modifications Archives

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot certificates have expired, and Microsoft says what to do next

Microsoft held its OEM Secure Boot Office Hours event on July 15, where engineers collaborated with OEM representatives from companies like Acer, Asus, Cisco, Dell, and HP. IT administrators were able to ask live questions about the Secure Boot 2023 rollout. The discussion thread became a detailed technical record, especially following the expiration of the first certificates three weeks prior. Concerns raised by IT admins included BitLocker recovery loops, stuck confidence ratings, and unhelpful Intune error codes. Key facts include: - Devices offline for long periods will still receive the 2023 certificates upon reconnecting to Windows Update. - Devices with existing 2023 certificates in firmware will switch to the new boot manager after the latest Windows patches are installed. - A new script, Detect-SecureBootCertUpdateStatus.ps1, is available in Windows for checking certificate status. - BIOS updates may reset a device’s confidence rating to unrated, which is normal and does not indicate certificate failure. - Admins should edit the AvailableUpdates registry key, not the AvailableUpdatesPolicy, which is managed by Intune and Group Policy. - A licensing bug affecting AvailableUpdatesPolicy on devices upgraded from Pro to Enterprise was resolved by Microsoft in 2026. - BitLocker recovery is not typically linked to the certificate update process but may relate to firmware or PCR issues. - Dell and HP provided guidance on which BIOS versions include the 2023 certificates for their newer models. - Older HP EliteBook 840 G5 units require a manual update package for the new certificates. - Eligible devices can still receive the 2023 certificates in the future, and Surface devices released from 2024 onward come pre-equipped with them. - Microsoft confirmed that devices running 2011 certificates will not lose the ability to receive the 2023 chain. - The Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 and Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 certificates have expired, with the Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 set to expire on October 19, 2026.

Winsage

July 17, 2026

July’s Patch Tuesday sees an end-of-support collision amidst a massive, record-setting patch wave

The Print Spooler flag monitors shared printers and reflects the queue status of print jobs. The win32k flags manage aspects of 32-bit application printing, including font rendering and window management, while GDI+ flags handle metafiles. Printer sharing from a print server allows clients to print in various sizes and formats, cancel jobs, and verify queue status. Printing from 32-bit applications accommodates diverse document types and ensures consistency across different outputs. Document exports maintain font and layout integrity, and EMF+ files can apply effects to large images. Storage and file systems focus on maintaining integrity through NTFS high-risk flags and File History, with a Windows Server 2025 bundle addressing boot processes and BitLocker. NTFS extended attributes are utilized for backup workflows, and unexpected shutdown simulations ensure volume recovery. File History allows for file backups with customizable options. On Server 2025, Secure Boot/BitLocker combinations can be initiated. The HID input flags manage various input devices, while the WinSock bundle includes drivers for Bluetooth and multicast. The NetAdapterCx driver requires extensive enable-disable cycles under Driver Verifier.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Android’s top PC game emulator just got a major upgrade with mod support

GameNative 1.1.1's pre-release adds Nexus Mods support for managing mods, per-game profiles, and toggles. The update supports up to four players and features an improved controller editor with Xbox-style shoulder labels. It includes GOG recommendations, Steam collection support, and UI tweaks. The pre-release is available on GitHub.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Google and Epic Abandon Settlement, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores

Google and Epic Games have withdrawn their joint motion to modify a court injunction that requires Google to support third-party app stores within the Google Play ecosystem. A permanent injunction issued in October 2024 mandates Google to facilitate alternative app stores on Android devices, with support set to begin on July 22. Google plans to implement a ,000 annual access fee for these alternative marketplaces, while apps downloaded through these stores will still use the Google Play system for transactions. The agreement between Google and Epic includes provisions for reduced fees and alternative payment methods, separate from the injunction. The legal situation regarding third-party app stores does not directly affect Apple, but it may influence Apple's ongoing legal challenges with Epic Games and regulatory developments. Apple is currently appealing a ruling that requires it to allow link-outs and alternative payment options, with oral arguments expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

Winsage

July 17, 2026

GOG veterans thank Microsoft and Windows 11 for finding “spectacular ways” to break classic games they’re trying to preserve

