notes Archives

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11’s explorer.exe has been unstable across taskbar, sign-in, and Task View, rolls out fix

Many users have experienced taskbar freezes and blank desktops upon startup in Windows 11. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and released the Windows 11 KB5089549 (May 2026 Update) on May 12, which addresses these concerns. The update installs Build 26200.8457 and aims to enhance the reliability of explorer.exe, particularly during sign-in and interactions with taskbar menus and Task View. Users can now reposition the taskbar and adjust its size, with plans for a customizable Start menu. The update improves the performance of launching startup apps, aiming to prevent them from competing for system resources. Additionally, Microsoft is optimizing the system tray for quicker access and enhancing Windows Hello functionality.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

An Overwatch player has come up with an ingenious plan to remind others how to actually play the game: ‘A little ego check never hurt anyone’

In Overwatch, many players lack essential gameplay knowledge, such as the healing properties of the payload and the importance of counter-switching. An innovative player, pogstream, suggests using spawn doors as a communication tool to display vital gameplay tips. Proposed tips include reminders to group up, track deaths, bind interaction keys, monitor ultimate usage, and encourage hero switching when countered. This approach aims to enhance player awareness without overwhelming them, with an option to disable the reminders if desired.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

This new Windows app is a quiet, thoughtful Markdown reader that feels great to use

A new Markdown reader called Sefer has been released on the Microsoft Store, designed for a distraction-free reading experience on Windows. It features a clear and elegant rendering of Markdown files, a user-friendly layout, and seamless transitions between light and dark modes. Sefer aims to replicate the experience of reading a physical book with real typography and paper-like themes. It is now available for download, targeting Markdown enthusiasts who appreciate clarity and minimalism in their reading. Markdown is a lightweight markup language used for formatting text efficiently.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a textbook remaster

Ubisoft has released a remastered version of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, titled Black Flag Resynced, after a 12-year hiatus. The game features significant upgrades, including an overhauled combat system with dynamic animations, seamless transitions between cities and the ocean, dynamic weather conditions, and enhanced lighting effects using ray tracing. New gameplay features include a crouch button, a fast travel option to the Jackdaw from the map screen, and a shanty player for selecting songs. While some systems have been reinvented, the game retains familiar elements and largely stays true to its roots, preserving the essence of the original experience.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Android 17 catches up to Apple with a long-overdue cross-device upgrade

Android 17 introduces a feature called Continue On, allowing seamless transfer of app activity from a phone to a tablet. This feature operates on Android 17 (API Level 37) and establishes a secure connection between a sending device and a receiving device to retrieve the exact state of the app. Initially focused on mobile-to-tablet transitions, it is part of Google's strategy for 2026, enhancing multitasking and optimizing large-screen devices. Continue On will debut with Android 17 RC1, with a stable version expected later this year alongside new flagship devices.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Nationwide banking app update ahead of Fairer Share £100 decision

Beginning Thursday, Nationwide customers can conceal payment references on incoming bank transfers within the app. This feature aims to help prevent abusers from using banking systems to maintain unwanted contact and control over survivors. Domestic abuse charities have raised concerns about payment references being used for harassment, with some abusers sending messages or threats through these references. Nationwide's initiative empowers customers to control what is visible in their accounts. Approximately 4.2 million women in the UK have experienced economic abuse, which can include controlling bank accounts and monitoring financial activity. Nationwide's vulnerability support team assisted 312 customers facing abuse in 2025, an increase from 213 the previous year. The organization has also established “safe spaces” in hundreds of branches for domestic abuse support. Campaigners urge other banks to assess how banking features might be exploited by abusers, and Nationwide is considering extending similar functionalities to Virgin Money customers in the future.

TrendTechie

May 20, 2026

Фанаты Minecraft тайно скопировали 24 терабайта данных с легендарного сервера 2b2t – архив миллиона блоков скоро раздадут через торрент

A group of Minecraft enthusiasts has completed a digital archaeology project, mapping and archiving the oldest anarchy server, 2b2t, resulting in 24 terabytes of data. This data will be released as a torrent in the coming weeks. The 2b2t server has been operational for 16 years and is known for its lack of rules and bans. The team successfully archived various areas of the server, including: - Overworld area of 1,024,000² blocks (December 25, 2025 – April 13, 2026) - Overworld area of 512,000² blocks (November 11, 2024 – December 12, 2024) - End area of 256,000² blocks (January 23, 2026 – February 15, 2026) - Nether area of 100,000² blocks (June 9, 2025 – June 14, 2025) The team plans to release high-resolution renders and data analysis tables alongside the archive. Open-source tools for the archive are available on GitHub, and updates can be followed via Discord and Patreon.

TrendTechie

May 20, 2026

Лидия Торрент раскрыла, как минимализм и привычки изменили её подход к красоте

Lidia Torrent has recently gained attention for her candid revelations about her beauty routine at a Lancôme event, emphasizing simplicity and minimalism. Following Jaime Astrain's return from "Supervivientes," Lidia has expressed her appreciation for closeness, spending every morning with him, symbolizing their reconnection. Despite receiving numerous offers from cosmetic brands, she adheres to a strict skincare regimen focused on minimalism and quality products. Lidia acknowledges the influence of social media on her purchasing decisions but prioritizes proven skincare solutions. She believes her radiant appearance stems from caring for both body and mind, incorporating strength training and balanced nutrition into her routine. Lidia starts her mornings with a protein-rich breakfast, particularly cottage cheese, which she values for its benefits to muscle health. She has also invested in trending beauty products, spending around 30 euros on one inspired by an influencer, viewing it as an investment in her confidence.

Winsage

May 20, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11’s Search will stop forcing web over your apps and local files in most cases

Windows 11's Search functionality has been updated to prioritize local files and applications over web results, improving the search experience. Recent testing shows that searches for specific files yield more relevant local results rather than web links. Microsoft has confirmed that these changes are part of an initiative to enhance the search experience, as noted in the release notes for Build 26300.8493. Users currently have the option to disable web search through the Registry, but this feature is not available in the Settings menu. Microsoft is working on further improvements, including a clearer distinction between local and web results, and enhancements to search functionality across the taskbar and File Explorer. Additionally, users can expect taskbar customization options and other features aimed at improving the overall user experience.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

The Common Mistake That’s Filling Your Android Phone’s Storage

The accumulation of app bloat and cache buildup on digital devices can significantly impact storage and performance. As users install more applications, valuable space for photos, videos, and new apps is consumed, leading to a decline in device performance. Low storage levels hinder the management of temporary files, system updates, and background processes, resulting in sluggish app responses. Social media applications like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are particularly demanding on storage due to their continuous preloading of content and caching of images and videos. Older games and seldom-used apps also contribute to storage issues by pulling updates and cache files. Currently, Android users have limited automated solutions for storage management, requiring them to take proactive measures such as streamlining their app inventory or expanding storage with SD cards. Effective strategies include assessing and deleting unused applications, consolidating workflows to a single platform, and regularly clearing caches from social media apps, streaming services, and web browsers to free up storage and improve device performance.