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Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft explains how to speed up Windows 11 startup

Microsoft has advised Windows 11 users to enhance system performance by managing startup applications. Users can disable unnecessary startup apps by going to Settings, selecting Apps, and then Startup. The Task Manager provides detailed insights into startup apps, including their enabled status and a "Startup impact" rating categorized as low, medium, or high based on CPU time and disk activity. Users are cautioned to be careful when disabling high-impact apps, as some may be essential for security or system functionality. Disabling a startup app does not uninstall it, allowing for re-enabling later. Additionally, users can manually add applications to startup using specific commands in the Run dialog.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

How to Find Every Major PC VR Mod in One Place

The PCVR Central database, initiated by Reddit user ‘camracks’, serves as a centralized hub for VR mods that allow users to play flatscreen PC games in virtual reality. It currently catalogs over 1,500 games and nearly 900 VR mods, featuring popular titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Cyberpunk 2077. The database provides links to mod repositories rather than hosting mods directly, enhancing searchability and allowing users to connect their Steam accounts for personalized mod displays. It includes a user rating and review system, categorizes mods by VR compatibility, and offers details on modder activity and installation complexity. The creator plans to expand the database with additional tools and features for PC VR enthusiasts.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

How to Promote Your PC Game in China — An Interview with Asia Game Buzz

Ksenia Zubareva is the CEO of Asia Game Buzz, a company focused on promoting PC games in China. She discussed how Steam operates in the Chinese market, highlighting the challenges and opportunities present. Ksenia emphasized the importance of understanding local consumer behavior and using social media for game promotion without needing a license. She also shared her views on the potential leniency of Chinese authorities towards Russian projects regarding the issuance of ISBNs for game distribution.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

Beastfolk Barber is an adorable hairdressing sim that offers up more than just shop talk

Players assume the role of Freddie, a hair salon owner in Starfish City, where beastfolk are the primary clientele. To cater to this demographic, Freddie uses a magical mirror that allows customers to preview hairstyles. Each client shares personal stories, including a two-headed dragon duo advocating for social justice and a grumpy owl with a mysterious background. A demonic character named Edi offers a magical favor in exchange for a haircut, adding strategic elements to the gameplay. The demo has ended, but players anticipate a full release, focusing on Freddie's growth and community engagement in hairstyling and storytelling.

Winsage

August 17, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 now crashing games and causing Windows Hello issues

A surge of reports regarding game crashes and launch issues on Windows platforms has prompted Microsoft to provide resources through its Update Catalog to assist users. Players have faced unexpected crashes and difficulties launching games due to factors like software incompatibilities and outdated drivers. The Microsoft Update Catalog offers driver updates, patch releases, and guides to help users troubleshoot these gaming issues.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

I played the economic simulator that could ‘make a convert out of Karl Marx himself’ to see if it could convert me

An entrepreneur attempted to build a business empire starting with a department store in Jakarta that sold only laundry detergent, which led to financial losses due to a misalignment with market demand. Despite diversifying the product range to include cookies and leather shoes, losses continued. A later venture in Bombay, selling CPUs, silica, and raw tobacco, yielded a profit, albeit still negative. The entrepreneur learned valuable lessons about market demands and strategies, leading to a successful department store in Guangzhou that focused on shampoo and air conditioners, resulting in substantial profits. The game "Capitalism," which the entrepreneur engaged with, reflects the post-Cold War era and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in business.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

Chart-topping game No 10: Full Confidence puts you in prime minister’s shoes

The game "No 10: Full Confidence" allows players to assume the role of a prime minister, navigating the dynamics of four factions: the cabinet, backbenchers, the media, and the public. Players encounter over 300 political scenarios that require decision-making skills reflective of real-world politics, ranging from policy decisions to crisis management. Each faction plays a crucial role: the cabinet provides essential support, backbenchers influence public opinion and legislation, the media shapes narratives, and the public ultimately holds the power to grant or revoke confidence in the prime minister's leadership. Players must balance these competing interests to maintain their position.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 is triggering game crashes and other issues on some PCs

Windows 11 update KB5121003, released in August 2026, addresses over 400 vulnerabilities but has caused crashes in games like ARC Raiders and The Finals. The game studio Embark has confirmed that the crashes are linked to the inpoutx64.sys driver, which has compatibility issues due to the update. Users have reported errors such as “Hang detected on GameThread” and “EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION” after installing the update. Embark has provided a workaround to stop and delete the inpoutx64.sys service to resolve the crashes. Uninstalling the update also appears to fix the issue. Additional reports indicate crashes in other games and graphics-related problems following the update.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

Kingdom Hearts 4 finally has a release window, and it’s sooner than I expected

Kingdom Hearts 4 is set to launch in late 2027, as announced by Square Enix at Disney's D23 fan event. The game will feature a vibrant world inspired by the animated film Coco, where players will navigate the land of the dead and engage in battles. Sora's friends, including Mickey, Goofy, and Hades, will be on a quest to find him after his disappearance at the end of Kingdom Hearts 3. The new installment will introduce the Lost Master Arc, primarily set in Quadratum, a realm similar to Tokyo, while still exploring various Disney worlds. Series director Tetsuya Nomura has confirmed that development is progressing smoothly. Disney has recognized Kingdom Hearts as one of its "billion-dollar franchises."

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

I used DeX to turn my Galaxy S25 Ultra into a lightweight gaming PC

PC gaming on Android has significantly improved with the introduction of applications like Winlator and the emergence of GameNative, a refined PC emulator. The custom Turnip GPU drivers for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chips have enhanced gaming performance, expanding mobile gaming possibilities. Testing with a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, various PC games were explored using GameNative, which supports Steam. Lightweight 2D games ran smoothly, while 3D titles from the late 2000s to early 2010s, like Crysis and Deus Ex: Human Revolution, performed well, though some games encountered issues. The Witcher 3 was playable with frame rate adjustments, and Cyberpunk 2077 launched but was largely unplayable due to low frame rates and crashes. The DeX experience on the Galaxy S25 Ultra was mostly positive, with updates improving performance and resolving bugs. Overall, the device can serve as a lightweight gaming PC alternative, allowing for the enjoyment of older PC games on mobile.