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Winsage

October 16, 2026

Networking problems after the October 2026 Windows update? NTLM might be to blame

The Windows security update scheduled for October 2026 will block requests using the outdated NTLMv1 security protocol. The BlockNtlmSSO registry value governs this change; if unset, Windows will default to Enforce mode, blocking NTLMv1-derived credentials. Administrators can temporarily set this value to 0 to allow NTLMv1, but Microsoft warns this reduces security. The deprecation of NTLM was first announced in 2024, with audit logs for NTLMv1 usage introduced in August 2025. NTLM was first introduced in 1993, and while it has been removed from Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025, traces remain in certain configurations. Credential Guard must be enabled, and the BlockNtlmSSO value must not be set to Audit mode for NTLMv1-derived credentials to be allowed. Microsoft aims to eliminate NTLM entirely, and the upcoming update signals the need for organizations to accelerate their transition away from NTLMv1.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Google Play Store starts selling… Samsung Galaxy phones

Users can access Google’s latest products, including the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, and Fitbit Air, through the Play Store by selecting ‘Shop devices.’ Tech influencer Marques Brownlee reported that Samsung Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26, are now available for purchase on the Play Store, although users in the UK, India, and South Africa have not found Galaxy devices listed. The US and UK official webstores do not currently feature Samsung or other brand mobile devices. This development suggests a strategic partnership between Google and Samsung. The Google Fi app in the US offers access to various smartphones. There is speculation about the potential addition of more Samsung devices, like the Galaxy S27, to the Play Store and whether Google will expand its official web store offerings.

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Faster protection, fewer interruptions: How Microsoft Edge is rethinking updates

Microsoft Edge is developing a seamless-updates prototype that allows security updates to be applied without interrupting users' work. Currently, the browser has a Restart to update on idle feature that applies updates when devices are not in use. The goal is to eliminate the need for users to click an update button, enabling background updates that do not disrupt ongoing tasks. Microsoft Edge can also issue patches independently of the Chromium release schedule for urgent security needs. Additionally, Security Update Alerts help organizations manage updates by notifying administrators about critical updates and vulnerabilities. These alerts are available for managed Windows devices through the Edge management service without additional licensing.

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Windows 11 could kill Control Panel faster, as Microsoft quietly tests Settings in the Microsoft Store

Microsoft is testing an application called "Project Odeon," which resembles the Windows 11 Settings interface and is categorized under Productivity in the Microsoft Store. The app is currently in a Preview version, identified as Microsoft.ProjectOdeon, version 1.0.9.0, and requires Windows 11 build 26100 or later with Developer Mode enabled for installation. Odeon does not replace the existing Settings app, allowing both to coexist, and it can identify system information similar to the built-in Settings app, although there are discrepancies in reported data. Some pages in Odeon appear unfinished, and it features a hidden preview mode with a dummy account for testing purposes. The architecture of Odeon suggests it may not fully replace the Settings app but could function as a modular Store app with helper executables for system-level changes. Microsoft is exploring the possibility of delivering updates to the Settings app through the Store, potentially phasing out the traditional Control Panel. There is currently no public release planned for Project Odeon.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

“674M views and they still don’t get the message”: Windows 10 users still aren’t sold on Windows 11

The most-watched video on Microsoft's official Windows YouTube channel has 674 million views since its release on October 31, 2025, promoting the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This video has 48 times more views than the introductory video for Windows 11, which has around 14 million views. Many users remain attached to Windows 10 due to hardware compatibility issues, as Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, UEFI with Secure Boot, and a supported 64-bit processor. Concerns about RAM usage in Windows 11, which has been criticized for being a memory hog, and a higher frequency of bugs compared to Windows 10, contribute to users' reluctance to upgrade. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements, higher RAM demands, a default Microsoft account requirement for setup, and more visible ads and upsells. Although Windows 11 features a more modern design, many users feel that functionality has been sacrificed. Microsoft has committed to improving Windows 11's performance, reporting that it is now up to 20% more responsive in key areas, and users with 8GB of RAM can manage up to 2GB more active data. However, the perception of Windows 11 remains a challenge due to ongoing complaints about its performance and user experience.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

