official support Archives

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

PC gamers report hackers have taken over Star Wars Battlefront II

Star Wars Battlefront II is currently facing significant challenges due to hacking, which has made several game modes unplayable. A recent sophisticated hack prevents players from spawning in affected servers, leading to empty matches. Players have reported abusive chat messages and doxxing incidents linked to hackers. The modding group Kyber has raised concerns about scammers impersonating administrators and has noted that EA has implemented a server-side fix for a critical vulnerability, although an official statement from the company is pending. Historically, the game has experienced various bugs and hacks, including a notable incident in late 2021 where a bug rendered players unkillable. Despite EA ceasing primary development in 2020, the game retains a loyal player base, partly due to its free availability on the Epic Games Store in 2021. Kyber is developing a modding platform called Kyber V2, which aims to introduce features like a dedicated server browser and custom servers to enhance the gaming experience and protect against hacking.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Why is Windows 11’s latest update creating a mysterious ‘inetpub’ folder?

KB5055523 for Windows 11 24H2 is being deployed via Windows Update, introducing security enhancements and minor improvements. A new folder named inetpub appears in the C: drive after the update and system restart, which is associated with Windows Internet Information Services (IIS). IIS is an optional feature that is not installed by default on Windows 11 Home or Pro editions. The inetpub folder's creation is intentional and enhances Windows security; it should not be deleted. Microsoft has acknowledged known issues with the update, including problems affecting applications like Roblox and Citrix, as well as Windows Hello functionality.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 market share grows rapidly with the end of Windows 10 approaching

As of March 2025, Windows 10 has a market share of 54.23%, down 4.43 percentage points from the previous month, while Windows 11's market share has risen to 42.66%, an increase of 4.53 percentage points. Windows 11's adoption has surged by 15.98 percentage points since March 2024, while Windows 10 has declined by 14.84 percentage points during the same period. Regular support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with only the Extended Security Updates program available for continued security updates. Windows 7 has a market share of 2.22%, Windows XP is at 0.33%, and Windows 8.1 stands at 0.28%.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

After 16 years, The Dark Mod finally has guards as perceptive as in Thief: ‘The days of seeing knocked-out AI in the middle of a bright spotlight get ignored are over’

The Dark Mod, launched in 2009 as a total conversion for Doom 3 and transitioned to a standalone title in 2013, has released its latest update, version 2.13, which includes significant enhancements to gameplay. The update features a comprehensive rework of guard AI, improving their perceptiveness to mirror the original Thief experience. The AI now utilizes a "stochastic sampler model" that allows them to gauge illumination levels effectively, making them more aware of their surroundings. Additionally, the update introduces support for parallax occlusion mapping, enhancing visual detail, particularly in ceiling rendering, along with improved water reflections and volumetric lights. User experience improvements include a refined mission management system with a search filter and updates to the training mission. A fix for the "broken behaviors" of drunk guard AI has also been implemented. The Dark Mod 2.13 is available for download, and fans have access to unofficial content, including the 2023 campaign The Black Parade and the upcoming game Thick as Thieves.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Microsoft is now sending emails to get you moving on from Windows 10

Microsoft is notifying Windows 10 users via email about the end of support for the operating system, which will officially cease on October 14, 2025. The email encourages users to check upgrade eligibility for Windows 11 and explore new computers. It includes a FAQ section addressing the implications of the end of support, noting that while devices will not stop functioning immediately, they will become vulnerable to malware without security updates. The option for paid extended support for an additional year is not mentioned. Users are advised to consider alternatives like 0Patch for updates, invest in antivirus software and VPN services, and back up files to OneDrive.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Epic Games is addressing one of Windows-on-Arm’s last big app compatibility gaps

Utilizing a Windows PC powered by an Arm-based Snapdragon processor has become more similar to traditional Intel or AMD systems due to developers optimizing applications for native performance and Microsoft's advancements in Windows' Prism technology. However, compatibility issues remain, particularly with online multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat software, as Prism cannot translate drivers and foundational Windows software. The small user base for Arm PCs has also discouraged some developers from creating compatible versions of their software. Epic Games plans to enhance support for Arm PCs by introducing its Easy Anti-Cheat software and official support for Fortnite later this year, which will also be available to developers through an Epic Online Services SDK release.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft Intensifies Push for Windows 11 Adoption Amid Looming Windows 10 End-of-Support

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, highlighting its advantages as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches on October 14, 2025. As of August 2024, Windows 11 accounts for nearly 32% of global Windows installations, up from 23% in July 2023, while Windows 10 holds about 64% market share. Windows 11 has become the preferred operating system for PC gamers on Steam, with 49% of users choosing it over 47% for Windows 10. Key features of Windows 11 include mandatory TPM 2.0 for enhanced security, a redesigned Start menu, improved multitasking with Snap Layouts, integration with Microsoft Teams, and a more efficient Windows Update process. However, some users are hesitant to upgrade due to hardware compatibility issues and a preference for Windows 10's interface. Microsoft may increase efforts to promote the transition to Windows 11 as the support deadline nears, and users remaining on Windows 10 will face security risks without official support.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

8 reasons why PC gaming is better than console gaming

PC gaming offers a vast library of games, including mainstream titles, indie games, and classic re-releases. Major first-party titles are increasingly available on PC, diminishing the appeal of console exclusives. PCs excel in game preservation, allowing access to classic titles through emulators and tools like DOSBox. The PC gaming community benefits from mods that enhance older games with improved graphics and new content. PCs provide unmatched performance and customization options, allowing gamers to tailor their experience. Unlike consoles, PC gaming does not require subscription fees for online multiplayer. PCs can be upgraded incrementally, extending their lifespan and saving money. Emulation on PCs allows access to games from various consoles without original hardware. PC gamers enjoy extensive creative control over their gaming setups, including hardware and peripherals.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Running Windows 7 in 2025

Windows 7 officially retired on January 14, 2020, but remains in use by some users due to its classic features and lack of built-in advertising. Many users continue to use Windows 7 because of outdated hardware, software compatibility issues, or financial constraints following the end of the free upgrade program in 2023. Users can maintain their Windows 7 installations by decluttering with the built-in Disk Cleanup tool, using Legacy Update for updates, and being cautious while browsing the web. The last compatible version of Google Chrome for Windows 7 is version 109, while Firefox version 115 still receives updates. Alternatives like PaleMoon and eM Client are available for users. Disabling OneDrive and exploring reliable applications like Ghostwriter and Notepad++ can enhance the Windows 7 experience.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

EA just released source code for a bunch of old Command and Conquer games, and added Steam Workshop support to bangers like C&C 3: Tiberium Wars

EA has announced the release of source code for several classic Command and Conquer titles, including C&C Renegade, C&C Generals and Zero Hour, C&C 3 Tiberium Wars and Kane's Wrath, and C&C 4 Tiberium Twilight. The announcement includes Steam Workshop support, allowing players to share custom content, and updates to the Mission Editor and World Builder tools for easier map publishing. EA is also releasing a modding support pack with essential files for games using the SAGE engine. Additionally, EA has commissioned veteran modder Luke 'CCHyper' Feenan to explore potential improvements, indicating a commitment to engaging with the community and enhancing the modding experience.