office Archives

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

9 new 2026 games on sale in the Steam Autumn Sale

Steam has launched its Autumn Sale, featuring significant discounts on new titles for 2026. Notable games on sale include: - Resident Evil Requiem: .99 (was .99) - Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight: .99 (was .99) - 007 First Light: .99 (was .99) - Big Walk: .99 (was .99) - Stick it to the Stickman: .99 (was .99) - Endless Legend 2: .99 (was .99) - Marathon: .99 (was .99) - Solasta 2: .48 (was .98) - Xenonauts 2: .99 (was .99) SteamDB's sales section is recommended for finding additional discounts.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Windows 10 Users Face a $30 Choice as Microsoft Quietly Extends Security Support to 2027

Microsoft has extended the support cutoff for Windows 10 from October 13, 2026, to October 12, 2027, due to a one-year extension of the consumer security program. Devices enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will continue to receive updates automatically. Unenrolled devices can still enroll until October 12, 2027, to receive critical updates released since their support ended on October 14, 2025. Users in the European Economic Area can access ESU at no extra cost but must maintain a Microsoft account to avoid losing access to updates after 60 days. To qualify for ESU, devices must run Windows 10 version 22H2 in supported editions, have the latest updates, and meet specific criteria. Microsoft 365 Apps and OneDrive on Windows 10 will receive updates beyond ESU, but the operating system itself remains unprotected without ESU. As of August 2026, 25.15 percent of Windows desktops in Germany were still using Windows 10. Users can check their ESU status under Settings, Update & Security, Windows Update.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Windows XP had a hidden database of broken apps, and Microsoft used it to trick them into working

Windows XP, released in 2001, was designed with a hidden compatibility database to support legacy software. This database, located in the C:WINDOWSAppPatch folder, contained approximately 200 compatibility fixes at launch and utilized a sophisticated matching system based on file size, checksum, version, and date. Windows XP could modify its behavior for specific applications through the use of shims, which acted as intermediaries to adjust application calls to the Windows API. Notable shims included Win98VersionLie, which faked the Windows version for compatibility, and EmulateHeap, which replicated the Windows 95 memory management style. Microsoft recognized that blocking applications relying on undocumented features could hinder user upgrades, as many organizations depended on legacy software. The compatibility fixes were managed through DLLs in the AppPatch folder, allowing the core operating system files to remain unchanged. Microsoft continued to enhance XP's compatibility with updates even years after its release.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

How to conquer Kuttenberg

Companion Squad, created by Steam user Triget, allows players to summon an army of 30 mercenaries for an assault on Kuttenberg. Allies such as Hans Capon and Radzig join, increasing the force to 43 soldiers. Henry, the protagonist, is humorously pantless due to a save transfer issue. The army, initially defensive, engages in a skirmish with the city guard and eventually overwhelms them. However, the situation spirals out of control as the army indiscriminately attacks nobles and townsfolk, leading to chaos. By nightfall, seven soldiers are dead, and Henry reflects on the violence. He ultimately takes control of Kuttenberg, but faces severe repercussions for the destruction caused during the coup.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Upgrade Your Work PC With Office and Windows 11 Pro for $33

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, reduced from an MSRP of 9.99, until October 4. The bundle includes a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021, which features applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, Access, and Publisher. Windows 11 Pro offers multitasking capabilities, enhanced voice typing, a robust search experience, and advanced cybersecurity measures. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

September 29, 2026

AMD & Perplexity bring local AI to Ryzen Windows PCs

AMD and Perplexity have launched Portable Computer, a software solution for Windows PCs with Ryzen AI Max Series processors, enabling local AI tasks and workflow management for Pro and Max subscribers. This allows users to run extensive AI models on their devices without relying on cloud processing, enhancing privacy and conserving Perplexity Computer credits. The software integrates local models with agent orchestration, scheduling, and security controls, and connects with popular workplace applications like Gmail and Slack. AMD's AI PCs, introduced in 2023, feature a neural processing unit that allows local AI operations alongside standard applications. This collaboration signifies a shift towards more AI processing on personal devices, aiming to automate tasks and improve user experience. Jack Huynh from AMD highlighted the transformation of PCs into intelligent partners, emphasizing the coexistence of local and cloud AI in their strategy.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Your PC can get Windows 11 Pro and seven Office apps for just $25.99

A bundle is available that includes Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for .99, reduced from a regular price of 9. The bundle provides lifetime licenses for both software, designed for a single Windows PC, and does not require a recurring Microsoft 365 subscription. Windows 11 Pro includes features like BitLocker, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox, while Office Professional Plus 2019 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, and Publisher. Office 2019 will no longer receive support after October 2025, and Publisher will lose support by October 2026. Windows 11 Pro requires specific hardware compatibility, including TPM 2.0, which can be checked using Microsoft's PC Health Check tool.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 preview update causes black screen after sign-in; Microsoft publishes workaround

On September 24, Microsoft reported an issue affecting devices that installed the August 27 preview update for Windows 11, causing a black screen after sign-in and preventing the desktop from loading correctly. This issue primarily impacts Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts using FSLogix with existing user profiles. The affected OS versions are Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2, and the causal update is KB5120998. Microsoft has issued interim workarounds, including a manual desktop launch and a Known Issue Rollback (KIR), which will be automatically delivered to non-enterprise devices. Affected enterprise-managed devices require manual deployment of the KIR policy. The black screen issue is part of a series of update-related problems for Windows 11 in 2026, while Windows 10 has experienced fewer issues during the same timeframe.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Get Microsoft Office 2024 for Windows without another yearly subscription

Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus is available for a lifetime license at a price of .97 until October 4, down from the standard retail price of 9.99. This license allows access to applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access on a single Windows PC. The version operates on a device-linked license, not tied to a Microsoft account. Office 2024 includes a Dark Mode feature and is optimized for various hardware configurations, eliminating the need for a subscription model.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

This week in PC games: new Ace Combat, Transport Fever 3, and a System Shock-alike set on a disco space station

The world of video game journalism is thriving, with a variety of new PC game releases showcasing creativity and innovation. Notable new titles include: - Camp Whittlewood: A pixel-art horror RPG featuring cub scouts on a camping adventure without typical horror tropes. - HR: Human Remains: Players navigate Hell as an office clerk managing a to-do list amidst a war between humans and demons. - Yots: A co-op extraction game set in a procedurally generated city reminiscent of the PS1 era and Silent Hill. - Drop Command: Combines cockpit combat with 90s Mechwarrior and 4X gameplay elements. - Nivalis Nights: A cyberpunk restaurant management simulation with lush visuals. - Toem 2: A sequel featuring gentle platforming and photography puzzles. - Transport Fever 3: A detailed simulation game focused on trains. - Tiny Flock: A VR shepherding simulation with whimsical elements. - Radiosol: Players control a mechanical spider in a world of dusty megastructures, utilizing generative AI for multilingual support. - Okko The Exiled: A 2D visual game featuring a small protagonist with a large club. - Songs of Glimmerwick: A witch school RPG combining magic and music. - By God Alone: An expansion for Crusader Kings 3 allowing players to control the Vatican. - Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered: Revives the classic musou experience with enhanced graphics. - RetroSpace: A survival game set aboard a space station drawn into a black hole. - Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve: The latest installment in the aerial combat franchise.