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microsoft-azure-cloud-services-outage
AppWizard
October 30, 2025

microsoft-azure-cloud-services-outage

Microsoft acknowledged that users of its Azure cloud platform are experiencing difficulties accessing services such as Office 365 and Minecraft. The issues are linked to the Azure Front Door service, and customers can expect "initial signs of recovery" soon. Reports indicate that the outage has affected platforms including X-Box Live, Costco and Starbucks mobile apps and websites, and Copilot. This incident follows a recent significant outage of Amazon's cloud services that impacted various online platforms. Microsoft is the second-largest cloud provider, following Amazon.
Microsoft disables File Explorer preview for downloads to block attacks
Winsage
October 24, 2025

Microsoft disables File Explorer preview for downloads to block attacks

Microsoft has enhanced its File Explorer to improve user security against credential theft attacks by automatically blocking previews for files downloaded from the Internet. This update is active for users who have installed the latest Patch Tuesday security updates on Windows 11 and Windows Server systems. The preview functionality will be disabled by default for files accessed on an Internet Zone file share and those marked with the Mark of the Web (MotW). When users attempt to preview such files, a cautionary message will appear, warning that the file could harm their computer. This measure addresses vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to capture NTLM hashes through HTML tags in malicious files. Starting with security updates released on or after October 14, 2025, the preview feature will be automatically disabled for internet-downloaded files to further mitigate risks. Users can manually remove the block for trusted files by right-clicking the file, selecting Properties, and clicking the "Unblock" button. Additionally, the block can be lifted for all files on an Internet Zone file share by adding the file share’s address to the Trusted sites or Local intranet security zone in the Internet Options control panel.
From Fortnite to Palworld, the AWS outage has ruined plenty of gamers' mornings
AppWizard
October 20, 2025

From Fortnite to Palworld, the AWS outage has ruined plenty of gamers’ mornings

A significant outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS) began on October 20, 2023, at 3 AM PT, affecting multiple online platforms and games, including Fortnite, Palworld, Roblox, Rocket League, Hell Let Loose, Rematch, and Ark: Survival Evolved. The outage has lasted approximately three hours, impacting millions globally. AWS reported "significant signs of recovery" and is addressing a backlog of requests.
Windows 11 update breaks Advanced Startup, disables keyboard and mouse
Winsage
October 17, 2025

Windows 11 update breaks Advanced Startup, disables keyboard and mouse

Users are experiencing issues accessing BIOS and Safe Mode after installing the October 2025 update KB5066835, which has rendered input devices like keyboards and mice non-functional during the Advanced Startup environment. Complaints indicate that the update has disrupted essential functionalities, including IIS and localhost. Users have attempted various solutions, such as changing USB ports and disabling fast startup, but these have not resolved the issue. Some users reported success by replacing the problematic Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) image file with an older version. A workaround to access Safe Mode involves creating a Windows 11 installation USB, booting from it, and using Command Prompt to set the system to boot into Safe Mode. The issue appears to affect systems with USB 3.0-only ports, while some laptops retain functionality with built-in keyboards. Microsoft has not yet acknowledged the problem, but a resolution is expected soon.
Copilot on Windows can now create Office documents and connect to Gmail
Winsage
October 10, 2025

Copilot on Windows can now create Office documents and connect to Gmail

Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot application on Windows, allowing users to generate Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs directly from the chat interface. This feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders and will be available to all Windows 11 users soon. Users can create shareable and editable documents with a simple prompt, and a default export button will facilitate transfers to various formats for longer responses. The updated Copilot app can connect to Outlook and Gmail accounts, enabling the AI assistant to access content from these platforms. Users must opt-in and link their accounts through the app's connectors section. The integration supports services like OneDrive, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts. This update coincides with the upcoming release of a revamped OneDrive app next year, which will include new features like a gallery view and AI-powered slideshows.
Discord, Steam, Twitch and Reddit bosses called to testify before US Congress
AppWizard
September 19, 2025

Discord, Steam, Twitch and Reddit bosses called to testify before US Congress

Leaders of major digital platforms, including Humam Sakhnini from Discord, Gabe Newell from Valve, Dan Clancy from Twitch, and Steve Huffman from Reddit, are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on October 8th. This hearing follows the murder of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, raising concerns about online radicalization. Committee chair James Comer described the incident as a "politically motivated assassination" and emphasized the need for Congress to oversee online platforms that may facilitate political violence. The inquiry will focus on the responsibility of tech leaders to ensure the safety and integrity of their platforms and the measures being taken to combat radicalization.
Borderlands 4 PC Performance Showing Little Signs of Improvement
AppWizard
September 17, 2025

Borderlands 4 PC Performance Showing Little Signs of Improvement

Borderlands 4 was released earlier this month, and while it has seen strong console sales, PC performance has faced criticism. Players have expressed frustration over the game's reliance on DLSS and frame generation technology for stable framerates, raising doubts about its performance without these enhancements. Issues have been reported by both high-end and lower-end system users, with some older setups performing well despite the uncertainty regarding DLSS's role. Gearbox's head, Randy Pitchford, defended the game, calling it "pretty damn optimal" and encouraging players to utilize its features. There is a growing concern that upscaling technologies like DLSS and AMD’s FSR should not replace proper game optimization. Players have struggled to maintain smooth gameplay without DLSS or frame generation, prompting Gearbox to release an optimization guide from NVIDIA, which has reportedly helped some users.
Silksong is huge, but it's way huger on PC: Steam was Team Cherry's biggest US platform, analyst says, and the game didn't even break top 50 on PlayStation
AppWizard
September 11, 2025

Silksong is huge, but it’s way huger on PC: Steam was Team Cherry’s biggest US platform, analyst says, and the game didn’t even break top 50 on PlayStation

Hollow Knight: Silksong was released by Team Cherry on September 4 and peaked at 587,150 concurrent players on Steam. The PlayStation Store had a slower uptake compared to PC, with a delayed update for the game's listing contributing to a subdued response from North American PS4 and PS5 players. Many opted to purchase the game through other channels or did not buy it due to its availability for free to Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscribers. Observations are based on the game's release day, indicating potential for increased interest over time.
Von der Leyen looking into EU social media ban for minors
AppWizard
September 10, 2025

Von der Leyen looking into EU social media ban for minors

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is considering potential restrictions on social media usage for minors in the EU, inspired by Australia's ban on social media access for teenagers under 16. She plans to form a panel of experts to explore strategies for protecting young users and emphasizes parental involvement. Currently, regulations on social media access for minors vary by EU country, with most platforms requiring users to be at least 13. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that France may impose a ban on social media for children under 15 if a unified European approach is not established. Several EU nations have advised against allowing children under 15 to use social media due to concerns about well-being. The European Commission has released guidelines under the Digital Services Act aimed at protecting minors from online risks and is collaborating with five EU countries to develop a national age verification application.
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