. The problem was linked to updates from August 2026 and was identified as being related to peripherals with RGB lighting features that installed disruptive drivers. Specifically, the inpoutx64.sys driver was found to be responsible for these disruptions. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected systems, starting from August 26, 2026. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices, a temporary workaround involves manually disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has assured users that this action should not cause unintended behavior and can be reversed.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a problem causing system crashes and gaming disruptions on Windows 11 devices, specifically related to game launch failures and freezing with "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors. The issue affects various games, including ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and is linked to peripherals with built-in RGB lighting. The inpoutx64.sys driver has been identified as the cause of these complications. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected devices, starting on August 26, 2026, and it may take up to 24 hours to reach all impacted devices. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices that do not automatically receive the fix, a temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has stated that disabling this registry key should not lead to unintended behavior.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Your phone may soon be able to shut down or restart your PC with just a couple of taps

Recent discoveries in Microsoft's Link to Windows app for Android suggest that it may soon allow users to restart, shut down, or put their PCs to sleep from their mobile devices. Currently, users can lock their PCs using their Android phones, and new code indicates additional functionalities are forthcoming. Microsoft is also testing various flyouts and menus to enhance the connection between smartphones and PCs, including a potential addition to the Start menu on Windows 11.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Microsoft finalizes Windows 11 version 26H2 for general availability: Next version of Windows 11 enters final preview phase before rollout begins

Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows 11 version 26H2 to testers in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, marking the final testing phase before general availability. This version is similar to version 25H2 and built on the same platform as earlier releases. Users will receive an extended support period of 24 months, while commercial customers will have 36 months of support. The update includes enhancements to the Start menu and a revamped Windows Search pane.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Goes Into Release Preview Channel

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2, build number 26300.9278, in the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insiders. This update focuses on extending the support cycle for users transitioning to 26H2. Microsoft has been rolling out support and updates since late 2024, activating essential features with each new release cycle. Enablement packages (eKBs) are crucial for the update mechanism, allowing users on versions 24H2 or 25H2 to upgrade to 26H2 with a simple eKB, while users on older branches like 22H2 and 23H2 will undergo a full feature update. Additionally, the KB5120996 update has been released for Windows 11 26H1, specifically for Windows-on-Arm devices, aligning with enhancements in the KB5120998 update for the 24H2 and 25H2 branches, which include taskbar and Start Menu customization and overall performance improvements.

AppWizard

August 27, 2026

Motorola details everything coming with its big Android 17 update

Motorola is set to enhance its smartphones with the upcoming Android 17 software update, which includes features such as stackable widgets, themed icons, and the ability to hide labels from Quick Settings tiles. The update will integrate support for Live Updates and AI-driven notification summaries, as well as machine learning models to identify low-priority notifications. Display capabilities will improve for HDR content, with adjustable brightness settings. New sharing methods include Tap to Share for one-on-one sharing and Quick Drop for group sharing. The update also promises enhanced security, app compatibility, performance improvements, bug fixes, and additional features like cross-platform Quick Share capabilities and Audio Sharing. Over 50 Motorola devices, including recent Razr and Edge models, will receive the update.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

AVG Antivirus Review 2026: Is the Free Version Enough?

AVG AntiVirus Free has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with specific scores of 4.7 for protection, 4.3 for performance and features, and 3.5 for customer support. The software is available for free or can be purchased starting at .88 for the first year, with pricing verified in August 2026. It achieved a 99.77% malware detection rate with only four false alarms and offers features such as real-time protection and Ransomware Protection. However, customer support is rated lower, and there are upselling prompts after scans. AVG is owned by Gen Digital and has been in operation for over 35 years, originally founded as Grisoft in the Czech Republic. The free version includes essential features like File Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shield, Email Shield, and Ransomware Protection, while some features like Enhanced Firewall and Fake Website Shield are exclusive to paid versions. AVG's performance on Windows 11 has been validated by independent tests, scoring 6/6/6 in AV-TEST and achieving a 96.3% offline detection rate in AV-Comparatives. The software is available across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. AVG's customer support includes email and phone options, with a reasonable response time. The software is safe to install when downloaded from official sources, and it has been recognized for its effectiveness in malware detection.