newsletter Archives

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Aegis Authenticator: Free, open-source 2FA app for Android

Aegis Authenticator is an open-source application for Android that helps users manage two-factor authentication (2FA) needs. It features strong encryption protocols, supports HOTP and TOTP algorithms, and allows for easy data backup, export, and import from other 2FA apps. The app offers automatic backups for secure storage of authentication codes and is available for free on GitHub.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Windows 11 is Now The Most Popular Version of the OS According to Statcounter

Windows 11 has a market share of 52% as of July 2025, up from 47.98% in June. Windows 10's market share has decreased from 48.76% to 44.59% during the same period. Since January, Windows 11's share has increased by 15.35 percentage points from 36.65%. The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers that offers one year of free security updates. A new enrollment wizard for the Windows 10 ESU program will be rolled out this month. For organizations, the ESU program costs per device for one year, with annual price increases for up to three years of support. Windows 11 version 25H2 is anticipated to be released in October, with new features gradually rolled out to version 24H2 through enablement packages.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Microsoft Announces Windows 11 Version 25H2

Microsoft has confirmed that the next version of its operating system is Windows 11 version 25H2, which became available to the Windows Insider community and is planned for broader availability in the second half of 2025. The support lifecycle for Enterprise and Education editions will be 36 months, while Pro editions will have a 24-month lifecycle. Windows 11 version 25H2 transitions from version 24H2 with build 26200.5670, maintaining a synchronized approach across all supported versions. It is built on the same codebase as 24H2, ensuring no new compatibility issues arise. New features will debut in 25H2 and will be rolled out to 24H2 through monthly cumulative updates, initially in a disabled state.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

New subscribers can score June’s Humble Choice bundle for $7 right now

Starting June 27, new subscribers to Humble Choice can purchase June's bundle for a discounted price using the promo code JUNE25, saving .99 off the regular monthly price of .99. The bundle includes eight PC games: Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered, Nobody Wants to Die, Dungeons of Hinterberg, Tchia, Sker Ritual, Biped, and Havendock, along with a one-month subscription to IGN Plus and Boot.dev. A Humble Choice membership also offers 20% off in the Humble store, and 5% of each membership fee supports The Trevor Project. Subscribers can skip a month or cancel at any time.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Microsoft Belatedly Delivers Windows 11 Preview Updates

The anticipated preview updates for Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2 were released two days later than expected, including an optional preview update for users. The cumulative update KB5060829 for Windows 11 version 24H2 upgrades the OS to build 26100.4484 and introduces several new features: - "Ask Copilot" action for users with a Copilot+ PC and Microsoft 365 license, allowing easy copying and pasting into the Copilot app. - A new landing and pairing page in the Windows Backup app for future PC migration, enabling file and settings transfer during setup. - A return of the small Taskbar option, allowing users to reduce Taskbar icon size. - Enhanced Narrator feature with a new Screen Curtain capability for privacy. - Settings homepage improvements for commercial customers. - Windows Share feature now includes a preview option and three compression levels for images. - EU compliance enhancements for customers in the EEA related to Digital Markets Act regulations. Optional cumulative updates 22621.5549 and 22631.5549 are available for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, respectively, including some of the new features.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

How to turn off AI in Windows and bring yourself some peace

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence across its product suite, including Microsoft Edge, Office, Notepad, and Paint. Users can disable or hide AI features, such as Copilot, by right-clicking its icon on the taskbar to unpin it, adjusting settings in the Copilot app, or uninstalling it through the Settings panel. Other AI features like Windows Recall and Click to Do can also be turned off in the Privacy & security section of Windows Settings. Notepad allows users to toggle off Copilot, but Paint currently does not have an option to remove the Copilot button. Users are advised to regularly check for options to disable unwanted AI functionalities.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Microsoft Issues New Insider Builds to Dev and Beta Channels

A new update is available for Windows 11 users in the Insider Program’s Dev and Beta channels. Dev channel users can install cumulative update KB5060838 to upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2 build 26200.5661, while Beta channel users can install KB5060836 to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 build 26120.4452. Both updates introduce two significant features: a revamped home page experience in Recall for Copilot+ PCs, showcasing recent snapshots and top apps, and improvements to hardware indicators, allowing users to reposition them from the lower-right corner to the top-left or top center of the screen through the Settings app.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Xbox App For PC Adds Aggregated Gaming Library in Preview

Microsoft is testing the integration of games from various digital storefronts, including Steam, into its Xbox app for PC, creating a new aggregated library accessible on the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally devices. This feature is available to Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming preview starting today. The library will include titles from platforms like Battle.net, Epic Games Store, and GOG, allowing users to view all installed games in one place. Users must join the PG Gaming Preview via the Xbox Insider Hub to participate in testing. Additionally, the Xbox app for PC will introduce a new section this month for better game discovery, featuring games from Microsoft and third-party publishers on Game Pass.

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

This Week in Crypto Games: B3’s Self-Destruct PC, Avalanche Battle Pass

B3, a layer-3 gaming protocol founded by former Coinbase employees, acquired Andromeda Insights, a gaming PC manufacturer, to control the entire gaming ecosystem. Their first product, the B3PC, features a self-destruct storage drive, hardware wallet, encryption, on-chain game support, and offline transaction capabilities. It is available for preorder with a 0 deposit and expected delivery in Q1 2026. B3's protocol supports over 80 games and launched its native token in February 2023. Avalanche introduced a free-to-mint NFT called the Avalanche Battle Pass to incentivize cross-game participation. Developed by Ava Labs and Playfull, the pass allows players to earn rewards by engaging with partnered games and supports over a dozen titles. Off the Grid has over 300,000 daily players, while MapleStory N has reached 770,000 users since its May launch. Pudgy Penguins game Pengu Clash launched on Telegram, and Avalanche's Forgotten Playland implemented in-game NFT support as part of its major update.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Windows 10 is dying as scams skyrocket. We asked a security expert for advice

In this week's episode of The Full Nerd, hosts Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, Will Smith, and guest Mike Danseglio discuss the end of Windows 10 and its security implications, the rise of scams, and various online security concerns. They explore user transitions to Windows 11, Linux, and vulnerabilities in communication methods. A recent vulnerability allows hackers to steal encryption keys from AMD Ryzen CPUs, prompting firmware updates for users of the Ryzen 3000 series or newer. Asus Armoury Crate users are advised to update due to a critical flaw that could grant hackers administrative rights. Cloud gaming is gaining traction among gamers under 40, provided latency issues are resolved. DDR4 memory prices are rising, indicating a decline of AMD’s AM4 platform. Anker has recalled older power banks due to fire hazards, and Framework has launched a new 2-in-1 DIY laptop. AMD has shared promising benchmarks for its upcoming Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series.