‘My idea of a Netflix for games doesn’t work’: Garry’s Mod successor is getting ‘sweeping changes’

Facepunch Studios is implementing changes to its game creation platform, s&box, to improve user experience and address community concerns following criticism after its launch. Creator Garry Newman announced a shift towards a player-centric model, including a 'greenlight type system' for curating user-generated games and enhancing sandbox mode with more NPCs, vehicles, and customization options. The Play Fund pool will now require creators to apply for funding, aiming to improve the quality of games and discourage low-effort content. s&box will transition to a free-to-play model by the end of 2026, with rewards for existing purchasers. The character model "The Citizen" will be retired in favor of generic human avatars, although it will still be available in certain games.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Epic Games Store Gets a Faster New Launcher Built With AI-Assisted ‘Vibe Coding’

Epic Games has released a public Preview of its redesigned Epic Games Launcher, featuring faster startup times, a revamped library, and reduced resource consumption. The new launcher has a cold start time of 5.47 seconds for the Store, compared to Steam's 10.07 seconds, representing a 46% improvement. Returning to the library takes 0.36 seconds, slightly faster than Steam's 0.42 seconds. The development involved a complete rebuild using a new architecture and AI tools, a process referred to as "vibe coding." The new launcher includes a redesigned library, searchable collections, dedicated game pages, enhanced download monitoring, and support for Linux, Windows, and Apple Silicon Macs. However, it is feature-incomplete, with some functionalities missing and potential bugs expected. Users can uninstall the Preview to revert to the older launcher if desired.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google Messages adding ‘enhanced protection mode’ as Android works to combat phone scam

Google has introduced new features to enhance user security on its Android platform during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, focusing on combating messaging and phone scams. The key feature is an enhanced protection mode for the Google Messages app, which includes Scam Detection using Private AI Compute to analyze message context and identify scammer intent through cloud-based Gemini models. This mode complements existing on-device detection and aims to uncover sophisticated scams while ensuring user data remains encrypted and secure. Additionally, link protections have been upgraded with real-time web signals to assess unfamiliar links' trustworthiness, available on select devices such as Pixel 10+, Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8. Redesigned warnings will provide clearer context before users tap links from unknown numbers, previously limited to select countries or devices with Android Advanced Protection. Google is also expanding its on-device Scam Detection to more brands beyond Pixel, including HONOR, Infinix, iQOO, itel, JOVI, Motorola, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, TECNO, vivo, and Xiaomi. For phone scams, automatic screen-share privacy will conceal sensitive information in native apps and extend to Chrome and WebView on devices running Android 15 and above. Google plans to block apps from enabling call forwarding in the background to prevent one-time passcode theft, with this feature rolling out in early December on Pixel and select other devices. Android will also proactively warn users if a scammer attempts to trick them into entering an MMI forwarding code.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google Play Just Changed Forever: Create Your Own Apps and Dial in Gamer DNA

Google Play is transitioning from a traditional app store to a personalized hub for users. A key feature introduced is "vibe-coding," allowing users to create custom Android applications using natural language prompts without needing coding skills or a developer account. Personal apps remain private to the user's profile and can later be transitioned to a standard developer account for public release. Additionally, Google Play is enhancing app discovery through "Ask Play," which enables users to ask open-ended questions for tailored app recommendations, and integrating app suggestions into conversations via Gemini. For gamers, Google is launching Game Finder, which includes features like Gamer DNA for personalized gaming profiles, custom filters, peer insights, and game playlists. The Play Store is also being adapted for various hardware formats, including vehicles and large screens.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Fortnite is coming to Linux once Epic improves Easy Anti-Cheat

Epic Games is working on expanding Fortnite to the Linux gaming ecosystem by rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) to support Linux platforms. They plan to launch Fortnite on Linux via the Epic Games Launcher once EAC Linux v2 is functional with a critical mass of distribution maintainers. This initiative aims to enhance the gaming landscape for Linux users and encourage other developers to bring their games to the platform. Despite growing interest in Linux gaming, many major multiplayer titles remain hesitant due to security concerns. Epic is collaborating with Valve to address compatibility issues with the Steam Deck and has launched a new version of the Epic Games Store client that supports Linux.