Video game preservation faces challenges due to publisher indifference and Sony's decision to discontinue physical PlayStation games. The introduction of Windows 11 has created obstacles for classic game releases, as Microsoft is changing user permissions, complicating how games request necessary permissions. Michał Obuchowski from GOG notes that Windows updates have caused regressions in Directshow, affecting classic game videos and legacy drivers. GOG has successfully restored older games, including titles like Ecstatica and Clive Barker's Undying, despite the complexities introduced by outdated technology and Windows changes. GOG highlights the advantages of PC gaming, emphasizing that players do not need a storefront's permission to play their purchased games.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Third-party app stores are coming to Android soon

Beginning next week, third-party Android app stores in the United States will gain access to the Google Play Store through the Play Catalog Access Program. This program allows developers to submit app and game listings for external Android app stores, which will be downloadable directly from the Google Play Store. Google Play's service fees will still apply to these transactions. This change follows a court order resulting from a legal dispute between Epic Games and Google, which began in 2020. A U.S. District Court judge mandated changes to the Play Store in 2024 after ruling against Google. In November, Google and Epic reached a settlement proposing modifications to enhance developer choice and competition. Third-party app stores will incur a service fee of ,000 for an onboarding security review and an annual fee of ,000 to maintain access to the Play catalog. However, these app stores cannot use the Play Store for distributing their apps outside the United States. Earlier this year, Google announced a reduction in its commission for app purchases to 10% and introduced outside billing options within the Play Store.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Dell PCs are shutting down after Windows 11’s July update, Microsoft admits and blocks it

Microsoft has blocked the Windows 11 July 2026 update (KB5101650) on certain Dell PCs due to issues causing unexpected shutdowns, diminished performance, excessive heat, and battery drain. The problems are linked to the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver, which affects power management. The complications stem from an optional June 2026 update (KB5095093) that introduced changes impacting the performance of some Dell PCs. Microsoft has not provided a list of affected models but is working with Dell to resolve the issue. The July update has been preemptively blocked from installation on incompatible devices, and a resolution is expected soon.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Google and Epic give up fighting — third-party Android app stores are coming next week

Epic Games and Google have withdrawn their joint motion to retroactively settle a lawsuit regarding Android app stores in the U.S. Google plans to integrate rival app stores into its Google Play platform, with a launch date of July 22nd. A previous ruling by Judge James Donato required Google to host competing app stores and share its app catalog, which Google contested. The settlement with Epic included a confidential 0 million agreement. Google will automatically list U.S. app developers' applications in third-party app stores starting July 22nd, unless they opt out. Third-party app stores will incur an annual fee of ,000 for access to Google’s app catalog, along with other requirements.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

AI hacks apps in five minutes: fake builds can flood messengers

Recent findings from a study by Positive Technologies indicate that AI is increasingly being used by hackers to modify mobile applications, with a success rate of over 60% for embedding unauthorized code without disrupting functionality. The study analyzed 90 Android applications, finding closed commercial models had an 84% success rate, while open-source applications had a 61% success rate. Modifications were completed in as little as 5 minutes and 38 seconds to up to 9 minutes and 9 seconds, with costs ranging from 0.88 to 40.89 rubles per modification. Messaging platforms and third-party sites are particularly at risk, especially for users seeking unofficial app versions. Developers are advised to improve security against code modification and unauthorized clones.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

How to Install Messaging Apps Safely on Windows PCs and Android Devices

Messaging applications are widely used for communication across various platforms, including Windows PCs and Android devices. Users often install these apps on both types of devices to facilitate conversations. The installation process requires careful consideration of the app's source, compatibility, permissions, and avoidance of counterfeit installers. Before installation, users should verify the app's source for transparency and security, ensuring it is from a trusted provider and appropriate for their device. For Windows users, a checklist includes confirming system compatibility, verifying the installer, and reading installation screens carefully. Android users should also confirm the app's source, check permissions, and avoid suspicious APK files. Fake installers and unsafe APKs pose risks, as they can contain modified versions of apps that compromise security. Users should be cautious of misleading download pages and links shared in online groups. Keeping messaging apps updated is essential for performance and security, and users should manage updates from trusted sources. Before logging into a messaging app, users should ensure it was downloaded from a reliable source, verify the file's compatibility with their device, review permissions, and safeguard verification codes. After logging in, users should check active sessions and remain vigilant against suspicious links and files.